The Blooming Solopreneur

Let’s go back - way back - back to the very beginning of my passion for flowers, from my great-aunt Ethel’s snapdragons to the tiny backyard garden where it all began. You'll hear how this love of blooms eventually led to the creation of my floral business and my discovery of the Growing Kindness Project—a nonprofit dedicated to spreading joy through flowers. As a proud Growing Kindness Ambassador, I share how I’ve adapted the mission to fit my life and schedule, and why giving flowers away continues to bring me just as much joy as growing them.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How early memories shape our passions The origin story of the Growing Kindness movement Three ways you can get involved—whether or not you grow flowers How giving can be a healing, empowering act (and good business energy! Resources Mentioned: Become a Growing Kindness Gardener Growing Kindness Podcast More about my floral work: sereneandgreen.com   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

In this episode of The Blooming Solopreneur, I dive into a powerful shift in how we think about work, aging, and purpose. Inspired by a recent talk from Australian author Bec Wilson, I explore the idea of our 50s and 60s as Prime Time—not the end of our working years, but the beginning of something intentional and fulfilling. You’ll hear: How I turned down a top job to lean into flexibility and fulfillment The difference between the “old” and “new” shape of life Why a side business can be the perfect tool for creating choice The concept of trading the ladder for a lattice What work can really mean in this chapter of life Whether you’re dreaming of freedom, craving purpose, or just wondering what’s next, this episode is for you. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Bec Williams + Prime Time https://www.primetimers.net/ Prime Time: The handbook for those in the prime of their life🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

In this episode, Betsy shares why she believes that personal, in-person service businesses are the ideal starting point for midlife women ready to dip their toes into entrepreneurship. Drawing from her own experience starting Serene & Green—a gravesite care business launched with just the tools in her garage—Betsy walks through the four big reasons service-based businesses offer flexibility, low startup costs, and meaningful human connection. If you’ve been overthinking your business idea or worrying that AI will replace your opportunities, this episode will remind you that your hands, heart, and creativity are your greatest assets. What You’ll Learn Why service-based businesses are the fastest and most flexible way to start How low overhead and minimal tools can make your first steps risk-free The hidden power of direct customer relationships (and how they grow your business naturally) Ways to build flexibility and freedom into your work schedule Ten reflection questions to help you brainstorm your perfect service idea   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Serene & Green https://www.sereneandgreen.com/ 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey” https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/  

Being a solopreneur can be tough—but it’s also deeply rewarding. In this episode, I’m sharing 7 of the most meaningful and often overlooked rewards of building a business on your own terms. From flexibility and confidence to rediscovering joy and purpose, these lessons have shaped my journey—and might just inspire yours. If you’re a midlife woman considering a side hustle or in the early stages of building your business, let this episode remind you: it’s not just about making money. It’s about becoming the version of yourself you were meant to be. What you’ll hear in this episode: How solopreneurship gives you flexibility and ownership of your time Why personal growth is baked into the entrepreneurial journey The impact of role modeling passion and purpose for your family How building your own thing increases confidence and joy Why making values-aligned decisions is the best part of business 🔗 Listen now and tag a friend who needs a dose of encouragement!   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey” https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

Running a business solo doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Today, I open up about the often-unspoken experience of loneliness as a solopreneur—and the practices I’ve embraced to stay connected, motivated, and grounded. From forming a rock-solid accountability partnership, to volunteering in my community, to investing in lifelong friendships, I share real-life strategies for making this path feel a little less lonely and a whole lot more joyful. Whether you’re in the early stages of building a business or deep in the weeds, this episode is your reminder that connection isn’t a distraction—it’s essential. 🎧 What you'll hear: Why 81% of small business owners are solopreneurs The emotional highs and lows of building something alone How one Zoom partner helped me stay accountable for two full years Why community and friendships are part of the success formula You don't need a team to feel supported—you just need the right people in your corner.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Foggy Oak Acres Appleford 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey” https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

What if the business you’re building isn’t just a way to earn money or fill your time—but a powerful path to mattering? In this short, heartfelt episode, Betsy shares a lightbulb moment sparked by a faculty meeting speaker, Zach Mercurio, author of The Power of Mattering. He defined mattering as the opposite of loneliness: the experience of feeling valued and adding value. This got Betsy thinking—maybe starting a heart-led, service-based business is one of the most meaningful ways to meet this fundamental human need. You’ll hear: What it means to matter—and why it’s more important than you think How entrepreneurship can meet your need for significance and connection Why businesses that lead with purpose create ripple effects of value for others A reflection prompt to help you align your business idea with your deeper purpose W Whether you’re still in the brainstorming phase or already on the solopreneur path, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to lead with heart, build with intention, and embrace the impact you’re here to make.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Zach Mercurio - author of The Power of Mattering 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

