PROFITABLE MUSICIAN: FEM FRIDAY EDITION

May 8, 2026

Happy FEM Music Friday!

I used to feel guilty about this too.

There were moments when I was working on music and had that hushed voice in the back of my head asking, “Shouldn’t you be doing something else right now?”

Something more practical. More responsible. More… mom-like.

I don’t think I said it out loud very often, but it was there.

Especially when the kids were little and my time felt stretched in every direction.

I remember practicing while they played nearby, half focused on my music and half listening for the next thing they might need. Or getting up early to work before the house was awake because it felt like the only “safe” time to do something for me.

At the time, it felt like I was constantly trying to balance two worlds.

But looking back now, I see something I couldn’t fully see then...

They were watching.

They were absorbing what it looks like to care about something. To stick with something. To take your own calling seriously, even when you have to make lots of sacrifices to make it happen.

And that changed how I understand those years completely.

Because I realized I wasn’t taking anything away from them by continuing my music.

I was showing them that it’s okay to have passions that drive you.

That being a woman doesn’t mean disappearing into everyone else’s needs.

That you can build a life that includes both love for your family and love for yourself and your work, even if it’s messy and imperfect along the way.

And honestly, it wasn’t always graceful. I didn't always get the balance right.

There were days I felt pulled in two directions. Days I questioned whether I was doing enough in either role. Days I thought it would just be easier to give in and put all my effort toward one thing.

But they didn’t need perfect.

They needed to see someone who cared deeply about her family and also cared deeply about something she was called to do.

So if you’ve been carrying that stubborn guilt about wanting your music to have a place in your life, I want you to hear this.

Your kids are learning from how you live, not just what you say.

And what they see when you honor your music might stay with them longer than you think.

Always in your corner,
​<3 Bree

PS: If you prefer to read FEM Friday on Substack, you can Subscribe Here​

You're reading the Profitable Musician Newsletter, FEM Friday Edition. This Friday newsletter is created for Female Artists & Advocates, and focuses on our mission to amplify quality music by Female Artists & Female-Fronted Bands in all genres and help them build a thriving music career and solid business. If you'd like to unsubscribe from FEM Fridays but still receive our regular Wednesday Profitable Musician Newsletter, click here and we'll note your preference.

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ON THE PODCAST

Balancing motherhood and a music career? Or thinking about how to make it work? I break down how it's not only possible, but can make your journey even more intentional and fulfilling. Tune in for actionable advice and real-world insights.

• Why society tells moms to put their dreams aside—and why that's wrong
• How being a mom can actually sharpen your focus and decision-making in your music career
• Smart strategies for choosing family-friendly gigs and making touring work with kids
• Tips for working efficiently with limited time and getting your kids involved in your business
• The value of being a role model for your children by pursuing your passion

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE FEATURED TRACKS

Ed & Carol Nicodemi - A Mother’s Love Reimagined Ed and Carol Nicodemi are a folk-jazz vocal and guitar, sometimes piano, duo from NYC. They write and perform both individually and together, and the scope of their songs ranges from healing and hopeful, to jazzy and spirited. One fact you may not know about Carol, is that she loves her Zumba classes for fun and exercise. A Mother's Love: Reimagined Ed and Carol Nicodemi PREVIEW   ​ Susan Tamoosh - Adesso Susan Tahmoosh began playing the piano at the age of 6. She studied classical music and competed in the National Piano Playing Auditions for 12 years, earning a diploma from the American College of Musicians. Although she had an appreciation for the rigid demands of studying classical music at the time, she began learning songs by ear and joined her first rock band at the age of 13. Susan is currently focusing on solo piano work; arranging, recording and producing unexpected interpretations of her favorite songs, by melding her favorite influential genres: classical, neo-classical, alternative/indie, and pop/rock/blues. Adesso Susan E Tahmoosh, Susan Tahm... PREVIEW   ​ Christa Wells - My Best Remedy Christa lives in Nashville and writes songs that feed the feelings and challenge the thoughts. She leads a retreat called the Find Your Voice Retreat. She loves hosting joyful & meaningful gatherings and helping people see their own beauty and worth is her passion. She has also won awards and cowritten some hit singles for/with artists such as Natalie Grant, Plumb and Ellie Holcomb, but she is indie all the way through. My Best Remedy Christa Wells PREVIEW   ​ LISTEN TO THE WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE MUSIC PODCAST

Bree Noble

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