Building a Brand, Raising a Baby with Hayley Kruth: What Happens When Business and Motherhood Collide

Building a Brand, Raising a Baby with Hayley Kruth: What Happens When Business and Motherhood Collide

I’m sitting down with Hayley Kruth, founder of Moxie Made, a creative branding studio helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits turn their ideas into brands that actually stand out. Through strategy, storytelling, and design, Hayley helps founders bring their vision to life in a way that feels authentic and impactful. But beyond the brands she builds — Hayley is also in a brand new season of life. She’s a new mom to a baby girl under one year old, navigating the identity shift that comes with motherhood while still running and growing her business. And today, we’re getting real about what it actually looks like when those two worlds collide. We talk about the identity shifts no one prepares you for, how ambition changes (but doesn’t disappear), what building a brand really requires, and the honest, behind-the-scenes of running a business with a baby. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do both?” — this episode is for you. -------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by FM Bookkeeping 💛 FM Bookkeeping exists to empower business owners and give them peace of mind around their finances. We believe you deserve clarity, confidence, and support—without shame, judgment, or overwhelm. Whether you’re behind, confused, or just tired of carrying the mental load of your numbers, FM Bookkeeping is here to help you feel grounded and in control again. If you’re ready to stop stressing about your books and start feeling supported, visit: 👉 https://www.fmbookkeeping.com [https://www.fmbookkeeping.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560033/fan_mail/new]

Not Better, Not Worse — Just Different Support Systems

Support systems in motherhood often become a quiet comparison game — who has help nearby, who has childcare, who has flexibility, and who is doing most of it alone. But what if we stopped ranking support and simply acknowledged the truth: it’s not better or worse — it’s different. In this episode, we explore how the structure around a mother shapes her experience — from time and career opportunities to marriage dynamics, emotional bandwidth, and financial decisions. Because motherhood doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it happens inside systems. This conversation looks at the architecture of support — family help, paid help, partner dynamics, and community — and how those invisible structures influence the day-to-day reality of raising children. Without judgment, without comparison, and without the pressure to prove who has it harder. Instead, this episode invites a more honest conversation about what support really looks like, how it impacts our lives, and how we can build or adjust the support systems available to us. -------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by FM Bookkeeping 💛 FM Bookkeeping exists to empower business owners and give them peace of mind around their finances. We believe you deserve clarity, confidence, and support—without shame, judgment, or overwhelm. Whether you’re behind, confused, or just tired of carrying the mental load of your numbers, FM Bookkeeping is here to help you feel grounded and in control again. If you’re ready to stop stressing about your books and start feeling supported, visit: 👉 https://www.fmbookkeeping.com [https://www.fmbookkeeping.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560033/fan_mail/new]

Styling Stories and Building Community: The Creative Journey of Andrea Serrano

In this episode of Raising Hustle, I’m joined by Andrea Serrano — wardrobe stylist, creative producer, content creator, and event host whose work has helped shape Charleston’s vibrant creative scene. With more than 20 years of experience blending editorial style with commercial storytelling, Andrea brings bold visuals and memorable experiences to life for brands, clients, and collaborations across the city. From styling editorial shoots and producing content campaigns to hosting curated events like Summer Sizzle, Andrea’s work is rooted in creativity, connection, and community. In our conversation, Andrea shares how she built a multifaceted creative career, what it takes to balance multiple roles as a stylist, producer, and entrepreneur, and how motherhood has influenced the way she approaches both business and creativity. In this episode we cover: • How Andrea’s journey into wardrobe styling and creative production began  • Balancing multiple creative roles — styling, producing, content creation, and events  • Her process for bringing brand visions to life through styling and storytelling  • The importance of community and collaboration in Charleston’s creative scene  • Hosting events that connect creatives and local businesses  • How motherhood has shaped her work and perspective as an entrepreneur  • Staying inspired while managing a dynamic creative career  • Advice for other creative moms who want to start their own business  • What success looks like now after years in the creative industry Andrea’s story is a powerful reminder that creativity isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about connection, storytelling, and building community around the work you love. -------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by FM Bookkeeping 💛 FM Bookkeeping exists to empower business owners and give them peace of mind around their finances. We believe you deserve clarity, confidence, and support—without shame, judgment, or overwhelm. Whether you’re behind, confused, or just tired of carrying the mental load of your numbers, FM Bookkeeping is here to help you feel grounded and in control again. If you’re ready to stop stressing about your books and start feeling supported, visit: 👉 https://www.fmbookkeeping.com [https://www.fmbookkeeping.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560033/fan_mail/new]

Relationships > Revenue: Why Networking Builds Your Business

What if the secret to growing your business isn’t more content, more ads, or more hustle—but more connection? In this episode of Raising Hustle, we talk about why relationships—not just revenue—are the real foundation of sustainable growth. From casual DMs to coffee chats and referrals, this is a real, honest look at how human connection creates opportunities, visibility, and long-term success. We explore: * Shifting from transactional to relational networking * How real conversations lead to aligned clients and referrals * Online vs. offline connection (and why both matter) * Building allies, not just contacts * Why your next opportunity might be one conversation away If you’ve been feeling isolated, stuck, or tired of doing everything alone, this episode is your reminder:  you don’t have to scale by yourself. People over performance—always. 💛 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by FM Bookkeeping 💛 FM Bookkeeping exists to empower business owners and give them peace of mind around their finances. We believe you deserve clarity, confidence, and support—without shame, judgment, or overwhelm. Whether you’re behind, confused, or just tired of carrying the mental load of your numbers, FM Bookkeeping is here to help you feel grounded and in control again. If you’re ready to stop stressing about your books and start feeling supported, visit: 👉 https://www.fmbookkeeping.com [https://www.fmbookkeeping.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560033/fan_mail/new]

Shine Without Burnout: How Sarah Ziesler Helps Women Build Aligned Businesses

In this episode of Raising Hustle, I’m joined by Sarah Ziesler, founder of Shine ShEO and a business coach based in Greenville, South Carolina who is redefining what it means to be a female CEO. After leaving the corporate world in search of something more aligned, Sarah experienced the real highs and lows of entrepreneurship — investing in programs that didn’t always deliver and discovering the gaps many women face when building businesses. That journey ultimately led her to create Shine ShEO, a space where women can grow businesses rooted in purpose, authenticity, and feminine leadership. In our conversation, we talk about how motherhood reshapes leadership, ambition, and success. Sarah shares how she structures her business around her family, navigates the emotional load of entrepreneurship, and helps women build businesses that prioritize alignment, impact, and sustainability over hustle culture. This episode is an honest conversation about leadership, legacy, and what it means to build a business that reflects who you truly are — both as a CEO and as a mother. -------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by FM Bookkeeping 💛 FM Bookkeeping exists to empower business owners and give them peace of mind around their finances. We believe you deserve clarity, confidence, and support—without shame, judgment, or overwhelm. Whether you’re behind, confused, or just tired of carrying the mental load of your numbers, FM Bookkeeping is here to help you feel grounded and in control again. If you’re ready to stop stressing about your books and start feeling supported, visit: 👉 https://www.fmbookkeeping.com [https://www.fmbookkeeping.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560033/fan_mail/new]