Let’s start with the truth: I do not have this all figured out.

Literally every day, I’m trying to find the right balance between running a business and raising babies—and most days? I fail.

But I’ve learned a few things along the way that have helped me keep going (sometimes with grace, sometimes with cold coffee in hand).

If you’re a mom building a business, or simply trying to balance all the things, this one’s for you.

As a Hickory NC family photographer, here are five honest lessons I’ve learned about juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship:

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1. Prioritize What Matters

Figure out what your main thing is—and keep it the main thing.

For me, it’s my kids. They are my greatest job, the most beautiful calling God’s given me, and everything else comes second.

That being said, what “priority” looks like changes by the day.

Some days, my house is a wreck and I tackle chores.
Some days, my kids need me fully, and that takes top priority.
Other days, I dive deep into editing galleries or serving my amazing photography clients.

Ask yourself: What needs me most today? And give yourself the grace to let that answer change.

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2. Get Quiet

I am not a good human without one cup of coffee and at least 30 minutes of stillness in the morning. (Can I get an amen?)

I try to wake up between 5–6am for a few quiet moments to read my Bible, pray, and simply think before the day starts buzzing.

I’ll be honest—this doesn’t happen every day. But when it does, it resets my heart and mind in such a powerful way.

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3. Be Intentional With Your Time

Time is precious—and as moms, we know just how fast it disappears.

Some of us are planners. Some of us are more go-with-the-flow.
But no matter your style, finding your daily rhythm is a game changer.

For me, time blocking has been key. I carve out pockets of work time around my family’s needs:

• 6–7am (after my quiet time)
• 2pm during my toddler’s nap
• 7pm when my husband is home to tag-team parenting

Even an hour of focused time can move your business forward—without sacrificing presence with your kids.

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4. Be Flexible (Yes, Really)

Right after I said to time block… I’m going to tell you to stay flexible.

Because motherhood is unpredictable.
Kids wake up early from naps.
The dishwasher floods.
Someone spikes a fever.

Life happens.

And in those moments, I remind myself—my children are my calling.

If my Instagram post waits another day or my edits get pushed to tomorrow, the world will keep turning.
And my kids will know they matter more than my to-do list.

We try our best, and some days that looks different than we planned. That’s okay.

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5. Build a Business That Supports Your Life

Let’s talk systems.

If you’re building a business while raising a family, automation and support aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines.

Here are a few small things that make a big difference in my day-to-day:

• Grocery Pickup: A $4 fee to save me 2 hours? Worth it.
• CRM Tools: I use 17hats to send contracts, invoices, emails, and stay organized. It’s my business brain.
• Run the Dishwasher Early: Even if it’s not full. It saves me from ending the day overwhelmed by dishes.
• Calendly for Scheduling: It syncs with my calendar, reminds clients, and makes booking simple.
• Use AI Thoughtfully: Think of it as a brainstorming buddy. It won’t run your business for you, but it can help you get unstuck, find clarity, or plan content when you’re short on time.

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You’re Not Alone in This

Honestly, I’m preaching to the choir with every single one of these tips.

Being a mom and a business owner is hard—but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

The freedom to build a business that works around my life—not the other way around—is something I never take for granted.

So now I’d love to hear from you:
What’s your business, and what have you learned about balancing it with motherhood?

Send me an email. I’d love to connect, encourage you, and maybe even learn a thing or two from your journey.

We’re all growing—one nap time, client call, and messy house at a time. 💛

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If you’re a fellow mom looking for timeless family portraits and a photographer who gets it, I’d love to work with you.

HD Studio serves Hickory, NC and surrounding areas with full-service family and newborn photography that helps you preserve this season forever.

Inquire today start planning your next session!