Baby, Bump, & Business

Juggling Mom Life and Entrepreneurship (Podcast Ep. 23)

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Introduction

In this episode of Baby, Bump & Business, host Bee sits down with Danielle Villaran, a creative mom and photographer, to talk about the realities of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.

They dive into the challenges of running a photography business while navigating pregnancy, postpartum changes, and the evolving demands of motherhood. Danielle shares her journey from wedding photography to family-focused work, and how mentorship, community, and support systems played a key role in her growth.

This conversation also explores the mindset shifts required as a mom entrepreneur—from learning to set boundaries and say no, to building a flexible schedule that supports both business and family life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How to balance motherhood and running a creative business
  • The importance of mentorship in creative careers
  • Transitioning your photography niche as your life evolves
  • Setting boundaries and prioritizing what matters most
  • Creating meaningful family moments through photography

Whether you’re a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or mom building a business, this episode offers real insights and practical advice to help you navigate both worlds with intention.

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

  • Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping creative careers.
  • Transitioning from weddings to family photography can be fulfilling.
  • Pregnancy requires adjustments in business operations and personal priorities.
  • Saying no to certain opportunities can lead to better focus on what truly matters.
  • Creating memorable moments with family is a key aspect of photography.
  • Flexibility in scheduling is vital for managing both business and motherhood.
  • Community support is invaluable for new moms navigating their roles.
  • Intentionality in actions and decisions can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Guest Bio

Danielle “Dee” Garone Graduated with Honors from Ringling College of Art and Design with a Bachelors in Fine Arts majoring in Photography and Digital Imaging and minoring in Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture.

Dee has worked with many local and international photographers, and has learned from the best to create a beautiful, fun, and professional style all her very own. After living in Germany for 2 years and returning to her hometown of Miami, she went out on her own to bring a new photography experience to anyone who wanted to feel like they were on an adventure instead of a stiff and posed photoshoot.

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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

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