Raising Kids & Running a Business

Hosted by Kate Christy

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Jun 2026

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On Raising Kids & Running a Business host Kate Christy (designer + mom x3) talks with other mothers all about what it’s like to manage the mental load of motherhood while building a career and quite frankly how they’re keeping both the creativity and the kids alive. We have honest conversations about what we’re doing (or not doing) to chase our dreams, the lessons we’ve learned, sacrifices made, and permission slips we’re writing to pursue our version of success.And real talk. Moms get sh*t done. Which is why we’re also talking tools and mindset shifts we use to flip the script from overwhelmed and overworked to creating our own version of work/life balance. Whether you’re an entrepreneur running your own business or kicking it in corporate from 9-5. Inside these episodes you’ll find the whole truth—not just the highlight reel—about what it’s really like amidst the chaos of raising kids and building a career.

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44 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 4351 min

043 | Ditching Mom Guilt and Running Your Own Show with Erin Halper

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). She and Kate dig into why we were never meant to do this alone, what it looks like to be truly intentional instead of just surviving, and why dropping the ball is sometimes the smartest move you can make.They also get into:Why partner support is non-negotiable before you take the leapThe au pair program Erin ran like a business (and why it changed everything)Meal kits, boring dinners, and giving yourself permission to just feed the familyCOVID PTSD and the sabbatical we all desperately needKate's 20-day solo hike and the guilt spiral that almost stopped herGlass balls vs. rubber balls and how to tell the differenceRaising kids who won't drown when it's their turnWhy perfectionism is a disease and homemade Goldfish crackers are a lieThis one is full of honest, hilarious, and genuinely useful conversation for any mom trying to figure out how to hold it all together or at least look like she is.Connect with Erin:LinkedIn: Erin HalperWebsite: betheupside.comConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

May 13, 2026Episode 4254 min

042 | Make Something and Release It with Ellen Brown

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, artistic vision, and creative grit. Ellen founded New Shapes Studio to help creative entrepreneurs build the lives and businesses they dream of through beautiful, powerful, easy-to-manage websites.When she’s not hunched over her laptop, you can find her painting shapes on walls, forgetting my coffee all over the house, and pretending to be a garbage truck with my toddler. Ellen lives in Olympia, WA and works with clients from all over.Connect with Ellen online:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteMentioned in the episode:Episode #37 with Bri SummersGlitch & Bitch with Mushaboom StudioConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

May 28, 2025Episode 4155 min

041 | Choosing Joy, Quitting the Grind, and Trusting the Pivot with Sandra Daniele

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 transformed her healing journey, and why letting go of a goal isn’t the same thing as giving up. They explore the messiness of identity, the freedom in morning routines, and the magic of doing things just for joy.This episode is for every parent and business owner stuck between what they built and what they truly want next.HighlightsRedefining Identity - Sandra shares the honest truth about not knowing how to introduce herself—and why that's okay.Motherhood + Solo Parenting - The emotional weight of early single motherhood and why it didn’t have to be as hard as it felt.The Coaching Journey - How becoming a life coach changed everything—and why Sandra no longer markets herself that way.Letting Go Without Giving Up - Why stepping back from a business doesn’t mean you’ve failed—and how ego often clouds that truth.Joy as a Compass - From playing flashlight tag to watching butterflies on hikes—how small joys point us back to ourselves.Connect with Sandra Daniele online:Website LinkedInInstagramConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

May 14, 2025Episode 401 hr 7 min

040 | Data Driven Motherhood with Lauren Downey

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, LinkedIn, and Reddit, Lauren shares how she pivoted her way into entrepreneurship.They dive into the difference between long-term SEO vs. paid ads, the surprising impact of ChatGPT on lead generation, and how staying curious (and calm) powers both parenting and performance marketing.If you’ve ever wondered how anyone manages PPC campaigns with a toddler in tow, this episode is for you.HighlightsFrom French to Funnels: Lauren’s journey from teaching in France to building a business in digital advertising.SEO vs. Paid Ads: Why paid ads offer faster results—and why Lauren prefers their pace over long SEO plays.The ChatGPT Effect: How AI is disrupting search behavior and emerging as a powerful traffic driver.Data-Driven Motherhood: How Lauren applies her analytical, problem-solving brain to both marketing and parenting.Marketing + Motherhood: The practical ways Lauren balances high-performing ad campaigns with life as a toddler mom.Connect with Lauren Downey online: Website LinkedInConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

April 23, 2025Episode 391 hr 16 min

039 | The Family Business with Monica Bailey

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’t want you to know.She shares her personal journey from pre-med to product-based entrepreneurship, how she and her husband found their rhythm as co-founders, and the systems she uses to make life (and business) run smoother. Whether it’s a 90-day dinner rotation, personal assistants folding laundry, or a mindset shift that changed everything, Monica gives listeners real-life tools they can use right now.This episode is a must-listen for any parent balancing ambition with caregiving, and for every entrepreneur craving both impact and sanity.HighlightsStarting from Chaos: Monica shares how she stepped into her husband’s growing business and brought structure to the madness.Family-Run, Mission-Driven: Running Epic Dental with her husband while raising three kids — and why cavity prevention became their cause.Building the Business Backwards: How a pre-med path and a startup job led Monica to discover her integrator superpower.Mom Guilt and Milestones: Monica recounts the emotional moment of watching her son’s first steps over FaceTime — and how she reframed what being present means.Systems Over Stress: From 90-day meal plans to morning checklists, Monica’s low-lift routines eliminate decision fatigue.Redefining Productivity: Shifting from 8-hour hustle to high-impact workdays that preserve mental energy and clarity.Outsourcing Without Guilt: Choosing help at home and in business — and learning to protect what matters most.Burnout Recovery: Monica’s path out of chronic burnout and the overlooked types of rest that transformed her energy.Identity After Motherhood: The emotional journey of shedding the old self, embracing growth, and finding peace in a new version of “you.”Parenting With Purpose: Why Monica and her husband hold family planning meetings and build their household around intentional values.Mentioned in the episode:Traction7 Types of RestConnect with Monica Bailey online: InstagramTikTok Epic DentalConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

April 9, 2025Episode 381 hr 8 min

038 | Turmoil is Temporary, Street Signs are Forever with Jordis Small

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 design process. From outsourcing to setting firm workdays, Jordis gets real about what it takes to make it all work (hint: her mom is her “secret weapon”).One of the standout moments in the episode? Jordis opens up about her city logo project for Redondo Beach—a career highlight turned public ordeal involving Facebook trolls, endless council meetings, and a surprise contest. Through it all, Jordis shares the tough lessons, the silver linings, and why she’s still proud to see her logo on the city’s street signs.Whether you’re a fellow creative, a parent, or both — this episode is packed with real talk, business wisdom, and moments that’ll make you laugh, nod, and maybe even cringe (in solidarity).HighlightsFreelancing and Family Life: Jordis shares what it’s really like balancing three young kids with running a branding agency.Boundaries and Burnout: From late nights to letting go, Jordis opens up about how motherhood helped her build better business boundaries.Pro Bono? Babysit Instead: How Jordis reframes unpaid work in the context of limited time and full-on parenting.The Redondo Beach Saga: The dream project that nearly broke her—how a city logo project spiraled into seven council meetings, Facebook trolls, and public backlash.Designing for Community: What Jordis learned from working with a committee, a city council, and an entire town.Pricing for Sanity: Why Jordis now prices based on the number of decision-makers, not just deliverables.Business Babies and Letting Go: Jordis reflects on why branding is like parenting, and how designers need to let go once the project is out in the world.Connect with Jordis Small online: WebsiteInstagramConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

March 19, 2025Episode 371 hr 9 min

037 | Building a Sustainable Business Around the Life You Have with Bri Summers

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 having a business "figured out" before kids, the struggles of adjusting her work-life balance, and how her perspective on success has evolved since becoming a mother. She dives into her experiences with childcare, setting boundaries, and learning to embrace flexibility in both business and parenting.If you’ve ever wondered how to sustain a thriving creative career while raising a family, this conversation is full of honest insights, relatable struggles, and practical tips.HighlightsLeaving Corporate Behind: Bri shares her journey from a 9-to-5 job to freelancing and building Brighton Made.The Maternity Leave Challenge: How Bri prepared to step away from her business and what she learned in the process.The Reality of Work-Life Balance: Adjusting expectations and redefining productivity as a parent.Childcare Struggles: Navigating the challenges of finding reliable and flexible childcare options.Scaling with Sustainability: How Bri is restructuring her business to create more passive income streams.Transparency in Business: The importance of setting clear expectations with clients and building trust.Perfection vs. Progress: Learning to let go of workaholic tendencies and embrace different seasons of life.Designing a Flexible Future: The shifts Bri is making to ensure her business aligns with her evolving priorities.Mentioned in the Show:Brighten Made – Bri's design studio specializing in branding, website design, and packagingBrighten Made Digital Products – Templates and resources for designersThe Brighten Blueprint Design Course by Bri SummersConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

