My husband and I have worked on more projects together than I can count.

He’s the lead developer behind everything I dream up. The one who translates all my wild, messy, inspired ideas into something real. We’ve built businesses side by side, taken long car rides just to brainstorm, and stayed up late many nights bringing our shared visions to life.

But the truth is: we’re total opposites.

I’m the carefree, million-ideas-a-minute type. I have paintbrushes and half-finished projects scattered around the house. I thrive in the beginning stages—in the energy of a new idea, the possibilities, the vision. I am Type B to my core. Entrepreneur through and through.

And he’s the guy who loves simplicity. Order. A step-by-step process. One task at a time. He wants someone to tell him exactly what needs to be done and when. Military-trained, logical, a Type A realist.

He brings structure. I bring spark.

Together? We somehow make it work beautifully.

The other day, I came to him with a new idea. I was buzzing with excitement, ready to bring it to life, and his immediate reaction was, “You can’t just do that.”

I smiled and said, “Why not?”

That conversation stuck with me. Because it sums up the difference between how we think—and also how I believe so many of us are conditioned to think when it comes to building a business.

My husband’s mindset makes sense in many contexts. Rules, order, expectations. A framework that helps people move safely through the world.

But entrepreneurship? That’s different.

Entrepreneurship taught me something that took me years to realize: The rules don’t apply. And if they do? You can change them.

There’s no single path to success. No universal playbook. No secret formula that works the same for everyone. You get to build the business that fits you.

Let’s take something as seemingly straightforward as pricing.

My husband would start by researching competitors. He’d study market trends. He’d analyze, assess, and carefully position his offer based on logic and industry standards.

Me? I price based on instinct.

I think about what the offer is worth. I think about what feels right in my gut. And most importantly, I think about how I want to feel delivering that product or service. Energized? Valued? Confident?

I don’t really care what others charge for the same thing.

Because I’m not building someone else’s business. I’m building mine.

One of the greatest myths in business is that there’s a right way to do it.

You don’t need permission to pursue your dream. You don’t have to follow industry norms if they don’t align with you. You don’t have to grow the way someone else did, or market the way they do, or price like the rest of the field.

That’s the freedom of entrepreneurship.

You get to write your own rules.

And sometimes, yes—you’ll meet resistance. Someone will say, “You can’t just do that.”

But that’s when you smile and ask, “Why not?”

I’m sitting at my desk, coffee in hand, heart full of ideas—and if I’m being honest, a little bit of overwhelm too. The world of business and marketing is shifting fast, and with AI stepping onto the scene in a big way, it’s starting to feel like we’re all figuring it out in real time.

And here I am, building something right in the middle of it all.

We just did a massive update to Wordsmith. A completely redesigned dashboard that feels so much better—cleaner, easier to navigate, more intuitive. We added a whole new lineup of writing styles (they’re honestly so fun to play with), and more than anything, we laid the groundwork for what’s to come.

But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel big.

A Dream That’s Growing Bigger Than Me

When I first launched Wordsmith, it was simple: I wrote the content myself. I uploaded it. You logged in and had access to captions that were ready to go. It was built for real business owners who just needed a little help showing up online.

Now, we’re dreaming bigger. With AI entering the chat, everything has changed—and also, somehow, everything has stayed the same. Because at the core of Wordsmith is the same mission: to help you feel confident, clear, and supported in your content.

This next chapter? It’s about deepening that support.

So What’s Coming? Let Me Show You What I’m Dreaming Of

First up: a marketing calendar inside Wordsmith. One that helps you not just create content, but plan it. Organize it. Feel like you actually have a strategy again. (Because we both know that’s half the battle.)

Second: AI-powered idea generation that’s based on your business. I want you to be able to take a quiz that tells Wordsmith who you are, what you do, and how you want to sound online. And from there? Content ideas that actually make sense for your brand. Not generic fluff. Just real, aligned suggestions that take the pressure off.

Third: cross-platform sharing and creative assets. Imagine creating one amazing piece of content and Wordsmith gives you the visuals and the resized versions for Instagram, your newsletter, even Pinterest or LinkedIn. Total time-saver, right?

This is what I’m mapping out right now, with sticky notes everywhere and my mind racing with possibility.

It Feels Big—Because It Is

This next season of Wordsmith isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building something that truly becomes part of your business. Something that gives you back your time and energy. Something that lets you feel proud of what you’re putting out into the world.

