I can still remember the feeling—packing up my gear on a Friday night, knowing I’d be spending yet another weekend photographing other families while missing time with my own. At the time, I was fully booked with motherhood sessions—those beautiful, emotional, joy-filled shoots with mamas and their babies. While I genuinely loved capturing those sweet connections and helping other mothers freeze time in such a fleeting season, there was always a quiet ache in my chest.

Because while I was giving my clients memories they’d cherish forever, I was missing out on my own.

I wasn’t there for lazy Saturday mornings in pajamas, or spontaneous afternoon walks with my kids. I was spending weekends creating for others, while watching my own time with my family slip by in the margins.

And what made it harder? I knew that if I stopped shooting—even for a weekend—I wasn’t just pressing pause on work. I was pausing my entire income.

That was the moment it clicked: I needed to build a business that could run with me and for me—even when I wasn’t actively working.

The Limitations of Service-Based Business (Even the Ones You Love)

Service-based businesses can be beautiful. They’re often built on heart and hard work. They let us share our gifts in deeply personal ways. But there’s an unspoken truth that not enough of us talk about: they have a cap. A limit.

There are only so many hours in a day. And as one person, there’s only so much you can do. Your energy becomes the currency. And over time, that becomes exhausting.

I reached a point where I realized I didn’t want to hustle for every dollar anymore. I didn’t want to build a business that only paid me when I showed up. I wanted freedom. I wanted flexibility. I wanted to make income even on the days I was fully in mom mode, snuggling my kids on the couch.

My First Step Into Passive Income (It Wasn’t Fancy)

It started small—almost by accident. I began sharing my editing tools with other photographers. I packaged up my presets (you know, those dreamy film-inspired edits that I love) and offered them as digital downloads.

And then something amazing happened.

Sales started coming in while I was sleeping. Or while I was at the park with my kids. Or while I was working with a client on something completely unrelated.

That shift was the beginning of something much bigger. It was proof that I could build something once—and have it continue to work for me long after I hit publish.

From One Product to Multiple Streams

After that first taste of passive income, I was hooked—but not in the “let’s build an empire” kind of way. It was more about curiosity. I started asking:
What else can I create that helps others, solves a problem, and doesn’t require me to be tied to my laptop 24/7?

I created courses, templates, guides, and most recently, Wordsmith—a monthly digital content membership designed to help business owners show up online with ease. That became a whole new stream of recurring monthly revenue. Not only was it passive, it was purposeful.

And suddenly, my business didn’t feel like a treadmill anymore. It felt like a garden. One I could water, nurture, and watch grow—even if I wasn’t there every single second.

Scaling Without Burnout

The best part of building passive income into your business isn’t just the money (though that part is wonderful, too). It’s the margin it gives you.

It’s the way you can finally exhale.

I no longer have to scramble during launch week. I don’t have to fill my calendar to pay the bills. I get to build, create, dream—and still be present at home. I’ve grown my business year after year without sacrificing the things that matter most to me.

And I’ve been able to do that by focusing on the parts of my business I could automate, scale, and sustain.

So, What Is Passive Income (Really)?

Let’s clear something up—passive income doesn’t mean no work. It means front-loading the work. You create something once (a digital product, a course, a membership, a resource, a software) and you set up systems so it continues to work in the background.

There’s setup. There’s testing. There’s refinement.

But once it’s running? It frees you up to do more of what you love—without the constant grind.

Here are a few examples of passive income that work beautifully for service-based businesses:

• Digital products: templates, guides, checklists, presets, etc.
• Online courses: teach your process, share your knowledge.
• Memberships or subscriptions: recurring income that adds up fast.
• Affiliate marketing: recommend tools and products you love.
• Printables or downloads: easy-to-make, high-value assets.
• Software & Platforms: If you know how to code this is such a perfect skill for generating passive income.

The options are endless—but the mindset shift is what really matters. You don’t have to trade hours for dollars forever.

Why It Matters More Than Ever (Especially for Moms)

As a mom of four, I’ve learned to value time more than anything. My business has to fit into my life, not the other way around. I want to build something that allows me to be there for all our homeschool lessons, the sick days, the slow mornings.

That’s the real power of passive income—it gives you choices.

I get to decide how I spend my time. I get to take on client work because I want to, not because I have to.

I get to run a business that doesn’t burn me out.

My Advice? Start Where You Are

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds amazing, but where do I even start?”—I’ve got you.

Ask yourself:

• What do people ask me for help with all the time?
• What do I already have (a process, a tool, a system) that others would pay for?
• What’s something I could package and sell digitally?

Start with your strengths. Build something small. Get it out there.

And remember—your first product doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real and helpful.

Building businesses around passive income hasn’t just changed my revenue—it’s changed my life. It’s given me space, peace, freedom, and flexibility. It’s allowed me to grow something meaningful without burning out.

And that’s what I want for you, too.

So if you’ve been hustling in a service-based business and wondering if there’s a different way… let this be your sign to explore what’s possible. Figure out a way to add passive income to your current business.

You don’t have to do it all the hard way. You can build something beautiful that works for you.

Alright, beautiful soul, let’s dive deep into some updates about my newest venture, and oh, it’s all about passive income. But to truly paint the picture, I’m rewinding the tapes and letting you in on some personal I wasn’t entirely sure I’d ever share online.

The love and warmth I felt from your responses about diving deep into passive income while still in your cozy pajamas was so overwhelming! Picture this as the first episode of our “Passive Income Chronicles” that’ll land directly in your inbox (or in this case, on the blog).

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of brainstorming sessions. How do I serve you best? The answer felt clear as day – give you an unfiltered, VIP access into the process. It’s like baking a cake. You could tell someone the recipe, or you could invite them into your kitchen and bake it together.

So here’s my puzzle: What magic can I craft that not only gifts me with passive income but also takes you on the entire rollercoaster from the first brainstorm to the final result?

Here’s a confession: When I pressed ‘send’ on that first email, it was like jumping off a cliff not knowing if I’d fly or fall. But isn’t the thrill of creation so much more electric when you’re not alone? 

And that’s why I wanted to start this journey with YOU.

With a head bursting with ideas, it felt like picking a flavor at an ice cream parlor. 

The real challenge? 

Deciding which idea gets the golden star. Whether you’re a dreamer like me with a myriad of thoughts, or you’re at a crossroads, I suggest this: jot down your thoughts, let them simmer, and then pick what feels right in your gut. The most important piece to choosing the *right* thing is choosing something you’re excited about. It doesn’t matter what your best friend, sister, mom or anyone thinks about the idea. If YOU have a vision for this idea and are excited about it that’s the thing you gotta go for. 

When I dream of crafting something that trickles in passive income, here’s my checklist:

• Does it solve a problem for my ideal customer/client? 
• Can this be scaled?
• Can it help them save time? 
• Can this help them get a positive result? 
• Is this something that my already established audience could use?
• How difficult will this thing be to create? (Depending on you’re strengths you might be able to get it done quickly, or you’ll have to give yourself more time to get it all done). 
• And most importantly, how can this produce passive income for me? 

I had that ‘aha’ moment when one idea, shining brighter than the rest, called out to me. But before I unveil, let’s take a quick detour.

Remember The Essential Studio Manager? Our labor of love that we poured our hearts and souls into and then, with mixed emotions, handed its reins over, hoping it would soar to greater heights? Well, life threw a curveball.

Instead of the anticipated growth, the new owners not only let it slide but went MIA on our beloved community. This heart-wrenching turn from a glittering accomplishment to a bittersweet memory was tough. After an intensive 6-month handover, seeing our creation wither was a pill hard to swallow.

Plot twist: The company was sold again. Our hopes? CRUSHED.

My husband, Jon – the genius who dived headfirst into the world of coding to build the ESM – and I often talked about how to salvage this one day. We knew we could craft a better CRM system, but going up against industry mammoths felt like David against Goliath. Honeybook who’s latest funding round of $250 million, led by investment giant Tiger Global Management, had valued it at $2.4 billion. And being in the same industry is TOUGH when you’re just a one or two person team.

We’ve had countless late nights talking about what this CRM would look like and the features it would have, how we’d build it and make it easier to use than so many other tools out there. Having stepped into the world of CRMs we also know what a huge, long-term project this would be. As the weeks went by I asked myself if there was not something a little more simple I could build that focused on something specific. (Tip: Sometimes, when you have a BIG idea, there are a few smaller, simpler ideas you can get started with first and a great way to get something good going.) It’s always a good idea to try and build something simple to prove it’s something that’s a good fit before investing so much time and energy.

You see, with a CRM (the big project idea) you have a whole lot of different aspects to it. Customer communication, contracts, questionnaires, invoicing, finances, etc. All these pieces to a larger CRM could also be great stand-alone products.

So that’s what really got my wheels turning. The more I thought about it the more I loved the idea of focusing on the invoicing and financing aspect of a CRM. But take it one step further and build something to help with selling not just services but also digital products. The more I thought about it, the more perfect it got. Sharing the process of how to generate passive income while at the same time building a tool to make it possible for others to jump into creating and selling products and generating passive income.

But, here’s a thought: What if I take you on this exhilarating ride of crafting passive income, and in the process, together, we create this tool together?

Hold onto your seats because here’s the twist – I want this tool to be freely accessible. No monthly subscription tags. While I’ll need to put on my thinking cap to weave in the passive income magic, the core idea is clear: serve our community and reveal the magic behind the scenes while building a tool that makes generating passive income a breeze.

Having built a similar tool once that not only ensured a monthly passive income but also led to a $90,000 acquisition would be the perfect way to teach more about passive income. If I could do it, so can you for any digital product or service.

So, beautiful soul, strap in. This is our journey to crafting passive income.

