This Mother Means Business: Strategy, Advice, and Support for Mom Entrepreneurs

In lesson nine of 10 Lessons in 10 Years of Entrepreneurship, Laura Sinclair shares one of the most grounding—and freeing—truths in business: everything works… it’s just going to take longer than you want it to. In this solo episode, Laura breaks down why chasing “quick wins” often leaves entrepreneurs spinning their wheels, and how sustainable success actually comes from choosing your lane, staying consistent, and committing to the long game. Drawing from her decade of experience and stories from real clients (including one who made $80K in 48 hours and another who hit $10K in a single day), Laura reveals the mindset and strategy shifts that make those wins possible—and why they never happen overnight. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to your next level, this episode will remind you to stay patient, stay focused, and trust your process. In this episode you will hear: 01:00 – What “Everything Works” Really Means 02:45 – Client Wins That Took Time 04:15 – The Myth of the One Right Strategy 06:10 – Picking a Lane and Staying There 07:25 – How to Identify What’s Actually Working 09:00 – The Role of Data and Low-Hanging Fruit 10:45 – Why Fast Success Isn’t Always Sustainable 15:10 – The Truth About “Passive Income” and Course Creation 17:30 – Every Marketing Strategy Works (With Time) 21:20 – Making Peace With the Pace of Growth 23:10 – How Long-Term Consistency Creates Results 27:15 – Why Early Entrepreneurs Struggle Most With This 29:00 – The Real Role of a Mentor 31:10 – Making Peace With the Timeline Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with psychologist, couples therapist, and author Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to talk relationships: partners, in-laws, business dynamics, and the messy middle we all navigate. From setting expectations and boundaries to “repair” and seasons of push/pause, Tracy shares practical tools you can use at home and in entrepreneurship. In this episode you will hear: 00:01 – Meet Dr. Tracy Dalgleish: Psychologist, Couples Therapist, Author 02:06 – What Tracy Really Does: Breaking Cycles & Building Healthy Bonds 04:05 – New Book: You, Your Husband and His Mother (and Why It’s Needed) 05:43 – When Family Dynamics Become “You vs. Me” 07:50 – The VAULT Method: Becoming a Solid Team 08:44 – You, Your Husband… and Your Business: Changing the System 11:34 – The Dinner-Table Talk: Expectations, Desires, and Time 13:55 – Boundaries with the Business: Phone Time, Labels, and Clarity 15:03 – Values Conversation: Why Your Work Matters to You 16:43 – When Your Partner Feels Fear: Checkpoints & Safety 18:54 – A Season, Not Forever: Asking for Support with a Deadline 21:06 – Push, Then Pause: Teamwork Through Heavy Seasons 24:07 – Communication Patterns, Disconnection & Repair 26:24 – Mother/MIL Expectations: Old Scripts, New Realities 32:57 – Flexibility, Self-Honesty, and Burnout Checks 35:25 – Scrappy and Real: Learning What They Don’t Teach in School Tracy's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/ Website: https://drtracyd.com/ You, Your Husband and His Mother on Amazon I Didn't Sign Up For This on Amazon Integrated Ottawa: IntegratedottawaIntegrated Wellness | Psychological Health Services in Ottawa Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura shares Lesson 8 from her “10 Lessons in 10 Years of Entrepreneurship” series — and it’s one that hits home for many of us. This one’s called “No Ego, Amigo” — a reminder that while confidence is necessary in business, ego can quietly sabotage your success if you let it. Laura breaks down how ego doesn’t always look like arrogance; it often hides behind overworking, perfectionism, and control. Through real stories from her 10-year journey — from delaying delegation to chasing validation — she explains how letting go of ego creates space for growth, ease, and better leadership. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Introduction: 10 years, 10 lessons, and why “No Ego, Amigo” matters 01:00 – Ego isn’t arrogance: how it hides as overworking, perfectionism, and control 02:25 – The subtle ways ego shows up in entrepreneurship 03:00 – Delaying delegation: how Laura learned the hard way that letting go brings growth 04:48 – Why refusing help keeps you stuck in admin mode instead of CEO mode 06:30 – When ego stops you from course correcting and costs you time (and peace) 07:11 – Vulnerability vs. polish: how showing your human side builds connection 08:40 – The importance of receiving feedback without defense 09:15 – Chasing validation instead of values: saying no to misaligned opportunities 09:37 – Reflection after 10 years: ego as a liability, not an edge 11:00 – Three reflection questions to keep your ego in check 12:00 – Freedom on the other side of letting go Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with emotional intelligence expert Hiba Tanvir to unpack what EQ really is, why it matters in entrepreneurship and motherhood, and how to build it. From “downstairs vs. upstairs brain” to the pause–paraphrase–pivot method, they explore practical tools for responding (not reacting), raising emotionally intelligent kids, and leading with compassion in an AI-driven world. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Matters Now 00:31 – Meet Our Guest: Hiba Tanvir 01:23 – Hiba’s Work: EQ Strategist with Unconventional Tools 02:36 – What Is Emotional Intelligence? A Simple Definition 04:13 – “Emotions Are Not Fluff”: Reuniting Emotion + Intelligence 05:35 – The Four Pillars of EQ: Self/Social Awareness & Management 08:14 – Do the Inner Work Before You Lead Others 10:46 – In the Age of AI, EQ Is the Real Intelligence 12:48 – Empathy vs. Compassion (And Why Empathy Isn’t Enough) 16:41 – From Reacting to Responding: Where to Start 21:03 – Downstairs vs. Upstairs Brain: Name It to Tame It 23:23 – Coaching Kids (and Ourselves) Through Big Feelings 24:49 – Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children 27:51 – Boundaries, Safe Outlets, and Returning to Repair 29:10 – Modeling Vulnerability at Home 32:00 – The Invitation to Repair (Not Time-Out, Time-In) 34:45 – Why Lack of Repair Becomes Adult Shame 36:43 – Closing Gratitude & Next Episode Tease Hiba's Links: Website: https://www.htcompassion.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ht_compassion Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura dives into one of the biggest truths of entrepreneurship — that success is built on relationships, not isolation. She shares how every pivotal moment in her 10-year journey — from her first clients to major collaborations — has come from the power of connection. Laura opens up about what it really means to nurture your network, align with the right people, and build genuine relationships that support both your business and your personal growth. This one’s a heartfelt reminder that your business will always grow at the speed of your relationships. In this episode you will hear: 00:12 – Lesson 7: We’re All in the Relationships Business 01:05 – Your Network Is Your Net Worth (If You Nurture It) 01:48 – Building Community vs. Building Alone 02:32 – Choosing Relationships That Align With Your Values 03:40 – Overcoming Fear and Finding Genuine Connection 04:53 – Playing the Long Game in Relationships 06:40 – Relationship-Driven Turning Points 07:17 – Why Building Alone Slows You Down 08:45 – Growing, Outgrowing, and Holding Boundaries 09:41 – Relationships as a Business Rocket Ship 10:50 – How to Be a Connector (Without Burning Out) 11:35 – The Shortcut to Success 12:03 – Reflection and Wrap-Up Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, Laura sits down with paid ads expert Britt Holmes (Founder, Merit Media) to demystify when to use ads, what must be in place first, and how to choose between Google, Meta, and LinkedIn without burning cash. If you’ve wondered whether ads are a quick fix (they’re not) or how to know you’re actually ready, this one’s for you. In this episode you will hear: 00:31 Meet Britt Holmes of Merit Media 02:22 Britt’s background: global to founders 03:28 “Can I just run ads?” reality check 05:57 From organic-only to paid 06:59 Cost myths & agency pitfalls 10:12 DIY sites, landing pages, readiness 11:28 Perfection vs. progress 13:10 Pricing ads accessibly (no fluff) 19:50 Ads should make money 22:06 Sponsored vs. boosted vs. real ads 24:16 Google vs. Meta vs. LinkedIn 26:35 Authentic brand after corporate 30:28 There’s room for every style 30:59 Where to find Britt & Merit Media Britt's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meritmediainc/ Website: https://www.meritmedia.