Kristin Wolcott

I credit so much of my success to the unwavering support of my husband. When our youngest son’s autism made it impossible for him to ride the school bus, we quickly realized that no traditional employer was going to allow us to come in late and leave early every single day to take him to and from school. I told my husband we had two choices: one of us would eventually get fired, or we could take a leap, start our own business, and hustle to make it work.

He didn’t hesitate. He stayed in his 9‑to‑5 job while I left mine to get the business off the ground, and every evening he came home and helped me build it piece by piece. Once he saw the momentum and realized we could truly make this work, he left his day job too—and now we run our businesses side by side.

None of this would have been possible if he had doubted me or discouraged the idea. His belief in me has been the single biggest factor in making this dream a reality.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: it’s only a job. It might sound blunt, but becoming a parent changes the way you see everything. When you have a family that truly needs you, you realize how small work really is in comparison.

Providing for your family matters, of course — but being present for them matters just as much. You can’t show up emotionally, mentally, or even physically if you’re constantly overwhelmed by work stress. At some point, you have to draw a clear line: this is my job, and this is my family. One is replaceable. The other isn’t.

Keeping that perspective has grounded me. No matter how demanding a role becomes, family comes first. Always.

The advice I’d give to young women coming into this industry is this: find the thing you love, the thing you’re naturally good at, and run with it. Don’t let a corporate structure or someone else’s limitations convince you that you can’t do something.

Starting your own business isn’t the right path for everyone — and that’s okay. Some people thrive in a 9‑to‑5 environment, some love the structure of an office, and some prefer the stability that comes with traditional roles. We need women in every space.

But if you have a passion you can’t ignore, if you crave flexibility, if you want the freedom to show up for your kids’ events or build a schedule that actually fits your life — don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have that. I’m living proof that you can build something of your own and still be fully present for your family.

Your career should support your life, not the other way around. When you feel that pull toward something bigger, trust it — and don’t let anyone talk you out of it.

The biggest challenge right now is getting people to trust a small business. We are a small business coming to you saying we want to help you, but so many people have been burned in the past and have been scammed in the past that it takes a while to gain people's trust and show that we are legit and that we really do want to help.

Family absolutely comes first. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have said that. Back then, I cared more about money, credit scores, and climbing the ladder. But once you have a family depending on you — your kids, your spouse, your parents, your in‑laws — everything shifts. Those are the people who need you every single day, and they become the priority.

But it’s not just about choosing family over work. It’s also about choosing joy. You shouldn’t wake up every morning dreading your job or dragging yourself through the day. You should feel passion, pride, and excitement about the work you’re doing. You should be proud of what you produce, no matter who it’s for.

Because when you hate your job, it doesn’t stay at the office. You bring that stress home. If you dread going to work, you’ll wake up already dreading the morning routine with your kids. It affects everything.

But when you’re excited about what you do — when you feel purpose and joy in your work — it changes your entire life. It makes you a better parent, a better partner, and a better version of yourself.