Welcome! I’m Marissa Lauren—mom of ten, entrepreneur, farm girl at heart, and passionate cheerleader for dreamers.
I believe every one of us was born to create, to grow, and to boldly step into our purpose—no matter what life throws our way. This blog is my heart on a page: a space to share my story, inspire you, and remind you that practice doesn’t make perfect; practice makes better.
So grab a coffee (or a glass of wine—no judgment!) and come with me on a journey of hope, faith, and a little farm-girl grit.
I grew up homeschooled in rural Wisconsin, surrounded by wide-open fields and the rhythm of country life. At 19, newly married and full of ambition, I dove headfirst into my own homestead dream: goats, chickens, elderberries, and handmade everything.
I sewed clothes for my kids, crafted organic soaps and candles, studied health and naturopathy for over a decade, and launched Seven Sisters Clothing—designing kids’ apparel that was manufactured overseas and sold on Amazon.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve helped launch more than two dozen businesses, walking alongside dreamers and turning raw ideas into structured, purpose-driven realities.
Then everything changed.
In 2018, I was blindsided—in the middle of the night—and my entire world collapsed.
I lost every title I held dear: homeschool mom, wife, stay-at-home mom. Suddenly, I was feeding my ten kids Fruit Loops from a food pantry, paralyzed by guilt over sugar and artificial colors. I had poured everything into building a life, and in a flash, it was gone.
But that painful season taught me something that years of success never could: my identity isn’t in what I do—it’s in who I am. That loss refined me, and through God’s goodness, I discovered that hope and purpose can rise from ashes.
By March 2020, my kids and I had started fresh in Vancouver, Washington—with less stuff, but more heart. We carried a deeper love for humanity, a stronger faith, and a renewed passion to serve.
This blog isn’t just about motherhood and rebuilding—it’s also where I share my heart for business.
Here, I’ll be transparent, vulnerable, and real about what I’m learning in the business world: lessons from leadership, failure, growth, and staying ethical in a culture obsessed with shortcuts and self-gain.
I believe business should be a force for good. I believe storytelling has the power to connect, convict, and catalyze change. And I believe profit and purpose were always meant to go hand in hand.
This space is for:
Moms juggling a million things
Women rebuilding after loss
Parents eager to unlock their kids’ potential
Entrepreneurs who lead with heart
Anyone who’s still daring to dream—even after the storm
You’ll find personal stories, mindset shifts, business wisdom, the raw truth of raising ten kids, and plenty of humor—because if I can survive a goat in my kitchen, we can laugh through anything together.
My hope? That you leave each post feeling inspired, seen, and ready to create.
Let’s ditch adversity for collaboration, perfectionism for progress, and build lives—and businesses—rooted in authenticity, strength, and God’s goodness.
As I continue to build Legacy Building & Development LLC from the ashes of division, I’ve discovered that true breakthroughs come not from solo efforts but from inviting others into the journey. Creating begets creating—it’s contagious. When you dream boldly and share that fire, you inspire your family, friends, and circle to dream with you. Don’t be selfish with your inspiration; listen to them, hear their ideas, and co-create. What starts as your vision can evolve into something far greater, turning loneliness into a shared adventure.
This realization hit during moments of isolation post-divorce, when building felt lonely. But a loved one reminded me: unity over division. I began reaching out, sharing my progress on sustainable projects, and inviting input. Suddenly, friends contributed ideas for community spaces, and family members—those still connected—offered support that fueled growth. Creating doesn’t have to be solitary; it’s richer when collaborative.
Statistics back this up. Family-owned businesses, often built with close support, account for 87% of U.S. business tax returns and frequently outperform non-family firms in profitability and survival, according to Harvard Business School. Yet, without that foundation, success drops sharply—only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generation, per the SBA, highlighting how community bolsters longevity. With support, 65% of family businesses expect growth, versus the isolation that hampers many solo ventures.
Through Blueprinted coaching, I help others unleash this power. A single mother, drained by her job, dreamed of freedom. I listened to her inspirations, co-created a plan for her consulting business, and connected her with mentors. Today, she owns her time and invites her network to collaborate, creating a ripple of upliftment.
My Blueprinted framework—Inspire, Dream, Build, Align—thrives on this. Inspire sparks shared hope; Dream invites co-creation. At Legacy, we build projects that draw in communities, aligning visions for lasting impact. As I told a loved one, “My heart creates life”—and it multiplies when shared.
Unleash your vision by inviting others. Dream together, co-create, and watch isolation turn to innovation. My path shows collaboration redeems and amplifies.
