EP21: Molly Balint and Soft Business

Building a business that actually feels like you starts with knowing the season you’re in and letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be.   I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Molly Balint for a conversation that felt equal parts grounding and eye-opening. Molly is the founder of the SOFT business movement, and someone I’ve admired for years, not just for the work she does, but for how she does it. From her family farm in Maryland, where she’s raising four daughters and running her own business, Molly brings such a clear sense of purpose and presence to everything she shares.   We talked about what it really means to be a woman in business right now, how easy it is to fall into the trap of doing all the things, all the time, and how freeing it can be to finally step back and ask: What actually works for me? What if success doesn’t have to look loud or busy? What if building something meaningful starts with knowing your season and giving yourself permission to grow at your own pace?   Molly’s idea of SOFT business hit home for me. It’s about building from a place of alignment, self-awareness, and grace, not guilt or pressure. And it reminded me why women supporting women isn’t just a nice idea. It’s necessary. When we share our stories honestly, we make space for others to do the same.   If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you are and who you think you’re supposed to be, I think this episode will speak to you the way it spoke to me.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 02:30 Meet Molly Balint: Life on a Farm and Online Beginnings 04:15 What Is the SOFT Business Movement? 10:00 Seasons in Life and Business 16:40 Building Community and Embracing Uniqueness 19:30 Rebuilding a Business with Intention 24:15 The Power of Experimentation 27:25 Finding Growth in the Messy Middle 28:45 Mentors and Role Models   Links Connect with Molly Balint: Website: https://www.mollybalint.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molly.balint Molly’s Bio: https://www.mollybalint.com/bio   Connect with Jane Bertch: Website: www.janebertch.com  Instagram @janebertch Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm