It takes a village to build a business - is it time to grow your village?

When I started Essential Shift, I didn't do it alone. And I never wanted to. From just about day one, someone offered to help, and I said yes. Not because I couldn't do it myself - I had the skills, the experience, the drive. But I knew something that many entrepreneurs forget when they step into business for themselves: it takes a village.

Have you ever wondered what happens when your business suddenly captures attention? How would you handle it? Good or bad? 

Let's talk about something that might feel a little uncomfortable - but is absolutely essential.

You've followed the launch blueprint. You've hired the branding expert. You've got beautiful photos, compelling copy, the funnel is up, and maybe even a few sales are coming in.

But something isn't clicking.

"I can't think in here."

Those words escaped my lips during my time with Techstars (a 13-week accelerator), as the overhead lighting in our open workspace triggered yet another headache, making it nearly impossible to focus on building Understanding Zoe - a platform designed to help neurodivergent children and their families.

Have you ever had a big dream - one that excites you but also terrifies you? Perhaps you envision leading a transformative retreat, launching a course that changes lives, or stepping onto a stage to share your message. You start imagining the impact, the success, the joy... and then reality kicks in.

Last week, I experienced something that would make most business owners panic: my Instagram and Facebook accounts vanished without warning. Years of content, connections, and community- gone in an instant.

Let's explore the five key trends shaping 2025, and how you can embrace them while staying true to your soul-aligned vision.

We all started our dream with a purpose, with a mission. But somewhere along the way, maybe you lost sight of that? Now you might be on your computer for 12 hours a day wondering, why did I start a business? I am working more than ever before.

This year, 2024, has been a whirlwind of growth, challenges, and transformation. But one experience stands out above all others: my 13 weeks in the Techstars Accelerator with Understanding Zoe.

Have you ever been blindsided by a slow month in your business? Maybe a client delayed their payment, or sales weren't what you expected, and suddenly, you're juggling bills and expenses, wondering, 'How did I get here?

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Launching Understanding Zoe, our tech startup, began as a personal project to support our family’s needs, but it quickly grew into something far bigger. 

As a recovering perfectionist I am here to share the 5 steps to avoid overwhelm in business.

Have you ever read a “secret to business” that worked for you? Did you find the blueprint for creating the perfect business? Learn how to grow your business even with a small audience.

Many entrepreneurs are driven by more than just profit - including myself. We are mission-driven, seeking to create positive change and impact in our communities and beyond.

To focus on your business foundations, connecting to rituals and what your business needs from you right now can help you stay grounded and ensure that you have actionable goals for your business.

Read more about the case study of Joanne Makas, Creative Flow Catalyst and Founder of The Embodied Approach.