Most freelancers and entrepreneurial parents have never been told: building a family and a thriving career require more than just passion—success hinges on honest conversations and strategic boundaries. Kevin D. Liles, a celebrated Atlanta-based commercial & sports photographer, shares how he navigates the challenges of freelancing, relationship demands, and fatherhood—all while chasing high-stakes assignments for outlets like The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.

In this revealing episode, Kevin opens up about the real costs of doing what you love—balancing hectic travel schedules with family life, negotiating boundaries with partners, and managing the unpredictable ebbs and flows of freelance income. Discover how he handled a pivotal moment when a major assignment clashed with his wedding plans—and how those lessons still shape his everyday approach to work and family. You'll learn practical strategies for setting clear boundaries, communicating effectively with loved ones, and protecting your mental space amidst the chaos of a creative career.

Kevin breaks down the importance of upfront conversations about travel, income fluctuations, and expectations—sharing how steady contracts, like his Atlanta Braves deal, transformed his ability to show up as a present dad and husband. He offers advice for freelancers bracing for the inevitable slow months, emphasizing the necessity of financial planning, intentional scheduling, and embracing the myth of work-life balance. His candid reflections on the psychological toll of constant availability, the urgency driven by notifications, and the art of saying “this is not an emergency” inspire us all to be more intentional.

Whether you’re a creative parent juggling unpredictable gigs, or an entrepreneur yearning for harmony between ambition and family, this episode delivers the honest insights and pragmatic tools needed to thrive without sacrificing your well-being or your loved ones. Perfect for freelancers, parents in the hustle, and anyone craving authentic strategies for balancing purpose and presence.

Most entrepreneurs believe they can't succeed in business while also prioritizing family — until they hear Joshua Dwain's story. He and his wife built a thriving photography business together for over 16 years, seamlessly transitioning from partners in love to partners in entrepreneurship, all while navigating the complexities of fatherhood, medical challenges, and balancing their passions.

In this deeply honest conversation, Joshua shares how their relationship evolved naturally, revealing the importance of open communication, intentional boundaries, and community support. He discusses building a business alongside his wife, overcoming tough medical hurdles to grow their family, and maintaining their union amid the chaos of entrepreneurship and parenthood.

You'll discover:

- How to turn your partnership into a business advantage without sacrificing intimacy

- The real challenges and rewards of working with your spouse and the importance of shared vision

- Practical tips for supporting your partner through medical crises and life's unexpected twists

- How fatherhood shifts your perspective on money, time, and priorities in entrepreneurship

- Why "help is not a suggestion, it's a requirement" — and how embracing support transforms your marriage and business

This episode is perfect for creative dads, entrepreneurial couples, and anyone feeling the pressure to choose between family and their craft. If you're looking for the secrets to building a successful, supportive family business while raising a family, this conversation with Joshua offers actionable wisdom and heartfelt honesty.

Get inspired to embrace your full role — as a creator, partner, and parent — while growing the life and business you desire. Your journey to balancing it all starts here.

Most entrepreneurs struggle with juggling their business ambitions and family life without losing their minds—or their children’s trust. Allen Cooley, a top-tier director and photographer known for working with icons like Magic Johnson, Taraji P. Henson, and more, shares how he navigates fatherhood while building a thriving career. His journey reveals powerful lessons about boundaries, communication, and giving yourself grace amid chaos—and why being intentionally present is the real success.

In this candid conversation, Allen opens up about using the power of planning—like his trusty calendar—to carve out time for his two girls and wife, despite demanding travel schedules. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries around work hours, resisting weekend shoots, and how strategic communication with clients and partners keeps everything running smoothly.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a break or struggling to disconnect after hours, Allen’s insights will inspire you to find balance without sacrifice. You'll discover:

- how Allen’s early days as a slam poet shaped his artistic resilience;

- the role IVF and fatherhood have played in redefining his purpose;

- and practical tips for managing work travel while supporting a family in a city like Atlanta.

He shares the unfiltered truth about navigating fatherhood with tenderness rather than pressure, emphasizing that giving himself grace has been the game-changer—especially for his daughters’ perceptions of men and the world.

This episode is perfect for creative entrepreneurs juggling family, work, and their mental health. If you want real talk on building a legacy while raising confident, kind daughters who see strength in vulnerability, you’ll want to hear Allen’s journey. His story proves that by cultivating intentional space for what truly matters, you can excel professionally and emotionally—without sacrificing either.

Allen Cooley is an Atlanta-based director and photographer celebrated for his influence in entertainment and beauty industries. A father of two, he’s passionate about creating meaningful images and life moments that reflect authenticity and resilience. Whether you're in the midst of building your empire or just starting out, this episode will remind you that grace, communication, and boundaries are your secret weapons for success. Ready to redefine what work-life balance looks like? Hit play now.

While raising 4 kids, an entrepreneur mom turned hustle into a thriving photography studio business — and you can too women.

Most mom entrepreneurs believe balancing newborns, sleepless nights, and building a successful business is impossible. But Kia Bondurant, a 30-year portrait photographer, studio owner, and mom of four, proves it's not only possible — it's empowering.

