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.

There’s something beautiful about sitting down and writing a blog post. Not for likes. Not for the algorithm. But because you actually have something to say. Something you’ve learned. Something that could help someone else.

That’s how I’ve always approached blogging.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize just how much I enjoy writing long-form content. Unlike social media, where I always struggle to keep it short and snappy, long-form content gives me space. Space to think, to explain, to reflect. To share the lessons I’ve learned in building and running a passion-led business—and the ones I’ve learned the hard way.

Pair that with my love for sharing what’s worked (or totally failed) in my own journey, and blogging became my favorite way to show up online. The kind of marketing that feels like storytelling. The kind that lets me connect with the right people for all the right reasons.

But I get it—there’s a lot of noise out there these days.

“Is blogging dead?”

I’ve heard that question more times than I can count. And here’s the truth: it depends on how you define blogging.

If you’re thinking of blogging as writing a post, sharing a few photos, and hoping someone stumbles across it… yeah, that kind of blogging might be on its way out.

But if you’re creating blog content that speaks directly to your ideal client? That answers their questions? That shows them you get what they’re going through and have a solution that can help?

Then blogging is alive and thriving. I think it will continue that way for a long time.

The Power of Evergreen Content

What I love about blogging is that it keeps working long after you hit publish.

A post I wrote 10 years ago still brings in traffic today. A blog that answers a specific question can rank in search results for years. And if you’re someone who wants to build a brand that lasts, blogging is one of the smartest marketing tools you have.

Unlike social media posts that disappear in 24 hours or get buried in the scroll, blogs stick around. They become part of your business’s foundation. They’re searchable. They’re shareable. And they’re yours.

The Rise of AI (and Why Blogging Still Matters More Than Ever)

Here’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately:

With AI tools becoming more integrated into how people search for and discover information, your blog content matters more than ever.

Why?

Let’s talk about Pinterest ads—the not-so-secret weapon I’ve used to quietly and consistently scale my business without relying on algorithms or going viral. I know paid ads can feel a little intimidating (or a lot), especially if you’ve never dipped your toes into that world before. I used to feel the same way. Ads felt like something reserved for “big” businesses with teams and fancy strategies… until I realized Pinterest was playing by completely different rules.

If you’re new to Pinterest ads—or maybe you’ve heard a whisper about them and want to see what the buzz is really about—this post is for you. I’m going to walk you through exactly how Pinterest ads work, why they’re different from social media ads, and how they could be the sustainable traffic-driving, sales-generating strategy you’ve been looking for.

Let’s dive in.

What Makes Pinterest Ads So Different?

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: Pinterest isn’t a social media platform—it’s a search engine.

Let that sink in for a second.

While Instagram and Facebook are built for interaction and connection, Pinterest is built for discovery. People come to Pinterest not to scroll for entertainment, but to find things.

To plan. To dream. To search for inspiration or a solution.

And that mindset changes everything when it comes to advertising.

Think of it like this: Pinterest is where people go with intention.

They’re already searching for ideas—recipes, outfit inspiration, home design, content strategies, wedding decor, business tips… and yes, even the exact products and services you offer.

So when your ad shows up on Pinterest, it doesn’t interrupt someone’s day like an Instagram ad might. Instead, it joins the journey they’re already on. It becomes part of their vision board. And that’s powerful.

So… How Do Pinterest Ads Actually Work?

Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.

When you run a Pinterest ad, you’re essentially paying for your pin (a visual post) to show up in front of people who are searching for content like yours. Here’s what that process looks like:

1. Create a Pin (Ad Image or Video)

This is the creative part! You’ll upload an image or video—ideally something that’s scroll-stopping, helpful, and aligned with your brand. You can add a short headline and a link to your website, product, service, or blog post.

2. Choose Your Audience (AKA Targeting)

Here’s where the magic happens. Pinterest allows you to target based on keywords—the search terms your dream customer is typing in. This is what sets it apart from most social platforms. You can also target people who have:

Interacted with your website

Engaged with your pins

Or fit certain interests, locations, or demographics

You’re putting your content exactly where people are looki

For years, I felt like I was doing it all wrong.

Every business coach, every article, every well-meaning voice seemed to echo the same message: Pick one thing. Stick with it. Find your niche. Stay in your lane.

But that never felt right to me. I wasn’t made to stay in one lane.

I love having my hands in different things. I thrive on variety. I feel most alive when I’m creating, experimenting, building something new. And honestly, that’s never held me back—it’s what’s kept me going.

Even now, after all these years of working for myself, I’ve worn a dozen different hats: photographer, digital product creator, tech founder, CRM builder (that was acquired!), and now, the founder of a content creation platform that supports other business owners.

None of those things feel random to me.

They all feel connected, like threads woven into the same story.

There’s this myth that if you don’t choose one thing, you won’t be successful. That having multiple passions means you’re distracted, scattered, or unclear. But I’ve found the opposite to be true.

Having different passions has allowed me to stay connected to my business in a way that feels fresh and fulfilling. When one area starts to feel heavy or routine, I can switch gears and pour into something else that lights me up. I don’t box myself in—and because of that, I never feel stuck.

I didn’t build one business. I built a life that supports the work I love doing—even when that work changes.

If you’re someone who has a lot of interests, a lot of ideas, a lot of energy for different things, I want you to know there’s nothing wrong with you. You don’t have to shrink to fit into someone else’s business blueprint.

You don’t have to follow a rigid path to be successful. You don’t have to build a brand that only tells one story. You get to be all of who you are.

I used to think burnout was just part of the job.

Back in my early “girl boss” days, I thrived on late nights and weekend work marathons. I chased deadlines like gold stars. I believed that the more I did, the more I hustled, the more “successful” I’d become. And while that season taught me a lot, it also led me to a version of myself that felt stretched thin, disconnected, and constantly behind.

It took time—years, honestly—to unlearn that. To understand that rest isn’t a reward for hard work; it’s a vital part of doing it well.

These days, I’ve rewritten the rules. I’ve gotten really clear on what matters most. My kids always come first. Work comes second. And everything I build, every decision I make in my business, is rooted in that order of priority.

I’ve spent the last 16 years building a business that allows me to be home with them full time. To homeschool. To create a rhythm for our life that feels peaceful and fulfilling. But it hasn’t come without challenges. I had to learn to say no. To honor my limits. To let go of the guilt that used to creep in when I chose slow mornings or unplugged weekends.

I’ve chosen to move intentionally through life instead of rushing through it.

And the truth is, I’m not here to compete. I’m not chasing the next big thing. I’m not trying to scale to seven figures or land on the cover of a magazine. I’m trying to live a life I love. One that feels deeply aligned with who I am.

I love my quiet life. I love being home. I love spending my days doing work I care about and still having time to bake muffins with my kids or wander out to the garden in the middle of the afternoon. It feels like such a gift.

And here’s the beautiful part: it’s made me a better business owner.

I take on a limited number of clients each month. They get my best work—not the version of me that’s worn out or stretched too thin, but the version of me that’s rested, present, and truly excited to pour into their business. I’ve found that the more I protect my energy, the more creative and impactful my work becomes.

Burnout is not a badge of honor. And over time, I’ve realized that saying yes to everything means saying no to the life I want.

So if you’re feeling stretched, if the hustle is stealing your joy, I hope you know this: you’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to build something beautiful without burning yourself out to do it.

You don’t have to prove your worth by how tired you are. You don’t have to keep up with anyone else’s pace. You get to create your own rhythm—one that honors both your dreams and your well-being.

Because a life that feels good? That is the goal.

Your website is your best marketing tool—if you know how to use it. For too many entrepreneurs, their website sits quietly in the background, looking pretty but doing little to actually grow their business.

Sound familiar? Let’s change that.

Your website should be more than a digital business card. It has the potential to be a lead-generating, client-connecting powerhouse. But to get there, you need to approach it with intention. Let’s walk through exactly how to turn your site into a marketing tool that works for you 24/7.

Why Your Website Matters More Than Ever

In a world obsessed with social media, it’s easy to overlook the power of your website. But here’s the thing: social media platforms come and go. Algorithms change. Trends shift. Your website? It’s your home base. It’s the one place online where you have complete control over the user experience and the message you share.

Think about it—when was the last time you signed up for a service or bought a product without visiting the website first? Exactly. Your potential clients are doing the same thing. Your website is the bridge between someone discovering you online and becoming a paying client.

Step 1: Make a Killer First Impression

Your homepage is like a handshake. It’s your first chance to connect with someone and make them feel welcome. Here’s what it needs to do:

Clear Message: Within seconds, visitors should understand who you are, what you offer, and why it matters to them.

Easy Navigation: Make it simple for users to find the information they need.

Call to Action: What do you want them to do? Book a call? Download a freebie? Make it clear and compelling.

Step 2: Build Trust Through Your About Page

People buy from people they trust. Your About page isn’t just a place to list your credentials—it’s where you build connection. Share your story. Show your values. Let them see the human behind the business.

Pro tip: Use your About page to address your audience’s pain points. Make it about them as much as it is about you.

Nobody talks about the middle. We hear the stories of people who hit rock bottom and built something beautiful from the ashes. And we hear about the moments of massive success—the six-figure launches, the bestselling product, the business going viral. But what about the space in between? The slow, stretching, quiet middle where you’re not where you started, but you’re also not quite where you want to be?

