Juggling Motherhood and Ambition
Hey there, I'm Shanelle—aka Blogging Belle—and welcome to BelleShanelle.com, where life is a juggling act, and I’m here to share it all!
Now, I didn’t plan for my entire identity to become motherhood, meal prep, mess-cleaning, and managing my younger daughter’s endless list of activities—but life happens. You adapt. When someone asks me, "So, what do you do?" my business usually comes to mind... after the fact. My real estate photography hustle is a thing, but let’s be honest, my real job? I work for my 6-year-old daughter, full-time! 👩🏾🍼
Life has revolved around her since day one—literally. Her father and I were engaged and ready to start our lives together, but during my pregnancy, things shifted, and I was suddenly facing single motherhood. At that time, I was working as an Assistant Manager at a dance studio in NW DC, while also taking photos of homes for sale. I realized, “Hey, why not go all-in with photography?” 📸
Why photography, you ask? Because it was something I could do with my baby. No dropping her off at daycare or paying for childcare I couldn’t afford. I could keep her close, right where I wanted her. During my pregnancy, I became fascinated with mammals and how they care for their young while staying productive. Animals like monkeys, elephants, and sloths wear their babies close, which not only strengthens bonds but keeps the little ones content while the mama works. 🐘🐒 That’s why I started baby-wearing—it’s practical, keeps your hands free, and most importantly, allows you to nurture and get things done simultaneously. Wearing my baby allowed me to stay connected to her while still working.
Two days after my daughter was born, I was already photographing homes. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. But let me be clear: I do not recommend working immediately after giving birth. It’s not something to be proud of, nor is it glamorous. As a business owner, I had clients counting on me, and the bills didn’t stop just because I had a baby. It was a decision driven by necessity, not choice.
Whenever I watch Will Smith’s character in The Pursuit of Happyness, I tear up. I’ve never been homeless, but I know exactly what it feels like always to be rushing, always trying to make it. I’d be zipping around the entire Washington, DC metro area, from Baltimore to Virginia, daily—with a baby in tow. I’ve changed plenty of diapers in the middle of homes I was photographing and sat on many a tub side to nurse my daughter. The strain was intense, but I was determined to make it work. That feeling of striving, despite having close to nothing, is something I deeply relate to.
In the early days, I carried her everywhere with me in a baby wrap. It allowed me to stay hands-free while keeping her close. It worked… until she got too big and active to strap to my body, and suddenly, it became a challenge to stop her from turning other people's houses into her playground. That’s when I pivoted— I began working on the steps to get my in-home daycare license and opened a new business! I was determined to adapt my life to accommodate my daughter’s needs.
Fast forward to her kindergarten year, and I added "homeschool teacher" to my resume. My days became a blur of running the daycare, shooting real estate photos on weekends, and working part-time at a bridal shop—all while figuring out how to homeschool. 🏡📚 The first year was rough, but by the second year, we found our rhythm. We joined homeschool co-ops, clubs, and classes, and finally, it felt like we were part of a community. It does take a village!
Homeschooling, for me, isn’t just about education—it’s about shaping our entire lifestyle. As a single mom, I’ve had to get creative, sacrifice, and constantly adapt. It’s not easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. Homeschooling has allowed us to strengthen our bond, align our lives with our values, and enjoy the freedom to live on our terms.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you stick around for more of our adventures! Whether it’s tips for juggling work and homeschooling, stories from my photography biz, or just real-life moments, Belle Shanelle is here to share. Let’s build a life that works for us! 💪🏾