Boundaries as Self Care for the Modern Businesswoman
Let’s talk about the “B” word… BOUNDARIES! They are vital to living intentionally and building a sustainable business. And they’re different for every business owner. We asked our members to share a boundary that has served them well and here’s what 8 amazing entrepreneurs had to share!
From learning how to set boundaries in the workplace to balancing work and family life, these women have a wealth of knowledge and advice to offer.
Share which boundary hit for you the most? Share in the comments!
Teresa O'Brien | Help(her) LLC // IG
"I am intentional with starting my day off first by filling my cup.
I walk 2 miles first thing in the morning to walk out my thoughts and anxieties, and prepare for my day.
I purposely don't set any meetings before 9:30 a.m. to guard my mornings.
Starting off my days like this has been a game-changer!
I am able to come to my business, and clients and help(her)s with a clear and focused mind. "
Lakeland, FL
Sophie Robinson | Sophie Robinson, LLC // IG
"I've recently committed to boundaries regarding my time: protecting it, staying focused, and feeling like I have a productive plan for my week. I've turned off all access to my social media apps on my phone from 10pm-10am, it's been a game-changer! This helps me make sure I go to bed on time and that I wake up without jumping straight back into my phone. By not having access in the morning, I have a peaceful and intentional start to my day.
I also have started time-blocking my day for client work and projects that I'm working on. I work in 25-45 minute sprints, with 5-minute breaks in between. All that time locked out of my social media apps in the morning helps make these breaks feel like a fun reward, time to catch up on my IG scrolling before jumping back into my to-do list!"
Riverview, FL
Sonya Highfield | Real World Creatives // IG
"My favorite boundaries that I've been using in my business for years are: only selling offers I truly want to do, only working with people I enjoy & feel respected by, and staying solid when it comes to my prices.
I also have strong boundaries when it comes to the time I'm available for calls, my self care always comes first before work and I take a lunch break everyday!"
Franklin, MA
Kristen Diaz | Vow + Vast // IG
"Create the same boundaries for yourself as you do for your business."" My therapist says this A LOT! And it's mega helpful.
If you have a boundary in place for scope-creeping clients, do the same with your friends and family. Do you turn work notifications off by 5pm? Do the same with all phone communication and apps by 8pm to wind down properly before bed.
Creating boundaries modeled from my business has helped me a ton! My energy is everything, so I now protect it at all costs!"
Brooklyn, NY
Jessica Wason | Forever Treasured Photography // IG
"Without boundaries in business, you will find yourself upset because you didn't stick to what you told yourself you would do. The only one you can fully hold accountable is yourself. For 2023, I firmly established that I won't be offering my services for free. Free doesn't cover my cost of doing business and in the past, I would do it frequently. I didn't think it was a big deal till I realized that in most of those cases, they didn't truly value my time. There are rare occasions where it's for a good cause, and I will consider it.
Another boundary I will be holding is phone consults not being free. I used to kindly offer a 15-20 min consult and almost half the time that would turn into 30-45 mins long or multiple calls. Recently I had a non-ideal client waste my time scheduling appointments under the notion he was booking me and in turn, he wasted my time. He was a no-call no-show twice. "
Tampa, FL
Jessica Sheehy | Social Savvy // IG
“I am implementing time blocks in my calendar this year to set boundaries with my time in 2023! I am using my time blocks to help me with my productivity in my peak creativity hours — this is from 8 to 10am before I dive into any client work or team meetings. I'm also blocking out time for my morning and night routines, specific client call days, a dedicated team meeting day, and content creation days.”
Oldsmar, FL
Jessica Rios-Flores | Women Mix Community // IG
“Healthy boundaries empower yourself and others.
Here are some boundaries I set for myself:
Personal Time & Recharging Boundaries: I am intentional about not using my personal time to run my business. I turn off all alerts related to my business emails and social media accounts. Being present for my loved ones is how I want them to show up for me, so why not lead by example?
Integrity: Many may not view integrity as a boundary, but it is one of mine. The ability to be honest and transparent while also standing in my truth of who I am. A mentor once told me "you're not for everyone" and those in my circle respect and love who I am.”
Riverview, FL
Delaney Driver |Wilder Mind Events // IG
“As our business grows more and more, it has been very important to start setting boundaries with my clients and vendors for "after hour" calls/texts. I am guilty of texting/working late, but simply making it clear that they will not get a response until the next day if I get a call after 5:30 p.m. has been super helpful. I have also been making people write their texts and turn them into an email so I can better keep up!”
St. Petersburg, FL
Disclaimer: The business owners featured in this blog are members of Babe Crafted (at the time of publishing).
