Baby, Bump, & Business

Introduction

In this episode of Baby Bump and Business, host Bee Trofort-Wilson speaks with Drea Nicole, a successful photographer and entrepreneur, about the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood and running a business. Drea shares her journey from being a single mom to building her brand, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, delegation, and faith. The conversation highlights the realities of parenting while pursuing a career, the necessity of support systems, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

• YouTube
• Spotify
• Amazon
• Link

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 39:24
2. Survived Pregnancy Loss, Postpartum Depression & Built a Thriving Business 41:25
3. The Hidden Cost of Business 41:04
4. Unexpected Disruption That Changed My Business and Motherhood Forever 41:29
5. Letting Go of Control in Motherhood & Business 26:17

Key Takeaways

• Balance is consistently changing and requires daily adjustments.
• It’s important to let go of control and delegate tasks.
• Having an assistant can significantly ease the workload.
• Motherhood and entrepreneurship can coexist beautifully.
• Faith plays a crucial role in navigating challenges.
• Creating a supportive work environment is essential.
• Understanding your child’s behavior is key when bringing them to work.
• It’s okay to bring your kids to work if managed well.
• Every parent has a unique story of balancing work and family.
• Give yourself grace during the transition into motherhood.

Guest Bio

Drea Nicole is a cutting edge businesswoman and photographic artist. In just a few short years, Drea has made an indelible impact in the industry with her distinctive approach to capturing photos that masterfully tell stories. Drea’s career consists of a wide range of clientele and projects—all of which reflect the depth of her talent and prowess. Her roster of clients include the likes of Tyra Banks, Usher, Fantasia, Wale, Michelle Williams, Sarah Jakes-Roberts, and Chandler Moore of Maverick City Music. She has also shot various campaigns for Steve Madden, Oil of Olay, Ivy Park, Life Cereal, and many more. In 2022, Drea shot the cover of the prestigious magazines, Essence and Jet. 

More than a photographer, Drea is also the creator and owner of Rebel Home—a collection of luxury home essentials. The collection includes candles, room sprays, body butters and more. She is also the creator of two digital magazines, Rebel Lifestyle and Rebel Kids. The entire Rebel brand is an ode to culture disruptors and trendsetters. In 2023, Drea became the co-founder of “My Brand Is Black”, a movement and marketplace that uplifts Black owned businesses. MBIB is an innovative means to elevate the exposure of black owned businesses by curating local popup shops that feature a wide range of goods. The popups have been highly successful, accomplishing the main goal: to generate visibility and value for black businesses. Additionally, Drea is a dedicated mentor to other aspiring photographers and creatives. 

Resources

• Instagram
• Website

Don’t Forget

• Subscribe to the podcast.
• Join our email list.
• Follow us on Instagram @babybumpandbusiness
• Share with another mompreneur!