April 10, 2025 • 11 mins
Balanced the Podcast - Episode 1: Welcome to Balanced the Podcast!
Welcome to Balanced the Podcast! In our very first episode, your host Steph (bookkeeper by trade, business owner by heart!) kicks things off with a down-to-earth introduction to the podcast and her journey. If you're a fellow entrepreneur, whether just starting out or navigating the thick of it, you're in the right place. We're diving into real, actionable tips for getting your bookkeeping and accounting in order, helping you find that sweet spot between business growth and a balanced life. Beyond the numbers, we'll also be exploring the broader ups and downs of entrepreneurship, from mindset to motivation. Grab your coffee and join the conversation – let's navigate this balanced life together!
Key Topics:
- [0:00] Welcome to Balanced! Meet your host, Steph.
- [0:55] Why this podcast? Steph's story and passion for balanced business.
- [2:30] From corporate dreams to stay-at-home mom to accidental bookkeeper.
- [5:45] The turning point: realizing the need for a different path.
- [7:15] Diving into the world of bookkeeping and the initial overwhelm.
- [9:30] The evolution of her business and the love for the entrepreneurial side.
- [11:45] Why a podcast? Connecting with other business owners and sharing knowledge.
- [13:30] What to expect from Balanced: more than just bookkeeping!
Links:
- Juggling business and life? Don't let hidden cash leaks add to the chaos! Our FREE report pinpoints 52 potential drains. Find balance – starting with your bottom line!
- Ready for some actionable steps for your books? Your personalized price is just a few clicks away! Click here to get started with a FREE, no-obligation bookkeeping services quote.
- Looking for more real-world business strategies? Subscribe to Balanced and get actionable tips in every episode!
- Know an entrepreneur who needs practical solutions? Share this Balanced episode – it could be exactly what they need!
- Want daily doses of motivation and practical business tips beyond the podcast? Follow Steph on Instagram.
Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Stephanie Blaine (00:08):
Hey there, and welcome to Balanced the Podcast,
all about finding that sweetspot between running a business
and living a life.
I'm Stephanie, your host,bookkeeper by trade business,
owner by heart, and trust me,always working to keep all the
plates spinning.
Balanced is your go-to for real,down to earth conversations
about the highs and lows ofrunning a business.
(00:29):
With the right tools, I believeyou can grow your business
without burning out and findthat harmony in your books, your
business, and your life.
So grab a coffee, get comfy, andlet's dive into some practical
tips, real stories, and a fewlaughs as we navigate this
balanced life together.
(00:50):
Hello, and welcome to the veryfirst episode of The Balance
Podcast.
I'm your host, Stephanie Blaine,and I can't even tell you how
excited I am to have you here.
This podcast has been in theworks for a while and it feels
so good to finally be sharing itwith you.
So if you are a business owner,brand new or right in the thick
of it, or even if you're justcurious about all the behind the
(01:13):
scenes of building and balancinga business, then you are in the
right place here on Balanced.
We're gonna talk about all theups and downs and sideways
moments of running a businesswhile trying to keep our lives
and our books balanced along theway.
So if you're wondering who isthis person and who is she to be
starting a podcast?
(01:34):
Well, that is a fair question.
The honest answer is that I'mjust a regular person with a
passion for what I do.
This podcast is something thatI've wanted to do for a long
time, and I realize that it'sbetter to just start messy then.
Not at all.
So here I am just going for it.
And if you're in that same boatin any part of your life or your
(01:56):
business, we're gonna be a greatmatch.
So in this episode, I basicallyjust wanted to share a bit of an
introduction about who I am andhow I got here.
Just a bit about my story,because trust me, it was not a
straight line from point A topoint B.
If you told me in high schoolthat I would be a bookkeeper, a
(02:17):
business owner, a wife, a mom,and I'd be starting a podcast, I
am not sure I would've believedany aspect of that, to be
honest.
So I started out with a totallydifferent plan in mind.
I graduated from high school ina small town, Drayton Valley,
and then I moved to Edmonton foruniversity.