The blueprint is ready, and my heart is set on it. Prepare to be taken on a behind-the-scenes journey of every intricate detail that breathes life into a passive income avenue.

Stay tuned for more updates to land in your inbox. I’ll also publish everything to the blog so you can easily find the information there and cover it as many times as you need. 

I’ll be sharing the good, the bad and everything in between. You’ll continue to get emails about the process and I’ll publish all the content over on the blog so it’s easy to find. The content will be free for you to view and will remain on the blog as free content. 

Ready to keep reading? Continue reading and find out what we’re calling this new tool, what inspired me, and what I’m doing first to get the ball rolling. 

If you’re feeling stuck on an idea, head on over to THIS blog post to get your creativity flowing. I listed out all the ways I’ve generated passive income (and even gave some insight on how much $$$ I’ve earned from some of these ideas). 

If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to keep up with social media trends just to stay visible, let me introduce you to one of the BEST platform for passive sales: Pinterest. Unlike Instagram, where your posts disappear into the void within a day (or even hours), Pinterest works differently.

It’s not a social platform like most everything thinks—it’s a search engine. That means the content you post today has the power to bring in sales weeks, months, even years down the line.

And that, my friend, is the kind of marketing I can get behind.

How Pinterest Works Differently From Social Media

Most social media platforms are designed to keep people engaged on the platform itself—endless scrolling, short-lived posts, and constantly shifting algorithms. Pinterest, on the other hand, is designed to send people off the platform to find what they’re looking for.

Think of it like this:

• Instagram = Content disappears fast. You have to keep posting to stay relevant.
• Pinterest = Content builds over time. One pin can send traffic to your site for years.

Why Pinterest Is Perfect for Passive Sales

Here’s the magic of Pinterest—it connects buyers to your business at the exact moment they’re looking for a solution.

Think about how people use Pinterest. They’re searching for inspiration, ideas, and things to buy. Whether it’s a Lightroom preset, an online course, or a physical product, they’re already in the mindset to take action.

This is why Pinterest drives some of the highest-converting traffic compared to other platforms. People aren’t just scrolling mindlessly; they’re searching with intent—and when your product pops up as the solution? That’s when the magic happens.

How I Use Pinterest to Make Passive Sales

Step 1: Optimize Your Website for Pinterest Traffic

Before you even start pinning, make sure your website is ready to convert visitors into customers.

• Create clear landing pages for your products, services, or freebies.
• Have an email opt-in to capture leads from Pinterest traffic.
• Use strong CTAs (calls to action) that guide visitors toward making a purchase.

Step 2: Create Pins That Drive Clicks

Pinterest is a visual platform, so your pins need to be eye-catching and click-worthy.

Here’s what works for me:

• Bold, easy-to-read text overlays.
• Text heavy pins (My audience loves these kinds of pins!)
• High-quality images that stand out in the feed.
• Vertical (2:3 ratio) graphics for better visibility.
• Clear descriptions that include relevant keywords.

At the bottom of this blog post, you’ll see four Pinterest pins I designed for this article. I built this into my site using Showit, so I don’t have to waste time designing new graphics from scratch. I simply screenshot them and upload them to Pinterest!

Step 3: Pin Consistently

Unlike social media, where you have to post multiple times a day to stay relevant, Pinterest rewards consistency over time.

→ Pin 5-10 times per day (mixing your own content with curated content).
→ Work Pinterest into your workflow. With every article I write, it gets pinned to Pinterest. Since I publish multiple articles a week, I am constantly creating new pins.
→ Keep your boards organized and niche-specific. Content that’s not relevant to my work, I put into secret boards.

Step 4: Run Pinterest Ads for Passive Sales

This is where things get exciting. If you really want to scale your passive income, Pinterest ads are a game-changer.

I’ve personally scaled my business using Pinterest ads without relying on social media. My best-performing ads have been running for over two years with no changes—and they’re still bringing in daily sales.

If you’re curious about how to set up Pinterest ads the right way, I teach my exact system in my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. It’s a 90-minute training that walks you through how to set up high-converting ads, target the right audience, and get sales on autopilot.

Check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy Course

Final Thoughts: Why Pinterest Should Be Part of Your Marketing Strategy

If you’re tired of constantly having to show up, create, and post on social media just to stay visible, Pinterest is your answer.

It’s a long-term marketing strategy that helps you attract customers without the burnout. Once your pins are out there, they keep working for you—bringing in traffic, leads, and passive sales without the constant effort.

Using Pinterest organically is a great start to get some traction, but if you’re ready to speed up the process even faster, my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course is here to show you exactly how to do it. I break down the entire system step-by-step so you can start running profitable ads with confidence.

Have you ever met someone and thought to yourself…”I know she has a business and doing really well, but what exactly does she do…and how does she actually make an income?!” In this article, I’m going to pull back the curtains and tell you all about my business, how I make an income (and a pretty amazing impact too).

