Introduction

In this episode of Baby, Bump, & Business, host Bee Trofort-Wilson speaks with her twin sister Brittni Johnson about the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Brittni shares her journey of starting her business inspired by her experiences as a mother, particularly focusing on mental health and self-advocacy. They discuss the F.A.R. method (Feel. Affirm. Reset.) that Brittni developed to help individuals understand their emotions and advocate for themselves, especially in the context of motherhood and healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the importance of having a birth plan, balancing motherhood with business, and addressing feelings as a creative. Brittni encourages listeners to embrace their imperfections and take the time they need to navigate their unique journeys.

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

  • Brittni’s business was inspired by her experiences in motherhood.
  • The F.A.R. method helps individuals identify and express their feelings.
  • Self-advocacy is crucial for mothers, especially in healthcare settings.
  • Having a birth plan can significantly impact the delivery experience.
  • Embracing imperfections can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
  • Understanding emotions is key to effective communication and decision-making.
  • Brittni emphasizes the importance of tracking feelings over time.
  • Creatives should reflect on how their work makes them feel.

Guest Bio

With over ten years of experience in education, Brittni Johnson is passionate about creating transformative learning environments that inspire and empower individuals, teams, and leaders, to reach their full potential. Her core competencies include fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and excellence, building and refining systems, leveraging technology and innovative methods, building relationships based on trust, respect, and transparency, and collaborating with key partners to achieve meaningful change. Brittni is also skilled in analyzing data and trends, crafting reports and recommendations, and designing and implementing evidence-based practices and policies. As a change agent educator and a mental health advocate, she is committed to helping people recognize and grow their skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s ever-changing world.

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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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