In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Christie Kaplan. Kaplan is a Dallas-based entrepreneur, mother, and founder of Startup Design Partners. They chat about navigating massive life transitions: career pivots after new motherhood, financial uncertainty following a layoff, and how losing security in traditional employment pushed her to create her own design venture. Christie shares candid stories about managing chaotic postpartum days, leaning on her spouse through stress, and reclaiming autonomy by launching a business that reflects both her creative skillset and her needs as a parent.

About the Guest:

Christie Kaplan is a holistic venture designer, community builder and fine artist. Her why? She believes intentional systematic design has the power to reshape industries for the better of humanity. Every company should be design-led, that's her mission at Startup Design Partners.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating the emotional roller coaster of new motherhood and being laid off 8 weeks postpartum
• Planning for financial security and facing unexpected setbacks
• Managing postpartum recovery while job searching
• Maintaining a strong partnership and communication during periods of stress
• Making a career pivot from traditional employment to entrepreneurship
• How the illusion of security in full-time roles inspired Christie’s business path
• Building a design consultancy and collaborative network to empower indie creators

Quote from the Episode:

“I never want to go through that again. Even the story I told you about, you know, being on the toilet and finishing up a pumping session, I just, I was like, this is not—I don't ever want to have to be forced to do this. Like I want that to be a choice.” — Christie Kaplan

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Intros; Christie calls Dallas home

[00:00:57] Transitioning from busyness to downtime through art

[00:02:17] Laid off 8 weeks postpartum—setting the stage

[00:03:43] Financial planning, unexpected expenses, and startup realities

[00:06:48] The shock of layoffs and postpartum job hunting

[00:08:09] Preparing for maternity leave and returning to work

[00:11:17] Recovering from a complicated delivery

[00:11:55] The day of the layoff and making plans as a couple

[00:15:07] Stress-testing the relationship and effective communication

[00:19:09] Being told you're “too young” for a promotion—igniting the spark to start her own business

[00:24:25] The decision that made her career pivot possible

[00:30:43] What Startup Design Partners does and its vision

[00:36:21] The gig economy, community building, and supporting founders

[00:38:35] The final three fun questions: TV habits, reusable water bottles, and parental fears in an AI world

Special Offer from the Guest:

Offer:

A One Hour Complimentary Venture/Product Advisory Session To collect offer please email: [email protected]

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.