Working Mom Spotlight: Traci Huffman
Name: Traci Huffman
Occupation: Photographer and Biz Consultant
Number of kids: Twin 9-year-old girls
Favorite candy bar: REESE’S peanut butter
Tell us about your family, and what’s your childcare solution?
I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and I am a mom to awesome twin 9-year-old girls, angel babies, and our furry loved ones Barkley and Nellie. I’m a full-time photographer, and I love Jesus with all my heart. While most days there is a lot on my plate, I love my busy life and am so thankful to be able to do what I love. This past year has presented a lot of challenges and pivots, but I am grateful for the support system who has helped me through it all including this fabulous Restored community! I have no official childcare solution…it’s just me every day. My husband and my wonderful aunt help out when they can and occasionally will watch the girls for photo shoots. The girls went back to school recently for the first time in nearly a year. This has brought on lots of emotions and feelings, but so far it is great, and they are loving it.
Where do you work, and what is a typical workday like for you?
I work for myself, Traci Huffman Photography. Most days I work from my home office, but occasionally on location for shoots. Some clients you may recognize include Cultivate What Matters, All She Wrote Notes, Greenhouse Picker Sisters, Pierce & Hide and of course, Restored. I also do a bit of family photography. This past year, on top of running my business full-time, I also became a fourth grade homeschool teacher. ;)
Share some of your goals – personal or professional.
This year, something that remains top-of-mind is health. Health is multifaceted…physical, mental, emotional, in relationships, business and all aspects of life. I am working to clarify to find what this means to me but this is what my focus is for 2021.
What motivates you to work?
My love language is words of affirmation, so knowing the work that I am doing is appreciated keeps me motivated.
How do you like to relax?
I love going to the beach with my family. It is a place I can truly relax. I feel at peace. If I can’t get to the beach, then hanging out at home watching a tv show is my typical go to.
What is your favorite part of motherhood?
Every day is new and ever-changing, but I would say watching my babies develop their own personalities and taking in the world through their eyes is just incredible to witness.
What does Restored mean to you? How has it impacted you personally?
I have been a part of Restored since the beginning and have loved watching it flourish. I love getting to document its growth through photography! The biggest impact for me was definitely this past year when the world shut down due to COVID. Restored offered a Bible study that was life giving, and I will forever have a grateful space in my heart.
What is one of your favorite Restored events to date? Why is it your favorite?
I love them all and can’t choose just one. I have loved the more intimate connections in person and cannot wait to get back to those!
Can you share how you overcome challenges related to the “mom chaos” that settles in when you feel pulled in 100 directions?
I don’t always handle this well and have a lot of room to grow in this area. When I realize something is off, I sometimes have to step away, reset and just talk it out with God.
Besides your faith and family, what are you passionate about?
I am passionate about documenting life in some way. I always capture life’s moments — small and large — on my phone, on my professional camera, or my drone.