Navigating burnout while running a successful family-owned business with Rachel Moore of Mad Mod Home

Akua: One thing I am thankful for are the incredible members at HoneyBook. And so today on the podcast, we are highlighting some of them. These members have created successful businesses and showcased the true meaning of what it means to be a business owner. That’s why I’m so excited for today’s conversation with Rachel Moore, co-founder of Mad Mod Home, a boutique home staging company in la.

Rachel gets real about what it’s like to run a family owned business. The moment burnout forced her to prioritize mindfulness and the habits that keep her steady in her business no matter what is happening. I loved Rachel’s transparency during this episode, and I know you will too. So let’s get into it.

Welcome to Unbreakable Business, the podcast where we uncover the untold stories behind entrepreneurship. This isn’t about polished success stories, it’s about the sleepless nights, unexpected roadblocks. An unshakeable grit that builds businesses that last. Every week, we sit down with entrepreneurs who faced it all, sharing raw, honest conversations about challenges, growth, and the moments that made them unbreakable.

Whether you’re just starting out or chasing your next breakthrough. This podcast is your reminder that you have the strength to keep going.

Hello? Hello Rachel. Welcome to the Unbreakable Business Podcast. How are we doing?

Rachel: I’m good. Thank you so much for having me. Well,

Akua: thank you for being here. We’re so, so excited because I feel like you have just such an incredible business journey and I’m really looking forward just having this real and honest conversation and.

One thing I love about you is that you didn’t just start a business, right? Like you built one with your family. You are a family owned business. Mm-hmm. And so essentially what led you into home staging and why build it with your family?

Rachel: Um, that’s a great question. So my mom and I got into design in general.

Mm-hmm. Because my sister went away to college and we designed her bedroom. As like a surprise when she came home for winter break.

Akua: Yeah.

Rachel: And we had a really good time doing it and we realized that we worked really well together and we were both really passionate about this thing. That was kind of just like a side interest.

I was working as a graphic designer freelance, but I was really actually just kind of working at coffee shops and uh, my mom was working in corporate and she was unhappy, so we were kind of both. Not really very pleased with where we were professionally. Mm-hmm. And I think that that kind of gave us this like edge of like, you know what we really wanna like make a change.

Yeah. And how better to do that than to like go out and just try to work for yourself. Mm-hmm. Because when you’re trying to work for yourself, the stakes are high. Yes. And you kind of have to prove yourself. Mm-hmm. So that was always like this goalpost. Mm-hmm. And then. We got to a point about four years into our business where it was a little bit too much for the two of us just to handle, and my husband, who we had just gotten married, he was unhappy with his corporate job and he is like, Hey, I see you guys doing your own thing, having a good time, and.

Doing it for yourselves. I went in on that. Yeah. So I was like, oh my gosh, this is crazy. I’m gonna work with my mom and my husband,

Akua: Uhuh.

Rachel: But, um, yeah, so he came on and now it’s been 10 years with him, 14 years as a business in total. Mm-hmm. And it’s just, it’s a wild ride. It’s, it’s, it, I don’t really know what to say.

Every day is so different. Mm-hmm. And it’s exciting and it’s. It’s, it’s just us. Yeah. So.

Akua: Yeah. I love that. One thing that you pointed out earlier is that you mentioned that entrepreneurship, it’s high stakes and, um, I just, I think of my own business journey when I finally was like, all right, I’m, I’m ready to, I was ready to leave my corporate job, and I just remember that it’s like, it’s so terrifying and you like, don’t know what you’re doing.

You’re trying to figure out how to pivot. You’re trying to make the best of what you have. And so for you and your mom, because it’s super interesting, she was in the corporate realm, you were. Kind of freelancing a little bit, trying to figure it out. And the fact that you guys both kind of merged together.

Mm-hmm. Was that kind of planned or was it like when you guys finally decided like, okay, here’s what we’re gonna do. Did you kind of plan it or did, were you just kinda like, okay, screw it, I’m just gonna take the leap and like, let’s see what happened.

Rachel: It was really a leap. Yeah, it was definitely a leap. Uh, she was making a really good salary.

Mm. So it was hard for her. Because she had to, it was the leap of faith. Yeah. Like I have to trust in the universe that, you know, uh, but that, that, that’s what we’re all about now. This like energy of like abundance, Hey, let me trust, let me put out like who do I want to be? What do I want to feel? And that energy really just ends up coming back to us.

I was like, I needed something a little bit more stable and that I felt like really passionate about. So for me it was kind of the other. Uh, the other side of like the, uh, faith and, and, and energy. Yeah. Where I was coming from it, where that I was gonna create it out of nothing. So it was a really interesting confluence of two women really just deciding to trust.

Yeah. F do the trust fall with each other? And you know, like who, who better to have my back than my mom? Oh yeah. And then she, for me. Mm-hmm. Like we or me for her, you know, like it was just like. There was never any doubt that the, the, the power of like our passion for wanting to do something on our own.

And also just like the passion for design. Yeah. Like we really just enjoy what we do. Mm-hmm. And doing it together is really, it’s just rewarding. Yeah. It’s fun. And like I just, I feel good about it ’cause I’m like, I’m doing what I love to do and I’m strengthening the bond with my family every day.

Akua: Yeah.

That’s like. There’s like so much beauty within that because, uh, you know, as business owners, I think a lot of times, no matter like whether you’ve been in the game for a long time or you’re just starting out of like, in order to achieve the goals that you’re looking for, you have to sometimes let go of things that are really good.

And so, like even you mention of like how your mom like literally was like, I had a good paying job. Stable. Like, right. Like comfortable. And I think again, like your story just really speaks to the fact of like, if you’re wanting to do something. That truly sparks something in you. You have to let go. But then even too, like you guys had this confidence of like, I can’t see everything, but I’m going to try like that.

Like there’s no scarcity mindset. It’s like, really? Okay. Like I’m gonna lean into more with abundance. Like I can see this, I know that we can do it. I know that we can have this confidence. And so I’m, I’m so curious for you. ’cause I just remember when I first started my bill, I was like, what the hell is happening?

I was contemplated my life choices daily. And so for you guys, how did you guys find that confidence as you guys were, were were growing.

Rachel: I think that a lot of it was kind of like, um, like a dumb confidence. I didn’t know really what I was getting myself into and neither did my mom. Um, and I think that like the kind of naivete really worked in our favor.

We didn’t take out any sort of loan. Mm-hmm. We did the. Paperclip style of growth, which is kind of like, there’s the story of the guy who trades the paperclip for the slightly more valuable item, and then going up the chain from there. Mm-hmm. We kind of just winged it like we, we just didn’t spend any money.

We would like, there was a day where we were doing a staging. And we needed a desk and we didn’t have one, nor did we have any money to buy one. So we were just driving around looking for like a table.

Akua: Those were just random objects anywhere. Yeah.

Rachel: And there was like a desk, like on the side of the road and we’re like, just pull over.

Yeah. And like we put the desk in the back of my mom’s van and then we went to the hardware store and got some paint. Yeah. And we used that. Like, I love that. And like that was what we were doing. Mm-hmm. And now we have a 7,000 square foot warehouse with 20 foot ceilings and pallet racking and, you know, yeah.

Relationships with wholesale vendors. And that’s where we get our furniture now. Mm-hmm. But you know, we started out like super scrappy. Yeah. And like, you know, really. I, I’ll never forget those days. Those were the days that were like, you know, when anything really seemed like it was possible. And then now to be kind of living in it.

And I don’t really think about like what I have now. It’s kind of been in like preparing for this interview that I was like, oh wow. I don’t really think about like how far we’ve come. I just kind of like accept it how it is now. Yeah. But like it’s been really cool to reflect and. Really honor the journey.

Akua: Yes. I love that. Honoring the journey. And it’s true, like that scrappiness, that resiliency, like that’s just so needed to build your business. And those are the skills that you just, you can’t let go. But there is, it’s just this nostalgic kind of amazing feeling where you were like, we did the damn thing back in the day.

And of course, like right, those moments is what propelled you forward. But again, it’s that, that rawness, that realness again, that scrappiness that, um, truly. Makes you into the business owner that you are today. And so, you know, you guys have been extremely successful. You have like literally generated like a hundred million in real estate.

Like, like, you know what I mean? And so for you, that’s a lot of work has gone into it. And so have you experienced burnout? What has that looked like for you? I think that’s something especially, um. When we’re in business, especially as we are small, smaller teams, lot of us are solopreneurs. You don’t have anybody.

And so you’re literally everything. I mean, I see all the time on TikTok like that. You see back in the day that TikTok sound with like, um, the full house theme music. Mm-hmm. And everybody would be like, oh, hey, like, I’m the photographer, or, Hey, like, I’m the marketer. Like, right. Like, we wear so many multiple hats.

Did that ever like kind of close in on you as a business owner where you’re just like, I’m, I’m struggling, and like, if so, what did that look like for you?

Rachel: Yes. Um, totally every, like, I, I, as a creative person, yeah. I’ve always been like, well, I can do the photography, I can do the logo, I can do the website.

Mm-hmm. I can do the social media, like, you know. Mm-hmm. I can do it, so I should do it. Mm-hmm. But no, I shouldn’t actually do it because I can pay somebody. To do that? Well, I am freed up to like, look at what are the, like, really important things in my business. Mm-hmm. Like, I like what? Like what do I really like doing?

I honestly, I hate doing social media. Yeah. I just, I don’t, I don’t enjoy it. Mm-hmm. It’s, it just, it’s not like my thing. It doesn’t like, you know, light me up. I don’t enjoy updating our website. Mm-hmm. You know, that’s just, it doesn’t feel like, it just feels like a drag. Yeah. I like to do the design. I like to like oversee like larger operations.

Mm-hmm. So one of the biggest, um, realizations is learning how to delegate. Yes. Yeah. Uh, I read a book early on, well, not early on in our business, early on in kind of my, my journey to, uh. Adjust according to how I would need to be operating in a sustainable yeah. Way. Mm-hmm. And it’s called the E-Myth.

