Some seasons feel slow, quiet, and still—like winter. Others are bursting with energy, full of ideas and movement, like spring. I’ve come to see both motherhood and running a business in the same way. Neither is meant to be lived at full speed all the time. Just like nature, we go through cycles. There are seasons of building, seasons of waiting, seasons of growth, and seasons of rest.

For years, I fought against this. I thought success meant always moving forward, always producing, always keeping up. But motherhood has a way of shifting your perspective. Some seasons, my kids need me more, and my business slows. Other times, they’re happily lost in their own world, and I get to dive into my work. I no longer expect myself to always be at 100%—because nobody can be. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow of both roles, allowing them to shape each other in ways that feel natural, not forced.

Rather than chasing an impossible idea of balance, I focus on rhythm. In our home, our days follow a gentle flow—one that holds space for homeschooling, family time, and my work. It’s not about strict schedules or perfectly planned days. It’s about knowing the small things that keep us grounded. That doesn’t mean my house is always calm—I promise it’s far from it.

With three wild boys, it’s often loud and chaotic. My oldest, my daughter, is more calm and collected, often by my side, helping me navigate the whirlwind of energy that fills our home.

I’ve found that when we have a rhythm, everything feels a little smoother. It helps me prioritize, knowing that my time is limited. Instead of stressing over all the things I could be doing, I focus on what has to get done.

Over the years, I’ve become really clear about what matters most in my business. My long-form content comes first, then emails, then social media. Showing up behind the scenes on Instagram is something I enjoy, but I no longer pressure myself to be constantly visible. Because even when I’m not posting, my business is still moving forward.

And here’s the truth: I don’t have to keep up with business owners who have more time to devote to their work. My path looks different because my priorities are different. And that’s okay.

Motherhood has always come first for me. The small moments, the everyday rituals—these are the things I know I’ll never get back. I have my whole life to work on my business, but I only get to raise my kids once. This chapter of their childhood is fleeting, and I want to be present for it. Not just physically, but fully—soaking in the messy, beautiful moments that fill our days.

And yet, that doesn’t mean I don’t care about my business. It just means I no longer see productivity as my measure of success. Some weeks I get a lot done. Some weeks, I don’t. But I remind myself: just because I’m not moving fast doesn’t mean I’m not moving forward.

One of the biggest changes I’ve made is in the way I talk about my life. I stopped saying, I have to do this and started saying, I get to do this.

I get to wake up in a house filled with four energetic, healthy kids. I get to homeschool them and witness their curiosity unfold. I get to carve out time for myself—to move my body, to run, to sit with my coffee in a quiet corner of my home and write. I get to build a business that fits into my life, not the other way around.

It’s easy to take these things for granted. But when I shift my language, I shift my perspective. The little things—the tasks that once felt like obligations—become privileges. And suddenly, my days feel lighter.

So if you’re in a season where things feel slow, where you’re questioning if you’re doing enough—know this: You are. You’re allowed to move at your own pace. You’re allowed to honor the season you’re in without guilt. You don’t have to keep up with anyone else.

There will be seasons of growth, seasons of waiting, seasons of work, and seasons of stillness. Embrace them all. Trust that just because you’re not where you want to be yet doesn’t mean you won’t get there.

Your business will be there. Your dreams will be there. But your babies won’t be little forever. And if slowing down means you get to savor these moments a little longer—then that is a season worth embracing.

February was an interesting month. Compared to January, which felt really steady and predictable, February came with its own set of challenges and triumphs. My goal for the month was to consistently run four miles while also focusing on increasing my speed. Some days, I felt strong—like I could push myself to a faster pace and even sprinkle in some sprint training. Other days, I felt exhausted, like my body was resisting every step, and finishing four miles felt nearly impossible.

One of the biggest mindset shifts I had this month was thinking more about marathon training. I started experimenting with a new running approach that seemed to work well for me: running 0.90 of a mile at a faster pace and then walking the last 0.10 to slow my heart rate before repeating the cycle. This gave me the confidence to push myself while still maintaining some level of control over my endurance. I found that I could sustain speeds between 6.5 and 7.5 MPH (about an 8:00-9:00 minute mile pace) for those bursts. It felt challenging but doable, and it gave me hope that I might be able to apply a similar strategy for longer runs.

But then, the last week of February hit, and my energy levels completely tanked. It was one of those weeks where everything felt harder—not just running, but balancing work, motherhood, and life in general.

Most of the time, I feel like I have a decent amount of energy, but I definitely had a few days where I was straight-up burned out. And I want to share that here because it’s easy to scroll through posts online and assume that everyone else has this magical, perfectly balanced life where everything just flows seamlessly. I promise mine is not that way. With four kids—three of them boys, one of them a younger (and more stubborn) version of myself—my hands are full. Really, really full.

So, instead of forcing myself to push through at the same speed, I decided to shift gears and embrace a slower pace. And to my surprise, it actually felt amazing. Running at 5 MPH (about a 12:00-minute mile pace) was something I could sustain without breathing heavily or sending my heart rate soaring. It felt natural, like something I could actually maintain over a long period of time.

That realization led me to an unexpected milestone.

On the last Friday of the month, I set out for a long run with one goal: to take it slow and steady and see how far I could go without stopping. And, to my surprise, I made it 7.5 miles—the farthest I’ve ever run.

