Some of my most memorable woman-to-woman advice moments were when I least expected it. She was insightful and comforting. She was listening and genuinely caring. Sometimes words of wisdom came from a woman I barely knew. Sisterhood support is everywhere, especially here.
Wellness rituals. Giving yourself grace. Asking for help. Gratitude. Not taking it personally. Self-advocacy. We rounded up some empowered business owners who shared about how they got here, too. Ladies, we’re in this together, let's keep showing up for each other.
Kat Hitchcock & Associates
Real Estate Team in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties
Kat:
“Don’t be so hard on yourself—great things take time to flourish. Learn to step back and see the bigger picture. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built through time, effort, and meaningful relationships.
Balancing work, life, and motherhood is always a challenge, but giving yourself grace is key. Transitioning from an intense work life to motherhood meant embracing a new identity and redefining my priorities. It’s about finding a rhythm that allows me to be present without burning out.
Coming from a small town in Texas, having friends and neighbors who feel like family is everything. Santa Barbara is full of people who genuinely care. It’s a place built on generosity, connection, and a shared love for giving back to your community."
hitchcockre.com
Jetta Harris
Acupuncturist, Owner of Santa Barbara Family Wellness
“I routinely remind myself that balance is an illusion, closely linked to perfection. Sure, I have moments of feeling like I’m killing it—a clean home, a full clinic schedule, exercise or friend time, energy to do whatever my son wants—but mostly, I take it day by day.
I have lists and calendars for a bird's-eye view. I check in with myself and my son's needs: the must-dos, wants, and expectations. Sometimes, I even harness the energy of where I am in my cycle, which is a helpful compass.
I’m a single mother and small business owner. There is only so much of me to go around. Accepting that, accepting help, and keeping the company of those I can authentically be myself around allows me the space to breathe. I hope my son sees me striving for joy, not perfect balance. Sometimes, you just have to let the dishes pile up, let the laundry wait, and get those feet in the sand.”
sbfamilywellness.com
Austin Lampson
Mortgage Lender, Author, Business Coach
“Your brain is best refreshed after a good night’s sleep. I try to stop eating for two hours and stop looking at blue light for one hour before I hit the pillow. I keep my Daily Gratitude Journal in the bathroom to use it first and last thing in the day. I drink apple cider vinegar + water + lemon juice before a cup of coffee, organized the night before so it’s ready in the AM.
The best hack that keeps my day running smoothly is treating my calendar like a coach. We stash notes in the calendar block, so I’m best prepared for that meeting or call. I pepper in motivational phrases. After lunch, a 30-minute check-in makes sure that whatever and whoever was on my list in the morning gets a follow-up. There’s a 20-minute afternoon meditation block.
One of the best things I ever did was implement 30 minutes at the end of my day to tie up loose ends, data dump anything that needs follow-up, and clean my desktop so I walk in ready the next day.”
austinlampson.com
Firestone Sisters Inc.
Perfume and Wellness Retreat Entrepreneurs
Mary, Author & Inspirational Speaker:
“I would tell my younger self not to be in such a rush. You learn from everything. Starting and running your own business means being disciplined with time and energy. Creating a product takes more than you would ever imagine. There was joyful creativity when we created our initial essential oil-based perfume, The First. Finding and sourcing the bottle components, boxes, bar codes, accounting, and legal weren't as much fun. It’s rewarding when people share that it enhances their lives and helps them feel strong and sexy.”
Lucy Firestone, Transformation Coach:
“Sisterhood was the reason we started Firestone Sisters Inc. We realized how lucky we were to have each other. Being in business with your sister is intense. It can bring up sibling patterns that are no longer relevant. With someone not connected to your life, you can take a different job and leave. With a sister, you are forced to work out the dynamics. We've been to couples counseling, and it has served us as business partners, sisters, friends, aunts, and daughters.”
firestonesisters.com
Natasha Caleel
Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, Owner of Sage Society and Fit Mama Santa Barbara
"Dial in what excites you, and go all in. I spent years exploring different aspects of health and wellness. Everything clicked when I leaned into my passion: helping moms build strength and confidence in their bodies through exercise, leading me to open Sage Society.
Surround yourself with people who lift you, challenge you, and believe in your vision. The right community will push you to grow and remind you why you started. Success comes from aligning your work with what fuels you. Stay curious, keep learning, and create the impact you’re meant to make.
My biggest productivity hack is outsourcing. Train others to do the day-to-day tasks so you can focus on the big picture and what you’re good at. I’m a fan of setting timers. As an ADHD entrepreneur, if I set a timer for 45 minutes and commit, I’ll get through my to-do list without getting distracted.”
fitmamasb.com | sagesocietyfitness.com
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Speak up. Own your value. The right people will see it. Setbacks? They’re not failures. They’re part of the process. Keep going.
-Kylie Cardenas