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.

Highlights

• Leaving 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 packaging
• Brighten Made Digital Products – Templates and resources for designers
• The Brighten Blueprint Design Course by Bri Summers

Connect with Kate Christy:

• Website
• Website (Podcast)
• Instagram (Podcast)
• Instagram