Baby, Bump, & Business

Balancing Mom Life and University: My Honest Journey (Podcast Ep. 26)

Published

on

Balancing Mom Life and University: My Honest Journey (Podcast Ep. 26)

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of Baby Bump and Business, host Bee chats with Elsie Kibue-Ngare, a Kenyan-British photographer, about the real challenges and rewards of juggling motherhood with a creative career. They dive into topics every mompreneur can relate to: time management, setting boundaries, and building a supportive community.

Elsie opens up about her journey through university as a mother, transitioning to freelance photography, and navigating career changes post-COVID. She shares practical tips on saying no, prioritizing what matters, and leaning on a network of fellow moms and creatives for support.

If you’re a parent pursuing your passions or curious about balancing work, motherhood, and creativity, this episode is packed with advice, motivation, and real-life stories you won’t want to miss.


Building a Business Without Losing Your Family – Baby, Bump, & Business

Most entrepreneurs struggle with juggling their business ambitions and family life without losing their minds—or their children’s trust. Allen Cooley, a top-tier director and photographer known for working with icons like Magic Johnson, Taraji P. Henson, and more, shares how he navigates fatherhood while building a thriving career. His journey reveals powerful lessons about boundaries, communication, and giving yourself grace amid chaos—and why being intentionally present is the real success. In this candid conversation, Allen opens up about using the power of planning—like his trusty calendar—to carve out time for his two girls and wife, despite demanding travel schedules. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries around work hours, resisting weekend shoots, and how strategic communication with clients and partners keeps everything running smoothly. If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a break or struggling to disconnect after hours, Allen’s insights will inspire you to find balance without sacrifice. You'll discover: – how Allen’s early days as a slam poet shaped his artistic resilience; – the role IVF and fatherhood have played in redefining his purpose; – and practical tips for managing work travel while supporting a family in a city like Atlanta. He shares the unfiltered truth about navigating fatherhood with tenderness rather than pressure, emphasizing that giving himself grace has been the game-changer—especially for his daughters’ perceptions of men and the world. This episode is perfect for creative entrepreneurs juggling family, work, and their mental health. If you want real talk on building a legacy while raising confident, kind daughters who see strength in vulnerability, you’ll want to hear Allen’s journey. His story proves that by cultivating intentional space for what truly matters, you can excel professionally and emotionally—without sacrificing either. Allen Cooley is an Atlanta-based director and photographer celebrated for his influence in entertainment and beauty industries. A father of two, he’s passionate about creating meaningful images and life moments that reflect authenticity and resilience. Whether you're in the midst of building your empire or just starting out, this episode will remind you that grace, communication, and boundaries are your secret weapons for success. Ready to redefine what work-life balance looks like? Hit play now.
  1. Building a Business Without Losing Your Family
  2. While Raising 4 Kids, Mom Created a Successful Business
  3. I was PREGNANT for 6 months and I didn't know
  4. How I Went from Nurse to Creative Mom Entrepreneur
  5. Balancing Mom Life and University: My Honest Journey

Key Takeaways

  • Balancing motherhood and a creative career is challenging.
  • Having a calendar helps manage time effectively.
  • Pursuing education while being a parent requires determination.
  • Freelancing can be difficult with young children.
  • Setting boundaries is essential for mental health.
  • Community support is crucial for creative moms.
  • It’s important to celebrate each other’s successes.
  • Navigating motherhood and career requires constant learning.

Guest Bio

Elsie Kibue-Ngare is a Kenyan-British photographer based in London, UK. Her focus is on portraiture, sports, documentary-style photography and events. She has completed various assignments, and her work has been published in numerous print and online publications, including The BBC, The Scotsman, The Times, The Guardian, and Culture Trip. In addition to her photography work, Elsie is a co-founder of The African Photobook.

Resources

Don’t Forget

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

Building a Business Without Losing Your Family – Baby, Bump, & Business

Most entrepreneurs struggle with juggling their business ambitions and family life without losing their minds—or their children’s trust. Allen Cooley, a top-tier director and photographer known for working with icons like Magic Johnson, Taraji P. Henson, and more, shares how he navigates fatherhood while building a thriving career. His journey reveals powerful lessons about boundaries, communication, and giving yourself grace amid chaos—and why being intentionally present is the real success. In this candid conversation, Allen opens up about using the power of planning—like his trusty calendar—to carve out time for his two girls and wife, despite demanding travel schedules. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries around work hours, resisting weekend shoots, and how strategic communication with clients and partners keeps everything running smoothly. If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a break or struggling to disconnect after hours, Allen’s insights will inspire you to find balance without sacrifice. You'll discover: – how Allen’s early days as a slam poet shaped his artistic resilience; – the role IVF and fatherhood have played in redefining his purpose; – and practical tips for managing work travel while supporting a family in a city like Atlanta. He shares the unfiltered truth about navigating fatherhood with tenderness rather than pressure, emphasizing that giving himself grace has been the game-changer—especially for his daughters’ perceptions of men and the world. This episode is perfect for creative entrepreneurs juggling family, work, and their mental health. If you want real talk on building a legacy while raising confident, kind daughters who see strength in vulnerability, you’ll want to hear Allen’s journey. His story proves that by cultivating intentional space for what truly matters, you can excel professionally and emotionally—without sacrificing either. Allen Cooley is an Atlanta-based director and photographer celebrated for his influence in entertainment and beauty industries. A father of two, he’s passionate about creating meaningful images and life moments that reflect authenticity and resilience. Whether you're in the midst of building your empire or just starting out, this episode will remind you that grace, communication, and boundaries are your secret weapons for success. Ready to redefine what work-life balance looks like? Hit play now.
  1. Building a Business Without Losing Your Family
  2. While Raising 4 Kids, Mom Created a Successful Business
  3. I was PREGNANT for 6 months and I didn't know
  4. How I Went from Nurse to Creative Mom Entrepreneur
  5. Balancing Mom Life and University: My Honest Journey

Join the fun!

Stay updated with our podcast by joining our newsletter.

Recent posts