“For me, being a mother made me a better professional, because coming home every night to my girls reminded me what I was working for.” – Michelle Obama
Welcome to May — Summer is on the horizon and ready to splash us with sunshine and sand! In honor of Mother’s Day last week, we’re hitting pause on design to spotlight the incredible women behind Stil James: Natalie Owens and Victoria Armour. These entrepreneurial moms — juggling three spirited kids, ranging from ten down to two — are here to share their secrets. Expect candid insights on the art of balancing a bustling business with lively family life, the support systems that keep them sane, and how motherhood has seamlessly woven itself into their entrepreneurial journey.
The origin story of Stil James isn’t a guarded secret—it all started on Natalie’s kitchen table, just after she welcomed her first child. What might be a surprise is that entrepreneurship was always written in the stars for her. Watching her father build his business from the ground up in his early 40s instilled a belief that she was destined to follow a similar path. But it was upon welcoming Georgia—whose name inspired the brand—that Natalie truly found her purpose: “Motherhood made me pause and reflect on what I truly wanted to spend my time doing—especially if I was going to be away from my kids. I realized I couldn’t just like what I did; I had to be passionate about it. It had to make me a better, more inspired version of myself.”
Fast forward to 2022, when Victoria and Natalie met and instantly clicked over coffee, reality TV, ambitious dreams, and motherhood. Victoria shares a similar outlook and the same drive: “I grew up in an entrepreneurial family where ambition was always encouraged. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur—and I knew I wanted to be a mom. I never believed those two couldn’t coexist.”
So, how do they do it all? Juggling a business, dance recitals, soccer games, and bedtime routines. They’ve cultivated a strong support system and know it truly takes a village. They cherish the beauty in a partnership with another female with children —proof that teamwork can move mountains.
Natalie & Victoria discuss capacity with one another, at least once a week. According to Natalie, it’s the true beauty of their space and partnership. They can push and pull so that the kids don’t feel the burden of the mental load owning your own business can take. They openly acknowledge that stress is part of both professional and parental life. Victoria finds that regular exercise is her secret to maintaining mental well-being, while Natalie nourishes her soul through laughter with friends, quality time with her husband, and a good glass of wine.
Of course, motherhood isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, and owning a business brings its own set of highs and lows. For Victoria, learning to let go of perfectionist tendencies and the need for control was a pivotal step. She shares, “embracing the chaos and unpredictability of raising children required a major mindset shift. But what’s surprised me the most is how much it’s made me better — not just as a mom, but also as a business owner and as a person. My kids have taught me to be more present, to accept that the unknown is part of the journey, and to realize that hard work doesn’t always yield immediate or linear results. And that’s okay.”
For Natalie, the biggest challenge is navigating the sacrifice and balancing the push and pull between her business and her children. She’s come to accept that splitting herself in two is simply part of the journey.
When it comes to quality time with their kids, both women share the same mindset: they are intentional and disciplined about raising children in a tech-heavy era. They believe in turning off screens and engaging fully, with everyone participating with open ears and open hearts. Additionally, they’re committed to making the most of summer—when school’s out—by slowing down, creating meaningful moments, and dedicating time for one-on-one connections with their children and partners.
Motherhood often feels all-consuming—we firmly believe it is—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s challenging for motherhood not to seep into every aspect of life, and sometimes, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Natalie and Victoria share how motherhood has shaped their business decisions and strategies. For Victoria, her goal is “to create space for people to show up fully as themselves because life doesn’t pause for work, and work constantly influences who we are outside the office. There’s something truly special about the support a group of women with children can offer each other when it comes to managing time and just getting shit done.”
Natalie believes that few experiences in the professional world can compare to the journey of raising children. She notes, “From a problem-solving perspective, that’s exactly what entrepreneurs do every day—solve problems.” Motherhood has also deepened her sense of empathy, a trait she finds incredibly valuable when navigating renovations and client relationships, especially since emotions can often run high during those times.
Over the past few years, the owners of Stil James have experienced numerous highs, and Natalie eloquently captures the incredible journey the women have undertaken in building this design firm. One of the most rewarding aspects has been assembling the team—something Natalie describes as profoundly fulfilling. “There’s a unique satisfaction in working with a core group of women who share a purpose and vision. Witnessing their growth has been one of the greatest accomplishments of the business.”
“Equally fulfilling has been watching the evolution of our design work, especially as we bring it into the Maritime market. Living in a region that can often feel conservative and somewhat behind the curve, it’s been gratifying to produce bold, high-quality designs. The reward of creating a space beyond our clients’ wildest dreams makes every effort worthwhile. Seeing them realize their vision and transforming their homes into something extraordinary has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.”
To sum up, the two owners share their advice for all the moms wearing multiple hats; by reminding us perfection is an illusion. Your best is enough, they affirm. It’s okay not to have everything figured out; some days will be more demanding, and others will be full of enriching moments with your children while the worries of work linger in the background. What truly matters is that you care and make an effort. So, be kind to yourself—learn to say no when necessary and don’t hesitate to outsource help (“For the love of god- outsource” – Natalie). Prioritize your peace of mind, it’s an essential step in doing what lights you up, your children will feel that energy, and you get to reap the rewards of showing them what it means to live a full and passionate life.
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