Messy Mompreneur

Hello and welcome to the Messy Mompreneur Podcast, where we cover all things community, parent entrepreneurship, and building life-first marketing efforts for your small business! I’m your host, Alysha Sanford. I’m a mostly-work-from-home mom with a background in brand photography and a passion for sustainable marketing strategies. You’re probably listening because you, too, wear all of the hats, and I’m so happy to have you here!If you hit play on this episode, I’m going to guess that you might be feeling overwhelmed managing all of the things. And if you’re listening to this in real time as this episode is published, I’m also guessing that the holiday to-dos aren’t helping. Today I want to address the thing that we call mental load, how it affects parent entrepreneurs, but more specifically how it affects mom entrepreneurs. I want to share 7 ways to reduce that mental load and overall stress, and all can make a difference through the year if you put them into practice. This wasn’t an episode I’d originally planned to drop at this time, but I’m feeling the importance of sharing it now and I really hope that it feels like a big hug.Main topics included in this episode:A definition of "mental load"Relatable examples of how it affects me as a busy toddler mom and small business owner, and how it likely affects you as well7 ways to reduce that mental load and overall stressResources Mentioned:Capture the Chaos Planner (Use code ALYSHA15 at checkout for 15% off)Episode 24 - Real Talk - Pivoting Your Business After a Hard Life SeasonEpisode 2 - Eight Ways to Find Time for Self Care as a Busy MomMetricool scheduler“The Friday Mix" sign upConnect with Alysha:Photo & Marketing WebsiteWebsiteInstagramhello@[email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome to the Messy Mompreneur Podcast, where we cover all things community, parent entrepreneurship, and building life-first marketing efforts for your small business! I’m your host, Alysha Sanford. I’m a mostly-work-from-home mom with a background in brand photography and a passion for sustainable marketing strategies. You’re probably listening because you, too, wear all of the hats, and I’m so happy to have you here!If you’ve been feeling like your sales, bookings or business in general has slowed down, the calendar is emptier than you expected, or you’re wondering “am I doing something wrong?”… this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through why slow seasons happen, how to shift your perspective, and the practical steps that you can take right now so that you can either turn it around, or prepare before your usual slow season hits.Main topics included in this episode:An important mindset shift regarding slow seasonsHow to acknowledge and diagnose the reason for the slow season8 areas of focus that can all improve bookings and salesThe unexpected benefits of a slow seasonResources Mentioned:Free in-depth checklist of 20+ ways to boost booking during a slow season.Metricool scheduler“The Friday Mix" sign upFall website refresh episodeConnect with Alysha:Photo & Marketing WebsiteWebsiteInstagramhello@[email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome to the Messy Mompreneur Podcast, where we cover all things community, parent entrepreneurship, and building life-first marketing efforts for your small business! I’m your host, Alysha Sanford. I’m a mostly-work-from-home toddler mom with a background in brand photography and a passion for sustainable marketing strategies. You’re probably listening because you, too, wear all of the hats, and I’m so happy to have you here!You’ve already heard how collaboration and partnerships can lift your business during last week’s episode… if not, please go back and give it a listen.And today, we’re taking that one step further — exploring why shopping small and supporting fellow small businesses matters more now than ever. Whether you’re running a service-based business or a creative brand, the ripple effects of your holiday spending and support are far-reaching. By the end of this episode, you’ll have both the mindset and the tactics to show up intentionally this season — not just as a seller, but as a community builder.Main topics included in this episode:3 reasons why shopping small makes a big differenceSome gift ideas that mean the mostWhere to shop small this seasonMy challenge for you this weekResources Mentioned:“The Friday Mix" sign upGift Guide blog post for small business owners.Connect with Alysha:Photo & Marketing WebsiteWebsiteInstagramhello@[email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome to the Messy Mompreneur Podcast, where we cover all things community, parent entrepreneurship, and building life-first marketing efforts for your small business! I’m your host, Alysha Sanford. I’m a mostly-work-from-home mom with a background in brand photography and a passion for sustainable marketing strategies. You’re probably listening because you, too, wear all of the hats, and I’m so happy to have you here!You know what I’ve been thinking a lot about over the last few months?How much I miss the kind of community we had before everything went fully digital — when word of mouth, face-to-face support, and genuine camaraderie were how we built things… in both life and business.I want to talk about bringing that energy back; small businesses lifting each other up, sharing the love, and remembering what community really feels like. Because that’s the magic of the “shop small” season — it’s not just about