Boss Mama CEO Story: Rooted in Legacy

Like so many small businesses, there’s always a story behind the name, and I absolutely love the heart behind Blaire’s. It’s warm, meaningful, and rooted in something really special.

I come from a family of entrepreneurs myself. We still have our family bakery in Vermont, Eddie’s Bakery, which first opened its doors in 1956. That legacy of building something lasting and family-rooted is something I deeply connect with, and Blaire’s story really resonated with me because of that.

Her journey is also such a beautiful reminder of how God works in the little moments. Those unexpected “aha” experiences that shift everything and suddenly make the path forward feel so clear. For me, that was Boss Mama CEO. For Blaire, it was photography, sparked by a simple, sweet moment with her kiddo at school.

And let’s talk about longevity. Blaire has been building in entrepreneurship for 14 years. Fourteen. That’s not just experience, that’s resilience, consistency, and serious dedication. Even more inspiring, she’s done it all alongside motherhood.

Her accomplishments and accolades truly speak for themselves, and she is one busy powerhouse. I can’t wait for you to read her story. But before you dive in, go show her some love over on social media. Let’s support this Boss Mama.

YOUR STORY

Tell us who you are!

My name is Blaire Ring and I’m the owner of Second Ave Photography.

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

Second Ave Photography specializes in lifestyle newborn, family, and high school senior photography; plus fine art school photography that makes picture day actually worth getting dressed for. Give me your chaos, your toddlers, your camera-shy husbands, and your entire third-grade class — I’ll hand you back something frameable.

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

I grew up on Long Island, NY, just around the corner from 2nd Ave — the street where my grandpa lived. He was the original family photographer, with a darkroom in his basement, who taught me to shoot and develop film. That’s where it all began: the spark that ignited my love for all things photography, and where the name Second Ave Photography comes from. In 2016 I had been a working photographer for about 4 years when my daughter’s school didn’t have a photographer lined up, so I offered to do them. That was it for me – the lightning bolt moment that told me this is what I’m meant to be doing. I absolutely loved working with the kids and creating beautiful “school” portraits parents actually want to buy. I loved the fast pace, thinking quickly on my feet, the challenge of meeting a kiddo for the first time and being able to connect with them so they enjoy the picture taking part instead of gritting their teeth. To this day, I look forward to every single picture day.

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

I got started the same way a lot of “momtographers” do. Posting pictures of my kids, honing my craft, and then friends start asking if I’ll do their families. So professionally, after I had my first daughter. I formally launched Second Ave Photography in 2012.

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.

Building a business while growing a family is basically a masterclass in controlled chaos. I have learned to be highly adaptable, which is a very polished way of saying, “I can wrangle a toddler mid-meltdown AND get 20 others to stand in a straight-ish line AND make your teachers laugh”.

 The highs have been:

• Watching my own family grow alongside my clients’.
• The feeling when I hear from a parent that their child has never smiled for a school picture before but they’re laughing in mine.
• Finding light during a senior photo session that is just stunning, or discovering a new go-to pose prompt.

And the hurdles have been definitely comparing myself to other photographers. Imposter syndrome is real and it sucks.

What’s one obstacle you’ve overcome?

Where to even begin? I am a Loudoun 40 Under 40 class of 2023 honoree, proud pittie mama, tiny kitten foster, a certified Monarch Waystation, and beach bum and glitter enthusiast. I had a picture go viral and it was seen everywhere from People Magazine to being in a documentary. Recently, I won the Leesburg Business Awards “People’s Choice” for 2026. Most importantly, every portrait session booked supports my volunteer work for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep where I am an affiliated photographer (the only one serving INOVA Loudoun), dispatcher for the entire DMV, and on the volunteer application committee.

YOUR BUSINESS

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

Photos that make you look twice and smile both times 😉

What’s the magic that sets you apart?

I laugh at my own jokes and have a knack for making others feel at ease. If being in front of a camera makes you feel a little awkward, perfect — you’re my people. I’ll help you relax, have fun, and end up with photos you love. Real life isn’t perfectly posed, and there is beauty in the chaos. Let’s roll with it. Whether it’s wrangling toddlers (my jam) or winning over camera-shy partners, I’ve got you.

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

My kids are older now and they mostly get themselves up and ready for school (YES – those days are coming for you, too!) Work begins after they leave. My husband and I share an office in our house. Most people think we’re crazy but we actually love it. We can bounce ideas off each other, share a funny moment together, or vent as needed. Our dog and cat are usually in here with us, too.

If it’s school picture season (fall and spring) I am on-location every weekday morning until about 11:30, then I’m home for admin work until 3:30. Admin work might be editing, answering emails, blogging, planning social media posts, etc. Then my girls come home and it’s a whole different kind of crazy with carpools and getting everyone where they need to be. We tend to stay up late as a family and try to be in bed around 10.

ADVICE FOR MOMPRENEURS

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

What works for someone else might not work for you, and vice versa. It doesn’t make either wrong. You can ask for ideas, but you need to find your own path and do what feels right to you.

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

Imposter Syndrome. Every time.

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

Family first, unless business needs to come first and then they can be equals. When my kids were younger I set up a table next to my desk so they could “work” alongside me, even if it was just coloring. Sometimes we’d listen to music or chit chat while I was editing.

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

I am at my desk more than I am behind my camera.

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

Outsource! lol. I now have a private, human editor who handles all of my schools for me. This opened up my time to take on more work, and, less visits to the chiropractor!

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

Practicing gratitude. By the end of every Fall, I am ready to sleep all winter, but then I miss it and can’t wait for spring. So, I just remind myself that I will miss the chaos when it ends.

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

Pivot before you quit. If you can objectively say you still love your work, it might just be time to see it from a different perspective.

I love Blaire’s family first mindset. That’s how my life is run and how it always will be. I also had a desk for my little one right next to mine so she could work alongside me every day. For her first 3 years of life, I was a full-time working, full-time stay-at-home mom. It wasn’t always easy, but I made it work and created some really special memories along the way. So I can definitely respect Blaire in that same way because it’s no easy feat.

Blaire also has so much life experience through mompreneurship, and her insight into it all is truly invaluable. One thing that really stuck with me was: “Pivot before you quit.”

That is so powerful because more often than not, when entrepreneurs feel like their business just isn’t working out, it’s not that the idea isn’t good, it’s that they may just need to see it from a different perspective and switch gears a bit to get the momentum they’re seeking. That little tweak can change everything.

I’d love to feature more Boss Mamas like Blaire. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, please reach out and send me their info at ashley@bossmamaceo.com or via my contact page 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.