There were a few hiccups along the way, like the treadmill automatically stopping my workout at the 5-mile mark (cue minor frustration), but I restarted, sipped some water, and kept going. My original goal was to hit 9 miles, and I honestly think I could have done it, but then the childcare staff at the gym called me because one of my little ones refused to clean up the toy blocks. So, I wrapped up at 7.5 miles and called it a win. Jumped in the pool to cool off and finished relaxing for a few min in the sauna.

And it really was a win. Not just because of the number, but because of how I felt. The run felt good. It felt sustainable. And for the first time, I felt like running a long distance wasn’t just something I was working toward—it was something I was capable of doing.

Looking back, I think all the faster running I did earlier in the month helped build my strength and endurance in ways I didn’t realize at the time. Those speed sessions—where I pushed myself past my comfort zone—made my slower-paced runs feel so much easier in comparison. And that’s something I’ll carry with me into March: the understanding that balance is everything. Some days will be about speed. Some days will be about endurance. Some days will just be about showing up, even when I don’t feel like it.

I’m still a long way from 26.2 miles, but this was a big step in the right direction.

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has always been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The precious moments with my 4 children have taught me that being present is more valuable than any business milestone.

Curious about the secret that makes it all possible?

It might surprise you.

Sixteen years ago, I embarked on the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship with a newborn sleeping in my arms. It was a chaotic dance between naptimes and business calls, between diaper changes and client meetings. I remember feeling like a tightrope walker, balancing precariously between the demands of motherhood and the relentless drive to grow my business. 

Fast forward to today, and I’m back in a similar place, only this time, I have two more little ones filling our home with laughter and a whole lot of chaos.

Starting a business with young children was, and still is, a balancing act. In those early days, it often felt like I was being pulled in a million directions. My two older kids, now 11 and 15, were once tiny beings who needed my constant attention. 

I juggled snack time, playtimes, and sleepless nights while trying to carve out a space for my business to thrive. It wasn’t easy, but it was a journey that shaped me as both a mother and an entrepreneur.

Now, with my older ones off pursuing their passions and my two little ones keeping me on my toes, I am acutely aware of how quickly time passes. 

It feels like just yesterday I was holding my firstborn’s tiny hand, and now I’m watching her navigate life, working 40+ hours doing something she loves. These fleeting moments with my children are precious, and I cherish every second. I know that soon enough, my house will be quieter, and the demands of motherhood will shift.

In this season of life, my office time has become a rare luxury. I adore my beautiful workspace, but I’ve learned that being present with my children is far more valuable than any business milestone. The hours I spend with them, building sand castles or making up bedtime stories, are moments I will never get back. My big ideas and ambitious plans for my business might take a little longer to achieve, but that’s okay. This is what feels right for me now.

Creating a Business That Works for You

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of setting up a business that doesn’t require me to be chained to my desk. Even while I’m at home enjoying family time or working on our historic home, my business continues to generate income. This has been the key for me, and it’s something I’m excited to share more about with others.

By setting up ads that drive traffic to my business, I’ve been able to step away from the constant grind of social media and focus more on what truly matters. 

This approach has allowed me to maintain a steady income without sacrificing those irreplaceable moments at home with my children.

The Freedom of Passive Income and Ads

The beauty of passive income and running ads is that it offers a level of freedom and flexibility that traditional business models often lack. Once you figure out how to set it up, you realize that running a successful business doesn’t have to mean working 40+ hours a week. It’s incredibly liberating, not just on a personal level but financially as well.

For me, this journey has been about finding harmony between my roles as a mother and a business owner. It’s about recognizing that my children will only be little for a short time and that being present for them is the most important thing I can do. My office might be quieter these days, and my business goals might take a bit longer to reach, but the trade-off is more than worth it.

I’m excited to share more about how I’ve managed to create a business that supports my family life rather than detracting from it. For those of you who crave making an income without sacrificing precious moments at home, know that it is possible. It’s about creating systems and strategies that allow your business to run smoothly even when you’re not there.

Setting up ads, automating processes, and focusing on passive income streams have been my secret weapons. They’ve allowed me to step back from the hustle and enjoy my life more fully. And I’m here to tell you that you can do it too. It takes effort and creativity, but the reward is a life where you can be fully present for your children while still achieving your business dreams.

Balancing business and motherhood is no easy feat, but it’s a journey filled with immense rewards. Embrace the chaos, cherish the moments, and create a business that works for you, not the other way around.

And for anyone reading this trying to balance both motherhood and entrepreneurship, Remember; your children will only be little for a short while, and the time you spend with them now will be the memories you treasure forever. Your business can grow and thrive alongside your family, and you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Here’s to finding that balance and living a life that feels right for you.

So when you feel like you’re not doing enough or growing your business as quickly as others, just know the real work you’re doing is at home. ❤️

I can still remember the feeling—packing up my gear on a Friday night, knowing I’d be spending yet another weekend photographing other families while missing time with my own. At the time, I was fully booked with motherhood sessions—those beautiful, emotional, joy-filled shoots with mamas and their babies. While I genuinely loved capturing those sweet connections and helping other mothers freeze time in such a fleeting season, there was always a quiet ache in my chest.

Because while I was giving my clients memories they’d cherish forever, I was missing out on my own.

I wasn’t there for lazy Saturday mornings in pajamas, or spontaneous afternoon walks with my kids. I was spending weekends creating for others, while watching my own time with my family slip by in the margins.

