When I first welcomed Marieanna, a hugely talented brand manager + virtual assistant for creatives, into my six-month group coaching program I knew we were going to do powerful work together. You see, friend, at the time Marieanna was a few months into her pregnancy with her first little one, and we all knew that this exciting time for her family meant some intentional changes were in store for her business.

From exploring how best to prepare for her maternity leave to dreaming about what life and business will look like after baby arrives, Marieanna had a lot on her plate mentally. And all those dreams, responsibilities, and “what if’s” made it impossible for her to see what the best next step for her business was.

Which is where the Heartfelt Brand Society, my six month group coaching program, entered the picture. Marieanna and I spent the last six months working together to focus not on action plans and big picture strategies, but her mindset.

In many ways, she was unable to explore what the future for her business could look like as a new mother simply because she was too caught up in the industry’s definition of “success.” She was believing that her success had to look like what others in the industry were pursuing, even if that wasn’t what she wanted deep down.

After working together, Marieanna has a newfound appreciation for not only her current season of work and life, but also for the beautiful, unique definitions of “growth” and “success” she’s honed over the last six months. Curious about what that journey looked like? Marieanna is sharing her full experience in this candid interview below.

How did you feel about your business BEFORE the HBS?

Honestly, I was searching for a group coaching program that would allow me to get out of my own head. I’ve owned my business for a little over 2 years and in that time I’ve had the honor to work for some incredible clients. The problem was, I hit a point where I felt like I wasn’t able to dream anymore. When I first started my business, I felt like such a go-getter ALL the time. I had notebook pages full of dreams and visions for what I wanted this little business to become, but as my business grew I realized those dreams started to fade. I thought something was wrong with me for that.

Why didn’t I want to chase after more?

Why didn’t I want this business to grow like our industry says we “should?“

What the heck was wrong with me?

What I didn’t understand at the time is that I’m in a season of business where the lifestyle I’ve been able to build with this business is more important to me than the actual achievements of the business.

Sure, I could say yes to more opportunities. I could grow this business and serve MORE people. But at the end of the day, I’m in a season of life where those “accomplishments” are not right for me or my growing family. 

It wasn’t until walking through HBS where I finally understood how big of an accomplishment that mindset change was for me to understand. The lack of dreams I’ve had isn’t actually a bad thing.

It was that mindset shift alone that changed everything for me. HBS allowed me to give myself grace to sit in this season and enjoy it instead of chasing MORE.“

How do you feel after walking through the HBS content?

“After walking through the HBS content I realized that although I haven’t been dreaming as big as I used to, my vision for the life I want to create is still the same.

The tasks I do, the business I run—that might change in the years to come. But the vision of who I want to serve, how I want to impact, and the lifestyle I want for my family is still the same.

We were actually sitting around the table on the first day of the in-person retreat when I was moved to tears. I was sitting there being so hard on myself thinking about how I hadn’t moved my business “forward” over the past year. I was looking at all the things I “should have been” doing instead of seeing how far I’d come. 

The thing is, that moment was what I had dreamed about two years prior. All those dreams and visions I had at the start of my business were now reality. I was living out my dream. And instead of living it, like truly living it, I thought I needed to still be dreaming for the next best thing. I thought I needed to suck it up and move on to whatever is next. 

It wasn’t until sharing my heart and tears with Bonnie and the other HBS gals that it all became so clear. Life is a journey. Business is a journey. We go through seasons of dreaming. We go through seasons of hustling. But we also NEED to go through seasons of enjoying the hard work and dreams come true. And as entrepreneurs, as humans in general, I think that’s something we struggle to do.

It was the in-person retreat that allowed me to stop being so hard on myself for not “dreaming” in this season and for fully living in it as our sweet little family grows.“

What was your biggest win or takeaway from the HBS?

“My mindset shift was the biggest win from the Heartfelt Brand Society. I went from being so hard on myself for the season I’m in to seeing the beauty in this slow and sweet season. I FINALLY changed my mindset around hourly and value-based rates. And had many conversations with Bonnie about time and value. For me I thought checking boxes and clocking in hours was what my clients valued the most, but at the end of the day it’s the expertise, wisdom, support and loyalty I bring that is far more valuable than anything else.

I FINALLY changed my pricing from hourly [insert palm to forehead] to value-based packages and within two months have seen dramatic results in not only my mindset, but also my bottom line. Instead of simply checking off tasks, I’m now able to offer more value and dive into strategy with my clients—which at the end of the day is what I love doing the most. “

What would you say to someone considering investing in this group coaching experience?

“Investing in yourself can be scary. With so many freebies, courses and noise out there it’s easy to feel like we need to piece it altogether. But at the end of the day, having a sounding board and being able to externally process why you feel how you do or why you’re playing small can completely change the way you run your business. Bonnie is a leader who cares about YOU as a person, and then a business owner. When looking for a mentor that’s the first thing I look for and am beyond grateful I said yes to this opportunity of joining HBS and doing the mind work first so my business dreams can follow second.”

Take the Next Step

Friend, are you ready to step out of those self-limiting mindsets that are holding you back from experiencing more peace, clarity, and purpose in your business?

Then let me introduce you to my six month group coaching program, the Heartfelt Brand Society.

During the six months of this experience, I walk alongside you to help you highlight your zone of genius, to map out your highest levels of contribution and to ensure you’re able to execute that big beautiful next step as you grow your business.

If you’re an established entrepreneur who’s craving that kind of guidance, community, and clarity, I want to encourage you to apply for this cohort of the Heartfelt Brand Society.

Apply Here!

Once I receive your application, we will hop on a complementary call to ensure I’m able to point you in the direction that will serve you and your business best. The program will officially kick off on April 13 and go through mid October.

Spots are filling up quickly so be sure to apply before doors close!