This interview is with Rebecca Paxton, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at My Front Porch.
Rebecca Paxton, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of My Front Porch, My Front Porch
As a mother and entrepreneur, can you tell us about your journey into parenthood and how it has influenced your professional life?
I’m a proud mom of two little ones – my son is 3 and my daughter is 18 months old. My journey into motherhood wasn’t a typical one. Shortly after my son was born, we learned he has a rare genetic deletion that’s largely unstudied and with very limited information available. My husband Kyle and I were quickly thrust into a world of medical research, becoming our son’s biggest advocates and doing everything in our power to support his developmental needs. Professionally, I came from a background in project management at a Fortune 100 company within the HR space. But juggling the demands of a high-pressure corporate job while parenting a child with special needs and a new baby became overwhelming. I realized I needed a new path that allowed me to be fully present for my family while still pursuing my passions. That’s when I made the leap, leaving behind the corporate world to co-found a seasonal pumpkin delivery and design business with a former colleague. It’s been the perfect balance. Now I have the flexibility to be there for my kids during this critical stage of their lives, actively participate in my son’s daily therapies, and still tap into my creative side by spreading seasonal joy to families across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
What inspired you to become so invested in parenting, and how has your approach evolved since you first became a mother?
I became deeply invested in parenting because I was raised by two strong, hard-working parents who gave me every opportunity to thrive. Their example shaped my values, and I always knew I wanted to be that same source of support and strength for my own children. Since becoming a mother, especially to a child with unique developmental needs, my approach to parenting has evolved significantly. I now find myself immersed in the medical and therapeutic world, such as researching treatments, building a network of special-needs parents, and advocating every day to help my child reach his full potential. Through this journey, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the small victories, and I’ve developed a great sense of empathy for families with different paths and challenges. It’s been humbling and transformative in the best ways.
Can you share a challenging parenting moment you’ve faced and how you overcame it? What did this experience teach you about resilience in both parenting and business?
One of the most challenging parenting moments I’ve faced was navigating multiple surgeries and extended hospital stays for my son. We were often dealing with uncertainty, facing diagnoses that were unclear or evolving, which made the entire experience incredibly overwhelming. What got us through was a mindset of persistence. I learned to never stop asking questions, to dig deeper, and to advocate fiercely. It taught me to problem-solve under pressure, to balance patience with the need to act quickly, and to stay grounded even when things felt out of control. That experience deeply shaped how I approached both parenting and business. It reminded me that resilience isn’t just about being strong; it’s about being resourceful and committed even when the path forward isn’t clear.
How do you balance the demands of running a business with the needs of your children? Can you provide a specific example of a strategy that has worked well for you?
For me, the key to balancing business and parenting has been learning to stay nimble. Coming from a corporate environment where structure and rigidity were the norm, I had to unlearn that mindset and embrace flexibility. As a small-business owner and a mom, it’s essential to not take life too seriously and to roll with the unpredictability. One strategy that’s worked well is blending work and family life when needed. I’ll take business calls while running errands or schedule lunch meetings with my toddlers in tow. It’s not always conventional, but it allows me to stay productive without putting my family life on pause. It’s all about creating a rhythm that works for both worlds.
As an ‘invested mom’, how do you prioritize self-care while juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and entrepreneurship? Can you share a personal routine or practice that helps you stay grounded?
I prioritize self-care by being intentional about asking for help, whether it’s from family members or a trusted babysitter. That support gives me the space to recharge, such as a workout, quiet time to read my devotional, catching up with an old friend, or even having uninterrupted time to focus on work. Making room for those moments helps me stay grounded and show up as my best self for both my family and my business.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your children that you’ve been able to apply to your professional life or business strategies?
The most valuable lesson my children have taught me is that nothing stays the same—growth, change, and new opportunities are constant parts of life. I’ve learned to embrace the season we’re in, both personally and professionally, and to approach each new chapter with openness and optimism. It’s a mindset that keeps me adaptable and forward-thinking in both parenting and business.
Looking ahead, what’s one parenting goal you’re currently working towards, and how do you plan to achieve it while managing your professional commitments?
A parenting goal I’m currently focused on is encouraging independence in my kids. With toddlers, it’s easy to fall into the habit of doing everything for them, but I’m learning there are age-appropriate ways and activities to create an environment that fosters independent learning and decision-making. To achieve this while juggling my professional responsibilities, I lean on a strong support system. This includes asking for help when needed and relying on my husband as a true partner in both parenting and life. It’s all about teamwork and being intentional with how we structure our time and daily routines.
