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Our Farm: Reconnecting with What Matters Most

I could list a million good reasons why we started a farm. And on any given day, you might hear me say something different. The desire to grow our own food. To teach our children the rhythm of the seasons. To live more slowly, more intentionally.

But if I’m being honest, and I always try to be, it all comes back to one thing; Connection.

Not the kind that requires a password or shows up with a notification bubble. But the kind that’s felt in your bones when your hands are in the soil. The kind that appears quietly at sunrise, when you open the coop and let the chickens step into the morning light. The kind that doesn’t rush or ping or shout. The kind of connection we were always meant to have.

In today’s world, it’s easy to forget that kind of living even exists. We’re constantly tapped in. To the news. The noise. The opinions. The grief of the world, delivered in headline-sized pieces, stacked like bricks we carry in our pockets. Some days, it feels like too much to hold.

And maybe that’s why this shift happened slowly at first, and then all at once. A quiet turning away from scrolling and refreshing. A soft return to something more grounded. Something real.

That’s why we started a farm.

Not because we thought we’d be perfect at it. Not because we had farming in our family history. But because the world felt too loud, and this felt like a way to come home to ourselves.

Where the Online World Ends and the Dirt Begins

Ironically, much of my work lives online. I run digital businesses I love. I get to help other women chase dreams, build something meaningful, and create income in ways that support their lives. But working online also means I’m plugged in more than I want to be most days.

Some days, the tension is real. I’ll be in the middle of writing something that matters to me, and then a breaking news alert pops up. Or I log in to check analytics and find myself lost in a sea of content I never asked to see.

So while I haven’t left the online world, and I probably never will, I’ve found something that balances it a little better.

The farm.

It’s the garden that grows whether or not I post. The chicken that need feeding no matter what time my meeting ends. The wildflower seedlings that push through the earth without permission or performance. They remind me that growth can be slow, steady, and unseen.

Here, I don’t measure success by clicks or views. I measure it by how many eggs we gather. How many weeds we pulled. How many meals we made from scratch.

And in some quiet way, this work that rarely gets seen by anyone else is the work that fills me the most.

The Sacred in the Small Things

There’s something sacred about ordinary labor. It’s easy to dismiss it until you’ve lived it. Until you’ve eaten the tomatoes you grew yourself. Until you’ve cut enough firewood to last you through the winter. Until you’ve spent a Saturday knee-deep in the garden, hands covered in soil, sun-kissed by the sun.

Monday, June 23rd, 2025

Why You Keep Revisiting the Same Task (and How to Break the Loop)

Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

I think we all do this in our own way. For me, it’s my website. No matter how many other things are on my to-do list, I always find myself going back to tweak, rearrange, or rewrite something on there. It doesn’t matter that it’s already functional or that the last update was just a week ago. Something about it keeps pulling me back in.

Maybe it’s because Showit makes it so easy. Maybe it’s my creative brain trying to convince me that it’s a “productive” use of time. Or maybe, deep down, it’s because perfecting it feels safer than moving forward.

The funny thing is, in every other area of my business, I’m usually great at staying focused. I love crossing things off a list. I love building systems that keep me moving. I don’t often get stuck in indecision.

But when I talk to friends or clients, I’ve realized this is something a lot of people struggle with. The difference is, most of the time, they don’t even realize they’re stuck.

They just keep going back to the same task over and over, telling themselves it’s not ready yet. That one more tweak will make it better. That with a little more time, it’ll finally feel right.

As someone who’s wired to move forward, I wanted to understand this better. Because if so many smart, capable women are getting caught in this loop… what’s really going on?

Is This You, Too?

Have you ever reopened a finished project just to fix “one more thing” (or worse re-do the whole dang thing just because)?
Do you find yourself constantly reworking content, offers, emails, or designs you’ve already marked as done?
Are you waiting for the moment when it finally feels perfect enough to share?

You’re not the only one.

What you might not realize is that what feels like fine-tuning can actually be a form of resistance. It’s perfectionism in a cozy sweater. It’s fear pretending to be focus. And it might be holding you back more than you think.

