Raising Kids & Running a Business

In this episode, Kate sits down with Emma Rodger, owner and lead designer of Salted Studio, a branding and web design studio based in New Mexico. At the time of recording, Emma is one year into motherhood, about seven months into running her business full-time with her husband, and – by her own admission – still very much figuring it all out. Which, honestly, is exactly why this conversation is so...

In this episode, Kate catches up with her childhood friend and former basketball teammate, Kari Sponaugle, who went from Excel-sheet perfectionist to running a 50-acre vegetable operation, raising three kids, and holding down a full-time job as a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent. Oh, and her husband's family also runs 200 head of cattle and two turkey houses. Just a few things going on. K...

In this episode, Kate sits down with Erin Halper, founder of The Upside to talk about the winding, messy, beautiful road from corporate career to building a business on her own terms. And spoiler: it started in a hospital. Erin gets real about what it actually takes to juggle motherhood and entrepreneurship – from the NICU to navigating COVID without childcare to hosting seven au pairs (yes, seven...

As a multi-hyphenate creative with big ideas, Ellen’s "career path" has been winding (and she wouldn’t have it any other way). She’s been Managing Editor for a publisher of art and photography books, a self-employed textile designer, and Director of Marketing at a creative e-commerce brand. The through line has been bringing ambitious projects to life through clear communication, artisti...

What if the dream you worked so hard to build… no longer fits who you are? In this heartfelt and perspective-shifting episode, Kate sits down with life coach Sandra Daniele to talk about what it really looks like to evolve, pivot, and give yourself permission to change course—especially as a single mom raising a teenager. Sandra opens up about the early years of single parenting, how coaching tran...

What if your business could start seeing results tomorrow —and your toddler could learn the word “no” at the same time? In this episode of Raising Kids & Running a Business , Kate chats with Lauren Downey, a digital advertising strategist and mom to a very opinionated toddler. From a French major teaching abroad to a full-time ad pro managing high-performing campaigns across Google, Meta, Link...

In this powerhouse episode, Kate sits down with Monica Bailey — co-owner of Epic Dental and mother of three — for an incredibly honest and insightful conversation about what it really looks like to build a business while raising a family. Monica opens up about the identity shifts of motherhood, the silent epidemic of mom burnout, and the surprising truth about cavity prevention that Big Oral doesn...

In this episode, Kate sits down with Jordis Small, a brand designer, mom of three, and founder of her own creative studio. Jordis shares her winding path from fashion design to branding, her love for logos, and the realities of navigating motherhood while growing a successful design business. They dive into how having kids reshaped Jordis' boundaries, her pricing mindset, and her entire desig...

In this episode, Kate sits down with Bri Summers, the founder of Brighten Made, to discuss the realities of juggling motherhood and running a successful design business. Bri shares her journey from corporate life to launching her business, the challenges of navigating maternity leave, and the unexpected lessons that came with balancing work and family. Bri opens up about the misconceptions of havi...

In this episode, Kate Christy welcomes Annica Lydenberg, a lettering artist and mural painter from Brooklyn, New York.  Annica is the founder of Dirty Bandits, an award winning Brooklyn-based design studio delivering quality visual identity design, lettering and murals. Annica's work is fueled by her deep appreciation for typography, love of storytelling and a dedication to social good. In th...

In this episode, Kate Christy chats with Heather Hathaway, a web and brand designer from Southern California. Heather shares her experiences of balancing motherhood while growing her design studio and creating a membership program for web designers. From working through the chaos of raising young kids to taking on bigger projects as her children got older, Heather offers relatable and honest insig...

In this episode, Hollei Anne Hayes, a talented surface designer and mom who’s mastered the art of balancing business and creativity shares how she turned her passion for design into a thriving career, moving from posting on Instagram to working with top clients in the art licensing world. She gets real about her early struggles and how taking a proactive approach—like cold pitching and building co...