sales, it’s about connection. And this episode tells you exactly how and why to collaborate with other small businesses to grow together.Main topics included in this episode:Why community seemed to be stronger in the analog era, and how it hits differently nowWhy networking and collaboration with other entrepreneurs is important for your life, business and marketing efforts4 simple, feel-good areas to collaborate and support each other (with plenty of examples)My challenge for you this weekResources Mentioned:“The Friday Mix" sign upGift Guide blog post for small business owners.Connect with Alysha:Photo & Marketing WebsiteWebsiteInstagramhello@[email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back to the Messy Mompreneur podcast! I’m your host, Alysha Sanford, and I’m so happy to have you here. If you’re juggling motherhood, business, and about a hundred moving parts, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the planner that changed how I run both my home and my work — the Capture the Chaos Planner. It’s part planner, part workbook, and completely built for real entrepreneur life. You’ll hear how this system helped me simplify my days, create balance between mom life and entrepreneurship, and finally see my business and personal priorities in one clear space. I’ll walk through my favorite features, how I use them each week, and the biggest mindset shifts that came with it.Main topics included in this episode:Why basic planners weren’t cutting it anymoreHow the Capture the Chaos Planner helps me organize life and business togetherThe daily “top three” method for staying focusedThe benefits of weekly, monthly and quarterly check-insThe epic business hub section that includes a dedicated space for project and content planningHow slowing down brought more clarity, calm, and balanceResources Mentioned:“The Friday Mix" sign upCapture the Chaos Planner (Use code ALYSHA15 at checkout for 15% off)Capture the Chaos Planner VIDEOColie James' Airtable Content Hub TemplateConnect with Alysha:Photo & Marketing WebsiteWebsiteInstagramhello@[email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back to the Messy Mompreneur podcast! I’m your host, Alysha Sanford, and I’m so happy to have you here. Before the busy holiday season hits, let’s make sure your website is ready to convert visitors into clients — not lose them to broken links or outdated info. In this episode, I walk you through a quick five-step website audit you can do in under an hour to keep your site polished, professional, and ready for holiday traffic. We’ll cover what to check, refresh, and simplify across your essentials, tech setup, visuals, and content — so your website continues working for you while you focus on motherhood, homemaking, and running your small business with ease.Main topics included in this episode:The 5-step website audit for small business ownersWhat to update - contact info, links, and pricingQuick fixes for speed, SEO, and mobile-friendlinessSimple ways to refresh visuals and calls-to-actionTraffic drivers that bring people back to your digital homeWhy a fall refresh saves time (and stress) during the holidaysResources Mentioned:“The Friday Mix" sign upConnect with Alysha:Photo & Marketing WebsiteWebsiteInstagramhello@[email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back to the Messy Mompreneur podcast! I’m your host, Alysha Sanford, and I’m so happy to have you here.If your fall season feels like a whirlwind of school schedules, client work, and never-ending to-dos, this episode will help you breathe again. I’m walking you through a simple, life-first content rhythm designed for busy mom entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to stay consistent without burning out.We’ll talk through my three-part marketing framework, a sample batching schedule that actually works for work-from-home life, and how to repurpose your blog, podcast, YouTube or email content so that you can spend more time with your people—and less time chasing the algorithm.Main topics included in this episode:Why simplifying your marketing this season mattersMy three-pillar Life-First Marketing FrameworkA four-week batching rhythm for creating and repurposing contentHow to stay visible without daily posting and inevitably doom scrollingEncouragement for balancing parenthood, business, and the rest of your personal lifeResources Mentioned:“The Friday Mix" sign upMetricool (scheduling game-changer)Connect with Alysha:Photo & Marketing WebsiteWebsiteInstagramhello@[email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back to the Messy Mompreneur podcast! I’m your host, Alysha Sanford, and I’m so happy to have you here.After taking a one and a half year break to navigate motherhood, grief, and major life changes, I’m back with a fresh look at what it really means to build a life-first business as a mom entrepreneur. In this episode, I’m sharing how brand photography evolved into marketing strategy, what I’ve learned about balancing work-from-home life and homemaking, and why pivoting your business can actually be a powerful move toward sustainability and purpose.Main topics included in this episode:Why my capacity and calling both shiftedWhat grief taught (and continues to teach) meThe transition from brand photography to the content marketing strategy behind the session planningSustainable systems for real-life business seasonsEncouragement for fellow parent entrepreneurs ready to pivotResources Mentioned:“The Friday Mix" sign upConnect with Alysha:Photo & Marketing WebsiteWebsiteInstagramhello@[email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back!In today’s conversation, we are chatting with Kara Taylor. She’s a mom of three, navigating the beautiful chaos of life. Originally from Roseburg, OR, her journey took unexpected turns after marrying her high school sweetheart with six relocations to different states in eight years. Along the way, she fell in love with newborn photography, which evolved into a small business crafting handmade props like sleepy hats and headbands. Balancing mom life amid constant moves has been a wild ride, but she’s found her stride. Her family LOVES outdoor adventures, making the most of weekends with hikes, mushroom foraging, river dips, and coastal sandcastle building.Main topics included in this episode:Kara’s journey into motherhood and business through many movesThe pivots and comebacks she’s experienced as an entrepreneurHow she has found her groove, and the systems that have helpedConnect with Kara:WebsiteInstagramFacebookVIP Group (Most Active!)Resources Mentioned:Metricool SchedulerConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome!Today I wanted to share some reverse engineering hacks to reduce photo session stress! You’ve likely heard the popular phrases recently of, “backwards math”, “mom math”, “girl math” … it’s all relative to reverse engineering!I’d love it if you’d connect with me over on Instagram! It’s where I’m most active and I love to share behind the scenes of mompreneur life on that platform.Main topics included in this episode:4 ways to reverse engineer your photo session to reduce stressExamples and questions to ask yourself in that processConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography WebsiteLTK ShopInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back!In today’s conversation, we are chatting with Andria Singletary. She is a wife, mom of two, as well as a life and business coach for mompreneurs. On her podcast, Mama Turned Mompreneur, she talks about all things motherhood and business life. Her biggest passion is helping other moms build a business that fits their current season of life because, let's be honest, life as a mom is ever-changing, and finding what aligns with you is key. She takes pride in helping her clients succeed and grow their clientele off social media through podcasting and other strategies so they can spend less time on their phones and more time with their littles.Main topics included in this episode:Andria’s journey into motherhood and entrepreneurshipHow she has learned to align her offerings based on her current season of lifeHer focus on supporting and coaching fellow mompreneurs in their journeysLeveraging long-form content to allow business owners to step back from social mediaConnect with Andria:WebsiteMama Turned Mompreneur PodcastInstagramEmail CommunityResources Mentioned:Capture the Chaos Planner/Workbook for entrepreneursConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome!On this episode, I’m reflecting on my journey coming into motherhood as an entrepreneur. I share the lessons I learned, and the 6 major changes I would make if I could have a do-over. Definitely give it a listen if you are entering parenthood soon (or entering it again), yourself!I’d love it if you’d connect with me over on Instagram! It’s where I’m most active and I love to share behind the scenes of mompreneur life on that platform.Main topics included in this episode:My messy motherhood and mompreneur experience6 things I would do differently for a smoother journeyConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography WebsiteLTK ShopInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome!On this episode, we’re talking all about the slow season post-holidays. I share my prior outlook on it and how I view it now. I’ll walk you through the 7 areas that I’m heavily focusing now and that are sure to make a major impact on the rest of the year. Make sure to listen to see which areas you could implement into your mompreneur journey!I’d love it if you’d connect with me over on Instagram! It’s where I’m most active and I love to share behind the scenes of mompreneur life on that platform.Main topics included in this episode:The ways in which my views slow seasons have shiftedHow I’m spending this down timeAreas of focus to make the most of your slow seasonResources Mentioned:Metricool SchedulerConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography WebsiteLTK ShopInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome!On this episode, I’m sharing my 2023 biggest lessons learned as a mompreneur. I chat a bit about S.M.A.R.T. goal setting and share some of my biggest goals and my word of the year for 2024.I’d love it if you’d connect with me over on Instagram! It’s where I’m most active and I love to share behind the scenes of mompreneur life on that platform.Main topics included in this episode:2023 biggest lessons learnedS.M.A.R.T. goal settingMy biggest goals and word of the year for 2024Resources Mentioned:Capture the Chaos Planner/Workbood for entrepreneursConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography WebsiteLTK ShopInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome!Happy New Years! On this episode, I’m explaining where I’ve been the last 5 months and the reason behind pausing the podcast. I also give a little insight as to where we’re going! Make sure to listen to this episode before moving onto future episodes. I want you to have alllll the