In this post, I want to unpack why we get stuck in this loop, how it quietly chips away at our progress, and the mindset shift that helped me finally break free from it.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that over-analyzing decisions leads to more stress, lower confidence, and reduced satisfaction. Even when the outcomes are better. Which means the more you go back to something, the less peace you’re likely to feel about it.

Let’s change that.

Why We Keep Going Back

It might seem like a small thing, but the tendency to revisit a task over and over can seriously slow your growth as an entrepreneur. And most of the time, it isn’t about the task itself.

Here’s what might actually be going on:

Why You Don’t Need a Social Media Audience to Create a Sold-Out Offer

There was a time in my business when I believed I needed to be everywhere, all the time. Posting daily on Instagram, replying to comments within minutes, managing busy Facebook groups… the social media hustle was nonstop. And truthfully? It was exhausting. Most business owners (including me at some point in the past) hope to grow a bigger audience on social media. They think, their sales will increase, launches will sell out, and all their marketing problems will be solved.

But something happened. I started looking closer at where my sales were actually coming from. The analytics behind my business. And surprise, it wasn’t social media.

Are Followers Really the Key to Success?

Have you ever felt like your success is tied to your follower count? Like if your social media presence doesn’t blow up, then your offers won’t either? Or you think that those that have the massive followers on social media, somehow know how have an easier time to create sold out offers?

What if I told you that the most successful launches I’ve ever had came from email lists with fewer than 1,000 people?

And what if the key to a sold-out offer wasn’t more visibility, but deeper connection?

This post will walk you through how I’ve built some of my best sale days and offers without relying on social media and how you can too. You’ll learn the tools I use (spoiler: email lists and Pinterest play a big role), the mindset shifts that helped me stop chasing followers, and why sustainable marketing always wins.

Why Smaller Email Lists Can Outperform Big Followings

Here’s the thing. Social media is loud, crowded, and constantly changing. One algorithm shift can tank your reach. One viral post doesn’t always translate into sales. But building your own list? That’s an asset you own.

Your email list is the only direct line you have to your audience without any middlemen. You’re not at the mercy of an app deciding whether or not your content is shown. You hit send, and it lands in their inbox.

And guess what? You don’t need 10,000 people to make a living. You probably just need 100 solid customers or clients.

Let’s Do the Math: You Don’t Need 10,000 Followers

Let’s break it down for a second. If you have an offer that’s $200 and 50 people buy, that’s $10,000. If it’s $500 and 20 people buy, that’s the same. Most of us don’t need a massive audience. We just need the right people in our corner.

When you start seeing your goals in numbers instead of followers, things get a lot clearer. You realize that what you’re building is possible and within reach.

How I Shifted from Social to Sustainable Marketing

Over the years, I started paying attention to the backend. I noticed that my evergreen blog content, optimized for SEO and paired with Pinterest traffic, was driving more consistent sales than anything I did on social media.

At first, it felt strange to pull back from platforms that had helped me grow. Social media was how I built my early audience. But I also knew I was tired. Tired of chasing visibility. Tired of feeling behind. I wanted strategy over noise. I wanted long-term growth instead of temporary wins.

So I pivoted.

Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

We Never Planned to Build Another CRM — But Here’s Why We Did

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

I never thought I’d be writing this blog post. After selling the Essential Studio Manager (ESM), we closed that chapter with full hearts and high hopes. We believed the new owners would carry the torch with care, support the community we built from the ground up, and keep making ESM better for all of you, the creative, service-based business owners we built it for.

But if you were part of the ESM Facebook group, you already know how the story unfolded.

Support vanished. Updates stopped. Messages were completely ignored. And it broke our hearts.

Because you didn’t just buy a tool — you believed in us. You trusted us to make your business a little simpler, a little more streamlined. And watching that trust dissolve after we handed it off… that’s something we’ve carried with us ever since.

The posts we saw in the Facebook group, the ones pleading for help, asking if anyone was still listening, they weren’t just coming from faceless users. They were you. The real people Jon and I had gotten to know. The ones who helped us shape ESM from the very beginning. Who cheered us on through every new feature launch, who gave thoughtful feedback, who showed up for us as much as we hoped to show up for you.

