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?

I was working on recording song for my first album, my son would often come in studio with me and my husband if my mom couldn't watch my son. I'd even breastfeeding during recording sessions, in the booth. I was an independent artist so I didn't really think of the affects because well, regardless of anything, I was a mother.

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

Having to miss out on gigs, certain opportunities, not being able to travel cause of no childcare and having to be extra careful with finances and time we can sacrifice.

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

Actual understanding on what it means to be an active parent. Willingness to make accommodations if it doesn't affect the work or other people involved. Understanding being a mother in the industry is way harder than being a father. We aren't afforded the same grace, support, understanding, acknowledgment, care, freedoms and opportunities.

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

I didn't have any mother peers in the industry at the time I started, none of my music peers were parents, so it was hard. Any parent friends had, they were not in the music community. I still found it hard to to understanding support if they didn't understand my industry. My mom and husband were my support cause they understood the support I needed. So I never real sourced them out later throughout my career unless we just happened to connect in that way.

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

I do not have an answer for this at the time.

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

Being more clear about the schedules and time needed to be present, well ahead of time. It gives people a better idea of how they can organize their own time and scheduling to make everything more efficient and manageable. It benefits both sides.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Gyles - @gylesmusic on Instagram!