(02:39):
Got a degree in sociology andpsychology at the time.
I had a vision of myself in.
Working in a corporate office,working my way up and eventually
building a career in that world.
I ended up getting married andhaving kids right out of
university with the intention ofjust putting the big career
(03:00):
moves on hold for a few yearsand then jumping right back in.
I was always really excitedabout this.
So fast forward a little bit.
My two boys were born and I.
It was a stay at home mom forthe first couple of years, and
then when they were three andum, just about one, my youngest
(03:22):
was just about to turn one.
It was time to start exploringsome job options and also
looking into daycares, so I knewthat daycare was expensive.
That is not news.
Everybody knows this, but when Iactually started getting the
quotes, I realized just how muchof my paycheck, especially from
an entry level job, would begoing right out the door.
(03:45):
Plus I wouldn't be spending mydays with my boys anymore, and
it was just a smack in the face.
I, I remember just being sounhappy, like, I remember crying
in the car just thinking aboutit.
It was, it was.
Just a really hard realitycheck, like I signed up for
this, but it was difficult, so.
It really just hit me that Iwanted a different path.
(04:07):
One where I could stay close tomy kids, but still do something
meaningful and build somethingof my own.
So I pulled it together a littlebit, and I did what a lot of us
do.
I started Googling like a crazyperson.
I started searching for ways tomake money from home, and I did
get slightly obsessive about it.
I looked into everything.
(04:29):
I think that I even had the ideaat one point to start my own day
home.
Which, looking back now andknowing my personality is just a
little bit funny because that'sjust really not in my
wheelhouse.
But eventually I stumbled acrossa course on bookkeeping, so I
thought, okay, this could beinteresting.
(04:51):
I had always enjoyed math andstatistics, and the more I read
about it, the more I thought,let's do this.
Why not give it a shot?
But let me tell you, startingout, I had no idea what I was
doing.
I was learning a brand newskill, and it was honestly
pretty scary.
I remember feeling completelyoverwhelmed at times, especially
(05:13):
since I'd completely switchedgears from what I thought that I
would be doing at that point inmy life.
But we all have to startsomewhere, and so I just kept at
it.
You learn, you grow and you justkeep going.
And slowly things started tocome together.
So if you're listening to thisand you're feeling like you're
in over your head with somethingnew, just know that I've been
(05:35):
there and we're all justfiguring this out as we go,
regardless of where we are inthe process.
So what started as a sidehustle, it quickly became so
much more to me.
I initially named my businessPerfect Fit Bookkeeping, and I'm
actually really unsure how Icame up with that name, but it
was.
(05:56):
The business was somethingflexible that I could do from
home while still being with mykids, and it was awesome.
I was really happy with makingthat choice and I was loving it.
As I dove deeper into thebookkeeping, I found out that I
love not only the number side ofthings, but also the
entrepreneurial side.
It was so amazing to buildsomething from the ground up to
(06:18):
set my own goals and explorewhat the business could become
in the future.
I just found it all so exciting.
And then as the years went by,my business started to evolve.
About two years ago, I decidedto take the leap and get
certified as an e-commercebookkeeper.
I knew that e-commercebusinesses had unique needs, and
(06:38):
I really wanted to be able tospecialize and serve them in a
more focused way.
I was taught from the get gowhen I started this that niching
is the way to go.
And so I guess it just felt likethe right time.
That's when my business turnedinto what is now Starlight
Bookkeeping.
Rebranding to Starlight feltlike a pretty natural step.
(06:59):
It captures the vision that Ihave for my business.
Um, I do still work with a widerange of small businesses in
different industries, but havingthat niche and certification in
the e-commerce world has allowedme to offer a more specialized
service that really resonateswith online sellers, which are
so prominent now.
And so it was just, it was agreat transition and it was, um,
(07:22):
something that I've really beenloving since I started.
So why a podcast?
Well, for a long time I've beenthinking about how much I enjoy
connecting with other businessowners.
There is something incrediblyenergizing about sharing ideas,
learning from each other'sexperiences, and helping each
other solve problems.
(07:43):
Over time, I realized that whatI love most about my work, it
isn't just the bookkeepingitself.
While I do love that part of it,it's the connections that I've
made.
I.
Really wanted to create a spacewhere I could share what I've
learned in a way that'srelatable and down to earth.
Because let's be honest, noteveryone finds bookkeeping
exciting, but we all know thatkeeping our books balanced is
(08:06):
essential to the success of ourbusinesses.
And basically that is howBalanced came to life.
This podcast is gonna be aboutso much more than just
bookkeeping.
Yes, we will dive into the nittygritty of finances here and
there.
I will be sharing tips onmanaging cash flow, tracking
expenses, understanding yournumbers and all that good stuff.
(08:27):
But it's also gonna be about awhole, the whole business
journey balancing.
Growth with life, handling themental ups and downs, and
building something you're proudof.
Eventually, I'll be bringing onguests who are experts in their
field, people who can offeradvice on everything from
productivity to marketing, tomindset.
(08:48):
My goal is that each episodeleaves you with something
practical that you can apply toyour own business.
Whether it's a tip, a newperspective, or maybe just a
little bit of inspiration.
I want you to walk away feelingempowered and a little more
balanced.
And here's the thing.
I want this podcast to feel likea conversation between friends.
I am not here to lecture orpretend that I have all the
(09:11):
answers.
Because I don't, I wanna sharethe lessons that I've learned
along the way, and I hope thatsome of those lessons resonate
with you.
I wanna be open about thechallenges, because let's face
it, entrepreneurship is not allsunshine and rainbows.
There are hard days there whenyou're exhausted and days when
you question everything.
(09:32):
But there are also moments ofjoy, excitement, and pure
fulfillment, and those are themoments that make it all worth
it.
So if you're wondering what toexpect from balanced, think of
it as a laid back chat with afriend who is on the exact same
journey you are.
My approach to bookkeeping andto business in general isn't
just the do it for complianceangle.
(09:54):
I really want you to see yournumbers as a tool for growth.
I wanna take the anxiety out offinances and replace it with
curiosity and confidence.
Imagine sitting down with yourbooks and seeing them as a way
to plan, dream, and makeempowered decisions, not just
something you have to trudgethrough for tax season.
That is the shift that I wannahelp you make, and I hope this
(10:15):
podcast will be a part of thatjourney for you.
Thank you so much for tuning into this first episode of
Balanced.
I can't wait to dive deeper intoall these topics with you.
In the episodes to come, we'llbe covering everything from
practical bookkeeping tips tothe emotional side of
entrepreneurship.
It's all part of findingbalance, both in our books and
in our lives.
(10:36):
So if you enjoyed this episode,I would love for you to
subscribe, share it with afriend, or leave a review.
It really helps get the word outand build this community of
amazing, hardworking businessowners like you.
Until next time, keep chasingthat balance.
Keep building something you'reproud of.
And remember, you are not alonein this.
I'm here cheering you on everystep of the way.
(10:56):
Talk soon.
Hey there, and welcome to Balanced the Podcast,
all about finding that sweetspot between running a business
and living a life.
I'm Stephanie, your host,bookkeeper by trade business,
owner by heart, and trust me,always working to keep all the
plates spinning.
Balanced is your go-to for real,down to earth conversations
about the highs and lows ofrunning a business.
(00:29):
With the right tools, I believeyou can grow your business
without burning out and findthat harmony in your books, your
business, and your life.
So grab a coffee, get comfy, andlet's dive into some practical
tips, real stories, and a fewlaughs as we navigate this
balanced life together.
(00:50):
Hello, and welcome to the veryfirst episode of The Balance
Podcast.
I'm your host, Stephanie Blaine,and I can't even tell you how
excited I am to have you here.
This podcast has been in theworks for a while and it feels
so good to finally be sharing itwith you.
So if you are a business owner,brand new or right in the thick
of it, or even if you're justcurious about all the behind the
(01:13):
scenes of building and balancinga business, then you are in the
right place here on Balanced.
We're gonna talk about all theups and downs and sideways
moments of running a businesswhile trying to keep our lives
and our books balanced along theway.
So if you're wondering who isthis person and who is she to be
starting a podcast?
(01:34):
Well, that is a fair question.
The honest answer is that I'mjust a regular person with a
passion for what I do.
This podcast is something thatI've wanted to do for a long
time, and I realize that it'sbetter to just start messy then.
Not at all.
So here I am just going for it.
And if you're in that same boatin any part of your life or your
(01:56):
business, we're gonna be a greatmatch.
So in this episode, I basicallyjust wanted to share a bit of an
introduction about who I am andhow I got here.
Just a bit about my story,because trust me, it was not a
straight line from point A topoint B.
If you told me in high schoolthat I would be a bookkeeper, a
(02:17):
business owner, a wife, a mom,and I'd be starting a podcast, I
am not sure I would've believedany aspect of that, to be
honest.
So I started out with a totallydifferent plan in mind.
I graduated from high school ina small town, Drayton Valley,
and then I moved to Edmonton foruniversity.
(02:39):
Got a degree in sociology andpsychology at the time.
I had a vision of myself in.
Working in a corporate office,working my way up and eventually
building a career in that world.
I ended up getting married andhaving kids right out of
university with the intention ofjust putting the big career
(03:00):
moves on hold for a few yearsand then jumping right back in.
I was always really excitedabout this.
So fast forward a little bit.
My two boys were born and I.
It was a stay at home mom forthe first couple of years, and
then when they were three andum, just about one, my youngest
(03:22):
was just about to turn one.
It was time to start exploringsome job options and also
looking into daycares, so I knewthat daycare was expensive.
That is not news.
Everybody knows this, but when Iactually started getting the
quotes, I realized just how muchof my paycheck, especially from
an entry level job, would begoing right out the door.
(03:45):
Plus I wouldn't be spending mydays with my boys anymore, and
it was just a smack in the face.
I, I remember just being sounhappy, like, I remember crying
in the car just thinking aboutit.
It was, it was.
Just a really hard realitycheck, like I signed up for
this, but it was difficult, so.
It really just hit me that Iwanted a different path.
(04:07):
One where I could stay close tomy kids, but still do something
meaningful and build somethingof my own.
So I pulled it together a littlebit, and I did what a lot of us
do.
I started Googling like a crazyperson.
I started searching for ways tomake money from home, and I did
get slightly obsessive about it.
I looked into everything.
(04:29):
I think that I even had the ideaat one point to start my own day
home.
Which, looking back now andknowing my personality is just a
little bit funny because that'sjust really not in my
wheelhouse.
But eventually I stumbled acrossa course on bookkeeping, so I
thought, okay, this could beinteresting.
(04:51):
I had always enjoyed math andstatistics, and the more I read
about it, the more I thought,let's do this.
Why not give it a shot?
But let me tell you, startingout, I had no idea what I was
doing.
I was learning a brand newskill, and it was honestly
pretty scary.
I remember feeling completelyoverwhelmed at times, especially
(05:13):
since I'd completely switchedgears from what I thought that I
would be doing at that point inmy life.
But we all have to startsomewhere, and so I just kept at
it.
You learn, you grow and you justkeep going.
And slowly things started tocome together.
So if you're listening to thisand you're feeling like you're
in over your head with somethingnew, just know that I've been
(05:35):
there and we're all justfiguring this out as we go,
regardless of where we are inthe process.
So what started as a sidehustle, it quickly became so
much more to me.
I initially named my businessPerfect Fit Bookkeeping, and I'm
actually really unsure how Icame up with that name, but it
was.
(05:56):
The business was somethingflexible that I could do from
home while still being with mykids, and it was awesome.
I was really happy with makingthat choice and I was loving it.
As I dove deeper into thebookkeeping, I found out that I
love not only the number side ofthings, but also the
entrepreneurial side.
It was so amazing to buildsomething from the ground up to
(06:18):
set my own goals and explorewhat the business could become
in the future.
I just found it all so exciting.
And then as the years went by,my business started to evolve.
About two years ago, I decidedto take the leap and get
certified as an e-commercebookkeeper.
I knew that e-commercebusinesses had unique needs, and
(06:38):
I really wanted to be able tospecialize and serve them in a
more focused way.
I was taught from the get gowhen I started this that niching
is the way to go.
And so I guess it just felt likethe right time.
That's when my business turnedinto what is now Starlight
Bookkeeping.
Rebranding to Starlight feltlike a pretty natural step.
(06:59):
It captures the vision that Ihave for my business.
Um, I do still work with a widerange of small businesses in
different industries, but havingthat niche and certification in
the e-commerce world has allowedme to offer a more specialized
service that really resonateswith online sellers, which are
so prominent now.
And so it was just, it was agreat transition and it was, um,
(07:22):
something that I've really beenloving since I started.
So why a podcast?
Well, for a long time I've beenthinking about how much I enjoy
connecting with other businessowners.
There is something incrediblyenergizing about sharing ideas,
learning from each other'sexperiences, and helping each
other solve problems.
(07:43):
Over time, I realized that whatI love most about my work, it
isn't just the bookkeepingitself.
While I do love that part of it,it's the connections that I've
made.
I.
Really wanted to create a spacewhere I could share what I've
learned in a way that'srelatable and down to earth.
Because let's be honest, noteveryone finds bookkeeping
exciting, but we all know thatkeeping our books balanced is
(08:06):
essential to the success of ourbusinesses.
And basically that is howBalanced came to life.
This podcast is gonna be aboutso much more than just
bookkeeping.
Yes, we will dive into the nittygritty of finances here and
there.
I will be sharing tips onmanaging cash flow, tracking
expenses, understanding yournumbers and all that good stuff.
(08:27):
But it's also gonna be about awhole, the whole business
journey balancing.
Growth with life, handling themental ups and downs, and
building something you're proudof.
Eventually, I'll be bringing onguests who are experts in their
field, people who can offeradvice on everything from
productivity to marketing, tomindset.
(08:48):
My goal is that each episodeleaves you with something
practical that you can apply toyour own business.
Whether it's a tip, a newperspective, or maybe just a
little bit of inspiration.
I want you to walk away feelingempowered and a little more
balanced.
And here's the thing.
I want this podcast to feel likea conversation between friends.
I am not here to lecture orpretend that I have all the
(09:11):
answers.
Because I don't, I wanna sharethe lessons that I've learned
along the way, and I hope thatsome of those lessons resonate
with you.
I wanna be open about thechallenges, because let's face
it, entrepreneurship is not allsunshine and rainbows.
There are hard days there whenyou're exhausted and days when
you question everything.
(09:32):
But there are also moments ofjoy, excitement, and pure
fulfillment, and those are themoments that make it all worth
it.
So if you're wondering what toexpect from balanced, think of
it as a laid back chat with afriend who is on the exact same
journey you are.
My approach to bookkeeping andto business in general isn't
just the do it for complianceangle.
(09:54):
I really want you to see yournumbers as a tool for growth.
I wanna take the anxiety out offinances and replace it with
curiosity and confidence.
Imagine sitting down with yourbooks and seeing them as a way
to plan, dream, and makeempowered decisions, not just
something you have to trudgethrough for tax season.
That is the shift that I wannahelp you make, and I hope this
(10:15):
podcast will be a part of thatjourney for you.
Thank you so much for tuning into this first episode of
Balanced.
I can't wait to dive deeper intoall these topics with you.
In the episodes to come, we'llbe covering everything from
practical bookkeeping tips tothe emotional side of
entrepreneurship.
It's all part of findingbalance, both in our books and
in our lives.
(10:36):
So if you enjoyed this episode,I would love for you to
subscribe, share it with afriend, or leave a review.
It really helps get the word outand build this community of
amazing, hardworking businessowners like you.
Until next time, keep chasingthat balance.
Keep building something you'reproud of.
And remember, you are not alonein this.
I'm here cheering you on everystep of the way.
(10:56):
Talk soon.
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