How I Run a Business During Nap Time (Real Systems That Work)

Running a business while raising young kids isn’t about “hustling harder.”

It’s about building systems that work even when you only have 90 quiet minutes and a cold cup of coffee.

As a parent and owner of Border7 Studios, I’ve learned that the only way to grow a sustainable business is to stop relying on motivation and start relying on structure.

Here’s exactly how I run a successful web design and marketing business during nap time, without burning out.

The Reality of Working as a Parent Entrepreneur

Let’s be honest.

Most days don’t look like:

• Perfect schedules

• Long focus blocks

• Eight uninterrupted hours

They look like:

• Nap windows

• Snack breaks

• Interrupted Zoom calls

• Late-night notes in your phone

If your business requires constant attention, it won’t survive this season of life.

So I built mine differently.

Step 1: I Built a “Minimum Effective Business” (Not a Busy One)

Early on, I realized something important:

Busy does not equal profitable.

I stripped my business down to:

• The services that make the most impact

• The offers that are easiest to deliver

• The systems that save the most time

At Border7, that means:

• Strategy-first Wix websites

• Essentials bundles

• Marketing coaching

• Lead generation systems

No scattered services. No random side projects.

Just focused, repeatable work.

This is what makes nap-time productivity possible.

Step 2: I Designed My Website to Work for Me

My website isn’t just a portfolio.

It’s my:

• Sales assistant

• Scheduler

• Educator

• Lead qualifier

Before I had systems, I spent hours answering the same questions.

Now my site:

• Explains my process

• Pre-screens clients

• Collects leads

• Books calls

While I’m with my kids.

If your website isn’t doing this, it’s costing you time.

Step 3: I Work in “Power Blocks,” Not Long Days

I don’t wait for “a free day.”

I work in focused blocks.

My typical nap-time workflow:

15 Minutes: Review priorities

What actually matters today?

45 Minutes: Deep work

Client work, writing, strategy

20 Minutes: Admin + follow-ups

Emails, scheduling, planning

No multitasking. No scrolling.

Just execution.

You’d be amazed what happens when you protect small windows.

Step 4: I Systemized My Marketing

Marketing used to feel overwhelming.

Now it runs on repeat.

Here’s my system:

One Blog → Multiple Platforms

Each blog becomes:

• TikTok videos

• Email content

• Social posts

• SEO traffic

One Message → Many Formats

I don’t reinvent ideas. I repurpose them.

This saves hours every week.

And it keeps my brand consistent.

Step 5: I Only Say Yes to Aligned Work

This one was hard.

But it changed everything.

I stopped saying yes to:

• Low-budget projects

• Misaligned clients

• “Quick favors”

• Scope creep

Every “yes” costs time.

As a parent, time is your most valuable asset.

Protect it.

Enjoying the zoo with the kids

Step 6: I Built Offers That Fit My Life

Instead of custom everything, I created structured offers:

• Website in a Day

• Essentials Program

• Monthly Coaching

• Strategy Intensives

Clear scope.

Clear timeline.

Clear boundaries.

That means:

• Fewer surprises

• Faster delivery

• Less stress

And better results for clients.

Step 7: I Let Go of the “Perfect Business” Myth

Some days:

• I work in pajamas (maybe with a little baby food caked on)

• My office is the dining table

• My ideas live in Notes app

And that’s okay.

You don’t need a “CEO lifestyle” to run a real business.

You need:

• Clarity

• Systems

• Consistency

That’s it.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Most days, I:

• Serve clients

• Publish content

• Generate leads

• Grow revenue

In under 3-4 focused hours.

Not because I’m superhuman.

Because my business is built to support my life.

Not compete with it.

Brendan skipping stones with our son

If You’re a Parent Building a Business, Start Here

If you’re overwhelmed right now, don’t try to do everything.

Start with:

1. Simplify your offers

2. Fix your website messaging

3. Create one repeatable marketing system

4. Protect your focus time

Those four things will change everything.

Want Help Building a Business That Fits Your Life?

If you’re ready to stop juggling and start building something sustainable, we'd love to help.

At Border7, we specialize in helping parents and small business owners:

• Build high-performing Wix websites

• Create lead-generating systems

• Clarify their marketing

• Grow without burnout

Schedule a free strategy session and let’s map out a business that works for your real life.