The Juggling Act of Motherhood
My youngest daughter and me at an art fair in Philly in 2013.
I’m an artist, mama, beauty junkie, nature worshiper, spontaneous singer, walker, runner, hiker, beautifully uncoordinated dancer, and a heart-achingly devoted fan of life and my life is a kaleidoscope of art, motherhood, design, entrepreneurship, and a few other vibrant bits and pieces. I want to share with you some of my story, a ride with its fair share of ups and downs. It parallels the story of Pancakes for Breakfast, a business shaped by the joys and trials of motherhood, and reborn through resilience and self-reflection. PFB has been silenced for about a decade, and now it’s ready to sing again.
Navigating Motherhood and Business Growth
When my first baby, Mazzy, entered my life 16 years ago, it was the dawn of my adult life 2.0, a chapter full of redefinition. I opted to leave my full-time job to freelance so I could have more time with her, I embraced the shift in identity that motherhood entails. Then, when she turned one, we moved from Pennsylvania to Panama. There I found a new creative outlet. I started designing wall art and onesies for kids on the side.
When we moved back to the States, Pancakes for Breakfast was born. It grew from a side gig into a kid-centered home decor brand, intertwining family life with the creative process. Three years later, I had three little girls to look after, and with the increasing focus on sales rather than actual designing, PFB began to feel less like passion and more like chains. In 2014, I faced the tough decision to close PFB’s doors, silencing a piece of my creative spirit and marking what felt like a personal defeat. I felt like a failure.
Mazzy, Frida, and Ramona in 2012. Ramona is wearing one of the t-shirts I made when we lived in Panama.
Motherhood's Invisible Work: Redefining Professional Success
Back then, buried under the weight of a label I had imposed on myself, I couldn't see the wins. Failure became a shadow over the incredible juggling act of motherhood and my creative career, and it's taken me years to recognize that this was not failure but marked a profound resilience and an untraditional form of success.
The narrative of sacrifice and undervalued work in motherhood runs deep. As women, we often see our career progression stutter or halt as we pour ourselves into motherhood—a stark contrast to partners who continue unencumbered on their professional journeys. This disparity and the lack of support for mothers transitioning back into their careers are narratives that need to be challenged and changed.
Reconnecting with Art
Recently, I’ve gone through a period of profound change and personal growth. As I navigated through significant life shifts, including the end of my marriage, my art became a lifeline—guiding me to a place of self-discovery and resilience. Stripped to the core, I've reconnected with myself, with my art taking center stage once again. Art has been my companion through the darkest times, a testament to its healing power. With clarity, I now see my journey not as a series of professional pivots but as a rich mosaic of experiences. I'm inspired to help others find their voice in art, and to ensure children have this powerful tool as they navigate their own life's canvas.
Reviving Pancakes For Breakfast
So, why bare my soul and share this journey with you? Because it's the very heart of PFB's revival. This relaunch isn't just about showcasing products; it's about sharing a vision that's been refined by life's fires. It's about creating a space where art and motherhood intersect, where failure is redefined, and where the creative spirit is celebrated in all its forms.
As PFB re-enters the world, it carries with it the stories of past struggles, the strength found in motherhood, and the transformative power of art. It represents a new chapter where we, as a community, can acknowledge our vulnerabilities and turn them into our most profound strengths. Together, let's embrace the various seasons of life, supporting one another through change, and finding beauty in the journey.