Lia Cecaci with Oh, Honestly Photography (Photographer)
Where do I start with Lia? I first met Lia in 2016 when she photographed one of my best friend's weddings. I was in the early stages of my career in the wedding industry and was straddling the line between planner/florist/guest. I instantly knew I loved Lia. Her laid-back nature, sense of humor, and go with the flow attitude made the wedding day feel effortless and relaxed. From then, Lia and I have worked together in so many capacities. She photographed my wedding, I coordinated hers. Lia has captured the most special moments-- my newborn son's first photo shoot and his first birthday. She is an incredible graphic designer and is one half of the ultra talented Golden Palms Press. In addition to ALL of that, Lia is one of our incredible Morning Coordinators and ensures that our brides feel relaxed and well-taken care of on their wedding day!
K: How would you describe yourself as a business owner before having kids?
Flexible. A rule bender… even though they were my own rules! I had this kind of 'Eh, it'll all work out' energy. But since B, I’ve learned the magic (and necessity) of boundaries. Turns out, those rules I was bending were actually pretty useful. Who knew?
K: Less worried / More worried?
Oh, both. But more intentional. Weirdly, since having B, I’ve gotten better at putting myself first—something I’ve always struggled with. It feels counterintuitive, like I’m breaking some invisible 'good mom' rule, but prioritizing myself helps me show up as the best version of me for him. So yeah, I’m more worried, but also less, because I trust my choices more now. (Does that make sense? Parent brain is wild.)
K: What were your priorities before?
Honestly? Hustling. Getting creative. Making things work. I focused a lot on saying 'yes' to everything and growing my business. Now, I’m more about saying 'yes' to the right things—both in work and life.
K: How has your daily workflow changed?
NAPS RULE EVERYTHING AROUND ME. If it’s not happening during nap time, it’s probably not happening. I’ve learned to work in these tiny, magical pockets of time, which means I’m waaay more efficient than I ever thought possible.
K: How has your approach to your business changed?
I’ve always been a bit of a 'chaotic creative'—organization has never been my strong suit. (Spreadsheets? Who is she?) But now? Oof, the stakes are higher. If I wasn’t motivated to get organized before Bucky (I was… kind of), I have to be now. Structure isn’t my natural vibe, but I’m learning to embrace it. Slowly. Reluctantly. With lots of coffee.
K: What are the biggest challenges you face as a solo business owner and mom?
The interruptions. Nothing derails deep-focus work like a sudden 'Mommy, I need…!' It took me waaay too long to realize I needed to carve out separate mom time and work time. Like, actual boundaries.And let’s talk about guilt. There’s this cycle: 'More work time = less mom time = bad mom.' I’ve never actually believed I’m a bad mom for loving my work, but self-doubt is a sneaky little jerk. It whispers, 'Will you regret working so much someday?' And while I know deep down that I love my kid and my work, keeping that self-doubt at bay is a daily challenge.Also, can we talk about how hard it is for a Spontaneous Willy Nilly Brain™️ to embrace structure? Schedules are the secret sauce, but whew, they are tough for my creative spirit.
K: What do you wish couples/clients or other vendors understood about your dual role as a business owner and mom?
I may have less time now, but I’m giving you better time. Since becoming a mom, I’m more intentional, efficient, and organized. I pour my heart into every minute I dedicate to my clients because I know how precious time is. I also want people to know I’m working on healthy boundaries—not just for me, but for my family. That might mean a few more 'No’s' to things that don’t align, but it’s so I can say 'Hell yes!' to the things that matter.
K: Anything else that you want to share about your role as a mama and business owner?
Being a mom has taught me the beauty of imperfection. My house is a little messier, my schedule is a little tighter, but my heart is so full. I love my work, and I love my family, and every day I’m figuring out how to honor both without losing myself in the process. It’s a work in progress, but honestly? I’m proud of what I’m building—for me, for B, and for my clients.
Please show Lia some love by following her on Instagram and keeping her in mind for any of your future events!
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