Let’s be honest — building a startup is romanticized.

But what’s it actually like to build a tech company while working a full-time job… and raising a baby?

In this deeply personal episode, Tess pulls back the curtain on what it’s really been like to build HerHouse — from late-night breakdowns during the MVP phase to navigating postpartum brain fog, software sales quotas, and the constant mental load of entrepreneurship.

This isn’t the highlight reel.
This is behind the scenes.

• Why building the first MVP was the hardest thing she’s ever done
• What it’s like funding a startup yourself while holding a full-time job
• The emotional toll of learning tech from scratch
• Why no one truly understands the founder journey
• How becoming a mom completely shifted her work rhythm
• What burnout actually felt like in 2025
• Why health and boundaries became non-negotiable
• The difference between the “startup dream” and daily reality

Before becoming a mom, Tess worked remotely at a law firm by day and built the HerHouse MVP by night.

She describes it as:

• A giant puzzle constantly running in her mind
• Sleepless nights
• Tech overwhelm
• Tears of frustration
• And also… one of the most invigorating seasons of her life

Later came a career shift into software sales — with higher pressure, quotas, and less mental margin.

Then motherhood entered the picture.

Pregnancy, postpartum, and sleep deprivation slowed everything down. For months, she could only keep HerHouse afloat — not grow it.

Progress didn’t resume until her son started sleeping through the night.

And everything changed.

Even in the hard seasons, the HerHouse community makes it worth it.

Women connecting.
Hosting each other.
Planning trips.
Building global friendships.

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the destination.

It’s the ultimate adventure!

The highs.
The breakdowns.
The growth.
The rebuilding.
The becoming.

Ready to Travel With Built-In Community?

✨ Start with the free Solo Travel 101 workshop: >>Access Here>>

🌍 Explore HerHouse with a 7-day free trial: >>Join Here>>

📖 Grab Tess’s book Sherbet Skies: >>Buy Now>>

Website: https://www.herhouse.co/
Instagram (Tess): @tessmillhollon
Instagram (HerHouse): @herhouse.co

LinkedIn:@tess-millhollon
TikTok:@herhouse.co