My peers are often surprised when I say I want kids. But I’ve always known I wanted a family. I’ve also always had dreams of starting my own business. People don’t always associate being a high functioning business owner with driving a minivan to soccer games. Before this summer I didn’t either. Moreover, as a young queer person, my path to motherhood has never been clearly mapped out. A white picket fence definitely isn’t part of my dream. Working as an intern at Pepperlane this summer has changed my thinking. The experience has demonstrated that I can balance entrepreneurial aspirations with parenthood.

Chances are you’ve glanced at your calendar recently and been shocked at the date…how is summer racing by so quickly? Between navigating our reintroduction to social gatherings, the delight in getting kids into camps, sports, and playdates, the days pass by in a flash. Before we know it, we’ll be shopping for school supplies and signing up for fall activities…and we’ll be wishing we had grabbed a few more moments to enjoy summer.

I have always been an education junkie. I’m endlessly curious and constantly looking things up when I’m reading articles, having conversations, or listening to podcasts (the internet is both my friend and my foe). I am obsessed with online courses and constantly distracted by the skills that I know I could strengthen…and then there are the things I didn’t know I didn’t know (ifykyk). Let’s just say that educational rabbit holes are my downfall.