Aireen Navarro Khauv: Embracing Heritage and Finding Balance as a Mompreneur
”I see each day like a ‘dance’ — finding the right rhythm to make it work.” - Aireen Navarro Khauv
Step into the spotlight of our Mother's Day blog series and witness the awe-inspiring journey of Aireen Navarro Khauv—a mompreneur who defies limits and embraces heritage with unwavering determination.
Balancing motherhood and running a business is no small feat, but for Aireen, the rewards outweigh the struggles. As the co-founder of Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center in the Philippines, her story is a wellspring of inspiration, fueling the dreams of aspiring mompreneurs.
Now, let's delve into Aireen Navarro Khauv's incredible journey, discovering priceless wisdom from her experiences as a mompreneur.
Revealing the Inspiration: How Aireen Became a Mompreneur
Aireen: My family is my inspiration. My father was a military officer and my mother was a high school teacher. They worked hard and sacrificed a lot to ensure that their children have access to excellent public school education in Iligan City. Despite the demands of their careers, they always ensure that we spend quality family time together, especially on weekends. I have fond memories of how we spent our Sundays together, after attending mass in the mornings, we sometimes eat out or do the grocery before going to the beach or Timoga. Later on, I married Kim, a Cambodian-American. I was working in California when I became a mom in 2012. It was a struggle to balance my career and family at first. Gratefully I was blessed to have been part of a supportive team that was led by executives who value work-life balance, so I had the opportunity to have some flexibility at work. It was in 2019 when we made the intentional decision to raise our two daughters in the Philippines because I want them to embrace their Filipino heritage and grow up to be proud Filipinos. After we settled in Manila, the pandemic started. It was a tough time for the family but it propelled me to think of ‘what’s next?’ It was the height of the pandemic, April-June 2020 to be exact, that propelled me to become a mompreneur. I set out to learn how to start a business in the Philippines, with the help of family and friends, I co-founded Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center which was incorporated on June 18, 2020.
The Balancing Act: Aireen's Secrets to Harmonizing Business, Marriage, and Parenting
Aireen: I had to be very intentional when managing my priorities, make sure that I give the right amount of care and attention to all 3, and infuse it with some flexibility. I set up a routine where the big bulk of my early mornings and late afternoons are for my family, especially my daughters — their education and extracurricular activities; the middle of the day is for my business which I also spend some time with my husband who’s also my business partner; then early evenings onwards for family. I make it a point that we always have dinner together — the time of the day when we all get to share our day’s celebrations, challenges, and anything in between. And if there are times when I have to be away from home for a few days for business trips, I make it a point to have some exclusive family bonding times — be it Sunday or the weekend or a long weekend family vacation. I see each day like a ‘dance’ — finding the right rhythm to make it work :)
Conquering Challenges: Aireen's Lessons in Resilience and Seeking Support
Aireen: Initially I struggled in learning how to do business the right way — it’s processes, systems, and compliance to ensure that we legally and sustainably operate our company. At first, I set out learning on my own but later learned that asking for help can pave the way to success. It’s best to focus on my strengths and delegate or hire consultants who have the experience and expertise to get the other things done more efficiently and effectively.
Empowering Tips for Aspiring Mompreneurs: Aireen's Nuggets of Wisdom
Aireen's words of wisdom serve as guiding lights for moms venturing into entrepreneurship while raising a family. Take note of her powerful advice:
- Self-reflection: Focus on your WHY and PURPOSE, and be intentional about making it happen. If you're clear about why you want to start a business, its purpose, your goals, and how you'll achieve them (divided into short-term and long-term goals), you will find success.
- Learning and positive mindset: Embrace different ideas and keep an open mind to learning.
- Manage priorities: Be clear and intentional in everything you do.
- Flexibility: Life happens, so don't stress if things don't go according to plan. You always have the choice of what to do next. Remember the saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." :)
- Find joy in what you're doing: Whether it's your business or something else, find joy in it. When your children and family see your passion and enjoyment in what you've committed to doing, they will be inspired and happily support you every step of the way!
Conclusion
As we conclude our conversation with Aireen Navarro Khauv, her journey as a mompreneur serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and embracing heritage. Aireen's tips and insights are invaluable for any mom who dreams of starting a business while raising a family.
So, to all the moms out there who aspire to become mompreneurs, here's a gentle nudge and some actionable advice to help you on your path:
- Reflect on your why and purpose: Take the time to discover why you want to start a business and what it means to you. Let your purpose guide you and be intentional in making it happen.
- Embrace a learning mindset: Be open to new ideas and continuously seek knowledge. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with learning opportunities, so embrace them with enthusiasm.
- Manage your priorities: Being a mompreneur requires effective time management and clear priorities. Define what matters most to you and allocate your time accordingly. Strive for balance, but remember that it's a dynamic dance, and flexibility is key.
- Embrace flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and things may not always go according to plan. Embrace the unexpected and adapt with grace. Remember that challenges can make you stronger and more resilient.
- Find joy in what you do: Passion and enjoyment are contagious. When you love what you do, your children and family will see your dedication and be inspired to support you. Let your enthusiasm shine through and fuel your journey.
Don't forget to support Aireen's Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center:
- Facebook: WellBalancedChiroPH
- Instagram: @wellbalancedchiroph
- LinkedIn: Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center
- Website: well-balancedchiro.com
Remember, dear mompreneurs, you possess the power to manifest your dreams and nurture a thriving family simultaneously. This Mother's Day week, let us celebrate the remarkable achievements of mompreneurs and embark on our own entrepreneurial journeys, inspired by the unwavering spirit of Aireen Navarro Khauv.
Being a mompreneur may not be easy, but with the support of our ABBA, it is possible. So go out there, chase your dreams, and make them happen with His guidance and blessings.