And what made it harder? I knew that if I stopped shooting—even for a weekend—I wasn’t just pressing pause on work. I was pausing my entire income.

That was the moment it clicked: I needed to build a business that could run with me and for me—even when I wasn’t actively working.

The Limitations of Service-Based Business (Even the Ones You Love)

Service-based businesses can be beautiful. They’re often built on heart and hard work. They let us share our gifts in deeply personal ways. But there’s an unspoken truth that not enough of us talk about: they have a cap. A limit.

There are only so many hours in a day. And as one person, there’s only so much you can do. Your energy becomes the currency. And over time, that becomes exhausting.

I reached a point where I realized I didn’t want to hustle for every dollar anymore. I didn’t want to build a business that only paid me when I showed up. I wanted freedom. I wanted flexibility. I wanted to make income even on the days I was fully in mom mode, snuggling my kids on the couch.

My First Step Into Passive Income (It Wasn’t Fancy)

It started small—almost by accident. I began sharing my editing tools with other photographers. I packaged up my presets (you know, those dreamy film-inspired edits that I love) and offered them as digital downloads.

And then something amazing happened.

Sales started coming in while I was sleeping. Or while I was at the park with my kids. Or while I was working with a client on something completely unrelated.

That shift was the beginning of something much bigger. It was proof that I could build something once—and have it continue to work for me long after I hit publish.

From One Product to Multiple Streams

After that first taste of passive income, I was hooked—but not in the “let’s build an empire” kind of way. It was more about curiosity. I started asking:
What else can I create that helps others, solves a problem, and doesn’t require me to be tied to my laptop 24/7?

I created courses, templates, guides, and most recently, Wordsmith—a monthly digital content membership designed to help business owners show up online with ease. That became a whole new stream of recurring monthly revenue. Not only was it passive, it was purposeful.

And suddenly, my business didn’t feel like a treadmill anymore. It felt like a garden. One I could water, nurture, and watch grow—even if I wasn’t there every single second.

Scaling Without Burnout

The best part of building passive income into your business isn’t just the money (though that part is wonderful, too). It’s the margin it gives you.

It’s the way you can finally exhale.

I no longer have to scramble during launch week. I don’t have to fill my calendar to pay the bills. I get to build, create, dream—and still be present at home. I’ve grown my business year after year without sacrificing the things that matter most to me.

And I’ve been able to do that by focusing on the parts of my business I could automate, scale, and sustain.

So, What Is Passive Income (Really)?

Let’s clear something up—passive income doesn’t mean no work. It means front-loading the work. You create something once (a digital product, a course, a membership, a resource, a software) and you set up systems so it continues to work in the background.

There’s setup. There’s testing. There’s refinement.

But once it’s running? It frees you up to do more of what you love—without the constant grind.

Here are a few examples of passive income that work beautifully for service-based businesses:

• Digital products: templates, guides, checklists, presets, etc.
• Online courses: teach your process, share your knowledge.
• Memberships or subscriptions: recurring income that adds up fast.
• Affiliate marketing: recommend tools and products you love.
• Printables or downloads: easy-to-make, high-value assets.
• Software & Platforms: If you know how to code this is such a perfect skill for generating passive income.

The options are endless—but the mindset shift is what really matters. You don’t have to trade hours for dollars forever.

Why It Matters More Than Ever (Especially for Moms)

As a mom of four, I’ve learned to value time more than anything. My business has to fit into my life, not the other way around. I want to build something that allows me to be there for all our homeschool lessons, the sick days, the slow mornings.

That’s the real power of passive income—it gives you choices.

I get to decide how I spend my time. I get to take on client work because I want to, not because I have to.

I get to run a business that doesn’t burn me out.

My Advice? Start Where You Are

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds amazing, but where do I even start?”—I’ve got you.

Ask yourself:

• What do people ask me for help with all the time?
• What do I already have (a process, a tool, a system) that others would pay for?
• What’s something I could package and sell digitally?

Start with your strengths. Build something small. Get it out there.

And remember—your first product doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real and helpful.

Building businesses around passive income hasn’t just changed my revenue—it’s changed my life. It’s given me space, peace, freedom, and flexibility. It’s allowed me to grow something meaningful without burning out.

And that’s what I want for you, too.

So if you’ve been hustling in a service-based business and wondering if there’s a different way… let this be your sign to explore what’s possible. Figure out a way to add passive income to your current business.

You don’t have to do it all the hard way. You can build something beautiful that works for you.

There’s something about motherhood that rewires you. The moment you hold your child for the first time, a quiet shift happens—you stop being the center of your own world. Your needs become secondary. Your wants take a backseat. And somewhere in between the late-night feedings, the scraped knees, the bedtime stories, and the endless to-do lists, you forget that you, too, deserve care.

You, too, deserve joy.

It’s easy to put yourself last. It’s almost instinctive. You pour your energy into making sure everyone else is okay, often without pausing to ask if you are. You take care of their meals before your own, make sure they have time for hobbies while yours collect dust, encourage them to chase their dreams while yours sit on a shelf, waiting for a “someday” that never quite comes.

But what if you gave yourself permission to go after the things that make you happy?

What if you decided that your needs are just as important as everyone else’s?

