Today I am excited to welcome to the podcast one of my very best friends in real life AND in business, Becky Kopitzke. Becky is owner of The Inspired Business where she coaches women on how to build digital products that sell and how to set up sales funnels so they can spend more time doing the work they actually love.

Becky and I have known each other for 14 years – we met when our kids were little and we lived on the same street. We have walked with each other through many years of ups and downs in business whether it was starting a blog, writing a book, launching a virtual assistant business, managing a Facebook community, starting a coaching and consulting business or launching an online boutique. We have run the gamut. And we’ve learned a lot and helped each other along the way.

Today we’re going to share some of our stories and talk about the importance of having a business best friend, specifically someone who understands what it’s like to own your own business (whether online or not) and how you can help each other.

As a former preschool teacher turned homeschool mom, Carmen Vermillion realized her kids didn’t know about a lot of holidays and there was so much more she could do with adding seasonal play and activities into their homeschool day. She decided to create printable packs that incorporated fun learning, colorful designs and seasonal activities into a monthly subscription service for kids ages 3-7. Happy Day Printables is a passion project (that also provides some nice additional income) that Carmen is excited to share with her kids and enjoys having them help her and try all the materials before she releases them. Her kids are learning entrepreneurship along with their regular school subjects and Carmen gets to fulfill a passion for design and fun projects at the same time.

Can we take a moment and acknowledge the “messy middle” of running a business? I’m talking about the part between getting started and the part where you are consistently bringing in income. What do we do when we need to spend the time building our business but we also need to earn money NOW?

Pairing strategy with brand photography and video to give you marketing gold - Laurelyn Harrig, My Brand Photographer

Fun and flavorful donuts made with high hopes and low waste

Creating beautiful charceuterie boards to fill your tummy while donating funds to cancer research in memory of Maddy, who is forever 12.

Creative and eye-catching home designs that are well-suited to each client’s unique space and style.

A gift and lifestyle boutique filled with high quality, unique merchandise for your home & wardrobe. Every purchase 🛍️ in the shop intentionally gives back to local charitable organizations & causes.

Converted horse 🐎 trailer becomes a mobile waffle bar serving gourmet waffles 🧇 on a stick for private events

Custom balloon 🎈 installations, garlands and arches that bring a unique and unforgettable touch to all of life’s celebrations.

Hand lettered stationery & gifts 🎁 to help you share the beauty of God’s Word.

On-location 🐕 dog training and exercise offering private training, group lessons, scent work, pack walks, and dog walking services. Focus on body language and becoming the best loving leader for your dog.

Helping 🍪 bakers find joy & community with a baking lifestyle clothing line that makes them feel loved & celebrated!