Watching that community go quiet felt personal. And it’s a big part of what brought us back.

We had zero plans to build another CRM. Not a hidden someday. Not a maybe. Not even a backup idea scribbled in a notebook. When we sold the ESM we were ready to put the CRM world in the past.

But the silence where there should’ve been support? That lit something in us. Not out of spite, but out of love. Out of respect for the business owners we set out to serve from the very beginning.

From First Project to Full Circle

Here’s something not everyone knows: ESM was actually Jon’s very first project. He literally built it as he learned how to code. And the fact that so many of you used it, loved it, and grew your businesses with it? That will always be one of the proudest milestones as entrepreneurs.

But Billi? Billi is different.

Billi was built by an expert, by someone who now has years of experience building full-scale, high-functioning platforms. It’s not just a CRM with a fresh coat of paint. It’s a full reimagining of everything we wish we could have done back then.

We took every lesson, every note, every piece of feedback (and yes, every moment of burnout and “we should have done this differently”) and used it to create the CRM we always wanted to build.

Meet Billi

Billi is the result of that journey. It’s everything we dreamed a CRM could become — and more.

Built for service-based entrepreneurs

Clean, friendly design (no learning curve required)

Powerful tools without the overwhelm

Transparent pricing with no gatekeeping

And yes, we’re actually here when you need support

But what really sets Billi apart is just how beautifully simple it is to use. The UI? It’s stunning. It feels warm, welcoming, and modern. It doesn’t look like enterprise software, it looks like something made for you.

We know running a business is hard enough. Your CRM shouldn’t make it harder. Billi strips away the clutter and gives you what you actually need to manage your clients, send contracts, get paid, and stay organized. That’s it. No bloat. No fluff. Just ease.

Let’s Talk About Pricing

Now here’s the part we’re most excited to share: Billi is 100% free to use.

No monthly fees. No pricing tiers. No paywalls on features.

You only pay a 1% flat fee on any invoices paid through Billi. That’s it.

So if you’re not actively booking clients or making money? You don’t pay a thing.

And when you are? That tiny fee helps us keep Billi running, improving, and growing — without ever forcing you to upgrade to some “Pro Plan” to get access to the good stuff.

But here’s what most people don’t know:
This idea wasn’t born from some calculated business plan. We didn’t sit down and say, “Let’s build a CRM that’ll generate millions.”

This started as something much more personal.

We just wanted to build something for our ESM users, something they could actually use. Something they would love. And when we started talking about pricing… everything in us said: we don’t want to do this the way everyone else is doing it.

We didn’t want crazy subscription models. We didn’t want tiered pricing. We didn’t want to gatekeep features or make people feel like they had to pay more to do more.

So I threw out a wild idea:
What if we kept it really simple? What if we charged a tiny percentage on paid invoices, and that’s it?

That way, no matter how big or small your business is, no matter what season you’re in — you’d always have a CRM you could count on. One that doesn’t drain your budget. One that grows with you.

This pricing model was a no brainer for us. Because we believe:

Tools should empower you, not penalize your growth.

Great software should be accessible, not exclusive.

And if you’re just getting started or you’re in a slow season, your CRM shouldn’t feel like a financial burden.

Billi was built with this in mind,

The Truth About Running Ads: They’re Not That Complicated

For the longest time, I believed running ads was something reserved for them. Big brands with even bigger budgets. Companies with full-blown marketing departments. People in fancy offices who had “strategist” in their job title and knew how to decode a spreadsheet like it was their second language. And then there was me. I assumed ads weren’t for someone like me. Someone who didn’t have thousands to throw at a campaign or hours to pour into learning a new platform.

But eventually, I got tired of waiting for organic reach to do the job. I wanted to grow faster, reach new people, and stop relying on the hope that an Instagram post might go viral.

So I dipped my toe in. Nervously. Imperfectly.

And what I discovered?
Ads aren’t just for big brands. They’re for real people building real businesses.
Just like you.

Feeling Like Ads Are Only for the “Big Players”? Let’s Talk.

Have you ever looked at an ad and thought, “That’s not for me. I can’t afford it, and I wouldn’t even know where to start”?
Do you assume that only people with teams, tech skills, and ten thousand followers can actually make ads work?
Have you been quietly wishing you could grow faster… but believing that ads are out of reach?

Friend, you’re not alone.

But here’s what I’ve learned—from actual experience, not theory:
Ads aren’t reserved for million-dollar marketing teams.
They’re a tool. And just like any tool, you can learn to use it.

Today, I want to walk you through the truth about running ads. What I wish I knew before I ever hit “launch,” and how you (yes, you) can use them to grow your business on your terms.

I Thought Ads Were for “Them” Until I Gave It a Shot

The first time I ever opened up an ad manager, I felt like I had entered a foreign country without a translator.

Pixels? Audiences? Conversions?
No one warned me I’d need a secret dictionary just to make sense of it.

I almost closed my laptop.

Because all I could think was: This is what real marketers do. This isn’t for me.

But something in me said to just try. Just test. Boost one tiny post to see if you can get a return. Just see.

So I set a tiny daily budget.
Picked one product I knew like the back of my hand.
And created a simple graphic and copy that came straight from my heart.

And then I clicked “publish.”

That tiny campaign led to clicks. The clicks led to sales. And the sales gave me proof:
Ads could work for me.

What If Ads Aren’t for “Big Brands” They’re Just for Brave Ones?

I spent years assuming ads were part of someone else’s playbook.

But here’s the shift that changed everything:
Ads are not about having a big budget. They’re about having a clear message and knowing how to target the right audience.

Big brands might have more dollars, but they don’t have your story.
They don’t have your passion, your scrappiness, or your people.

The moment I stopped thinking I had to be “ready” or “professional” to run ads—and just focused on sharing the heart of my offer with the right people, everything changed.

You don’t need a marketing agency.
You don’t need to be a tech genius.
You just need to believe in what you’re offering… and be willing to put it in front of the people who need it.

5 Truths That Made Ads Feel Possible (Even for Me)

1. You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Start Seeing Results

I started with $5 a day. That’s it.

Thursday, June 12th, 2025

Start Where You Are, Use What You Have (It’s More Than Enough)

Thursday, June 12th, 2025

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 f

Confused by Pinterest Ads? What Metrics Actually Matter and Why

Running Pinterest ads can feel like you’re playing a game where no one explained the rules. You log in, glance at all those numbers, and immediately ask yourself… “Is this working? Am I wasting money? What should I even be looking at?” I’m about to walk you through the exact metrics that actually matter, and how to use them to make smarter decisions (without needing a marketing degree or a Google rabbit hole).

First Things First: Let’s Break Down the Most Common Pinterest Ad Metrics

Here’s what you’ll see inside your dashboard, and what each metric is actually trying to tell you:

Impressions: How many times your ad showed up in someone’s feed. This tells you your targeting and keywords are being triggered — but impressions alone don’t mean it’s working.

Clicks: The number of times someone clicked on your ad to learn more. This is the first real sign of interest. It means your creative is catching attention. But it’s not the final word…

Outbound Clicks: These are the golden clicks — the ones that send people off Pinterest and onto your site. These clicks tell you your pin is doing its job: sending people into your world.

Saves: When someone saves your pin to a board. Saves are intent. It means they’re interested — maybe not ready to buy, but keeping it for later. If your saves are high, your ad might be too good for just one glance.

Conversions: When someone signs up, buys, or takes the action you asked for. This is what we’re here for, right? Conversions tell you if your whole ad + landing page combo is working.

So… Which Metrics Actually Matter Most?

If I had to pick the ones to watch like a hawk, it would be these:

Outbound Clicks

This is the biggest signal that your ad is truly working. Pinterest is a traffic platform, and if you’re not getting people to your site, we need to adjust your creative or targeting.

