Y’all, I’m beyond excited to share this episode with you! I sat down with my friend Stevee, an incredible photographer who’s navigated the wild journey from being a stay-at-home mom to running a thriving photography business. Get ready for some real talk about identity, mom guilt, and finding yourself again after babies!
The Spark That Started It All
Picture this: A fresh mom with a preemie baby, contemplating her next move. Stevie had dreams of being a National Geographic photographer (how cool is that?!) before life took her down a different path. But sometimes, the most beautiful journeys start with a simple “yes” to a friend asking for family photos at Frontier Park. That single session lit a spark that would change everything!
The Reality of Working From Home with Littles
Let me tell you – Stevee keeps it SO real about trying to work with kiddos around! She shared how she finally hired a helper to occupy her boys so she could actually complete a task without hearing “Mom!” every two minutes. (If you know, you know! 😅)
Breaking Free from the “Perfect Mom” Trap
Here’s the truth bomb Stevie dropped that hit home: “You have to get out of the mindset that taking care of yourself means you love your kids any less.” PREACH! 👏
We had such a great conversation about:
- Setting boundaries with clients (hello, “I’ll respond when I’m back at my desk!”)
- Finding your village of supportive mama friends
- The importance of having a partner who truly partners
- Why self-care isn’t selfish (even if it means taking that girls’ trip to Vegas!)
The Evolution of Identity
Something that really stood out was how Stevee described looking in the mirror and not recognizing herself – not just physically, but emotionally. It’s that raw, real moment so many of us face after becoming moms. But here’s the beautiful part: she decided to make a change, starting with small steps like going to the gym and reclaiming her love of reading.
A Message for the Mama Reading This
If you’re in those early years feeling lost in the sauce of motherhood, know this: it’s okay to take time to find yourself again. As Stevee perfectly put it, “It’s not a 50-50 balance – sometimes your family needs 90% of you, and sometimes your work does. It ebbs and flows.”
Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, already running one, or just trying to find yourself in the midst of motherhood – you’re doing amazing, mama! Your journey might look different than you planned (Stevie’s sure did!), but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
Want to connect with Stevie? Find her on Instagram @Steveeelchynskiphoto
Remember, your identity isn’t lost – it’s evolving. And that’s exactly how it should be. 💕
Takeaways:
- Stevie’s journey into photography started as a passion in high school and evolved over time.
- After becoming a mother, she struggled with the decision to return to teaching versus pursuing photography.
- The importance of a supportive partner is crucial for a working mom’s mental health and business success.
- Creating a schedule helps Stevie balance her work and family life effectively with her children.
- Stevie highlights that self-care is essential for moms to maintain happiness and fulfillment.
- Finding a community of supportive friends can make a significant difference in motherhood and work-life balance.
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