Episode #7: Building a Flexible Business Around Motherhood with Julia Bocchese
May 26, 2026
Click to watch on YouTube.
SEO, Motherhood, and the Reality of Building a Business in the Middle of Life
Episode Overview
What does it actually look like to build a business when your day is shaped by toddlers, interruptions, nap schedules, and the mental load of being the default parent?
In this episode of The Building Well Podcast, Amanda sits down with SEO, Pinterest, and AI Search Strategist Julia Bocchese to explore the real intersection of entrepreneurship and motherhood.
Julia shares her journey from freelancing across multiple industries to building a focused, sustainable SEO and search visibility business, while raising two young children under four. She opens up about the unpredictability of her schedule, the shift from rigid systems to flexible rhythm, and what it means to build a business that adapts to your life instead of competing with it.
This conversation strips away the curated version of entrepreneurship and replaces it with something more honest: real structure, real disruption, and real growth happening at the same time.
If you’re building a business while raising little ones, this episode will feel like a mirror.
Meet Julia Bocchese
Julia Bocchese is an SEO, Pinterest, and AI Search Strategist who helps small businesses increase visibility across Google, Pinterest, and emerging AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini.
She works primarily with creative and service-based business owners—including therapists, photographers, interior designers, and holistic practitioners—helping them show up in search and attract aligned clients.
With nearly a decade in business, Julia has evolved from general freelancing into a specialized search marketing strategist focused on long-term, sustainable visibility and organic growth.
What We Talked About
Building a Business in the Middle of Motherhood
Julia breaks down what it actually looks like to run a business while raising young children—where nothing is predictable and flexibility is non-negotiable.
We explore:
Becoming the default parent and what that means for work structure
Navigating childcare gaps and unpredictable days
Why traditional “systems” often don’t survive early motherhood
The emotional load of constantly adjusting your schedule
Her approach isn’t about perfection—it’s about adaptability.
From Freelance Chaos to Niche Clarity
Before specializing in SEO and Pinterest strategy, Julia explored multiple freelance paths—from content writing to social media management to design work.
She shares:
Why experimentation is often necessary before clarity
How she discovered SEO through her own creative projects
The moment she realized she needed to niche down
How she transitioned from hourly work to packaged services
This shift marked the beginning of a more sustainable business model.
Why Buffer Time Is a Business Strategy (Not a Luxury)
One of the most practical shifts Julia implemented is building intentional buffer time into all client work.
This allows her to navigate:
Sick days and school closures
Unexpected family needs
Power outages and disruptions
The unpredictability of parenting young children
And surprisingly, it often leads to better client experiences—not worse ones.
The Reality of Maternity Leave in Business
Julia shares an honest perspective that many entrepreneurs don’t talk about enough: returning from maternity leave can be harder than stepping away.
We discuss:
Losing momentum while away
Rebuilding visibility and referrals
Restarting marketing consistency
The emotional shift of “coming back” into your business
It’s not just a pause—it’s a reset.
Rhythm Over Systems
Instead of rigid routines or perfectly structured systems, Amanda highlights how what Julia describes of her home flow is really, her rhythm.
Some days are structured. Some are not. Most are adjusted in real time.
Her rhythm:
Less pressure for perfect systems
More trust in flexibility
Accepting that this season is temporary
Building a business that bends instead of breaks
Key Takeaways
You can build a successful business without rigid systems
Motherhood will reshape how you define productivity
Buffer time is essential, not optional
Your business should adapt to your life season
Experimentation is part of finding your niche
Returning from maternity leave requires patience and rebuilding
SEO and AI search are increasingly connected
Rhythm can replace structure when life demands flexibility
Resources Mentioned In This Episode
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