EPISODE 62 - EMBRACING YOUR UNIQUE SUPERPOWERS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH KARIN BOHN OF HOUSE OF BOHN AND NETFLIX'S RESTAURANTS ON THE EDGE
We were so excited to host Karin Bohn for the second time on the pod - she tells us all about becoming a mom and how it changed her journey as an entrepreneur for the better.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE:
Today we have an incredible guest on the Podcast, Karin Bohn!
Karin is the founder and creative director of the award-winning House of Bohn Design Studio. She also stars on Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge and also has an incredible YouTube channel, where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process, collaborative partnerships and life as an entrepreneur! Karin is also a new mom of a sweet baby girl Madison who is only 3 months old!
In Today’s episode, Danielle & Karin talk about what this last year and a half have been like since she last came on the podcast, they chat about slowing down and Karin she took a break from social media, and they also talk about working with your unique gifts and superpowers, how to set boundaries, and SO much more!
This is Karin’s second time being on the podcast so definitely go listen to Episode Five if you want to learn more about her and her story!
Danielle absolutely LOVED this conversation and she knows you will too!
BECOMING A MOM-PRENEUR
Karin shares that her organic journey of downsizing, pregnancy and unplugging happened serendipitously.
The clarity that came with being a mom-prenuer:
Karin shares how she recently became a mom and how it has actually made her business better and Danielle agrees that becoming a mom has given her clarity in her business. As a new mom, when you have limited time and resources, you learn how to prioritize what really matters. She also talks about her downsizing journey and how she re-evaluated and restructured her business and team to support her changing life. She got clear on what really mattered and treated it as “North Star'' as she continued to operate in the midst of transition. She also shared how eliminating unnecessary stress empowered her in her personal life and pregnancy.
Social media detox:
Karin shares how the pandemic empowered her (and so many others) to slow down and appreciate the downtime. As she downsized her business, Karin practiced awareness in her relationship with social media by starting to mute accounts that left her feeling negatively, then placing apps in folders, and eventually cutting back on use altogether. This helped BIG time in eliminating stress and getting clear on what success meant to her.
The Function of Success
Karin speaks from experience and shares that busyness does not always = fulfillment, but finding what fulfills you helps you find true success - not chasing other people’s version of success. She found breaking away from the function of success and taking time to disconnect to reconnect to her authentic self and her own personal sources of inspiration refreshed her and helped her find clarity as she moved forward.
THE ROLE OF UNIQUE GIFTS & SUPERPOWERS
As an individual
Admiration of others and inspiration by others doesn’t mean you have to replicate their success.
Everyone has their own unique gifts & superpowers, and your journey will be your own!
Karin shares that, to her, success is being in a situation where your gift superpowers are embraced and are able to thrive fully in those gifts.
As part of a team
Understanding gifts is crucial to developing a team - it allows a team to support your superpowers by exercising their own and helps to empower natural success.
When she downsized, Karin restructured her team to deliver quality work, even if it was smaller. She focused on:
Core values - she realized how important it was to build a culture in her team that shared values, as those values trickled down from how the team operates to the work they deliver.
Collaboration - a team that can work together to support her and one another.
Clear communication - Karin talks about how clarity is kind, and how it gives your team the opportunity to show up as their best self. Conflict is just a difference of opinions coming together, and being able to be unoffended in the midst of conflict helps cultivate healthy results and understanding. If your business is growing, you will encounter conflict, so learning how to navigate it is crucial.
SETTING BOUNDARIES
Karin shares how she had to navigate client expectations as she transitioned and downsized. She found balance in delivering quality as well as being honest and authentic to herself.
Danielle shares the importance of boundaries and asks Karin what she would say to those beginning to implement them. Karin shares how boundaries are important to everyone, but how it became crucial as a parent and breaks it down:
Listen to your intuition and your gut. She found when a client was asking for something that was outside the scope of a project, she had to eliminate her fear of disappointing them and find ways to say “no” in a polite, respectful and helpful way.
Be clear. Don’t dance around the issue of boundaries.
Learn to trust your team!
Learn what is necessary vs what you’ve always done. There are some things that you may need to let go of.
Exercising boundaries is practicing respect for yourself, by placing parameters around what you want your life to look like.
Mompreneurs are superheroes! Wherever you are in your entrepreneurial journey, there is grace for you, and there’s a possibility that your business will get even better after becoming a mompreneur!
Connect with Karin Bohn
Subscribe to Karin's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNK-JM63_vb2CJc1wC4p8g
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TRANSCRIPT
[00:00:00] Danielle: Welcome back to the business babes collective podcast. I am so excited that you're here today. I have an incredible guest with me today, Karin Bohn. I am so excited for you guys to listen into this conversation that we have. Karin is the founder and creative director of the award winning house of Bohn design studios. She's also a star on Netflix's "Restaurants on the Edge", and she has an incredible YouTube channel. You guys have to check it out if you are not already following her, she's so inspiring. She shares behind the scenes, glimpses of her work as well as, you know, life of being an entrepreneur.
[00:00:37] And the other thing that's amazing is that Karen is also a new mom. of a sweet baby girl, Madison, who is only three months old. So I absolutely loved our conversation. We talk about what this last year and a half has been like since she last came on the podcast, this is her second time being on the podcast. She was actually one of our first guests. So if you wanna learn more about her, you can [00:01:00] check out episode five.
[00:01:01] But today we dive into some really amazing topics. We talk about what it's like for her becoming a mom. The fact that she slowed down and actually took a little bit of a break from social media. We also talk about working with your unique gifts and knowing what your superpowers are and using that to be able to scale your business.
[00:01:22] And we also talk about how to set boundaries and honestly so much more. So I can't wait for you to dive into this conversation, but before we do, I wanted to remind you that we have two live events coming up. So we have one in San Diego and one in Vancouver. And you guys, I cannot believe that we are having our first event since 2020.
[00:01:44] It's incredible. So one in San Diego is a networking mingle at a gorgeous winery, which is this Sunday. I still think they have a couple tickets left. So make sure you go and grab your ticket for that. And then in Vancouver next week, [00:02:00] next Wednesday on May 18th. We have our event, passion to profit, and actually Karin is gonna be one of our panelists.
[00:02:07] I'm so excited to be able to interview her again in real life with our other panelists as well. So if you are in the Vancouver area, definitely come join us. Next Wednesday, we are going to have an incredible event. We have food and prizes and music and photo booth and vendors, so excited for this incredible event.
[00:02:28] So if you'd like to learn more about either of the events, you can go to business babes collective.com, click on our events button, and you will see a dropdown to Vancouver and San Diego. So you can check it out there and Hey, if you are not in either of those cities, but you are like I wanna join your community, I wanna hang out with everyone in your, a fabulous community and why wouldn't you? Then you can come to join our virtual networking parties, our weekly work sessions and our monthly coaching inside of our action [00:03:00] takers club. You guys, this is our signature business program. It is so amazing and we love having new students join us.
[00:03:08] And really the purpose of this program is to help you scale a profitable business without working around the clock. And we do that through our course content as well as through our community. So we get you plugged in. So if you wanna learn more about that, you can go to business babes, collective.com/action takers club.
[00:03:26] And I can't wait to connect with you either in person or online. So let's go ahead now and jump into my conversation with Karin. Welcome to the business babes collective podcast. I'm your host, Danielle Wiebe. In this podcast, you'll learn tangible business tips and strategies on how to grow successfully and sustainably.
[00:03:49] We'll also interview seasoned entrepreneurs. So you can listen in on their stories and see behind the scenes of what it took to grow and scale their businesses. Let's dive in, as we discuss the [00:04:00] wild, exciting, crazy, challenging rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship.
[00:04:07] Welcome Karin to the business babes collective podcast. I'm so excited that you are here and you're here again for this.
[00:04:15] Karin: I know. Thank you for having me back. I'm I'm honored to be back and I'm so excited to see you. It's been such a long time and I'm so excited for the upcoming event.
[00:04:27] Danielle: Yes, yes. I know. We get to see each other in person, which is gonna be just so surreal and so exciting. And I cannot wait. And I wanted to just, first of all, if listeners of the podcast, if you guys have not listened to episode five of the podcast, if you are a new listener here, we had Karen on the podcast. You were one of the first guests that we ever brought on the podcast. And I loved our conversation like
[00:04:52] Karin: I did too. I loved our conversation. I loved it so much.
[00:04:55] Danielle: It was such a great conversation. So if you haven't listened to that, go back, listen to [00:05:00] episode five, cuz you're gonna get a little bit more of probably the backstory, just of who Karin is, her business and all of that. We talk about patience, tenacity, what it looked like going from, you know, having this business to then being on Netflix show and like all the things.
[00:05:16] So definitely go and listen to that. And then let's kind of go ahead and dive in to what we have to talk about today. Cuz a lot has changed a lot has changed.
[00:05:25] Karin: I know. And we were just talking because that was episode five and then now this you're already into your sixties, so this is 60 something for you, which is amazing
[00:05:36] Danielle: I believe. Yeah. Yeah. 62. So yeah, that's so exciting and a lot has changed in your personal life as well. And so for people who have not. Met you yet, whether it be online or in person, can you give us a brief overview of you, who you are, what you do. And all of the amazing things that you have going on in your life.
