Navruz Avloni on Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship as a Woman

For Navruz Avloni, founder of Avloni Law, entrepreneurship is more than just running a successful business – it’s about crafting a life that harmonizes professional ambitions with the joys of motherhood. As a trial attorney and social justice advocate, Avloni balances her passion for law with her dedication to family, defining success on her own terms.

“The traditional 9-to-5 routine falls short for moms who wish to be active in their children’s lives, from volunteering in classrooms to participating in after-school activities,” Avloni says. “Entrepreneurship provides a level of freedom, such as the ability to control when and how much you work, that traditional jobs simply can’t match.”

Avloni’s approach to work-life integration is refreshingly practical. She’s structured her work schedule to maximize both her professional output and her family time. “I aim to work when I’m most focused and recharge by spending time with my daughters and husband. For instance, I often wrap up work by 2pm on Fridays to pick my daughters up from school and enjoy the afternoon together, then wake up early on Saturday to get in three to four hours of concentrated work. If I find it hard to focus on a weekday, I’ll just take the day off to spend with my family, which always brings me joy. The following day, I’m almost always energized and put in a lengthy workday. Taking breaks when I’m mentally fatigued often leads to fresh insights when I return to the task, whether it’s later that day or the next. That’s the freedom entrepreneurship provides – the ability to excel at what you do best, whenever you’re at your best.”

This flexibility isn’t just about being present – it’s about being fully engaged. In a world where many working mothers feel perpetually torn between their professional and personal lives, Avloni has found a way to be all-in, both at work and at home. “It’s not about choosing between your career and your kids,” she insists. “It’s about rewriting the rules so you can have both.”

However, Avloni is quick to point out that this kind of freedom doesn’t come without its challenges. Entrepreneurship does require, at least at the outset, long hours, and the ability to manage overwhelming stress. “There are times when the workload is intense, and you have to make tough choices,” Avloni admits. “But the difference is that as an entrepreneur, you’re making those choices on your own terms.”

Avloni’s journey as an entrepreneur is set against the backdrop of a changing landscape for women in business. She’s observed and benefited from a growing ecosystem of support for female entrepreneurs. “We’re seeing this amazing network of women supporting women,” she says. “Organizations like ‘Trial by Women’ and ‘Feminist Lawyers’ are addressing some of the real challenges we face. It’s not just about leaning in anymore; it’s about reaching out and lifting each other up.”

These support systems are crucial, especially in fields like law where women have traditionally faced significant barriers. Avloni points out that these organizations don’t just offer moral support – they provide practical resources, mentorship, and a space to share creative solutions to common obstacles. “When you’re trying to balance a high-stakes career with family life, having a community that understands your challenges is invaluable,” she says.

For Avloni, this new definition of success is deeply personal. It’s about being able to structure her time in a way that aligns with her values and priorities. “When I review my schedule, it’s not just filled with client meetings and court hearings; it also includes my kids’ activities and important personal events.” she explains. This ability to mold her professional life around her family commitments, rather than the other way around, is at the heart of why Avloni finds entrepreneurship so empowering.

But the impact of this approach extends beyond Avloni’s own family. She sees her journey as an entrepreneur as setting an important example for her children. “My kids are growing up seeing that it’s possible to be successful and present,” Avloni says. “They’re learning that work and family aren’t opposing forces – they’re parts of a whole, fulfilling life.”

This modeling of work-life integration is particularly important for Avloni as a mother. She believes that seeing her navigate both a successful career and active family life will shape her children’s perceptions of what’s possible in their own futures. “I want my children to grow up knowing they don’t have to choose between their ambitions and their personal lives,” she says. “They’re seeing firsthand that with creativity and determination, you can create a life that honors both.”

The legal profession, traditionally known for its long hours and high-stress environment, might seem at odds with family life. But Avloni sees her role as a trial attorney and her identity as a mother as complementary, not conflicting.

As she looks to the future, Avloni is optimistic about the possibilities for women entrepreneurs. “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” she says. “As more women embrace entrepreneurship, we’ll witness innovative approaches to work-life balance, greater diversity in business leadership, and, hopefully, a shift in how society views the intersection of career and family.”

“We’re showing that you can be a force in the courtroom and still make it to the school bake sale,” Avloni concludes. “And you know what? That’s a pretty amazing legacy to leave.”

Tom White, Special to California Business Journal