Motherhood + Multiple Creative Businesses: What No One Tells You (Podcast Ep. 22)

Most entrepreneurs are forging their path while navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the chaos of motherhood — and many go unnoticed. Erica Calhoun, a creative powerhouse, media professional, and mother of three, reveals how she built her businesses while managing life’s biggest transitions. From structuring her company to secure health insurance and benefits, to juggling multiple children and demanding careers during a pandemic, Erica shares the raw, unfiltered truth about what it takes to thrive as a mom and a boss.

In this episode, you’ll discover how Erica’s military-style approach—breaking her days into quarters—helped her stay productive amid chaos, and why pouring into a solid foundation is key to scaling while raising a family. She shares her journey of starting businesses while pregnant, navigating COVID alone during her pregnancies, and how she repurposed the mental strength of an athlete for postpartum recovery. Erica recounts the realities of demanding schedules, the importance of asking for help without guilt, and the surprising ways her children are already understanding her entrepreneurial life.

We break down specific strategies Erica used to protect her mental health and maintain her relationships, including the power of honest communication with her partner and nurturing her support network. Her candid advice to women embarking on this journey? Patience, prioritization, and trusting your body’s signals. Whether you’re a creative mom, freelancer, or business owner, Erica’s insights deliver proven tactics for balancing motherhood, health, and hustle — especially during life’s unexpected twists.This episode matters because so many women feel they must choose between their business dreams and family health. Erica’s story proves that with intentional planning, a clear foundation, and a village of support, you can do both—and do it well. Perfect for moms growing a brand, navigating postpartum, or weighing the next step in their entrepreneurial journey, this conversation inspires resilience and practical strategies for building a life and business you love.

Her journey through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and entrepreneurship offers invaluable lessons for women striving to turn their passion into purpose.Whether you’re questioning how to structure your business for family care, balancing multiple children, or managing the mental load of motherhood and hustle, Erica’s experience is a masterclass in resilience and strategic planning. Tune in to learn how she turned life’s chaos into clarity and how you can do the same.


"Work Could've Ruined My Marriage" – Atlanta Braves Photographer on Fatherhood and Freelance Reality Baby, Bump, & Business

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.
  1. "Work Could've Ruined My Marriage" – Atlanta Braves Photographer on Fatherhood and Freelance Reality
  2. From Partners In Love to Partners in Entrepreneurship
  3. Building a Business Without Losing Your Family
  4. While Raising 4 Kids, Mom Created a Successful Business
  5. I was PREGNANT for 6 months and I didn't know

Guest Bio

Erica Calhoun is a media professional, business owner, and mother based in the DMV area. Known for her bold visual storytelling and empowering presence, she runs EC Marketing and Media and Campus Vision Productions, transforming sports and brand visuals while balancing her role as a mom of three. Her journey through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and entrepreneurship offers invaluable lessons for women striving to turn their passion into purpose.

Resources

Don’t Forget

Subscribe to Baby, Bump, & Business for weekly conversations about pregnancy, motherhood, creative entrepreneurship, and building a business while raising a family.

Follow Baby Bump & Business on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/babybumpandbusiness

#momentrepreneur #workingmom #creativeentrepreneur #pregnancyandcareer #momlife #motherhoodandbusiness #creativecareer #workingmomlife

Leave a comment

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.

Let’s connect

"Work Could've Ruined My Marriage" – Atlanta Braves Photographer on Fatherhood and Freelance Reality Baby, Bump, & Business

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.
  1. "Work Could've Ruined My Marriage" – Atlanta Braves Photographer on Fatherhood and Freelance Reality
  2. From Partners In Love to Partners in Entrepreneurship
  3. Building a Business Without Losing Your Family
  4. While Raising 4 Kids, Mom Created a Successful Business
  5. I was PREGNANT for 6 months and I didn't know