Conversions

This is the actual number of people who took the action you wanted. Whether that’s signing up for your list, buying your product, or filling out a form. It’s easy to obsess over impressions or saves, but conversions are the real proof that your ad is doing its job. No fluff, just results. And tracking this number over time tells you exactly which offers are working.

Cost per Click (CPC)

This is how much you’re paying for every single click on your ad — and it’s where Pinterest really shines. Compared to platforms like Instagram or Facebook, Pinterest clicks are often way more affordable. That means you can get in front of more potential customers without blowing your ad budget. Low CPC with high outbound clicks? That’s a winning combo.

What You Can Worry Less About

Impressions are good for brand awareness, but they’re not what pays the bills.

Saves are a lovely compliment, but you can’t take them to the bank.

Clicks are a first step, but outbound clicks are the real MVP.

Think of impressions, saves, and clicks as breadcrumbs. They’re part of the journey — but not the destination.

If Your Metrics Aren’t Where You Want Them To Be… Don’t Panic

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

We’re Starting a Farm (While Still Running Our Online Business)

Monday, June 9th, 2025

It started with a soft snowfall on a Saturday morning. I stood in the kitchen, still in my cozy wool slippers, watching my husband stack firewood outside while steam curled from my coffee mug. Our two younger kids were tugging on boots, begging to go help. And in that quiet moment, I thought: this—this might just be it. Not the end goal, not the retirement plan. But the thing we were always chasing in some abstract way.

For years, we’ve worked in the digital space. Tech, startups, digital products—we built our dream life with Wi-Fi and willpower. We’re deeply grateful for it. And yet… there’s been this quiet longing we couldn’t shake.

What if the dream you built starts to evolve?

What if you have everything you once asked for… but your heart keeps tugging you toward something different?

What if success isn’t about scaling up, but slowing down?

This post isn’t about quitting everything and moving off-grid. It’s about adding depth. Texture. Dirt-under-the-fingernails kind of fulfillment. If you’ve ever felt like your online business is thriving but your soul is asking for more, you’re not alone. And maybe—just maybe—you’re allowed to want and do both.

Where the Dream Started to Shift

We thought success looked like laptops and launches. But these days, it looks like early mornings, muddy boots, and and hatching baby chicks in our kitchen.

A few years ago, we were living in a little beach cottage. Two blocks from the ocean, sunshine nearly year-round, and all the amenities that made remote work feel like a dream. But when we saw the listing for a old red house in New England—on 45 acres, no less—something in me lit up. (We had never even been to new england).

We told ourselves it was a good investment. We said the land was just a bonus. But really? We were craving something deeper. More grounded. A place to put down roots in more ways than one.

At the time, our work lives were at full capacity—meetings, launches, emails, and endless tabs open at once. But on weekends, we’d be outside: planting apple trees, hauling rocks, fixing fences. My husband started chopping firewood to heat the house. I started dreaming about what we could grow.

We always say that if we just work hard enough, earn enough, and keep pushing, we’ll finally have the time to do what we love. More time outside. More time growing things. More time together, hands in the soil.

But what if the thing we were working toward… was already right here?

What if this was the life we were meant to build?

Not as a side project. Not as a someday dream.

But for real. For now.

So we made it official.

We started a farm.

And just like that, the shift began.

Europe Recap: 2 Weeks, 4 Countries, and a Business That Ran Itself

The night before we left for Europe, I was still up at 11:45 PM—wrapping up the last few pieces of content, double-checking automations, and setting that final “out of office” email reply. I told myself I’d be ahead of the game this time. But let’s be honest… there I was, one more late night deep in Google Docs, just trying to make sure nothing fell through the cracks.

I’d planned this trip for months. Dreamed about it for years. And yet, even with all the prep, I still found myself sprinting to the finish line.

Can You Really Unplug When You Run a Business?

This trip was more than just a vacation. It was a homecoming. I was born and raised in Germany until I was eleven, and taking my own kids back to those childhood spots was something I’ll never forget. Sitting on the same bench my mom used to sit on while I played—only now watching my own four kids run wild on the same playground? It was like life folded in on itself in the most beautiful way.

