84. Unapologetically Both: Entrepreneurship, Motherhood & Life on Your Terms with Gabs Hayes

Gabs Hayes, entrepreneurial mother of three and founder of The Village community, shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to intentional living. After experiencing the stillborn loss of her son seven years ago, Gabs began questioning everything she thought life was supposed to be. In this raw and honest conversation, she discusses how she and her family have lived as "slow nomads" across seven states in 11 years, why she shut down her seven-figure consulting business after reaching complete burnout and suicidal ideation, and how she's rebuilt her life around presence and intentionality. Gabs opens up about rejecting the "shoulds" of traditional parenting and business, the reality of mental health struggles as an entrepreneur and mother, and why "balance is bullshit" when you're trying to do life and business simultaneously.In this conversation: How to recognize the difference between everyday stress and true burnout that requires immediate attention and interventionWhy waiting for "someday" to live the life you want is a dangerous gamble - and how to start making changes nowThe power of questioning every "should" in your life and determining which expectations are self-imposed versus actually necessaryHow to navigate major life transitions (like business pivots or family changes) while maintaining your mental health and family stabilityWhy community and authentic connection are essential for parents building businesses, not just nice-to-havesHow to set boundaries with school activities, volunteer requests, and social expectations without guiltThe importance of living intentionally in the present rather than constantly chasing future goals or dwelling on past decisionsHow to recognize when your current path (even a successful one) is no longer aligned with who you're becomingWhy it's okay to hate certain aspects of parenting while still being a good parent - and how to be honest about those strugglesHow to build a life strategy that works for your family rather than following someone else's blueprint for successThe value of taking alone time and mini-sabbaticals to prevent burnout and maintain clarityHow to find and create authentic community as a parent, both online and in-person, especially when you're not naturally socialConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/`