I was talking to a friend and found that although she knew I had a business (for a long time now). She had no idea how I actually made an income and how I got my business to where it is today. I loved that she came out and just asked me more about what I was doing with my business, how I was making an income, and how it all came together. (SPOILER: My business is FAR from where it used to be).

As we finished my conversation, I thought about how maybe others had the same curious questions but just didn’t know how to ask. Which I totally get. I remember when I started my business how little I knew about business structure and all the different incomes you could make. I didn’t even know passive income was a thing since all I knew was the very simple concept of working for an hourly wage.

HOW I MAKE AN INCOME (AND IMPACT)

I thought what I did was pretty clear, but maybe it’s just like that because I’ve lived it for 10+ years. So for the sake of being transparent and pulling back the curtains to those who might be wondering the same thing, here’s everything you ever wanted to know about how I make an income (and a pretty amazing impact too). Over the years, my business has changed, and so has the strategy behind how I make an income. Below I’ll go over everything you might be wondering about. And hopefully, it gives you some ideas on adding these types of income streams to your own business too.

SERVICE BASED BUSINESS

AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

I started as a photographer, which is probably the most simple income to explain. Clients hired me for a service. As much as I loved this little business I built, the one downfall was the time I had to spend away from my family. Shooting sessions all week and weddings on the weekend didn’t leave me with the greatest work/life balance.

If you currently have a service-based business, you knooooow the struggle!

To build a sustainable business, I knew I had to build a business that allowed me to do what I loved while not giving away all my time. I wanted to be able to spend more with the people I loved.

PASSIVE INCOME (With Digital Products)

Eventually, I started selling digital products. (think downloadable digital products). This can be anything from an ebook, a digital backdrop, online courses, presets, or templates. And this really opened my eyes to a new kind of income. PASSIVE INCOME.

This allowed me to focus on creating one digital product that I could sell over and over again while spending more time at home with my little ones.

I’ve created over 700 digital products over the years but am most known for my preset collections made for professional photographers and creatives looking to elevate their photography.

TIP: If your business doesn’t currently have this kind of income, I highly recommend adding it because it really makes such a big difference when you’re just one person who’s constantly dependent on selling their service or one of a kind products. And it might be a whole lot easier to add than you might think. This doesn’t mean you have to flip your entire business around. Look at it as a new income addition to your already established business.

REACCURING PASSIVE INCOME

With a CRM Software

Over the last five years, I also built a CRM software called The Essential Studio Manager with my husband. (This company was recently acquired ?). But just like my digital products that generated passive income, it collected monthly payments from active users for using the CRM. Photographers use it to manage all aspects of their business with one tool that’s really easy to use.

It’s just like regular passive income, but it repeats monthly for as long as the customer continues using the software.

REACCURING PASSIVE INCOME

Digital Membership/Subscription

I launched Wordsmith in 2021, a digital subscription-based company that generates; you guessed it…passive recurring income by providing monthly professional social media captions for entrepreneurs looking to connect with more clients and customers online.

Are you seeing a trend yet?

Being 10+ years in, I’ve done many different things, everything from service-based, softwares, memberships, and digital products. I have some big ideas for the future that will continue focusing on creating products and services to help entrepreneurs with their businesses. 

Today, about 90% of my focus is on creating resources that generate passive income and 10% on one-off service-based services.

A complete swap from when I first started, and 100% of my income came from being hired for one service.

But you know what the best part is, aside from being able to spend my time working on projects that I love and having more time to spend with my family?

Taking a portion of our income and sponsoring children through Save the Children, one of my favorite non-profits. There’s a special connection with each child, and we have a big binder of photos, letters, and a big world map we’ve used to mark our sponsored children’s locations. Each time we add a new sponsored child to our list, my oldest son helps me with the process.

Although I do many different things, at the core of my business, I want to create something that has a positive impact around the world. Have that be by helping business owners or sponsoring more children around the world.

I hope this quick article gave you some insight into the income you could make with your business. Remember – consider passive income as an addition to your already established business.

What if I told you that the key to unlocking your business’s fullest potential isn’t in your town, but in the limitless expanse of the world? Curious? Let me explain…

Isn’t it just fascinating to think about how the entire world, with all its incredible diversity and opportunities, could actually fit right in the palm of your hand? And I mean this quite literally, especially when it comes to the realm of business. Oftentimes, in the initial stages of building our dreams, we limit ourselves to the familiar spaces around us.

But what if we allowed ourselves to dream a little bigger?

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, back to the days when my universe was as small and charming as the quaint town I lived in. I found my joy in capturing the simple, heartfelt motherhood moments with my camera, soaking in the happiness it brought to my soul. Yet, I could sense the limitations of my small-town surroundings, as charming as they were. There’s something truly special about knowing your town like the back of your hand, but sometimes our dreams need a little more room to stretch and grow.

It wasn’t about feeling unappreciative; it was about giving myself permission to dream without limits.

My moment of clarity was simple and sweet: Why limit my dreams when the world is so vast and full of opportunities?

