Running ads can feel a little like gambling. You set a budget, launch a campaign, cross your fingers, and hope something good comes out of it. And when the results don’t come? That sinking feeling starts to creep in.

Where is my money going?
Why isn’t this working?
Should I just give up on ads altogether?

I get it because I’ve been there. I’ve run ads that flopped, watched my budget disappear into thin air, and spent way too much time trying to figure out where I went wrong. But once I cracked the code on what actually makes ads work, everything changed. My ads started converting, my budget stretched further, and I built a sales funnel that generated over $600K for just one of my products.

The truth is, ads can be wildly profitable—but only when you know what you’re doing. So today, I’m breaking down the three most costly ad mistakes entrepreneurs make—and exactly how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Running Ads Without a Clear Strategy

Too many business owners throw money at ads without a plan. They boost a post or run a campaign without thinking about why they’re doing it or what they want to achieve. But ads aren’t magic—you can’t just put money in and expect sales to roll out the other side.

What Happens When You Don’t Have a Strategy?

• You waste money on ads that don’t convert.
• You get random traffic that doesn’t actually buy.
• You feel frustrated and convinced that ads “don’t work.”

The problem isn’t the ads themselves—it’s the lack of a clear strategy behind them. Ads should fit into a bigger marketing funnel that guides people from discovery to purchase.

What to Do Instead:

Define Your Goal – Before running an ad, ask yourself: What is the ONE thing I want this ad to accomplish? Are you trying to grow your email list? Sell a product? Get more traffic? Your ad should have a single, clear objective.

Know Your Customer Journey – Your ad should lead somewhere—whether it’s a high-converting landing page, an irresistible freebie, or a sales page designed to convert. A cold audience rarely buys immediately, so think about how your ad fits into their journey with your brand.

Use Targeting to Reach the Right People – The key to successful ads isn’t just getting in front of more people—it’s getting in front of the right people. Use interest-based and behavior-based targeting to reach those who are most likely to buy from you.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Power of Creative & Copy

Even if you have the best strategy in the world, your ad won’t work if your creative and copy aren’t compelling. Your ad needs to stop the scroll and make people care. If your image is bland, your video is boring, or your copy doesn’t speak directly to your audience’s pain points, they’re going to scroll right past it.

Why Creative & Copy Matter

• First impressions count. People decide within seconds whether they care about your ad or not.
• Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram are VISUAL platforms. Your ad has to stand out.
• Good copy sells. If your words don’t connect with your audience, they won’t take action.

What to Do Instead:

Use High-Quality, Eye-Catching Visuals – If you’re using Pinterest ads, remember that Pinterest is a search engine for inspiration. Your visuals should be bright, clear, and engaging. Show a transformation or make it clear why your product or service is valuable.

Write Copy That Speaks Directly to Your Audience – Instead of saying “Check out my new course!”, say “Tired of throwing money at ads that don’t work? Here’s how to fix it.” See the difference? Your copy should address your audience’s pain points and position your offer as the solution.

Test Different Versions – Small tweaks can make a huge difference in performance. Try different images, headlines, and calls to action to see what resonates most with your audience.

Mistake #3: Not Tracking & Tweaking Your Ads

Would you ever invest in something without checking to see if it’s working? Probably not. But that’s exactly what a lot of entrepreneurs do with ads. They set an ad live and then never check the data to see what’s working and what’s not.

What Happens When You Don’t Track Your Ads?

• You waste money on underperforming ads.
• You have no idea why an ad isn’t working.
• You miss out on opportunities to optimize and scale.

The beauty of digital ads is that they give you data. But that data is useless if you’re not using it.

What to Do Instead:

Check Your Metrics – Keep an eye on your click-through rates (CTR), cost per click (CPC), and return on ad spend (ROAS). If people aren’t clicking, your creative might need work. If they’re clicking but not converting, your landing page might need optimization.

Adjust as Needed – If an ad isn’t performing well, don’t panic—optimize that ad creative! Try tweaking your audience targeting, switching out your creative, or adjusting your copy. Small changes can make a big impact.

Double Down on What Works – If you find a winning ad, don’t just let it run—scale it! Increase your budget and keep testing small tweaks to make it even more profitable. And TURN OFF ads that are not performing so you can invest more of your budget on ads that are bringing in the best return.

The Bottom Line: Profitable Ads Are Possible

Running ads doesn’t have to feel like throwing money into a black hole. When you avoid these costly mistakes and focus on strategy, creative, and tracking, your ads become a powerful tool for growth.

If you’re tired of guessing and want a proven system to run ads that actually get results, I’ve got you covered.

Learn My Exact Pinterest Ad Strategy

Inside my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course, I’ll show you exactly how I used Pinterest ads to generate over $600K. This isn’t just another course—it’s a step-by-step guide to:

Setting up ads the right way so you don’t waste money
Creating high-converting visuals and copy
Targeting the right audience (so you’re not shouting into the void)
Tracking and tweaking ads for real results

Ready to stop throwing money at ads that don’t work and start running ads that actually make you money?

👉 Check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy Course

Because running ads should feel empowering—not stressful. Let’s make your ads work for you, not against you. I’ll teach you everything you need to know in under 90 minutes!

For years, I believed that the only way to grow my business was through working longer hours, posting more content, showing up every single day, hoping that organic marketing alone would bring in enough leads and sales. I thought if I just worked harder, the results would come.

And while organic marketing absolutely has its place, it wasn’t until I ran my first ad that I realized something that changed everything: I didn’t have to work more to grow. I just had to work smarter.

I went from feeling like I constantly had to grind for every single sale to seeing my business scale in a way that felt… dare I say, effortless? That’s when I knew: ads were the missing piece.

And I’ll never go back.

How Running Ads Changed Everything for Me

I’ll never forget the moment I launched my first paid ad. I had poured so much time into growing my business organically, yet it still felt like I was stuck in a cycle of needing to work around the clock. When I stopped working, the sales stopped coming.

I figured I had nothing to lose, so I took the leap. I started with a small budget, testing out just $5 a day. And then something wild happened—

For every dollar I spent, I was making three dollars back.

I watched as people who had never heard of me before started clicking, signing up, and buying. I could see exactly what I was spending and exactly what I was earning in return. For the first time, I wasn’t just hoping my marketing efforts would work—I had actual numbers to prove it.

I wasn’t just throwing content into the void and waiting for engagement. I was actively bringing in leads and customers on autopilot.

That one ad completely shifted how I looked at my business. It’s been over 10 years now, and I’m still running ads today.

Why I’ll Never Rely on Organic Marketing Alone Again

Don’t get me wrong—organic marketing is incredibly valuable. SEO, email marketing, and social media all play a role in growing a sustainable business.

But organic marketing alone has its limitations:

• It’s unpredictable. You can create amazing content, but you have no control over how many people see it or when it gains traction.
• It takes time. Building an audience through organic content is a long game, and while that’s great, it doesn’t always help when you need to drive sales now.
• It’s exhausting. If you’re solely relying on organic marketing, you’re constantly on the content hamster wheel, trying to get enough visibility to make sales.

