Meet Anabela Moreira, an HR leader turned entrepreneur who transformed her career path to align with her values and personal needs. After 20 years in human resources at top institutions, motherhood reshaped her priorities. Today, she is a career consultant, talent acquisition lead, and entrepreneur, managing both a career development business and a hospitality venture. Her story is one of resilience, strategic reinvention, and the power of embracing change.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you do?
I am Anabela Moreira, a talent acquisition lead, career consultant, and entrepreneur. My professional journey began in the corporate world, where I spent two decades as an HR leader. However, after becoming a mother, I realized that the traditional 9-to-5 structure was incompatible with the life I wanted to build for myself and my son. This led me to entrepreneurship, where I now specialize in career development and mentoring while also managing a hospitality business with my husband.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?
I never planned to become an entrepreneur. Growing up, I was raised with the belief that success meant excelling in school and securing a stable corporate job. I followed this path for 20 years, holding leadership roles in HR at prestigious institutions.
However, the Portuguese job market is very rigid, with long hours that don’t accommodate the realities of motherhood. As a single mother, I found myself struggling to balance my responsibilities. I started exploring alternative career paths, taking courses in personal finance and investments, enrolling in an MBA program, and studying entrepreneurship. I sought mentors, built my confidence, and gradually took the steps necessary to launch my own business.
What were the biggest challenges in your transition to entrepreneurship?
The first challenge was financial stability. As a mother, ensuring a steady income was non-negotiable. I worried about unpredictable revenue and the responsibility of securing clients. Additionally, I had to navigate the complexities of external service management, setting professional boundaries, and defining clear rules for my business.
Another major challenge was self-doubt. I often questioned whether I was dedicating enough time to my son and whether I should return to a stable corporate job. But I realized that traditional employment would bring even more stress, particularly when my child needed me.
Entrepreneurship is full of ups and downs. Clients might delay payments, unexpected problems arise, and personal responsibilities never stop. But persistence is key. Over time, I built a solid reputation, and clients began recognizing my expertise and the value of my work.
Do you believe motherhood has equipped you with valuable entrepreneurial skills?
Absolutely. Motherhood naturally develops skills that are essential for business. One of the biggest lessons I learned was how to prioritize effectively. Before becoming a mother, everything seemed urgent. Now, I instinctively understand what truly matters and what can wait.
Time management became a crucial skill for me. I learned to structure my schedule efficiently, ensuring that I dedicated time to both my business and my son. This ability to juggle multiple responsibilities seamlessly is something that many mothers develop naturally.
How do you balance being a mother, an entrepreneur, and taking care of yourself?
Balance is about self-awareness and defining success on your own terms. For me, success isn’t about money or titles—I’ve had those. It’s about having control over my time.
I set clear boundaries. My clients understand that my children are my priority. I don’t schedule client meetings or training sessions after 6:00 PM because that time belongs to my family. I also prioritize self-care. I wake up 30 minutes before my children to have a peaceful start to my day, ensuring I’m mentally prepared for whatever comes next.
What advice would you give to mothers who want to become entrepreneurs, especially those without a support network?
First, build trust in yourself. Many women struggle with self-confidence, especially when stepping into entrepreneurship. If you don’t have a traditional support network, seek out alternative solutions. There are women’s groups where mothers support each other, taking turns with childcare so they can work on their businesses.
Social networks can also be powerful tools for finding support, training, and business opportunities. Instead of viewing other entrepreneurs as competitors, see them as potential collaborators. No one can serve the entire market alone, and having a strong network of like-minded women can be incredibly beneficial.
Leverage free resources and online training. Discipline is more important than motivation—stay consistent, be curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The world often tells women they must be independent warriors, but entrepreneurship thrives on community and support.
What personal and professional fulfillment have you gained from being an entrepreneur?
For me, entrepreneurship is about self-expression and impact. Whether I’m placing someone in a new job or welcoming guests to my Airbnb, my fulfillment comes from knowing that my work benefits others. I’ve reinvented myself multiple times—transitioning from law to writing, from corporate HR to business ownership.
The key is to find something you love and continuously improve at it. Every day won’t be easy, but persistence leads to growth and success.
Final words for mothers considering entrepreneurship?
Choose something you’re passionate about. You may not be the best at it at first, but with time, you’ll refine your skills. Start with free online resources, learn from experts, and invest in yourself.
Motherhood gives you unique, highly valuable skills that many professionals struggle to develop. Embrace those skills, believe in yourself, and create the life you want.