Mm-hmm. Have you heard of it? Mm-hmm. It’s really cool. Um, I found it on, um, a Reddit, a subreddit for small Business Owners. And it’s basically a little parable about a woman that owns a pie shop and in order to grow her business, she’s not gonna. Be able to be the only one making all the pies. Yeah. She’s gonna burn out.

And it was such a simple, clear, straightforward story that really presented this like kind of like, you know, either like a aha moment or like a, you know, what have I been doing this whole time moment where it’s like I can’t do it alone and I don’t have to. Yeah. This is like, you know, it always takes a village and, but you know, sometimes you have to learn, you have to learn the lessons.

The hard way for me, I have to hit rock bottom in whatever area in my life that needs to change. Yeah. Like, I’ve gotta be like, you know, smacked in the face with like, you’re doing this Yeah. Wrong. Mm-hmm. You know, um, but you know, then I. Really have the impetus to change. Yeah. You know?

Akua: Mm-hmm. I think with burnout, something that, uh, you know, I feel like yes, it’s become like a trending word.

I think I’ve always heard that since, you know, as a business owner, like, prevent burnout. Burnout, burnout. But like, for me personally, I’m recovering from burnout. Mm-hmm. Like, I took like a three month hiatus, didn’t do interviews or anything like that. And, um, burnout really sneaks up on you 1000%. And so I know you talked about Okay.

Like, yes. Like those things, I, I don’t, I. Don’t have to do these things. I can delegate, but I want us to go like a step further. I want us to go a lot deeper of essentially of like, can you pinpoint a specific moment? ’cause it does sneak up on you where like, oh shit, like I, I need to change this. I need to fix, like what was happening in your business at the time.

Because I think a lot of the times when people are hitting burnout, like. Even for me, like everything was super successful. And that was something of like what kept me moving forward and where I kept like almost gaslighting myself of like, no, like I gotta keep doing this. Like we’re, we’re having a momentum, we’re hitting strides, but every single day, like there was a piece of me, like of who I am at my core that was being chipped away.

Yeah. Um, and I, like I said, I think when we talk about burnout, like I don’t think we talk about, I hate when people, sorry, I hate when we say like, don’t talk about enough. People do talk about these things. I just haven’t heard it. But I just feel like, um, you know. We say it, but I think it’s so different when you actually like truly feel it.

Mm-hmm. And so for you, have you, like, was there a specific moment where you’re like, okay, like I’m seeing the success, like, but things have got to change. Like what did that look like for you?

Rachel: Yeah, so burnout to me is when I’m like, you know, burning the candle at both ends. Trying to like make money, make money, make money.

When money is the main focus and I start to. Put all of my energy into the, the bank account figures.

Akua: Yeah.

Rachel: And that it becomes so much about that, that I lose sight of what I really enjoy about the work. Yeah. And that it becomes, it doesn’t become like it’s, it’s no longer enjoyable. Mm-hmm. Because I’m just like so obsessed with like, you know, making the money.

So that to me is the like kind of pinnacle of the. Scarcity mindset versus the abundance mindset. Yeah. Because when I’m just like, oh, you know, make hay while the sun is shining. ’cause our, our, our business is. Seasonal.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: Real estate really slows down during the holidays. Mm-hmm. And, uh, so, but the summer, like spring summers can be crazy.

Yeah. So sometimes it would just be like, you know, well we have, you know, somebody wants this day and, you know, well, we have this other one and they can’t wait. And I’ll be like, well, let’s just do it. Just do it. Just do it. I’ll be fine. I’ll be fine. And like. Uh, I am so tired and I’m so, like, it’s very physical.

Mm-hmm. I’m sweaty. Um, we don’t have enough, you know, staff because we’re, you know, trying to save money on, you know, staffing or whatever. Mm-hmm. That the, I’ve, I’ve had that so many times. It’s kind of like, you know, when am I gonna learn my, my lesson? Yeah. Um, but just this latest round of that, um. We realized we need to hire more people.

Mm. Um, and burnout. I mean, yeah. It, it, it, it’s when the body is not able to kind of like, recharge and get, um, get back to that like homeostasis, that it needs to be calm focused. Resilience. I, I want to reach a point of equanimity and you know what that means? It means just like respecting. Kind of like my own personal energy.

Mm-hmm. And not pushing myself too far. And if I trust, I’m just realizing, like trusting that the universe has my back here. Mm-hmm. And then if I’m not so scared of not like hitting these marks, if I’m just like, you know, what the right projects are gonna come and if the, the project that I really wanted doesn’t work out or does or falls through.

Yeah, that wasn’t meant to be. Mm-hmm. And just really showing up and like, you know, respecting my, my body, my capacity. That’s when I know I’m like really, truly embodying the business person that I wanted to be.

Akua: Yeah. Yeah. I love that. Like respecting my capacity, my body, like my energy. And I think that’s so important because, you know, for me, like similar, similar to what you said earlier of.