But even in that moment, there was a tiny voice in my head whispering, “Did I prep enough? Will everything run like it should?”

If you’ve ever tried to truly unplug from your business—especially as a mom, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, or someone who wears 87 hats—you know that feeling. The hope that everything will keep moving without you… but also the low hum of worry that it might not.

So today, I wanted to give you a real look at how the trip went, what actually worked behind the scenes, and what I’ll be doing differently next time.

What Sparked This Whole Reflection

We spent two weeks hopping across Germany, Switzerland, Italy—and even had a little accidental adventure through France (thanks to a GPS reroute and one my navigation skills).

The trip was packed with special moments:

Celebrating my grandma’s 90th birthday on my aunt’s farm, surrounded by family I hadn’t seen in years.

Introducing my husband to the country where I grew up (yes, after 17 years of marriage, this was his first time there).

Eating chocolate-filled croissants on a mountain in Italy.

Hiking beside cowbells in Switzerland with the most unreal backdrop of rolling hills and alpine lakes.

Driving some of the narrowest, scariest mountain roads known to man (would not recommend with kids in the back and a cappuccino in hand).

And all the while? My business kept running. Sales came in.

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

What’s the Best First Ad to Run on Pinterest?

Saturday, May 31st, 2025

One of the most common questions I get when it comes to Pinterest ads: Where do I even start? You’ve probably heard that Pinterest can be a goldmine for passive traffic and sales (spoiler: it totally can be). But when you finally sit down to launch your first ad, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—there are different ad formats, audience types, budgets, pins, targeting strategies… it’s a lot.

Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated.
But you do need to start with the right strategy—for where you are right now.

Because truthfully? The best first ad to run on Pinterest depends on whether you already have traffic coming in… or you’re starting from zero.

Let me explain…

Part One: If You Already Have Website Traffic (Even a Little)

If you’ve already got visitors landing on your site—maybe from your blog, SEO, Pinterest content, or even social media—then listen up, because this is where Pinterest ads can really shine.

💡 Start with a remarketing ad.
This is hands-down the best ad to run if you’ve got even a little bit of traffic already trickling in.

Why?
Because it’s targeting people who’ve already seen your brand. Maybe they clicked through to a product, added something to their cart, or read one of your blog posts. These people are already warmed up—and a well-placed Pinterest ad might be the nudge they need to finally hit “buy.”

Real Talk: What Remarketing Can Actually Do

Let me give you a quick example.
In one day, I spent $11 on a remarketing ad and made $470 in return. (Yep, I triple-checked.) That’s the beauty of this type of ad—it’s not trying to introduce you to new people, it’s gently reminding someone who’s already been in your world that your offer is still there. Still helpful. Still worth it.

And when your ad shows up while they’re planning, searching, and making decisions on Pinterest? Magic. And the best part? Since this ad only gets shown to those who have visited your site, it’s a much smaller audience size, which means you really don’t have to spend much.

Apple Trees and Business Dreams: Planting What Matters Most

Last spring, we planted sixteen apple trees.

They line the dirt road on our property now, barely taller than my littlest kids, their thin branches still reaching out with all the hope of something much bigger. It was a family affair—muddy hands, mismatched shovels, sun-warmed shoulders, and kids running barefoot between holes. My husband dug. I placed roots. The kids patted dirt like it was treasure. It was one of those core memories I hope I never forget.

They were just tiny twigs in the ground. But I saw what they could become.

As we planted, I caught myself daydreaming—of heavy branches filled with apples, of pies on fall mornings, of the first crisp bite into something we grew ourselves. I pictured my younger kids growing up alongside those trees, and then the far-off future: little grandkids racing each other down our dirt road, weaving between tree trunks that started as sticks but grew alongside generations.

But here’s the honest part: there’s also a quieter voice in me that wonders if I’ll ever get to see it.

Because seven years ago, I planted something else.

The Dreams That Don’t Always Stay

We bought our dream home on a little island. A house with the ocean in the distance. And on one of our wedding anniversaries, my husband got me two palm trees that we planted in the front yard.

