From Overwhelmed to Organised: How I Built a Business That Finally Works for Me

There was a time when I was good at keeping busy, but I wasn’t always productive.

And I definitely wasn’t happy.

My days were full: client work, emails, never-ending to-do lists, and marketing that felt awkward and uncomfortable. I was saying yes to too many things and taking on too much.

Deep down, I knew something was off.

From deep in the woods, light can prevail

This is the story of how I stopped running on empty, simplified everything, and built a business that supports me rather than drains me. If you’re feeling stuck or burnt out in your own business, I hope this gives you a bit of encouragement. You really can do things differently.

The Early Days: Wearing All the Hats

Like many small business owners, I started out offering a bit of everything. I’d worked for years as a Virtual Assistant and loved helping people bring order to chaos. I’m naturally organised, calm under pressure, and I genuinely enjoy supporting others, so freelancing felt like a perfect fit.

But it wasn’t long before I found myself juggling too much. I was doing great work for clients, but behind the scenes? It was another story. My own marketing was neglected. I had systems for them, but not always for myself. I wasn’t sleeping well, I wasn’t exercising as much, and I never truly switched off.

I remember one particular Sunday evening, sitting at my desk answering emails I hadn’t gotten to during the week. I felt exhausted but also annoyed at myself, wondering: why does this feel harder than it should?

That moment was a turning point.

Redefining What Success Means

I gave myself a proper break, stepped back for a weekend (not easy), and really thought about what I wanted.

I didn’t start my business to feel overwhelmed. I started it for freedom, flexibility, and the chance to create something on my own terms.

But I’d let other people’s definitions of success creep in.

The constant pressure to scale, post daily, work harder, keep up with trends, and be always on was quietly shaping the way I ran my business, even though it never felt right.

So I asked myself some honest questions:

What if less could be more?

What if I prioritised ease instead of effort?

What if I let my business work with my energy, not against it?

It wasn’t an overnight shift. But slowly, things began to change.

Simplifying With Systems (For Real This Time)

One of the most important things I did was start applying the same advice I give my clients to myself.

I created clear boundaries and mapped out a few core processes. Nothing fancy, just simple, repeatable steps that saved me from decision fatigue.

A few game-changers:

• Automating my client onboarding with email workflows

• Using scheduling tools to stop manually booking calls

• Creating a basic content calendar so I wasn’t starting from scratch each week

• Carving out quiet mornings for focus and strategy

These small shifts gave me back hours of time. More importantly, they gave me peace of mind. I stopped carrying my entire business around in my head and finally made space to breathe.

Gentle Tools That Helped Me Along the Way

I often get asked what apps or tools I actually use, the ones I go back to again and again. So here are a few favourites that help keep things flowing without the fuss:

• Trello or Notion – Both are brilliant for planning and organising, but I lean toward whichever feels less “heavy” at the time. I use them to manage content, keep track of client work, and house those random but important ideas.

• Canva – My go-to for content creation. Even on low-energy days, I can tweak a template and feel like I’ve accomplished something.

• Loom – Perfect for sending quick, personal video messages to clients or talking myself through an idea. It saves time and builds a human touch without needing a call.

• Later or Buffer – Scheduling social content means I can batch when I’m in the right headspace, then leave it to run in the background.

• Toggl – A gentle way to track time and make sure I’m not drifting into tasks that don’t really move the needle.

There are so many tools out there, but you only need a few that feel intuitive, and in tune with how you work. Try a couple and keep the ones that give you more energy than they take.

Marketing When You “Should Know Better”

Here’s something people don’t always expect me to say.

Even though I’m qualified in marketing, I’ve studied it, worked in it, coached others through it and it can still feel like a struggle.

Yes, I understand the theory. I know what a well-positioned offer looks like, how to write a lead-generating post, and why consistency matters. But that doesn’t mean it always comes easily. Especially when you’re running your own business and juggling so many other roles.

Sometimes marketing feels vulnerable. Sometimes I overthink what to say. Then sometimes, even with all the tools and templates in the world, I still stare at a blank screen wondering how to start.

That’s why I’ve learned to approach marketing with a bit more kindness.

I give myself permission to be human. To do what feels right rather than what’s trendy. To focus on connection, not perfection.

You know what? That approach works. The right people respond when you speak honestly. They don’t need flashy sales tactics. They need to feel seen and understood.

Spiral Orange: The Business That Reflects My Values

These days, Spiral Orange reflects who I am and what I care about. I help service-based business owners simplify, organise, and show up with clarity without the overwhelm. I’ve combined my love of structure with my passion for well-being and created a business that puts people first.

Through coaching, courses, and virtual support, I work with people who want to grow gently. People who are tired of the noise and want practical strategies that actually save time. People who want to build businesses that fit their lives, not the other way around.

I still have busy days, of course. But they’re intentional. And there’s space now. Space to think, space to rest, and space to create.

If You’re Feeling Stuck, Here’s What I Want You to Know

You don’t need to be in all the places all the time.

You don’t need to do what everyone else is doing.

And you definitely don’t need to sacrifice your peace to be successful.

👉Your business can feel lighter.

👉Marketing can feel natural.

👉It’s okay to slow down in order to grow sustainably.

Small, thoughtful changes like simplifying your content, automating what drains you, or redefining success can lead to a massive shift in how you feel and how your business performs.

Want a Gentle Place to Start?

If you’re ready to make your marketing feel less salesy and more like you, I’ve put together something to help.

👉 Download “30 Content Prompts to Attract Your Dream Clients (Without Feeling Salesy or Stuck)”

It’s completely free, easy to use, and designed for service-based business owners who want to share their message without burning out. Think of it as a little nudge in the right direction. Towards visibility with ease.