Running your own business is no easy feat. It takes a healthy dose of passion, discipline, and commitment. Ever wondered what a day in the life of a creative project founder is like? We’re here to give you a glimpse!

Today we’re sitting down with Belinda Encarnacion, who serves as Marketing Director of Campo Designs, which is revolutionizing the outdoor gear game with their easy-to-pitch tents. Belinda co-founded Campo Designs, and as head of marketing, she now sets the creative vision for Campo’s branding. And that’s all on top of being a full-time mom. Here’s what we found out about her day-to-day routine.

7 A.M.

I wake up and head over to my kids’ rooms to get them ready for school. The 60 minute countdown of making breakfast, packing lunches, finding shoes, and making sure their homework is in their backpack is a daily frantic start.

8:45 A.M.

For 8 years, I’ve had the flexibility to work remotely or in-person. I try to alternate between the two so every day is different. After I walk our Bernedoodle, I have a big cup of coffee and eat a light breakfast or the kids’ leftover pancakes. This is usually when my day starts. 

10 A.M. – 5 P.M. 

I love to work, and I’ve worked every day since I was 16. I like to be productive, valuable and a contributor. It’s sort of my passion. I got this trait from my father, who grew up in a single-parent household and had to work one or two jobs starting at the age of 9. My day consists of barreling through between 5 and 8 video calls and too many emails. Finding time to “get work done” is hard, but stopping and saying to myself, “I’m done for the day” is often harder. 

7 P.M.

I spend my evenings like most working moms. I try to spend an interrupted hour with my kids before starting the nighttime routine of juggling dinner, homework, and bedtime. When the house is quiet, I indulge in some mindless activity, like surfing through Airbnb or reading through travel blogs in search of our next camping or travel destination. 

10 P.M.

I get my second wind. Between 10pm and midnight, when the house is quiet, I am most productive. Without the noise of questions, emails, video calls, or social media, I am free as a bird to do my best critical thinking, important pondering and work on my side hustle, Campo Designs. 

11 P.M.

I look at my vision board and start working on my life goals and dreams. My vision board has a balance of personal, family, business, financial and spiritual goals. I include even the smallest goals that for some might seem insignificant such as ‘living in the moment or present.” At night is when I work on Campo Designs, planning the next marketing campaign, scheduling next week’s social posts, tweaking digital ads and researching trends for new product ideas. 

12 A.M.

Off to sleep!

Now that you’ve gotten a glimpse of what Belinda’s days are like, get more inspiration in our exclusive Q&A with her below!

INDIEGOGO: What makes your Indiegogo project unique? 

BELINDA: Growing up in Mexico, I didn’t have the opportunity to go camping, I wasn’t exposed to the outdoors until I was in my 20’s. So we saw a need to make a versatile tent for the average outdoor and travel enthusiast who appreciates carefully designed gear with functionality and versatility. Designing a tent that you could use at a campsite, beach, a music festival, or even at an all-day little league tournament was really important to us.

INDIEGOGO: What’s your biggest piece of advice for women who want to start their own creative project or business?

BELINDA: As an entrepreneurial female, you are going to hear so many no’s, from banks and investors to family and friends. Don’t take it personally. Join a safe space like a network of entrepreneurs that will provide you with constructive criticism to help your business get off the ground. Remember that not all businesses generate millions. Write down your personal and financial goals and start planning out the time, resources, and funding you’ll need to get you there. 

INDIEGOGO: What’s your favorite Indiegogo campaign, or a campaign you’ve recently supported?

I recently supported the Breakaway Bike. I love the versatility of the bike, being able to use it at my desk and stow it away. The only opportunity I have to exercise is when I walk our dog Oreo or ride scooters with my kids. Plus, in between video calls, I really find myself needing a natural jolt. Even ten minutes of exercise in the middle of the day has really helped me keep going. 

Want to support Campo Designs? Check out Campo Designs and contribute now.