In this episode, Becca Wood, a creative entrepreneur and project management enthusiast, talks about the ups and downs of parenthood and balancing business life. Becca opens up about the everyday challenges of raising a child, like the infamous coffee spill in a stroller caddy, and how these little hurdles are just part of the journey.  The conversation shifts to Becca’s entrepreneurial side, where...

In this episode, Caton Vance, founder of Vance & Co., and Kate dive deep into the messy reality of entrepreneurship, perfectionism, and trusting your gut.  He talks about the importance of listening to your inner voice, especially when navigating client relationships and making business decisions. He also discusses how modern work culture pressures us to keep growing.  Whether you’re a creativ...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Wieners, a Midwest dad whose love for baseball cards, vinyl records, and old film cameras shapes his unique wholesome-quirky-retro design style. After being laid off from his tech job in 2023, Justin seized the opportunity to pursue his dream of owning a design studio, *Hot Dog!*, where he now focuses on helping "underdog" clien...

In this episode, Brie Pointer, a talented designer, farmer, and mother shares her journey of balancing her many passions. Brie strongly delves into the challenges of managing multiple roles, from freelance design projects to farming and motherhood, and the importance of self-care and setting realistic expectations. She also discusses the joy and purpose she finds in growing food and fostering comm...

Gabriella Keys, a multifaceted entrepreneur and creator behind Rella B Books, dives into the challenges and joys of blending motherhood with content creation. Gabriella shares her journey from aspiring motherhood at a young age to founding her brand, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal passions alongside parenting responsibilities. She also discusses how she engages her children cre...

Kristen McGuiness, a book publisher, coach, and mother of two, opens up about the intricate balance between her entrepreneurial endeavors in book coaching and publishing through Rise Writers and Rise Books, and her family life.  She reflects on her path from non-profit work to entrepreneurship, the pursuit of sobriety, and embracing a flexible, adaptive mindset.  Kristen also explores themes of ma...

This episode highlight’s Tashana Thompson’s experience with the intricacies of balancing motherhood and a thriving career.  As the CEO of Beyond Business Solutions, Tashana’s amazing journey is definitely insightful and encouraging.  Tashana shares her journey from starting her business 16 years ago, navigating life as a bonus mom, and the challenges she faced with postpartum depression and busine...

In the latest episode, I engage in an insightful conversation with Kat Murphy of Social Kat Media, delving into the intricacies of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Kat's journey, characterized by unexpected challenges and triumphs, offers valuable insights into managing a business while navigating the joys and struggles of parenthood. From her initial leap into entrepreneurship to f...

In this episode, Rachell De Luna, the creative force behind Squarestylist shares her journey from an engineering career to entrepreneurship, driven by her passion for design and the empowerment of motherhood.  Rache discusses balancing business and family life, effective time management strategies, and the invaluable support from her husband and mother. She also shares her transition from corporat...

Emelie Sanders is the head honcho at Pass the Queso. She’s a copywriter turned copywriting mentor for coaches and creatives. When she’s not wrangling her five kids, she’s coaching business owners on how to lean into their unique voices and use humor to create a personality-packed copy. In this episode, Emelie and Kate chat about the endless to-do lists, the challenge of maintaining productivity, a...

In this episode, Abbey and Courtney of Duo Collective talk about their intertwined journeys in motherhood and entrepreneurship. They delve into the challenges of starting a business while caring for young children, transitioning to full-time roles, and balancing personal struggles such as fertility issues and miscarriages.  Both Abbey and Courtney candidly and courageously discuss their missteps,...

Becca Wood is a Squarespace website designer and developer, host of Probably Bothered podcast, and a mom of one (now). Becca is the first soon-to-be mother on the podcast to let the listeners into how she’s prepping her solo business for maternity leave. Stay tuned for the second installment when Becca and Kate chat about what went as expected (or hoped) and what didn’t during Becca’s maternity le...

In this insightful conversation, Morgan Rapp and I delve into the complexities of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. We candidly discuss the pressures, challenges, and personal growth involved in navigating these dual roles. Morgan shares her journey of reconciling professional identities and finding fulfillment beyond financial success, while I emphasize the importance of celebrating suc...