My husband dug the holes, one on each side of where a hammock would hang. We knew we’d have to wait years before we could actually use it—before the roots would settle deep enough, before the trees would grow strong enough to hold our weight. But that was part of the dream. I still remember standing back, thinking about the salt air, the slow mornings, the stories we’d read to the kids under those trees. It felt so sure. So right.

But we had to leave that dream behind.

And I never did get to enjoy that hammock.

And I still think about those palm trees. It’s a soft ache—that reminder that not every seed we plant is one we get to harvest.

That not every dream plays out the way we hope.

But Still, We Plant

And yet, last spring, I knelt down in the dirt and planted again. Even with that uncertainty.

Because something in me still believes in planting.

And maybe you’re there, too. In business. In life. Planting seeds that you hope will grow—a new offering, a new idea, a new rhythm for your days. Maybe you’re holding both the hope and the fear. Maybe you’ve planted before and watched something beautiful bloom, only to have to let it go.

And still—here you are, planting again.

What Business Has Taught Me About Roots

I used to think success was fast. Loud. Certain.

But now I see it’s more like those apple trees. Slow. Quiet. Rooted in intention. It takes time.

I think back on my business and how many seasons I’ve been through. The big ideas. The pivots. The launches and the letdowns. There were moments I was sure something would flourish—and it didn’t. And there were other times I planted something almost casually, and it grew in ways I never imagined.

The truth is, you don’t always know what will take root.

But when you plant what matters most to you—when you build something aligned with your values, your joy, your gifts—you’re creating more than just a business.

Even if you don’t see it bloom right away.

That’s the success I want.

Friday, May 30th, 2025

Writing Styles Inside Wordsmith (And How to Find Yours)

Thursday, May 29th, 2025

Finding your voice as a business owner can feel like trying to find your footing on a moving train. You know your message matters, but putting it into words that sound like you (and not a generic and bland)? That’s a whole different challenge.

That’s exactly why writing styles inside Wordsmith exist.

Because you deserve content that sounds like you on your best day—confident, clear, connected. Whether you’re witty or warm, polished or punchy, your writing voice is the heartbeat of your brand. And when it’s aligned? Your message finally lands.

Meet the Wordsmith Writing Styles

We created a collection of writing styles to help you create content that doesn’t just look good—it feels like you. Here’s a peek inside:

Wordsmith Tone

This is our default—and it’s the one closest to my own voice. It’s conversational and friendly, educational without being stuffy. Think of it like grabbing coffee with someone who’s really good at what they do but never makes you feel behind. It’s warm, it’s real, and it’s built to connect.

Friendly

This tone is warm, lighthearted, and easy to love. It feels like chatting with your best friend who always knows what to say. It’s perfect for personal brands, service providers, and anyone who wants to make their readers feel like they’re part of something special.

Professional

Polished, clear, and confident. This style works great for those who want to be taken seriously without sounding robotic. It’s structured and sharp, but still approachable. Think: trusted advisor, poised and prepared.

Heartfelt

This one pulls from the heart. It’s soft, reflective, and perfect for moments when you’re sharing your mission, your why, or a behind-the-scenes story. It leans into vulnerability in a way that creates deep connection.

Witty Writing Style

Quick, clever, and full of personality. Witty is your go-to if you like to add a bit of spice to your sentences. It’s confident and creative, with just enough bite to keep things interesting.

Luxury Writing Style

Smooth, refined, and elevated. The luxury style is all about minimal elegance. It’s less is more—but every word is intentional. Ideal for high-end brands, creatives, or anyone positioning themselves as premium.

Persuasive Writing Style

Strategic and purposeful, persuasive writing guides your reader toward a decision—without ever feeling pushy. It’s for the business owner who wants to sell with confidence, rooted in value, clarity, and trust.

my story

I’ve built brands from the ground up, sold software, launched tools like Wordsmith and taught thousands how to run ads that actually convert. I care about building businesses that create freedom — not burnout — and I’m here to help you do the same. Strategy, simplicity, and a whole lot of heart.

Big Goals, Smart Strategy, and a Business Bestie Who Knows What Works

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