Marissa Lauren

Inspire Dreams, Build Success

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  • Phase 2: Dreaming: Rooting Your Business Vision with a Clear ‘Why’

    From Spark to Vision: The Dreaming Phase Begins

    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!

  • Phase 1: Finding Your Business Inspiration: Catching the Spark That’s Already Within You

    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.

  • Blueprinted: Unlocking Authentic Business Growth from the Heart

    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

    -Marissa

  • Ditch the Perfect Mom Myth: How Progress Over Perfection Changed My Life

    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.

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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!

  • Unlock Your Potential: A Mom’s Journey

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  • Hey There, Dreamers and Doers! Welcome to My World!

    Hey There, Dreamers and Doers! Welcome to My World!

    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.

    Wherever you’re at, I’m here to cheer you on.

    Let’s do this.together.

  • From Adversaries to Allies: Breaking the Cycle of Division in Our Culture

    There’s been a quiet, corrosive shift in our culture—and most of us didn’t even notice it happening. I didn’t either… until I started paying attention to the fruit.

    It showed up in ways that seemed small at first—an eye-roll in a conversation, the tension in a family discussion, a social media post that instantly divided the room. But then I started to see the pattern emerge everywhere:
    In church.
    In the workplace.
    At the grocery store checkout line.
    In families.
    In friendships.
    In our homes.

    This unspoken, adversarial mindset—the one that pits us against each other—has infiltrated every corner of our lives. And somehow, it’s become normal.

    But here’s the truth: it’s not who we were made to be.

    The Great Lie: That We Are Each Other’s Competition

    At some point, culture convinced us that another person’s success is a threat. That if someone has a voice, it must silence ours. That someone else’s gift somehow makes ours smaller. That resources are scarce, love is limited, and there’s not enough to go around.

    So we began to protect ourselves.

    We built emotional walls.
    We compared instead of celebrated.
    We envied instead of honored.
    We competed instead of collaborated.

    And now, we’re reaping the fruit of it.

    It looks like:

    • Isolation instead of connection
    • Poverty of heart, mind, and resources
    • Victim mentalities that disempower us
    • Mistrust in every interaction
    • Stunted growth in families, businesses, and communities

    We’ve unknowingly nurtured this mindset in our own homes and hearts. We’ve passed it on to our children in subtle ways—teaching them to strive instead of serve, to guard instead of give.

    But What If That’s Not the Way It Was Meant to Be?

    What if… we were never meant to live this way?

    What if we were designed for something higher—something holier?

    Something that looks like:

    • Connection over comparison
    • Collaboration over competition
    • Honor over hierarchy
    • Abundance over scarcity
    • Power through unity, not control

    We were created to be builders—not critics. Encouragers—not enemies. Powerful, creative, connected beings who lift each other up and multiply goodness wherever we go.

    The Wake-Up Call: I’ve Seen It in Myself

    I’ll be honest—this isn’t just a blog about them. It’s about me.
    I’ve seen the adversarial mentality in myself.

    That moment I flinched at someone else’s breakthrough.
    That sting of comparison when someone else was celebrated.
    That instinct to prove instead of partner.
    That internal voice whispering, “You’re falling behind.”

    I’ve had to confront those lies head-on and choose something better. I’ve had to train my heart to bless instead of bristle. To get excited for others, not intimidated by them. And it’s a daily decision.

    So What Now? What Could It Look Like?

    Imagine if we flipped the script.

    What if women cheered each other on instead of quietly competing?

    What if churches united around purpose instead of doctrine?

    What if workplaces became teams instead of territories?

    What if our children grew up seeing adults model humility, joy, collaboration, and a celebration of differences?

    What if we learned to say:

    • “Your win is my win.”
    • “Your gift complements mine.”
    • “Your strength inspires me.”
    • “We’re better together.”

    Let’s Build Something New

    We are not victims of this culture. We’re culture-makers. Every word, every response, every act of generosity plants a seed in the soil of tomorrow.

    We don’t have to inherit division.
    We don’t have to echo envy.
    We don’t have to perpetuate scarcity.

    We can build a different future. One of mutual support, bold creativity, and collective power. One where no one walks alone, no dream dies in silence, and no voice is drowned out by fear.

    Let’s refuse to be adversaries. Let’s choose to be allies.

    Let’s build together.