The Arc Space Mom: Where Ambition Meets Real Life
The final flight of this Antares configuration — one we helped bring to life. A full-circle moment on our 8th wedding anniversary.
If you stumbled across this blog by googling how to do it all — career, motherhood, leadership, vacation planning, real-world tools, startup advice, or just how to keep your head on straight — well, you’re in the right place.
I don’t have it all figured out — but I’ve learned a lot. And one thing I know for sure: the world doesn’t need more curated perfection. It needs more honesty, more practical tools, and more people willing to share what it really takes to navigate self-doubt, build resilience, and create systems that make life truly sustainable.
Who I Am
I’m Emily Smallwood — CEO, entrepreneur, wife of over 10 years, and mom to three (yes, three under three). I co-founded Arc Space Innovation, a fast-moving defense startup, but this blog isn’t about aerospace or engineering. It’s about the systems behind the systems — the routines, values, decisions, and strategies that help ambitious people turn big goals into something real, sustainable, and meaningful.
This is for those of us building careers, raising kids, chasing big dreams, and trying to make space for joy along the way.
Why This Blog Exists — and What You’ll Find Here
Most of us weren’t taught how to start a company, negotiate a raise, build a resilient mindset, plan a trip on a shoestring budget, or manage a household while leading a team. I want to change that — not by lecturing, but by sharing what I’ve learned the hard way, in real life, with real stakes.
This blog is a home for the in-between moments — between meetings and bedtime stories, between dreaming big and holding it all together. Whether you're navigating parenthood, launching a business, starting out in your career, or just trying to plan your next vacation without losing your mind, this space is for you.
You’ll find:
Vacation planning tips — from luxury escapes to budget-friendly getaways that don’t feel like a compromise
Foundational startup guidance — what you actually need to know to build something from scratch (without the sugarcoated success stories)
Next-gen STEM inspiration — how we can better equip our kids and students to thrive in the innovation economy
Leadership and speaking insights — drawn from real-world experience across boardrooms, stages, and school pickup lines
And time-saving hacks — to help you reclaim a little peace, energy, and momentum in your day
This is a space for:
High school and college students ready to take control of their future
Founders and builders who want the real startup playbook
Parents and professionals trying to design a life with purpose and balance
And anyone who wants to grow — in career, mindset, or impact
No fluff, no filters — just honest tools, stories, and encouragement for building a meaningful life that works for you.
Why This Matters
Life isn’t simple. But it can be meaningful, mission-driven, and yours to define.
I created The Arc Space Mom to be a space for go-getters and dream-chasers, for moms in leadership and women in tech, and for anyone trying to design a life that balances excellence with authenticity. If that sounds like you — welcome. I’m so glad you're here.
Let’s Build Something Real
This is just the beginning. I hope you find encouragement here, maybe a few ideas that make your life easier, and the reminder that you're not alone in the juggle. You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to keep showing up.
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Want to stay connected? Follow me on LinkedIn & Instagram. Let’s build something real together.