After a few weeks of navigating life as a first-time mom, I’m easing back into work with a fresh perspective and a deeper respect for systems, pivots, and problem-solving.
The truth is, becoming a parent has stretched me in ways I didn’t anticipate. It’s also sharpened my thinking about how we work at Agency 102: how we serve our clients, lead projects, and build smart, creative, adaptable strategies.
So in the spirit of transparency and connection, I wanted to share a few unexpected overlaps between motherhood and marketing — lessons that will shape how I lead our team and how we show up for our clients going forward.
(And yes, my 5-week-old daughter is currently napping in her carrier on me as I type this).
Whether you’re raising a brand or a baby, here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Patience is Non-Negotiable
Nothing meaningful happens overnight.
In parenting, that might mean waiting for a nap that never comes, or adjusting expectations (again) when teething ruins a perfectly good schedule.
In marketing, it means resisting the pressure to see instant results. Growth takes time, especially with thoughtful organic marketing. Good strategy takes time, testing, and refinement. We tell our clients this often, but now I feel it even more deeply.
Patience is power. Not passivity. It’s trusting the process and staying consistent through the messy middle.
2. What Worked Yesterday Might Not Work Today
Babies change. A lot. What worked for sleep last week (or yesterday) might not work at all today.
Marketing is the same. A campaign that drove conversions last quarter might fall flat this one. Algorithms shift, audience behavior evolves, the landscape changes.
The key? Staying open to optimization.
At Agency 102, we don’t “set it and forget it.” We test, tweak, and evolve — whether it’s ad copy, email strategy, or content formats. Now more than ever, I’m embracing change as a core competency.
3. Discomfort is a Sign You’re Growing
Let’s just say: nothing about becoming a mom feels easy. From postpartum recovery to figuring out feeding, sleep, and everything in between, there’s discomfort in the growth.
Same goes for marketing yourself and your business.
Putting yourself out there (personally or professionally) is uncomfortable. But staying in your comfort zone won’t move the needle. Want visibility? Want traction? You’ve got to be willing to do something new, even if it’s a little awkward at first.
And you also have to be willing to put in the work and investment to make positive change.
We coach our clients through this all the time. And now I’m even more invested in helping people take brave steps that lead to better outcomes.
4. Creativity is a Survival Skill
Some of my most creative parental thinking has happened between 4 and 8pm when my daughter is in the middle of her “witching hour” (which, by the way, is way longer than an hour), when we’re trying to figure out if she’s hungry, uncomfortable, overtired, or all of the above.
There’s no perfect scenario. No perfect environment. You just figure it out.
It reminded me that creativity isn’t a “mood” or a department—it’s a resourceful mindset. And at Agency 102, that’s exactly how we approach challenges.
Whether it’s stretching a tight budget, building a brand from scratch, or adapting to a client’s shifting needs, we know how to get creative and get results.
5. Information is Powerful, Context is Better
I’ve Googled, TikTok’d, and ChatGPT’d my way through countless parenting questions. Everything from “how to get rid of baby acne” to “is it normal for my newborn to be so loud when she sleeps”.
But I’ve learned not to take advice at face value. What works for someone else’s baby might not work for mine.
Same with marketing.
Best practices are helpful—but they’re not always your best move. That’s why we dig deep into your audience, your industry, and your goals before we suggest solutions. Templates and tips only go so far. Understanding your unique needs is where the magic happens.
6. Support Systems Are Everything
I couldn’t have made it through the early weeks of motherhood without a strong support system — my husband, my team, friends, family, and neighbors (who set up a meal train and delivered some of the tastiest food we’ve had, including a homemade apple pie!).
And I’ve seen the same thing play out in business: when you’re surrounded by people who get it, progress feels possible.
That’s the energy we cultivate at Agency 102. We’re not just vendors or freelancers. We’re collaborators. Strategic partners. Creative problem-solvers who care as much about your outcomes as you do. That’s the Agency 102 Way.
So, What’s Next?
I’m not “back to business” in the traditional sense. I’m easing in thoughtfully, balancing leadership and parenthood, presence and momentum.
But if you’re thinking about a new project, exploring how to get more traction from your marketing, or just want to say hi, I’d love to talk.
We’re booking client strategy calls now, and I’m beginning to take meetings in a limited, intentional way over the next couple of months. If you’ve been considering working with us, this is a great time to start the conversation.