In this short and heartfelt solo episode, host Betsy Block reflects on the winding path that led her from a notebook full of business ideas to finally launching the side hustle she now loves. If you’ve ever spent years thinking about starting something, second-guessing your ideas, or waiting for the “perfect plan,” you’re not alone. Betsy shares her own journey—how a simple idea from 2014 took four years to act on, and what she wishes someone had told her back then: Just get started. Then keep going. This episode is a pep talk for any midlife woman still circling her big idea, waiting for clarity or perfection. Spoiler: You don’t need either to begin. ✨ Grab the free companion resource: Reignite Your Spark — a 10-page reflection tool to help you explore your business idea and move it forward.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

Fall isn’t just pumpkin spice season—it’s prime time for laying the groundwork for the life and business you want in 2026. In this episode, we tap into that “back-to-school” energy so many of us remember from childhood—the fresh notebooks, the sharpened pencils, the sense of possibility—and explore how adults can use this seasonal shift to reset routines, refocus goals, and create real momentum before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. Instead of waiting until January 1st (when motivation often collides with winter fatigue), you’ll learn how to start small but strategic right now. Whether you’re building a business, rebooting your health, or reconnecting with your creativity, this episode offers practical ways to “set the table” for a powerful year ahead—without overwhelm. Your future self will thank you.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 📘 Download “The Fall Momentum Planner: Set the Table for 2026”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/fallplanner 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/  

In this episode, I’m getting real about something many of us struggle with—falling off the wagon. Whether it’s your side hustle, your creative project, your workout routine, or something else you were excited about… sometimes life happens, and we stop. No fanfare, no plan—just pause. And the longer the pause, the harder it feels to begin again. I share my personal story of taking a 6-month break from the podcast and the spiral of guilt and self-doubt that followed. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to start over. You don’t need to beat yourself up. You just need to pick up where you left off. This episode is your permission slip to re-engage with your goals—without shame. Because the most powerful choice is always this one: What will I do next?   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

In this episode, we’re talking about that uncomfortable in-between space so many women experience in midlife—when one chapter is ending, but the next hasn’t fully revealed itself. Whether you’re navigating an emptying nest, a career shift, or a deeper sense of restlessness, this “messy middle” can feel disorienting and lonely. But what if it’s actually a launching pad for something new? I’m sharing three powerful strategies to help you navigate this transition with more clarity, courage, and curiosity—so you can stop rushing through the discomfort and start seeing it as a doorway to your next chapter.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/  

Did the close of 2024 leave you in a state of exhaustion? You may not be the only one who started 2025 without a full battery. Not everyone starts the new year ready to hit the ground running, and that’s OK. Just take a look at nature - winter is a season of rest. It serves a purpose, and doesn’t last forever. Your energy will return!   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Serene & Green https://www.sereneandgreen.com/ 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journeyhttps://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/  

Are you sold on the idea of starting a side hustle but stuck on finding a good idea? Let me help you get unstuck! Following on last week’s episode, I’ll dive deeper into questions upi can ask ChatGPT to refine their side hustle suggestions so that you can find the one that is perfect for you!   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Serene & Green https://www.sereneandgreen.com/ 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

Are you sold on the idea of starting a side hustle but stuck on finding a good idea? Let me help you get unstuck! I’ll guide you through a series of questions to consider in order to find a business that suits your personality, skill set, and personal resources. From there, you can craft a detailed prompt to use ChatGPT as your Side Hustle Advisor.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS:   Serene & Greenhttps://www.sereneandgreen.com/ 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

If you’ve thought of “midlife” as a period of time or a range in years, this podcast episode may surprise you. Whether you’ve in your 30’s or your 60’s, if you’ve starting asking the bigger questions about your life and your purpose, welcome to midlife! Tune in to learn more about the questions that define the midlife years.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

Daydreaming is not some useless waste of time. It’s been stigmatized and associated with laziness but when done with intention, it can generate fresh ideas and brand new perspectives. Daydreaming helps you connect with your subconscious mind, allowing you to uncover desires and ideas that might otherwise stay buried in the busyness of daily life. Deliberate daydreaming requires finding the mental space to connect with your own imagination, ideas, and visions - and this process may give you more clarity around your current side hustle ideas or one you're still dreaming up! Tune in to learn 5 simple steps to create your own daydreaming ritual today.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

The days following a major life event, client project - or national election - can feel exhausting, and it’s tough to bounce back! The stress and fatigue can leave you feeling like you went out on the town and had one too many. I call this an energetic hangover. You can’t put your life - or your job - or your business - on hold, but you also need to recognize the reality of the situation and take steps to rebuild your energy and motivation. This concise episode will guide you through practical steps to recharge after high-energy periods and stay on track with your goals.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

In this mini-episode, we dive into the concept of JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out—and how it can transform your journey of building a side hustle or small business you’re truly passionate about. For women in midlife, embracing JOMO means confidently saying “no” to commitments and activities that drain energy, making room for the things that bring real joy and purpose. When you’re immersed in a business you love, prioritizing yourself and setting boundaries becomes easier, empowering you to create space for growth and fulfillment. Tune in as we explore three simple ways to cultivate JOMO, align with your values, and fuel your passion for business—all without regret. Whether you’re considering a side hustle or already have one, this episode is a reminder to choose joy over obligation. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