With paid ads, you control your reach. You’re no longer at the mercy of algorithms. You can take your best offer, put it in front of the right audience, and see results without waiting months (or years) for organic marketing to work.

Why I Use Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest Ads

Each platform has its strengths, and depending on your business, one might work better than another. Here’s how I use each:

Facebook & Instagram Ads

• Best for retargeting and getting in front of warm audiences.
• Great for brand awareness and engagement-based campaigns.
• Allows for highly detailed targeting based on demographics and behavior.
• Best for running ads to freebie opt-ins, webinars, and digital product sales.

Pinterest Ads (My Favorite Strategy!)

• Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform, meaning your ads have a longer shelf life.
• Best for getting in front of people actively searching for solutions.
• Great for evergreen promotion, where your pins continue working long after your campaign ends.
• I scaled ONE of my offerings to over $600K using Pinterest Ads alone—you can read about my strategy here.

Out of all these platforms, Pinterest has been my best-performing ad platform in the most recent years, which is why I created an entire class breaking down exactly how I run my Pinterest ads for maximum ROI. If you want to learn how to use Pinterest ads to scale your business, you can check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course!

Pinterest is also a wonderful platform for anyone who might not yet have an established audience to market to. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, where ads are often shown to people based on their past engagement or behaviors, Pinterest users are actively searching for solutions, ideas, and products. This means you don’t need a massive following or an email list to start seeing results. Your ads will reach people who are already looking for what you offer, giving you a direct path to potential customers without spending years building an audience first. That’s the power of Pinterest—it connects you with warm, ready-to-buy leads, even if you’re just getting started.

How I Make Ads Work for My Business

If there’s one thing I’ve studied and tested more than anything else in my years of business, it’s how to set up ads that actually convert. Because while ads can be powerful, running them the wrong way can feel like throwing money into a black hole.

So here’s the simplified version of how I make ads work:

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Offer

Before running ads, you need a clear, irresistible offer. Whether it’s a digital product, a course, or a service, you need to be able to answer these questions:

✔ Who is this for?
✔ What problem does it solve?
✔ Why would someone choose this over a competitor’s offer?

Ads won’t magically fix a weak offer. But when you have an offer that works? Ads amplify it. And if you’re not quite sure what to try and promote in a paid ad first, just look at your best sellers and start there—those have already been proven to sell to your audience.

All too often, I see people getting excited about jumping into paid ads and creating something new just for it, or trying to promote the thing they are most excited about. But here’s the truth: the best-performing ads come from promoting what’s already working. If you have a product or service that has sold well organically, start there.

A good way to guarantee your ad performs? Go with the product that has the best chance. Let the data guide you, and build from that success.

Step 2: Start Small and Test Everything

The biggest mistake I see people make with ads? Going all in too fast.

Instead of dumping a huge budget into an ad right away, start small—$5 to $10 a day. Run a few different versions of your ad, testing different images, headlines, and copy to see what resonates most with your audience.

Let the data guide you. The numbers will tell you what’s working. Once you have an ad that’s converting well, then you scale.

Step 3: Focus on the Right Metrics

Not all metrics matter. Forget vanity metrics like likes and comments—when running ads, here’s what you should focus on:

Click-through rate (CTR) – Are people actually clicking on your ad?
Cost per lead (CPL) – How much are you spending to acquire a new lead or customer?
Return on ad spend (ROAS) – Are you making more than you’re spending?

When you know these numbers, running ads becomes a simple math equation—if you’re making $3 for every $1 spent, why wouldn’t you keep going?!

The Marketing Shift That Changed My Life

Running ads was the best decision I ever made for my business because it freed me from the constant grind of having to show up every single day just to make sales.

If you’re ready to get serious about ads—especially Pinterest Ads, which have been a huge part of my success—be sure to check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. If you’re ready to get serious about ads—especially Pinterest Ads, which have been a huge part of my success—be sure to check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. I break down everything you need to know so you can get started with confidence. I show you exactly how I go about setting up my own ads, and give you unique examples that you can apply to your business. All under 90 minutes.

Because once you get ads working for you, there’s no turning back.

For years, I let social media dictate my content strategy. I would wake up, figure out what to post that day, and spend way too much time scrolling, getting sidetracked by what everyone else was doing. My focus was on what would perform well on social media—not what would actually move my business forward.

Then, I took a full year off social media (you can read about that here), and suddenly, everything changed. Without the constant pressure to create for Instagram, I was able to take a step back and ask myself: What kind of content actually supports my business? What type of content attracts my ideal customers? What helps me grow in a way that feels aligned and sustainable? What kind of content will feel authentic to who I am?

And that’s when I realized: I had my content strategy completely backwards.

The Mistake: Letting Social Media Lead the Way

For the longest time, I believed that social media was the foundation of my marketing. If I could just create the right posts, go viral, or keep up with trends, then everything else would fall into place.

But here’s the problem: social media is fleeting. Posts disappear in hours. Engagement doesn’t always lead to conversions. And constantly trying to figure out “what works” on social media meant I was chasing algorithms instead of building a real strategy.

Social media isn’t bad—but when it becomes the primary driver of your content strategy, it leads to burnout, frustration, and a whole lot of wasted time. I spent years stuck in this cycle, constantly tweaking my content to fit what I thought the algorithm wanted, instead of focusing on the long-term success of my business.

The truth? I was creating content for an audience that wasn’t even mine.

Every time I posted, I hoped for engagement, for validation, for a sign that I was “doing it right.” But I wasn’t building a sustainable marketing strategy—I was just feeding a system that rewarded short-term visibility over long-term growth. And today, I see so many business owners falling into the same trap, feeling beyond frustrated with their marketing strategy.

The Shift: Prioritizing SEO, My Blog, and My Email List

When I stepped away from social media, I had to rethink everything. Without it, where was my audience coming from? How was I reaching new customers?

That’s when I started focusing on:

SEO – Writing blog posts optimized for search so people could find me long after I published.
My Newsletter – Growing and nurturing my email list because it’s the only platform I own.
Long-Form Content – Creating high-value articles, guides, and resources that answer the questions my ideal customers are already searching for.
Creating Pinterest Pins – Turning my long-form content into searchable, evergreen pins because Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform.

Instead of creating for social media, I started creating for my business. I built my content strategy around what actually drives traffic, generates leads, and converts into sales.

And the best part? My content started working for me—even when I wasn’t online.

A blog post I wrote months ago continues to bring in new leads every single day. An email I sent weeks ago still generates sales. I stopped chasing likes and started building a content system that worked on autopilot. Am I going viral on social media? No. But is my content strategy growing my business like never before? Oh yes.

The Benefits of Flipping Your Content Strategy

When I made this shift, I saw immediate changes—not just in my business, but in my mindset.

1. Less Stress, More Freedom – No more feeling like I had to post daily to stay relevant. Instead, I could focus on creating meaningful content that lasted longer than 24 hours.
2. Higher Quality Leads – The people finding me through my blog and email list were already interested in what I offered—not just casual scrollers.
3. Consistent Growth – Unlike social media, where reach is unpredictable, my blog and SEO efforts provided steady traffic and new subscribers every month.

