Episode 054 | Behind the Break: Business, Babies & Coming Back Stronger

Podcast

January 23, 2025

After stepping away from The Self Made Life podcast for two years, here’s the unfiltered story of business growth for mom entrepreneurs – building a business while growing a family.

Ever wonder what really happens when a business owner takes maternity leave? Join Ashley as she returns to The Self Made Life podcast after a two-year break filled with major life changes. She shares the raw truth about running her brand design studio while welcoming her son Grayson, managing postpartum anxiety, buying and renovating a house, and preparing for baby #2. Get the real numbers behind her business during mat leave (including that revealing chat with her bookkeeper!) and practical insights for entrepreneurs balancing parenthood with business growth.

Perfect for creative business owners looking for honest conversations about building a thriving company while growing their family. Whether you’re a current parent, planning for the future, or just curious about sustainable business growth, this candid comeback episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build success on your own terms.

After taking a two-year break from The Self Made Life podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s happened since my last episode in January 2023. Let me share the beautiful chaos of this chapter.

Behind the Break: From One to Two

After three years of hoping, we welcomed Grayson in May 2023. While joyful, it brought unexpected challenges – especially postpartum anxiety.

Behind the Business Numbers

My one-month maternity leave became three (thanks to my incredible team). The reality check? My bookkeeper revealed contractor costs eating 98% of revenue.

This pushed me to pivot. Enter VIP days – focused, pre-scheduled sessions tackling branding and website projects. This format let me balance exclusive breastfeeding, child care challenges, and business demands while living with family who helped care for Grayson.

Finding Community

Feeling isolated as a new mom led me to local mom groups and networking opportunities. Through a postpartum fitness class, I connected with BNI members and rediscovered old connections – proving sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them.

House Hunt Adventures

January brought another chapter: house hunting. After several failed bids, we found a diamond in the rough. The reality? A messy divorce sale, difficult tenant, and countless renovation surprises including: