How can a mom balance a wedding photography business and parenting while managing societal pressures and work-life harmony?
Balancing a thriving wedding photography business with the demands of motherhood is no small feat, but it’s not impossible. As a mother of two and a successful wedding photographer, I’ve navigated the chaotic yet rewarding journey of raising children while managing a six-figure wedding photography business that exploded after my daughter was born. Here’s how I’ve managed to do it, and how you can too.
Building a Business with Kids
When my daughter was born, my business didn’t just grow—it exploded. I never experienced a slow-paced business with kids; I only knew chaos and constant planning. It felt like a rollercoaster, but that’s the fun part. To manage a six-figure wedding photography business with kids means embracing the chaos, understanding that every day will be different, and accepting that there is no perfect schedule.
Being a mom and an entrepreneur means you’re the boss. You get to make the rules, set the schedule, and decide what’s best for your business and your family. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but trusting yourself to handle a profitable wedding photography business and navigate the ups and downs is crucial.
The Realities of Work-Life Harmony
The concept of work-life balance is misleading; it implies a perfect way to split your time between work and family, which is impossible. Instead, I focus on work-life harmony. Harmony is about finding peace with whatever’s happening right now, whether that means dedicating more time to your six-figure wedding photography business during busy seasons or focusing on your family when they need you most.
Some days, your job will take over; other days, your kids will. The key is to be flexible and adjust your priorities as needed. As long as you’re happy and feel fulfilled, you’re achieving harmony.
The Importance of Maternity Leave Plan
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that planning for maternity leave is a game-changer when you manage a six-figure wedding photography business. With my first child, I didn’t plan at all and went back to work just days after giving birth—yeah, that was a mistake I definitely learned from. When I had my son, I took three months off and didn’t shoot a wedding for five months. This time allowed me to heal, bond with my baby, and prepare to return to work.
As your own boss, you can design your maternity leave to suit you. Whether it’s saving up, raising your rates, or finding extra ways to make money, a little planning means you can take time off without stressing about your business. Don’t underestimate the power of preparation—it’s what helps you administer a successful wedding photography business while managing time off.
Trusting Your Maternal Intuition
As a mother, your intuition is your superpower. It guides you in making the best decisions for your children and how to manage a wedding photography business. Whether it’s deciding how to feed your baby, when to return to work, or how to handle a tough client situation, trust those instincts. You know what’s best for your family and your business.
Motherhood is full of opinions and advice from others, but remember, no one knows your situation better than you. Don’t be afraid to make decisions based on what feels right for you and your family.
A Flexible Six-Figure Wedding Photography Business
One of the perks of being a wedding photographer is the flexibility, especially when your kids are little. You can spend Monday through Friday with your little one and work on weekends, making it an ideal situation for many mothers. As your business grows and you consider expanding into areas like digital products or education, you’ll need to manage a six-figure wedding photography business, but the flexibility remains.
This flexibility allows you to be present for your children while still managing to handle a profitable wedding photography business. By raising your prices, outsourcing tasks, and focusing on a smart business plan, you can reduce the number of weddings you book each year and still make good money. That way, you’re not giving up your weekends and can actually enjoy those special family moments.
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