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I Don’t Know How She Does It – Fawn Christiansen

2012 July 24
by WWGD

I met Fawn about two years ago online and promptly knew we would become real-life kindred spirits. Many Tweets later, I booked her to shoot our very first family photos ever and she amazed me with her easy-going demeanor, creative thinking, friendly-in-an-authentic-way vibe…and effortless personal style. A few months later, we introduced cocktails into the equation and after an evening of wine and cheese and chit-chat actually texted each other that we were meant to be BFFs. In typical busy working mama style (she runs the rapidly growing photography business Sequins and Candy) we haven’t had drinks since…schedules keep getting in the way. But I can say firsthand that she is a true inspiration who managed to turn her passion into profit all while remaining an amazing, devoted mother to eight-year-old Makena and five-year-old Chloe. Here is how she does it:

What time does your day start and how?
You are not going to like the answer to this question…my girls wake-up around 9am {it’s summer!!}. Chloe, my 5 year old, usually shuffles in my bedroom first and starts telling me that she is “SO starving”. I roll out of bed, start my coffee then proceed with her breakfast.

What time does your day end and how?
My day ends around 10-11pm. The girls are in bed at 8 pm and my husband and I make a point of it to have quiet, alone time together. Usually a glass of wine for me and a glass of scotch for him. We chat and/or just veg out. I don’t work, he doesn’t work and we are offline… mostly. I do sneak in a “pin” here and there from my iPad. πŸ™‚

Do you work from home or in an office? What is the set up like?
I am a photographer so I have the absolute pleasure of being mostly outside in nature for the actual shoot. All the editing takes place at home in my little office. I have magazine clippings on the wall in front of me from top to bottom with inspiration and just pretty things and to my right I painted the wall large gold and white chevron. I think it is important to have your work space pretty and happy. It is a tiny space I work in but I have made it pretty cozy.

Do you see/speak to your kids throughout your work day? If yes, how/when?
Yes. All day. I try to set aside time for work in blocks, say 12-3. Time management is what I struggle with, being home I feel pulled in many directions and I honestly feel guilty when I sit down to work. I am working on that.

What is the best thing about being a working mom? Hardest thing?
The hardest thing is not feeling like you are “present” sometimes, there is always something to do, an email to answer, a post to write, a wedding to edit, another to upload all while you have a playdate at the park to be at or nine kids running through your house.

The best thing is that I am doing something I am SO passionate about and that it makes me feel wonderful. I want the girls to be independent and never lose sight of what they love and who they are. I think it is hands down, so important to put your family first…but it really is important to make sure you don’t put yourself last..everyone suffers then.

Be honest, what is one thing you envy about stay at home moms?
Some of the elaborate real crafty stuff you can do with the kids…when I didn’t work, I painted canvases and we did science experiments. Stuff like that. I miss that and cooking delicious meals. I miss that! We do sit down for dinner as a family, I feel that is sooo important, but it isn’t anything super fancy, We eat pretty clean and healthy but very simply. Before my business when I had more time, I used to cook some really good eats. πŸ™‚

Answer the question β€œI don’t know how you do it?” in ten words or less
Not sure if I am “doing it”? Don’t know if I am doing anything “right”…but I do know I am trying my absolute best, I hope and pray that is enough. I went over ten words, sorry. (editor’s note: ya, that seems to be a reoccurring issue here)

And since we all work hard for our money so we can play in style, here are a few things Fawn is currently coveting for she and she and she…

Clockwise from top left:

My DIY glitter boots. I wear them with everything and they are perfect “wedding photographer” shoes.. comfy and sparkly!

Gel pens and cool coloring books

Zinka sunscreen

I live in maxi dresses for summer

These plasma cars are a blast!

Clinique Chubby Stick – perfect amount of color

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

Current shoe of choice

We have dance parties constantly in this house (editor’s note: now you see why I love her, right??)

4 Responses
  1. July 24, 2012

    thanks raluca! i am so honored to be featured on your ahh-mazing blog. seriously! and we need to get another vino date on the books.. stat! xx

  2. July 24, 2012

    I love this series! So many inspiring women and families. Reminds me to unplug more. Note to self.

  3. July 24, 2012

    I just found you through Glitter Guide πŸ™‚ I am a San Diegian too. LOVE this post on Fawn her photos are amazing.

    • WWGD permalink*
      July 25, 2012

      Thanks so much! Glad you found me πŸ™‚

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