Baby, Bump, & Business

Setting Strict Boundaries (Podcast Ep. 10)

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Introduction

In this episode of Baby, Bump, and Business, host Bee Trofort-Wilson speaks with Audrey Woulard, a Chicago-based portrait photographer and Nikon USA ambassador. They discuss Audrey’s journey from a corporate job to entrepreneurship during motherhood, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the importance of setting boundaries. Audrey shares her insights on creating a structured schedule, the significance of family time, and how to navigate opportunities without sacrificing personal commitments. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-worth and the value of preserving memories in family life.

What Infertility, Miscarriage, and Burnout Taught Me About Slowing Down – Baby, Bump, & Business

Motherhood does not have to kill your creative career. Stephanie Brown shows how she built an art practice, a coaching business, and a healthier relationship with success without burning herself out. If you are a creative mom, entrepreneur, or high-achiever trying to make room for a baby and a brand, this conversation will hit close to home. Bee welcomes Atlanta-based photographer and interdisciplinary artist Stephanie Brown, whose work spans interactive installation art, education, and creative business coaching. Stephanie opens up about moving beyond traditional photography, designing art people can physically engage with, and using psychology, education theory, and play to create work that sticks. But the conversation goes far deeper than art. You will hear how Stephanie financed her practice with project management and operations work, why she shifted from “I have to make the sale” to building sustainable revenue through speaking and coaching, and how a fertility check, family loss, and a miscarriage changed the way she thought about timing, planning, and motherhood. She also breaks down the hard truth behind workaholism, the panic attack that forced her to slow down, and the unlearning required when your self-worth has always been tied to productivity. We break down: – how Stephanie turned her background in operations into a service arm that funds her art – why she chose an interdisciplinary path and what interactive installation adds to her work – the reality of conceiving while juggling remote work, a business, and emotional burnout – how she redefined planning, downtime, and asking for help – what it really takes to protect your energy while building a life and business around a child Stephanie also gets real about parenting a toddler while running a business, navigating childcare costs, and creating a family rhythm that supports both her son and her ambitions. Her perspective is a reminder that the goal is not to do everything perfectly – it is to build a life that can hold your creativity, your family, and your capacity. Essential listening if you are trying to grow a business, protect your peace, and figure out how to become a parent without disappearing in the process. Stephanie Brown is an Atlanta-based photographer and interactive installation artist, as well as the host of In Between Artists, a podcast focused on sustainable creative careers. Her work explores identity, access, and the lived experience of people of African descent, while her coaching helps creatives build strategic, sustainable businesses. Links to Stephanie: http://www.instagram.com/createdbrown http://www.instagram.com/stephaniesquared_ http://www.stephaniebphotos.com http://www.stephaniesquared.com
  1. What Infertility, Miscarriage, and Burnout Taught Me About Slowing Down
  2. Survived Pregnancy Loss, Postpartum Depression & Built a Thriving Business
  3. The Hidden Cost of Business
  4. Unexpected Disruption That Changed My Business and Motherhood Forever
  5. Letting Go of Control in Motherhood & Business

Key Takeaways

  • Audrey transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship after feeling overwhelmed as a working mom.
  • She emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from business decisions.
  • Setting strict boundaries is crucial for maintaining work-life balance.
  • Family time should always take precedence over business opportunities.
  • Moms should not feel guilty about prioritizing family over work.
  • The more accessible you are, the less desirable you become in business.
  • Preserving family memories is essential, especially during pregnancy and early motherhood.
  • Boundaries should be established without the need for excessive explanation.

Guest Bio

Chicago-based photographer Audrey Woulard has been a driving force in the portrait world for over 20 years, gaining international recognition for her work with teens and families. Widely known for her unique style, Audrey regularly draws standing-room-only crowds at major industry events like Imaging and WPPI, where photographers are eager to learn her techniques. As a Nikon USA Ambassador, Audrey is among the elite in her field. She’s also frequently commissioned for high-profile commercial work, with her images featured in campaigns for brands like Pottery Barn and IAM’s pet food. Her work has been published in People Magazine, InStyle, Better Homes and Gardens, and on the covers of Professional Photographer Magazine and Senior Style Guide.Audrey shares her knowledge through her renowned Light Exposed Workshops, where photographers from around the world learn her approach to lighting and portraiture. In 2021, she received the Vanguard Award from Professional Photographers of America, recognizing her lasting impact on the industry.

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What Infertility, Miscarriage, and Burnout Taught Me About Slowing Down – Baby, Bump, & Business

Motherhood does not have to kill your creative career. Stephanie Brown shows how she built an art practice, a coaching business, and a healthier relationship with success without burning herself out. If you are a creative mom, entrepreneur, or high-achiever trying to make room for a baby and a brand, this conversation will hit close to home. Bee welcomes Atlanta-based photographer and interdisciplinary artist Stephanie Brown, whose work spans interactive installation art, education, and creative business coaching. Stephanie opens up about moving beyond traditional photography, designing art people can physically engage with, and using psychology, education theory, and play to create work that sticks. But the conversation goes far deeper than art. You will hear how Stephanie financed her practice with project management and operations work, why she shifted from “I have to make the sale” to building sustainable revenue through speaking and coaching, and how a fertility check, family loss, and a miscarriage changed the way she thought about timing, planning, and motherhood. She also breaks down the hard truth behind workaholism, the panic attack that forced her to slow down, and the unlearning required when your self-worth has always been tied to productivity. We break down: – how Stephanie turned her background in operations into a service arm that funds her art – why she chose an interdisciplinary path and what interactive installation adds to her work – the reality of conceiving while juggling remote work, a business, and emotional burnout – how she redefined planning, downtime, and asking for help – what it really takes to protect your energy while building a life and business around a child Stephanie also gets real about parenting a toddler while running a business, navigating childcare costs, and creating a family rhythm that supports both her son and her ambitions. Her perspective is a reminder that the goal is not to do everything perfectly – it is to build a life that can hold your creativity, your family, and your capacity. Essential listening if you are trying to grow a business, protect your peace, and figure out how to become a parent without disappearing in the process. Stephanie Brown is an Atlanta-based photographer and interactive installation artist, as well as the host of In Between Artists, a podcast focused on sustainable creative careers. Her work explores identity, access, and the lived experience of people of African descent, while her coaching helps creatives build strategic, sustainable businesses. Links to Stephanie: www.instagram.com/createdbrown www.instagram.com/stephaniesquared_ www.stephaniebphotos.com www.stephaniesquared.com
  1. What Infertility, Miscarriage, and Burnout Taught Me About Slowing Down
  2. Survived Pregnancy Loss, Postpartum Depression & Built a Thriving Business
  3. The Hidden Cost of Business
  4. Unexpected Disruption That Changed My Business and Motherhood Forever
  5. Letting Go of Control in Motherhood & Business

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