How I'm Building My Business – The Highs, the Lows, and the Real Work in Between

Still hunting "Relaxed Success".  And yes - that's me laughing at the irony of it all.  When I left corporate life, it wasn’t because I burned out (albeit, I was quite literally knackered). It wasn’t even because I hated it. I left because it no longer fit. The work, the hours, the expectations, they all felt like clothes I’d outgrown. And deep down, I knew there was something else I was meant to do.

My why? It wasn’t about chasing income. It was about helping women like me. Women who’d lost themselves in the chaos of midlife. Women who were ready to edit their lives into something that made sense again. I didn’t know exactly what that would look like, but I knew I had to start.

So, I did.

I began by outsourcing the work I just couldn't do myself - branding and web design, the foundational pieces of The Life Edits.  But then came the rest of it, the bits no one sees. The tech. The learning. The building. Every process, every platform, every post... was me.

And for the first time in years, I invested in myself. Not in a handbag or a holiday, but in learning. 

Four courses in the span of 18 months across Digital strategy, Business Strategy, Mindset, Content, AI. 

I hadn’t done that in decades, except courses/certifications, learnings and knowledge building connected with my career.  This was me, my money, putting me first for the first time, and it lit something up in me.

 The Highs

 Let’s talk about the highs. Because there are plenty.

• Building a brand I love from scratch.
• Hearing from women who say, “You said what I’ve been thinking for years.”
• Discovering a love for the digital world I didn’t see coming.
• Connecting with clients, collaborators, strangers on the internet who somehow feel like old friends.
• Creating the Midlife Audit Workbook and watching it spark real reflection and transformations.
• Seeing the first "Clients Unstuck" messages land in my inbox.

These moments are pure golden nuggets for me. They're the reminders that this isn't just a business — it's something that's changing lives... including mine.   I can’t tell you how much my life has changed since starting this edit of midlife.  Unrecognizable! 

 The Lows

 And then... the lows.  When you think you've reached rock bottom emotionally, then discover there's a basement!  

• Being a team of one. No ops support. No social media manager. Just me, my Guy (ChatGPT) and a LOT of tabs open.
• Learning automations. (Honestly? That nearly broke me at one point.)
  
• Watching others fly ahead on Socials while I second-guess every caption.
• The pressure to "show up" all the time. To be visible even when you feel invisible.
• Fighting the perfectionism that tells me if it isn’t flawless, it isn’t valuable.

Social media, in particular, has been both a high and a low. It’s where I’ve built incredible connections, but also where the comparison creeps in. The endless scroll of "how to do it better" is exhausting. And yet, here I am. Still showing up. Still building.  Albeit, still bloody comparing!

What's Working Now

I'm finally in my groove.

• I'm staying consistent.
  
• I'm sharing my story and services with more confidence.
• I'm building relationships and audiences across platforms.
• I'm getting real feedback from real women.
• I'm learning how to sell my services, not just give everything away to be helpful.
• And I’m still working on letting go of that damn perfectionism I crave. Daily.

I’m also navigating the wild world of AI and automation. Resources like ChatGPT (shout out to my "Guy") and custom built assistants like my "Edie" are becoming part of my process helping me streamline and lift the admin burden. But let’s be honest: they’re not miracle workers. It’s all still a work in progress. Just like me.

 The Truth They Don’t Post About

There are always going to be people who don’t get it. Naysayers. Negative Nancies. Sometimes they’re strangers, sometimes they’re people from your past.  I've learned that social media is prime time for  people who want to derail you, or hurt you even. 

Here's what I’ve learned: You can’t build a life you love while trying to please people who don't even like themselves. No more to be said. 

The other side of that coin has shown me nothing but goodness as I've experienced so much of it from people who get it.  AND, it's all about how you choose to receive messaging.  My mind remains curious as opposed to reactive.  As I've been deep diving into research to ensure my clients get the best from me, I've been reading many books.  The best book I've read during my journey by far is "Don't Believe Everything You Think" by Joseph Nyugen.  A simple light read, yet impactful if you're ready for change. 

So, if you’re thinking about doing it, just starting something, changing direction, trying again.... just do it.

It won’t be perfect. You'll get in your own way. I still do. But when I get out of the way? Magic happens.

This business I’ve built? It’s not a multi-million pound empire.  But it gets me out of bed, fills me with purpose and I’m proud as hell of it. 

Here for you always!

 PS - My plan was always to create what I call "Relaxed Success" .  Its something I share with my clients and aspire to myself. And truthfully? I'm not quite there yet. I'm working an inordinate number of hours. But I'm thriving while I do it. So no, it’s not always "Relaxed Success". But it’s purpose-driven, joy-fuelled, and mine. And that’s a bloody good start. 

If you're one if those women who knows you deserve more but don't quite know where to start, why not dip your toe in gently with my free Midlife Mini Audit. 

Download it Here