January 29, 2025Episode 361 hr 13 min

036 | Can I Get the Modified Pose, Please?! with Annica Lydenberg

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 this episode, Annica shares her unconventional journey from corporate life to a thriving freelance career, her transition into motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned about balancing creativity, parenting, and business. She opens up about her challenges as a solo parent, financial pressures, and finding joy in embracing authenticity over perfection.From painting murals to running her nonprofit, You Are Not Alone Murals, Annica’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and creating opportunities in unconventional ways. She also discusses her latest creative venture, Noteworthy Life, which turns personal growth mantras into visual art.Tune in to hear Annica’s reflections on her career pivots, the realities of parenting while freelancing, and her strategies for building a life that aligns with her values.HighlightsThe End of Corporate Life: Annica shares how job layoffs and personal setbacks led her to an unexpected freelance career.Creative Pivots: Her journey from web design to analog typography and mural painting.Balancing Motherhood and Work: Insights on parenting as a solo mom while running a creative business.The Challenges of Pricing: Annica opens up about learning to value her work and advocate for fair compensation.Finding Joy in Community Work: The impact of her nonprofit, You Are Not Alone Murals, on destigmatizing mental health conversations.Managing Time and Mental Load: Hacks and habits to balance family, creativity, and life’s chaos.Embracing Authenticity Over Acceptance: Choosing what aligns with her values instead of societal expectations.Noteworthy Life Project: Transforming personal mantras into large-scale art that inspires introspection and growth.Mentioned in the Show:You Are Not Alone MuralsConnect with Annica Lydenberg online:WebsiteInstagramConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

January 15, 2025Episode 351 hr 16 min

035 | Embrace the Chaos with Heather Hathaway

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 insights.Kate and Heather discuss the challenges of juggling work, family, and personal goals, emphasizing the importance of finding a rhythm that works for you rather than sticking to rigid expectations. Heather’s stories about embracing imperfections and learning as she goes show that success doesn’t have to be picture-perfect.Whether you’re in the early years of parenting or finding your stride in a new phase of life, this episode is filled with practical advice and encouragement. Join Kate and Heather for an inspiring conversation about giving yourself grace, staying adaptable, and making each stage of life count.HighlightsSurviving the Early Days: Heather shares how she juggled motherhood and work, focusing on flexibility over perfection.Parenting Evolution: How life changes as kids grow, opening space for personal and business growth.Breaking the Rules: Heather discusses ditching traditional advice to create her own work methods.Membership Success: Launching a thriving program for web designers and digital product sellers.Work-Life Realities: Honest talk about working from home and setting boundaries with family.Love-Centered Parenting: Heather’s approach to raising confident, creative kids with love and support.Adapting and Thriving: Embracing change and finding joy in every phase of life.Building Community: Creating meaningful connections through her membership and personal life.Mentioned in the Show:White Label Website InsidersWhite Label Website Insiders CommunityConnect with Heather Hathaway online: WebsiteInstagramConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram

December 4, 2024Episode 341 hr 8 min

034 | It’s All a Give and Take with Hollei Anne Hayes

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 connections—helped her grow her business.Hollei also dives into her love for teaching other creatives the ropes. She’s created a free mini-course on mood boards and has a new 8-week program in the works to guide surface designers from inspiration to marketable collections. We talk about the importance of mockups, building a portfolio that resonates with buyers, and why strategic marketing beats relying on algorithms.Whether you’re an artist, a small business owner, or just looking to make your work stand out, this episode is packed with actionable tips and encouragement to help you take your creative career to the next level.HighlightsHollei’s Career Journey: How she transitioned from sharing her art on Instagram to building a thriving surface design business.Cold Pitching Tips: Strategies for reaching out to companies and art agents without feeling “salesy.”Educational Offerings: Hollei’s free mini-course on creating mood boards and her upcoming 8-week program for surface designers.Visual Storytelling: The importance of using mockups to showcase your designs and attract clients.Motherhood and Creativity: Balancing and running a business with raising her kids.Marketing Smarts: Why relying solely on social media algorithms isn’t enough and how to take a more strategic approach.Building a Portfolio: Creating product-first artwork that appeals to buyers and tells a compelling story.Networking in the Industry: The role of industry events and personal connections in growing your creative business.Connect with Hollei Anne Hayes online: WebsiteInstagramConnect with Kate Christy:WebsiteInstagram