Instead of creating endless posts hoping for engagement, I was creating with purpose—and it made all the difference.

Why Social Media Should Be the Last Step (Not the First)

Now, social media is just a small part of my overall marketing plan. It’s a way to repurpose and share content—not the thing that drives my entire business.

Too often, entrepreneurs start with social media and try to build a business around it. But that’s backward.

Here’s what works better:

Start with your core content – Blog posts, podcast episodes, YouTube videos—something that has longevity and value.

Use SEO to drive traffic – Make sure your content is optimized so new people can find you through search.

Build your email list – Because an email list is the only audience you own and control.

Then, repurpose for social media – Take pieces of your content and share them on Instagram, Pinterest, and beyond.

This way, your content is working for you long before it ever gets shared on social media.

Ready to Flip Your Content Strategy?

A Step-by-Step Plan to Build Sustainable Growth

If you’ve been feeling stuck in the endless loop of social media, this is your reminder: it’s time to flip your content strategy.

For too long, social media has been the starting point for content creation. But what if I told you that flipping your strategy—putting long-form, evergreen content first—could be the key to attracting the right customers, growing your business sustainably, and breaking free from the burnout cycle?

Let’s walk through exactly how you can do this, step by step.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Content Goals

Before you dive into creating content, take a step back and ask yourself:

• What do I want my content to do for my business?
• Am I creating content just to stay visible, or to drive actual leads and sales?
• What are the pain points my ideal customer has, and how can I solve them?

The key takeaway? Your content should work for your business, not just for social media engagement. If your strategy isn’t leading to real business growth, it’s time to rethink it.

Step 2: Brainstorm Content That Attracts Your Ideal Customer

Instead of asking, “What should I post today?”, start asking, “What does my ideal customer need help with?”

Grab a notebook, open a doc, or start a mind map. Jot down every single topic that could educate, inspire, or solve a problem for your audience.

Step 3: Create Long-Form Content That Works for You

Now that you have content ideas, it’s time to build a strong foundation with long-form, evergreen content that will drive leads for months (or even years).

Your best content should live where it can be easily found and revisited—on your blog, YouTube, or podcast.

For each topic from your brainstorming session, choose one of these formats:

A blog post (great for SEO, discoverability, and repurposing later)
A YouTube video (high engagement and long shelf life)
A podcast episode (perfect for in-depth conversations and audience connection)

• Then, optimize it for SEO by making sure:
• It answers a question people are searching for
• It includes relevant keywords naturally throughout
• It has a strong headline that grabs attention
• It provides real value (not just surface-level advice)

Step 4: Build an Email List That Converts

Your email list is the most valuable asset in your business because you own it (unlike social media followers).

Step 5: Use Pinterest to Drive Traffic (Without the Social Media Burnout)

Unlike Instagram and TikTok, Pinterest isn’t about being “active” all the time—it’s a search engine that brings visitors to your content on autopilot.

To get started:

✔ Create 5-10 Pinterest Pins for every blog post, freebie, or product page
✔ Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions (Pinterest works like Google!)
✔ Pin consistently (Tailwind is a great tool for automating this)
✔ Track analytics to see which pins bring the most traffic

Pinterest is one of the best ways to flip your content strategy because it ensures your content keeps working for you long after you hit publish.

Step 6: Repurpose for Social Media (Instead of Creating from Scratch)

Now that you have SEO-friendly, evergreen content, it’s time to repurpose it for social media without starting from scratch.

The key? Social media should be the LAST STEP—not the first.

When you start with long-form content and then repurpose it, you get more visibility with less effort.

When you start putting your business first (instead of social media), everything shifts. You’ll feel more in control of your marketing, less stressed about posting daily, and more connected to the people who actually need what you offer.

And trust me—that is a game-changer.

For the longest time, I thought perfection was the goal. That if I could just get things right—the perfect caption, the perfect website, the perfect offer—then everything else would fall into place. But you know what I’ve learned? Perfection is a trap. It keeps us from starting, from growing, and from fully enjoying the process of building something we love.

I know I’m not alone in this. So many entrepreneurs get stuck in the loop of tweaking, refining, and second-guessing—so much so that they never actually show up. And I get it. It’s scary to put yourself out there when it’s not just right. But here’s the truth: your audience isn’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for you—the real, messy, behind-the-scenes version of you.

And that’s exactly why this year, I’m choosing to embrace progress over perfection. Here’s why you should too.

Perfectionism Holds You Back More Than It Moves You Forward

How many times have you stopped yourself from posting, launching, or sharing something because it wasn’t ready? Because you weren’t sure if it was polished enough, if it would resonate, if it would be good enough?

Perfectionism tricks us into believing that we need to wait until we have it all figured out before we take action. But the reality? Nothing gets better without action.

Think about your favorite brands, the people you admire, or the businesses you support. Are they perfect? No. But they’re consistent. They show up, they keep going, and they build trust because they don’t let perfection keep them on the sidelines.

Your Audience Wants the Real You

A while back, I ran a poll asking my audience what they preferred to see from me—polished, curated content or raw, behind-the-scenes moments. And you know what? The overwhelming majority wanted the real stuff. The messy middle. The work in progress. The honest moments.

Because that’s what makes us relatable.

We don’t connect with perfection; we connect with real people. And as much as we like to believe that showing up “perfectly” will make us more successful, it’s actually the opposite. People want to see the process, the struggles, the journey—because it makes them feel like they’re not alone in theirs.

This Year, I’m Showing Up More (Even When It Feels Vulnerable)

One of my biggest goals this year is to share more of the in-between moments—the unpolished, unfiltered parts of my journey. Not because I have it all figured out, but because I don’t. And I want to remind myself (and you) that that’s okay.

My real life is far from perfect. I’m balancing motherhood, homeschooling four kids, running a business, and helping other entrepreneurs build theirs. Some days, it feels like a lot. And if I let perfection get in the way, I’d probably never post again.

But I started this business because I love what I do. And I refuse to let the need to get it just right take away from the joy of sharing, creating, and connecting.

So, let this be your reminder: Your audience isn’t waiting for you to be perfect. They’re just waiting for you to show up.

Let’s Ditch Perfection Together

If you’ve been holding yourself back, waiting for the right moment, the perfect design, the flawless version of what you want to create—I want you to let that go. Because done is better than perfect. And showing up will always matter more than waiting for the stars to align.

This is your permission slip to start now, share now, and trust that you’ll get better as you go. Because you will.

Let’s talk about the powerhouse of marketing that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—Pinterest ads. When I built Wordsmith, I had two goals: 1: To help fellow entrepreneurs show up online and share their stories without the constant struggle of not knowing what to say. 2: To build something without spending my life glued to traditional social media platforms.

Fast forward, and I scaled Wordsmith to over $600K in revenue using two incredibly powerful things: Pinterest ads + my email list. No viral videos, no dancing on Reels, no posting 24/7 to stay relevant. Just a smart, strategic way to get my offer in front of the right people at the right time.

Here’s exactly how I did it—and how you can use Pinterest ads to grow your own business too.

Why Pinterest Ads?

First things first, let’s clear something up: Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform. It’s a visual search engine—meaning that when people are on Pinterest, they’re actively looking for solutions, ideas, and products.

Unlike Instagram or Facebook (where your content disappears in hours), Pinterest content lasts. People can search for and find your pins months—even years—after you post them. And when you pair that with a strong ad strategy, you’re literally getting your business in front of people who are searching for exactly what you have to offer.

That’s why Pinterest ads work so well. They put your brand in front of ready-to-buy customers without the constant content grind.

How I Used Pinterest Ads to Validate My Idea

Before I poured time and energy into building Wordsmith, I wanted to make sure there was actually demand for it. Enter: Pinterest ads.

I started with a simple strategy:

• Created a few pre-written content templates and published them monthly to test the concept.
• Ran a small Pinterest ad campaign targeting keywords that my ideal customers were searching for.
• Tracked conversions to see if people were actually interested in what I was offering.

The result? They ate it up.

That validation was huge. It meant I wasn’t guessing—I knew I had something people wanted. That’s when my husband (who’s a developer) jumped in to help me build Wordsmith exactly the way I had envisioned it. And once we had a solid product? We scaled it even more.

Scaling With Pinterest Ads: The Strategy That Worked

Once I knew Wordsmith was a hit, I doubled down on Pinterest ads and followed a strategy that allowed me to scale to over $600K in revenue. Here’s the exact formula I used:

1. Targeted the Right Keywords

Remember, Pinterest is a search engine—so your ads need to be optimized just like SEO. I focused on:

• Keywords my audience was actively searching for
• Long-tail keywords to get more specific and attract buyers with clear intent.
• Interest-based targeting to reach people who were already engaging with similar content.

2. Created Click-Worthy Pins

Your Pinterest ad creative matters. Unlike social media posts, your ad needs to stand out in a feed full of visuals. I focused on:

• Bold, easy-to-read text overlays that immediately told people what the pin was about.
• Clear, scroll-stopping images that reflected the value of Wordsmith.
• Consistent branding so that my ads looked professional and cohesive.

3. Sent Traffic to a High-Converting Page

I didn’t just send people to a homepage and hope for the best. I made sure my ad traffic went to a conversion-optimized landing page that:

• Clearly explained what Wordsmith was and why it mattered.
• Included strong social proof (testimonials, reviews, results).
• Had an easy-to-follow call-to-action (subscribe, purchase, etc.).

You can see the homepage for Wordsmith HERE.

4. Tracked & Optimized

Once I had tested different ads, I was able to turn off the ones that weren’t performing and run the same ad for over two years without needing to change a thing. I kept an eye on:

• Which ads performed best (so I could scale the winners and turn off the duds).
• What audiences converted the most (so I could refine targeting over time).
• My return on ad spend (ROAS) to make sure I was making more than I was spending.

The more I refined my strategy, the better my results got—and the faster Wordsmith grew.

Why This Works (And How You Can Do It Too)

One of the many reasons I love Pinterest ads so much is because they let you get hyper-specific with your audience targeting. If you know how to choose the right keywords, set up conversion tracking, and focus on the right metrics, you can scale your business in a way that feels sustainable and strategic.

But here’s something I realized early on—so much of the marketing advice I saw online came from experts who were operating at a completely different level. They had massive email lists, established audiences, huge spending budgets, and built-in connections that most small business owners just don’t have when they’re starting out.

When I built Wordsmith, I wanted to do it in a way that would prove it’s possible to scale a business from scratch—without relying on a huge following or existing brand recognition. I wanted to create a strategy that would work for someone who didn’t have thousands of followers or a big email list yet, someone who was just trying to build momentum. And Pinterest ads made that possible.

After hitting over $600K in revenue for Wordsmith, I knew I had to share my formula. So, I put together a 90 minute Pinterest Ad Strategy course that walks you through the exact process I used to:

✅ Set up profitable Pinterest ad campaigns

✅ Target the right audience (so your ads don’t get wasted on the wrong people)

✅ Track conversions and scale effectively

✅ Focus on key metrics that actually matter (instead of getting lost in vanity numbers)

I’ve taken everything I’ve learned—from testing, tweaking, and scaling—and turned it into a step-by-step system to help you get your business in front of an audience that’s ready to buy.

👉 You can check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy

If you’re tired of posting on social media and hoping for traction, it might be time to switch things up. Pinterest ads aren’t just another ad platform—they’re a long-term strategy for getting your business in front of the right audience.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to scale, I know this strategy can work for you—because it’s exactly how I built Wordsmith into a thriving business that has generated over $600K in revenue.

So, what do you say? If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start getting your business in front of people who are actually looking for what you offer, let’s do this together. I’d love to help you make Pinterest ads work for you—because if I can do it, so can you.

Social media burnout is real. If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with Instagram, Facebook, and every other platform is draining the life out of you, I see you. I was right there too. So, I did something drastic—I quit social media for an entire year. You can read all about that HERE.

At first, it felt like a massive risk. What if my business suffered? What if I lost connection with my audience? What if I missed out on opportunities? But here’s the spoiler: My business kept growing, my audience didn’t disappear, and I learned some invaluable lessons along the way.

If you’ve ever thought about stepping away from social media but felt too scared to take the leap, let me share what happened when I finally logged off.

Why I Walked Away

The biggest reason I wanted to step away from social media? It was taking too much from my real life and my business.

As a business owner, it’s easy to believe that if you’re not constantly posting, engaging, and following every new trend, everything will come crashing down. But I had already made some big shifts over the years to rely less on social media—things like growing my email list and focusing on SEO to bring in consistent traffic. And yet, social media still pulled me in.

The more I paid attention, the more I realized I wasn’t using it intentionally. I was spending way more time consuming content than actually creating it. And let’s be real—these platforms are designed to keep you scrolling. I knew I wanted more from life than doomscrolling through other people’s highlight reels.

So, I logged off. No more posting, no more checking notifications, no more endless scrolling. Just real life and real work.

What Happened When I Quit Social Media

To be completely honest, at first, it felt weird. I’d been so used to documenting parts of my life and business online that I had to untrain myself from reaching for my phone. But as the weeks went by, then months, something incredible happened—I felt free.

I doubled down on marketing strategies that actually aligned with who I am. I focused on writing more, improving my email list, and refining my SEO strategy. The pressure to constantly “show up” online disappeared, and in its place, I found a deeper sense of creativity and focus.

And guess what? My business did just fine. It turns out, I never needed social media to keep things running—I just thought I did.

How I Made It Work Without Social Media

The key to stepping away from social media without my business taking a hit? A combination of Pinterest ads and email marketing. These two strategies allowed me to continue bringing in leads, nurturing my audience, and generating revenue without posting a single thing on Instagram or Facebook.

Pinterest Ads: My Secret Weapon

Pinterest has always been a powerhouse for my business, but when I fully stepped away from social media, it became my main driver of traffic and sales. Unlike Instagram, where posts disappear within hours, Pinterest content has longevity. A single pin can bring in traffic for months (or even years!) after it’s posted.

Running Pinterest ads allowed me to scale my reach and consistently drive ideal clients to my offers. Instead of spending hours crafting Instagram captions and stories, I focused on creating high-converting Pinterest graphics and targeting the right audience. And the best part? Once the ads were set up, they worked on autopilot.

I go into more detail on my Pinterest strategy here: The Pinterest Ad Strategy That Made Me Over $600K.

Building and Nurturing My Email List

If Pinterest was how I brought people in, my email list was how I turned them into paying customers. While social media is unpredictable (hello, algorithm changes), my email list was something I owned. I could communicate directly with my audience without fighting for visibility or stressing over engagement rates.

Instead of posting on Instagram, I put my energy into crafting valuable emails that built relationships and drove sales. And the best part? Email marketing isn’t about constant hustle. I created evergreen sequences that welcomed new subscribers, shared valuable content, and led them toward my offers—without me needing to be online 24/7.

What I Learned From a Year Off Social Media

Stepping away from social media for a year taught me so much about running a business on my own terms. Here are my biggest takeaways:

Stepping away can actually make your business stronger. When you’re not constantly chasing trends, you can focus on what really moves the needle.

The Downsides of Leaving Social Media

You don’t have to be everywhere to be successful. You can choose platforms that actually work for you and ditch the ones that don’t.

Long-term strategies (like SEO, Pinterest, and email marketing) are way more sustainable than chasing viral content.

Your audience won’t disappear just because you take a break. If you’ve built a strong foundation, people will still be there when you return.

As much as I loved my time away, I won’t pretend that stepping away from social media was all positive. There were a few things I missed:

• The sense of community. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, and social media makes it easy to connect with like-minded people.
• Sharing my work. I genuinely love creating and sharing, and social media is a great way to showcase what I’m working on.
• The energy of it all. It’s like working in a coffee shop—sometimes the background buzz can be motivating.

By the end of the year, I realized that while I don’t need social media to run a successful business, I do enjoy using it in small, intentional ways.

How I’m Planning On Using Social Media Differently Now

So, am I back? Kind of. But with way stronger boundaries.

• I no longer feel the need to post daily or keep up with every trend.
• I focus on using social media as a tool, not a requirement.
• I create content I enjoy (like writing!) instead of forcing myself into formats that feel unnatural.
• I remind myself that my business doesn’t depend on an algorithm—it depends on me.

Now, when I show up on social media, it’s because I want to, not because I feel like I have to.

What You Can Learn From My Year Off

If social media feels overwhelming, just know this—you don’t have to be on it 24/7 to grow your business. There are other ways to market, connect, and succeed. Whether you take a full break or simply set better boundaries, I hope my experience shows you that it’s okay to step back.

Social media is a tool, not the whole strategy. And sometimes, the best thing you can do for your business (and your sanity) is to unplug, refocus, and remind yourself that you are the most important part of your success—not an app.

So, what does a better relationship with social media actually look like? Maybe it means taking a full break to reset. Maybe it looks like setting time limits, unfollowing accounts that drain you, or creating a posting schedule that feels sustainable. Or maybe it’s about shifting your focus entirely—looking at your business and figuring out what actually moves the needle instead of posting and hoping something goes viral.

Ask yourself: What brings in the most clients? Where do my customers actually come from? What marketing strategies feel good to me? Once you get clear on that, you can focus your energy there instead of feeling like you have to be everywhere online.

At the end of the day, social media should work for you—not the other way around. And trust me, your business will be just fine.

If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with social media is a full-time job, you’re not alone. Between posting, engaging, creating reels, and staying on top of trends, it’s easy to feel like your entire business depends on showing up all the time—but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.

In fact, I spent an entire year not posting to social media to see just how much my business actually needed it. Spoiler: it did just fine. My income didn’t disappear. My audience didn’t vanish. And most importantly, the overwhelm I once felt around social media? It finally lifted.

A lot of us put way more weight on these platforms than we should. But when you have a solid marketing strategy in place that doesn’t depend on social media, it shifts from being the whole strategy to just an extra piece of it. And that changes everything.

If you’re tired of feeling like social media runs your business (instead of the other way around), let’s talk about how to build a business that thrives—without the overwhelm.

Step 1: Focus on Content You Actually Enjoy Creating

Here’s a little secret: the best content is the kind you actually enjoy making.

For a long time, I thought I needed to create more videos, find the perfect aesthetic, or spend hours piecing together Instagram-worthy content. But the truth is, I’ve always loved writing. I can sit down and pour my heart into a blog post or email, and it feels easy. But forcing myself to spend hours editing videos? That just drains me.

And I’m guessing you have something like that too. Maybe you love writing like I do, or maybe you prefer showing up in audio form through podcasts. Maybe video is your thing, and you feel energized creating short, engaging clips. Whatever it is, lean into it.

Because when content feels fun instead of forced, you’ll actually create it—consistently.

Step 2: Batch Your Work Like a Pro

One of the best things I ever did for my business was learning how to batch work. Instead of scrambling to come up with content every day, I set aside dedicated time to create in bulk.

Here’s how it works:

• Pick a focus day. Choose one day a week (or month) where you only focus on content creation.
• Create multiple pieces at once. If you love writing, draft several blog posts or emails in one sitting. If you prefer video, record multiple clips in one go.
• Schedule everything. Use tools like Flodesk, Pinterest schedulers, or blog planners so your content runs on autopilot. Automating my workflows has helped a ton (on and off social media).

The goal is to remove the stress of daily content creation so you can focus on actually running your business.

Step 3: Build a Strategy That Doesn’t Rely on Social Media

Social media should be a tool, not your entire business plan. So, what do you do instead? You create a marketing strategy that works without it.

Here are a few ideas:

• Email Marketing: The most direct way to connect with your audience without worrying about algorithms.
• SEO & Blogging: Write valuable content that brings in traffic long after you hit publish.
• Pinterest: More of a search engine than a social platform, it sends consistent traffic to your offers.
• Collaborations & Referrals: Build relationships with people in your industry to grow through word-of-mouth.

When you have multiple ways to reach your audience, social media becomes optional—not mandatory.

Step 4: Redefine Your Relationship With Social Media

I’m not saying you have to quit social media altogether. But I am saying it’s okay to use it differently.

What if, instead of stressing about daily posts, you used it as a place to share when you want to? What if it became a bonus tool instead of a must-do task?

That’s what happened for me after my year off. When I came back, I realized I no longer felt pressured to keep up with the trends. I could post on my own terms. And that freedom? It made all the difference.

Final Thoughts: You Get to Choose How You Show Up

The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to spend all day on social media to build a thriving business.

Instead, focus on content that feels good, batch your work, and build a strategy that supports you—without the overwhelm.

Because at the end of the day, your business should work for you—not the algorithm.