That, you know, but it’s like when you were chasing money, and I think we forget sometimes that money is an awesome byproduct of when like you’re actually doing things of like what aligns and I like, even for me, even with the show, like we’d seen such great success, but I was like, I want more. Like this isn’t enough.

Like we’d reached this huge milestone and I was like, okay, yay. But like, I want something new. You know what I mean? Instead of really just enjoying, like, I genuinely didn’t care about the journey, and I think I was like, just like I’m that person. Like, just gimme my money. Give me like, you know what I mean?

And so I, I love that you shared that of like, I think when we are chasing things that just aren’t a line, it’s just so much easier to be burned out. And I realized for myself that it was. Came from a lack of self-trust. Mm-hmm. And so, like you kind of said that of like, you know, where respecting yourself, trusting yourself, honoring yourself, um, to where you know that the good things that are coming for you on your way.

’cause I found myself kind of into that scarcity mindset of taking every single opportunity Yes. Even if it didn’t align. Because I was like, well this is what’s gonna propel me forward. This is what’s gonna propel this show forward with my business goals and all of those types of things. And, um, it’s not sustainable.

Yeah. Right. And so I always say too, like, all money isn’t good money. Mm-hmm. And so I think when you lose. Sight of that loose sight of that purpose and what you, why you do what you do, um, it can really stray you as a business owner. And so for you, like running a family owned business is not easy. So how are you also navigating that dynamic with like your family and like you have a team, like how are you, how are you leading back then to how you’re leading now

Rachel: therapy?

Mm, yes. Yeah, yeah. Um, realizing that I am not. I am not always right.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: I’m, you know, right. Once in a while.

Akua: Yeah.

Rachel: But I think that like everybody brings something really unique, like, you know, their own personal history, background culture, like to the table and respecting that and giving everyone like space and, and time to like share their ideas.

My mom is my mom. Mm-hmm. You know, she pushes my buttons and I push hers. But we really, we challenge each other and like, I get to, I mean, I get to start every single day as like, this is a new day. Mm-hmm. And if I didn’t do everything perfectly the day before, that’s okay, because I really do try my best.

Mm-hmm. And the way that it worked, and, you know, same with my husband. Mm-hmm. I mean. We butt heads all the time. Mm-hmm. We, honestly, he and I rarely agree on any way of doing anything, but it’s great because like, I tend to be like, um, like with our employees, I’m like a little more like forceful, like mm-hmm.

What? They shouldn’t be doing that. Yeah. And he’s like, you know. Well, why don’t we find out why they’re doing it? Yeah. And I’m like, and I’m like, it’s perfect because like, I’m like this, he’s like this. So it ends up being like in the middle. Mm-hmm. And it’s great. So like, it’s like a checks and balances thing.

Yeah. You know, um, like he has, he’s from a different cultural background than I am. And that’s really great for like, just bringing this like. Inclusive vibe to our, our working environment. And my mom obviously is older than he and I, so she has a whole history of being in a corporate world. Mm-hmm. I am kind of a, you know, idealist and then my husband is like more of a realist, like, well, how are we really gonna put all this into practice?

Um, I’m a morning person. He’s a night person. Yeah. Like, you know, like I’ll wake up in the morning, I’ll wake up at six, I meditate. I have my like, you know, my coffee, my journaling, my little stretches, and then I’m like, he’ll wake up, you know? An hour and a half, two hours after me and I’m like, oh my God, and we can do this.

And he is like, whoa, I need a minute. Yeah. But it’s like, you know, we have this like energy that kind of like shifts back and forth mm-hmm. And is never stagnant. It’s always like, you know, it’s like a, we’re always like mixing the pot. Yeah.

Akua: Yeah. I love that. I think again, it, I, I think as we are. Some of us are growing into more of that leadership role in business.

I think it’s a really humbling experience and I think to your point of what you shared of just like it’s that you know, you have these different personalities and letting go of your ego and I think, you know. Um, as you grow in business, I, it’s always a saying, like, new levels, new devils. And I remember, I like, and I have a team, I have somebody who helps me now with my business, which is great.

But I remember before when I tried to, I was like, oh my gosh, this is like, there’s things that you didn’t think would come out, like how you handle conflict, this like that. And I’ve learned of like, especially as you’re growing into leadership in your business, like you have to be able, able to handle conflict and do it well and like not be afraid of it.

And I think that is just such an important thing which you’ve kind of showcased. And so for you like. You’ve mentioned like, okay, like when you get up, you meditate and all that stuff. Like how have you stayed grounded? Because I feel like you’ve like shared, like grounded. Being grounded has truly like saved your business.

Yeah. Honestly. Yeah. And so what are some things that you have done to really stay grounded as like, especially like amidst the chaos, even when things are, I feel like a lot of the times when things are going to shit in our business, we’re like. That’s when I’m like, oh my gosh, I gotta do the practice. I gotta be grounded in this and that.

Yes. And it truly, it truly matters when things are more so like mundane. And so for you, how are you staying grounded within your business? Like, what steps are you taking?

Rachel: Well, the meditation, I, I try to meditate. Right now, I’m doing like 40 minutes a day, 20 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes a night if I can get something in the middle of the day.

Mm-hmm. It’s really rare, but, um. It’s nice that is keeping me, that’s like, that’s like my oxygen mask. That’s like the, the baseline. I know that if I’m doing that, that my thoughts, it’s basically me training my brain to be able to like, have a thought come into my head and not take that thought as reality.

Just like recognize it as, oh. That’s a thought. Mm-hmm. So if I’m having some sort of like, you know, crisis, I don’t have to dig into it and like assign this like, you know, nightmare of a day as to like, you know, what’s really happening. Mm-hmm. You know, it’s, it’s, it’s, it’s a, it’s a crisis. It’s a fire. It can be put out.

Yeah. We had, um, a client. Who was very disappointed. Mm-hmm. In a staging, send an email. It was about 9:00 PM we got the email and I had had a great day. Mm-hmm. And he just kind of listed off all the things that he didn’t like and I. That was like a, a, a moment for me where in the past I would’ve just taken that heart and been like, oh my God.

Like, I don’t know what I’m doing. Mm-hmm. I suck. I’m an imposter, I’m a fraud. Mm-hmm. This whole thing, is this even real? But I knew at that moment that that was like gonna be a defining moment. Mm-hmm. Like, okay. What’s the worst thing that could happen here? He doesn’t wanna work with us anymore. Mm-hmm.

Okay. I don’t know. Like there’s this saying, I like nature abhors a vacuum. Mm-hmm. So if something falls out, something else is just gonna come in its place. Mm-hmm. And like, you know, not everybody, I’m not gonna, I can’t please everybody. Yeah. Design is so. Subjective, like some people like certain things other people don’t.

Sometimes a client will be like, oh, you know, can you switch out that rug? Or like, we don’t really like that art. And like, I used to take it so personally.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: It was just like I couldn’t, I couldn’t read constructive criticism without it feeling like I was failing. And now it’s like. I don’t have time for that.

Mm-hmm. I simply don’t. I just need to like salt, like fix, fix it. Yeah. Dispatch, you know, somebody to like switch it out. Mm-hmm. Um, and then. Move on to the next project. Yeah. Because it’s just like, there’s no point in like getting bogged down and that’s the perfectionism. ’cause perfectionism isn’t like, it isn’t actually perfe, it’s not like what you might think it is.

It’s really just like feelings of like, you know, lower self-worth and needing to like prove yourself all the time. And I just, I don’t wanna do it anymore.

Akua: I love that. I think that’s just a such an important thing. And I think overall, just like what you shared of just. How you handled that situation?

’cause I think a lot of us have gotten clients who have never been ha like, who have not been happy with their work. A lot of us have had really difficult clients, um, all like, it happens often in business, but I think the fact of like, even now, like I can feel just how calm you are about it. And I think that’s just so important of how to make grounding a priority.

And like for me, I don’t like meditating, like, you know what I mean? I think it’s like whatever. You choose to do of like what makes you feel calm and centered and like Really, I like love regulating my nervous system and like however that looks like. Mm-hmm. And I think, I love that you have really found a routine that truly works for you and your business.

And so I am all about organization systems. And so for you, does systems help you stay grounded? And has there been an system that you’ve made out of chaos and has unexpectedly. Like literally change the trajectory of your business.

Rachel: Yeah. Systems are amazing. Have you read, um, atomic Habits?

Akua: No, but it’s a popular book I’ve never read.

I’ve heard it’s good though. Yeah. Yeah. One of

Rachel: his like taglines from the book is, we don’t rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems. Mm. Yes. Which I love because like if you have everything kind of like set up, then. You basically can’t fail. Mm-hmm. Um, I mean, we’re so. I mean into as much automation as we can possibly have.

Yeah. We are currently, um, updating our inventory management system. Mm-hmm. We have, well, I think probably the, the most impressive system that I’ve ever put into place was when we moved, we moved from, um. A smaller warehouse, a 3,500 square foot warehouse into our current warehouse, like I said, is 7,000 square feet.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: And when we first moved in there, it was just a raw space, just a blank open industrial cement floor, giant room. Mm-hmm. With 20 foot ceilings. And we needed to create. Infrastructure in there shelving and, but also not only house and you know, protect everything that we own, but also like project out extra space for growth.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: And it was terrifying because that shelving is really expensive. Yeah. And it’s very heavy and it needs to be bolted into the cement floor.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: And it was, it was a daunting task. And because we have these like ladders to these like rolling tall ladders like they have at Home Depot. Mm-hmm. And I was like, well, I ran, we go to put our furniture somewhere, so I had to just bite the bullet and like design the space as best as I could.

Mm-hmm. And they put that all in there. That’s all bolted in and it, it, it’s exactly what we need and there’s more space and we, we keep growing and there’s still enough space for all of the new furniture that we’ve acquired. Yeah. So, uh, like that was another like leap of faith. Like I have no idea what I’m doing.

Yeah. I design like, you know, living rooms. Mm-hmm. Not industrial storage spaces. Yeah. But apparently I do design industrial storage spaces ’cause I did so. Yeah. Um, I also, I mean we have a lot of different. Checklists and, uh, we have a lot of tools. We have a lot of like areas that hold the little, like thingies that you might not even think of, like, you know, that it takes to do staging.

Mm-hmm. Like all the tools and materials and art storage and the different ways we store like lampshades and rugs. So there’s like a lot of like storage stuff that I. Really like to get my hands in. Mm-hmm. Like, I’m kind of like, you know, what’s the best way to store lamp sheets and, you know, light bulbs.

Yeah. You things that you wouldn’t even think about. And I like all that stuff too. Yeah. So that’s kind of like, that’s why I really like being a business owner because it’s doesn’t just end with like, the thing that I like to do. Yeah. It’s all sorts of things. And it’s like, it’s never ending. It’s this just like, this like endless creative project.

That I can just take to like whatever level I want to. Mm-hmm.

Akua: I love that you said like, one thing I always remember is that systems are all around us constantly. So even with like outside of your business in your life. But I love that you shared that because are you like, okay, that may not be the sexiest part of your business, but that’s what’s gonna help make sure that you give an amazing client experience.

Mm-hmm. Making sure that all of this furniture is organized, that storage, that you’re able to easily access these things, that’s gonna save you time. Yes. Right. Like those types of things. It’s not the sexiest thing, but it can make. Such a huge impact in your business. Mm-hmm. Especially as you have more of these clients and you grow.

Right. And the grow and the demand is gonna continue to grow. And so I like that you shared that because people are gonna be like, okay, but like, what is, but it’s like when you really, but when you think about it, right? Like systems in your business really truly highlight details that you didn’t think about in your business and how it can really truly change the trajectory of like really giving that really awesome client experience.

Mm-hmm. And so I love that. And so you’ve mentioned that you read Atomic Habits and so what is one habit in your business that you. Have been implementing that has been super helpful for you?

Rachel: Habits in our business, well, being all on the same page has been something that we’ve been really working on.

Becoming a habit. Yeah. My mom and my husband and I, because there’s three of us, there’s like, you know, information gets like, you know. Uh, disseminated through different channels. Mm-hmm. And it can, like, it can be a little bit confusing ’cause like I’ll have my clients that are like, you know, the ones that I like my clients.

Mm-hmm. And then my mom has her clients, and then my husband does all the like, general communications. So there’s like people coming at us through Instagram or email or text or through HoneyBook or, you know, there’s just like all these different channels. Yeah. And just making sure that we’re. Checking in so that we’re not like repeating ourselves, giving different information.

Mm-hmm. Telling our employees one thing and someone else said something else. So that’s kind of like one of these, like, I would like to say that it’s a habit currently, I would say that it’s a habit we’re trying to instill. Yeah. And every day, and it’s funny ’cause I like to have meetings, I like to check in, but my husband is always like.

Why do we need to have another meeting? Yeah. Uh, and there’s a lot of talk about that, like, why do we have so many meetings? Meetings are a waste of time. Meetings are pointless. I’m like, but like, ’cause it makes it like real Yeah. That you can like, take notes and like remember stuff. So

Akua: I mean, it’s imperfect, right?

Like you’re, you’re trying to see like what works for you and your team. And I think like that’s the most, the most important piece and, you know, um. Again, that’s like a small habit, but it’s a habit that can really smooth out your process in your business, especially as you add more people, especially as you grow more.

So I think like it’s, this is the perfect time to be doing that and implementing those habits. So I, I absolutely love that. So you’re building something new. Which I’m really excited to know more about because mindfulness has been your thing, really navigating that, helping people stay. Like how you have been able to stay grounded amidst all the chaos in your business, but you’re especially doing it for home stagers.

Do you wanna share it with us a little bit about that?

Rachel: Well, I think we’re kind of blowing the lid off of this and creating something like, I think. Saying something just like the smallest thing about it. Yeah. Maybe that was like putting this energy out into the world to actually make it into a thing.

Yeah. ’cause it feels more like a thing now that we’re talking about it.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: I think that I’m uniquely qualified as someone who’s kind of like been through the emotional ringer of like being not present, not. In the moment in, so like, in so much of this journey and just kind of like through the burnout, through the like constant like, you know, getting knocked down and having to get back up again.

Realized how important mindfulness is in the daily practice mm-hmm. Of running a business and specifically a staging business. Like I said, the doubt, the self-doubt. Mm-hmm. The like constant questioning like, is this the right decision? Do I even know what I’m doing? Like. You know, all the, the money stuff.

Yeah. It’s like the creative stuff. Sure. I, yeah. Like, but I can, so I can get, I can get down on myself for like, feeling like, not like the most, like perfect stager, but then also with like the money stuff. Like, I didn’t get into this to deal with like money. Mm-hmm. I mean, I want money, but I don’t know how to like, you know, I’m not a, I didn’t get an MBA or anything.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: Um, so. There’s so much self-doubt, just like the rampant self-doubt that can exist. And especially like, you know, for solopreneurs, I’m lucky that I have my mom and my husband. Mm-hmm. I know so many people that are doing this just alone and don’t have anyone to like throw ideas around with. Mm-hmm.

So. That’s like the perfect storm for just getting all up in your head. Yeah. Like if it was like, and I, you know, I’m just realizing it right now, like I have it fairly easy compared to a lot of people that are doing this alone.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: So, yeah, I was thinking like, man, I have a lot of like, through, like I’ve just read a lot of books, I’ve done a lot of research, I’ve done a lot of different types of mindfulness.

Practice, like I feel very uniquely qualified to help other people.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: And I really have been finding that like helping other people is such a huge part of what makes me feel good. Mm-hmm. And like, you know, staging is helping people. It’s helping people sell their house. Yeah. It’s helping when we’re also like, we’re, we’re we help.

The seller, but we’re also B2B. Mm-hmm. Because we do, we help the agent. Mm-hmm. So we try to make their lives easier. So I’m like, you know, I really, I like helping people. Mm-hmm. That’s kind of like, it gives my life purpose. Yeah. It gives my life meaning, and if I can kind of parlay my interest and my passion of design business and helping people, then.

Why not? Yeah. And then that’s just like a whole other business, and I’m like, I don’t know. It’s like a like. Coaching or, I mean, I have, I have no idea, but now that we’re talking about it now, oh, well let’s just build it out right now. Let’s build out the offer right now. Okay, great.

Akua: Yeah. Oh, that’s awesome.

But you know what, I love that. I think it just showing the behind the scenes being a business center like, okay, like I have this. Spark, I’m thinking about it. I feel like now this is a sign to kind of lean into it, and so let’s run with it. So like I’m just here to give you that encouragement of like run with it.

You know what I mean? Yes. Like you’ve seen how much it’s truly impacted your business and so like if that’s what you feel, then I think all the more reason to really lean into that and, and build that, because I think that’s can make such an incredible, incredible impact. Yeah. So I like that and I’m excited for you.

Thank you. Yeah, absolutely. Even if you don’t have all the answers today, like you don’t need to, you know what I mean? I think you shared that beautifully. Like okay. Like earlier within your story of. I just have this confidence and I just have this abundance mindset and it’s gonna come to fruition. So I’m definitely cheering you on.

Yeah, absolutely. Okay, so a question we love to ask is, what does having an unbreakable business mean to you?

Rachel: I think that humility is really a key element to having an unbreakable business. I don’t know everything. I don’t have all the answers. I feel like I am. Constantly seeking and searching and just thirsty for more

opinions, viewpoints. I don’t, you know, there, there are people that inspire me. There are people all around me. Mm-hmm. My employees even teach me lessons every day. Yeah. Like I was. Is kind of stuck in this way of thinking like, you know, why aren’t they doing this in the way that I’ve told them to do it?

And what really ended up being the solution to the problem was for me to step back and realize like, oh, they’re doing this in the way that makes sense for them.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: How do I bring more of a curiosity to the table? Mm-hmm. Rather than just like a. Well, I know best they’re doing this wrong. I’m right. It just, that never feels good.

Yeah. So I just, I always wanna be humble enough and like, you know, push down that ego. Mm-hmm. And just be open and. Be cool. Yeah.

Akua: Have

Rachel: fun. Yeah,

Akua: absolutely.

Rachel: Stop taking myself so seriously.

Akua: Mm-hmm. Yeah. I love that. I know, I think humility’s, I think no matter how long you’ve been in business, humility’s such a key thing.

’cause I am currently, right now as a storytelling strategist, I’m pivoting into high ticket coaching, like serving coaches and consultants. And I was pretty confident in my offer until I did like niche research calls and started like researching like. People in my target audience and I was way off and I was like, oh, I’m embarrassed.

You know what I mean? But like, not like internally, but I really, I came with like a form of cockiness that was like so unnecessary. Mm-hmm. And I think that just speaks to that fact of humility. Like, doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in business, you are always learning. You always have to, and like a lot of things that we hear isn’t new, but it’s necessary.

And so like always, instead of being like, oh, I already know that, like leaning in consistently, I think sometimes too, you don’t have to learn something new. I think you need to revisit. Old things as well and refine and, and, and so that you can learn and you know, so I love that. Okay, so we have a little game for you, okay.

That we’re gonna play, um, as a fun way to close out the episode. These are gonna be kinda like rapid fire. They gotta be real like one, well, if it requires one word, but like, you know, keep it short and sweet. Okay? But we have a couple questions in here for you. Okay.

Rachel: Do I get to choose them?

Akua: You get to choose them.

So here is this bowl for you.

Rachel: Favorite interior design style?

Akua: Mm

Rachel: oh, okay. Well, um, my, like, my style would be my favorite interior design style. And that would be kind of this like, uh, Paris flea market vibe. Ooh. Which is, uh, like a mix of vintage, uh, like antiques. Mm-hmm. With some mid-century modern and a little bit of like postmodern thrown in like chrome.

Uh, curvy furniture, velvet, just like a mi mix of old, new Yeah. And just like really striking and like, where did that come from? Like, oh, you know. Mm-hmm. Things that you can’t pinpoint or, you know, vintage, interesting, cool pieces.

Akua: Yeah. Oh, love that. Okay, next one.

Rachel: What’s one boundary you wish you set? Earlier. Mm-hmm. Hmm. Well, I’d have to say that I wish that I realized the, um, boundary of saying no to requests that were kind of ridiculous. Yeah. Like, um.

Just complete like overhauls of a staging where it was really not about the staging itself, but the personal tastes of the client. We always say to the to the homeowner, you’re literally the only person in the world that is not gonna buy this house. So, you know. Yeah. Your opinion. Doesn’t really matter.

Akua: Yeah. Yeah. I think that’s smart though, of like, okay, like I wish I would’ve been able to like stand firmer. Yeah. And just say no to the things that again, just may not necessarily make sense. Because I know sometimes like working with clients you, they can have like really intense requests and so I think, but it’s like nervous.

It’s a little nerve wracking initially of like saying no, but I think, yeah. I love that you shared that. Okay. Another one.

Rachel: Least favorite interior design trend? Well, I don’t like word art.

Akua: Mm, okay.

Rachel: Yeah. Mm-hmm. So, I mean, I, I get it. If there’s like a sentiment that you love and you wanna read it every day, it’s just not my thing.

Yeah. And the favorite interior design trend. I think right now I’m really loving, like dramatic greenery, like huge sprays of like interesting florals. Yeah. Putting like just a big stick in, like a interesting pot. Just having that one thing on the, the dining table. Yeah. That’s cool. ’cause it’s like a piece of art.

Akua: Mm-hmm. I love that. Yeah. No, I, I literally am like solely, well I just, I did not hire an interior designer. It was like through Haven Lee or whatever. Oh. Um, which was fun. But I learned like my style is like, I love a lot of greenery and all that stuff, so I’ve like a lot of fake plants, but some ones and fake ones.

But it just like, kind of, I don’t know, makes me feel more calm. Yes. And it adds that energy. Yeah. So I love that. Okay, next one.

Rachel: Recommend or don’t recommend working with family. Wow. Um, I would definitely recommend it with some caveats. You have to be willing to put in the work,

Akua: the therapy.

Rachel: Yeah. Lots and lots of therapy.

You have to be willing to, to, uh, understand that they’re gonna be a mirror mm-hmm. For you. Yeah. They’re going to, they’re gonna show you things about yourself that you never wanted to see, but you will have no choice but to face. Yeah. And. Another reason why I do, uh, I do recommend it, is that they’ll always have your back.

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: I mean, I don’t know. I’ve never worked in like another type of a partnership, but I know no one’s like gonna screw me over.

Akua: Yeah.

Rachel: That’s not gonna happen. You know?

Akua: Mm-hmm.

Rachel: No one’s gonna take my, you know, brand identity mm-hmm. And like go over there. So I have to like, start from scratch. Yeah. That’s like that, that’s never gonna happen.

Yeah. Uh, I can trust them. And, uh, like I said, putting in the work to imbue the, the relationship is like, there’s a feeling of, there’s like a self-determination there. Mm-hmm. Like there’s a, it’s rewarding.

Akua: Mm-hmm. Love that. Okay. Okay. Okay, last one.

Rachel: Should more people quit their nine to five jobs to work for themselves?

Hmm. I mean, if you have that like feeling Yeah. Inside your gut, you don’t have to quit. You could try it and then if you like, feel like it’s like ramping up and it’s like gonna be something. Yeah. Then yes. I don’t know. Does everybody have an entrepreneurial spirit? I don’t know. Yeah. Some people, some people don’t.

And that’s okay. That I know that work. You know, nine to five jobs. And they love it. Yeah, they do. Yeah. Well, actually, I don’t know.

Akua: Well, well, you gave a really like safe answer. I wanted to be like, yes. Immediately. I’ll quickly write your notice for you. So, yeah. Oh, awesome. Well, Rachel, this has been such a fun conversation.

Truly. Thank you so much. For coming on the show, sharing your journey, for those that wanna connect with you, where can we find you?

Rachel: Oh, yeah. So, uh, on Instagram, we’re on, uh, at Mad Mod Home. Mm-hmm. I mean, we have our website, mad mod home.com and Facebook. Yeah. So, you know, we’re on, we’re on the internet.

Akua: Yeah.

Of, well, I would hope, I think that they would. Awesome. Well, thank you so much, Rachel, and for everybody watching. Until next time, thanks for tuning into Unbreakable Business. If you love today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs a little extra inspiration.

Remember, no matter what life throws your way, you have the power to keep going and your business can be unbreakable too. Until next time, keep building, keep growing, and stay unbreakable.