context!Also, I’d love it if you’d connect with me over on Instagram! It’s where I’m most active and I love to share behind the scenes of mompreneur life on that platform.Main topics included in this episode:Catching upWhere I'm atPlans for the future of the podcastConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography WebsiteLTK ShopInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome!On this quick episode, I’m sharing my photography journey in honor of World Photography Day on August 19th. I love highlighting other mompreneur stories but today I thought I’d share about more of my own. Photography has been an absolute blessing in my life. So many people have shaped my journey and I’m forever grateful.Main topics included in this episode:How I was introduced to the world of photography and what it grew intoMy evolution into my current niche and styleWhat I’m the most grateful forConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography and Baby Goods WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back!In today’s conversation, we are chatting with my friend Lucy Wang. I met Lucy in person at a photography workshop years ago and collaborated with her for a bit when we both dabbled in the newborn prop industry. She is a wife and mama of 3 residing in the LA area. She's also a self-proclaimed iron chef, SYSK binge-listener, and crazy plant lady. You will most likely find her in her kitchen cooking for her family. Otherwise, she is tending to her indoor jungle, heading to a hip-hop class, browsing the aisles at Trader Joe's, or entertaining in her backyard. Occasionally you might find her, camera in hand, helping other families document those small but significant moments in life.Main topics included in this episode:Lucy’s background and journey into mompreneurshipDiscussions of CRMs and goals to be able to scale her businessHow she is reevaluating her work and mom life to align with her heartWhat she is looking forward to in the next few years in both family and businessConnect with Lucy:WebsitePhotography InstagramCooking InstagramDollhouse InstagramResources Mentioned:CRM platforms discussed - Honeybook, Dubsado, Iris Works and Go High LevelBook - Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen DoucleffConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography and Baby Goods WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back!In today’s conversation, we are chatting with my friend Karissa Pangelina. I met Karissa over a decade ago when she hired me for her oldest daughter’s 6-month photo session. Since then, I’ve had the honor of photographing many more special milestones for their family through the years and developing a friendship with her. She’s an incredibly sweet and hardworking wife, mama of 2 and a successful realtor here in Roseburg, OR. She’s sharing her journey into motherhood and her career, and I’m excited for you to listen!Main topics included in this episode:Karissa’s background, journey into motherhood and businessThe passion behind creating a career that allows her to be a very involved momHer experience and drive as a real estate agentSome exciting things she is looking forward to over the next couple of yearsConnect with Karissa:FacebookWebsite - Coming soon, follow her Facebook Page for updates and info!Connect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography and Baby Goods WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back!In honor of Nat’l Get to Know Your Customers Day on 7/20, we are chatting with Alishia today. She is a social media advertising strategist and owner of Social EllaMents. Over the course of a decade of working for corporations specializing in Operations and Marketing Management, Alishia decided it was time to step away from the corporate grind. Still having a passion for marketing and helping businesses grow she found a fantastic mentorship program to help start up her own social media advertising agency, Social EllaMents Marketing. Now she's able to help businesses grow online (which she loves!) and has the flexibility needed for her family of four, plus two dogs, and a handful of chickens. It's a win-win in her book!Main topics included in this episode:Alishia's background with marketingHer journey into Mompreneurship and current daily rhythmThe social media advertising services she specializes inFacebook Ads and the benefits of focusing on themIdentifying your customers and marketing to them in a genuine wayConnect with Alishia:[email protected] a MeetingFacebookInstagramConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography and Baby Goods WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.

Hello and welcome back!In today’s conversation, we are chatting with Miranda Schroeder, the boss mama behind Thoughtfully Designed Co. based in Indianapolis. Over the last few years, I’ve followed her on Instagram and have watched her career path evolve through her various passions while coming into motherhood. Today she’s sharing her journey and the pivots she has made in her professional life along the way.Main topics included in this episode:Miranda's career journeyHow motherhood changed her outlookWhat she has done to curb work life burnoutWhat she is looking forward to in lifeConnect with Miranda:WebsiteInstagramPinterestConnect with Alysha:WebsitePhotography and Baby Goods WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestTik [email protected] licensing information:Eli Lev - Dancin' on the LawnFor full show notes, please visit the website.