Self-Care for Solopreneurs
Running your own business can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Add in health challenges, burnout, or the aftermath of a life-altering diagnosis, and suddenly self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s survival.
In this episode of Gratitude Geek, I chat with three Gen X women—Deb Davis, Nicole Halveka, and Di Hilstad—about what it really takes to care for yourself while running a business.
From setting boundaries to asking for help (and surviving “blood-sucking vampires”), we dig into practical strategies that let you show up fully, for your work and yourself.
Meet Our Panel
Deb Davis is a headshot photographer and author who helps professionals shine through stress-free sessions and expert expression coaching. As President of the Professional Photographers of Michigan and an elite Peter Hurley Photography Group Associate, Deb brings a wealth of expertise in helping others look—and feel—their best.
Nicole Havelka is a burnout recovery coach, mindfulness teacher, and recovering grind-culture addict who now helps people and organizations resist hustle and reclaim rest. A clergy person turned entrepreneur, Nicole brings bold honesty and a healthy dose of play to help changemakers prevent burnout and build sustainable lives and workplaces. Nicole is currently crowdfunding her new podcast, Just Rest: Burnout Tips for Everyday Radicals. Learn more at defythetrend.com/podcast.
Dianna “Di” Hilstad is a bold, creative entrepreneur who helps women solopreneurs build businesses that fit who they are. She blends strategy with straight talk and believes it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, even when life demands multiple pauses.
What You’ll Learn
- Self-care is essential for survival, not a luxury.
- A well-rested world can lead to better outcomes.
- Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining well-being.
- Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Personal stories can deeply impact professional relationships.
- It’s important to recognize and honor your own energy levels.
- Done is better than perfect; prioritize what matters.
- Vulnerability can foster deeper connections with others.
- Beauty is more than skin deep; it’s about inner strength.
- Boundaries can shift and change based on personal needs.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Introduction to Self-Care for Solopreneurs
01:01 Deb’s Self-Care Journey and Insights
01:50 Nicole’s Experience with Burnout and Change
03:40 Facing Mortality: Deb’s Perspective
06:46 Creating a Survivor’s Toolkit for Solopreneurs
12:00 Establishing Boundaries and Recognizing Limits
19:15 Di’s Journey and the Importance of Asking for Help
22:35 Lessons on Self-Care and Community Support
25:18 Setting Boundaries Through Asking for Help
27:59 The Balance of Giving and Receiving
29:08 Understanding and Enforcing Boundaries
31:51 The Impact of Personal Stories on Relationships
37:40 Navigating the Sharing of Personal Experiences
40:07 Lightning Round: Quickfire Insights
Connect with Our Panel
- Deb Davis: Detroit City Headshots | The Faces of Transparency Book
- Nicole Halveka: Defy the Trend | Substack
- Di Hilstad: Instagram
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
Also Mentioned
- How to Use Energy Mapping to Build Productive Rhythm for Work and Life by Anna C Mallon
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Feminist Podcasters Collective
- PitchFest for prospective podcast guests
- Our Self-Care Playlist on Spotify
- I Did It My Way by Frank Sinatra
- Get Your Freak On by Missy Eliot
- Born to Fly by Sara Evans
🎧 Explore the Full Self-Care Series
This article is part of my September Self-Care Awareness Month series, where Gratitude Geek podcast guests share their best tips for balancing business and well-being.
👉 Discover the Full SeriesWhether you’re walking the dog, sipping coffee, or knee-deep in client work, these episodes will keep your energy, focus, and joy moving in the right direction.
Support the Show
If this episode brought you value, here’s how you can help:
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Goodpods
- Share this episode with a friend who’s rebuilding her business after disruption.
- Want to be a guest? Send me a message on Podmatch.
- Support the podcast financially – every bit helps to keep the mics on.
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