Where were you at in your music career when you had your first child? Was there much discussion about how that life choice would affect your career within the music/entertainment industry?

When I had my first child, I was 26 years old and already two years into running my own incorporated production company. I was producing shows, performing as a singer, and navigating life as a young entrepreneur in the music industry.

At the time, I had no access to proper maternity support or funding. I gave birth and was back on stage just one month postpartum—because I had no other option. No one had really prepared me for what that would mean. I didn’t know of any resources available to artist-parents, and they were definitely not widely shared or accessible.

No one warned me that I’d lose contracts because of my appearance—due to weight gain and the body shaming that often comes with it. No one told me that showing up with my baby to breastfeed between sets could cost me opportunities. But it did. I lost gigs simply because I became a mother.

There was very little space for motherhood in this industry when I started out. And unfortunately, that silence around it made me feel like I had to choose between being an artist and being a mom. I now know that’s a false choice—and it’s exactly why we need to keep talking about it.

As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you face or have faced?

One of the hardest challenges I’ve faced as a working parent in the music industry is the lack of social recognition—and the deep, lingering feeling that I had somehow become “expired.”

It was as if giving life meant I no longer had the right to fully exist as an artist. As if I was less important in the eyes of my peers and the industry as a whole. That invisible shift in how people see you—it hits hard.

It was a bitter pill to swallow. But I came out of it stronger. I had to reinvent myself and reconnect with my roots and my purpose.

Motherhood didn’t take anything away from me—it forced me to rise, to become even more aligned, and to create from a place that’s deeper and more powerful than ever before.

What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?

One change that could make a huge difference for working parents—especially mothers—is the creation of more support programs specifically designed for artist-parents.

At the time, I was the one with the smaller income in my household, which meant I took on most of the mental load at home while still running my business in the music industry. That imbalance slowly broke me. I kept going until it led to severe burnout and depression—something I’m grateful to have come through today, but that could’ve been avoided with the right support in place.

What I really needed was a dedicated support system for artist-mothers. Financial aid, mental health resources, community, and visibility.

Feeling invisible after becoming a mom—that’s one of the hardest parts. And that’s exactly what needs to change.

How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?

Great question! Now that my kids are older, I feel like I need less day-to-day support—but honestly, my best friend and my close circle of friends have become my biggest source of support.

Most of them are parents too now, which makes a big difference. Back then, I was the only one with kids, so it felt really isolating at times.

It’s beautiful to see how, with time, community naturally grows around shared experiences. I might not have had that support early on, but now I truly feel surrounded.

What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?

I haven’t really heard of any, to be honest… This is the first time I see a company wanting to highlight and support artist-parents—and I think it’s amazing!

But honestly, I don’t have any other examples to share.

I truly wish the government would offer grants specifically for artist-entrepreneur parents.

What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?

One of the biggest things a music event could do to make participation easier for me is to offer on-site childcare or a quiet family-friendly space backstage.

Even just having a private room to breastfeed, pump, or regroup with your child makes a huge difference.

Also, flexible scheduling or being mindful of set times for parents—especially those with young kids—can go a long way in helping us show up fully and professionally.

Sometimes, just knowing we’re welcome as artist-parents—without judgment or having to justify our needs—can be the most impactful support of all.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

My bestie Marlow (marlow.0.o is her Instagram)!