What’s a vision bigger than yourself that you’re working toward? Share below and let’s grow together.
Stay Blueprinted, Marissa Lauren
(Note: This post is part of the “Fractured Bonds to Business Breakthroughs” series. Subscribe for more stories of resilience and impact.)
On the rugged Oregon coast, I built a coastal haven—a little hobby farm where I raised my ten children, tended animals, and grew food under the vast sky. It was my sanctuary, a place of comfort where I poured love into every detail as a pastor’s wife. But that comfort hid my strength. In our family’s construction business, I was invisible. I had no access to business bank accounts, no say in decisions, no permission to have ideas. I was expected to be seen, not heard, blindly supporting my husband’s vision while my own dreams were suppressed. I wasn’t allowed to co-build, to innovate, to exist beyond his shadow. Eight years ago, a divorce that shattered my family forced me out of that comfort. It was raw, painful, and terrifying, but it taught me that stepping out of shadows takes courage—and building your own legacy starts with owning your authentic self.
The divorce wasn’t just the end of a marriage; it was a rebirth. The rejection from family felt punitive, the division like a storm tearing through my coastal haven. Yet, in that brokenness, I found clarity. “The only thing I can really do is live my own life fully and as well as possible,” I told a loved one, realizing that dwelling on others’ judgments drained my energy. Instead, I channeled it into creating something that breathed life. That courage birthed Legacy Building & Development LLC, my Pacific Northwest construction company focused on sustainable projects and community impact. It wasn’t just about building structures; it was about building me—a woman who refused to stay hidden.
Stepping out meant shattering the lie that business and life are separate. In my marriage, I compartmentalized: managing the farm and kids by day, grappling with heartbreak by night. Business was a sideline, detached from my soul. Post-divorce, I saw business as an extension of my values: love over perfection, growth over greed, community over isolation. A property I owned could have been a burden, but with a collaborative mindset, I envisioned renting it out for the winter ski season, transforming a liability into opportunity. Each small win—staying up all night to fix a botched hardwood floor, tackling a water leak the long way around—built my confidence. With no one to turn to, failure wasn’t an option. Those thousand tiny victories, from the Oregon coast to new horizons, taught me that courage grows from doing, not waiting.
Now, I help others step out of their shadows through Legacy and my Blueprinted coaching. My gift is cutting through the “weeds” of confusion, helping entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and dreamers clarify their purpose and structure their visions. I don’t execute their plans—I connect them with experts greater than myself to make it happen. One client, a single mother worn down by a demanding employer, felt trapped in a job that stole her time and energy. I helped her define her purpose—reclaiming her life through meaningful work—and structure a plan to launch her own consulting business. From crafting her service offerings to connecting her with marketing experts, I guided her to build a business that let her own her time. Today, she thrives, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship with freedom. My role? To stabilize her path, fine-tune her direction, and set her up to soar.
My Blueprinted framework—Inspire, Dream, Build, Align—guides this process. The Dream phase helps you envision who you are without shadows, claiming your unique voice. The Build phase turns that vision into reality, step by step, with practical strategies like partnerships or resource reallocation. For me, it meant building a company that reflects my faith-driven call to “be the light of the world,” creating not for self-preservation but for collective upliftment. As I shared with a loved one, “My heart and energy are better spent on creating things that bring life than on trying to convince someone who doesn’t want to change.” That’s the courage to let go and build forward.
If you’re lingering in someone’s shadow—whether a partner, a past role, or self-doubt—I challenge you to step out. Your business isn’t just a job; it’s a canvas for your authentic self. Dare to dream beyond limitations, build with integrity, and align with your deepest values. My journey from a silenced wife on the Oregon coast, where my strength was hidden in comfort, to a thriving entrepreneur taught me that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the choice to act, to fix the floor, to solve the leak, to build the legacy. One small win at a time.
What’s one step you’ve taken to step out of someone’s shadow in your business or life? Share below and let’s inspire each other to build boldly.
Stay Blueprinted, Marissa Lauren
(Note: This post is part of the “Fractured Bonds to Business Breakthroughs” series. Subscribe for more stories of resilience and impact.)
By Marissa Lauren, Founder of Blueprinted September 3, 2025
For too long, I lived with an invisible wall between business and life. As a pastor’s wife and mother of ten, my days were split: family, farm, and ministry on one side; bidding on construction jobs and managing properties on the other. Business was a machine—cold, calculated, and separate from the heartbeats of my personal world. It kept me tethered to my husband’s shadow, my own dreams buried under duty. But eight years ago, a divorce that shattered my family also broke that wall. Through the pain, I found a truth: business and life are not separate. They are one, a unified force for redemption, ethical growth, and unleashing visions that soar beyond ourselves.