And trust me, it’s possible.

If you’ve been told that no one reads anymore, that people only want quick videos, catchy soundbites, or viral trends, I’m here to tell you—the experts are wrong.

I know because I’ve been told the same thing. More than once. Have I listened? Nope.

A little while ago, I was working with a Pinterest manager—someone who literally worked at Pinterest—who reviewed my content and told me flat-out: People don’t care to read all that. She pointed to one of my pins filled with text from a recent blog post and urged me to take a look at what other people were doing. Quick, catchy videos. Minimal text. Just enough to grab attention, not enough to make someone stop and actually read.

Her words stung. I’ve always done things a little differently when it comes to content. I love writing from the heart, and—if I’m being honest—my posts almost always end up longer than ideal. I’ve hit Instagram’s character limit more times than I’d like to admit. But hearing someone so experienced say, No one is reading this made me question everything in that moment. Maybe I was doing it wrong. Maybe no one actually cared.

Except—I knew that wasn’t true.

I Have the Proof (And It’s in the Data)

Here’s the thing: I actually have the analytics to back up the fact that people do read. They read my long captions on Instagram. They read my blog posts. They even read my text-heavy Pinterest pins—the very ones I was told would never work. The longest emails I send out, get the most replies.

In a world where everyone is chasing viral clips and five-second attention spans, long-form content stands out. When you take the time to show up, share your story, and write from the heart, people stop. They listen. They engage. They connect.

The experts say people don’t have time. I say people make time for what matters to them.

And your words? They matter.

Stop Trying to Fit Yourself Into a Tiny Box

I see it all the time—entrepreneurs trying to shrink themselves to fit the “rules” of online content. Keep your captions short. Say less. Stick to trends. Follow the algorithm. But here’s what I’ve learned: The people who are meant to connect with you will connect with you, no matter what the experts say.

If writing is how you express yourself, don’t stop just because someone told you it won’t work. If storytelling is part of your brand, tell the story. If you have something to say, say it.

Your audience isn’t looking for you to be a copy-paste version of what’s trending. They’re looking for you.

Stop Trying to Fit Yourself Into a Tiny Box

I see it all the time—entrepreneurs trying to shrink themselves to fit the “rules” of online content. Keep your captions short. Say less. Stick to trends. Follow the algorithm. But here’s what I’ve learned: The people who are meant to connect with you will connect with you, no matter what the experts say.

If writing is how you express yourself, don’t stop just because someone told you it won’t work. If storytelling is part of your brand, tell the story. If you have something to say, say it.

Your audience isn’t looking for you to be a copy-paste version of what’s trending. They’re looking for you.

The truth is, authenticity always wins. People crave realness, not another perfectly curated, bite-sized version of what everyone else is doing. If you’re writing long captions or in-depth blog posts and they’re resonating with your audience, keep going. Trends come and go, but meaningful content creates real connections that last.

Yes, People Do Want to Hear From You

One of the biggest lies we’ve been told is that people aren’t interested in what we have to say unless it’s packaged in a way that’s short, trendy, and “consumable.” But what I’ve seen time and time again is that when you show up authentically—when you write like yourself, when you share your heart, when you stop worrying about whether or not it’s too much—that’s when your people show up.

And here’s another truth: The internet is full of people who are craving depth. People who are tired of mindless scrolling. People who are exhausted from being bombarded with quick clips and catchy captions that lack any real substance.

Think about the last time you truly connected with something you read. Maybe it was a story that reminded you of your own journey, a post that put words to something you’ve been feeling, or an article that shifted your perspective. That kind of impact doesn’t come from quick soundbites—it comes from depth.

That’s why long-form content will always have a place. That’s why what you have to say matters.

So if you’ve been told to stop writing so much, let me be the one to remind you: There’s room for you and your words here.

Keep Showing Up, Keep Writing, Keep Sharing

Your words are powerful. Your story is important. And the people who need to hear from you? They’re out there, waiting for you to show up.

Forget what the experts say. Trust your gut. Write the post, share the blog, hit publish on that heartfelt caption. The right people will find you.

Because the experts? They don’t always get it right.

But you? You know your audience better than anyone else.

If you’ve ever looked at someone else’s business success and thought, Wow, it seems like they just came out of nowhere, I want to let you in on a little secret: There’s no such thing as overnight success. Sure, there are moments that might feel like sudden breakthroughs, but behind every so-called ‘overnight’ success story, there are years of hard work, missteps, learning curves, and perseverance.

I’ll be the first to admit that building a business is not a straight path. It’s not a perfectly paved road where you’re guaranteed to hit all the milestones at the exact right time. Honestly? It feels a lot more like a winding trail on a hike. Some days you’re walking with purpose, feeling clear about where you’re headed. Other days, the trail disappears, and you’re left wondering if you’re even going in the right direction. Sound familiar?

Let’s talk about the truth behind what it really takes to build a business—and why the ups, downs, and in-betweens are all part of the journey.

The Winding Path of Entrepreneurship

If you’ve ever been on a hike where you don’t know how many miles it’ll take to reach the summit, you’ll understand what running a business feels like. Sometimes, you can see the goal clearly ahead, and it fuels you to keep moving forward. Other times, the path feels overgrown and unmarked, and you’re left trying to figure out your next step.

You can’t control the weather—there will be rainy days and storms you didn’t see coming. You can’t always predict how much energy the trail will demand of you. But what you can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that each step brings you closer to your goal.

In business, it’s not about consistently being perfect. It’s about consistently showing up. The entrepreneurs you admire didn’t get where they are because they had everything figured out from day one. They got there because they kept taking small steps forward, even when the path was uncertain.

The Work No One Sees

When you see someone celebrating their success—whether it’s a sold-out launch, a viral product, or a milestone revenue goal—it’s easy to assume they’ve “made it.” But what you don’t see are the countless hours of work that led to that moment. The late nights. The failed experiments. The doubts they had to push through.

For most of us, success is the result of years of effort that no one else sees. It’s showing up day after day, doing the work even when it feels like no one is paying attention. It’s staying committed to your vision when it would be so much easier to quit.

Those “overnight success stories” you hear about? They’re just the tip of the iceberg. What lies beneath the surface is the consistency, persistence, and grit that make those moments possible.

The Impermanence of Success (and Failure)

Here’s something else we don’t talk about enough: Success, like failure, is never permanent. Even when you reach a big milestone, there’s still work to be done to sustain it. Success isn’t a finish line—it’s part of an ongoing journey.

And in the same way, failure isn’t the end of the road. It’s a detour. It’s an opportunity to learn, pivot, and grow. Knowing that nothing is permanent—neither the highs nor the lows—can actually be freeing. It’s a reminder to savor the wins, learn from the setbacks, and keep moving forward without getting too attached to either extreme.

Why Consistency Matters More Than Perfection

When you think about building a business, it’s easy to feel the pressure to do everything perfectly. But the truth? Perfection isn’t what leads to success—consistency is.