The Beauty of Doing Something for Yourself

For me, running a business is one of those things. It’s something I do just for me—a space where I can pour my creativity, my ambition, and my passion into something that is mine. I get to build something that makes me feel accomplished, something that challenges me, something that reminds me I’m not just a mother, but a whole person with dreams, ideas, and goals outside of motherhood. Someone that my kids get to watch every day.

I get to move at my own pace. I get to decide how it fits into my life, not the other way around. And even though I still struggle with guilt from time to time—because, let’s be honest, the guilt never fully disappears—I’ve come to realize that honoring my own happiness makes me a better mom, a better wife, a better version of myself.

This year, I’ve been working on another thing just for me—working out consistently. And while yes, it’s about getting stronger and feeling healthier, it’s also about something deeper. It’s about making the conscious choice to take an hour or two for myself. It’s about proving to myself that I deserve to be a priority in my own life. It’s about reminding myself that I am worthy of the same energy, effort, and love that I pour into everyone else.

And I know I’m not alone in this.

The Guilt That Holds Us Back

Moms struggle with this. We know that taking time for ourselves—whether it’s exercising, reading, painting, or simply sitting in silence—makes us happier, more present, more patient.

We know that when we feel good, we show up better for our families.

And yet, the guilt still creeps in.

It whispers that we’re selfish for wanting time away. It tells us we should be doing something “more productive.” It convinces us that everyone else’s needs should always come first.

But here’s the thing: when we constantly ignore our own needs, we burn out. We become exhausted, resentful, and stretched too thin. And the very people we love the most end up feeling the weight of that.

The irony? Taking time for ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s one of the most selfless things we can do. When we take care of ourselves, we’re able to show up fully. With more joy. More patience. More love. Our kids don’t just need a mother who is present—they need a mother who is fulfilled.

You Deserve This, Too

So this is your reminder: You deserve to go after what makes you happy. You deserve to carve out time for the things that light you up. You deserve to invest in yourself, to dream boldly, to make space for what brings you joy.

It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be yours.

Maybe it’s a business. Maybe it’s a new hobby. Maybe it’s making space in your day for movement, or creativity, or a quiet cup of coffee before the world wakes up. Whatever it is—let yourself have it. And let go of the guilt that tries to tell you that you don’t deserve it.

Because you do. You always have.

There’s a voice inside my head. Maybe you’ve heard it too. It whispers when I sit down to work, when I put myself out there, when I take on something new. Who do you think you are? It doesn’t come in screaming, doesn’t demand to be heard. Instead, it lingers—persistent, nagging, a quiet undercurrent beneath even my biggest moments. It asks if I’m capable, if I’m worthy, if I’m allowed to take up space in the world I’m building.

For a long time, I believed that voice. I thought success belonged to other people—the ones who had it all figured out, who stayed in their lane, who didn’t dare to want too much. And I wanted too much. I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and a business owner. I wanted to homeschool my kids and build something of my own. I wanted the freedom to pivot, to create, to explore all the pieces of who I am. And for years, I fought the idea that I was asking for more than I deserved.

The Lie We’ve Been Told

From the moment we start dreaming, the world has opinions. We’re told to pick one thing. To stay focused. To specialize, niche down, master a single craft. To choose between motherhood and ambition, between creativity and structure, between dreaming and doing.

I was told, over and over again, that I had to choose. That doing too much would make me look scattered. That I’d never be taken seriously if I split my attention. That I couldn’t have the life I wanted because it simply wasn’t practical. And for a while, I let those voices win. I doubted myself. I played small. I kept parts of me hidden, convinced that if I let them all exist at once, I would be too much for people.

But here’s what I know now: That voice—the one that says we can’t do it all—is lying to us.

Owning Every Piece of Who I Am

My business is an extension of me. Every piece of it. From the Lightroom presets I’ve designed for photographers to the content creation tools I’ve built for entrepreneurs to the ad strategies I’ve taught to small business owners—every single thing I create holds a part of me. And the truth is, I couldn’t imagine doing just one thing for the rest of my life. The thought of choosing only one piece of me to bring to the world feels suffocating.

I thrive in the space between structure and spontaneity, between business and home life, between creativity and strategy. I love switching gears, embracing my multi-passionate heart, and giving myself permission to do what feels right rather than what’s expected.

But getting here took work. It required shifting my mindset from who do you think you are to do all of this? to I deserve to create a life that feels right for me.

Letting Go of Guilt

I had to let go of the guilt that came with loving my work. The guilt of wanting to create something for myself. The guilt of enjoying my kids and my career. The guilt of chasing big dreams while also holding space for my family.

I had to remind myself that it’s okay to want a full life. That I don’t have to shrink to make other people comfortable. That just because the world tells us to choose doesn’t mean we have to listen.

So, I made a choice. To embrace the both. To be an active, present mom and an ambitious, creative entrepreneur. To build sofa forts in the morning and write email sequences in the afternoon. To homeschool my kids and build a thriving business. To squeeze work into the pockets of my day and trust that even when it feels chaotic, I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.

What I Want You to Know

We live in a world where people will always tell you what you can’t do. That your dreams are too big, that your ambitions are too scattered, that your goals are unrealistic. That voice in your head—the one asking who do you think you are?—it’s only echoing what you’ve been told. But here’s what I want you to hear instead:

You are allowed to want what you want. You are allowed to build the life that feels right for you. You are allowed to be passionate, multi-passionate, ambitious, and deeply present all at once.

