ESP: Sadie is 3 and Barrett is 1.5 — what has this stage of motherhood taught you about yourself?
Brandi: I feel like I learn something new about myself and my mental and physical threshold every single day. There are some nights I put my head on the pillow with a smile of accomplishment and think: “Yes, I did it.” There are often other nights my pillow is damp from tears, my head is filled with self-doubt, and my mind is replaying every action of the day and wondering how I could have handled it differently.
In the end, I want my children to always get the absolute best of me which is why I’m a huge advocate for self-care and therapy! Motherhood can be very lonely at times but having a good support system that understands you in this season of life and gives you grace is so important.
ESP: You’ve served four years with Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore and are now in your second consecutive year as President. What fuels your passion for serving children in our community?
Brandi: The needs for families in Baldwin County are larger than most people would imagine. My eyes weren’t open to this until I joined JAES (Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore). Parenting is hard (and expensive) and every parent wants to provide the best for their children. JAES helps bridge that gap whether it be sending meals home for children on the weekend, providing prom dresses for those that can’t afford them, or helping with graduation expenses.
ESP: You’ve openly shared both a successful IVF journey and the heartbreak of a failed cycle. What gave you the courage to be so vulnerable with your story?
Brandi: When we went through IVF the first time in 2021, I documented the journey as a way to show our future children how much we longed for them to be here and the awesome science behind what it took to do so.
With Sadie, the journey was successful so I shared it on social media to give hope to other people going through the process. My inbox was loaded with women (some friends, some strangers) asking for advice or just simply needing someone to talk to about the mental toll it can take on you.
When it came time to transfer our final embryo last fall, I decided to document it again. I went into the journey with optimism since our first cycle was successful, so the failure was a real testament to the agony fertility journeys can bring.
I felt like I was on the flip side of the journey this time; instead of people reaching out to me for advice, I was searching for encouragement and understanding of the grief. It’s something you can’t truly understand unless you have experienced it. Having a support system is so important.
We are going through IVF again now in hopes of having our 3rd child and I’m again documenting the process so that no matter what the outcome, there is a purpose in the journey.
ESP: After walking through both joy and grief in your fertility journey, what would you say to another mom currently navigating infertility?
Brandi: Find a support system. There is nowhere near enough personal resources and support systems for women (and men) going through infertility. Sometimes you just need that person to call or text in the middle of the night to validate your feelings or talk you off the ledge.
The drastic hormonal shifts that take place during IVF (and other means of fertility treatment) are no joke. Anyone going through it should know they aren’t alone, there is hope in the end and to just persevere.
Also, pray! Pray for strength in the hard times and pray with gratitude in the victories. Find a church that lifts you and brings you closer to God because that’s where your strength resides.
ESP: When life feels overwhelming, what anchors you?
Brandi: Without a doubt, my family. My husband is the absolute best person that I have ever met. We make the best team.
My children are my absolute world. They make me work harder so I can provide the absolute best life for them that I possibly can.
ESP: As a business owner, mom, and community leader, how do you define “success” in this season of life?
Brandi: There’s a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that says “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
The more I live and learn as a business owner, mom, and community leader, the more true this quote gets. I learned quickly in the working world that you are replaceable everywhere except at home. I think that’s so important to keep in mind when planning your career path to make sure it aligns with your life goals.
Rapid Fire Questions:
Toddlers: sweet or savage? BOTH! I call them “Sour Patch Kids”.
Attire: business casual or sporty casual? Sporty Casual
Date night: glam night out or cozy night in? Cozy night in
Snack time: gourmet or Goldfish? Gourmet
Bedtime: smooth or survival? Smooth as sandpaper
Brandi Walker and her husband, Jake, have been married for nearly six years, yet have experienced so much life during that time. They welcomed two beautiful children into the world: one through IVF and one naturally. They also opened two very community-enriching businesses in Fairhope — Studio B Dance Studio and Fairhope Youth Collective (FYC).