That crucible of divorce wasn’t just loss—it was liberation. Stepping out of my ex-husband’s shadow, I faced a world of division, where punitive mindsets and disconnection tore at the fabric of family and community. I could have stayed in that bitterness, but I chose a different path. “The fight isn’t against people or systems,” I realized. “It’s against division and adversarial mindsets that keep us from connecting and collaborating.” This insight fueled my transformation and birthed Legacy Building & Development LLC, my Pacific Northwest construction company focused on sustainable projects and community impact. More than that, it ignited my mission to help others unleash ideas and visions bigger than themselves—dreams that don’t just build businesses but reshape lives and communities.
My journey taught me that ethical business is about more than profit—it’s about redemption through collaboration. During my divorce, I faced scarcity and rejection, but I also saw opportunities to rebuild differently. A property I owned, once a potential burden, could become a revenue stream for the winter ski season if approached with partnership over isolation. I told a loved one, “The only thing I can do is live my own life fully and as well as possible,” focusing on creation over resentment. That mindset shift turned my business into a platform for empowerment, not just for me but for others. I began helping clients—entrepreneurs, nonprofits, dreamers—unleash their boldest ideas, from launching coffee shops to scaling community programs, by aligning their visions with ethical, actionable strategies.
Unleashing visions bigger than ourselves means rejecting punitive thinking. Too often, we see setbacks—lost contracts, fractured partnerships, or personal failures—as punishments to endure. But what if they’re invitations to build together? Ethical business replaces zero-sum games with mutual upliftment: transparent deals, fair financing, and investments in people over profit margins. It’s about saying, “I’ve accumulated resources—what good are they if I can’t help others?” as I reflected in a recent heartfelt conversation. It’s about guiding a nonprofit to secure grants for youth programs or helping a small business owner turn a passion project into a sustainable venture. These acts redeem our pain by fostering unity and purpose.
Through my Blueprinted framework—Inspire (spark hope in broken places), Dream (envision bold, world-changing ideas), Build (create sustainable foundations), and Align (ensure visions stay true)—I’ve seen this unity transform lives. My divorce gave me the courage to build a company that reflects my values: love over perfection, growth over greed, community over isolation. But it’s not just my story. When I help a client dream beyond their fears—whether it’s a trades training program or a tech startup—I see their eyes light up with possibility. Their vision becomes a beacon, pulling others toward a shared purpose. Every contract, every project, every coaching session is a chance to redeem division by building bridges.
If you’re trapped in a mindset where business feels separate from life—where your hustle is disconnected from your heart—I challenge you to tear down that wall. Your work is a canvas for redemption, a platform to unleash visions that outgrow you. Stop seeing competitors as enemies or failures as final. Start building ethically: offer a hand to a struggling entrepreneur, share resources with a dreamer, or align your business with a cause bigger than profit. My journey from a shattered family to a thriving entrepreneur and vision-unleasher taught me that when we unify business and life, we don’t just succeed—we redeem, we restore, we inspire greatness in others.
What’s one vision bigger than yourself that you’re ready to unleash? Subscribe and let’s build it together.
Stay Blueprinted, Marissa Lauren
(Note: This post is part of the “Fractured Bonds to Business Breakthroughs” series, sharing my journey to inspire yours. Subscribe for more.)
Welcome to the business aligning stage—the fourth and final step in a four-stage journey (Inspiration, Dreaming, Building, Aligning) to authentic growth! You’ve built a strong foundation for your nonprofit, coffee shop, podcast, or business expansion. Now, it’s time to ensure your venture stays true to your original “why.” This phase is about checking your path and making adjustments—let’s keep your vision alive! It’s important to understand that this aligning state is a long-term game, an ongoing process of continual checking and rechecking to make sure the heart is still behind it and lines up with your original “why.” This is just a brief overview, with more to come later.
What Does Aligning Mean for You?
The aligning stage is when you reflect on your journey. Whether it’s your nonprofit’s mission, your coffee shop’s vibe, your podcast’s purpose, or a new branch of your business, this is about ensuring it still feels like you. With Inspiration, Dreaming, and Building behind you, alignment keeps your venture authentic. It’s like tuning an instrument—small tweaks keep the music true to your soul. As you bring on team members to help align and build your dream, remember that no one will have the same passion and vision for it as you do. Very rarely will someone have the capacity and fire to carry it forward like you, so you must continue to monitor and guide it.
