I think back to how this year began, and how wildly different it looks now.

Back in January, life was running as normal. I was 7 months pregnant, piling my plate up with as much work as possible before Louie arrived.

But from March until a few months ago, I’ve been adjusting to life as a new mom. I’d wake up (well, if I slept at all), to feed Louie, answer emails during nap windows, and squeeze in work between diaper changes and playtime.

While I don’t have my routine down perfectly today, I at least have some semblance of a routine to rely on.

There’s this version of entrepreneurship that people love to talk about – the one filled with freedom, flexibility, and flights to somewhere warm in the middle of winter.

And while those moments absolutely exist (and I’m so grateful for them), the reality underneath it all is much less glamorous.

It’s structure. Systems. Sustainability.

It’s the not-so-pretty side of building a creative life that actually lasts.

Somewhere between travel campaigns and team meetings this year, I had this realization. The only way I can continue to do what I love and be the kind of mom I want to be is if the foundation of my business is rock-solid.

That means being intentional about everything:

• How I structure my business to protect itself (in the legal sense)
• How I plan financially for slow seasons
• How I set boundaries around my time

Because freedom doesn’t come from working endlessly. It comes from building something that supports you even when you’re not “on.”

That shift changed everything for me.

It made me less reactive and more confident.

It’s the reason I can take a few days off during the holidays without panic. 

It’s what gives me peace of mind when I’m on the other side of the world with Louie, knowing things are still running smoothly at home.

If you’re heading into the new year with big dreams, maybe to finally go full-time as a creator, or to take your content seriously as a business, I want you to start where I did:

By setting up the foundation that supports it all.

That’s exactly what you’ll find in the Business Foundations for Creators crash course. 

I walk you through everything I wish I’d known in the beginning. 

It’s short, simple, and designed to help you start the new year with your business set up the right way.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that dreams grow best when they have strong roots.

Here’s to building something sustainable – in life, travel, motherhood, and business.

Chase those dreams,
Catarina