S2E14: Sustaining a Business in All Seasons of Life with SLP Rachael Baethge

The Speech Source

In this episode, Kim and Mary talk with Rachael Baethge as she shares how she created a flexible and sustainable business model that accommodates her roles as a mom and a speech therapist. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal and professional limits to avoid burnout, ensuring she remains effective in all her roles—business owner, mom, and speech therapist. Rachael highlights the value of sustainable growth over rapid expansion, accepting that not all goals need to be achieved immediately.

Transitioning from contracting in schools to starting her own business (Texas Speech Mom) and later a private practice gave Rachael more control over her schedule and activities. She leverages platforms like Instagram and Pinterest effectively to market her products, maintaining engagement through authenticity rather than chasing trends. Rachael discusses adapting her product offerings in response to changes in market demands and consumer behavior, ensuring her products remain relevant and in demand. Despite changes in social media algorithms, she focuses on cultivating relationships with her audience to keep her business relevant.

Rachael's business activities are closely integrated with her personal life, allowing her to manage her roles as a single mom and entrepreneur effectively. She underscores the value of having a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and how this network has helped her navigate personal and professional challenges. She shares her approach to creating engaging, useful products for speech therapists, focusing on quality and practicality to ensure long-term usability. Rachael reflects on the journey of balancing entrepreneurship with personal life, emphasizing the importance of taking things slow to build a lasting and fulfilling business. She advocates for knowing one's limits and working within them to maintain health and happiness across all aspects of life.

Rachael's story is a great and encouraging example of how understanding one's limits and focusing on sustainable growth can lead to a successful business that complements personal life's demands. We really enjoyed getting to know Rachael and are so excited to share her knowledge and resources!

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Luvut

1. Balancing Business and Motherhood in Therapy (00:00:00)

2. Balancing Speech Therapy and Business (00:03:56)

3. Building a Successful Product Business (00:11:55)

4. Product Development and Community Support (00:20:01)

5. Entrepreneurship and Income Strategies for Therapists (00:32:33)

6. Meal Ideas, Career Dreams, Book Recommendations (00:44:44)

7. Thank You for Happy Hour (00:48:53)