Consistency doesn’t mean you never make mistakes. It doesn’t mean you have to work at full speed every single day. It means showing up, even when it feels hard. It means putting in the work, even when it feels messy or imperfect.

The entrepreneurs who succeed are the ones who stay in the game. They’re the ones who keep taking those small, imperfect steps forward, trusting that the effort will add up over time.

The Beauty of the Journey

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned in business is that those little steps you take every day? They’re where the growth happens. They’re where you discover what you’re capable of.

The moments when the path feels unclear or the progress feels slow are the moments when you’re building resilience. They’re the moments that shape you into the entrepreneur you’re meant to be.

And when you finally reach those milestones—when you hit the revenue goal or launch the product or land the dream client—you’ll look back and realize that the journey was worth it. Not because it was easy or perfect, but because it taught you so much along the way.

The Big Takeaway: Keep Moving Forward

If you’re in the messy middle of building your business, I want you to know this: You’re not alone. The ups and downs, the doubts and breakthroughs—they’re all part of the process.

Don’t get caught up in the myth of overnight success. Instead, embrace the winding path. Take one step at a time. Celebrate the small wins. Learn from the setbacks. And trust that, with consistency and heart, you’re building something truly meaningful.

Because success isn’t about how quickly you get there. It’s about how you show up along the way. And your journey? It’s worth every step.

Have you ever scrolled through social media, someone’s blog, or even your inbox, stopped on a post, and thought, Wow, this feels like it was written just for me? That’s the magic of a personal brand—it doesn’t just sell, it connects. It’s the kind of brand that makes people feel seen, heard, and understood.

And the best part? Building a brand that feels personal isn’t about having the perfect logo or the trendiest aesthetic. It’s about showing up as you.

If you’re ready to create a brand that feels personal and relatable, let’s dive into the secret behind making it happen.

Why Personal Connection Matters in Branding

Here’s the thing: people don’t buy from businesses, they buy from people. Sure…a lot of us shop at big-box stores like Target or Lowe’s, and most of the time, we’re not thinking about connecting with the owner or founder of those companies. But as small business owners, we have a unique advantage—something those larger companies often struggle to do: we can connect on a personal level.

Think about your favorite small businesses. Chances are, you feel connected to them not just because of what they sell but because of how they make you feel. Maybe it’s the way their emails feel like a note from a friend or the way their social media posts seem to speak directly to your heart. Maybe it’s because you’ve gotten to know the person behind the work and feel more like a good friend, than just another customer. That’s the power of a personal brand.

When your brand feels personal, it builds trust. And trust is the foundation of every successful business.

Step 1: Know Your Story

Every personal brand starts with a story—your story. Your audience wants to know the person behind the business. They want to know why you do what you do, what drives you, and what makes you, well, you.

Start by asking yourself:

• What inspired you to start your business?
• What challenges have you overcome that your audience can relate to?
• What values guide the way you run your business?

When you share your story authentically, it creates a connection that goes beyond sales. It shows your audience that you’re not just selling a product or service—you’re sharing a piece of yourself.

Step 2: Speak Their Language

One of the secrets to building a brand that feels personal is learning how to speak your audience’s language. What are they struggling with? What are they dreaming about? What words do they use to describe their challenges and goals?

When you use language that resonates with your audience, it feels like you’re having a one-on-one conversation with them. They’ll see your content and think, Wow, they get me.

Pro tip: Start talking to your audience as if it was just ONE person. You’ll quickly see how this little trick makes it feel much more like a 1:1 conversation with a good friend.

Step 3: Show Up Authentically

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be polished and perfect to build a personal brand. In fact, the more real and relatable you are, the better.

Let your audience see the human side of your business. Share the behind-the-scenes moments, the lessons you’ve learned, and the little quirks that make you unique. Whether it’s a funny story about a mistake you made or a heartfelt post about why your work matters to you, those real, raw moments are what build connection.

Remember, authenticity isn’t about oversharing—it’s about showing up as yourself and letting your audience see the heart behind your business.

Step 4: Focus on Relationships, Not Transactions

Building a brand that feels personal means focusing on relationships over transactions. It’s not just about making a sale—it’s about building a community of people who feel connected to your brand.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Respond to comments and DMs like you’re chatting with a friend.
• Send personalized emails that feel like a one-on-one conversation.
• Create content that adds value to your audience’s lives, whether it’s a helpful tip, an inspiring story, or a moment of encouragement.

When your audience feels like they matter to you, they’ll stick around—not just as customers, but as loyal supporters of your brand.

Stop focusing so much on the next sale, and focus on how you can best serve your audience. (I promise you, the sales will come!)

Step 5: Keep It Consistent

A personal brand isn’t built overnight. It’s built through consistent, intentional effort over time.

Make sure your brand voice, visuals, and message align across all your platforms. Whether someone’s reading your Instagram post, your email newsletter, or your website, they should feel like they’re hearing from the same person.

Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity. It means showing up regularly and staying true to your values and your story, even as your business grows and evolves.

The secret to building a brand that feels personal isn’t complicated—it’s about showing up as yourself, connecting with your audience, and focusing on relationships over transactions. When you lead with authenticity, trust, and heart, your brand will naturally attract the people who resonate with what you have to offer.

Let me set the scene: it’s 6:30 a.m., the house is still quiet… for about five more minutes. My coffee is brewing, my brain is starting to boot up, and I’m savoring the calm before the beautiful chaos begins. But here’s the thing – working from home as a mom? It’s not all pretty desks and filtered Instagram moments. It’s snack requests and client emails, homeschool lessons and laundry piles, and a whole lot of figuring it out as I go.

I’ve been working from home for over a decade, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. There’s been a lot of trial and error, a lot of spilled coffee and missed deadlines, and a lot of growth… both for me and my kids. Our current routine? It’s what works right now (emphasis on “right now”), but trust me, it’s been through many iterations over the years.

Mornings: The Calm Before the Storm

Our day kicks off around 6:30 a.m. because, in our house, we raise early risers. (I haven’t figured out to get them to sleep past 7). The coffee gets poured, the little ones start stirring, and by 7:00, we’re in full swing. Breakfast happens somewhere between pancakes and chaos, and by 8:00, my husband heads to his barn office for work. Yes, he has a sanctuary of peace out there while I hold down the fort inside.

My older two kids, 16 and 12, head upstairs to the homeschool room to dive into their lessons. They’ve reached that beautiful age where they’re largely independent, but the little ones? My 4- and 5-year-olds are my shadow. My little sidekicks. They’re in the magnet tile phase right now (bless those colorful little lifesavers), so I’ll tidy up the house while they build elaborate towers that… inevitably collapse.

I’ve learned a little trick: starting the day with a clean slate makes everything feel lighter. Beds made, laundry started, counters wiped down. I’d love to sit down with my coffee first thing in the morning, but trust me, having a tidy house sets the tone for a better day.

Mid-Mornings: Controlled Chaos

By mid-morning, we’re usually knee-deep in all the things. The little ones might be helping me collect eggs from the chickens (a favorite task) or chopping veggies for lunch. Is it faster if I do it myself? Sure. But seeing their little faces light up when they’re “helping” makes the extra time worth it.

