Being a mom and a businesswoman isn’t easy, but these dynamic women seamlessly juggle the roles of mother and entrepreneur. They share their secrets to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, managing stress and finding time for their families – all while building successful businesses.
In today’s fast-paced world, juggling motherhood and business is no small feat. Yet, Stefanie Davis and Jacky Merola are navigating this challenging yet rewarding journey with grace and a shared mission: to empower women and mothers, to take charge of their lives and careers.
This dynamic duo are not only family but also co-hosts of the podcast The Shift, which was created to spark open conversations about womanhood, motherhood, entrepreneurship and work.
A beautiful collaboration
Stefanie Davis, originally from the East Rand, is a Portuguese South African with a heart full of ambition. Married and a mother to her stepdaughter, who lives with her and her husband full-time, Stefanie has had to navigate the challenges that come with blended families.
‘It’s been a journey, but a rewarding one,’ she shares, highlighting the growth that comes with stepping into the role of a full-time mother. Stefanie is also the proud owner of Feel Good & Co., a strategy and consulting firm that partners with advertising agencies and brands to bring their visions to life. But her talents don’t stop at business.
With a background in musical theatre, Stefanie’s love for singing, dancing and acting continues to fuel her creativity. Her passion for making a difference in the world, especially for women, is a key driver in her work. ‘The time is now for us to stand up for one another and lift each other,’ Stefanie says.
For Jacky Merola, motherhood and business go hand in hand. A wife and mother of two, ages three and nine, Jacky is deeply connected to her roots as a Portuguese South African. ‘It’s significant to the women we have become,’ she explains, ‘and I think our mums still terrify us a little.’ The values passed down through generations of women in her family play an essential role in how Jacky approaches her life and business.
Jacky’s professional journey began with a Master’s Degree in Research Psychology, and her initial career path led her into social research. However, as she discovered the tough realities of this field, she made the transition into market research, eventually finding her passion in marketing.
‘At one point, I felt disappointed in myself,’ Jacky admits. ‘I was questioning how I was changing the world and living out my purpose.’
But over time, she realised that changing the world doesn’t always mean solving grand problems – it’s about showing up as your true self and doing what you’re good at. ‘The way to change the world is by just showing up,’ Jacky says. ‘It’s about doing something you love, and that makes a difference.’
A platform for women
The Shift podcast was born from a shared vision of offering a space where women and mothers could find community and support. ‘We wanted to create a space for conversation that encourages women to take ownership of the lives they want to live,’ says Stefanie. The podcast has become a platform where women can discuss everything from entrepreneurship to motherhood and where they can hear the real, unfiltered stories of other women who are on similar journeys.
The two women find that their conversations on the podcast are incredibly fulfilling, not only for their listeners but for themselves as well. ‘We have profound conversations, and it’s such a joy to work with someone who you can have these deep discussions with,’ says Jacky. The podcast isn’t just about business or motherhood – it’s about encouraging women to embrace their true selves and not to conform to society’s expectations. ‘Ten years ago we weren’t bombarded with the perfection of motherhood that we see today on social media. It’s important for mothers to know that it’s okay to live your truth.’
Motherhood and business
Motherhood plays a central role in both Stefanie and Jacky’s lives and businesses. Both women highlight how significant their children are in shaping how they approach their business and personal lives.
Stefanie talks about the strength motherhood has given her.
‘Motherhood has given me a different kind of femininity and emotional understanding that I didn’t have before,’ Stefanie shares.
This newfound intuition has helped her in business as well, enabling her to read people better and navigate challenges with more empathy.
For Jacky, motherhood is a journey that she navigates alongside her cousin. ‘My children and Stef’s daughter are super feisty, and that can make it very challenging to parent, but we are not just raising children; we are raising future women who will continue to make a difference.’
Reality of ‘balance’ and ‘mom-guilt’
The concept of ‘balance’ is something both Stefanie and Jacky tackle head-on. ‘Balance doesn’t always mean 50/50,’ Stefanie explains. ‘Sometimes balance looks like giving 20% of your time to work and 80% to family or vice versa.’
They acknowledge that balance doesn’t look the same for everyone, and they are adamant about removing the pressure to be perfect in every aspect of life.
‘Sometimes you just have to give less to one thing,’ says Stefanie. ‘It’s okay to be human and realise that you can’t do everything all the time.’ Jacky echoes this sentiment, adding, ‘It’s important to let go of the expectations we put on ourselves and remember that we’re doing the best we can.’
With ‘balance’ comes the ‘mum guilt’ which is a common experience not only for Jacky and Stefanie but for many other mothers. It stems from societal
expectations and personal anxieties about whether they are doing enough for their children.
‘Mum guilt is normal,’ says Stefanie. ‘It’s important to talk to someone you trust about it – whether that’s your mum, a friend or another mum.’ Jacky adds, ‘I see mum guilt as an opportunity to check in with yourself to see what expectations you have that might not align with reality.’
Self-Care: Necessity, not a luxury
With the demands of business and motherhood, Stefanie and Jacky prioritise self-care, understanding that it’s essential for their well-being. ‘Self-care allows us to flow with more ease and handle our lives better,’ says Stefanie. For them, self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. Simple practices like a walk-and-talk or a coffee date can help clear their minds and recharge.
The duo also emphasises the importance of finding moments of joy in their lives. ‘Sometimes your soul craves a bath or a chat with a best friend,’ says Jacky. ‘We listen to our souls and give ourselves what we need.’ These small but powerful acts of self-care are what keep them grounded and focused.
Empowering women to live their full potential
As Stefanie and Jacky continue to navigate their careers, families and passions, they are determined to help other women find their voice and embrace their potential. Through The Shift podcast and their work, they hope to provide a platform for women to break barriers, share experiences and support one another. ‘We want to give women and mothers a voice,’ says Jacky. ‘We believe that together, we can make a difference.’
‘It’s fulfilling to know that we are showing our daughters that they can combine their passion with other roles in life,’ adds Jacky and Stefanie. Through their business podcast and daily lives, Stefanie and Jacky are setting an example for future generations of women. Their message is simple yet powerful: embrace your truth, support each other and never be afraid to show up for yourself and your dreams.
Text and photo: DESNAY PETERSON
