All Episodes

March 21, 2024 56 mins

I had my first business from 2012 to 2016 as a Fundraising Consultant. I ended it after 4 years because I was done with the ups and downs of owning a business.

Sure, there was shame, BUT my nervous system was so calm that I manifested my dream job and dream boss, with whom I am still good friends to this day.

Maybe YOU are also thinking of ending your business or doing it on the side, and as someone who ended their first business, there’s NO shame in it. It’s about honoring where you’re at.

I’ve been talking to more people who are getting frustrated with their business right now. And there can be different reasons:

  • The economy
  • Election year
  • Being overwhelmed 
  • Things that were once working are no longer working
  • Lower cash flow this year than normal

Here’s the reality no one is talking about: 2020 and 2021 were an anomaly. Many businesses grew, but it was because we were stuck at home from the pandemic, including mine, that doubled.

But many of us are reevaluating. I want to emphasize that if you feel like it’s only you feeling this way, it’s not. It's rough out here now, and shifting feels like a must.

Even for me, here are some shifts I’m doing:

  • I’m simplifying my business by only working with 24 clients at one time
  • Looking for more corporate contracts with companies like LinkedIn with my courses.
  • Recently, I’ve also been approached by a couple of Fortune 500 companies to do executive coaching with their leaders.

Whether you're thinking of closing your business, simplifying it, pivoting, or having it on the side, remember, we're all evolving. Life is more than work; it's about experiences and making memories.

This is why my friend and Marketing Strategist Monica Schrock and I had a vulnerable talk about why there were times when we went back to the workforce.

We discuss the impacts of the economy, personal well-being, shifting personal priorities, and honoring each stage of life.

What We Cover in This Episode:

  • Navigating Business and Personal Challenges
  • The Business of Balancing: From Full-Time Jobs to Freelancing
  • Boosting Credibility and Skills in Business

If you would like to see how to work with me to create a more sustainable life where you can be more present with yourself and create your own checklist of success that’s not created by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to the Business & Career Diaries Newsletter: elainelou.com/join

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to the Business & Career Mastermind: elainelou.com/mastermind
Schedule a Business & Career Audit call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.