6: How I Balance Running a Business and Raising a Toddler

6: How I Balance Running a Business and Raising a Toddler

Before I became a mom, I thought I had it all figured out. I'd work during nap time, answer emails during quiet moments, and somehow grow my business while spending every day at home with my daughter. That plan lasted about five minutes. In this episode, I'm sharing the honest reality of running a business while raising a toddler. From the childcare decisions we've made to the mindset shifts that helped me stop chasing the impossible goal of "doing it all," this is a candid look at what motherhood and entrepreneurship actually look like behind the scenes. In This Episode We Cover: * Why working during nap time wasn't sustainable for me * How becoming a mom changed the services I offer * The importance of narrowing your offers and simplifying your business * Managing mentally demanding work while raising young children * How I determine which tasks can happen with my daughter home and which cannot * Practical strategies that help me take short calls when childcare isn't available * The role daycare has played in my daughter's development * Why integrating your children into your life can be more effective than trying to separate everything * The importance of support systems, communication, and creating your own village Resources Mentioned * Book: Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff [https://a.co/d/0jab4vff] * Big Little Feelings [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlefeelings] Connect with Kelly Website: kellymccracken.co [https://kellymccracken.co/] Instagram: @kellymccracken.co [https://www.instagram.com/kellymccracken.co/] If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know your biggest takeaway or what motherhood and business topic you'd like me to cover next.

5: From Burnout to Alignment with Kristy Kilduff

This conversation with Kristy Kilduff is for every woman who feels exhausted from trying to hold it all together. From climbing the corporate ladder while raising three children to experiencing a complete burnout and nervous system breakdown, Kristy shares the moment that changed everything and how it led her to create Awakened Achiever [https://www.awakenedachiever.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com].  In this episode of Kitchen Island HQ, Kelly and Kristy have an honest conversation about motherhood, ambition, burnout, nervous system regulation, and what it really looks like to build a meaningful life without constantly running on stress and pressure. They dive into people pleasing, perfectionism, emotional regulation, and the mental load so many women silently carry every single day.  Kristy also shares: *  The physical and emotional signs that her body was completely burned out  *  Why high-achieving women struggle to slow down  *  How motherhood shifted her perspective on success  *  Small ways to regulate your nervous system in everyday life  *  Why presence matters more than perfection  *  How healing ourselves impacts the next generation  *  The mindset shift that finally gave her permission to leave corporate and trust herself fully  This episode is emotional, validating, and deeply honest for any woman trying to balance ambition, motherhood, business, and personal fulfillment while still feeling like herself in the process.  Connect with Kristy: * Awakened Achiever Website [https://www.awakenedachiever.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Instagram @awakenedachiever Learn more about her upcoming cohorts: * The Reclamation Hybrid Cohort [https://49374728.hs-sites.com/the-reclamation-an-awakened-achiever-cohort-hybrid?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * The Reclamation Remote Cohort [https://49374728.hs-sites.com/the-reclamation-an-awakened-achiever-cohort-remote?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

4: HoneyBook vs Dubsado: Why Wedding Planners Have Strong Opinions About CRMs

If you’ve spent any time in wedding industry Facebook groups, Threads, or Reddit lately, you’ve probably seen the same debate over and over again: HoneyBook vs Dubsado. In this episode, Kelly McCracken breaks down the real differences between these two popular CRMs and why planners often have frustrations when working inside HoneyBook. This conversation is not about declaring one platform “better” than the other. Instead, it’s about understanding how each software functions, how they impact the client experience, and why growing businesses often start looking for more flexibility and automation. Kelly shares her perspective as a Certified Dubsado Specialist working closely with wedding vendors, photographers, planners, and creative business owners who rely heavily on streamlined communication and strong workflows. You’ll hear: * The core differences between HoneyBook and Dubsado * Why HoneyBook feels easier for beginners * What starts to break down as businesses scale * The importance of automation and workflow flexibility * Why planners struggle with vendor communication inside certain CRMs * How sharing contracts, invoices, and links impacts the client experience * The limitations around email communication and collaboration workflows * Why branding and customization matter as businesses grow This episode also sets the stage for Kelly’s conversation with Casey Murphy of Coastline Weddings, where they dive deeper into the planner perspective and what vendors can do to create a smoother experience for both couples and creative teams. If you’ve ever wondered whether your CRM is helping or hurting your workflow, this episode will give you a better understanding of what these platforms actually do behind the scenes — and why your systems matter more than ever as your business grows. Key Takeaways * Both HoneyBook and Dubsado are CRMs designed to manage contracts, invoices, scheduling, and client communication. * HoneyBook is often easier to set up initially, making it appealing for newer business owners. * Dubsado offers more advanced automation, customization, and workflow capabilities for scaling businesses. * Wedding planners often need easier ways to share links, contracts, and communication with vendors and couples. * Client experience and internal workflows become increasingly important as businesses grow. Connect with Casey from Coastline Weddings Website: https://coastlineweddings.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastlineweddings

3: My Story of Motherhood & Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Kitchen Island HQ, I’m sharing a more personal look into what building a business alongside motherhood has actually looked like for me and how I became a Dubsado specialist.  From taking client calls with a baby in the carrier to navigating the guilt, stress, and flexibility that comes with working from home while raising kids — this episode is an honest conversation about doing both.  We’re talking about: * Building a more sustainable business after becoming a mom * The pressure and fear around working with a baby at home * Why flexibility matters so much to me * The reality of childcare, daycare schedules, and last-minute changes * Letting your kids watch you build something * Why I started this podcast * Releasing guilt around wanting both motherhood and a business If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re allowed to want both a successful business and time with your family, this episode is for you. New to Dubsado? Use my code kellymccrackenva for 30% off your first month or year! About Kelly McCracken Kelly McCracken is a Certified Dubsado Specialist helping service-based business owners create systems, automations, and client experiences that feel polished, personal, and sustainable. As a business owner and mom, she’s passionate about helping women build businesses that work with real life — not against it. Connect With Kelly Instagram: @kellymccracken.co [https://www.instagram.com/kellymccracken.co/] Website: www.kellymccracken.co [https://kellymccracken.co/]

2: Should I Hire a VA or Fix My Systems First?

What if the thing slowing down your business growth isn’t your workload… but the lack of systems behind it? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest mistakes I see service providers make when they’re ready to scale: hiring a virtual assistant before their workflows and systems are actually ready. I’m sharing my own experience as a VA, what frustrated both me and my clients, and why strong SOPs and automations are the real foundation of sustainable growth. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, buried in admin work, or wondering whether it’s finally time to hire help, this episode will help you figure out the smartest next step for your business. In this episode, I talk about: * Why hiring a VA too early can actually create more stress * The difference between a virtual assistant and an OBM * How workflows, automations, and SOPs save time and money Try Dubsado: dubsado.com/?c=kellymccrackenva [https://www.dubsado.com/?c=kellymccrackenva] Let’s Connect: Website: kellymccracken.co [http://kellymccracken.co/] Work with Me: kellymccracken.co/services [https://kellymccracken.co/services]Instagram: instagram.com/kellymccracken.co [https://www.instagram.com/kellymccracken.co/] Podcast Show Notes: kellymccracken.co/podcast [https://kellymccracken.co/podcast/]