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?

When I had my son there wasn’t a lot of open conversation around parenting in the industry, especially for women in leadership positions. There was often an unspoken assumption that you would either slow down or become less available.

During the birth of my son, I was working on the debut albums by the Lowest of the Low and the Waltons.   In both cases, I handled live bookings, press, radio promotion, marketing, and management. Taking time away simply wasn’t an option — it was my livelihood, and for the artists, the culmination of a decade of work.

My son’s father and I both worked in the music industry, so neither of us had a regular salary. It was very much a “fly by the seat of your pants” period, but we were fortunate to have incredible support from our families and our close-knit circle of artist friends, who understood the reality of our lives. For independent entrepreneurs there is no mat leave available to us, childcare is expensive and also, this type of work is long hours so those early years were especially challenging.

Having said that I didn’t see becoming a parent as stepping away from the work. If anything, it sharpened my perspective on the kind of culture and ecosystem I wanted to help build, one where women could have full lives alongside meaningful careers.

What changed for you when you became a parent in this industry?

Parenthood changed how I define success.

It made me more intentional about time, more protective of energy, and more aware that sustainability matters. In music, we celebrate being everywhere and doing everything, but parenting reminded me that presence matters too.

It also made me think more deeply about the environments we create for artists, teams, and communities. Care isn’t separate from great work. It’s part of making great work possible.

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

Normalize designing for parents instead of accommodating them as exceptions.

That can mean childcare support at events, more family-friendly scheduling, clearer advance planning, spaces for caregivers, and reducing the expectation that commitment is measured by constant availability.

Small operational decisions can make a huge difference.

Finish this sentence: “Being a parent in music is…”

…learning that building a life and building a career don’t have to compete with each other.

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

I’ve learned to be honest and ask for help.  In my case I was blessed to have incredible family & friends support.

Community doesn’t always look formal. Sometimes it’s other parents sharing advice, checking in, helping with logistics, or simply making space for each other to show up imperfectly.

I’ve found that when one parent speaks openly, it gives permission for others to do the same.

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

I always appreciate organizations that think about participation holistically, things like scheduling with notice, offering family-friendly access, providing childcare options, or making room for caregivers.

The most meaningful support often isn’t flashy. It’s thoughtful design that allows people to fully participate.

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

Build parent considerations into planning from day one.

That includes childcare support, family rooms, predictable schedules, shorter days where possible, and recognizing that not everyone can stay out until midnight to contribute meaningfully.

Accessibility includes caregivers too.

What advice would you give to someone in music who’s thinking about becoming a parent?

There is no perfect time.

Build support systems before you think you need them. Be willing to redefine success in different seasons. And remember that becoming a parent doesn’t diminish your creativity, ambition, or leadership.

You don’t stop being who you are. You become more of yourself.

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

There are so many incredible music mamas doing important work across artists, management, festivals, labels, and community building. In fact, all music mammas are my sheros and I continue to be inspired by these remarkable women who are creating spaces for others while also raising families and redefining what leadership can look like.  I really admire Shauna De Cartier from 6 Shooter Records.  She is a true inspiration and an incredible mother.   I really admire her leadership style.   I love how she has intentionally built and set up her company to accommodate working mothers.