We had the good fortune of connecting with Mackenzie LaRoe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As a mom to four young children, a business owner, and a community advocate, work-life balance has often felt like a constant juggling act. In the early seasons of my career, I wore “busy” like a badge of honor—overcommitting, overachieving, and pushing myself to the point of burnout. In trying to do everything, I began losing what mattered most.

With time and experience, I’ve learned that doing less—but doing it with intention—leads to far more fulfillment. One of the most powerful tools I’ve embraced comes from my mom’s simple motto: “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.” That phrase has become a filter for how I make decisions, both personally and professionally.

I’ve also learned to honor my limits and set boundaries that protect what truly matters: my health, my family, and the quality of the work I produce. Balance, for me, isn’t about perfect symmetry—it’s about staying rooted in my values and being present wherever I am.

What should our readers know about your business?
When I started my photography business, I knew I had to lay a strong foundation—be dependable, build authentic relationships, and create a space in a high-end market that could sustain my family financially. Photography is a freelance industry by nature, which can be unpredictable, so I had to approach it with both creativity and strategy.

One of the biggest shifts came when I developed a retainer model and secured contracts with a few local country clubs. These partnerships allowed me to photograph a set number of events per year for a monthly fee. From there, my client base for family portraits grew organically from those communities—families who deeply value capturing life’s milestones and who appreciate a personalized, curated experience.

What sets my business apart isn’t just the images I create—it’s the way I serve. I genuinely care about my clients and the moments I’m trusted to document. I aim to make people feel seen, celebrated, and relaxed in front of the camera, and I believe that level of care is what keeps them coming back.

It hasn’t always been easy—there have been seasons of doubt, late nights, and hard lessons—but every challenge has pushed me to grow. I’ve learned that building a sustainable, heart-driven business takes grit, grace, and a deep understanding of your “why.”

What I want the world to know about my story is this: you can build something meaningful and successful by staying true to who you are, treating people love and kindness, and refusing to give up—no matter how crowded the field may seem.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The true beauty of Nashville is in its amazing community and natural landscape. If my best friend were visiting, we’d start the weekend with a pastry from Brightside Bakery and stroll through Richland Farmers Market. Dinner would be at one of my favorites, Tantisimo. We’d spend the afternoon hiking at Radnor Lake, then relax with a local brew while enjoying live music at Musician’s Corner.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my children. Becoming a mom changed everything for me. Before having my first at 26, I felt uncertain about my path—I lacked confidence and wasn’t sure I could make it as a photographer in such a saturated market. But motherhood grounded me. It gave me purpose, clarity, and a reason to believe in myself.

Now, as a mom of four, my kids are the reason I show up every day with passion and drive. They’ve taught me more about resilience, creativity, and unconditional love than any book or mentor ever could. Watching them grow has pushed me to grow too—and I try to lead by example, showing them that being true to yourself is the most powerful thing you can do.

Website: https://www.mackenzielaroe.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mackenzielaroe

Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@mackenzielaroe

Image Credits
IMG_6486 2.jpg – John Hillin and IMG_9718.jpg – Nashville Smile Bar

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