On this episode, we talk about all things unrealistic and how social media and societal standards are challenges small business owners and moms face on a daily basis.

This week's episode explores life before baby and compares the challenges and adjustments of parenthood, including adapting to new routines, balancing work and family, maintaining sanity and fulfillment, and navigating a small business with a child.

The conversation covers the challenges of motherhood, the importance of establishing a routine for a baby's sleep, the experience of taking the baby to her first big event, the topic of co-sleeping, the significance of daddy delight, personal experiences of Mother's Day, and a discussion on craft fairs and their role in market testing for small businesses. The conversation covers topics such as flexibility in expectations, starting small and growing, navigating craft fairs and markets, understanding market tiers and pricing, personal stories and relationships, building vendor relationships, dealing with trauma and inspiration, navigating personal relationships, market research and product placement, and overcoming self-doubt and comparison. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating craft fair rejections and acceptances, as well as the impact of sleep routines on new parents. It also highlights the importance of acclimating babies to their cribs and creating a familiar sleep environment.

Mom Topic: The struggles and challenges that come with breastfeeding and feeding your baby.

Business Topic: What it is like to maintain a small business, and all that goes into it, and the stigma around the ease of starting a business.

In this episode, Anna and Jessica introduce the concept of a monthly listeners' episode 'Beef and Debrief.'

Takeaways

• Dealing with grandparents' feeding habits
• Pricing and selling handmade items. Researching clientele is crucial for pricing
• Parenting pressure can lead to guilt and anxiety
• Business growth requires patience and market research

The mommy topic covers the emotional and physical adjustments of new motherhood, the role of the partner, and the need for open communication and understanding. The small business topic covers strategies for maintaining momentum when starting out.

Takeaways

• Mommy wins and daddy delights are important milestones and moments of joy in early motherhood.
• Open communication and understanding between partners are crucial for navigating the challenges of early motherhood. New motherhood brings significant changes and challenges.
• Maintaining momentum in a small business requires strategic planning and adaptability.

In this episode, we’re sharing some real-life wins from this season of life. From giving a big presentation while working from home to finally getting our newborn to sleep in her crib, we’re celebrating the small moments that feel huge right now.

Then we get into hospital prep and business beginnings. We cover our own birth experience. We also share the first steps we took toward starting a business, what we considered before taking the leap, and how we identified a need in the market.

If you’re wondering where to start, whether it’s preparing for a baby or building something new, this episode is for you.

The episode features a candid conversation between Anna and Jessica, who share their experiences as business owners and mothers. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, the struggles of pregnancy, and the vulnerability of putting oneself out there as a small business owner. The conversation is filled with humor, honesty, and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and parents.

Takeaways

• Starting a business requires self-confidence and vulnerability.
• Craft fairs are a valuable opportunity for small business owners to connect with customers and gain valuable feedback.
• The challenges of pregnancy and motherhood are shared experiences that can bring people together.

Content Warning: This material contains a brief discussion of miscarriage, as well as references to vomiting and bowel-related topics. Viewer discretion is advised.