Balancing Motherhood and a Career in Sports (Podcast Ep. 8)

Introduction

In this conversation, Bee and NFL Photographer Kara Durrette discuss the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a demanding career in sports photography. They explore the emotional journey of pregnancy, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of support systems for women in the industry. Kara shares her personal experiences, including navigating maternity leave, dealing with loss, and the adjustments required when transitioning to being a mother of two. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to pursue their dreams while also embracing their roles as mothers, highlighting the importance of self-identity and support from family and peers.

Letting Go of Control in Motherhood & Business Baby, Bump, & Business

Most entrepreneurs shy away from building systems that give them freedom—until motherhood forces the breakthrough. Ricci Taylor, founder of Everly Design Co., shares how she restructured her business to prioritize her family without sacrificing growth or sanity. Her story will inspire you to embrace messy boundaries, delegate confidently, and trust your instincts when it matters most. In this powerful conversation, Ricci candidly reveals how motherhood transformed her perspective on success and home design. You’ll discover how she navigated the emotional rollercoaster of IVF while running a thriving business, and the strategic shifts she made to step away and truly be present with her daughter. This episode isn’t just about business—it’s about redefining what’s possible when you lead with intention and authenticity. We break down: the importance of infrastructuring your team so you can delegate with trust, how to set boundaries that protect your energy, and the mental health lessons learned in the chaos. Ricci discusses her journey through fertility treatments, the guilt that often shadows entrepreneurship and motherhood, and her honest advice for women facing similar challenges. Her vulnerability creates a roadmap for building resilient systems that serve your growth AND your well-being. Why does this matter? Because the cost of not creating boundaries and systems is burnout, missed moments, and a diluted sense of self. The opportunity lies in transforming chaos into clarity—building a business and life that reflect your true priorities. If you’re a creative mom juggling dreams and diapers, this episode will inspire you to lean into the mess, trust your process, and build a legacy worthy of your efforts. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurial moms, creative business owners, and anyone navigating the complex layers of fertility, family, and fulfillment. Ricci Taylor offers practical insights wrapped in heartfelt vulnerability—a reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone, and your best work begins when you give yourself grace.
  1. Letting Go of Control in Motherhood & Business
  2. Built a Multi-Industry Business While Navigating Motherhood
  3. I Left My Nike Job With Kids at Home — Now I Shoot NBA Stars
  4. Building A Family Legacy In Photography
  5. "Help Is NOT a Suggestion": How Joshua & His Wife Built a 16-Year Photography Empire as Partners

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t stop chasing your dream just because your life is evolving.
  • You can be a hot mess and a good mom.
  • Make the moments that you’re there matter.
  • Your title is borrowed; don’t make it your entire self.
  • You can be more than one thing.

Guest Bio

Kara Durrette is a working mother with two boys – nine and four. She work full-time at their school in Raleigh, NC, as a marketing professional and also works on the NFL Focus team as a professional sports photographer. She has spent 12 seasons covering the NFL, including one “normal” season pregnant and the Covid season pregnant!

Resources

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Whether you’re expecting, a new mom, or a seasoned entrepreneur, this podcast will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered to thrive in both motherhood and business.

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Letting Go of Control in Motherhood & Business Baby, Bump, & Business

Most entrepreneurs shy away from building systems that give them freedom—until motherhood forces the breakthrough. Ricci Taylor, founder of Everly Design Co., shares how she restructured her business to prioritize her family without sacrificing growth or sanity. Her story will inspire you to embrace messy boundaries, delegate confidently, and trust your instincts when it matters most. In this powerful conversation, Ricci candidly reveals how motherhood transformed her perspective on success and home design. You’ll discover how she navigated the emotional rollercoaster of IVF while running a thriving business, and the strategic shifts she made to step away and truly be present with her daughter. This episode isn’t just about business—it’s about redefining what’s possible when you lead with intention and authenticity. We break down: the importance of infrastructuring your team so you can delegate with trust, how to set boundaries that protect your energy, and the mental health lessons learned in the chaos. Ricci discusses her journey through fertility treatments, the guilt that often shadows entrepreneurship and motherhood, and her honest advice for women facing similar challenges. Her vulnerability creates a roadmap for building resilient systems that serve your growth AND your well-being. Why does this matter? Because the cost of not creating boundaries and systems is burnout, missed moments, and a diluted sense of self. The opportunity lies in transforming chaos into clarity—building a business and life that reflect your true priorities. If you’re a creative mom juggling dreams and diapers, this episode will inspire you to lean into the mess, trust your process, and build a legacy worthy of your efforts. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurial moms, creative business owners, and anyone navigating the complex layers of fertility, family, and fulfillment. Ricci Taylor offers practical insights wrapped in heartfelt vulnerability—a reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone, and your best work begins when you give yourself grace.
  1. Letting Go of Control in Motherhood & Business
  2. Built a Multi-Industry Business While Navigating Motherhood
  3. I Left My Nike Job With Kids at Home — Now I Shoot NBA Stars
  4. Building A Family Legacy In Photography
  5. "Help Is NOT a Suggestion": How Joshua & His Wife Built a 16-Year Photography Empire as Partners