Miracles and Identity Shifts in Parenthood with Saena

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In today's candid episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa chats with guest Saena about the unpredictable journey of motherhood. Saena shares her deeply personal story of becoming a mom to her miracle baby, Miles, including challenges like an ectopic pregnancy and navigating the complexities of work-life balance while creating her company's first maternity leave plan. The conversation delves into evolving identities, the 'motherhood penalty,' and the importance of a supportive community. Elsa and Saena discuss preparing for parenthood, debunking myths, and the emotional transitions that come with this life-altering experience. This episode reminds parents that it's okay not to have all the answers and emphasizes the beauty in the chaos of parenting.

00:00 Introduction to the Parenting Journey

03:00 Saena's Path to Motherhood

04:33 Challenges and Miracles of Pregnancy

08:50 Preparing for Parenthood

14:27 Navigating Maternity Leave

19:48 The Motherhood Penalty

22:54 Embracing the Evolution of Motherhood

30:37 Rapid Fire Questions

33:14 Navigating Parenting Choices

35:14 Dealing with Parenting Guilt

36:29 Career Identity After Motherhood

40:40 Finding Purpose and Joy

43:33 Balancing Career and Motherhood

50:08 The Flamingo Analogy

51:55 Embracing Change and Evolution

56:52 Support and Connection for Parents

01:00:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Saena Park is a seasoned marketing and business leader who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at The Hair Shop Inc., a leading brand in the premium hair extensions space. With a career spanning the entertainment and beauty industries, she blends empathetic leadership with sharp strategic execution to drive growth and scale brands. Her zone of genius? Aligning teams and building momentum toward meaningful transformation—with minimal drama and maximum snacks.

Outside of work, Saena is a devoted dog lover, partner, and new-ish mom to a spirited two-year-old—her greatest joy and most humbling adventure yet. She’s deeply passionate about personal evolution and is on a mission to build a life rooted in presence, purpose, and just the right amount of chaos.

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Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