Around 10:30, I’ll try to sneak in a little work. Keyword: try. Whether it’s answering emails, writing, or planning projects, it’s usually done in five-minute increments between snack requests and sibling disputes. But that’s just part of it. The workday looks different when you’re a mom, and that’s okay.

Lunch Breaks and Reset Moments

We pause for lunch at 12:00, and by then, the older kids are finishing up their homeschool work and getting ready to head to the horse farm. It’s their happy place, and honestly, I’m grateful they have it. The house quiets down for a bit, and I take the chance to reset – clean up the kitchen (again), play with the little ones, and maybe even sit down for a moment.

Afternoons are when I get the bulk of my work done. I’ll set up at the dining room table with my laptop while the little ones play or nap. It’s never uninterrupted, but it’s my most productive stretch of the day. Deadlines are met in between building block towers and making yet another round of snacks. This is the season I’m in, and I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow.

Evenings: Family Time and Fitness

By 4:00, we start prepping dinner together. The little ones love to help, so I’ll hand them simple tasks like stirring or setting the table. One of their favorite things to play is that we’re running a restaurant, so I try to give it my best shot at running my very own Hell’s Kitchen.

My husband wraps up his workday by 5:00, the older kids return from the farm, and we all sit down for dinner. It’s my favorite part of the day – a chance to connect, laugh, and hear about everyone’s day.

Our evenings usually end at the gym. It’s a non-negotiable for us as a family. The kids’ play area is a dream for the little ones, and my husband and I get time to focus on fitness and unwind. We’ll squeeze in a treadmill run and end the night relaxing in the hot tub. By the time we’re back home, it’s 8:00, and bedtime for the little ones is in full swing.

The Truth Behind the Instagram Grid

Here’s the thing: working from home as a mom isn’t glamorous. My days don’t look like an Instagram highlight reel, and I’ve come to accept that. Most days, I’m juggling too much, feeling stretched thin, and wondering if I’m doing enough. But then, there are moments… the quiet bedtime snuggles, the impromptu dance parties, the “I love you, Mom” that makes everything worth it.

I remind myself often: this is a season. One day, the little ones won’t need me every minute. One day, the house will stay clean. One day, there will be uninterrupted hours for work. But today, I’ll take the chaos, the noise, and the beautiful mess because I know I’ll miss it when it’s gone.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: give yourself a little grace. Every family’s rhythm is different, and what works for me might not work for you. That’s okay. The beauty of working from home is the freedom to create a life that fits your values, your passions, and your family’s needs.

So, to my fellow moms juggling work, kids, and life: you’re doing enough. Give yourself credit for the big wins and the small ones, and remember that the messy moments are often the most meaningful. And if you’re still figuring it out? Welcome to the club. We all are.

There’s a moment every entrepreneur faces—that sinking feeling when someone leaves a negative comment, sends a hurtful message, or unsubscribes from your email list. It’s hard not to take it personally. After all, you pour your heart and soul into your business, and when someone doesn’t resonate with it, it can feel like a rejection of who you are.

But here’s the truth: Your business isn’t for everyone. And that’s not just okay—it’s a good thing.

The sooner you realize that there will be people who don’t need, want, or even like what you create, the sooner you can stop wasting your time on the wrong audience. Instead, you can focus your energy on serving the people who love what you do and can’t wait to hear from you.

Let’s explore why trying to please everyone is a trap and how embracing the mindset of “Let them” can transform your business.

Why You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Please Everyone

Think about it—there are nearly 8 billion people in the world. The odds of you creating a product, service, or business that’s the perfect fit for everyone? Zero.

No matter how incredible your offer is, there will always be people who don’t need it, don’t want it, or simply don’t like it. And that’s not a reflection of your worth or the quality of your work. It’s just life.

We all have different tastes, preferences, and needs. Some people will love what you do. Others won’t. The key is to focus on the ones who do.

Because here’s the thing: For every person who unfollows, unsubscribes, or leaves a negative comment, there are dozens more who are excited about what you have to offer. The ones who are quietly cheering you on, clicking your links, and waiting for your next launch.

They’re the people you started your business for.

The Power of “Let Them”

When you start to feel discouraged by criticism or rejection, try adopting this simple mindset: Let them.

• Someone doesn’t like your business? Let them.
• They don’t agree with your pricing? Let them.
• They have something negative to say? Let them.

This mindset is something author Mel Robbins talks about in her book Let Them Theory (which I highly recommend). She shares how embracing the idea of “Let them” can be a powerful way to protect your energy and focus on what truly matters.

Mel reminds us that we can’t control how others perceive us or react to what we do. What we can control is how we show up and who we choose to give our attention to. So, when someone criticizes your work or doesn’t see your vision—let them. When someone doesn’t support your business or understand your passion—let them.

It’s not your job to convince everyone to love what you do. Your job is to show up for the people who already do—the ones who see your value, resonate with your message, and are excited to be part of your community.

The “Let them” mindset isn’t about dismissing feedback or ignoring opportunities to improve. It’s about recognizing that you can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.

Why It’s Time to Stop Wasting Time on the Wrong Audience

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is spending too much time trying to win over people who aren’t a good fit. Maybe it’s the stranger who leaves a nasty comment on social media or the potential client who ghosts you after asking for your pricing.

It’s tempting to chase after them, to explain yourself, to try to prove your worth. But that energy? It’s better spent elsewhere.

Instead of focusing on the naysayers, put your time and energy into:

• Nurturing your loyal customers.
• Creating content that speaks to your ideal audience.
• Building relationships with the people who do get it.

When you let go of the need to please everyone, you create space to grow a business that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for.

The Freedom of Embracing Your True Audience

When you stop trying to appeal to everyone, something magical happens: You start to attract the right people.

These are the customers who see your value. The ones who share your values. The ones who tell their friends about you, leave glowing reviews, and stick with you through the ups and downs.

Your true audience doesn’t need convincing. They’re already sold on who you are and what you do. And when you focus on them, your business starts to feel lighter, more aligned, and more fulfilling.

What Happens When You Embrace “Let Them”

Letting go of the need to please everyone doesn’t mean you won’t face criticism or rejection. You will. But when you adopt the “Let them” mindset, you stop letting those moments derail you.

Here’s what happens when you embrace this approach:

• You feel more confident in your decisions.
• You spend less time worrying about negative feedback.
• You create stronger connections with your ideal audience.
• You have more energy to focus on what truly matters.

And most importantly, you start to build a business that feels authentic and aligned with your values.

Your Business Isn’t for Everyone (And That’s the Point)

You didn’t start your business to please the world. You started it because you have something special to share. You started it because you knew there were people out there who needed exactly what you have to offer.

So, the next time you get a negative comment or feel the sting of rejection, remind yourself of this:

For every one person who doesn’t get it, there are a dozen more who do.

Stop wasting time trying to convince the wrong people. Instead, pour your heart into serving the ones who already see your value.

Because your business isn’t for everyone—and that’s a very good thing.