If you’re a stay-at-home mom who is trying to build your business while also raising the next generation of world changers this is for our stay-at-home mom girlies.

In our conversation today with Whitney, she shares her remarkable story of starting her photography business at 31, with barely any financial security after the craziest tumultuous season of their lives, all while balancing the responsibilities of being a stay-at-home mom to 3 littles.

Whitney dives deep into the logistics of how she balanced being the primary caregiver for her children (not being able to afford a babysitter or daycare) while building her business. She covers the transitions she and her husband tackled to readjust their roles and responsibilities as a team, how she made time to be fully present for her kids while also making time to grow her company, AND how she handled the mental and emotional challenges that can come from feeling behind, torn between motherhood & work, and adjusting to a whole new normal.

 

Whitney’s Story 

The year before my husband who was the sole provider of our family of 5 was unexpectedly let go from his career. We suddenly had no income with 2 children still in diapers and one who was on formula. One month after that our one and only car that we had purchased a year before and was not paid off, engine blew up. One week after that 1-year-old had a grand mal seizure and was ultimately diagnosed with epilepsy amidst this I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease but knew we couldn’t afford the medicine I needed. The STRUGGLE was real. It was hard and almost deafening from seeing anything good. This is when God started putting on my heart the passion for photography. I loved being able to stop time and being able to look bad and see there REALLY was SO much to be grateful for. I had these three wonderful boys who were so full of joy, my husband was around so much more than normal and because of that, we began to fall in love in a whole new depth. Photos were this tangible reminder of the gifts in my life, that I was actually surrounded by joy even if the circumstances spoke differently. I started to research all I could about photography, how to find the light, and capture every free youtube video there was. I was literally just shooting on an iphone 5 but I wanted to capture all I could.  I knew that this was not the season to purchase a camera but I began to dream, God had placed this new dream.  Six months later my husband found an amazing even better job than before, things started to lift. I had never even mentioned to my husband that I wanted to be a photographer but God told him to purchase me a camera. He literally purchased a little canon rebel camera with a nifty fifty for my birthday one month later. I told God I didn’t know how to start a business so I was gonna hone my skill and if it was meant to be, He would make it happen. Someone randomly asked me to shoot their wedding, which I did not know and the rest is history. Four years later I have a six-figure photography business and still get to be there for every day of my babes! 

 

Getting over the guilt and fear 

Any mother that is going to pursue a career outside of their home especially when you have been a stay-at-home mom. You feel like this immense mom guilt that you are going to neglect your children or not be the mother that they deserve. Or you’re going to neglect your business because you can’t give it the time that it needs to grow and flourish. That is such a lie. You can 1000% be amazing at both. Whatever you are called to be you will meet that need. 

It is a daily process of getting over that guilt or fear. It’s reminding yourself and talking the promises over you that you are capable and meant for this. You are meant to be who you are called to be and still be your kid’s mom. You are the best person for this job. 

 

The transition with family

It’s important to not compare yourself because your growth will be a little slower in the beginning because you can’t shoot all day long. It’s important for anybody not to compare yourself when starting out but especially as a stay-at-home mom. 

A positive starting later in life, Whitney always had boundaries with work. That work was not her life. 

 

What is your favorite book you’ve read recently?

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Book Lovers by Emily Henry 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 

 

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in business?

The way comparison is such a thief of joy in every aspect of your life. Success means different things for different people. 

 

Show notes

Lightroom Editing Style Freebie: www.theheartuniversity.com/style

 

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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: https://amzn.to/3DNOwZV

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: https://amzn.to/3OQ5OvC

Book Lovers by Emily Henry: https://amzn.to/3saGtn7

 

Follow along with Whitney: 

www.instagram.com/olsondesignphotography

www.olsondesignphotography.com

 

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Follow along:

www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman

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