My Gentle Business Journey
September 18, 2024
Earlier this year, I met with a graphic designer and we talked about our experiences with marketing. We both noted that there has been a collective shift. She mentioned how refreshing it is to see people “take their own medicine.” I couldn’t agree more.
I’ve been drawn to creatives and sensitive souls for this reason over the last few months. Seeing the way they have tried new things, discovered possibilities for a fulfilling life and are opening the pathways for others to do the same. This inspires me to embrace being an entrepreneur.
With that said, this piece is a little bit different than my usual.
Sometimes, when business owners share strategies, I wonder how they’re actually working in their own business.
So, that is my intention here. To be open with you. Sharing an inside look into how I’m building my business ecosystem gently and sustainably. This has is an ongoing process and I’m always learning something new.
Phase 1: Building the Foundations & Experimenting (currently)
During this phase, I am thinking long-term as I develop each aspect of my business. It’s about being mindful of my body’s needs, the daily tasks involved, and the impacts these decisions will have on my clients. This is also an intentional time to experiment with everything I create. Every piece of writing I share, my offerings and anything else I create – I’m honestly curious how others will respond. As I learn, that helps me plan and figure out my next steps.
Marketing:
Writing / Blogging
Pinterest
Substack
Intentional website copy & content — sharing my message
Developing my plan for higher energy/lower energy days
In the past two years, I poured a lot of energy into creating content for Instagram. While it served its purpose, I realized that it wasn’t sustainable for me. Each post took me a significant amount of time to create and overall the app was too addictive for me. At times I would feel like a failure with my business because I couldn’t maintain Instagram (even after working with a wonderful social media strategist).
This year, I’ve stepped away from that platform to focus on writing as a primary way to connect. My intention is to create a library of discoverable content—one that allows sensitive women entrepreneurs to easily find my offerings and resources when they need them.
In addition to blog writing, I’ve also created Pinterest Pins to generate more traffic to my website. Another way for sensitive women entrepreneurs to find my work. It felt like a natural, less intrusive way to reach those seeking support. Pinterest Pins last much longer than Instagram posts, so that has felt good to me.
In late May, I began sharing my writing on Substack. Being able to repurpose the pieces I had written earlier in the year made it a gentle transition. I appreciate how this platform lets me share my writings and explore topics that resonate with sensitive women, all without the pressure of larger social platforms. It’s been a lovely space for creating more meaningful connections.
Intentionally refining every aspect of my website has been another big focus this year. Adding thoughtful words and content that genuinely connects with sensitive solopreneurs.
I am focused on marketing my message more than convincing people they need my services, which is a refreshing change for me (thanks to Dani Gardner & Tad Hargrave for that beautiful guidance).
All of this has taken time and effort but it has definitely felt better than generating short-lived content on Instagram. This new approach to marketing also is kinder to my body and more satisfying to my creative self. Also, when life turned upside down from May to July, it was comforting to know I had content out there working for me.
With each week in this new approach to marketing, I’m frequently evaluating what is reasonable with my fluctuating energy levels. What can I do on a higher energy week (or day)? What feels supportive on days or weeks where my energy is lower? Lots of learning, yes.
Offerings:
Refined 1:1 sessions
Drafting & planning future mini courses
As I’ve been developing my offerings, I’ve considered both the needs of my clients and my own capacity. My thought partnership sessions were originally available as two-hour sessions, but after careful reflection, I decided to offer a tiered structure: 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 2 hours.
This change provides flexibility in terms of both time and budget while also honoring the value I bring to each session. My goal is to make my support accessible while ensuring that every client feels held and nourished, no matter the length of our time together.
I am continually reflecting on how I can adapt and grow with my clients and potential clients.
On that note, I am in the ideation phase of planning out mini courses for sensitive solopreneurs. I don’t want to only rely on 1:1 sessions for income purposes, and also know that we all have different learning preferences. Sometimes it is more supportive to learn at our own pace and at the time we prefer. Looking forward to creating and launching these courses.
Operations:
Automated client services, reducing admin tasks
Service processes organized
Documenting the steps of my services and other important business info
To further sustain my energy as a solopreneur, I’ve automated my services using software that handles client admin tasks. Clients can directly purchase services from my website, and the system collects all necessary information, prepares for sessions, and guides them through next steps—without me needing to be present. Contact forms are also automated, keeping everything in one place and organized behind the scenes. I love the flexibility it gives me, allowing me to be less tethered to my computer.
I’ve also been using Notion to document my processes, from service steps to other essential business info. By keeping everything documented and organized in one place, I can easily reference and adjust my workflows as needed. This helps with efficiency and that I have structures in place for sustainable business growth.
Phase 2: Focusing on Business Growth
This phase is all about continuing to expand the awareness of my brand. I deeply value partnerships and growing with other solopreneurs.
Marketing:
Regular collaborations
Developing more discoverable content (video)
Reflecting on what consistency looks for me and adjusting as needed
My next phase is all about business growth, with a focus on collaborative marketing. I plan to be more regularly involved with fellow women solopreneurs through collaborative Substack posts.
A big goal is to launch my YouTube channel, treating it like a podcast where I can interview solopreneurs, shining a light on their businesses and the beautiful work they’re doing. It will also serve as a way for potential clients to learn more about my business, creating a space for personal connection, warmth, and free support. This channel will be another place for discoverable content that continues to market itself long after it’s created.
This is also when I plan to closely review data points like content metrics and website analytics. By then, my content will have had time to circulate, and it’ll be interesting to see how it impacts reaching sensitive solopreneurs and growing my thought partnerships.
Offerings:
Create new offerings using my phase approach
Testing new offerings to get feedback
Launch new offerings when I’m ready
I’ll be developing my mini courses in stages, much like how I’ve approached my overall business growth. Right now, I’m in the ideation phase, brainstorming and refining ideas that will truly serve sensitive solopreneurs.
The next step will be planning the outline, where I’ll map out the course structure and key lessons. From there, I’ll move into creating the content, designing each module so they are practical, engaging, and accessible. My goal is to create in collaboration with sensitive solopreneurs, responding to their real needs rather than saying, “I’ve made something for you.”
Before officially launching, I plan to test the courses with a small group to gather feedback and refine them further. This step-by-step process allows me to create offerings thoughtfully and launch when I’m ready. It’s important to me that these offerings are supportive and valuable.
Phase 3: Adapting & Expanding (really, TBD)
I’m not sure what this phase is yet but as all of this unfolds, this will become clearer.
Challenges
Over the past few months, I’ve experienced a few challenges, both expected and unforeseen. One of the biggest has been fluctuating energy levels—some days, it’s been difficult to sit at the computer for extended periods. Others, I feel energized and can do hours of creation. I’m learning to listen to my highly sensitive body, especially when I feel overstimulated. It’s hard to give myself grace on days when I desire to do more. I’m sure you can understand.
Another challenge has been the slow nature of discoverability. While it takes time for content to be found by the right people, it’s starting to happen, even though I haven’t had a lot of clients yet. Still, I’m connecting with those who are truly aligned.
Developing discoverable content and managing marketing efforts is time-consuming, but my phased approach has helped me avoid feeling pressured, knowing that everything will be accomplished in its own time.
Looking ahead, I anticipate the challenge of balancing client work with creative time to develop content. I know that being mindful will help me take the next right steps.
I truly believe it’s possible to build a sustainable business—one that’s gentle on your body and supports a fulfilling, balanced life. When we start by planning from the inside out, honoring our energy and needs, we can create a business that not only thrives but also nourishes us. It’s about growing with intention, trusting ourselves, and building something that sustains both our work and well-being.
Trust yourself, you know yourself.
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What does a sustainable, flexible business look like for you?
Share in the comments below!
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The Sensitive Solopreneur is a calming place for sensitive and creative women to talk about business, in the context of being a whole human. In my writings you’ll find empathy for being a sensitive soul, along with practical and intutive guidance — to support the goodness you are bringing into the world. You are welcome to subscribe to this Substack community and join the conversation.
P.S. Not every single aspect of my business was discussed in here but you got the big picture along with some of the important details. If I wrote everything, this post would be a mile long. And like everything in life: it’s all subject to change.
Hello and welcome. I’m Angela.
I support sensitive women solopreneurs as a thought partner, drawing on 10 years of experience as a public educator. I believe a sustainable business thrives when aligned with your natural rhythms and energy, allowing for a fulfilling life and time to create. My writings blend practical strategies with empathetic support. If you seek a business that honors your sensitivity, values, and quality of life, you’re in the right place. I am glad you are here.
