05/07/2026
There was one question on the panel that never got asked.
It was an honor to be part of the “Momtrepreneur” panel at the Village Summit at the Redner’s Event Center.
It was a privilege to sit on stage alongside Lily Otu, Dr. Adrian Whitmoyer Danby of Rooted in Wellness, and Stephanie Rodriguez of The Gracing Cart as we talked about the realities of building businesses while raising families.
We discussed questions like:
✨ How do you make financial decisions for your business when you’re also responsible for a household?
✨ What does a hard day look like when both worlds are pulling at you at the same time?
I loved hearing the perspectives from the other women on the panel, and the thoughtful questions and discussion from the audience.
But with so much great conversation, we never made it to the final question on our list:
**What is the one thing you want every woman in this room who’s thinking about starting something to hear from you today?**
So I wanted to answer it here.
**Values first.**
Before you think about the business idea, the logo, the pricing, or even how you’re going to make money—get really clear on what matters most to you in your life.
Because your business will either support those values… or slowly compete with them.
And if you don’t define them ahead of time, it’s very easy to wake up one day with something that looks successful on the outside, but doesn’t actually fit your life.
For me, as a working mom, one of my core values is being present with my family.
That doesn’t mean I’m home all the time—but it does mean I’m intentional about when and how I work.
And that clarity removes a lot of the mom-guilt and second-guessing.
Because when your values are defined, your decisions become simpler. Not always easier—but clearer.
So if you’re thinking about starting something...
Don’t just ask: **Will this work?**
Instead, Ask: **Will this work for the life I actually want?**
Because building something aligned with your values—that’s what makes it sustainable.
And that’s what makes it worth it. 💛 || Jennifer📸
📷: Jenna Boyer
👉 https://berksheadshots.com
Rooted In Wellness
Redner's Event Center