You do not need to choose between motherhood and entrepreneurship. Between passion and practicality. Between creativity and stability. You are allowed to have it all, in the way that makes sense for you.

So the next time that voice creeps in, telling you you’re not good enough, not capable enough, not allowed to do what you dream of—quiet it. Replace it with the truth: You are already enough. You always have been, even on the days when you doubt it, even in the moments when you question your path. Your worth isn’t tied to how much you accomplish or how seamlessly you juggle it all. It exists simply because you do. And because you are here, you owe it to yourself to go after the life you dream of. Not the life others expect of you, not the life that feels safest, but the one that makes you excited to wake up every morning. The one that fills your soul with purpose and possibility.

There was a time when my life was an open book. When every milestone, every messy, beautiful moment of motherhood, and every behind-the-scenes detail of my business felt like something I should be sharing online. After all, isn’t that how we connect? By letting people in, by showing them the real and the raw?

But over the years, I started questioning how much of my life I really wanted to put on display. What parts were mine to share, and what parts deserved to be kept sacred? More importantly, I began to feel the weight of an unspoken pressure—the pressure to share it all.

The Unspoken Expectation to Let People In

In the world of online business and social media, we’re told that transparency is key. That the more we share, the more relatable we become. And honestly? There’s a lot of truth to that. I’ve always been drawn to creators who share candidly, who make you feel like you’re sitting across from them with a warm cup of coffee, chatting about life and business.

But somewhere along the way, I started to wonder—where do we draw the line between connection and overexposure? At what point does sharing shift from feeling empowering to feeling like an invasion of our own privacy?

For me, that realization hit hardest when it came to my children. Especially as they grew older and more aware.

Why My Kids Aren’t Part of My Brand

Motherhood is a huge part of my life. It has shaped me in ways I never expected, and it influences how I run my business every single day. But when it comes to what I share online, I’ve made an intentional choice: my kids are not part of my content online.

Here’s why:

Their privacy comes first. They didn’t choose to have their lives shared online, and I want to give them the space to grow up without a digital footprint they had no say in creating.

Motherhood is part of me, but it’s not my whole business. I can share about my experiences as a mother without making my children the focus of my content.

I want to be present in real life, not just for the content. When I stopped documenting everything, I found myself actually living in the moment instead of thinking about how to share it.

My social presence is about my life and work. I try to make it a reflection of who I am as an individual rather than centering it around my children. If my kids grow up and choose to use social media, that will be their decision to make, not mine to impose upon them now.

My Journey from Photographer to Business Owner

Before I built this business, I was a photographer. My love for photography was deeply rooted in motherhood—it was how I documented the fleeting moments, the quiet details, and the stories I never wanted to forget. Becoming a mother made me want to hold onto everything, to freeze time in a way that felt permanent. It also made me want to share that beauty with others, which led me to photography as a profession.

But as the years passed, I became increasingly aware of the security concerns of sharing too much online. I saw stories of digital privacy breaches, of images being used without permission, of families unknowingly giving up control over their personal lives. And that awareness made me pause.

I realized that, as much as I loved documenting my life, the best parts of it were the ones I wanted to keep private. My marriage. My four children. The small, sacred moments that made up the heart of my world. These weren’t things I wanted to turn into content—they were things I wanted to cherish, away from the spotlight.

Finding Balance as a Business Owner and Mother

Now, as both a business owner and a mother, I am constantly trying to find that balance between sharing enough to connect with my audience and keeping the most precious parts of my life private. It’s not always easy. There are moments when I second-guess myself, wondering if I should be sharing more. If my audience needs to see more of my life to truly relate to me. But I also recognize that it’s not all black and white—what feels right today might evolve over time. The boundaries I have now may shift as my perspective changes, and that’s okay. It’s less about rigid rules and more about being aware of what I share online, particularly when it comes to my children. The more I navigate this space, the more I understand that balance isn’t about perfection, but about making intentional choices that align with my values.

I also recognize that my choice isn’t the right one for everyone. Some business owners feel comfortable sharing their families online, and that’s okay. We all get to decide what feels right for us. For me, it means showing up in my business while making an active choice to protect my children’s privacy.

How to Build an Authentic Brand Without Oversharing

If you’re a business owner struggling with how much to share online, know that you can build a strong, engaged brand without putting your entire life on display. Here’s what’s helped me:

Share your perspective, not your entire life. You can talk about your experiences, your lessons, and your journey without revealing deeply personal details.

Set boundaries that feel right for you. Maybe you’re comfortable sharing certain aspects of your life but not others. Define what’s off-limits and stick to it.

Lean into storytelling. You don’t have to share everything to create a real connection. It’s about how you tell your story, not how much of it you reveal. Getting creative with the type of photos you share can also make a difference. Faceless content, candid shots, and unique angles allow you to share visual moments without revealing too much. It’s possible to create meaningful imagery that represents your life and work while still maintaining boundaries that feel comfortable for you.

Focus on value-driven content. Your audience follows you for a reason—whether it’s insights, inspiration, or guidance. They don’t need to know every detail of your life to feel connected to you.

The Freedom of Choosing What Feels Right

I used to worry that I wasn’t sharing enough. Now, I know that I’m sharing what feels right. I show up in a way that aligns with my values, keeps my family safe, and still allows me to connect with my audience in a meaningful way.