Reflect with Care and Connection
Take a moment to listen to your instincts and the voices around you. As someone who’s raised ten kids and supported nonprofits, I’ve learned that checking in with your team, customers, or community keeps things on track. Ask, “Does this match my vision?” This compassion—rooted in my love for authentic connections—helps you realign with purpose, not pressure. When you share roles with others, if they don’t carry the same heart or vision—or aren’t pursuing their own dreams that symbiotically attach to yours—it can lead to issues. Let visions that closely align guide adjustments, but always ensure it doesn’t drift too far unless it feels right.
How to Stay Aligned
Here’s how to keep your business true, inspired by resilience and a passion for people:
Pause and Review: Set aside 10 minutes today to assess. Does your nonprofit still serve its cause? Is your podcast resonating? Bring it back to your original spark if drift appears.
Gather Feedback: Ask supporters what they see. My nonprofit talks often reveal alignment needs—seek those insights to put things back in place.
Adjust with Flexibility: Tweak what’s off. If your coffee shop’s menu drifts, refine it with resilience. Continual discipline, like child-raising, guides this never-ending process.
Reconnect to Your ‘Why’: Revisit your original spark. This keeps your business aligned with your heart, maintaining stamina through pitfalls.
The Pitfall: Drifting Off Course
Drift can sneak in—your nonprofit might lose focus, or your podcast could stray from its theme. Sharing with doubters who discourage can also pull you off track, shaking your confidence. Another pitfall is copying or hopping on someone else’s dream or passion that isn’t truly yours, driven by money rather than heart—because you’ll lack the grit and long-term stamina to push through when passion fades. With your foundation set, alignment prevents burnout and loss of steam, employees, or influence. A clear path forward starts with recognizing these risks.
Lessons for True Alignment
Raising a big family has taught me resilience—guiding kids to stay true to their dreams. In nonprofits, alignment unites a cause. This phase calls for patience—small adjustments ensure your business reflects your vision through every challenge, like continual guiding in child-raising.
Your Turn: Align with Purpose
You’ve built something real—now align it with your heart. Reflect on one area to adjust today, seek feedback, and reconnect to your “why.” I’m passionate about creating spaces—through Blueprinted and beyond—where visions thrive. This is just a brief overview, with more to come later.
Welcome to the business building stage—the third step in a four-stage journey (Inspiration, Dreaming, Building, Aligning) to authentic growth! Today, is a new day, and you’re ready to turn your well-planned dream into action. Whether it’s a nonprofit, a coffee shop, starting a podcast, or building on another section of your already established business, this is your moment to build. With your Inspiration and Dreaming phases behind you, let’s create a foundation that stands strong!
What Does Building Mean for You?
The building stage is when your business idea takes shape in the real world. It’s launching that nonprofit program, opening the coffee shop, recording your first podcast episode, or expanding your existing business—like setting up a website, crafting a prototype, or starting a new product line. With your plan in place, it’s about building well, ensuring every move is solid, because a shaky start can derail your progress. This is your chance to craft a strong business foundation.
Build with Intention and Care
Think of this as laying the first brick with purpose. As someone who’s raised ten kids and built ventures from scratch, I’ve learned that listening to your instincts and feedback is key. Ask yourself what feels right for your nonprofit, coffee shop, podcast, or business expansion. Test your ideas with trusted voices—friends, mentors, or community members. This approach, rooted in compassion, helps you build a foundation that reflects your authentic goals.
How to Build Well
You’re ready to start—here’s how to lay a foundation that lasts, inspired by practical steps and a love for authentic connections:
Take One Step: Start with something simple today—register a domain for your podcast, plan a nonprofit event, or test a coffee shop menu. Keep it manageable.
Check for Strength: Test your plan, like leveling a wall before adding more. Gather feedback to ensure stability for your venture.
Seek Encouragement: Share with supporters who lift you up. Positive voices fuel a solid start for any nonprofit or business.
Adapt as Needed: Be flexible. Adjust your build as you learn—resilience keeps your coffee shop or podcast growing.
Avoid the Weak Foundation Trap
Rushing can lead to a wobbly base—think of a house on uneven ground. Another risk is sharing with naysayers who discourage your nonprofit, coffee shop, podcast, or business expansion, shaking your confidence. With your Inspiration and Dreaming in place, you’ve got a plan—now build well by nurturing it with care and avoiding doubt. A strong start sets you up for success.
Lessons for a Lasting Build
Raising a big family and supporting nonprofits has shown me that resilience builds strength. Just as kids need a sturdy fort base, your business—whether a podcast or established venture—needs a solid foundation. In nonprofits, a united start creates impact. Take your time—each step matters—to ensure your project thrives.