This episode blends the practical, goal-oriented mindset with the aspirational dreaming that can fuel your side hustle journey. I'm a big believer that everyone needs to set goals in life. Otherwise, how do you know where you’re headed? I think it’s especially critical at midlife & beyond, because having goals you are working towards can keep you from feeling stuck. When you get focused on achieving a goal, you make intentional decisions and your days feel more purposeful. But dreams are essential too! I think of them as a series of images, thoughts, desires, or emotions that pass through my mind. My dreams are something I’d love to achieve someday - but they are aspirational rather than tangible. Dreams can light you up. They can get you excited for the future, or place you in far off lands or exciting circumstances.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Mel Robbins podcast - Your Dreams are not a Joke https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-12 Michael Hyatt SMARTER goals: https://fullfocus.co/how-to-set-goals-youll-actually-achieve/ Full Focus Planner - I actually use the Wellness version (and I LOVE it) https://fullfocusstore.com/products/full-focus-wellness-planner 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

I started my first side hustle in 2018, as my boys were moving through high school. A chapter in my life was rapidly closing, and getting older suddenly felt very real. I’d dabbled with some entrepreneurial ideas over the years, but the idea of a creative outlet - and something that was all my own - captivated me. Keeping up with a full-time job while building a business is challenging, but the time, energy, and effort has paid off in a myriad of ways. The unexpected bonus was finding greater fulfillment and personal satisfaction in my day-to-day life. I’m sharing 5 essential questions to seek clarity around as you begin your own side hustle journey! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

Juggling a full-time job with a side hustle requires more than just good time management; it also takes mental agility to switch gears between two very different types of work. You might be deep into a creative flow with your side hustle, only to realize you need to shift to your corporate mindset for an afternoon meeting. This constant back-and-forth can be mentally exhausting and overwhelming if you don’t have strategies in place to make those transitions smoother. So how can you mentally switch between your side hustle and day job with minimal friction? The key is establishing routines, tools, and mindset shifts that help you focus and stay productive no matter what you’re working on. I’ll dive into several strategies that will help you make seamless mental transitions between your side hustle and your full-time job. By setting rituals, using affirmations, and leveraging activations, you can make the mental shift between your different roles with ease.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Jill Bouchard & the Superhuman activations app https://www.superhuman.app/homepage 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

As you consider starting, or if you're in the early stages of building, a side hustle, the journey is just as important as the destination. A side hustle isn’t just about making money—it’s about reclaiming your time, your decisions, and your sense of purpose. It’s about creating something that is truly your own, something that reflects your passions, your values, and your unique vision for the future. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟LINKS + MENTIONS:🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journeyhttps://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with [email protected]💻 Websitehttps://www.betsyblockblooms.com/👉 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

One of the most challenging things about starting a business is facing - and overcoming - FEAR. There are many forms of it, and they can stand in the way of your entrepreneurial dreams. Everyone who has ever started a business has had to face fear head-on - and you will, too!   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

Do you ever get to the end of the week, and wonder where it went? Did your summer absolutely FLY by? None of us know how much time we still have, but you do actually have a lot of control over how you experience that time. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟LINKS + MENTIONS: Time and Beauty: Why Time Flies and Beauty Never Dies by Adrian Bejan🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journeyhttps://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark📩 Connect with [email protected]💻 Websitehttps://www.betsyblockblooms.com/👉 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

If you’re feeling “stuck” at midlife, welcome to the club! It’s inevitable - and normal - but these 5 tips can help you break out of the rut and feel ready for new opportunities. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟LINKS + MENTIONS: Mel Robbinshttps://www.melrobbins.com/about-mel🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journeyhttps://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark📩 Connect with [email protected]💻 Websitehttps://www.betsyblockblooms.com/👉 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 2 am, asking yourself questions like… “What do I really want out of life?” “Is it too late for me to try something new?” or “What’s my purpose beyond family and work?” In 2018, I pulled myself out of this rut of rumination by starting a very small side hustle. Fast forward to today, and I've learned the ins and outs of starting a successful business from scratch (alongside my W2 job). The extra income has been great – but the ripple effects have gone far beyond any monetary gains: Building new skills in my 50’s positively shifted my self-view. Finding a creative outlet has reconnected me with my younger, more relaxed self. Meeting new people and making fresh connections (despite being an introvert) has increased my energy level. Having “my own thing” - that has nothing to do with my day job or my family - gives me a sense of autonomy and control. Focusing on my small business has helped me navigate the emotional transition to an “empty nest.” Helping others, through my offerings, gives me a sense of purpose that was lacking. Introducing The Blooming Solopreneur: Side Hustles at Midlife! Join me each Tuesday to explore the benefits of a side hustle, while I share tips and tricks to kick fear and doubt to the curb, and boost your inner happiness. Come find inspiration to explore your true purpose, rediscover your identity, and make midlife your best life.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Young Entrepreneurs AcademySerene & Green 🌟 Grab my freebie: Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 📩 Connect with Betsy [email protected] 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/