To the mom who is weary eyed after waking up with the kids before the sun came up, only to stay up after you’ve tucked the littles into bed and edit for hours in the stillness that only the night brings. You are not alone.

To the mom who wakes up to a dozen new emails, unchecked to do lists, and seemingly expanding set of expectations that feel like a wave surging over your head. You are not alone.

To the mom who is trying to balance creativity with routine: fashioning dreams out of photographs while chained to the clock. Feeling as guilty for every late drop off and forgotten practice as for your absence while meeting clients and shooting weddings. You are not alone.

To the mom who is trying to be an equally marvelous business owner, nurturer, and wife, all the while feeling like, on more days than not, you’re only succeeding at one of them. You are not alone.

Despite what you feel, the joy that following your passion brings is not at the expense of your family’s happiness. You don’t have to choose between the roles. Your business is better because you love your family and your family is better because you love your business. Your hard work is an inspiration and legacy to those little kids who are watching you persevere in your dreams.

You don’t have to choose between being a mom and entrepreneur. With a little sacrifice, some blood, sweat and tears, you’re going to make it. Let your children be your inspiration, not a reason to quit but a reason not to. It takes an indescribable amount of hard work to start a business, an unquantifiable amount of determination to grow it and bottomless depth of passion to run it! You have that and because of that, you can have it all!

It won’t always be this hard. Your efforts and intentions will lead to success because you are doing it for the right reasons. You’re doing it for their future. You’re doing it for their happiness. You’re creating a legacy with each click of your shutter. You were given your unique gift for a reason, using it will bring more happiness this world.

The grind is there to remind us of the great responsibility we have to those who are invested in us. Let courage drive your actions and trust grace to catch you when you fall. Be vulnerable and unapologetic. Dare greatly and love fearlessly. You are not alone. You have a family who is cheering you on, even if you don’t think they’re watching, and there is an army of moms who are and have been exactly where you are! Don’t stop chasing your dream and inspiring those who love you!

Drawing by Chloe Reed : )