How I’m Balancing Business, Family, and Fun at 45
If someone told me 20 years ago that at age 45, I’d be juggling businesses, raising five kids, and casually playing with fire in my spare time, I probably would’ve laughed and asked them if they knew how to change a diaper. Fast forward to today, and here I am—45, with three kids out of the house, two still at home, a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, and an unexpected love for twirling flaming batons by the water’s edge. Life’s a wild ride, and I’m finally behind the wheel.
Rediscovering Myself After 40
Turning 40 was supposed to be this monumental event, the dreaded “over the hill” moment. But for me, it was just the beginning of a new adventure. Three of my kids had left the nest, and for the first time in decades, I found myself with something completely foreign: time. Time to think about who I am outside of being a mom, time to explore hobbies that didn’t involve PTA meetings or soccer practices, and time to finally pursue the dreams I’d put on hold while raising a family.
Let’s be honest, though—entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a daily grind, a constant balancing act between managing employees, satisfying customers, and keeping the numbers in the green. But after years of running a household, I figured if I could keep five kids alive and relatively sane, running a business would be a piece of cake. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t, but I did it anyway, and it’s been worth every sleepless night.
Finding the Balance (and a Little Bit of Fire)
Balance. It’s the buzzword we hear all the time, usually from people who seem to have it all figured out. For me, finding balance wasn’t about perfectly managing my time or sticking to a strict routine—it was about allowing myself to explore all the different aspects of who I am. I’m a mom, a wife and yes, but I’m also an entrepreneur, a partner, a friend, and a woman with interests and passions that extend beyond the roles life assigned me.
One of those passions turned out to be playing with fire—literally. It started as a dare, a “hey, let’s see if I can do this without setting myself on fire” moment, and quickly became a hobby that brought out a side of me I hadn’t seen in years. There’s something incredibly freeing about it, about twirling flames in the dark and feeling like you’re in control of something so wild. It’s a metaphor for my life these days: balancing the heat of running businesses with the cool, refreshing moments of enjoying life.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
My entrepreneurial journey started out of necessity. I needed to contribute to the family finances, and I wanted to do it in a way that allowed me to still be present for my kids. So, I started small—little side hustles that grew into something bigger. Each business was a step forward, a new challenge to tackle, and a new way to prove to myself that I could do more than just “mom.”
Today, I manage a handful of ventures that range from photography to consulting, and I love every minute of it. Each day brings a new challenge, but also a new opportunity to learn, grow, and push myself. And let’s be real, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing the fruits of your labor pay off, whether it’s through a successful product launch or a client who’s thrilled with your work.
Enjoying the Good Life
At 45, I’m finally starting to understand what it means to live a balanced life. It’s not about working less, but about working smarter, and making time for the things that bring joy and fulfillment. For me, that means spending time with my family, exploring new hobbies (hello, Salsa) and savoring the little moments—like enjoying a well-made cocktail after a long day.
It’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos of life, especially when you’re responsible for so many others. But I’ve learned that the best way to be there for my family, my business, and myself, is to make sure I’m nurturing all the different parts of who I am. Because at the end of the day, we’re all more than just one thing.
My Time is Now
I used to think that once my kids were grown, I’d have to find something to fill the void. But now, I realize that this is my time to shine, to take all that I’ve learned over the years and apply it to something that’s just for me. Whether it’s growing my businesses, picking up new hobbies, or simply enjoying the freedom that comes with an emptying nest, I’m embracing this new chapter with open arms—and maybe a little fire, too.
Life at 45 is about finding that perfect balance between responsibility and freedom, between the hustle and the joy. And if you can do it all while twirling a flaming baton and sipping on a cocktail, well, that’s just the cherry on top.
Here’s to embracing the fire—both in business and in life!
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