On this episode, Taylor is joined by Mikayla Chaparro – a mom, wife, entrepreneur, self-proclaimed home-designer, writer, and dreamer based in Lubbock, TX. She started her entrepreneurial journey in 2015 launching her photography business while raising her children, and quickly grew her business to over 6 figures in just a couple of years. Her life took a major turn in 2021 as she experienced the unimaginable loss of her youngest child. Mikayla first shares how her journey of being a teen mom at 16 and the past 7 years of entrepreneurship have led her to where she is today. She opens up about the death of her son, Valor, and what the past 11 months have looked like for her and her family as they cope with grief and trauma. Mikayla gets honest about how her faith has been tested through trauma and ultimately, how she is living out God’s purpose for her life. She shares what’s next for her life after Valor, including their upcoming business announcement, art projects, and more. 

Looking for the noteworthy moments in this episode? We got you.

4:20 – Mikayla Chaparro’s entrepreneurial journey as a wedding photographer. 

11:06 – Looking back at how the COVID shutdown was a major wake-up call and shift in Mikayla’s life.

13:13 – Mikayla’s story of being a teen mom at 16, dealing with bullies, and feelings of inadequacy. 

15:00 – Mikayla’s experience with her identity being dependent on her performance and success.

16:31 – Learning to accept your calling and know you’re good enough for that calling.

16:48 – Not wanting kids or being maternal, yet still becoming a mom. 

18:08 – Learning to adapt to a role without changing yourself.

19:09 – Growing into the mother you’re meant to never ends. 

20:54 – We all have a different timeline and bring something to the table. 

22:36 – Motherhood is supposed to refine you.

24:26 – How entrepreneurship has affected Mikayla’s relationship with her kids.

27:15 – Learning how to put up guardrails and boundaries in business to be more present in life. 

31:52 – Mikayla’s story of losing her 11-month-old son. 

38:38 – How God began preparing Mikayla’s heart for a season of grief.

43:22: How Mikayla’s faith was tested during her loss and grief.

47:41 – Going through the unimaginable has brought strength to Mikayla’s faith that she would’ve never experienced before. 

50:49 – What a relationship with God can truly look like.

55:14 – Mikayla and Taylor’s parallel story in child loss.

1:00:03 – Ways Mikayla and her family have coped with her grief.

1:09:53 – Navigating an online spotlight after loss.

tay connected with Mikayla on:

Instagram @mikayladawnchaparro

www.mikayladawnphotography.com

If you’re struggling, help is available 24/7 via the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing 988.

If you or a loved one is coping with child loss, The Compassionate Friends non-profit is helping support families after a child dies.