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As entrepreneurs, we’re often told that success requires sacrifice.
Work longer hours.
Sleep less.
Push harder.
Hustle more.
But what if building a successful business didn’t have to come at the expense of your wellbeing?
In this week’s episode of Passports, Profits and Pixie Dust, I sat down with business coach and mentor Samara Bortz to talk about what it really looks like to create a business that supports your life—not one that takes over it.
And honestly? This conversation was one that I think so many women entrepreneurs need to hear.
There Is No Perfect Path to Entrepreneurship
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing Samara’s journey.
She didn’t start out as a business coach. Her background is actually in music. She built a thriving community choir organization with her husband before pivoting during the pandemic and launching a web design business.
What started as website design quickly evolved into strategy and coaching when clients repeatedly told her that the most valuable part of working together wasn’t the website itself—it was the guidance and support she provided behind the scenes.
It’s a reminder that your business doesn’t have to follow a straight line.
Sometimes your next opportunity is hiding inside the work you’re already doing.
Stop Forcing Marketing Strategies That Don’t Fit You
One topic that came up repeatedly was marketing burnout.
If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to keep up with Instagram, social media trends, or the latest marketing strategy everyone claims you “must” be doing, you’re not alone.
Samara shared something incredibly refreshing:
Just because a platform works for someone else doesn’t mean it has to be your strategy.
Too many entrepreneurs spend time trying to force themselves into marketing methods they hate.
The result?
Burnout.
Inconsistency.
Frustration.
Instead, she encourages business owners to identify how they naturally enjoy showing up.
Do you love speaking?
Maybe podcasts, workshops, live events, and summits are your thing.
Love writing?
A blog, email newsletter, or even Substack may be a better fit.
Prefer personal conversations?
Networking and relationship-building might be your superpower.
The goal isn’t to do everything.
The goal is to do more of what works for you.
Building a Business While Working Full-Time
This part of the conversation hit especially close to home because many of my listeners are teachers, travel advisors, or professionals building businesses on the side.
For years, I taught full-time while growing my travel business.
Samara did the same while teaching music and building her choir organization.
Her advice?
Focus on creating financial safety before making the leap.
While some coaches encourage entrepreneurs to quit their jobs and “figure it out later,” Samara takes a different approach.
She believes that creating stability first allows you to make better decisions, serve better clients, and grow your business without operating from fear or desperation.
That doesn’t mean staying stuck forever.
It means creating a runway that allows you to grow sustainably.
For many entrepreneurs, that’s the difference between thriving and burning out.
The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make
One of the most valuable takeaways from our conversation was this:
Know your strengths—and get support for everything else.
So many business owners try to do everything themselves.
Marketing.
Admin work.
Technology.
Content creation.
Client communication.
Eventually, it becomes overwhelming.
Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant for a few hours a month, investing in a course, or bringing in expert support, getting help can free up the mental space you need to focus on what you do best.
And here’s the good news:
You don’t have to hire a full team overnight.
Sometimes five hours of support each month can make a massive difference.
Building a Business Around Your Season of Life
Perhaps my favorite theme from this conversation was the idea that your business should evolve as your life evolves.
What worked when you were single may not work when you have children.
What worked when you first started may not work now.
And that’s okay.
Success isn’t about building the biggest business possible.
It’s about building a business that aligns with your values, your goals, your family, and your lifestyle.
That’s exactly what Samara helps women entrepreneurs do every day.
And it’s a lesson I think all of us can benefit from remembering.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by marketing, questioning your next business move, or wondering how to create a business that actually fits your life, this conversation is a must-listen.
You don’t have to do things the way everyone else is doing them.
You don’t have to force strategies that drain you.
And you don’t have to sacrifice your wellbeing to build something successful.
Sometimes the most sustainable path is the one that feels most aligned with who you are.
Connect with Samara Bortz
🌐 Website: samarabortz.com
🎙️ Podcast: Lead With Heart Podcast
📝 Substack: The Heart Behind It
📱 Find Samara on social media: @samarabortz
Connect with Lindsay
https://www.lindsaydollinger.com
https://www.atlastiseetheworldtravel.com
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Passports, Profits & Pixie Dust, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs a reminder that success doesn’t have to come with burnout.
And if you’re a travel advisor (or aspiring travel advisor) looking to grow your business with more confidence, strategy, and support, I’d love to connect with you!
Until next time, keep chasing those passports, profits, and pixie dust dreams! ✨🩷✈️
