Passion Project to Profit: A Femmeprenista's Success Story
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Sep 17, 2024
- 7 min read
From Passion Project to Profit Powerhouse: A Femmeprenista's Inspiring Journey
Hey lovely ladies, Carlene here! Ever look at someone running a thriving online business & think, "Wow, how did they do that? I've got this amazing passion project, but making it profitable feels like a distant dream, especially with everything else going on." I get it. I’ve been there, navigating the beautiful chaos of four kids, a PhD, running a business, & let's not even talk about the two miniature pinchers who think my office chair is their personal trampoline. One minute I'm trying to have a serious business call, the next Espresso, our hyperactive puppy, is using my handbag as a chew toy, while Cappuccino, her more dignified mother, looks on with a mixture of amusement & disdain. Honestly, it's a zoo around here most days. And that’s before the school run even begins! Trying to maintain any sense of professional calm amidst that can feel like a Herculean feat.
But what if I told you that juggling all of that while building a successful business is not only possible but can be incredibly fulfilling? Today, I'm sharing the inspiring story of one of our amazing Femmeprenista members who did exactly that. Her journey showcases how, with the right strategies, mindset shifts, & support, you can absolutely transform your passion project into a profit powerhouse. This resonates so deeply with my own PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship, seeing firsthand how women create incredible things despite the juggle.
The Spark of an Idea (and a Whole Lot of Self-Doubt)
Let's call her Sarah (name changed to protect her awesomeness). Sarah, like many of us, started with a burning passion for helping others. She had a brilliant idea for an online coaching program to help women overcome imposter syndrome – ironic, considering how much imposter syndrome she was battling herself! Sound familiar? Thought so! She was juggling a demanding corporate job, two young children, & the ever-present guilt of not being able to give either her full attention. The thought of adding "entrepreneur" to that mix felt utterly overwhelming. "Carlene," she confided, "I feel like I'm already drowning in to-do lists. How can I possibly start a business when I can barely keep my head above water?" Passion project or not, the overwhelm is REAL.
I knew exactly how she felt. I remember trying to launch my first venture, Nisbett & George (after that "now or never" feeling about the E-Factor competition in my final year of uni, while also navigating the joys of new motherhood), while juggling motherhood & university – with my eldest as a baby! Honestly, it can feel like you’re constantly spinning plates, right? One particularly memorable morning involved chasing my toddler around the house with one shoe on, because the other had mysteriously disappeared into the dog's bed. It definitely wasn't funny at the time, but looking back, I can appreciate the absurdity of it all. Entrepreneurship, especially as a mum, is definitely a rollercoaster! Even now, balancing client calls with school pick-ups can feel impossible some days.
But, just like I eventually found my footing (and my toddler’s shoe), I knew Sarah could too. The key was to break down the overwhelming "how" into smaller, more manageable steps.
Finding Clarity and Building a Foundation
Sarah’s first big win was joining our Spark Program. Within three months of joining, Sarah saw a 20% increase in her email list & secured her first three paying clients - proof that the program helps women like her take focused action! She needed clarity, a roadmap, & most importantly, a supportive community.
The Spark Program gave her all three. She gained clarity, defined her target audience, & created a basic plan to validate her idea. She went from feeling scattered & overwhelmed to having a validated business idea, a clear niche, & a foundational action plan. She often says that the program’s biggest gift was helping her define her ideal client so clearly that she felt like she already knew them. This clarity allowed her to craft targeted marketing messages & build a strong online presence that genuinely resonated.
I remember a moment during my MBA at Cranfield when I felt utterly overwhelmed by a complex group project – I was also balancing the demands of motherhood with my youngest daughter being a baby at the time! It felt like I was constantly running on empty, trying to keep up with both the intense academic workload & the never-ending needs of a tiny human. I was up all night, my brain fried, & I almost gave up. It was a call with my study group, & their unwavering support, that pulled me through. We divided the task, each focusing on our strengths, & somehow, we not only finished the project but aced it! That experience taught me so much about the power of collaboration & the critical importance of the right support system. Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of a great team! This also really highlighted the importance of having the right environment and support system, similar to when I found my fit at UEL after a less fulfilling experience at my first university.
Streamlining Systems and Fueling Well-being
One of the biggest challenges for Sarah, as it is for so many of us, was creating systems that actually worked with her life, not against it. I used to think I could do everything myself & ended up burning out. I remember one particularly stressful week where I was juggling client deadlines, school events, and a sick child. I was so focused on "doing it all" that I neglected to implement a proper client onboarding system. I ended up double-booking a client call, which led to a very awkward (and embarrassing) situation. I learned the hard way that systems aren't just about efficiency; they're about protecting your sanity & ensuring a smooth, professional client experience! Now, I live by my trusty project management software (Asana is my personal fave!) and automate as much as possible.
She knew that trying to do everything herself was a recipe for burnout. The Launch Programme helped her set up essential systems for client onboarding, scheduling, & basic marketing. She implemented smart automation tools, learned how to effectively delegate tasks (initially to virtual assistants, then eventually building a small team), & – this was crucial – prioritised her well-being.
Here's a simple 3-step checklist to get you started:
Automate the Essentials: Use scheduling tools (Calendly, Acuity) to free up time spent on back-and-forth emails.
Delegate Wisely: Even if you can't afford a full-time VA, consider outsourcing small tasks like social media management or transcription.
Prioritize You: Schedule in non-negotiable time for self-care – even if it's just 15 minutes a day.
It's easy to get caught in the trap of thinking "I can do it all, I just need to work harder." I've definitely been there, especially while writing my PhD with a newborn & a toddler. But the truth is, sustainable success isn't about grinding yourself down; it's about working smart & making sure your business energises you, rather than drains you. For me, this meant setting clear boundaries around work hours, scheduling in time for exercise & mindfulness, & making family time truly sacred. That, & remembering to actually eat lunch! It's a constant learning process, & every mum’s journey will look different, but prioritising well-being is non-negotiable.
From Scaling to Significance
As Sarah's business grew, she realised she needed support to navigate the next level. The Momentum Coaching Program provided her the tailored strategies, mindset mastery, & high-level accountability she needed to scale sustainably.
She worked on overcoming limiting beliefs around pricing, built a high-performing team, & created systems that could support her growing client base. She transformed from a solopreneur struggling to keep up to a confident CEO leading a thriving business.
One of the most powerful lessons Sarah learned – & one that I reinforce with all my clients – is that personal responsibility is paramount. Yes, there are systemic challenges, & yes, motherhood throws curveballs every single day. But ultimately, our success hinges on what we do with the cards we're dealt. It’s okay to not be okay. But it's also about working smart, asking for help when we need it (and defining exactly what kind of help is truly helpful – something I learned the hard way after my fourth C-section – let's just say, sometimes what you think you need from family isn't actually what's truly helpful), & constantly questioning "Is this the best way of doing things?" That proactive, solution-oriented approach is what moves us forward.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Femmeprenistas
Sarah's story isn't just about building a profitable business; it's about creating a life she loves, a life where she can be both a present mum and a successful entrepreneur. Her journey is an inspiration to us all, a testament to the power of taking action, even amidst the "beautiful chaos," & a beautiful reminder that our dreams are absolutely within reach. Passion project? More like PASSION POWERHOUSE!
What specific skills or knowledge do you offer that could become a profitable online service or product?
Who is your ideal client, & what are their biggest challenges?
Brainstorm 3 potential income streams for your passion project.
So, what's your passion project? What's one small, smart step you can take today to bring it closer to becoming a profit powerhouse? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Ready to start building your flourishing business & connect with an amazing community of like-minded women? Join our free Femme Connect community today! It's the perfect place to find support, share your journey, & discover resources to help you thrive.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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