Top 5 Business Mistakes I Made in My First Year

Top 5 Business Mistakes I Made in My First Year

Have you ever looked back on your first year in business and thought, "If only I had known..."? Starting a business is exciting, but it's also messy. There are no perfect roadmaps, no guarantees, and no way to avoid every mistake. In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the five biggest business mistakes I made during my first year as an entrepreneur, so you can learn from my journey instead of repeating it. From quitting my corporate job without a clear plan to listening to everyone else's opinions instead of trusting my own, I share the hard lessons that shaped not only my business but who I am today. We talk about the importance of finding your purpose, building a business that's aligned with your values, surrounding yourself with the right people, and learning when to let go of expectations. I also dive into the practical side of entrepreneurship, including why every small business owner should consult a lawyer early, how to avoid costly business setup mistakes, and why your mindset is just as important as your strategy. If you're a new entrepreneur, small business owner, creative, coach, or someone dreaming of leaving your 9-to-5, this episode is filled with honest business advice, entrepreneurship lessons, and reminders that your mistakes don't define your future. They often become the very foundation you build on. In This Episode, We Talk About: * The biggest mistakes I made during my first year of entrepreneurship * Why listening to everyone else's opinions can keep you stuck * The importance of building a business with purpose, not just profit * Legal and business setup mistakes every entrepreneur should avoid * How self-belief, faith, and surrender changed the trajectory of my business My 5 Biggest Business Mistakes: * Not having a clear plan  While taking the leap was necessary, I learned that even a simple vision can provide direction during uncertain seasons. * Listening to the "peanut gallery"  Family, friends, social media, and outside opinions became louder than my own intuition, causing me to second-guess every decision. * Skipping professional legal advice  I relied on advice that wasn't right for my business, which led to unnecessary complications that could have been avoided with the right legal guidance. * Not having a defined purpose  I tried saying yes to everything instead of building a business around my mission, values, and the people I truly wanted to serve. * Holding too tightly to expectations  I expected success to happen a certain way. Learning to surrender, trust the process, and release control became one of the biggest turning points in my journey. The biggest mistake of all? Not believing in myself. For so long, I questioned my worth, undervalued my work, and wondered if I was capable of building the business I dreamed about. Looking back, I realize that confidence didn't come before taking the leap. It came because I kept showing up, even when I was scared. Whether you're navigating a pivot, moving through your own messy middle, or feeling called to something more, you're not alone. Let's Connect: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28] Brand Strategy Sessions: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041] Crete, Greece Retreat 2027: www.cydniejocelyn.com/greece-retreat [http://www.cydniejocelyn.com/greece-retreat] Retreat Pre-Registration: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1] Private & Corporate Retreat Inquiries: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725] Explore More: https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc [https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501709/support] This podcast reflects my personal experience, not professional or medical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a licensed provider for support.

Corporate Burnout, Working Moms & Why We Finally Walked Away with Amanda Solt

What happens when the career you worked so hard to build no longer feels aligned with the life you want to live? In this honest and deeply relatable conversation, I sit down with my friend Amanda, a former HR leader at a Fortune 50 company who recently made the courageous decision to leave corporate America after nearly 16 years. Together, we unpack the realities of corporate burnout, return-to-office mandates, working motherhood, nervous system dysregulation, people-pleasing, and the pressure many women feel to keep succeeding in systems that no longer support them. This conversation isn't about hating corporate jobs. It's about asking bigger questions. What happens when success starts costing you your health, your presence, your family relationships, and your sense of self? What happens when the version of success you once wanted no longer feels like success at all? Amanda shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to becoming a yoga teacher, sound healing practitioner, and founder of Burning Bright Wellness. We talk openly about anxiety, chronic stress, panic attacks, nervous system regulation, motherhood, career transitions, and why so many women feel trapped between financial security and personal fulfillment. Whether you're a working mom, entrepreneur, corporate professional, or someone questioning what comes next, this episode offers an honest look at burnout, healing, personal growth, and creating a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are. In This Episode, We Talk About: * The realities of corporate burnout and why more women are questioning traditional career paths * How chronic stress, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation can impact your health and relationships * The challenges working mothers face balancing careers, family life, and personal well-being * Why leaving corporate America isn't always about escaping work, but creating alignment * How yoga, retreats, restorative practices, and sound healing can support emotional healing and personal growth Key Lessons From Our Conversation: * Success means different things in different seasons of life What once felt exciting and fulfilling may no longer align with who you're becoming. * Your body often knows before your mind does Chronic pain, anxiety, burnout, exhaustion, and overwhelm can be signals that something needs to change. * Rest is productive Slowing down isn't laziness. It's often the first step toward clarity, healing, and sustainable growth. * You are more than your job title Your worth isn't determined by promotions, performance reviews, or how much you produce. * You don't need to have the entire plan figured out Sometimes the first step is simply acknowledging that your current path is no longer working. Connect with Amanda Solt Website: https://www.burningbrightwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_claire_solt?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.sears.543 Whether you're navigating a pivot, moving through your own messy middle, or feeling called to something more, you're not alone. Let's Connect: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28] Brand Strategy Sessions: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041] Crete, Greece Retreat 2027: www.cydniejocelyn.com/greece-retreat [http://www.cydniejocelyn.com/greece-retreat] Retreat Pre-Registration: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1] Private & Corporate Retreat Inquiries: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725] Explore More: https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc [https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501709/support] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501709/support] This podcast reflects my personal experience, not professional or medical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a licensed provider for support.

Why Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey Stopped Hiding and Started Creating

What happens when life forces you to slow down and rediscover who you really are? In this heartfelt conversation, Cydnie sits down with artist, author, and podcast host Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey to explore the connection between creativity, healing, and self-expression. From growing up believing that being an artist wasn't a viable path to navigating a rare vocal condition that challenged her identity and career, Clarissa shares how art became her way back to herself. Together, they dive into the power of embracing life's pivots, processing trauma through creativity, and learning to trust the path unfolding in front of you, even when it doesn't look the way you expected. Whether you're feeling stuck, questioning your next chapter, or searching for a way to reconnect with yourself, this conversation is a reminder that your voice matters and that it's never too late to begin again. In This Episode We Discuss: * How childhood messages can shape the way we express ourselves as adults * Clarissa's journey with spasmodic dysphonia and learning to show up despite fear and uncertainty * Why creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and nervous system regulation * The connection between trauma, self-expression, and finding your authentic voice * Navigating career pivots, identity shifts, and the messy middle of transformation * How art, music, and creative practices help us process emotions and reconnect with ourselves * Why the path you're meant for may look different than the one you originally planned Connect with Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey Website: https://clarissastudio.com/?fbclid=IwRlRTSASVVW5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEegpvwgJgUdHbNuW8YhzgwHU71SFMKUme9HaaXn5jrYNJDmlBN-BUwgjv4YyQ_aem_E06SyMbPIWIe2hib9tZD9Q Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JBLTJdeN1/?mibextid=wwXIfr Whether you're navigating a pivot, moving through your own messy middle, or feeling called to something more, you're not alone. Let's Connect: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28] Brand Strategy Sessions: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041] Crete, Greece Retreat 2027: www.cydniejocelyn.com/greece-retreat [http://www.cydniejocelyn.com/greece-retreat] Retreat Pre-Registration: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1] Private & Corporate Retreat Inquiries: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725] Explore More: https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc [https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501709/support] This podcast reflects my personal experience, not professional or medical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a licensed provider for support.

I Quit My Job, Started a Podcast, and Everything Pivoted

Can you believe it’s already been one full year of She Rises Through It? One year of messy middles. One year of pivots. One year of healing, burnout, breakthroughs, faith, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and learning how to honor the woman I’m becoming truly. And honestly? I still can’t believe how much life can change in just one year. I open up about leaving the corporate world, the emotional breaking point that changed everything, how God completely redirected my life, and the moments that cracked me wide open in the best way possible. From surfing in Costa Rica and putting in my notice at a draining job, to getting baptized, dedicating my children to Christ, and building a business rooted in purpose instead of pressure, this episode is the most honest reflection I’ve shared yet. This conversation is for anyone navigating burnout, faith, personal growth, entrepreneurship, motherhood, or the messy middle of becoming who they’re meant to be. In This Episode, I Talk About: * The one-year evolution of She Rises Through It * Leaving a toxic work environment and choosing alignment over survival * How Costa Rica, faith, and retreats completely changed my life * Navigating motherhood, healing, entrepreneurship, and burnout * Why the messy middle deserves to be honored too Major Moments From This Last Year: * Launching the podcast with no roadmap and simply trusting the process * Going to Costa Rica alone and realizing my life needed to change * Reconnecting with Christ, getting baptized, and dedicating my children * Hosting my very first women’s retreat with 11 incredible women * Building a business rooted in purpose, wellness, community, and authenticity One year can completely change your life when you stop ignoring the things that are breaking you and finally start listening to what your soul has been asking for all along. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s navigating their own messy middle right now. And if you’ve been feeling the pull to pivot, heal, reconnect with yourself, or finally take the risk, maybe this is your reminder to start. Let’s Connect! ✨ General Inquiries & Let’s Connect https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28] ✨ Brand Strategy Sessions https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041] ✨ Retreat Pre-Registration https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1] ✨ Private & Corporate Retreat Inquiries https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725] ✨ Explore More from Cydnie https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc [https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc] 🌿 Pioneer Pam Tinctures:  https://pioneerpam.com?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF [https://pioneerpam.com/?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF] Mullein tincture: https://pioneerpam.com/products/mullein-tincture?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF [https://pioneerpam.com/products/mullein-tincture?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF] Elderberry: https://pioneerpam.com/products/elderberry-tincture?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF [https://pioneerpam.com/products/elderberry-tincture?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF] Phytotox anti-aging: https://pioneerpam.com/products/phytotox-bundle-pre-sale?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF [https://pioneerpam.com/products/phytotox-bundle-pre-sale?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF] These have been part of my grounding rituals, especially the Phytotox Anti-Aging Line, supporting calm, healthy, radiant skin during emotionally demanding seasons. ⚡ Bioactive Precision Peptides by Make Wellness: https://makewellness.com/2D969F9DA7/shopping/item?itemId=46&categoryID=31 [https://makewellness.com/2D969F9DA7/shopping/item?itemId=46&categoryID=31] --- Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501709/support] This podcast reflects my personal experience, not professional or medical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a licensed provider for support.

I Finally Hosted My First Retreat! (Proof That Taking the Risk Is Worth It)

And this what happens when you finally stop rushing through life long enough to actually feel it! A year ago, I came to Costa Rica trying to find myself. This time, I returned holding space for 11 women who were also craving clarity, connection, healing, rest, and a chance to reconnect with themselves again. And honestly… can you believe it? Because I still can’t sometimes. A year ago, I was the woman showing up to a retreat needing saving, needing space, needing to breathe again. Now I’m the one helping create that space for others. Watching these women open their hearts, trust complete strangers, and fully immerse themselves in the experience reminded me why retreats are so powerful. There were moments I stood back watching everyone laugh, cry, connect, dance, and just be present, and I kept thinking, “Wow… this is really happening.” Even through the travel chaos, the flat tire, the exhaustion, and all the pivots along the way, it still felt exactly how it was supposed to. This conversation is for anyone navigating the messy middle, feeling burned out, craving deeper connection, or wondering if they should finally take the leap into the thing that’s been sitting on their heart. In This Episode, I Talk About: * Hosting my first women’s retreat in Costa Rica * Why slowing down can completely shift your perspective * Learning to pivot when things don’t go as planned * The emotional experience of holding space for women * Why the messy middle can still become something beautiful If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s navigating their own messy middle or feeling disconnected from themselves lately. And if you’ve ever felt called to step away, slow down, and experience a retreat for yourself, maybe this is your sign. Let’s Connect! ✨ General Inquiries & Let’s Connect https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa372ccd31fefc073c5d28] ✨ Brand Strategy Sessions https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa2c21135cac3202524041] ✨ Retreat Pre-Registration https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa3c69e63a7a4c9bb354f1] ✨ Private & Corporate Retreat Inquiries https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725 [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/cydnie_jocelyn_collective_299013/cf_id/69fa33ac59c6a6842e88b725] ✨ Explore More from Cydnie https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc [https://linktr.ee/cydniejocelynllc] 🌿 Pioneer Pam Tinctures:  https://pioneerpam.com?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF [https://pioneerpam.com/?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF] Mullein tincture: https://pioneerpam.com/products/mullein-tincture?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF [https://pioneerpam.com/products/mullein-tincture?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF] Elderberry: https://pioneerpam.com/products/elderberry-tincture?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF [https://pioneerpam.com/products/elderberry-tincture?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF] Phytotox anti-aging: https://pioneerpam.com/products/phytotox-bundle-pre-sale?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF [https://pioneerpam.com/products/phytotox-bundle-pre-sale?sca_ref=10153950.2pXEgTTkxcF] These have been part of my grounding rituals, especially the Phytotox Anti-Aging Line, supporting calm, healthy, radiant skin during emotionally demanding seasons. ⚡ Bioactive Precision Peptides by Make Wellness: https://makewellness.com/2D969F9DA7/shopping/item?itemId=46&categoryID=31 [https://makewellness.com/2D969F9DA7/shopping/item?itemId=46&categoryID=31] --- Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501709/support] This podcast reflects my personal experience, not professional or medical advice. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a licensed provider for support.