That middle part? It’s where I’ve spent a lot of time. And maybe you have too.

It’s the part of business that doesn’t get shared as often. Because it’s not flashy. It’s not dramatic. It’s the long nights spent refining. The moments of questioning. The seasons where things are working, but slowly. The little wins that don’t get likes or applause, but quietly stack into something meaningful.

The middle is where you learn how to hold both gratitude and desire. Where you appreciate how far you’ve come, while still feeling a little restless about what’s next. It’s where you start to trust yourself more—your voice, your ideas, your vision. Even when the evidence of “making it” hasn’t fully shown up yet.

I’ve learned that the in-between is not a pause. It’s not a waiting room. It’s a sacred, active part of the journey. It’s the quiet space where foundations are built and roots go deep. Where clarity comes in slowly, piece by piece. Where you start to create not just for outcomes, but from alignment.

This stage might not feel exciting, but it matters. Because this is where you become the person who can sustain success when it comes. Not just chase it, but hold it. Build on it. Grow with it.

So much of entrepreneurship is about momentum. But the truth is, most days aren’t about quantum leaps. Most days are about showing up. About doing the next right thing. About staying committed to the work, even when it’s not being seen or celebrated.

There’s something tender about the middle. It asks you to find joy in the process, not just the milestones. To notice the subtle shifts. To celebrate the steady clients, the kind words, the small improvements.

It’s in this place where I’ve felt the most growth as a person. Where I’ve learned that rest doesn’t mean failure. That quiet doesn’t mean irrelevant. That consistency is a form of courage.

And honestly? There’s something beautiful about knowing that you can keep showing up for your work even when it’s not glamorous. That your love for what you’re building doesn’t disappear just because the outside world hasn’t caught up yet.

No one talks about how long the middle can last. Or how normal it is to wonder if you’re doing enough. Or how easy it is to compare your quiet, consistent days to someone else’s highlight reel.

But I want you to know: the middle is not something to rush through. It’s something to honor. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize this is where the magic happened. This is where you figured out who you are. This is where the foundation was laid for everything that followed.

And when you get to the place you once dreamed about, you’ll know it wasn’t just a single moment that got you there. It was all the small, unseen moments in the middle that mattered most.

So if you’re there right now—in the in-between, the middle space—hold on. Keep going. You’re not lost. You’re not behind. You’re in the becoming. And that is a beautiful place to be.

There’s this myth in the world of entrepreneurship that success is reserved for the loudest voice in the room—the boldest personality, the one who’s always “on,” who’s magnetic and outgoing, who thrives in the spotlight. And for a long time, I believed it. I believed that to succeed in business, I had to show up louder. Bigger. Bolder. That quiet meant invisible.

But over the years, I’ve come to see it differently. I’ve learned that success doesn’t have one volume. And more importantly, I’ve learned that quiet confidence carries its own kind of power.

I’m not the loudest in the room. I don’t always have the wittiest response or the biggest presence. I prefer deep conversations over small talk. I tend to observe before I speak. And honestly? I think those things have made me a better entrepreneur.

Being quiet doesn’t mean you lack ambition. It doesn’t mean you’re not driven or visionary. If anything, I’ve found that introverts often carry a deep sense of clarity about what matters to them. They move with intention. They listen closely. They create with purpose.

That kind of energy doesn’t always shout—but it speaks volumes.

Some of the most thoughtful, intentional businesses I know are run by people who aren’t chasing trends or trying to be everywhere at once. They’re building slowly, steadily, from a place of alignment. And that is something I deeply admire.

It looks like knowing who you are and what you offer, even if you don’t talk about it constantly. It looks like showing up in ways that feel authentic, not performative. It looks like trusting your process—even when it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

And it looks like building a business that reflects your values, your pace, and your voice.

For me, that has meant letting go of the pressure to be constantly visible online. I’ve found peace in showing up behind the scenes, in connecting through thoughtful content, in letting my work speak for itself. I don’t have to go viral to make an impact. I just have to keep showing up—honestly, consistently, and in a way that feels right to me.

You can be gentle and still be powerful. You can be soft-spoken and still be influential. You can be quiet and still be seen.

What matters most isn’t how loud your voice is—it’s how true it is.

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re “too quiet” to build something big, let this be your reminder: you don’t need to be loud to be successful. Your presence, your thoughtfulness, your integrity—they’re more than enough.

You’re allowed to grow at your own pace. You’re allowed to build a business that feels good in your soul. You’re allowed to lead quietly, with steady hands and a full heart.

Because success isn’t always about noise. Sometimes, it’s about knowing who you are—and trusting that it’s more than enough.