Business, Life, and the Power of a Money Plan: Building Success without Sacrificing Your Sanity

APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

Today, we’re doing something totally new: a roundtable discussion with three small business owners, just like you, who are navigating the rollercoaster of growing a business while balancing the rest of life’s demands.

These three women come from different industries, different seasons of life, and different business models. But they all have one thing in common: they are on a mission to build businesses that not only support their dreams but also align with their life values. 

In today’s conversation, we’re diving deep into their journeys—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how they’ve transformed financial fears into financial freedom.

Whether you’re deep in the hustle or just starting to dream, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways that will help you build a business that works for you—without losing sight of the things that matter most.

Press play for the full interview or keep reading below!

In This Episode:

Question #1 Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business.

Question #2 What were you feeling before taking The Blueprint Model?

Question #3 What made you decide to sign-up for The Blueprint Model?

Question #4 What was your big “aha-moment” while taking The Blueprint Model? Any surprising takeaways?

Question #5 What’s one change or success you’ve had in your business since taking The Blueprint Model?

Question #6 What would you tell your business bestie about The Blueprint Model?

Question #7 Before we close our conversation, share a little bit about where anyone who’s listening can find you or any new resources you’re about to release.

Put’em on a Bumper Sticker. These Quotes are Pure Gold.

“So the best way I can put it, if the bright, shiny object disease was a club, I would be chairman of the board.” -Tania

“By the grace of God, I’d managed to achieve some success, but I built something I didn’t even like. You start off with something that you’re not crazy about, but then those people refer to you, and then all of a sudden, you’ve built this business. I knew something was off.” -Tania

“I knew from the beginning that I had to price things in a way that was profitable, because if I couldn’t do that, if I couldn’t make money on things, then I would just do it as a hobby and give it away as gifts.” -Shelby

“I’m at this point where I’m not going to be able to keep running my business if I don’t get more sustainable systems in place and that’s kind of when I jumped in [to The Blueprint Model]. When I was like, you know what I can do this, my business can cover the expense, and I want to see what I can get out of this.” -Shelby

“I had this Google Doc and all these numbers staring at me. And I’m like, Okay, I’m putting a lot of time and a lot of money into this business, and I’m getting no return on this.” -Nicole

“That was when I finally realized… Yes, you tripled your revenue. Yes, you serve fewer clients, but you also tripled the amount of time that you’re spending with each client.” -Nicole

“You gave me permission to say I don’t want to strive. I don’t want to have to hustle and kill myself. I can pick the pace at which I do this. I can pick the pace at which I grow this.” -Tania

“I was telling a friend about The Blueprint Model, and I told her, I walked in as a financial coach and walked out as a business owner.” -Tania

“I know why I’m doing what I’m doing, and I know why it’s priced the way it is. If someone comes and says, ‘This is a ridiculous price,’ I can say it’s not for you, it’s not for everyone, but in order for me to run a business, this is what it has to be.” -Shelby

“I’m running a business in part time hours. It’s a product based business with inventory, and I am doing 100% of it on my own. I don’t have to be the six figure business owner. Because I get to be there when my kids get home from school and we get to have a snack together, or bake cookies. I get to see them out the door in the morning. I get to go to lunch with a friend.” -Shelby

“I took The Blueprint Model at the beginning of the year and my orders and revenue are up 700% on Etsy this year.” -Shelby

“I paid myself every single month for the entirety of 2024 for the first time ever in my business.”-Nicole

“For the first time in forever, I did not pivot. I stuck to my guns. I increased the pricing, as you had said, with the contract. I had an opportunity come up for me to leave and I left a few months ago, and because of that, what would have been my very first non-paycheck I was actually able to pay myself, which was insane. That was almost like God saying, you can trust me, on the other side of this leap.” -Tania

“I think that The Blueprint Model is truly the best investment I’ve made in my business. It is truly a blueprint for figuring out the pieces, all of the pieces, that go into running a business. Because if you don’t know your numbers, then what are you working towards?” -Nicole

“This is a course that gives you tools to not only know your numbers, which is absolutely critical if you’re going to run a business, but to really plan your whole business and life. To understand [your business] within the context of your life and your values.” -Shelby

More from this Episode

To hear the full story, press play on the player above for the full interview or click here to download the transcript.

Resources Mentioned:

The Blueprint Model

Nicole Watford

Shelby Thayne

Tania P. Brown

Nancy Ray

Ashlyn Writes

—

Nicole Watford

Nicole Watford is a systems strategist and Dubsado expert who calls Columbia, SC home. She works with creative entrepreneurs who want to streamline, clarify, and automate their processes and workflows so they can focus on the “service” aspect of their service-based small business.

As a former photographer wearing “all the hats” in her own creative small business for nearly a decade, she knows the ins & outs of designing systems that keep your business running smoothly… AND support a rave-worthy client experience.

While she loves entrepreneurship, her most favorite roles in the world are wife to her college sweetheart and mom to their two kiddos—her “sunshine boy” and “rainbow girl.” She loves brunch, good coffee, deep conversation, getting lost in a book, and making sweet memories with her family in the little moments.

CONNECT WITH NICOLE:

Website | Toolbox

Shelby Thayne

Shelby Thayne is a mother, watercolor artist, educator, and entrepreneur residing in eastern Idaho with her husband and two children. Growing up in Colorado and later living in Utah and Washington state, Shelby has always felt most at home when the mountains are near. These landscapes—each with their own unique character—have deeply influenced her art. She uses vibrant colors, layered washes, and intricate details to capture expansive landscapes that evoke the serenity and sacredness of being in nature. She draws inspiration from her children, her faith in God, and the majesty of nature, cherishing the chance to celebrate the earth’s beauty through her creative endeavors.

Before beginning her art career, Shelby earned an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and worked with international students at the university level. After her children were born, she sought a creative outlet to navigate postpartum anxiety and chronic pain, discovering a lifeline in painting. Six years later, that small act of creative courage has grown into Shelby Thayne Art, which offers original artwork, art prints, paper goods, and more, featuring her paintings. Her products are also available for wholesale, with her calendars proudly featured in Barnes & Noble and Paper Source stores.

Shelby also combines her background as an educator with her passion for art by teaching workshops and inspiring others to embrace their creativity with joy and confidence. She hopes her art brings healing, strength, and joy to your space—just as the mountains do for her.

CONNECT WITH SHELBY:

Website | Instagram | Pinterest

Tania P. Brown

Tania Brown is a passionate Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) on a mission to empower women over 40 to embrace the journey from corporate employee to coaching entrepreneur with confidence.

 With over two decades of experience, Tania has offered invaluable financial guidance to thousands of employees at Fortune 500 companies. Her insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Business Insider, USA Today, MarketWatch, and Bloomberg, where she’s shared her expertise to help others financially thrive. 

Tania’s deep commitment to women’s empowerment grew from her own experiences navigating the transition to entrepreneurship. Frustrated by the challenges she faced, she developed a financial roadmap that addresses the unique financial and emotional hurdles women encounter when starting their own coaching businesses. 

Beyond her role as a financial coach, Tania is a devoted advocate for teens in foster care and actively volunteers at her church, pouring her heart into her community. When she’s not inspiring others to pursue their dreams, you might find Tania on a delightful quest, searching for the world’s best chocolate—a sweet reminder of the joy found in both life and work.

CONNECT WITH TANIA:

Website | LinkedIn | Freebie: “Quit Job” Financial Assessment Guide

SHARE THIS: