Choosing Passion Over Security with Kaitlin Cuevas

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kaitlin Cuevas about navigating the emotional complexities of leaving a family business, finding alignment in work as a mother, and building a new life that honors both ambition and family. Kaitlin shares her journey from working in her father's B2B marketing company to launching her own business aimed at helping moms declutter their physical and mental spaces, all while honoring her values and forging a new path.About the Guest:Kaitlin Cuevas is based in Houston, Texas. She is an author, podcast host, and the founder of Think Happy, where she provides coaching and resources to help moms organize their homes and minds for a more joyful, intentional life. Drawing on her experience in both corporate marketing (with Chick-fil-A and a family business) and entrepreneurship, Kaitlin speaks candidly about change, motherhood, and pursuing fulfillment beyond expectations.Main Topics Covered:Growing up in a close-knit family and working in a multi-generational family businessRealizing her passion for leadership and business ownership, and why she walked away from running the family companyThe emotional weight and complexity of stepping away from her father's "retirement plan"Navigating big life changes: shifting from corporate to entrepreneurship after motherhoodThe role of support systems when making major personal and professional decisionsHow starting her own business has impacted her daily life, values, and family relationshipsKaitlin’s advice for working moms struggling with alignment and career decisionsQuote from the Episode:“With a lot of risk comes a lot of reward... Every coaching call I get on is an opportunity that I have created for myself. And that just feels so freaking awesome.” – Kaitlin CuevasTimestamps: [00:00:05] Kaitlin’s Houston roots & family business introduction[00:01:07] Transition rituals from busy to downtime[00:02:53] What is B2B marketing? Defining the family business[00:04:35] Working in the business as a teen and young adult[00:07:44] Rethinking her teaching career and pivoting to marketing[00:08:44] Early jobs at Chick-fil-A and discovering business interests[00:13:47] Returning to the family business & career crossroads[00:17:32] Realizing the restaurant industry wasn’t a fit[00:20:19] The “whisper” of change and writing her first book[00:23:47] Motherhood, work/life balance, and growing side hustles[00:25:20] The impact of a parent’s illness and the pressure of being the “retirement plan”[00:28:14] Why the work only felt right with her dad present[00:31:46] The pros and cons list, risks, and leaving stability[00:34:37] Breakthrough conversations and family dynamics[00:38:51] Building a new business: fulfillment, structure, and uncertainty[00:40:47] Connect with Kaitlin & the special playroom session offerSpecial Offer from the Guest:Kaitlin is offering listeners a free 30-minute Playroom Optimizer Session (normally $97), a 30-minute call to transform your playroom into a space that works for both you and your kidsNormally $97 Special offer for the listeners of the show: FREE https://think-happy-co.kit.com/playroomNote from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIf you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guestNever Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.Why subscribe?Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofjFor Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stonebefore that I used Kit. Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors