Boss Mama CEO Story: Pushing Through the Grind

Yani’s story hit me right in the heart. And I’ve said this before, but I’m saying it again because I really want people to know this: one of the absolute BEST parts about launching Boss Mama CEO has been hearing the real, raw stories from mamas out here doing this wild thing called mompreneurship.

Yani was unexpectedly thrown into the unemployment club, something she never saw coming. Kinda like when we were all laid off during Covid. I remember that day so vividly. March 16th. Around noon-ish, I got the call that changed everything. I was terrified. My mind immediately spiraled into “How am I going to pay my bills? What am I going to do?” I spiraled, as I’m sure most of us did.

But after the panic settled, I realized God had different plans for me in that season. He was making space for me to finally go all in on my business. Looking back now, that season changed everything. I poured myself into my event planning business and that’s when business really took off. You wouldn’t think given all of the restrictions, social distancing, and lockdowns. But even during chaos, people still wanted to celebrate love. Couples still wanted to say “I Do. And so I made it happen.

That’s why I’m genuinely so excited for Yani right now. She’s standing in a season that, while scary and uncertain, can also be incredibly beautiful. She now has the opportunity to go all in on her business if she chooses to. Sometimes life pushes us into uncomfortable situations because we’re being redirected toward something bigger. Sometimes the hardest moments are the very ones that force us to bet on ourselves. And sometimes… those are the moments that change absolutely everything.

So if you’re in the market for baby photos or updated family portraits, please reach out to Yani. Refer her. Share her business. Hype her up. That’s what this community is all about – women supporting women, moms supporting moms, and reminding each other that we do not have to figure this out alone.

Go show her some love, follow her on socials, and cheer her on. Because every thriving business starts with a community willing to believe in you before the rest of the world catches on. 💕

YOUR STORY

Tell us who you are!

My name is Yani Serrano and I’m the owner of Faithful Lens by Yani.

We love a good origin story, but first, give us your short + sweet intro!

I specialize in family lifestyle photography. From pregnancy announcements, newborns, and families with littles, I love to capture the sweetest moments with genuine connection!

Every boss mama has a ‘day one.’ What was yours?

I started my photography journey in Aug of 2025. I’ve always loved photography but was scared to put myself out there. I joined the media team at my church in order for my oldest son to serve on the kids team and fell in love with capturing real and raw moments. I was blessed enough to have so many lovely families to practice on within my church and have since grown!

Which came first—the business or the babies? Tell us how your family + business journeys intersected.

After.

We know it’s a wild ride—tell us how you’ve balanced building your dream biz while raising your crew. The good, the tough, the real.

It’s been a little chaotic and stressful not going to lie. I recently lost my main source of income as a government contractor due to a lapse of funding. Photography has brought me so much joy but hasn’t been as consistent as I’d like it to be to fully be able to transition fully into it. So in the meantime while I look for something more consistent, I continue to shoot, DoorDash, and Instacart!

What’s one obstacle you’ve overcome?

I truly believe God has a plan for me and though I don’t know what my next step looks like, I remain faithful in Him. He’s gotten me so far and I know He’s not done with me yet!

YOUR BUSINESS

Tell us your superpower—what’s your product, service, or special offering?

Photography services for families, events, and branding.

What’s the magic that sets you apart?

I strive to deliver the best photos of you and your loved ones. I love the posed photos of course but I think the candid’s are where I thrive!

Spill the tea — any big milestones, press shoutouts, or launches on the horizon? 

Hoping to continue to build my business and get my hands on all the newborn babies!! Love the babies!

Give us a Day in the Life of being both Mom and CEO!

When I’m not shooting or editing, I’m running around DoorDash-ing and Instacart-ing, two workouts a day, tracking my calories, living at the soccer field from Monday- Thursday and Saturdays because I’m a mom of two boys! Walking my pups for two miles daily! Serving at my church on Sundays on the worship team and media team!

ADVICE FOR MOMPRENEURS

What’s the single best piece of advice or favorite tool you’d share with other mamas building their businesses?

To give yourself so much grace. We weren’t meant to carry it all alone so be sure you have community!

What’s been your biggest challenge juggling motherhood and running a business?

Fear of missing out, but I know I’m doing it for my family and to create a better life for us! Hard work is always worth it. Fruit takes time and that’s ok!

What’s your approach to balancing business and family? We love the real, unfiltered stories!

Literally giving it all to God. I don’t know where I’d be without my faith. It is my rock and steady foundation. Everything I do is built on the Lord.

Looking back, what’s something you wish you had known before starting your business?

To not compare yourself to others!

What tool, resource, or habit has completely changed the game for you?

Instagram and Lightroom

What mindset shifts have helped you keep going during hard seasons?

That there is a reason for everything and it’s OK if things don’t go as planned when you want them to. Keep pushing!

What words of encouragement would you give a Mom tempted to give up on her business dream?

Don’t give up! If it were easy everyone would be doing it!

Yani’s story is a real-life example of true grit. Of being dealt cards you never asked for and choosing to play them anyway. She’s doing everything she can in this season of life, even if that means working crazy hours and juggling multiple jobs because right now, that’s what life is requiring of her. But this season is not forever.

And honestly, this is what entrepreneurship often looks like behind the scenes. Sometimes we go through stretches where life feels heavy, exhausting, and unfair. The late nights. The uncertainty. The moments where you wonder if all the hard work will ever pay off.

The people who succeed aren’t always the ones with the easiest path. They’re the ones who refuse to quit. The ones who keep showing up, keep pushing forward, and keep believing there’s something greater on the other side of the struggle.

Look at Jay Shetty! Over 100 of his dream podcast guests turned him down or never even replied. And just TWO WEEKS before launch, a production company backed out because they believed it would “never be a big podcast.”

Now fast forward 7 years later… his podcast, On Purpose, has been signed by TWO of the biggest platforms in the world: Netflix and Spotify.

That’s such an important reminder that even the people we see absolutely crushing it today have faced rejection, disappointment, doubt, and closed doors. The difference is, they didn’t quit. They kept showing up. They kept believing in the vision before anyone else could see it. And eventually, their moment came.

Sometimes success isn’t about avoiding failure or rejection. Sometimes it’s simply about staying in the game long enough for things to finally click. 💕

Yani is doing exactly that. And I have no doubt that the resilience she’s building right now is going to carry her somewhere beautiful. 💕

I’d love to feature more Boss Mamas like Yani. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, please reach out and send me their info at ashley@bossmamaceo.com or via my contact form here. And hey, if that’s you, I love a little self-brag too! Send me your details so we can shine the spotlight on you as well.

Here’s to all the incredible Moms juggling a million things—keep shining bright, cheering each other on, and building the life you love!

Ashley

Friendly Note: I’m simply sharing my journey, experiences, and lessons learned as a Mom in business. This isn’t legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check with a qualified pro for guidance tailored to you.