Build a Business That’s as Strong on the Inside as It Looks on the Outside
You’ve seen it: the big launch. The polished brand. The client wins. The “$10k month” humblebrag.
From the outside, it looks like success.
But behind the scenes? Too many entrepreneurs are quietly struggling.
They’re pulling in revenue… but not paying themselves.
They’re working overtime… but feel like they’re falling behind.
They’re doing “all the right things”… and still wondering where the money actually goes.
Let’s talk about it.
Because I don’t want that for you.
The Truth: A Profitable-Looking Business Isn’t Always a Profitable One
So many creative entrepreneurs are building businesses that look amazing - beautiful branding, steady client work, a growing following.
But inside? The numbers are a mess.
I’ve worked with women who’ve been in business for years but still feel like they’re on financial quicksand.
They’re bringing in money, but it’s inconsistent. Or it gets eaten up by tools, taxes, and team expenses.
Or they simply don’t have a system for making sure they get paid first.
They don’t feel safe in their own business.
And that’s the part that really matters.
You Deserve More Than Just Looking Successful
This isn’t about ego.
It’s about ease. Peace. Stability.
It’s about being able to take a week off without stressing about income.
It’s about knowing you can cover your rent, your savings goals, your life - from your business.
It’s about your business supporting your actual well-being - not draining it.
Because what’s the point of building something beautiful if it doesn’t support you?
The Shift: Build from the Inside Out
If you want a business that truly sustains you, start here:
1. Know What You Need to Get Paid
Not some vague “it’d be nice to make $10k/month” goal - I mean your real-life income needs.
What does your business need to cover so you feel grounded and taken care of? That includes your rent or mortgage, groceries, kids’ camp, car payments, insurance, etc. Add it all up to get a monthly “nut” so you know what you need to take home for all your hard work.
2. Price Like You Mean It
Undercharging is one of the fastest ways to burn out - especially if you're “doing well” but still barely scraping by.
Every offer needs to account for your pay, your costs, and your energy. You can look at your rates from the bottom up (what you need to take home divided by the number of clients you can work with at a time), or the top down (what you feel you can charge times the number of clients you can work with… and then compare the two to start dialing in your sweet spot with pricing.
3. Create a Pay-Yourself System
One of the most transformative shifts I help clients make? Paying themselves first - not just “if there’s anything left.”
That one move can change everything. Because it shifts your energy from “this is a fun little hobby” to “I’m a business owner.”
4. Build in Breathing Room
That means profit. That means cushion. That means margin.
Not just covering the month - but planning for the future.
Strategic planning should include your entire financial picture, both within your biz and for your personal life. When you know that, it’s easier to build stronger and faster.
Your Business Should Look Good - and Feel Good
You don’t have to choose between a brand that sparkles on Instagram and a bank account that supports your real life.
You can have both. You should have both!
Start by building from the inside.
Start by treating your income as non-negotiable.
Start by deciding: “I get to have a beautiful business and a sustainable one.”
You’re not here to perform success.
You’re here to live it.
Want Help Making That Shift?
Download my free Zen Money Pay-Yourself Guide and get the exact steps to start paying yourself - regularly, reliably, and without the constant stress.
Liz
