After working closely with female founders in the online space, I’ve seen a common pattern: many coaches and creatives are not just skipping profit—they’re running their businesses on razor-thin margins with little to nothing left over. And while paying yourself consistently sounds like the ultimate goal, I’ve realized it’s not enough. In fact, if that’s your only focus, it can hurt your business in the long run.

The problem isn’t just about profit. It’s about how we prioritize and what drives our decisions.

If your mindset is focused solely on personal profit, you’re trying to create more revenue for yourself without considering the profitability of the business itself. But here’s the hard truth: personal profit doesn’t happen without business profit. And creating sustainable business profit starts with treating your business like the biggest asset it is—not as an afterthought to your personal needs.

Why It’s Time to Flip the Script

What I’ve noticed is that many coaches—especially those used to personal growth—are wired to put themselves first. Not in a selfish way, but in the spirit of maximizing their lives and resources. And while that’s a beautiful, empowered mindset, it often means the business gets whatever’s left.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Not accounting for tax obligations and being shocked by a hefty tax bill.
• Taking too much personal profit, leaving the business in a deficit.
• Treating the business like a salary instead of a separate, thriving entity.
• Prioritizing personal or family expenses over necessary business investments.

And when the unexpected happens—whether it’s a personal emergency or an unplanned business expense—there’s no cushion. No buffer. The business is running on fumes, leaving you scrambling to fix it.

The Business Comes First (And That’s a Good Thing)

When I say the business comes first, I don’t mean you ignore your needs or the needs of your family. What I mean is this: protecting your business profit creates more money for you and your family in the long run. It builds a healthy, sustainable foundation that supports not just today’s needs, but tomorrow’s opportunities.

I get it. Life happens. Maybe it’s paying for your child’s education or handling a personal crisis. Those needs are valid. But instead of pulling from your business without a plan, ask yourself:

• What new offer could I create to generate the income I need right now?
• How can I use my creativity to solve this challenge without depleting my business?

For example, imagine creating a high-touch, premium offer—a dream-come-true VIP weekend or an intensive package for a handful of clients. The money you need doesn’t have to come from your existing business funds. It can come from your ability to innovate and create new value.

The Power of Systems: Why Your Business Needs Them

When you have a process in place, your business becomes less emotional and more predictable, creating a solid foundation that supports your growth. As humans—especially as coaches or creatives who naturally feel deeply—it’s easy to let emotions guide decisions. And while emotions are valuable, they can make business unpredictable.

Systems allow you to honor your softness while bringing clarity and structure to your actions. The truth is, we often believe we’re making logical choices, but if you look closely, most of our decisions are influenced by how we feel.

Having systems means you can trust the process, even when emotions are high. It creates a healthy separation, letting your business run smoothly without being overwhelmed by feelings. This way, you can fully experience your emotions without letting them interfere with the stability of your business. Systems don’t stifle your humanity—they give you the freedom to embrace it.

Why the Small Business Mindset Keeps You Stuck

One of the most common traps I see is the mindset of “there’s just not enough to go around.” You prioritize family expenses first and tell yourself that whatever’s left for the business is fine—even if that means there’s nothing to invest in growth.

But here’s the cost of that mindset:

• Missed opportunities because you didn’t have the funds to invest in marketing or labor.
• Stagnant growth because you’re stuck in a cycle of “just enough.”
• Constant financial stress, making it harder to show up as the creative, inspired CEO your business needs.

Instead, what if you decided that your business deserves to thrive? That it’s not just about meeting today’s needs, but about creating a foundation for the future?

Paying Yourself Isn’t the Goal—It’s the Byproduct of Profit

At the heart of it all, the goal is never to not pay yourself. But it’s about doing so in a way that supports both you and your business. Personal profit should come as a byproduct of a thriving, profitable business—not at the expense of it.

When you focus on business profit first, you open the door to more:

• More stability, so unexpected expenses don’t derail you.
• More opportunities to invest in growth, whether that’s hiring support or learning new skills.
• More clarity in decision-making, because your business isn’t constantly in survival mode.

Building a Legacy, Not Just a Business

Supporting female CEOs create and keep more wealth isn’t just a passion—it’s a calling. Together, we can open doors for more women to step into empowerment, wealth, and influence.

For me, financial planning isn’t just about growing wealth—it’s about creating change, aligning my values with my financial strategy, and paving the way for other women to rise.

Your business is your biggest asset—not just for now, but for the future. It’s what allows you to create impact, support your family, and live the life you dream of. And treating it with the care it deserves means prioritizing its profitability.

So, the next time you’re faced with a decision to pull from your business for personal needs, pause. Ask yourself:

• What’s the long-term cost of this choice?
• How can I solve this in a way that protects both myself and my business?

Because the truth is, when your business thrives, you thrive. And when you create systems, prioritize profit, and approach your business with intention, you’re not just paying yourself—you’re building a legacy.

When you master your money, it stops feeling like a cost and starts working as a catalyst. Every dollar becomes an investment in your vision, your impact, and the legacy you’re creating.

This isn’t just about growing your bank account. It’s about redefining who you are, what you stand for, and the change you want to create in the world.

It’s about becoming the kind of woman who:
✨ Plan ahead.
✨ Leads bold conversations.
✨ Builds a life and business so impactful it shifts trajectories—including your own.

Your next move could set a whole new standard—not just for yourself, but for everyone watching.