Your Turn: Build with Confidence
You’ve done the prep work—now it’s time to build! Pick one action today for your nonprofit, coffee shop, podcast, or business expansion, test it, and share with those who cheer you on. Creating spaces where dreams grow—through connections like Blueprinted and beyond—is my passion. Let’s see your foundation rise!
Hi, I’m Marissa, a mom of ten, a serial entrepreneur, and someone who loves sharing my journey through Blueprinted, where I explore ways to help people uncover their authentic business path. After losing everything in 2018 and rebuilding alone, I learned that dreams don’t just happen—they take root with care. The first phase of my four-stage journey (Inspiration, Dreaming, Building, Aligning) is Inspiration, where you catch that initial spark. The second phase is Dreaming, and we’ll talk a little about it here. This is one of the most precious and delicate phases because something is being formed on the inside of your creative mind that hasn’t been seen yet by the outside world. It is vulnerable and new, and easily abandoned if not recognized or cared for. Ready to root your business vision? Let’s dive in.
What Is the Dreaming Phase?
The dreaming phase is when you claim your inspiration as your own. It’s no longer just a fleeting thought—it’s a vision you begin to shape. I felt this when I sketched out my organic soap business years ago, wondering how to bring it to life. As a mom, I see it in my kids’ dreams of forts evolving into castle plans. This phase involves planning, asking “What would this look like?” and “What do I need?” It’s the heart of authentic business growth.
Listening to Shape Your Dream
My strength comes from listening, a skill sharpened raising ten kids and speaking at public events. In 2018, when I rebuilt from nothing, quiet reflection helped me shape my next steps. I love hearing others’ ideas—noting keywords like “community” or “impact”—and gently pulling those threads until they say, “That’s it!” This phase thrives on compassion, making sure your dream feels understood and supported.
How to Nurture Your Business Dream
Here’s how to root your vision, inspired by my work in construction, nonprofits, and loving people authentically:
Start Planning: Spend 15 minutes sketching your idea—domain names, resources, or partners. My soap venture began with small market dreams.
Define Your ‘Why’: Ask, “Why does this matter to me?” My passion for nonprofits often shapes my visions, like supporting community causes. What drives yours?
Talk It Out: Share with a listener. My nonprofit talks spark others’ dreams—find someone to reflect your vision back.
Embrace Flexibility: Dreams evolve. After 2018, I adapted with resilience. Let your vision shift as you grow.
The Pitfall: Where Dreams Stall
Many dreams fade in this phase due to self-doubt or lack of structure. As a mom, I’ve seen kids abandon castle plans without support. Another reason dreams die is when people share them with others who don’t encourage or validate them—those around them might dismiss the idea, leading to even more doubt. I’ve felt this hesitation myself. Through Blueprinted, I’ve found joy in offering a space where dreams are nurtured, not judged.
Motherhood and Nonprofit Lessons: Resilience Fuels Dreams
Raising kids through extreme chaos and rebuilding alone since 2018 taught me resilience. When my kids dream big, I ask questions to keep them going, even if others doubt. In nonprofits, I’ve seen how a shared “why” unites people despite skepticism. This phase is about rooting your dream with strength, ensuring it withstands life’s challenges.
Your Turn: Root Your Vision
Your business dream is ready to take shape. Reflect: What’s one idea you’d love to grow? Jot it down, define its “why,” and share it with someone who lifts you up. I’m passionate about creating spaces—through Blueprinted and beyond—where dreams find room to flourish.
Call to Action: Share your dream in the comments, or reach out to start a conversation about rooting your vision. Let’s build something authentic together!
A Whisper of Possibility: Igniting Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Hi, I’m Marissa, a mom of ten, a serial entrepreneur, and the heart behind Blueprinted, where I guide fellow entrepreneurs to uncover their unique “why” and build businesses that feel truly authentic. Growing up on a Wisconsin farm, I was fixing radiators at age nine and analyzing restaurant layouts as a kid—all driven by that inner spark to make things work better. That entrepreneurial spark? It’s not something you learn from books; it’s already inside you, just waiting to be noticed and nurtured.
As a busy mom entrepreneur who’s launched dozens of ventures—from crafting organic soaps to running construction companies—I’ve discovered that authentic business growth starts with catching those fleeting moments of inspiration. In my four-stage journey to entrepreneurial success (Inspiration, Dreaming, Building, Aligning), everything begins here: with a whisper of possibility that can transform your ideas into reality. If you’re searching for ways to find business inspiration and kickstart your venture, let’s dive in.
What Is Inspiration in Business?
