✨ Behind the Button: Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

The beginning of something new

I'm really stepping out of my comfort zone sharing this.

I've always loved writing down my thoughts but sharing them? That's something I never thought I'd actually do.

But this year feels different. In the spirit of taking big leaps and diving headfirst into building The Painted Button with my mom, I felt like it was finally time to share what's really been on my heart. And honestly? I have a feeling I'm not the only mom who has ever felt this way.

That feeling where you want more for your kids. More time. More flexibility. More control over your own life and at the same time, no idea how you're supposed to make that happen.

Right now, my life is full.

I work a full-time job. I'm a mom. I'm a wife. And somewhere in between all of that, I'm building something of my own alongside my mom.

I won't sugarcoat it, it's a lot.

Most days feel like I'm being pulled in every direction, and there are never enough hours to get through everything on my list.

What people don't always see is what happens after the day is supposedly "over."

After work. After dinner. After the kids are in bed.

That's when this part of my day begins.

That's when I finally get a little quiet to sit down and work on designs, answer messages, plan what's next, and try to grow something we both care deeply about. And most nights, I'm already exhausted by the time I get there.

Even while I was writing this, I had to stop mid-sentence for a

"MOMMM!! I clogged the sink trying to bathe my Squishy!"

Because of course. That's exactly how it goes.

There are moments where I sit there and think:

Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? Am I giving enough to my family or enough to this business?

Did I forget a spirit day? Did I pack lunches they'll actually eat? Does everyone even have clean underwear for tomorrow?

And the truth is I don't always have the answer. The mom guilt sets in hard.

Some days I don't feel fully present anywhere. Like I'm trying to balance being a good mom, showing up at work, building something of my own, making time for my marriage, and somehow carving out space for myself  which honestly feels like a foreign concept at this point.

It's messy. It's not perfectly balanced. It's not figured out at all.

It's just me, trying.

But something in me won't let me stop.

Because this was never just about shirts.

The Painted Button started as something small, but it's become something that represents so much more freedom, creativity, building something for our family with our family, and proving to myself that I'm capable of more than I give myself credit for.

And I couldn't do any of this without my mom. She is such a huge part of this. The ideas, the support, the push when I need it and the steady, constant presence behind so much of what we're building together. Even as we're both learning as we go.

Maybe that's the part I want to share most.

Not the polished version. The real one.

The late nights and early mornings. The interruptions in between. The moments of doubt and the small wins that somehow feel enormous.

If you're a mom reading this and you feel like you're constantly juggling everything trying to show up for your family while also wanting something that's yours 

I see you. And you're not alone in that feeling.

This blog is going to be where I share that side of things. The real life behind building a business while raising a family. The ups, the struggles, the moments that don't make it to social media, and everything in between.

If you've supported The Painted Button in any way every order, every message, every share just know it means more than you probably realize. Because behind it is a whole lot of late nights, early mornings, happy chaos, and two women just trying to build something meaningful together.

I'm still figuring it out. But I'm really glad you're here.

— Brittney The Painted Button