How I Run Multiple Businesses Without Losing My Mind (Mostly)
Let’s start with the obvious: I have a lot going on. Between working a full-time job, running a permanent jewelry business, a face painting business, helping my husband with his trivia and music bingo gigs, working on a book, launching a TikTok and YouTube channel with my family, and oh yeah, being a functional human, things get chaotic.
People ask me all the time, “How do you do it all?” And my answer is: I don’t. Not perfectly, anyway. But I have figured out some ways to juggle my businesses without completely losing my mind (though I won’t lie—some days, it’s hanging by a thread). If you’re a multi-passionate entrepreneur trying to keep all the plates spinning, here’s what works for me.
1. Accept That Balance Is a Myth
There’s this idea that you can perfectly balance work, family, and personal life like some kind of productivity guru. Yeah, no. Some weeks, my businesses thrive. Other weeks, my full-time job demands more of me, or my kids need extra attention. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t balance—it’s prioritizing what matters most in the moment.
2. Time Blocking Is My Lifeline
If I don’t schedule it, it doesn’t happen. Period. I time block like my sanity depends on it (because it does). Mornings might be for my job, afternoons for client bookings, and evenings for writing. And when I’m in a time block, that’s all I focus on. No bouncing between tasks, no “just checking one thing real quick.” Multitasking is a lie, and I refuse to participate.
3. Systems Over Chaos
I love a good spreadsheet. A shared calendar. A booking system that keeps me from double-booking myself into a meltdown. Anything that automates, organizes, or simplifies my businesses is a win. Because if I had to manually track every appointment, event, and social media post? I’d be a mess. Actually, I was a mess—until I got serious about systems and goal setting..
4. Boundaries Are Non-Negotiable
Listen, I love my businesses. But I also love my family, my sleep, and my sanity. That means I don’t answer work messages at 10 p.m. just because someone has an “urgent” question (spoiler: it’s never really urgent). Setting boundaries isn’t just good for me—it teaches my clients to respect my time.
5. Done Is Better Than Perfect
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. I’d rather launch a slightly messy project than sit on a “perfect” idea that never sees the light of day. Some of my best ideas started with “let’s just try it and see what happens.” Spoiler: most of the time, it works out just fine.
6. I Ask for Help (And I Don’t Feel Bad About It)
I’m not a superhero. My husband helps with household chores (which, let’s be honest, is a huge deal), and my mom helps with the kids when I need it. Knowing I have that support makes all the difference. I used to feel guilty asking for help, but now I see it for what it is: a necessity, not a weakness.
7. I Remember Why I’m Doing This
At the end of the day, I don’t run multiple businesses just for the fun of stressing myself out. I do it because I love the freedom, the creativity, and the fact that I’m building something that matters. When things get overwhelming (because they always do), I remind myself why I started. That perspective shift? It changes everything.
Final Thoughts
Running multiple businesses on top of a full-time job isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It takes discipline, boundaries, and a willingness to let go of the idea that you have to do it all perfectly. If you’re juggling a million things and feeling like you’re on the edge, take a breath. Focus on progress, not perfection—and don’t be afraid to laugh at the chaos along the way.
Now tell me—how do you keep your life and business (somewhat) organized? Let’s swap survival tips in the comments!
I can’t wait to cheer you on!
XO,
Shannon