But I’m also human. And sometimes, building something that hasn’t been done before? It feels heavy. I want to get it right. I want it to be something you love using.

So I’m asking: if you’ve got ideas, needs, or things you’d love to see inside Wordsmith, tell me. LEave a comment. Reply to the email. Your feedback means more than you know.

At the end of the day, I’m not building Wordsmith for me. I’m building it for you.

For the one who has so many ideas but no time to write them. For the entrepreneur who wants their marketing to feel more authentic. For the dreamer who’s tired of staring at the blinking cursor.

Let’s build this next version of Wordsmith together.

Because what’s coming? It’s going to be good.

And I can’t wait for you to be part of it.

Content Prompt: I’m not for everyone—and that’s a good thing. If you’re looking for [X], we probably won’t vibe. But if you want [Y], then you’re in the right place. Here’s why I do things differently, and why that might be exactly what you’ve been needing.

Copywriting Formula: Polarizing POV + Clarity

This week’s content prompt is all about standing tall in what makes your business unique.

By owning your perspective and getting clear about what you don’t do, you make room for your dream clients to lean all the way in. That’s the magic of a Polarizing Point of View (POV) – it doesn’t mean you’re being controversial for the sake of it. It means you’re being clear.

This is your permission slip to say, “This is who I am, this is how I work, and this is why it works.”

Why It Works:

Because clarity is magnetic.

In a noisy online world, people are craving honesty, realness, and someone who knows exactly what they stand for. When you confidently communicate who you’re for (and who you’re not), you build trust faster and attract the people who are already aligned with your style, your values, and your offer.

This kind of content weeds out the wrong fits and draws in the people who will love what you do—and stick around for the long haul.

Wordsmith Instructions:

Use this content prompt to draw a bold line in the sand. Write a post that highlights what you don’t offer, what you do, and why your approach is intentional. Share a little behind-the-scenes or personal story that reinforces your perspective.

New to Wordsmith? Just drop in this content prompt and a few details about your business. Wordsmith will create a blog post, newsletter, and social captions that sound like you and speak straight to your dream clients. It makes content creation faster, easier, and way more aligned.

How to Use This Prompt:

Start with something your business isn’t

Share what your business is

Explain why this difference matters

End with a CTA that invites your people in

Example Post Using This Prompt:

I’m not the kind of business that teaches you to post 5 times a day and hustle harder.

If you’re looking for fast hacks and overnight wins, I’m probably not your girl.

But if you want to build a sustainable, aligned business that grows with intention—welcome. You’re in the right place.

I built Wordsmith for people who want to connect with their audience, not just convert them. For people who believe their message matters and want content that reflects their values, their voice, and their heart.

You won’t find one-siz

Let’s talk about a word that gets tossed around a lot in the world of entrepreneurship: consistency. It sounds good, right? It’s the kind of thing we all say we want more of—it’s pinned on vision boards, scribbled in planners, and woven into goal-setting rituals. But if we’re being really honest with ourselves, it’s not always the most exciting thing. It’s not flashy, it’s not glamorous, and it rarely comes with instant results or applause.

Consistency is steady. It’s quiet.

It’s the small, sometimes boring actions repeated over and over again… that eventually add up to something pretty incredible.

And this year? I made some big life shifts, both personally and professionally—and at the center of it all was my intention to finally embrace consistency like never before.

The Plan I Created (And Why This Year Felt Different)

At the end of last year, I sat down with my planner and a very long list of hopes for the year ahead. I love mapping out the big picture of my business—it’s something I look forward to every year. But this time, I went deeper. I created not just a broad annual strategy, but a detailed daily and weekly plan for my life and work.

And something shifted.

Instead of chasing inspiration or trying to build as I went (which, let’s be honest, was my norm for a long time), I started building structure. I mapped out 52 weeks of intentional focus—what I wanted to create, when I’d share it, and how it aligned with my bigger goals. I added tasks into my calendar with purpose. I made space for work and life.

And even though I’ve been in business for 16 years, this year—this year—I’ve felt more consistent than ever. And although I am working less hours, I really feel like I am getting so much more done.

It Wasn’t Easy… But It’s Working

Each week, I have a small list of “must complete” tasks. Not 30 things. Not a never-ending to-do list. Just the non-negotiables that, if completed, would keep me aligned with my bigger vision.

And let me tell you—it’s not always easy to check them off.

I’m a mom to four kids. Two are homeschooled. Two are little and full of energy. My days are full of snacks and questions and sticky fingers and math worksheets and bedtime stories. There are days when the laundry piles up and the dinner is frozen pizza. There are nights, like tonight, when I sneak downstairs after everyone’s asleep to open my laptop in the quiet and do the work I didn’t get to earlier.

But I show up.

Because consistency, for me, means showing up again and again—even when it’s not perfect, even when I’m tired, even when inspiration feels far away. It’s carving out time for what matters. It’s making a promise to yourself—and keeping it.

A few years ago, I thought having a big following meant I was successful. I measured my momentum by how many likes I got, how many new followers clicked over, how often my content was shared. Back then, the numbers felt like a reflection of my worth. They were the proof I thought I needed that I was doing something right.

But somewhere along the way, I started asking a harder question:

What does success really look like—for me?

And the honest answer? It didn’t look like constantly chasing content ideas or feeling the pressure to stay “on” just to be seen. It didn’t look like growing an audience just for the sake of growth.

Instead, success looked like freedom. Like peace. Like getting to be home with my kids, working on projects I love, and building something meaningful without having to share every moment of it online.

Stepping Away From the Metrics

My real reward hasn’t been growing a large social media following. It’s been building a business that doesn’t depend on one.

And I’ll be honest—at first, I wasn’t even sure it was possible. Everyone I knew who was doing great in their business seemed to be all-in on social media. They were sharing constantly, showing up publicly, and building visibility by staying front and center. And for a while, I tried to keep up with that rhythm.

Because there’s no real rule book on how to build a modern business without social media. It felt like I was trying to merge old-school business principles with a modern-day spin—and I didn’t know if it would actually work.

For a long time, I leaned on social media because I thought it was the key to growth. And yes, it helped me build momentum in those early years. But it also made me feel like I had to be everywhere, all the time. That I had to share everything to be relevant. That my visibility equaled my value.

It wasn’t until I shifted my focus to long-term, sustainable marketing that everything changed.

I started to really focus on building my email list. I focused on creating evergreen content that lives on (hello blog posts and newsletters). I paid attention to the parts of my business that still worked even when I was off social media.

And slowly, something powerful happened:

I started breathing again.

And to really prove it, I didn’t post a single time in 2024 to show myself that yes, I could 100% run my business without needing social media.

Living a Quiet Life That Still Moves Big Things

I stopped feeling like I had to document every single moment.

Now, I show up on social when it feels right. Sometimes that means sharing more. Sometimes it means taking a quiet step back. But either way, my business doesn’t stop. My growth doesn’t pause. Because I’ve built a foundation that doesn’t rely on being plugged in 24/7.

And I can’t tell you how freeing that is.

There’s something sacred about being able to live your life without constantly performing it. About being present in a world that keeps telling you to produce. Some days I look around at the stillness in my home, the sound of my kids playing, the quietness of this life I’ve created—and it feels like success in its purest form.

Let’s talk about something that’s been quietly revolutionizing the way I work behind the scenes—AI. Now before you start picturing some robot sitting at a desk doing all my marketing for me—let me stop you right there. This isn’t about replacing the heart of your business or handing over everything to technology. It’s about working a little bit smarter. About giving yourself the gift of help in a world where we’re all trying to wear a dozen hats at once.

The other day, I posted a quick poll on Instagram asking who’s using AI—even in small, simple ways. 51% of my audience said they use it. The other 49%? They slid into my DMs with the same question: “Okay, but how?!”

If you’ve been feeling the same—curious about AI, wondering how it actually fits into your business without feeling robotic or overwhelming—this post is for you.

I’m going to walk you through exactly how I use it in my own work, why I created Wordsmith to help other business owners do the same, and where I’d start if I were brand new and just getting my feet wet.

I’m a Writer at Heart… But Not Always a Perfect One

Let me be honest with you—I’ve always loved writing.

There’s something about putting thoughts into words that feels like home to me. It’s how I make sense of the world. How I connect. How I teach and serve and show up.

But grammar?
Perfect sentence structure?
Avoiding run-on thoughts that sound more like a rambling voice memo?

Yeah… not so much.

