SIDE NOTES
Here you’ll find candid, comedic insight into the hard-earned lessons of entrepreneurship—the good, the bad, and the ‘wish someone had warned me’ moments, whether you’re starting a business, reinventing your career, or just love behind-the-scenes stories of business ownership.
Twenty years, four businesses, and more lessons learned the hard way than I can count. I’ve built a soap company that sold to over 10K stores, launched two gift boutiques, and ran a live music lounge—because keeping things interesting is kind of my thing
You’ll also read exclusive chapter excerpts from the upcoming publication series, Unfinished Business: The Art of Reinvention—a curated collection of business insight, self-growth strategies, and real-world lessons from two decades of building (and rebuilding).
Each article is packed with entrepreneurial wisdom, personal development takeaways, and straight-shooting advice that just might save you time, money, and frustration on your own journey.
Reinvention isn’t just about business—it’s about life.
Hi, I’m Business Bleu Cheese
You know what goes great with cold, lumpy mashed potatoes and overcooked peas you’ve been avoiding for an hour?A big ol’ glass of milk.At least, that’s what my grandpa thought when he tried to induct me into the Clean Plate Club. It did not end well. I decorated the family dinner table in a way no one appreciated, and to this day, I still can’t do cooked peas.
Why Is Picking Up a Bobby Pin Harder Than Running a Business?
Why is picking up bobby pins off the floor harder than running a business? Science says friction and surface area. I say there’s a small village of bobby pins living in my hair with a personal vendetta, and I am their pawn. But avoiding small, frustrating tasks—like picking up bobby pins—only makes them multiply. Business, life, or hair accessories… tackle them now, or risk a full Gremlin situation. And I think we all remember how that turned out.
Reinvention: Bangs, Business & Perms, OH MY!
Reinvention isn’t always glamorous—sometimes it’s a self-cut mullet in fifth grade, sometimes it’s a business pivot that saves you years of struggle. Either way, we’re diving into the wild, weird, and why didn’t anyone warn me? lessons of business and life.
So, if you’re ready for some hard-earned insight, a few laughs at my expense, let’s talk reinvention—bad hair decisions optional.
Soup, Salad & Business Strategy: Why I Can't Portion Food (or Workload) Correctly
It’s the weekend, which means it’s time for random thoughts. Today’s deep reflection? Why do I make enough soup to feed an entire rescue team and enough salad to deeply regret my life choices? If you've ever made an entire vat of soup when you meant to make two servings—or stored a sad, soggy bag of lettuce in the fridge knowing full well you’ll never eat it—this one’s for you.
And because I can’t help myself, yes—this somehow still ties back to business.
Why Do I Make My Cat Listen to "Sharin' the Night Together" by Dr. Hook 37 Times in a Row?
Why do I listen to the same song 37 times in a row? Maybe it’s stress, nostalgia, or my brain demanding a musical security blanket. Either way, my cat is suffering. But what does this weird habit have to do with creativity, burnout, and business? More than you think. Turns out, your brain clings to familiar loops during peak stress. Let’s unpack why we do this—and how to break the cycle when needed.
Burnout: The Office Christmas Party Hookup You Regret
You swore you’d pace yourself, but next thing you know, the drinks were flowing, Eddie from Accounting was looking weirdly good, and now you can’t walk past his desk without reliving your poor life choices. That’s burnout. It sneaks up on you the same way—seemingly harmless at first, until suddenly, you’re stuck in a commitment you can’t back out of, questioning every life decision that led you here.
Work Ethic: The Skill That Builds Everything (And Why It Matters)
The universe told me to take a break. My work ethic? She laughed, crossed her arms, and said, ‘That’s adorable—now get to work.’ This is what happens when you try to slow down after two decades of hustle—and why learning to balance ambition with rest is crucial.