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this deeply honest episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura Sinclair explores one of entrepreneurship’s most unexpected emotions — grief. While growth is often celebrated as exciting and empowering, it can also mean saying goodbye to familiar routines, relationships, and versions of ourselves. Laura shares personal stories from her 10-year journey — from leaving her corporate job to closing her gym — and reflects on how expansion often requires letting go. If you’re in a season of change, this one will remind you: you’re not broken, you’re evolving. In this episode you will hear: 00:02 – Lesson Six: Growth Feels Like Grief 02:25 – Leaving Corporate Life: When “Brave” Still Hurts 04:48 – Closing the Gym: Strategy Meets Emotion 07:03 – Reinvention and the Grief of Outgrowing What Once Fit 08:47 – Letting Go of Relationships That No Longer Align 09:24 – Reframing Loss: You’re Not Losing, You’re Clearing Space 10:56 – Humor and Humanity in the Middle of Change 11:47 – You’re Not Broken, You’re Evolving Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with NYC marketer and Agency 6B founder Vix Reitano to talk building a people-first business, why “business funds families,” and how moms’ intuition translates into bold strategy. We get practical on GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), natural-language content, showing up in ChatGPT/Gemini searches, and the human touches that still move the needle. If you’re a founder juggling motherhood, marketing, and momentum, this one’s your playbook. In this episode you will hear: 00:14 – Welcome + why this convo finally happened 01:10 – Who is Vix Reitano? (Agency 6B, “Vix the Fix”) 02:23 – Year one of motherhood & finding yourself again 04:29 – “Business funds families” philosophy 05:34 – Why more money in the hands of moms matters 08:43 – Intuition, motherhood, and trusting your gut 12:35 – Building a business for the family you want 13:22 – From TV producer to full-funnel agency (and B2B is still people) 17:34 – We’re all in the people business 18:13 – GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and showing up in AI search 23:56 – Natural language > jargon (and a quick SEO rewind) 25:48 – Alt text, words-first content, and why “ugly ads” words 28:27 – How to show up in ChatGPT, Gemini, and beyond 31:28 – Old-school moves that still work (podcasts, guest posts, consistency) 32:45 – What changed after baby: boundaries, hours, rituals Vix's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vixreitano/ Website: https://agency6b.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, host Laura Sinclair shares one of the hardest lessons she’s learned in 10 years of entrepreneurship — how to stay off the emotional roller coaster and manage your energy through the highs and lows of running a business. Laura opens up about the power of maintaining neutral energy, how to avoid getting swept up in the highs or stuck in the lows, and why this practice has helped her stay grounded through a decade of growth, challenges, and self-discovery. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – The Hardest Lesson Yet 01:40 – Entrepreneurship Is a Roller Coaster 02:30 – Neutral Energy: What It Means and Why It Matters 03:50 – Managing the Highs Without Crashing 06:50 – Feeling the Lows Without Staying Stuck 08:40 – Healing and Triggers 09:40 – “This Is PR, Not ER” 10:50 – Protecting Your Energy Long-Term 11:30 – The Ongoing Practice of Neutrality Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, host Laura Sinclair sits down with multi-passionate entrepreneur Jenna Goodhand—owner of Cafézia Coffee, coach, community-builder, laughter-yoga leader, and proud neurodivergent creator—to talk about what it really takes to try bold ideas, “fail” forward, pivot, and keep showing up. Their conversation explores ADHD and entrepreneurship, communicating needs on teams, why timing (not talent) often determines traction, and how practices like sober dance parties, “future memories” visualization, and money mindset work can fuel purpose-driven business growth. If you’re a mom entrepreneur or creator who refuses to “pick a lane,” this episode offers validation, practical takeaways, and a roadmap for building a business that fits you. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Meet Jenna Goodhand: The multi-passionate entrepreneur behind Cafézia Coffee 04:00 – The courage to try, fail, and try again 09:00 – Timing is everything: why the “right idea” sometimes needs to wait 13:00 – Permission to pivot: when to walk away and what to build next 17:00 – Neurodivergence and entrepreneurship 23:00 – Owning your strengths and asking for help 27:00 – Living authentically and saying “I don’t get it” 29:00 – Future memories, money mindset, and making space for what’s next 33:00 – Where to find Jenna and what’s next Jenna's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeziacoffee/ Website: https://cafezia.ca/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this week’s episode of This Mother Means Business, host Laura Sinclair continues her “10 Lessons from 10 Years of Entrepreneurship” series with one of her most honest reflections yet — the importance of taking care of yourself. Laura opens up about how years of putting her business first led to burnout, and how reprioritizing herself changed everything — from her energy and relationships to her ability to lead and grow sustainably. She dives into personal stories, therapy breakthroughs, and her simple “Core Four” non-negotiables that keep her grounded: sleep, good food, exercise, and connection. If you’ve ever struggled to balance ambition with your own wellbeing, this episode will remind you that your business should exist to serve your life — not the other way around. In this episode you will hear: 00:01 – Lesson Four: Take Care of Yourself 02:20 – Reordering Priorities: From Business First to Self First 04:43 – The Breaking Point: Survival Mode and Therapy Lessons 07:06 – Discovering the “Core Four” Basic Needs 09:22 – Reclaiming Space and Advocating for Yourself 11:38 – The Long Game of Entrepreneurship: Why You Need to Protect Your Energy Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura welcomes back Carly Ottaway—author of Coming Home, creator of The Mirror Effect, and founder of Web of Words. They dive into the vulnerable journey of writing a memoir-style book, the concept of your “favorite self,” how motherhood acts as a mirror, and the power of accountability in finally finishing big creative projects. Expect real talk on identity, authenticity, entrepreneurship, and raising daughters who see what’s possible. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Welcome Back + Why Carly’s Return Matters 00:31 – Who Carly Is Now: Author, Creator, Founder 01:35 – Previously on TMMB: Fire, Rebuild, Resilience 03:46 – Laura’s Early Read of Coming Home 05:15 – Deciding to Write the (Very Honest) Book 06:25 – From Dream to Draft: Coaching, Community, Momentum 09:55 – Stop the Excuses: The Moment She Committed 10:50 – Skin in the Game: Investment, Deadlines, Public Promises 15:15 – Introducing the “Favorite Self” Framework 19:54 – Journaling + Prompts to Meet Your Favorite Self 23:11 – Motherhood as a Mirror: The Origin of The Mirror Effect 37:28 – Closing Gratitude + Invitation to Share Takeaways Carly's Links: Website: http://www.carlyottaway.com Web Of Words: https://webofwords.ca/ Order Coming Home: https://www.amazon.ca/Coming-Home-Path-Favourite-Permission/dp/1069218308/ref=sr_1_[%E2%80%A6]rmission+to+do+it+your+way%2Cdigital-text%2C152&sr=1-1-catcorr Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, host Laura Sinclair continues her “10 Lessons from 10 Years of Entrepreneurship” series with a powerful reflection on the emotional side of business. Laura opens up about what it really means when your work is personal — but how you can choose not to take it personally. From crying over canceled gym memberships to navigating client transitions in her coaching business, Laura shares what she’s learned about separating identity from feedback, finding peace in rejection, and showing up with emotional maturity as an entrepreneur. If you’ve ever felt hurt when a client moved on, a project didn’t land, or your hard work wasn’t appreciated, this episode will give you a fresh perspective (and probably a few deep sighs of relief). In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Welcome back & Lesson 3 intro 01:00 – The emotional side of entrepreneurship 02:30 – The difference between “personal” and “taking it personally” 03:45 – When clients cancel: lessons from the early gym days 05:15 – Members vs. friends: learning boundaries in business 06:40 – Applying the lesson to her coaching business 08:00 – The mindset shift: staying objective 08:45 – Example: feedback from her team 10:30 – You can’t please everyone (and that’s okay) 11:15 – Emotional freedom in business 12:00 – Closing reflections & takeaway Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this powerful, very human episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with trauma specialist and author Dawn Taylor—aka the “ass-kicker, hope-giver” behind The Taylor Way. They unpack what trauma really is (hint: it’s not only the “big T” moments), how it shows up in entrepreneurship, motherhood, hiring, launches, and everyday reactions (yes, even the McDonald’s drive-thru). You’ll hear Dawn’s extraordinary story, why typical talk therapy isn’t the only path, and practical ways to start healing—without tying your self-worth to your business. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Welcome & why this matters 01:23 – What counts as trauma? 02:05 – Meet Dawn 03:14 – Dawn’s book 03:55 – Dawn’s backstory (content note: abuse, suicidality, medical trauma) 07:23 – The turning point 08:16 – When common modalities don’t fit 09:41 – Building a toolbox 10:58 – Doing this work full-time 12:28 – Big T vs. little t 14:00 – “It’s not nothing” 15:53 – Where to start healing 18:05 – Hyper-custom sessions (real examples) 22:30 – Trauma costs money 24:15 – Why people avoid healing 27:03 – The McDonald’s drive-thru story 33:14 – Motherhood, entrepreneurship & being chosen 35:12 – You are not your business 37:26 – Rejection vs. selection 39:25 – Self-inquiry that helps 42:53 – Parting wisdom (and humor) Dawn's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetaylorwaynow/ Website: https://www.thetaylorway.ca/ Book: https://www.thetaylorway.ca/shop?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafD4EQouY9EIr739cWDYOMJKUkU9AM8bnbhAmtiQMDktJ12yu1SJ6bSiD_GHw_aem_VI3B33B5_ahlp9OSrYN-SA Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode, host Laura Sinclair continues her 10-part series celebrating a decade of entrepreneurship by sharing her second big lesson: the power of doing the right thing. With honesty and reflection, Laura dives into how integrity has shaped her reputation, guided her decisions, and created opportunities she never expected. From her early gym-owner days and hard lessons with contracts, to navigating client commitments with compassion, Laura explains why reputation and relationships are everything in business. Whether you’re building your first side hustle or scaling a six-figure brand, this conversation will inspire you to consider not just what’s profitable, but what’s right. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Why integrity matters 02:27 – The grocery cart metaphor 03:45 – Contracts vs. humanity 04:43 – Reputation is everything 06:10 – The cost of ignoring integrity 07:05 – Opportunities from integrity 09:29 – Owning mistakes 11:10 – Nice guys don’t finish last 12:00 – The difference between integrity and being a pushover 13:00 – Looking ahead Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with leadership coach and podcast host Heather Chauvin (Emotionally Uncomfortable) for a first-time, heart-to-heart on energy management, boundaries, and what it really takes for ambitious moms to feel alive—not just productive. Heather shares her journey from teen motherhood to cancer diagnosis and the framework she now teaches high-performing women to create time, energy, and emotional safety without burning out. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 — Welcome & why this convo matters 01:58 — Freedom vs. the business ‘cage’ 03:03 — Heather’s origin story 05:52 — The “do all the things” years 08:12 — 2013 cancer diagnosis 09:05 — What does ‘alive’ feel like? 11:27 — The question that changed everything 14:02 — Framework: Energetic Time Management (ETM) 18:20 — The 4 energy types 19:48 — Redefining rest 21:49 — Real client example 26:43 — Identity has to catch up 30:17 — Stuck despite “doing it right” 32:47 — Do less, better 33:04 — Free resource: Time & Energy Audi 34:51 — Discomfort = contraction Heather's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherchauvin_/ Website: https://link.heatherchauvin.com/ The Emotionally Uncomfortable Podcast: https://www.heatherchauvin.com/podcast Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In part one of this special 10-part series, host Laura Sinclair reflects on her decade-long journey as an entrepreneur after leaving her corporate marketing job. Over the next 10 weeks, she’ll share the 10 biggest lessons that shaped her career, her mindset, and her success. This week kicks off with Lesson One: You Have to Be Willing to Grow—a raw and real look at why growth, even when uncomfortable, is the key to long-term success in business (and life). In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Stepping away from corporate life 01:45 – The surprising reaction 03:00 – 10 years in business 04:15 – Lesson One: Growth is non-negotiable 06:00 – The hard stuff no one talks about 07:45 – Personal growth fuels business growth 09:15 – Final takeaway Entrepreneurship is as much a personal development journey as it is a professional one. If you want to succeed long-term, you must be willing to grow, evolve, and get uncomfortable—again and again. Tune in next week for Lesson Two in this 10-part series on 10 years of entrepreneurship. Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