Business inspiration is that sudden rush when an idea lights you up—like spotting inefficiencies in a chaotic restaurant and knowing exactly how to optimize it, or hearing a client’s vague dream and seeing their eyes glow with “what if?” It’s raw, unfiltered excitement, not a polished plan yet.
As a mom, I see this spark in my kids’ wild ideas, like building forts or dreaming up little ventures. As an entrepreneur, I experience it weekly—10 or 15 sparks bubbling up, making me think, “That’d be fun. How could I make that real?” Finding your entrepreneurial spark isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about noticing what excites you and giving it room to breathe for authentic growth.
Listening to the Spark: The Key to Unlocking Potential
Here’s the secret to capturing inspiration: it thrives when you listen, not when you force it. Raising ten kids has honed my compassion through tuning into their unspoken needs—their cries, hesitations, and hidden dreams. I apply the same in business.
During onboarding sessions at Blueprinted, I let clients talk for 10-15 minutes, jotting down keywords like “freedom” or “community.” When I rephrase their thoughts, they often say, “Yes, that’s it!” That’s the power of active listening—it unlocks what’s already there. My subtle strength as a mom entrepreneur lies in creating space for those sparks, helping people feel understood without stealing the spotlight. You don’t need to shout to lead; you just need to truly hear, fostering that authentic business inspiration.
How to Catch Your Inspiration: Practical Steps for Entrepreneurs
Ready to catch your own entrepreneurial sparks? Here’s what I’ve learned from balancing motherhood and building businesses in real estate, healthcare, and beyond:
Pause and Notice: Dedicate 10 minutes this week to jot down every idea that excites you—no judgment allowed. Dreaming of a coffee shop or an app? Write it down. I journal my weekly sparks like catching fireflies—it keeps the inspiration alive.
Ask What Lights You Up: Reflect on what makes your heart race. For me, it was optimizing systems as a kid or launching a friend’s e-commerce store. What’s that persistent thought fueling your business inspiration?
Talk It Out: Share your spark with a good listener. In my sessions, vague ideas become crystal clear when reflected back. Find a friend or mentor to do the same—it’s a game-changer for authentic growth.
Don’t Filter Yet: Inspiration is fragile; don’t let self-doubt extinguish it. When I started my soap business, I ignored the unknowns and followed the spark. Figure out the “how” later—focus on nurturing that initial entrepreneurial spark.
The Pitfall: Why So Many Sparks Fade Away
I’ve witnessed countless inspirations fizzle out because they weren’t nurtured properly. As a mom, it’s easy to dismiss a child’s dream as “impractical,” and the same happens in business—self-doubt or lack of support snuffs out the spark before it ignites.
I’ve been there myself, hesitating on ideas without someone to affirm, “That’s worth exploring.” That’s why Blueprinted exists: to be your listener and unlocker, helping you hold onto that business inspiration and see its full potential for lasting success.
Motherhood’s Lesson: How Compassion Fuels Inspiration
Raising ten kids through life’s chaos—miscarriages, moves, and all—has taught me compassion: the art of listening without judgment. When my kids share big dreams, I ask questions to draw them out, not shut them down.
In business, this means creating sessions where clients leave feeling understood, with their ideas clearer than ever. Compassion unlocks inspiration without force, building trust that drives authentic business growth. It’s not about being the loudest voice—it’s about hearing the quietest dreams and turning them into reality.
Your Turn: Spark Your Authentic Business Growth
You don’t need a textbook to find your “why”—it’s already within you, ready to spark. Today, reflect: What’s one idea rolling in your head? Jot it down, share it, or sit with it. That could be the start of your entrepreneurial journey.
Hi, I’m Marissa, a mom of ten, a lifelong entrepreneur, and the founder of Blueprinted—a passion project where I help you uncover the business that’s already inside you. From fixing radiators at nine on a Wisconsin farm to launching ventures in real estate, healthcare, manufacturing, and organic soaps, my life is about solving problems and empowering people.
As a mother, I’ve navigated the chaos of raising a big family through miscarriages, milestones, and a life-changing moment in 2018 when I was suddenly abandoned, left homeless with my ten children and only the clothes on our backs during a grueling court battle. I never dreamed it would be me, but my strength was hidden in my comfort—quiet, resilient, and ready to rebuild.
Right now, Blueprinted operates by word of mouth as I balance family and work, & speaking engagements, waiting to build a team and website when I have the bandwidth. This blog and sharing in groups is my way to connect with you, sharing authentic, non-textbook insights to unlock your potential.
