Running a business while raising kids and working a 9–5 can feel impossible some days. I know because that’s my reality. In this episode of the Being Better Everyday Podcast, I sat down with Natalie from the Light Her Up Podcast to share my story—how I built (and continue to build) P&W Designs in the “cracks of the day,” why SEO became my non-negotiable, and the mindset tools I lean on when things get messy.

I want to walk you through the key lessons from this conversation because if you’re juggling a full plate, you’ll see that it is possible to grow a thriving business without waiting for the perfect moment.

How I went from Planners to P&W Designs

I didn’t start out as a web designer. In fact, my first side hustle (well let’s be honest, actually my third) was creating custom paper planners. I loved making something beautiful and functional, but the big wake-up call came when I realized my “pretty” website wasn’t actually getting found on Google.

“I would track my analytics, and I wasn’t getting any organic reach,” I shared. That frustration pushed me to learn SEO, and once I saw the difference it made, I couldn’t imagine building websites any other way. Now at P&W Designs, my whole philosophy is simple: your website should be beautiful and discoverable. Pretty without purpose doesn’t move the needle.

Juggling Corporate Life, Motherhood, and a Side Hustle

Like many of you, I wear multiple hats. By day, I’m a workplace retirement consultant in corporate finance (see my LinkedIn). By night (and during early mornings and late-nights), I build brands and websites for women entrepreneurs.

“Fifteen to twenty hours a week—it’s not light,” I explained in the episode. But here’s the truth: having this creative outlet not only fuels me, it makes me better in every other area of life.

And let’s be real—corporate raises often don’t keep up with inflation. I love being able to say, “I give myself raises” by taking on client projects that bring joy and extra income.

Why Community and Client Education Matter

One of the best parts of this journey has been community. From mentors to masterminds, surrounding myself with other women entrepreneurs has shortened the learning curve which is why soon on the podcast I am going to do an episode on all the courses that have helped me along the way. 

I’ve also found that educating clients is just as important as delivering a design. “I never want you to feel like I’m gatekeeping,” I told Natalie. My clients don’t just walk away with a website—they understand the why behind it so they can use it with confidence.

Simple Tools that Keep Me Grounded

Like many moms, I’ve dealt with anxiety—especially after becoming a parent during the early days of COVID. What’s helped me the most are simple nervous system tools I can actually use in the middle of a busy day.

• The Five Senses Technique (naming what I see, hear, feel, smell, and taste) brings me out of spirals quickly thanks to Anna from Root to Bloom teaching me it.
  
• Walking is my non-negotiable reset.
  
• And sometimes, just giving myself permission to work on a creative project helps me find calm.
  

As I told Natalie: “Anytime I design, it’s like quiet (my brain). I can literally zen out for hours.”

Practical Takeaways from Today’s Episode 

If you’re juggling corporate, motherhood, and a business dream, here are a few takeaways from this conversation:

• Start small and iterate. Confidence comes from taking action, not waiting until it’s perfect.
  
• Invest in SEO early. A beautiful website doesn’t matter if no one can find it.
  
• Follow your gut. Some of the best business moves happen because you take a chance and say yes.
  
• Protect your energy. Say no to offers that don’t light you up—especially if it takes time away from family.
  
• Find your people. Entrepreneurship is easier (and way more fun) when you’re not doing it alone.

Building P&W Designs has taught me that messy beginnings are still beginnings. You don’t need to wait for the perfect timing or the perfect business plan. Start where you are, take one action, and trust that clarity comes with momentum. At P&W Designs, my mission is to help women entrepreneurs create brands and websites that actually work—not just look pretty. Because when your business reflects who you are and gets found, that’s when growth really happens.