The other day, I found myself flipping through old photos from when I first started my business. There I was – bright-eyed, ambitious, and honestly, completely overwhelmed trying to juggle a new business while caring for my little one. It got me thinking: if I could go back and have coffee with that younger version of myself, what would I say? What hard-earned wisdom would I share with that woman who was so eager to succeed but had no roadmap for balancing business growth with motherhood?
If you’re currently feeling pulled in a million directions – trying to grow your business while being present for your family – I see you. That juggling act is real, and sometimes it feels impossible to keep all those balls in the air without dropping something important.
The Advice I Wish Someone Had Given Me
Looking back at my journey from new mom and business owner to where I am today, I’ve learned some powerful lessons – often the hard way. These aren’t just business strategies but life approaches that have helped me build a successful business without sacrificing what matters most.
Here are eight pieces of advice I would give my younger self:
1. Trust Your Instincts – You Know More Than You Think
When I first started out, I spent so much time questioning my decisions and looking for validation from others. Should I set my prices higher? Is this the right direction for my business? Am I making the right choices for my family?
You know what’s funny? When I look back, my gut instinct was usually right, but I didn’t trust myself enough to listen to it.
Here’s what I wish I’d known: You have strong instincts, and your vision is powerful. Don’t second-guess yourself just because you’re young or new to business ownership. You already have what it takes to lead.
That doesn’t mean you’ll never make mistakes – we all do! But those mistakes are valuable teachers, not evidence that you don’t know what you’re doing. This kind of self-trust is the foundation of a growth mindset. Learning to embrace challenges and trust in your ability to grow through them is essential for long-term success.
That doesn’t mean you’ll never make mistakes – we all do! But those mistakes are valuable teachers, not evidence that you don’t know what you’re doing.
Try this: Next time you’re faced with a decision, check in with yourself first. What feels right to you? Make that your starting point, then gather information to confirm or adjust your direction.
2. Build Your Village – Success Isn’t a Solo Journey
Oh my goodness, did I try to do it all myself at first! I thought asking for help somehow meant I wasn’t capable enough. I’d be up late working after putting my baby to bed, trying to handle everything from client work to bookkeeping to marketing – all while functioning on minimal sleep.
Look, I know this might sound obvious, but it took me years to really get it: success is rooted in community.
Building a business while raising a family takes a village. That means:
- Finding other business owners who understand your journey
- Developing relationships with mentors who can guide you
- Hiring help when possible, both in your business and at home
- Being willing to ask family and friends for support
Fast forward to today, and my support network is one of my most valuable assets – both personally and professionally.
3. Start Before You’re Ready – Perfection Is the Enemy of Progress
Can I tell you something? When I was starting out, I delayed launching so many things because they weren’t “perfect” yet. My website, my service packages, my marketing materials – I kept tweaking and refining, thinking they needed to be flawless before I could put them out into the world.
But here’s the thing I wish I’d understood sooner: Perfection is the enemy of progress.
The truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. Take the leap, learn as you go, and adjust when needed. Your business will evolve, and that’s a good thing!
Some of my most successful offerings today look nothing like they did when I first created them. They improved because I put them out there, got feedback, and made them better over time.
So if you’re sitting on a great idea because you’re waiting for all the details to be perfect, this is your sign to move forward. Start with what you have, where you are.
4. Nurture Relationships – They’re Your True Foundation
As a driven business owner, it’s easy to focus all your energy on achievement – landing the next client, hitting that revenue goal, growing your audience. I certainly did. I’d rush through conversations with friends because my mind was always on my to-do list, or I’d miss family moments because I was checking email.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself: Invest in relationships, not just achievements.
Your ambition will open doors, but your relationships will sustain you when business gets tough (and it will get tough sometimes). The people who cheer you on, pick you up when you fail, and celebrate your wins – they’re your true foundation.
Make time for date nights with your partner. Be present when you’re with your kids. Nurture friendships that fill your cup. These connections aren’t separate from your success – they’re essential to it.
5. Prioritize Self-Care – It’s Not Selfish, It’s Strategic
Let me be honest with you – I used to wear my exhaustion like a badge of honor. “I’ve been working since 5 AM!” “I stayed up until 2 AM to finish this project!” I thought pushing myself to the limit proved how committed I was to my business.
You know where that led me? Straight to burnout, resentment, and health issues that actually set my business back.
So here’s my truth: Take care of your health – mind, body, and soul.
Hustle is great, but burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your success strategy. That might mean:
- Setting a firm bedtime for yourself (not just your kids!)
- Blocking off time for exercise in your calendar
- Taking actual days off where you don’t check email
- Finding small rituals that help you reset and recharge
Self-care became a non-negotiable when I realized my business couldn’t thrive unless I was thriving too. You don’t have to choose between business success and your personal well-being!
6. Master the Art of Saying No – Your Time Is Precious
This is a big one. When I was building my business, I said yes to everything – every client, every networking event, every opportunity that came my way. I was afraid that saying no would mean missing out on something important.
What I didn’t realize was that saying yes to everything meant I couldn’t give my best to anything.
Here’s what I know now: Say no without guilt.
Not every opportunity is the right one, and not everyone deserves your time. Protect your energy for what truly aligns with your goals and values.
One practice that’s helped me: When a new opportunity comes up, I ask myself, “What will I have to say no to if I say yes to this?” This helps me see the hidden costs of each commitment.
Learning to say no respectfully and confidently has been one of my most valuable skills as a business owner and as a mom. It’s what allows me to say a wholehearted yes to the things that really matter.
7. Develop a Healthy Money Mindset – It’s a Tool, Not Your Worth
Money is such a loaded topic, isn’t it? Especially for women. When I started my business, I struggled with pricing my services. I felt uncomfortable asking to be paid what I was worth, and I often undercharged just to get clients in the door.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself: Money is a tool, not a measure of your worth.
Learn how to make it, manage it, and invest it wisely. But never let it define you.
Your business needs to be profitable for you to serve at your highest level. When you charge appropriately:
- You can invest in support that allows you to focus on your zone of genius
- You can pay yourself consistently, reducing financial stress
- You can create breathing room to serve your clients better
- You model healthy money boundaries for other women entrepreneurs
I’ve found that my relationship with money mirrors my relationship with myself. As I’ve grown more confident in my value, setting and communicating my prices has become much easier.
8. Embrace the Journey – Build a Business That Serves Your Life
My final piece of advice? Enjoy the ride.
When we’re building a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the future – the goals we’re chasing, the dreams we’re working toward. But life is happening right now.
You’ll get where you’re meant to be, but don’t rush through life so fast that you forget to live it. Celebrate the small wins, travel, laugh, and embrace the adventure.
I’ve learned to build my business around my life, not the other way around. That means:
- Creating a schedule that allows me to be present for important family moments
- Building in time for activities that bring me joy
- Celebrating milestones along the way, not just the end goal
- Being flexible enough to adjust when life throws curveballs (and it will!)
Your business should serve your life, not consume it. Design it intentionally with that in mind.
What Would You Tell Your Past Self?
Looking back at these lessons, I realize how much of my journey has been about learning to trust myself, set boundaries, and create a successful business without sacrificing my wellbeing or my relationships.
I’m curious – what would you tell a past version of yourself? What lessons have you learned along your entrepreneurial journey that you wish you’d known sooner? Share your thoughts in the Leading Lady Facebook Group. Your wisdom might be exactly what another woman on this path needs to hear.
If you’re looking for more support in building a business that honors both your ambitions and your life, check out my Strategic Planning Wheel. It’s designed to help you create a clear roadmap for success on your terms.
Remember, you’re not meant to do this alone. Let’s grow together!
251: Behind the Scenes of a Collaborative Book: Advice from the Authors of We Lead: Volume 2 (Part 4)