I connected with Jenn before she had her son, and we discussed what she wanted for her in-home newborn session. We both quickly realized that what she really wanted was newborn photos with Grayson where they were interacting as a family. So we planned her in-home family session a few months out to capture those sweet smiles, snuggly moments, and curious eyes.
Her in-home session included professional hair and makeup, which she said was an absolute treat because as a new mom, she barely had time to take care of herself. This in-home session gave her some time to relax, feel pampered while also preserving this particular time in their lives.
Jenn is an inspiring woman and her journey into motherhood was one that did not come easy. Read her interview below and soak up how beautifully in-love this mama is with her new son and see how she is using her personal struggles to write her very first book Power Up, Super Women.
Family Photos with Newborn - Pittsburgh, PA
What's your favorite part about being a mom?
ALL OF IT! The look of love from his little eyes. No matter what I am going through, holding him makes everything worthwhile - and I hope the same for him.
20 years now what do you hope you'll remember? What do you want your children to remember?
I hope we all remember how important family is, and good times spent together, and that life is meant to be lived and enjoyed and to do what you love.
What are some challenges you've faced as a mom, how did you work through them?
Becoming a mom was probably my biggest hurdle! It took 3 years and 2 miscarriages. I will never forget losing our first pregnancy. I sat at home on our couch waiting for my husband to get home, praying he did not call me to ask how my checkup went, because I knew I couldn't tell him over the phone. The second he opened the door I lost it. Between sobbing tears, I managed to get out "I am so sorry, we lost the baby". That was the first time I saw my husband cry.
Since finally being blessed, the hardest thing is just learning to balance it all and be willing to accept when I slack elsewhere because I can't keep everything going at once.
If you knew then what you know now what advice would you give yourself about being a mother?
Well, I am still pretty new :) But I am learning to love the new me - a little more tired, a little more pudgy, a lot more scarred - but working on accepting the new MOM me.
When did you start your business, why did you start your business, & what is your mission in your business?
I have started a few businesses over the years! (Health & Fitness, Skincare and Cosmetics, and now published author) but they have all revolved around helping women rediscover their self worth and live the fierce lives they deserve. I want women to believe in themselves and find the beauty in their power.
All of my businesses were "Accidents". I just started sharing what was going on in my life (ex: after a divorce and then 5-year abusive relationship, I started getting into health and fitness to heal myself, inside and out. Others started following me, asking for advice etc. and it grew from there. Then after my 1st miscarriage, someone suggested the skincare and cosmetics, and I needed something to throw myself into. Then finally, from sharing all my stories (divorce, abuse, speaking disorder, infertility, miscarriages - to running my own businesses, an amazing marriage, a wonderful baby boy and more I was asked to be involved in a Women's Empowerment Project - resulting in my first book (more to come!)
How do you find balance between your business & life?
You don't! HAHA. You have to accept in life that it is going to go up and down. It will never be equal. But if you start feeling tired, burned out, unfulfilled - then you are spending too much time in the wrong areas. My priority and my reason for my businesses are my family. NUMBER ONE. And they are meant to give me more time, flexibility and means to be with my family. If they are ever taking me away from my number one, then it's time to recenter.
Who does your business serve? What do you want your audience to feel after interacting with your business?
My business is focused on women, any woman. I hope to inspire them. To help hem believe in themselves again and see how beautiful and powerful they are - so they can go after and achieve all they want to get out of life.
What's the best part about owning your own business? What's the worst part?
The best part, of course, is that it's yours - the hours, the ideas, the focus, the budget, the direction, everything. I guess that may be the worst too!
Where can people find you on the web?
Facebook the most but also linked in and Instagram.
Family Photos with Newborn - Pittsburgh, PA
Hey there, I'm LeeAnn!
Thank you so much for stopping by.
If you love reading about other kick ass women daring to follow their dreams then you'll want to be apart of my monthly newsletter where I send out updates on blogs just like this one!
A little about me. I am an elementary art school teacher turned photographer, storyteller, and motivator. My speciality is personal brand photography and in-home family sessions.
I have never been much for superficial living or "small" talk. I love connecting people on a deep level and then sharing their stories through thought provoking imagery with the rest of the world!
If you love getting to the heart of things and want to share your story on my blog contact me and we will set something up!
Much Love,
LeeAnn
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