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.

Life’s busy. Your hands are full. But guess what? Your ears are free. Whether you're commuting, cleaning, or pretending to work, you can take Unfinished Business with you. Pop in your earbuds and get your dose of laughs, lessons, and life’s absurd realities—no reading required.

RaeAnne Conat 3/25/25 RaeAnne Conat 3/25/25

Why Do I Cover Up Food in the Garbage Like I’m Hiding a Crime?

Why do I flip uneaten food upside down in the garbage like I’m covering a crime scene? Childhood trauma? Oscar the Grouch? Maybe.

Welcome to the weird guilt of the Clean Plate Club era, where leftovers come with shame, and the trash can is judging you like some green monster with a lid hat. We’re diving into food guilt, parental programming, business burnout, and the ridiculous things we still carry as adults—from napkin-smuggling bites to rebellion in the form of garbage rituals. Trust me, it’s funny. It’s honest. And it might just make you feel normal for once.

RaeAnne Conat 3/9/25 RaeAnne Conat 3/9/25

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.