The truth is, what feels right for me may not be what’s right for someone else—and that’s okay. We each get to make that choice. For me, that choice means being able to share my personal life without needing to post about my marriage or my children. The best parts of my life are kept just for us.

If you’ve ever struggled with the balance of sharing and privacy as an entrepreneur, just know—you don’t have to share it all to be authentic. You get to decide what feels good, what aligns with your values, and what works for you.

For the longest time, I thought perfection was the goal. That if I could just get things right—the perfect caption, the perfect website, the perfect offer—then everything else would fall into place. But you know what I’ve learned? Perfection is a trap. It keeps us from starting, from growing, and from fully enjoying the process of building something we love.

I know I’m not alone in this. So many entrepreneurs get stuck in the loop of tweaking, refining, and second-guessing—so much so that they never actually show up. And I get it. It’s scary to put yourself out there when it’s not just right. But here’s the truth: your audience isn’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for you—the real, messy, behind-the-scenes version of you.

And that’s exactly why this year, I’m choosing to embrace progress over perfection. Here’s why you should too.

Perfectionism Holds You Back More Than It Moves You Forward

How many times have you stopped yourself from posting, launching, or sharing something because it wasn’t ready? Because you weren’t sure if it was polished enough, if it would resonate, if it would be good enough?

Perfectionism tricks us into believing that we need to wait until we have it all figured out before we take action. But the reality? Nothing gets better without action.

Think about your favorite brands, the people you admire, or the businesses you support. Are they perfect? No. But they’re consistent. They show up, they keep going, and they build trust because they don’t let perfection keep them on the sidelines.

Your Audience Wants the Real You

A while back, I ran a poll asking my audience what they preferred to see from me—polished, curated content or raw, behind-the-scenes moments. And you know what? The overwhelming majority wanted the real stuff. The messy middle. The work in progress. The honest moments.

Because that’s what makes us relatable.

We don’t connect with perfection; we connect with real people. And as much as we like to believe that showing up “perfectly” will make us more successful, it’s actually the opposite. People want to see the process, the struggles, the journey—because it makes them feel like they’re not alone in theirs.

This Year, I’m Showing Up More (Even When It Feels Vulnerable)

One of my biggest goals this year is to share more of the in-between moments—the unpolished, unfiltered parts of my journey. Not because I have it all figured out, but because I don’t. And I want to remind myself (and you) that that’s okay.

My real life is far from perfect. I’m balancing motherhood, homeschooling four kids, running a business, and helping other entrepreneurs build theirs. Some days, it feels like a lot. And if I let perfection get in the way, I’d probably never post again.

But I started this business because I love what I do. And I refuse to let the need to get it just right take away from the joy of sharing, creating, and connecting.

So, let this be your reminder: Your audience isn’t waiting for you to be perfect. They’re just waiting for you to show up.

Let’s Ditch Perfection Together

If you’ve been holding yourself back, waiting for the right moment, the perfect design, the flawless version of what you want to create—I want you to let that go. Because done is better than perfect. And showing up will always matter more than waiting for the stars to align.

This is your permission slip to start now, share now, and trust that you’ll get better as you go. Because you will.

Sixteen years ago, when my daughter came into the world, I made a decision that would shape my life forever: I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. It wasn’t a glamorous dream or a grand career plan—it was a deep, heartfelt wish to be present for her first steps, her first words, and all the little moments in between.

Back then, we didn’t have much. My husband worked full-time to make sure I could stay home with her, and I did what I could to bring in a little extra money from home. I wasn’t chasing millions or dreaming of running a big business. I was simply trying to find a way to contribute while keeping my family at the center of everything.

I had no idea, in those early days, that the small steps I was taking would eventually turn into a business that would change our lives. And I had no clue that my desire to put family first would become the foundation of everything I built.

The Early Days: Building a Business with a Baby on My Hip

I started my business during nap times and late nights. It was slow at first—small orders, little wins here and there. But every little bit helped. My husband and I were a team, figuring it out together. He worked long hours at his job, and I worked at home, juggling diapers, dishes, and deadlines. Even today, I’m writing this article with a toddler on my lap.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, times when I wondered if I was doing enough. But every time I questioned myself, I looked at my daughter and reminded myself why I was doing it. I wasn’t building a business to get rich or to impress anyone—I was building a business to support the life we wanted.

And slowly but surely, it grew.

When the Business Took Off (and Life Changed Again)

When my business finally took off, it gave us something we never expected: freedom.

It allowed my husband to quit his job and pursue his own passions. It allowed us to travel as a family, to explore the world together. It gave us the flexibility to homeschool our children and design a life that aligned with our dreams.

Some years, that looked like living barefoot in Hawaii. Today, it looks like raising our kids on a farm in the countryside of New England. Each chapter has been different, but the common thread has always been this: our business supports our life, not the other way around.

Balancing Business and Motherhood

Being a mom is the most important job I have. It always has been, and it always will be. But running a business while homeschooling four kids isn’t exactly a walk in the park—especially when two of those kids are high-energy boys, ages five and four.

Some days, it feels impossible to get everything done. There are messes to clean, meals to make, lessons to teach, and work to do. And I’ll be honest—there are days when I feel like I’m falling behind in my business.

But I remind myself of this: my kids will only be this little for a short time.

These moments—sitting around our big dining room table, cooking meals together, reading stories before bed—are moments I’ll never get back.

Having two older kids, now 16 and 12, is a daily reminder of how quickly these years fly by. One day, the house will be quieter. The table won’t be as full. And when that day comes, I want to look back and know that I was fully present for this chapter of my life. There will be plenty of years to work harder in my business.

Giving Myself Grace to Move at My Own Pace

In the early years of my business, I moved fast. I was driven by the excitement of growth and the thrill of new opportunities. But as my family grew, I realized that pace wasn’t sustainable.

Now, I give myself grace to slow down when I need to. I remind myself that it’s okay if my business doesn’t grow as quickly as it used to. It’s okay if I’m not launching new products every month or hitting every goal on my list.

Because the truth is, I’m doing something remarkable—I’m running a business while raising four kids.

Designing a Life That Aligns with Our Values

One of the greatest gifts our business has given us is the ability to design a life that aligns with our values. Homeschooling, for example, wasn’t something we planned from the start. But as our business grew, it became a natural choice for us. It gave us the freedom to spend more time together as a family and to teach our kids in a way that feels right for us.

And while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been worth it.

I think back to those early days, sitting at that dining room table (though it was in a different house back then), dreaming about what life could be. I couldn’t have imagined then what our life would look like now. But I’m so grateful for the choices we made—to put family first, to build a business that supports our life, and to embrace the freedom that comes with working for ourselves.

Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future

Even though I’ve been running my business for over 16 years, I still feel like I’m just getting started. There’s so much more I want to do, so many people I want to help, so many more business ideas I want to build with my husband, and so many dreams I want to chase.

But I know that the foundation of everything I do will always be this: my family comes first.

I’ve made a pretty amazing income doing what I love over the years. I’ve helped hundreds of other entrepreneurs. I’ve built a life that allows me to work from home, raise my kids, and be fully present for the moments that matter most. And I can only imagine what I’ll get done in the future, once these wild toddler years settle down.

For now, though, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be—running a business, running after toddlers, raising my kids, and building a life that puts family first.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: Your business should be a tool that enhances your life, not something that takes over it.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, to feel like you’re never doing enough, to compare your journey to others. But at the end of the day, what matters most is the life you’re building and the moments you’re creating at home.

So, give yourself grace. Move at your own pace. And remember that it’s okay to prioritize your family, your well-being, and your values.

What if I told you that the key to unlocking your business’s fullest potential isn’t in your town, but in the limitless expanse of the world? Curious? Let me explain…

Isn’t it just fascinating to think about how the entire world, with all its incredible diversity and opportunities, could actually fit right in the palm of your hand? And I mean this quite literally, especially when it comes to the realm of business. Oftentimes, in the initial stages of building our dreams, we limit ourselves to the familiar spaces around us.

But what if we allowed ourselves to dream a little bigger?

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, back to the days when my universe was as small and charming as the quaint town I lived in. I found my joy in capturing the simple, heartfelt motherhood moments with my camera, soaking in the happiness it brought to my soul. Yet, I could sense the limitations of my small-town surroundings, as charming as they were. There’s something truly special about knowing your town like the back of your hand, but sometimes our dreams need a little more room to stretch and grow.

It wasn’t about feeling unappreciative; it was about giving myself permission to dream without limits.

My moment of clarity was simple and sweet: Why limit my dreams when the world is so vast and full of opportunities?

By extending my reach just a little—about a 4-hour radius, which was a step not many local photographers were taking—I opened up a world of new connections, stories, and adventures. I found people who valued my work, which in turn, allowed my business to blossom and thrive.

Yet, this was just the beginning of the journey.

Venturing into the digital and passive income world was like uncovering a hidden gem. All of a sudden, my little local business had the potential to reach every corner of the globe. And before I knew it, I had clients from all around the world.

This adventure was more than just a business expansion; it was a journey of personal growth and discovery. It was a realization that the only limits that existed were the ones I had set for myself.

I won’t pretend it was easy. It required diligence, a readiness to let go of old habits and learn new ones, and a whole lot of courage. But to see my business flourish without any geographical bounds and to connect with people from all walks of life? It was nothing short of magical.

This journey reshaped not just my business, but my life, and gave my family the freedom to choose our home out of love, not necessity, creating the life we always dreamed of. Some years that looked like living in Hawaii. Others it meant traveling full time as a family around the country in our RV. Today? It looks like slowing down and living in our beautiful 1780s New England home and enjoying all that comes with the seasons.

So, if you ever find yourself feeling boxed in by your surroundings, remember this: the world is a beautiful, vast place, full of endless possibilities. You deserve to dream big, beyond the limits of where you are now.

If you haven’t already, consider creating a digital product or service that can reach people all over the world. It has the potential to not only transform your income but also your life in the most beautiful ways.

It’s about so much more than the financial benefits (though, let’s be honest, earning passively from doing something you love is quite the dream). It’s about the freedom that comes with breaking free from limitations, the joy of connecting with people across the globe, and the beauty of living a life without borders.

And the rewards? They are truly priceless, woven from the lessons learned, the incredible experiences had, and the deep connections formed.

Most importantly, it’s about discovering the untapped potential that lies within you.

Your business and your dreams have the right to be boundless. Embrace the world of possibilities out there, and you might just find paths you never thought possible.

