From Montessori to Mompreneur: The Journey of Little Dude’s Big World
Introduction by Erika Hanafin:
Cara Zelas’s story is a powerful testament to how purpose, entrepreneurship, and emotional intelligence can intertwine to create something extraordinary. As someone who deeply believes in the transformative power of community, the resilience of mothers, and the importance of fostering social-emotional learning (SEL), I am inspired by Cara’s journey—from the classroom to building a mission-driven business that champions kindness and connection.
Cara’s reflections resonate with me both as a mom and as an advocate for women pursuing bold ambitions while raising a family. Her ability to transform a MOMumental moment into a series of meaningful tools for parents, teachers, and children embodies the ingenuity and heart that moms bring to the business world.
From Montessori to Mompreneur: The Journey of Little Dude’s Big World
By Cara Zelas
There’s an ‘aha’ moment every entrepreneur remembers—the moment their passion and purpose align. For me, that moment came when I brought my therapy dog, Little Dude, into a classroom for the first time. Watching the children light up with curiosity and excitement after meeting Little Dude was the spark that ignited everything.
At the time, I was still working as an early childhood Montessori teacher, yet deep down, I knew I wouldn’t be returning to the classroom, as I was pregnant with my first child. It was during this time that the Big World of Little Dude was born—a series of six books written while I was preparing to bring my own little one into the world.
How Little Dude's Classroom Visit Sparked a Social-Emotional Learning Movement
Let me take you back to that defining day. Picture this: Little Dude, my calm and loyal therapy dog, walking into a classroom, tail wagging and the children’s anticipation building. I was there to share, with the children, the importance of kindness and introduce them to what a therapy dog does. After this experience, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I wanted to create a way to help children learn important social and emotional skills—things I noticed were missing from formal curriculums. Concepts like how to make a friend, why manners matter, building empathy, and giving kids the tools to manage their emotions. It struck me: we explicitly teach ABCs and 123s in early childhood classrooms, so why not teach social and emotional skills the same way?
I wanted to build a life that allowed me to be present at home with my firstborn while also pursuing a purpose-driven business. But it wasn’t always easy. “Start a business,” they say. “Follow your dream,” they say. Yet, there were so many learning curves, dips and waves along the way. Here are some suggestions that have helped me build my business and stay (somewhat) sane!
Lessons Learned: Tips for Moms in Business
Looking back, there are a few key lessons I learned from that MOMumental moment that I’d love to share. Because let’s be real—growing a business as a mom can feel like trying to juggle too many balls while your children are tugging at your leg. But I promise, it’s possible, and here’s how:
1. Embrace The Chaos
Being a mother and entrepreneur means things won’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. You’re building a business while raising little humans, so give yourself some grace. On those overwhelming days, remember that chaos is part of the journey. There’s no perfect balance; instead, focus on finding a flow that works for you. This could mean embracing the messiness and knowing that some days will be about family and others will focus on your business. The key is to remain adaptable.
2. Merge Your Passion with Your Purpose
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered, Can I really have it all? The answer: yes, but in a way that looks different for everyone. I found my groove by combining my passion for education, the volunteer work as a therapy dog team and my desire to build something meaningful for parents and teachers to help kids be emotionally healthy. Identify your purpose—what problem are you passionate about solving? Discovering this purpose is crucial because, when the going gets tough and you feel like giving up (trust me, I've been there!), you need a strong foundation to keep you going. Not only will you build a business that feels authentic, but you'll also teach your kids that pursuing their dreams is truly worthwhile.
3. Build a Support System
There’s no way I could have done any of this without help. Find your cheerleader, having people who believe in you is crucial. Find your tribe, lean on them, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and trying to do everything alone can lead to burnout. Joining HeyMama was one of the best decisions I've made for me and my business. This supportive network has been invaluable, it is a community where we help each other rise and ensure we never feel alone on this journey.
4. Start Small, Dream Big
When I first started writing the Big World of Little Dude series, I had no idea where it would go. I just knew I had to start. Writing those six books while pregnant was my way of planting the seeds, and it grew into something bigger than I ever imagined. My advice? Start small, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. The important thing is to keep going because every small step leads to something greater.
5. Prioritize Between Mommy and Entrepreneur
Yes, it’s possible to be both a mom and a business owner. But one of the biggest lessons I learned is that you can’t be everything to everyone all the time. There will be days when your business takes priority and days when your children need you more. I recommend setting clear goals and taking small steps each day to work toward them. It's okay if the goal post shifts—and trust me, it will! Just be intentional with your time, and know that it’s okay to shift your priorities when needed. And be gentle with yourself. We all have busy lives with overflowing plates, combined with hormonal fluctuations and outside stressors—it can feel overwhelming. I have those days where I don’t feel productive at all. Sometimes, when we aren’t productive, it’s our body’s way of telling us we need to rest. Taking a pause or a step back can help reorient you, giving you the clarity to move forward again. Just set some goals so you always have something to work toward.
The Birth of Big World of Little Dude
That MOMumental moment—witnessing Little Dude’s impact in my classroom—was the catalyst for launching the Big World of Little Dude book series and the humanKIND Curriculum. With each book, I wanted to give parents and educators tools to help their kids develop foundational social and emotional skills. My books and the accompanying curriculum are designed to make SEL fun and easy to implement at home or in the classroom. And trust me, as a mom who is juggling everything like you, I made sure everything was practical and low-maintenance—because I know firsthand that time is precious.
Here’s why this matters: I wanted to help kids learn the skills they need to navigate the world with kindness, confidence, and self-regulation tools. The Big World of Little Dude series isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about empowering the next generation to be emotionally intelligent humans.
Why Moms in Business Make a Difference
Being a mom and an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. You’re not just running a business—you’re showing your kids that they can pursue their passions and create something meaningful. My MOMumental moment—bringing Little Dude into a classroom and writing my first six books while pregnant—was the turning point where I realized I could do both. And so can you.
If you’re a mompreneur, or thinking of becoming one, here’s my final piece of advice: Don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it doesn’t exist. Instead, create the moments. Show up, do the work, and remember that your kids are watching. They’re learning resilience, creativity, and grit from you every single day.
Whether you’re just starting out or in the thick of it, know that you’ve got this. The world needs what you have to offer, and there’s no better time than now to make it happen.
Ready to build something amazing? You can check out the Big World of Little Dude, designed to help parents and teachers alike. Because together, we can raise a generation of awesome little humans—starting with yours.
This amazing piece by Cara Zelas is more than a story; it’s a rallying cry for all of us to embrace chaos, merge passion with purpose, and build the support systems we need to thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or are deep in the trenches of mompreneurship, Cara’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your next chapter. Let’s continue building a world where women and mothers don’t just survive but thrive—personally, professionally, and creatively.
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