In this powerful episode of Baby, Bump, & Business, Kia shares her real journey:

- Running a high-volume studio with up to 14 employees while nursing babies between sessions

- Flexible strategies for pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood as a creative entrepreneur

- How to involve your kids in your business and raise them with entrepreneurship

- Overcoming mom guilt, burnout, and overwhelm

- Building a family-centered business that creates confidence, independence, and legacy

Whether you're a photographer, creative business owner, work-from-home mom, or aspiring mompreneur, this conversation delivers practical tips and honest inspiration for thriving in both motherhood and business.

Perfect for:

• Entrepreneur Moms

• Women in Business & Photographers

• Creative Entrepreneurs

• Working Moms seeking better work-life balance

If you're a mom building a business while raising a family, this episode will show you it's possible to have both without sacrificing what matters most. Watch now and get inspired to grow your baby and your brand!

Most creative moms juggle the chaos of motherhood and entrepreneurship, often feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Mazi Smazi, a multidisciplinary artist and new mother, shares her raw, empowering journey of scaling her creative business while navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and building community—often with her daughter right by her side. Her story could change everything you think about balancing motherhood and your passion.

In this episode, Mazi opens up about transitioning from a global dance career to founding Smazi Studios, a visual storytelling powerhouse rooted in culture and self-expression. You’ll discover how she nurtures her craft while managing the unpredictable realities of motherhood—from her surprise six-month pregnancy to integrating her daughter into every shoot and project. Her honesty about the emotional rollercoaster, body changes, and reliance on community offers a blueprint for resilience and authenticity.

Mazi shares actionable insights on setting boundaries, creating flexible workflows, and maintaining your identity as a creative and a mother. We break down practical tips for bringing your child into your work without guilt—from managing client expectations to balancing studio time with quality family moments. You’ll also hear how her journey of surrender and self-love transforms her view on success, impact, and legacy.

This episode is a must-listen for creative moms feeling the pressure to do it all—Mazi’s story reminds us that embracing imperfection, leaning on community, and integrating motherhood into your art can lead to a more fulfilling, authentic life. Her message is clear: your journey isn’t linear, but it’s worth every step.

Mazi Smazi is a visual artist and founder of Smazi Studios, known for her vibrant storytelling that blends dance, culture, and self-expression. Her work spans collaborations with the New York Times, Princess Nokia, and global brands, all rooted in her unwavering dedication to impact and authenticity.

Ready to redefine what it means to be a creative mom? This episode is perfect for entrepreneurial moms, artists, and anyone craving real talk about building a life—and a business—that honors your passions and your family. Tune in now and get inspired to surrender, adapt, and thrive.

In this powerful episode, Kedna Amey shares her journey from nurse to creative entrepreneur while navigating the realities of motherhood, business, and burnout. If you’re a creative mom trying to balance family life, a growing business, and your own well-being, this conversation is for you.

Kedna dives deep into the importance of support systems, structure, and setting boundaries as a mom and entrepreneur. From caring for a baby during covid, to dealing with the emotional highs and lows of motherhood, she opens up about why asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s necessary for survival and success.

You’ll learn how to simplify your life, create systems in your business and home, and protect your time and energy so you can build a sustainable creative business without burnout. Whether you’re a work-from-home mom, building a side hustle, or dreaming of leaving your 9–5, this episode will give you practical strategies and mindset shifts to thrive.

In this inspiring episode of Baby Bump and Business, host Bee chats with Elsie Kibue-Ngare, a Kenyan-British photographer, about the real challenges and rewards of juggling motherhood with a creative career. They dive into topics every mompreneur can relate to: time management, setting boundaries, and building a supportive community.

Elsie opens up about her journey through university as a mother, transitioning to freelance photography, and navigating career changes post-COVID. She shares practical tips on saying no, prioritizing what matters, and leaning on a network of fellow moms and creatives for support.

If you’re a parent pursuing your passions or curious about balancing work, motherhood, and creativity, this episode is packed with advice, motivation, and real-life stories you won’t want to miss.

The heartbreaking yet inspiring story of loss, faith, and resilience—Erica Melissa shares how her darkest moments transformed her approach to photography and motherhood. From losing her first son at just two and a half years old to discovering a rare genetic disease that changed her family’s path, Erica reveals how grief reshaped her purpose in capturing life’s most precious moments. Her journey of healing, trusting God's timing, and turning pain into beauty is a powerful reminder that our stories—no matter how heavy—can inspire others and deepen our craft.

This episode is perfect for creative moms, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating grief and growth. Erica’s vulnerability and wisdom serve as a guide for embracing adversity, trusting the process, and creating meaningful art—both in photography and life.

Erica Melissa is a destination photographer serving Chicago and South Florida, known for capturing stories with intention and heart. Guided by faith, family, and genuine connection, she’s committed to preserving moments that last a lifetime, even through life's toughest seasons.If you're seeking inspiration on how to turn pain into purpose, find balance in motherhood and business, and hold tight to faith in your journey, this episode is your must-listen.

Allow Erica’s story to remind you: your story is your strength, and even in loss, beauty awaits.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on motherhood and entrepreneurship!

https://linktr.ee/babybumpandbusiness