Where were you at in your music career when you had your first child? Was there much discussion about how that life choice would affect your career within the music/entertainment industry?

I became a parent for the first time at a young age, so honestly, my early music experiences involved singing karaoke at bars and parties and singing/playing an instrument at church. By the time I entered the music industry, I already had three kids, and later on, I had twins. There were certainly conversations about how becoming a parent might influence my career, particularly since I had my children at the beginning of my professional journey. Balancing parenthood with the demands of the industry was a significant challenge.

As a working parent in the music industry, what are some of the biggest challenges you are facing?

Juggling work and family life is a significant challenge, especially with five kids. Managing the needs and behaviours of five unique personalities alongside the numerous activities and responsibilities is quite a task. The shifts in children’s behaviour as they transition into teenagers and eventually adults can be a considerable challenge. Staying up-to-date to connect with the evolving slang, music trends, and influences of the younger generation adds another layer of complexity. The constant hustle to keep up can make days and weeks incredibly demanding. Additionally, finding affordable childcare for evening events or concerts has proven difficult, with few options available.

What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?

Introducing more family-friendly policies, like flexible work hours and on-site childcare, as well as offering benefits to assist with childcare costs, would make a significant difference. Furthermore, nurturing a work culture that prioritizes work-life balance and understands the challenges faced by working parents would be beneficial.

How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?

As a single parent, I get support and a sense of community through church groups, social media groups, and networking events geared towards parents. Building relationships with fellow parents who understand the challenges and joys of balancing parenthood with a career has been tremendously helpful.

What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?

I received tickets from work to see one of our artists perform at Phoenix Concert Theatre, and I brought along my two kids. My younger daughter, who was only twelve at the time and shorter than most attendees, had trouble seeing the stage. However, the venue staff kindly escorted us to a different area closer to the stage, where she could have a better view of the performance and truly enjoy the show.

What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?

I love attending events with my kids, but navigating crowded, non-family-friendly environments can be tough. Having designated rest areas or family-friendly zones at music events would significantly improve our experience and make participation much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

Definitely! The music industry is full of amazing moms. The other office mamas, Emily Stiver, Sandi Flaim, Kristin Ociepa, and Lori Webster are not just great coworkers but also exceptional parents. And I'll never forget spotting Samantha Taus at a concert, enjoying the music with her little one a couple of summers ago