I started my business almost 5 years ago and kissed the corporate life goodbye in exchange for the freedom to create my own life, filled with optimism and a passion to get shit done. And just starting out in a business like mine, It’s scary, right?

I am going to be real honest for a moment. Honest about business, entrepreneurship and the whole journey. There are days when I want to throw in the towel and re-think my entire business plan. I also sort of want to throw my computer over the sea wall too.

Often as entrepreneurs, we want to do all the things. We want to pump out all of the programs and courses that our hearts could think of. We want to build incredible, value-driven communities that help everyone. We have to do it all! That’s the way to build success…right?

Hello? Facebook? Instagram? WhatsApp? Are you there? It was 11:12 am yesterday morning when my team and I were humming along checking off our to-dos, when all of a sudden, we couldn’t access a client’s Instagram….or their Facebook…or even reach out to them on WhatsApp.

“Do you have what it takes?” I know you’ve heard this question before and while it can be a motivating line, it’s actually not clear what IT is? I think we have to start by defining IT for ourselves. From side hustles to start-ups, entrepreneurs have this relentless pull to work harder, work MORE, and yep, work even longer than you worked yesterday if that’s actually possible.

I've spent the last week sending out countless rate increase letters to my clients. It was just time. I spend so much of my time and energy growing my business's systems, the level of support I offer and refining our processes as I go along. So it's safe to say that AKVA has only gotten better over time.

The truth is, I doubt myself everyday. Doubt comes up in moments where I can’t figure out the perfect workflow of a program. It comes up again in moments when a mistake or oversight is made that I didn’t have control over. And it even comes up when I see other businesses scaling faster than mine.

Sometimes you have to take a step back to be able to take a successful step forward. I know you are in the thick of it right now and taking a step back seems like it will create even more work for you and you will fall more behind than you already are.

As an entrepreneur, building a schedule can be hard! We are so lucky to live our days unconfined from opening and closing times, set lunch hours, and certain vacation slots. However, this freedom also means that we are required to create our own schedule, one that supports our goals and optimizes the use of our time. Here are my top four tips for building a schedule that supports your incredible success!

A couple of Fridays ago, I wanted to give it all up. The weight of being responsible for my team, my clients’ businesses, and AK/VA’s growth came crashing over me like a tidal wave. So I broke down.

Excuses halt our progress. They provide a safe and comfortable bubble where we don’t have to face our fears or take a risk. But what are we really achieving if we don’t pop the bubble and chase our wildest dreams? Here are my top tips for breaking your excuses and embracing your success!

We live in a world fuelled by influence (even when it is good-natured) and comparison syndrome, and it can be easy to make decisions based on other people’s journeys. But it’s not always the best way for us.

I’m not sure about you but summer is my favourite time of the year. Here in Vancouver, the hot weather means patios, beach time, wine touring and an increased social calendar! And as a business owner…it means goal-setting season!⁠

Lessons in business can come to us in a limitless number of forms....in love, in friendships and relationships, in money, in champagne, in careers, in health, in fitness, in freedom, in support, in books, in knowledge, and, of course, in dogs.

Last month, my coach said something to me that kinda shocked me (but I also needed to hear). Instead of ignoring it, I leaned into it. Like, really leaned. Here’s what happened.

As female entrepreneurs, we can find it hard to stand up for ourselves and it usually comes from that narrative that’s ingrained into us that we should make everyone else as comfortable as possible before we look after our own needs. But if we apply that belief to our business, we will burn ourselves into the ground. Fast.

As entrepreneurs, letting go of control and allowing others to take the reigns doesn’t come easy to us. We have an attachment to our business that is difficult to break but by being able to allow others in, we enable ourselves to take a step back and focus on the big picture stuff.

We all know the struggles make us stronger. We all know that the obstacles and challenges are actually moments for improvement opportunities to shine. But somedays I just need to sit in the sh*t, you know?