By extending my reach just a little—about a 4-hour radius, which was a step not many local photographers were taking—I opened up a world of new connections, stories, and adventures. I found people who valued my work, which in turn, allowed my business to blossom and thrive.

Yet, this was just the beginning of the journey.

Venturing into the digital and passive income world was like uncovering a hidden gem. All of a sudden, my little local business had the potential to reach every corner of the globe. And before I knew it, I had clients from all around the world.

This adventure was more than just a business expansion; it was a journey of personal growth and discovery. It was a realization that the only limits that existed were the ones I had set for myself.

I won’t pretend it was easy. It required diligence, a readiness to let go of old habits and learn new ones, and a whole lot of courage. But to see my business flourish without any geographical bounds and to connect with people from all walks of life? It was nothing short of magical.

This journey reshaped not just my business, but my life, and gave my family the freedom to choose our home out of love, not necessity, creating the life we always dreamed of. Some years that looked like living in Hawaii. Others it meant traveling full time as a family around the country in our RV. Today? It looks like slowing down and living in our beautiful 1780s New England home and enjoying all that comes with the seasons.

So, if you ever find yourself feeling boxed in by your surroundings, remember this: the world is a beautiful, vast place, full of endless possibilities. You deserve to dream big, beyond the limits of where you are now.

If you haven’t already, consider creating a digital product or service that can reach people all over the world. It has the potential to not only transform your income but also your life in the most beautiful ways.

It’s about so much more than the financial benefits (though, let’s be honest, earning passively from doing something you love is quite the dream). It’s about the freedom that comes with breaking free from limitations, the joy of connecting with people across the globe, and the beauty of living a life without borders.

And the rewards? They are truly priceless, woven from the lessons learned, the incredible experiences had, and the deep connections formed.

Most importantly, it’s about discovering the untapped potential that lies within you.

Your business and your dreams have the right to be boundless. Embrace the world of possibilities out there, and you might just find paths you never thought possible.

When you feel like you’ve hit a wall in your business, what do you do? As an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of staying true to yourself and building a business that you can be proud of. Sometimes, this means taking a leap of faith and pivoting your business in a completely new direction. The fear of making the wrong decision can be paralyzing, but successful business owners make mistakes all the time. Instead of letting that fear take over, they take action and learn from whatever results they get.

And that’s where the power of pivoting comes in.

You see, businesses that survive are those that adapt to change. If you box yourself (and your business) into this idea of what it “should be”, you might be missing incredible opportunities to grow and get the freedom you deserve.

I started my career as a photographer, capturing exquisite moments for others. But as my family grew, I craved flexibility and time freedom that I simply didn’t have. I was nervous about radically changing my career path, but I did it anyway – because it was the RIGHT step for me.

At first, there was a lot I had to learn and mistakes I needed to make as I started creating and selling digital products from my living room. The fear and doubt didn’t compare to the ease and joy I felt going to work each day, knowing that I was building a business I could be truly proud of. Working towards having the freedom to homeschool my kids, or take off for a spontaneous family vacation, or have more time for myself AND my family was worth the risk.

What makes the risk worth taking for you?

Whenever you feel anxious or worried about always making the “right” decision in your business, re-focus on why you’re creating a business. And allow yourself to be nervous, but take action anyway.

Pivoting your business is all about: freedom and flexibility like never before, increased income opportunities, and the chance to wholeheartedly pursue your passions.

Here’s how you start:

Get clear on what you want your life to look like. How do you want to spend your time? Embrace the art of taking calculated risks and exploring new territories. Who around you is already where you want your business to be? Seek advice from those who’ve walked before you.

Pivoting your business can be scary and uncertain, but sometimes the best decisions take us out of our comfort zones. By staying true to yourself and being willing to change, you can build a business aligned with your passions and goals. Looking back, I’m thrilled I had the courage to move in a new direction. I had no idea that in just a few years, I’d achieve my goal: making over a million in passive income.

With every passing year and each product launched, the process of pivoting felt less terrifying and more like stepping towards new horizons. The shift from photography to digital products, to creating Wordsmith, each move was about making a world I believed in. Wordsmith was about helping businesses be authentic online and eases articulating one’s brand message.

The venture into uncharted waters opened up opportunities I hadn’t imagined. Feedback was not just transactions; they were conversations, affirming that authentic communication is vital for a memorable online presence.

Over ten years have passed, and what once felt like risky changes have become achievements. The fear of big decisions has turned into excitement for the next change. Now, the thought of not growing is scarier than facing the unknown.

Each product and interaction is a reminder of the potential in embracing life’s pivots. As I start new projects, my goal remains: to create something meaningful for others and keep exploring new ideas.

Looking back, those big changes were paths leading to a meaningful destination. This journey is wonderful because it’s ever-evolving. I hope as you move on your entrepreneurial road, each change brings you closer to your true goals.

As you set your sights on the next goal or idea, think: What change is waiting for you? Are you ready to face it with courage and an open mind? You won’t know what’s on the other side unless you try.

The other day, I found myself standing in the grass, barefoot, with an old cooler and a handmade sign made with leftovers from my kids’ craft box. My hair was pulled back in a messy bun that had definitely seen better days, and nothing about the moment looked like the dreamy farmstand I’d once pinned on Pinterest. No cedar planks. No pretty branding. Just me, a few dozen eggs, and this little whisper in my chest that said, this is the beginning.

That moment reminded me of every other beginning in my life. Every business I’ve ever built didn’t begin with a perfect setup. It started with what I had. With what I knew. With whatever was within reach, and a deep desire to make it work anyway.

Is It Really Enough to Just Start Small?

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’d do it if I had more money… more time… better tools…?”
Have you been waiting for the stars to align before giving yourself permission to begin?
Does it ever feel like everyone else is running miles ahead, while you’re still stuck at the starting line without the “right” gear?

I know that feeling. I’ve lived it, more than once.
But I also know something else now, and it’s this: the secret isn’t in having more, it’s in using what’s already in your hands.

Today I want to share the truth behind starting small, why it works, and how my most successful businesses all began with a whole lot of heart and very little budget. You’ll walk away knowing how to take your next step, even if it’s a tiny one—and why that’s the most powerful thing you can do.

An Old Cooler and a Dream

We recently started a little farm here in New England. It’s been a long-time dream of ours. Growing our own food, raising animals, and selling fresh produce and eggs from a beautiful, welcoming farmstand someday.

But you know what I didn’t have?
I didn’t have the gorgeous wooden structure.
I didn’t have a branded setup with chalkboard signs or vintage baskets.
I didn’t have a custom-built fridge or cute labels.

What I did have was an cooler, a surplus of fresh eggs, and a handmade sign created with leftover supplies from my kids arts-and-crafts bin.

And so… that’s what I used.
I set it out by the road, and trusted that starting small was still starting.

It reminded me of the first time I ever sold Lightroom presets. I didn’t have a team. I didn’t even have a fancy shop or logo. I uploaded a few .zip files, made a simple landing page, and sent an email to my tiny list. That was it.

But it made money.
And then I reinvested it.
And then it grew.

Over and over, this has been my rhythm: use what you have, make it work, and let that be enough to get going.

Resourcefulness Is the Real Superpower

The world will tell you that you need more. More tools, more gear, more money, more experience. Before you’re allowed to begin.

But after building multiple businesses from scratch, I’ve learned something different: resourcefulness beats resources every single time.

If you’re scrappy, willing, and ready to learn as you go, you are already equipped.
That business you’re dreaming about?
That offer you’ve been sitting on?
That side hustle idea you’ve been swirling around in your brain for months?

It doesn’t need to start big.
It just needs to start.

And once it does, even if it’s messy, imperfect, or patched together with duct tape and hope, you’ll begin to build momentum. And that? That changes everything.

Here’s What Helped Me Build from the Ground Up

1. Define Success by Action, Not Appearance

Your first step doesn’t have to look good.
It just has to move you forward.

I know it’s tempting to wait until it all looks put together, but the truth is, most successful businesses had a humble, even awkward beginning. Focus on progress. Not perfection.

Want to sell art? Sell prints before you build a full website.
Want to coach others? Offer free sessions in exchange for testimonials.
Want to grow a product-based business? Start by selling to your circle before worrying about paid ads.

What matters most is that you start doing the thing. Not waiting for it to be perfect.

2. Reinvest Before You Reward

This is how I’ve always scaled my businesses:
Make a little income → reinvest it → make a little more → reinvest again → repeat until sustainable.

I didn’t pay myself right away. I let the business pay for itself, first. That’s how you build something that doesn’t just survive. It thrives.

If you make $100? Don’t spend it. Put it toward the next thing you need. A better tool, a basic ad, a website tweak. Let your hustle fund its own growth.

3. Start With Tools You Already Know or Own

I can’t count how many times I’ve wanted to “upgrade” before I was ready. A new camera, a fresh app, a fancy platform.

But more often than not, what you already know how to use is more than enough to begin.

Use Google Docs instead of a $50/month content planner.
Use your phone camera instead of waiting to hire a professional photographer.
Use free tools until the paid ones actually make sense.

Starting with what you have builds confidence.
Confidence builds clarity.
Clarity builds consistency.

4. Embrace the Messy Middle

There’s always a stretch where things feel half-done.
The branding isn’t quite right.
The email list is tiny.
The sales are slow.

This middle part? It’s where most people quit.
Don’t be one of them.
Remind yourself: this is just the beginning.
Your future business will thank you for sticking it out, even when it didn’t feel shiny or Instagram-worthy.

5. Celebrate Tiny Wins

Your first $10 matters.
Your first customer matters.

Celebrate them. They are proof that what you’re building is working. Even if it’s still small.
Those tiny wins add up. One day, you’ll look back and realize they were the foundation of something much, much bigger.

Making Our First Dollar As a Farm

My first day, I sold four dozen eggs and made $28.
And while that number might not turn heads, it felt just as thrilling as the day I crossed a million in passive income.

Because that $28?
It cracked the door open to possibility.
It whispered, maybe this can become something real.

That first dollar, earned from a hand-painted sign, a used cooler, and a wild idea, was proof that even the scrappiest beginning holds power.
Even if it’s not perfect. Even if it’s not polished.
It reminded me of something I’ve learned over and over again: you don’t need to have it all together—you just need to begin.

You’re Already More Ready Than You Think

Starting where you are and using what you have isn’t about settling.
It’s about believing in small beginnings.
It’s about saying yes without needing all the answers.
It’s about trusting that with every little step, you’re building something bigger than you can see right now.

If I’ve learned anything from building businesses, it’s this:
You don’t need everything—just enough to begin.

Let me just say this right off the bat: I’ve never been the kind of person who could just do one thing. I run multiple businesses. I build things from scratch. I pivot, I create, I explore new ideas like a kid with a blank notebook and a brand new set of colored markers.

And you know what? I love it that way.

Some people hear that and say, “Wow, that sounds exhausting.”

But to me? It’s energizing—because I’ve learned how to do it without burning out.

If you’re someone who’s multi-passionate too, you know the feeling. Your mind is full of ideas. You’ve got dreams in one hand and a to-do list in the other. And while it’s a beautiful thing to be creative and curious and excited about more than one path… it can also feel a little chaotic if you don’t have a system in place.

Because here’s the truth: When you’re multi-passionate and disorganized, it starts to feel like you’re constantly running in circles.

You’re working hard—sometimes really hard—but you’re not seeing the kind of progress you want. You’re pouring your energy into so many different places that nothing feels like it’s truly moving forward. You feel pulled in multiple directions. Unsure which idea to run with, which task to prioritize, which business needs your attention the most.

You sit down to work and freeze—not because you don’t have ideas, but because you have too many. And that kind of overwhelm? It can lead to burnout, second-guessing, and spinning your wheels without ever gaining real traction.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.

The moment you put a structure in place—the moment you start mapping out your ideas, organizing your projects, and planning your time with intention—you go from scattered to strategic.

From overwhelmed to in control.

From “I’m doing everything and nothing is working,” to “I know exactly what to focus on this week.”

That shift is powerful.

So today, I want to talk about how to find your focus when you’re multi-passionate—without forcing yourself to pick just one thing. Because you don’t have to. You just need to be a little more strategic about how you manage it all.

First, Let’s Redefine “Focus”

We tend to think of “focus” as choosing one thing and sticking with it forever.

But for me, focus means being intentional with my time and energy. It means knowing which hat I’m wearing today, and giving that version of me the attention it deserves—without guilt that I’m not doing everything at once.

I think focus is less about narrowing your dreams, and more about designing your life and business in a way that lets you pursue them well.

Why I Love Being Multi-Passionate (and How I Make It Work)

I’ve built a life and career around multiple ventures—each with its own purpose, audience, and strategy.

From digital products to content strategy, from writing to tech development (hello, Wordsmith 👋), I’ve learned to switch gears without losing momentum. But here’s the key:

👉 I don’t treat every business like it’s happening all at once.

I map out my year. I segment my focus. I batch my work.

I honor the seasons each venture is in—and I build my plans around that.

And that makes all the difference.

My Go-To Tips for Finding Focus as a Multi-Passionate Business Owner

1. Separate Your Work Into Buckets

I think of each business or passion as its own “bucket.”
Each one has:

• Its own goals
• Its own to-do list
• Its own content and strategy

I keep them visually separate in my Airtable dashboards, which helps me stay out of that messy middle where everything blurs together. When I’m in Wordsmith mode, I’m in Wordsmith mode. When I’m building a brand new business, I’m fully there. No hopping back and forth.

2. Use Time Blocking (But Really Really Loosely)

Time blocking changed the game for me. I plan my week in chunks—sometimes full days dedicated to one project, sometimes half-days depending on what’s needed.

But here’s the trick: I give myself margin.

I’m a mom of four. Life is not predictable. I build flexibility into my system so I don’t fall apart when my toddler needs extra snuggles or we decide to go apple picking on a Tuesday. I remind myself that I built this business because I wanted freedom to live life on my own terms. That also means like being able to be flexible at home.

3. Know What Season Each Business Is In

Not everything needs to grow at the same time.

I’ve learned to ask:

• Is this business in a growth season?
• Is it in maintenance mode?
• Or is it still in the idea stage?

That clarity lets me know where to put my energy—and where it’s okay to hit pause or coast.

4. Map Out the Big Picture First

At the start of every year, I map out the yearly vision for each project.

Then I break it into quarters. Then into months. Then into weeks.

That big-picture vision keeps me grounded.

Even when I’m knee-deep in one business, I know the others aren’t forgotten. They’re just waiting for their turn in the spotlight.

5. Let Each Passion Support the Others

Your passions aren’t random.

They’re connected. The skills you learn in one area almost always elevate the others.

For example:

• My experience in content creation helped shape Wordsmith.
• My understanding of passive income led to new strategies for my Pinterest ads.
• My love for writing spills into every corner of every business.

Nothing is wasted. Every piece fits together in ways you might not see at first—but they will.

You Don’t Have to Pick One Thing. But You Do Need a Plan.

I used to feel like something was wrong with me because I couldn’t just “niche down” and do the one thing.

But now? I see it as one of my greatest strengths.

Being multi-passionate means I get to explore, create, and serve in multiple ways. It means I can build sustainable, flexible income streams. It means I stay inspired and challenged.

But the only reason it works is because I got organized.

I found a system that helps me focus on what matters right now, without losing sight of everything else I care about.

And you can do that too.

If you’ve ever been told you need to pick one thing…
If you’ve ever felt “too much” because you have too many dreams…
If you’ve ever worried that having multiple passions makes you messy or scattered…

This is your permission to let that go.

You can be multi-passionate and focused.
You can be organized and creative.
You can build multiple businesses—and do it with joy, clarity, and intention.

Just don’t try to do it all at once.
Map it out. Break it down. Honor the season you’re in.
And give yourself grace in the process.

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has always been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The precious moments with my 4 children have taught me that being present is more valuable than any business milestone.

Curious about the secret that makes it all possible?

It might surprise you.

Sixteen years ago, I embarked on the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship with a newborn sleeping in my arms. It was a chaotic dance between naptimes and business calls, between diaper changes and client meetings. I remember feeling like a tightrope walker, balancing precariously between the demands of motherhood and the relentless drive to grow my business. 

Fast forward to today, and I’m back in a similar place, only this time, I have two more little ones filling our home with laughter and a whole lot of chaos.

Starting a business with young children was, and still is, a balancing act. In those early days, it often felt like I was being pulled in a million directions. My two older kids, now 11 and 15, were once tiny beings who needed my constant attention. 

I juggled snack time, playtimes, and sleepless nights while trying to carve out a space for my business to thrive. It wasn’t easy, but it was a journey that shaped me as both a mother and an entrepreneur.

Now, with my older ones off pursuing their passions and my two little ones keeping me on my toes, I am acutely aware of how quickly time passes. 

It feels like just yesterday I was holding my firstborn’s tiny hand, and now I’m watching her navigate life, working 40+ hours doing something she loves. These fleeting moments with my children are precious, and I cherish every second. I know that soon enough, my house will be quieter, and the demands of motherhood will shift.

In this season of life, my office time has become a rare luxury. I adore my beautiful workspace, but I’ve learned that being present with my children is far more valuable than any business milestone. The hours I spend with them, building sand castles or making up bedtime stories, are moments I will never get back. My big ideas and ambitious plans for my business might take a little longer to achieve, but that’s okay. This is what feels right for me now.

Creating a Business That Works for You

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of setting up a business that doesn’t require me to be chained to my desk. Even while I’m at home enjoying family time or working on our historic home, my business continues to generate income. This has been the key for me, and it’s something I’m excited to share more about with others.

By setting up ads that drive traffic to my business, I’ve been able to step away from the constant grind of social media and focus more on what truly matters. 

This approach has allowed me to maintain a steady income without sacrificing those irreplaceable moments at home with my children.

The Freedom of Passive Income and Ads

The beauty of passive income and running ads is that it offers a level of freedom and flexibility that traditional business models often lack. Once you figure out how to set it up, you realize that running a successful business doesn’t have to mean working 40+ hours a week. It’s incredibly liberating, not just on a personal level but financially as well.

For me, this journey has been about finding harmony between my roles as a mother and a business owner. It’s about recognizing that my children will only be little for a short time and that being present for them is the most important thing I can do. My office might be quieter these days, and my business goals might take a bit longer to reach, but the trade-off is more than worth it.

I’m excited to share more about how I’ve managed to create a business that supports my family life rather than detracting from it. For those of you who crave making an income without sacrificing precious moments at home, know that it is possible. It’s about creating systems and strategies that allow your business to run smoothly even when you’re not there.

Setting up ads, automating processes, and focusing on passive income streams have been my secret weapons. They’ve allowed me to step back from the hustle and enjoy my life more fully. And I’m here to tell you that you can do it too. It takes effort and creativity, but the reward is a life where you can be fully present for your children while still achieving your business dreams.

Balancing business and motherhood is no easy feat, but it’s a journey filled with immense rewards. Embrace the chaos, cherish the moments, and create a business that works for you, not the other way around.

And for anyone reading this trying to balance both motherhood and entrepreneurship, Remember; your children will only be little for a short while, and the time you spend with them now will be the memories you treasure forever. Your business can grow and thrive alongside your family, and you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Here’s to finding that balance and living a life that feels right for you.

So when you feel like you’re not doing enough or growing your business as quickly as others, just know the real work you’re doing is at home. ❤️