I moved to America when I was 11 years old and didn’t speak a word of English. I learned the language by listening—by paying attention to the rhythm, the tone, the meaning behind the words. And while I eventually became fluent and feel like someone who’s great at communicating, I never had those early years of formal grammar lessons or spelling drills.

So now, when I sit down to write, I know what I want to say—but sometimes the mechanics don’t always come out perfectly. I write the way I talk. I pour my thoughts out quickly and with feeling. And honestly? I think that’s part of what makes my writing real and relatable.

Still, that’s also why AI has become one of my most trusted tools.

Content Prompt: When you [specific action or result from your service], it doesn’t just change [initial benefit]—it changes everything. From [related benefit] to [unexpected positive outcome], the ripple effect is real. Let’s start creating yours today.

Copywriting Formula: Cause and Effect

This week’s content prompt taps into one of the most powerful parts of storytelling: cause and effect.

It’s easy to talk about what your service does on the surface—but what happens after that initial transformation? What shifts? What doors open? What positive chain reaction begins?

When you help your audience understand the full scope of what’s possible, they don’t just want your service—they feel the value.

Why It Works:

Sometimes the big, life-changing moments start with small steps. But your audience might not always see how those small wins lead to bigger transformations. This formula paints the whole picture.

It connects the dots between what your service does today and how it impacts everything else tomorrow—business growth, confidence, peace of mind, freedom, energy… all the things your audience actually wants.

And when they start to see that domino effect? They’re all in.

You ever have one of those days where you open Instagram and instantly feel… tired? You scroll for a few seconds, see someone’s highlight reel, remember you haven’t posted in days (or weeks), and immediately feel that weight. That ugh, I should really post something kind of guilt that seeps in before you even finish your coffee.

If you’re anything like me (and so many other women I talk to), you’ve probably found yourself thinking, Do I really have to keep showing up here? Can I just… stop?

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with fellow business owners—smart, talented, creative women—who are all quietly wrestling with the same question:

“What if I just stopped posting Instagram?”

Let’s talk about that.

Are You Burned Out… or Just Ready for a New Way?

First, let’s name it: you’re not lazy, flaky, or uncommitted to your business if Instagram feels heavy right now. You’re probably just burned out by the constant pressure to be “on” all the time.
You know what I mean:

Trying to keep up with trends that change every five minutes

Wondering if your caption was too long, too short, too real, not real enough

Watching your views tank and wondering if it’s you or the algorithm

Feeling like you have to share every personal moment or “pivot” just to stay relevant

It’s exhausting.

But what if this feeling isn’t a sign that you’re failing?
What if it’s actually an invitation to do things differently?

I Stepped Back—And Found Something Better

A while ago, I decided to take a break. Not just a “detox” where I swore I’d be back in a week (spoiler: I usually was), but an actual year long pause to re-evaluate what purposeful content really looked like for me.

What I found wasn’t just more white space or less stress—it was clarity.

I realized I didn’t want to chase every trending audio or force a reel just to stay visible.
I wanted to create content that mattered.
Content that would last longer than 24 hours and didn’t rely on a perfect photo or a catchy hook.

That’s when I c

You start picturing relaxing mornings, time with your family, and finally soaking in the life you’ve worked so hard to build. But then the to-do list hits. The unanswered emails. The client needs. The content calendar. And suddenly, your “vacation” starts looking a lot like working from a different time zone.

I’ve felt that tension before. But this summer? I’m doing things differently.

We’re packing up our family of six and heading to Europe—Germany (where I was born and raised), Switzerland, and Italy—for two full weeks. It’s not a work trip. It’s not a business retreat. It’s an actual vacation with my husband and all four of our kids. And I’m doing everything I can right now to make sure I can actually be present while we’re there.

If you’ve ever struggled to truly unplug as an entrepreneur, or if you’re planning your own time off soon, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I’m preparing for a break that’s both peaceful and productive.

Planning Ahead: The Secret to Truly Enjoying Time Off

Every December, I sit down and plan out my entire year. It’s a ritual I look forward to, and it helps me approach my business with intention rather than urgency.

Because of that, I already know what work needs to happen week by week—and when we finalized our trip, I immediately started shifting my workload. Instead of trying to cram everything in last-minute, I’ve been slowly building the two weeks of work I’d normally do into the month prior.

Yes, it’s a little more effort upfront. But it’s so worth it when you can walk into vacation with your shoulders relaxed instead of hunched over your laptop.

If you’re running a small business, you’ve probably felt the pressure to be everywhere—Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Reels, Stories, emails, DMs… it’s a lot. Especially when all you really want is to grow your business, reach the right people, and not feel glued to your phone.

That’s why I love Pinterest.

Not as a place to post pretty things just for the sake of it—but as a quiet powerhouse that works in the background of my business. It brings in new people, helps me grow my email list, and drives actual sales… all without needing a huge budget or daily content creation.

If you’ve ever wondered if Pinterest ads could work for you, I want to show you exactly why I think this platform is so perfect for small businesses like ours.

Let’s start with something I want you to really think about…

What would your business feel like if your marketing didn’t need you every single day?

What would change if new people could discover what you do—without you constantly posting, replying, and showing up on camera?

What if your email list grew, your sales trickled in, and your content kept working for you… while you rested, created, or lived your life outside the screen?

If you’re a small business owner who’s tired of feeling like your growth depends on how much energy you have left that day, I want to introduce you to one of the most underrated platforms out there: Pinterest.

This isn’t about the pretty mood boards you used in 2012 or saving recipes you never make (though I still do that). I’m talking about Pinterest as a quiet workhorse—a tool that helps your business grow sustainably, affordably, and in a way that actually fits your life.

I’ve used Pinterest ads to grow my email list, increase sales, and bring in a steady stream of traffic to my site—all without spending thousands or being glued to my phone.

Here’s what we’re walking through today:

Why Pinterest isn’t social media—and why that matters

How Pinterest ads work (and why they don’t require a huge budget)

What makes Pinterest users different—and how that works in your favor

Why Pinterest is perfect for growing your email list

What you don’t need to make it work (hint: not a designer!)

And my honest reflections on why Pinterest ads feel so aligned with the way I want to run my business

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 know what it feels like to pour your heart into your business—sleeves rolled up, coffee in hand, dreaming big—but still wondering how you’re supposed to actually get eyes on your product or service. There are a million strategies out there. Everyone has their “secret formula.” And with so many voices telling you to do this or try that, it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels.

I’ve been there.

And that’s exactly why I want to talk to you about one platform that completely changed how I market my business—and brought in real results without eating up my entire week or sanity.

Yes, I’m talking about Pinterest ads.

And before you write them off as just pretty pictures or a DIY haven (though we do love a good farmhouse table makeover), let me tell you: Pinterest ads are one of the best-kept secrets in digital marketing.

Let’s unpack it.

So… Are Pinterest Ads Worth It?

Short answer: YES.
Long answer: Still yes, but let me show you why.

Unlike Facebook or Instagram—where your ad is trying to interrupt someone’s scroll—Pinterest is where people go when they’re actively searching for ideas, inspiration, or solutions. They’re already in decision-making mode. So instead of fighting for attention, your ad can show up exactly when someone is looking for what you offer.

It’s like having a storefront on Main Street and placing your best-selling product right in the window display—right when the perfect customer walks by.

Why Pinterest Ads Work (Even If You’re Brand New)

What makes Pinterest ads so powerful is how they act more like a search engine than a social feed.

Think about it: People come to Pinterest to plan weddings, design living rooms, start businesses, and yes—shop. They’re already dreaming, already visualizing, already saving ideas for what they want. That means when your ad pops up in a relevant search, you’re meeting your ideal client mid-dream. (Which, let’s be honest, is the best time to show up.)

You don’t need a massive following.
You don’t need to be an influencer.
You just need to have something helpful, beautiful, or inspiring—and a clear idea of who it’s for.

When I launched my content platform, Wordsmith, I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to rely on reels or TikToks or fight an algorithm that changed every five seconds. I wanted a sustainable way to reach the right people—women like you who are growing businesses and need tools that actually help.

So, I ran Pinterest ads.
And friend, they worked.

Real Talk: The Results I’ve Seen

Let’s talk numbers for a second. I’ve used Pinterest ads to help scale one of my businesses (Wordsmith) to over $600,000 in revenue—without spending hours online every day.

The ROI from Pinterest ads has consistently outperformed other platforms for me, and the best part? The pins continue to work for you long after the ad ends. That’s evergreen visibility.