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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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?

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

Sixteen years ago, when my daughter came into the world, I made a decision that would shape my life forever: I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. It wasn’t a glamorous dream or a grand career plan—it was a deep, heartfelt wish to be present for her first steps, her first words, and all the little moments in between.

Back then, we didn’t have much. My husband worked full-time to make sure I could stay home with her, and I did what I could to bring in a little extra money from home. I wasn’t chasing millions or dreaming of running a big business. I was simply trying to find a way to contribute while keeping my family at the center of everything.

I had no idea, in those early days, that the small steps I was taking would eventually turn into a business that would change our lives. And I had no clue that my desire to put family first would become the foundation of everything I built.

The Early Days: Building a Business with a Baby on My Hip

I started my business during nap times and late nights. It was slow at first—small orders, little wins here and there. But every little bit helped. My husband and I were a team, figuring it out together. He worked long hours at his job, and I worked at home, juggling diapers, dishes, and deadlines. Even today, I’m writing this article with a toddler on my lap.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, times when I wondered if I was doing enough. But every time I questioned myself, I looked at my daughter and reminded myself why I was doing it. I wasn’t building a business to get rich or to impress anyone—I was building a business to support the life we wanted.

And slowly but surely, it grew.

When the Business Took Off (and Life Changed Again)

When my business finally took off, it gave us something we never expected: freedom.

It allowed my husband to quit his job and pursue his own passions. It allowed us to travel as a family, to explore the world together. It gave us the flexibility to homeschool our children and design a life that aligned with our dreams.

Some years, that looked like living barefoot in Hawaii. Today, it looks like raising our kids on a farm in the countryside of New England. Each chapter has been different, but the common thread has always been this: our business supports our life, not the other way around.

There’s a little voice that whispers to so many of us when we see someone succeed: They must have it all figured out. But let me tell you something—after 16 years of running my own business, I’ve never felt like I’ve reached some magical level of expertise. And honestly? I’m okay with that.

I’m not interested in being an expert. I’ve always seen myself as a fellow entrepreneur on this journey, figuring things out as I go—just like you. There’s something beautiful about embracing the process of learning, growing, and evolving without ever feeling the pressure to know it all. Let me share why showing up as our real, imperfect selves is the most powerful way to connect and grow.

We live in a world that idolizes the idea of the “expert.” There’s this constant pressure to prove ourselves, to showcase our credentials, to present a polished version of who we are. But here’s what I’ve learned:

No one—no matter how successful—has it all figured out.

Sure, there are things I’m really, really good at. There are systems I’ve mastered and strategies that have worked wonders for me. But for every strength, there are also areas where I’m still learning, still growing, and still figuring things out.

And those so-called experts we see on social media? They’re figuring things out too. They might not always show it, but the truth is that we’re all a work in progress. The learning never ends.

I’ve always felt more like the underdog. The odd one out. Maybe it’s the middle child in me. Even in my biggest moments of success, I’ve carried that feeling with me—that I’m just someone who decided to show up, give it a shot, and figure it out along the way.

And you know what? That’s what I love most about life.

I don’t want to be someone who stands on a stage, looking down at others with a “I know best” attitude. I want to be someone who walks alongside you. Someone who gets what it’s like to dream big, to stumble, to pivot, and to try again.

Because that’s what entrepreneurship is—it’s showing up, messy and imperfect, with a willingness to learn and grow.

Think about the people you connect with most. Are they the polished, flawless influencers who seem to have it all together? Or are they the ones who let you see behind the curtain—the ones who share their struggles, their lessons, and their human moments?

Authenticity resonates. Imperfection connects.

You don’t need to be everywhere, doing everything, to see real results in your business. In fact, trying to do too much might be the very thing holding you back. I know, it feels counterintuitive—more marketing should mean more results, right? But here’s the truth: less really can be more.

Simplifying your marketing doesn’t mean sacrificing your impact. It means focusing on what works, cutting out what doesn’t, and showing up with intention. Let’s talk about how to streamline your marketing efforts without losing momentum.

Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on Your Goals

Before you simplify your marketing, you need to know what you’re working toward. Are you trying to grow your email list? Boost website traffic? Increase sales? The clearer you are on your goals, the easier it will be to figure out which marketing efforts are worth your time—and which ones aren’t.

Ask yourself:

What’s my #1 priority right now?

Where do my best leads or clients currently come from?

Which marketing channels bring the most results?

Once you know your goals, you can start cutting back on the things that don’t serve them.

Step 2: Focus on the Platforms That Matter

You don’t need to be on every social media platform to build a successful business. It’s okay to not be everywhere. Instead, focus on the platforms where your audience actually spends their time.

For example:

If your ideal clients love scrolling Instagram, focus your energy there.

If you’re a service-based business, LinkedIn might be where you shine.

Pinterest is perfect for driving long-term website traffic.

Give yourself permission to let go of platforms that aren’t delivering results. It’s better to show up consistently on one or two platforms than to be s

If you have a business, you know creating content can feel like a full-time job. You pour your heart into writing that blog post, designing that Instagram carousel, or crafting the perfect email… and then what? You move on to the next thing, leaving all that hard work behind, never fully tapping into the power of repurposing content to make it work harder for you.

But what if I told you there’s a way to make that content work harder for you?

That’s where repurposing content comes in. It’s not just about saving time (although that’s a huge bonus), it’s about stretching the life of your content so it reaches more people across different platforms. Because let’s face it — not everyone is seeing your content the first time around.

Ready to make your content hustle for you? Let’s dive into what repurposing content really means, why it’s a game-changer, and how you can do it right.

Why Repurposing Content Is the Secret to Consistency

Did you know that 60% of marketers create at least one piece of content every day? (Source) That’s a lot of time and energy spent on creating — but what happens to that content after it’s published?

Most of the time, it gets buried. And that’s a missed opportunity.

Repurposing content allows you to take that blog post you spent hours on and turn it into:

An engaging email newsletter

Pinterest pins that drive traffic

Social media posts (hello, Instagram!)

Quick video snippets for Reels or TikToks

The best part? You’re not starting from scratch.

How to Repurpose Content (Without Feeling Repetitive)

You might be thinking: But won’t my audience get bored if I keep sharing the same thing?

Nope. The key is to present the content in different ways that feel fresh and relevant for each platform. Here’s how I personally love to repurpose my content:

I like to start out with a long-form blog post — it’s the foundation of everything. Once I’ve got that cornerstone piece, I create multiple Pinterest pins to drive long-term traffic (because Pinterest is a goldmine for evergreen content!). After that, I send out a newsletter to my email list, sharing the main takeaways and inviting them to dive deeper. And finally — the cherry on top — I turn that content into a few social media posts.

Let’s start with a truth bomb: STORIES SELL. No matter what you do—whether you’re a photographer capturing life’s milestones, a coach helping women find clarity, or a shop owner selling handmade treasures—the way you tell your story can make or break how people connect with your brand.

The truth is, people don’t buy products or services; they buy feelings, connections, and experiences. They buy into you. And the best way to build that connection? Through storytelling.

Let’s break down why storytelling is so powerful, how to make it feel natural (not awkward!), and how you can start weaving your unique story into your business today.

Why Storytelling Works

Humans are wired for stories. Think about it: since the beginning of time, stories have been how we pass down wisdom, teach lessons, and connect with one another. Our brains light up when we hear a good story. It’s why you remember a friend’s hilarious vacation mishap more than a dry business pitch.

In marketing, storytelling taps into that same part of the brain. It builds trust, evokes emotions, and makes your brand memorable.

Here’s how storytelling works for your business:

It makes you relatable. People want to work with someone they trust. Sharing your story—your why, your struggles, your journey—makes you feel human and approachable.

It builds emotional connections. Facts tell; stories sell. Emotions drive buying decisions. When your audience feels something, they’re more likely to take action.

It differentiates you. Your story is your secret sauce. It’s the one thing no one else can copy. It’s what makes your brand unique in a crowded market.