You might be wondering how to use pre-written Instagram captions for your business and if it’s possible to really create captions that work for your business. One of the most common questions I get from customers is: “Exactly how easy is it for me to tailor your Instagram captions to my business?”. That’s what one of my clients, Elise wanted to know, too.

But look what she has to say about using Wordsmith now:

“So happy I saw this on Pinterest! This whole platform is phenomenal, and the Instagram captions that come with it are so well done. I thought it would end up being short captions, but these captions are so much more than that. Plus, they are super easy to customize. I just started using it and already have planned out a whole month of content. (something that would typically take me more than a week to complete!) If you’re thinking about signing up – do it! “

Reviews like this are why I love what I love offering this membership so much.

Let me show you how it works. You might get an Instagram caption like this one:

Pre-Written Instagram Caption Example:

“[Insert product or service/feature] is one of my very favorites. Why? Well, because [insert details of why you love helping clients with this product or service]!

As one recent [client/customer] said in a review, [insert some kind words from a review specific to this product.]

If you’re been interested in [Buying/hiring] then be sure to click the link in my bio to learn more!”

And here are three examples of how three very different companies could customize it to make it perfectly suit their business:

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Using Personal Tone/ Selling Service

Motherhood portrait sessions are one of my very favorites. Why? It allows me to document mothers with their little ones and create keepsake portraits they get to look back on for a lifetime.

As one recent client said in a review, “I will cherish these portraits forever. The way you captured us on film will forever be one of the greatest gifts. I’m not often in photos, and I love that I have so many beautiful photos together.”

If you’ve been interested in booking a session with me, then be sure to click the link in my bio to learn more!

SOLLY BABY WRAP

Using Business Tone/ Selling Product

Our original Baby Wrap is one of our very favorites. Why? Well, because it lets mothers enjoy hands-free babywearing in our buttery soft fabric while increasing connection and reducing infant crying.

As one recent customer said in a review, “I absolutely LOVE this wrap! So happy with the purchase. It’s so soft and holds my infant in place snug. I can get so much done around the house while comforting my little one.”

If you’ve been interested in buying one for you and your little one, then be sure to click the link in our bio to get 30% off your next order!

And one last caption for fun. As I’m sitting at my desk sipping on my Athletic Greens, why not use them as an example?

ATHLETIC GREENS

Business Tone + Selling Subscription

AG1 is our subscribers favorite. Why? Because with 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced nutrients in one convenient daily serving. One scoop, 8 ounces of water. It’s all you really need!

As one recent customer said in a review, “I am thrilled with your product. I enjoy taking it every morning. Part of my new routine for my health and energy. So pleased that my physician recommended it.”

If you’ve been interested in buying AG1 then click the link in our bio to learn more and get your first scoop of Athletic Greens. Join the movement #LiveAG1

See just how simple this one Instagram caption was to customize? 

Best of all, each customized caption turned out to be unique. One of the biggest misconceptions about pre-written captions is that everyone will be posting the same captions. This is why I created captions that are easy to customize to who you are and what you have to offer. Therefore, no two people will end up posting the same caption. 

PRE-WRITTEN INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS

Each caption is here to help you talk about who you are and what you have to offer and is incredibly easy to customize. 

It’s important that I make this process as easy as possible for you because I want to help save you hours and improve your social media game without all of the frustration and anxiety you have writing posts alone.

Ready to learn a little more on how to customize these captions? 

I’ve written a short, 5-minute article outlining the step-by-step approach you can take to easily customize our captions to fit your business that goes into a little more detail on using the right tone.

But if you’re an action taker ready to jump right in and give the Wordsmith membership a try, sign up today to get your free trial started HERE. Or head on over to the Wordsmith page to learn more about what you can expect. 

You’ll get instant access to hundreds of professionally written Instagram captions you can use for your business + a social media marketing strategy built directly into the monthly content planner.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FREE LIGHTROOM MOBILE PRESETS

If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you know it all started in the photography industry for me. My passion for documenting motherhood. Developing tools to help me with my post-processing has always been something I love to do. Being able to share these tools with all of you just makes it that much more fun.

Over the years, I’ve released over 20 Lightroom Preset Collections that are used by thousands of photographers around the world. I’ve shared a few sample presets in the past, and am so excited to make a special post for these presets. I get so many emails asking about this freebie and hope that this makes it a lot easier to find!

If you’ve been looking for some beautiful presets to try, you’re going to want to download these presets. They come with both Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC, and Mobile presets. These presets will give you a little taste of what you can expect from our professional Lightroom presets. You can view all those preset collections HERE.

Regardless of where you are in your photography journey, using presets can help bring your dream vision to life. For years I struggled with my work. Not because the original image was bad. I just didn’t know what kind of adjustments I needed to make to get my desired style. Once you start using presets that work, you’ll save yourself so much time. You’ll create beautiful consistent work that’s a reflection of your style.

All our larger collections come with 40 presets total, giving you a ton of options. My goal with presets has always been to create presets that are easy to use and work with a simple click of a button. Each collection has been created with a specific purpose. From real photography sessions. Making them incredibly easy to use for photographers.

Enjoy your new free Lightroom Mobile presets!

DOWNLOAD FREE PRESETS

P.S. Know some photographers or creatives that would love to get some free presets? Share this article with them!

Ready to view all our preset collections? CLICK HERE.

Don’t forget to join my newsletter to be the first to get any new freebies released!