If you run a small town or local business and feel like “big city Instagram advice” doesn’t quite fit, this episode is your permission slip to do social differently. Laura sits down with Kat Tepylo Murphy, founder of Social Kat Media, to talk about community-driven content, setting healthy social media boundaries as a mom in business, collaborating locally, and why connection beats aesthetics every time. You’ll learn practical ways to attract nearby customers, use Instagram and Threads together, and create simple, real content that actually converts. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Name giggles & real-life vibes 00:29 – Why this topic matters now 00:58 – Meet Kat 02:37 – Entrepreneurship at 21 04:41 – Life comes fast 06:23 – The two-week “leave” 07:45 – What Kat does best 08:04 – From sports to small towns 08:39 – What counts as “small town”? 09:59 – Why local lights Kat up 11:08 – Small town ≠ “online coach” tactics 13:17 – Followers vs. Foot traffic 14:50 – Your socials are a “vibe check” 15:51 – If you’re online-only 17:39 – Be where your locals are 18:18 – Collaboration courage 19:15 – Two big marketing regrets (and what to do instead) 21:22 – Boundaries for social pros 22:58 – The smartest boundary: a business phone 24:44 – “But what about DMs?” 26:08 – Know your intent 27:11 – What to post right now 28:37 – Real > perfect 30:30 – Polished or just post? 30:43 – Do aesthetics matter? 31:49 – Favorite platforms 32:21 – Use Threads as a testing ground 33:52 – Community from unexpected posts 34:27 – You’re not doing it wrong Kat's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialkatmedia/ Website: https://socialkatmedia.com/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

Motherhood doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all definition. In this solo episode, Laura gets personal about what good motherhood looks like for her in this season of life—with an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old—and how that definition has shifted over time. She reflects on lessons learned, the pressure of social media, why imperfection is not only okay but necessary, and how ambitious moms can give themselves permission to define motherhood on their own terms. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Am I doing enough?” this is the conversation you need today. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – A new season of motherhood 01:10 – Early beliefs about “good motherhood” 02:20 – The wake-up call 03:30 – Reclaiming identity 04:44 – Redefining good motherhood today 07:06 – Seasons of motherhood evolve 09:25 – Social media pressure and mom guilt 10:40 – Presence over perfection 11:49 – Permission to be imperfect 13:30 – Motherhood and business balance 14:09 – Building your own definition 15:30 – Closing reflections Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with Canadian business lawyer and strategist Andrea Henry to unpack the legal foundations that help women-owned businesses grow with confidence. From turning your know-how into intellectual property, to contracts that protect collaborations, to thinking about exit value (even if you never plan to sell)—Andrea shares practical, generous advice you can act on today. If you’ve ever wondered “Do I really have IP?” or “What contracts do I actually need?”, this one’s for you. In this episode you will hear: 00:00 – Meet Andrea Henry 01:30 – Why Andrea works with women founders 02:50 – Women, wealth & impact 05:09 – How Andrea got started 06:55 – Law beyond “herefores” 09:49 – What counts as intellectual property (IP)? 10:05 – Case study: From “client helper” to licenseable asset 12:22 – Another example: Virtual firm playbook 12:46 – Certification & corporate 13:54 – Think “exitable” even if you never sell 14:57 – Protecting your IP without paranoia 16:45 – Why contracts can outperform registrations 17:18 – Share the “why,” guard the “how” 18:18 – Biggest legal blind spots 20:13 – “To be clear is to be kind.” 22:15 – Which contracts do you actually need? 23:35 – Motherhood & legacy-driven business 25:27 – Exit planning (voluntary and involuntary) 26:13 – Advisors matter 31:44 – You deserve advisors who explain 34:24 – Empowered, not obedient Andrea's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreahenry.lawyer/ Website: https://www.andreahenry.ca/ Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links: • Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok