Scaling Your Business Without The Overwhelm

Before I even started planning for a family, I began thinking seriously about scaling my business - and not because of pressure or necessity, but out of pure desire.

Back in 2022, my husband and I made a bold decision: we moved to New York City for six months, just because we wanted to. There was no grand plan, no big reason, just a deep craving to stretch outside our comfort zones, experience the energy of the city that never sleeps, and immerse ourselves in something completely different.

We asked ourselves: “If money wasn’t an issue and work wasn’t an obstacle, what would feel amazing right now?”

The answer: live in NYC, travel the States, and figure out the rest as we went.

But to make it happen, I had to stop being the bottleneck in my own business. I had to see myself as separate from ML Interior Design. I wasn’t going to be physically in the country, yet I still needed the business to run and money to come in.

That’s when the idea of scaling with intention took root.

I didn’t want to pause the business. I wanted it to grow while I was gone. So I built a plan that could function without me and and it worked.

Yes, there were hiccups (nothing is ever perfect), but that time away became the best possible test run for what life might look like with a family. And the beauty of being your own boss? If something’s not working, you can fix it. No red tape. Just better decisions.

The truth became clear: I was the bottleneck.

Once I handed over control to my team and trusted subcontractors, ease finally flowed in.

So, by the time we did start thinking about having a baby, the groundwork was already in place. I knew I didn’t want to spend every day glued to my desk while someone else raised my child. And “maternity leave”? It’s not a real thing when you work for yourself, unless you create the structure and support ahead of time.

Even if having a family isn’t your reason, I know so many creative business owners who get to a point of sheer exhaustion. Tired of doing everything. Tired of wearing all the hats.

1. Step back to grow

If you’re replying to every email, specifying every product, and approving every decision, you’ll never feel spacious.

Start by asking:

• Am I doing tasks someone else can do?
• Where can I use systems or tools?
• What would it look and feel like if I wasn’t the one doing everything?

When I stepped back, I could finally focus on the things I do best: creative direction, client experience, and business vision.

2. Busyness isn’t a badge of honour

Being “flat out” doesn’t mean your business is thriving, it usually means the opposite.

Success isn’t about longer hours. It’s about working on the right things. That might look like better systems, stronger boundaries, or charging properly for your expertise.

Build a business that supports your life, not one that consumes it.