When your business runs on boundaries…

So, we all know running a business is tough. Let's chat about the big issue no one likes to bring up - keeping your biz going strong without totally exhausting yourself in the process. Sound familiar?

I need to get something off my chest about this whole "running a business while being a mom" situation. Because let's be honest – some days it feels like a circus where I'm the clown, ringmaster, and ticket-taker all at once. And somehow, you're expected to make it all look effortless, right?

The whole "you can have it all" mentality in business needs a reality check. Having my little one around while I work has actually taught me something valuable - the importance of being present in whatever I'm doing. When I'm working, I work. When I'm with my kid, I'm fully there. No more trying to do everything at once. It took me way too long to learn this lesson, but it's been absolutely transformative.

Here's what nobody tells you about running a business as a mom: it's okay to say no. Actually, it's more than okay – it's essential. After burning myself out trying to be everything to everyone, I finally learned that the secret to staying in business isn't saying yes to everything – it's being selective about what you take on. And let me tell you, that first "no" feels terrifying, but it gets easier every time.

What's actually working for me (after way too much trial and error):

I've gone completely async with clients. No calls, no meetings, just crystal-clear emails and detailed workflows. Best business decision ever. My introvert soul is thriving, and honestly? Clients love having everything in writing. Plus, it gives everyone time to think and respond thoughtfully instead of making snap decisions in meetings.

I batch my work because switching between photography and web design makes my brain feel like scrambled eggs. Having designated days for each just... works. And when those days end, they actually end. No more late-night editing sessions – I protect my sleep like it's gold. Because let's face it, nobody does their best work at 2 AM, no matter what hustle culture tries to tell you.

Some days, my version of "consistency" is just keeping everyone alive and maybe answering one email. And you know what? Those days are fine too. In fact, they're necessary. They're the days that remind us we're human, not machines.

Here's the thing about running your own business - you have to protect your energy like it's the most valuable thing you own (because it is). When I notice myself getting overwhelmed or the quality of my work starting to slip, I don't push through anymore. I step away. Not one of those fake breaks where you catch up on admin work, but a real, guilt-free break. Maybe that's a whole day off, maybe it's a week. Whatever it takes to come back feeling excited about work again. And you know what? My business hasn't fallen apart during these breaks - if anything, it's grown stronger.

The game-changer? Learning to take real days off. Not those fake "working from my phone" days off, but actual, complete disconnection. The world won't end if you're not available 24/7. In fact, your business will probably be better for it. I've noticed my creativity flows so much better after I've had time to just exist without thinking about work.

If any of this sounds familiar, here's your permission slip to ease up on yourself. Use the email template instead of writing something from scratch. Let your kid have extra screen time so you can finish that design project. Order takeout again because you spent all day editing and forgot about dinner. These aren't failures - they're solutions that keep the wheel turning while maintaining your sanity.

Because success isn't about how many clients you can juggle or how little sleep you can function on. It's about building a business that works for your life, not the other way around. Sometimes that means turning down projects that would overload your schedule, or setting firm boundaries about your working hours. It means accepting that some weeks you'll crush it, and others you'll just get by - and both are perfectly okay.

The work will always be there tomorrow. Your sanity might not be if you don't protect it today. Remember, you started this business to create freedom, not another prison of expectations.

P.S. Your best work happens when you're rested and recharged. Don't let anyone tell you different. And don't let anyone make you feel guilty for taking care of yourself - it's not selfish, it's sustainable.

Xo,

Sabrina