My Journey: Curiosity and Connection
I’ve always been a doer. As a kid, I’d walk into restaurants and mentally fix the chaos—too many servers, bad layout—because I loved making things work better. I helped my dad grow his predictive maintenance business, typing reports and diagnosing equipment, sparking my love for logistics and problem-solving.
At nine, I swapped out a car radiator to get to a friend’s house, driven by a need to “do everything.” That energy led me to start a construction company, design clothes for overseas manufacturers, sell organic soaps at markets, and even try every MLM under the sun (I’m proudly “MLM sober” for nine years!).
Through it all, raising ten kids and weathering five miscarriages taught me resilience, compassion, and adaptability. The 2018 crisis tested me most, but it revealed a quiet strength that shapes how I approach business and life today.
The Heart of Blueprinted: Your “Why”
My favorite moments aren’t deals or houses built—they’re when I help someone articulate a dream that’s been stuck in their head, lighting up their eyes with “Yes, that’s it!” Whether it’s a friend launching an e-commerce store or a client rediscovering their passion, I live for those breakthroughs.
Blueprinted is about guiding you to your authentic business path, not with formulas, but by listening to what’s inside you. I lead quietly, pulling threads of your ideas until they’re clear and real. Operating by word of mouth, I focus on personal sessions, fostering trust and hope until I’m ready to expand with a team.
My Four-Stage Framework for Growth
From decades of starting businesses and raising a family, I’ve built a four-stage framework for authentic growth, rooted in what’s inside you:
Inspiration: Catching the spark, like the 10-15 ideas I jot down weekly, and giving it space to grow.
Dreaming: Rooting your idea with a clear “why,” like planning my soap business without losing the magic.
Building: Laying a stable foundation, like the retaining walls I’ve built in construction, ensuring every block is level before adding on the next layer.
Aligning: Keeping your business true to your vision, like gently realigning my kids’ dreams with questions.
This blog will explore each stage with stories from my life—on the farm, in the ER, at markets—and practical steps to unlock your blueprint. It’s about building something that lights you up, not just chasing money.
Why This Blog Matters
In a noisy world, we need spaces to feel heard. This blog is for anyone who knows their “why” is inside, waiting to be unlocked—whether you’re starting a first venture or pivoting an existing one. I’ll share lessons from my chaotic, beautiful life, blending the grit of building houses with the heart of nurturing dreams.
You’ll find insights like how compassion helps me hear clients’ unspoken dreams, or how resilience keeps me steady when a business “wall” needs resetting. My goal is to leave you understood, inspired, and ready to act. Until Blueprinted grows with a team and website, this blog is my way to reach you.
Let’s Start Together
Your business should feel like you, not anyone else. Join me as we dive into Inspiration, Dreaming, Building, and Aligning, one post at a time. I’m here to listen, reflect your ideas, and help you build something true.
Feel Free to reach out to me at Marissa@blueprintedbusiness.com
Picture of my oldest 2 daughersin the garden in 2015…
Hey there, amazing mom. If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram, seeing those spotless homes, gourmet kid lunches, and seemingly effortless family outings, only to feel like a total failure in comparison—welcome to the club.
But here’s the truth: That “perfect mom” image? It’s a myth. And chasing it is exhausting us. In this first mindset shift of our series, we’re moving from perfectionism to progress. We’ll explore why letting go of “perfect” can free you up to celebrate real growth, reduce stress, and actually enjoy motherhood more.
If you missed the intro post, catch up here—we’re building on that stewardship journey together. Let’s get into it.
The Perfectionism Trap: Why It Hits Moms Hard
As moms, we’re wired to want the best for our kids, but society amps that up to impossible levels. Think about it: We’re expected to juggle flawless parenting, a tidy home, healthy meals, and maybe a career or side hustle—all while looking put-together. No wonder perfectionism leads to burnout.
Research shows that 57% of parents report burnout, and it’s strongly associated with internal pressures like perfectionism [Source: American Psychological Association, 2021]. For moms specifically, studies link “negative perfectionism” (that harsh self-criticism when things aren’t ideal) to higher burnout rates, while a more positive, progress-focused approach protects against it [Source: Journal of Family Psychology, 2019]. It’s not just tiring—it’s unsustainable.
But the good news? Shifting your mindset can change everything. This trap sneaks up on us because motherhood activates our deepest instincts. We intuitively know our kids’ needs, as we talked about in the intro with those baby cries. But when we layer on “perfect” expectations, we lose sight of what’s truly important: connection and growth, not flawless execution.
My Story: When Perfection Almost Broke Me
Let me pull back the curtain on my own mess. It wasn’t one big breakdown—it was a steady cycle of little glimpseswhere I realized my struggle for perfection and performance was spiraling out of control. After Alyssa and Jessica were born (remember my multiplied love story from last week?), I dove headfirst into “perfect mom” mode.
I had my own goats, chickens, and horses. I grew my own food and fed my kids all organic everything. A friend supplied local grass-fed beef. I homeschooled them, and I even made a lot of their clothes with organic cotton, of course. I did everything to provide the most non-toxic, healthy life possible.
One time, this obsession hit a breaking point. I was making chili—not just for my family, but a huge batch to share, in this massive 25-quart pot. It was all organic, naturally. But I ran out of tomatoes from my garden that I’d canned, and the chili turned out way too spicy—the kids wouldn’t touch it. To save the entire pot, I had no choice but to use some Costco canned tomatoes. As I cut open the can, my mind raced: “Oh, this is aluminum… There’s BPA, there’s toxins.” I poured them in, feeling like I was ruining the whole batch. That little bit of “imperfection” canceled out all the good I’d done. I literally wanted to throw the entire pot away because it wasn’t perfect anymore.
But then, I had a check in my head. I realized this mentality was creeping into so many areas of my life—it wasn’t completely rational. My identity as a mom wasn’t tied to perfection; it’s a journey. It’s about love, intentionality with our kids, and giving them (and ourselves) room to grow. That moment kickstarted my shift: We have the opportunity to expect the same grace for our kids that we need for ourselves.
I love this image: When your kid is learning to ride a bike, they pedal twice and fall over. You don’t shame them and say, “Oh, you ruined the whole lesson—never ride again!” You cheer them on: “Wow, great job trying! You’re doing amazing.” It’s not about mastering the bike instantly; it’s about the effort, the connectivity, being pushed, and celebrating the process. If we don’t celebrate ourselves and grow, how can we expect our kids to? That chili incident taught me to embrace progress over perfection, and it changed everything.
Old Mindset vs. New Mindset: The Shift Explained
Let’s break it down simply. The old mindset (perfectionism) says: “It has to be flawless, or it’s worthless.” This leads to anxiety, procrastination, and resentment—hello, burnout!
The new mindset (progress over perfection) flips it: “Good enough is great, and every step forward counts.” It focuses on growth, learning from “failures,” and modeling resilience for your kids. Result? Less stress, more wins, and a happier home. Studies confirm that parents who ditch perfectionistic concerns experience lower burnout and better emotional health [Source: Frontiers in Psychology, 2020].
3 Practical Tips to Embrace Progress
Ready to make the shift? Here are some actionable steps to get started. Start small—one tip at a time.
Set Realistic Goals with the 80/20 Rule: Aim for 80% effort on non-essentials (like that Pinterest-perfect lunch) and save full energy for what matters, like quality time. Next time you’re overwhelmed, ask: “What’s ‘good enough’ here?” It frees up mental space.
Practice Self-Compassion Mantras: When things go wrong, talk to yourself like a friend. Instead of “I messed up,” try “I’m doing my best, and that’s progress.” Repeat daily—maybe during your morning coffee. This rewires that inner critic.
Track Small Wins in a Journal: At the end of each day, jot down 3 things you did well, no matter how tiny (e.g., “Got everyone fed and hugged”). Over time, you’ll see patterns of growth, not gaps.
These aren’t just tips—they’re tools for stewardship. By progressing yourself, you’re teaching your kids it’s okay to try, fail, and grow.
Reflection Prompts: Your Progress Check-In
Building on our intro self-assessment, grab your journal and reflect:
What ‘perfect mom’ expectations are weighing you down right now? (Be specific—like “always having a clean house.”)
Recall a recent ‘failure’—how could you reframe it as progress? What did you learn?
What small win from today can you celebrate? How does that feel compared to chasing perfection?
How might embracing ‘good enough’ free up time for your passions or family? Tie it back to your core self from last week’s prompts.
These questions will help you internalize the shift. Share one in the comments—I’d love to hear!
Wrapping Up: Your Invitation to Progress
Moms, ditching the perfect myth isn’t about lowering standards—it’s about raising your joy. This shift has transformed my life, and it can yours too. Come with me on this journey of growth in motherhood, forgiveness, love, connectivity, community, and authentic mothering. Download my free “Progress Tracker PDF”here to log your wins and stay accountable.
What’s one perfectionist habit you’re ready to let go of? Drop it in the comments below, and subscribe for next week’s post: Shift 2—Self-Care Isn’t Selfish.
With progress and love, -Marissa P.S. If this resonated, share it with a mom friend who’s chasing perfect—we’re in this together!
Marissa Lauren 