Life in Focus: A Homeschool Duo’s Photography Journey
By Melissa Ebner
It started with a homeschool dance and a borrowed camera.
That’s the spark that ignited Wild Roots Photography—a thriving business built by two moms who juggle lesson plans, camera bags, and the unpredictable beauty of raising a family. Jenay and Ashley never planned to become business partners, but somewhere between co-op classes, pre-dance photo shoots, and endless cups of coffee, they discovered that their talents were a perfect match. Today, their work captures more than just portraits; it tells stories. Stories of families, milestones, and everyday magic. But their own story is just as captivating.
Two Families, and a Shared Vision
Jenay’s path to Wild Roots began long before she ever clicked the shutter in a professional setting. She and her husband, Caleb, have been homeschooling for 12 years, a journey that has taken them from Texas to Colorado to Montana, and now, back home to Texas.“We love traveling together whenever we can,” Jenay shares. “Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, it’s about building memories.” Caleb and Jenay were friends in high school before life wove their paths together into marriage and parenthood.
Ashley’s story has its own flavor of adventure. Married to George, her best friend and partner in life, she’s navigated military moves, parenting, and now homeschooling three kids for the past six years. “Our house is full of curiosity, creativity, and probably someone always singing,” “Family is our center.” Though their backstories differ, the two women share a common heartbeat: raising children with intention and living life with creativity at the forefront.
From Happy Accident to Hustle
Wild Roots didn’t start with a business plan—it started with friendship and a knack for showing up at just the right moment.
“Jenay was the one with the camera,” Ashley recalls. “She’d take photos of the kids before dances or big events. I was the one fussing with hair, making sure outfits were just right.”
Without realizing it, they were already functioning as a photography team. After a few sessions together, Ashley kept telling her she needed to turn her talent into a real business. One day, I finally said, “You have to do this,” and she replied, “Only if you do it with me!” And the rest is history.
That single sentence was the seed.
We want our kids to see their moms dreaming and doing
The “happy accident” soon blossomed into an official brand with a name, a following, and a growing list of clients. Their friendship wasn’t built in a coffee shop or through mutual acquaintances—it began at a homeschool teen jam event. Their kids clicked immediately, and soon so did the parents.
“It was one of those rare, instant connections,” Ashley says. “The kind where the husbands get along, the kids get along, and you just know you’ve found your people.” Homeschooling continues to shape their business. The flexibility it offers allows them to weave work around their families, and vice versa.
“We can shift learning days, work in bursts, and even bring our kids along when it makes sense,” Jenay explains. “It’s a lifestyle that’s taught us how to be creative with our time.”
We each have our strengths, and we really try to lean into them. Jenay is incredibly organized and detail-oriented, and she handles all of our editing; she’s truly amazing at it. I (Ashley) love connecting with clients, brainstorming creative ideas, and being in the moment during shoots. I also help with shooting and have started creating videos for our brand, but when it comes to editing, that’s all Jenay!
We’ve naturally found our rhythm as a team. There’s a lot of collaboration, but also a deep trust in each other’s roles. It makes running Wild Roots feel seamless, even in the middle of busy homeschool-mom life.
One day, I finally said, “You have to do this,” and she replied, “Only if you do it with me!” And the rest is history
Structure Meets Spontaneity
Jenay’s detail-oriented approach balances Ashley’s flair for improvisation. It’s a partnership that clients feel during sessions.
“Jenay will notice if a necklace is crooked or the light is shifting,” Ashley explains. “Meanwhile, I’ll crack a joke to loosen everyone up or pivot when a toddler melts down.”
The result? Sessions that run smoothly without feeling stiff, where authentic moments happen in front of the lens.
For Jenay and Ashley, work and life don’t just coexist—they often inspire each other.
From a 4-H event to scouting a location for a homeschool graduation ceremony, the women keep their eyes open for beautiful backdrops and lighting conditions.
“There have been so many times when homeschooling and photography just overlap naturally,” Ashley says. “We’ll spot an open field or a perfect wall and immediately say, ‘We have to come back here for a shoot!’”
Homeschooling keeps us out in the community and in nature, which constantly sparks ideas and gives us fresh inspiration. It’s one of the coolest parts of how both worlds blend together so well.
If there’s one thing they want their kids to learn from watching Wild Roots grow, it’s that dreams require work. “We want them to see us chasing goals, problem-solving, and not giving up,” Ashley says. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”
Lessons for Entrepreneurial Parents
Their advice to others dreaming of launching a creative business while raising and educating children?
“Start small, dream big, and communicate often, Don’t wait for perfect timing—it doesn’t exist. If you feel called, take the first step. Surround yourself with people who support you. That makes all the difference.”
Can you share a “beautiful chaos” moment?
“Okay, this might sound a little crazy, but honestly, a lot of our moments feel like beautiful chaos—and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Just recently, we had a shoot scheduled on a rainy day, and the rain was coming down hard. But with a deadline looming, there was no backing out. Jenay’s husband stood there holding an umbrella over her while she kept shooting, and I was running around with my gimbal, capturing the kids playing in the rain. It was definitely chaotic, wet, and a little wild—but honestly, those after-the-rain sunset photos are some of my absolute favorites to date. Plus, the video we created is one of my best yet. Sometimes chaos brings out the best!”
This article first appeared in the Fall 2025 (September) issue of Texas Homeschool Magazine.
Our print and digital subscribers receive full issues first, along with early access and exclusive content.
Melissa Ebner
Melissa is a homeschool mom, writer, and founder of Ebner House Media, where she creates educational resources and publishes Texas Homeschool Magazine. Her work centers on family discipleship, grounded in the belief that home is the first classroom and ordinary days build a lasting legacy.
Passionate about preserving local stories and connecting families to Texas history, Melissa also finds joy in gardening, collecting layered pieces with history, and building a home filled with more books than shelves. She lives in Brazoria, Texas with her husband, children, and a lively assortment of animals that make every day interesting.