[00:05:55] Karin: Yeah. Well, my name is Karin Bohn I'm the founder and creative [00:06:00] director of house of Bohn which is an interior design firm based here in Vancouver. We just celebrated 14 years in business, which is so crazy.
[00:06:10] Danielle: Congratulations.
[00:06:11] Karin: Yeah, this may, this may was 14 years in business. So on the interior design side, we work on a plethora of different projects, everything from residential to restaurant. Um, we do a lot of developer work and we do international work. Uh, we're just about to start a new project in Los Angeles, which is really exciting. So yeah, the design side has been going strong for a very long time. I am also the host of the Netflix show restaurants on the edge, which we did two seasons of that, that aired in 2020 right before COVID hit.
[00:06:48] And then I've got my self-titled YouTube channel just under Karin Bohn and I do tons of stuff on social media. We got connected primarily because I also love talking about [00:07:00] entrepreneurship on social media. I love talking about being a woman in business and really the YouTube channel started with me wanting to share my entrepreneurial journey.
[00:07:10] So I mean, the YouTube channel's been around for quite a while. Although I, I have taken a break in the last little bit.
[00:07:16] Danielle: And why have you taken that break Karin?
[00:07:19] Karin: I'm a mom. I'm a mom. Oh my gosh. The most important, the most important title. Now I'm now a new mom. Yeah. So baby Madison is her name and she is three months old. This weekend she'll be three months already, which is pretty crazy. Um, but it has just been like the best, the best gift, the best thing. So yes, so much has changed leading up to becoming a mom and now being a mom and I think so much will continue to change.
[00:07:47] Danielle: Absolutely. And that's so incredibly exciting. Congratulations. Yeah. Being a mom is just the best and we were just, we were just talking before the podcast and just, I don't know, swapping, [00:08:00] you know, stories about how we, well, yeah. Being a mom.
[00:08:03] Karin: I, I wanted to ask you, like, do you feel as though being a mom has made your business better?
[00:08:09] Danielle: Yes, I do. Yeah. In so many ways. And yeah, I would love to talk about that with you too, because I think the biggest thing that it's given me, and I would love to hear what your thoughts are on this. Karin is it's given me a lot of clarity on what things are important and when, what things aren't, and then setting the proper boundaries.
[00:08:28] And, you know, before it was, you know, I didn't have a lot of excuses of why I wouldn't work long hours or, you know, take on all of this extra work or all of these extra opportunities that sometimes are great opportunities, but you know, then you end up running yourself into the ground and yes, experiencing burnout.
[00:08:47] And so I would love to hear your thoughts on that. Like, what has motherhood given you as far as your, your business goes?
[00:08:53] Karin: Isn't that interesting? The clarity part, because I so resonate with that too. And I I've heard people [00:09:00] like prior to having a baby, I've heard moms who are entrepreneurs or who have just been really focused on their career talk about how, when you're a mom, you kind of have this superpower, like the mom's superpower, where now you just, you have a finite amount of time, so you need to get as much or more done in that amount of time. And you're just a lot, you're laser focused on what that needs to be and just a lot more ruthless with your time.
[00:09:24] So I've definitely found that like way more clarity and it's been kind of fun because I definitely feel like, I mean, prior to having a baby, I, and I talked openly on all my social media, really about going through three miscarriages over the years, um, leading up to having Madison. And so, um, it was sort of serendipitous for me that in 2021, uh, basically January, 2021, I decided to downsize.
[00:09:55] And that was like, as an entrepreneur, such a crazy [00:10:00] decision. It took me so long to actually make it happen, even though it had been in the back of my mind for a long time. And the reason why I bring this up is because, after having gone through the downsize, I got pregnant and then stayed pregnant. And I think part of it was the way less stress.
[00:10:18] I kind of took the summer of 2021 to just be a lot more focused on me and to like enjoy my weekends. And, um, at that time I had discovered that I, I was like newly pregnant. And so I was just sort of enjoying being newly pregnant. And then it it's was sort of a gift to have way less stress, way fewer commitments and I took a lot of time to like meditate and reflect. And I actually took a little bit of a social media detox during that time as well. And so now here I am, three months after having the baby, and I feel really like, really great about [00:11:00] work and really clear about work.
[00:11:02] Danielle: That's amazing. And I, yeah, I love that. And as someone, let me ask you this as someone who is very, has been in the past, very active on social media. Always kind of go, go, go. And I know, you know, even in the last conversation that we had on the podcast, it's like even the, the huge, you know, opportunity that, that Netflix, being on the Netflix show was and how that was like 10 years in the making.
[00:11:28] And, you know, you've worked so hard kind of to get to this point in your business that you're at in now- was that a difficult thing for you to just be off? And I noticed too, like once you had Madison, like you, you weren't on social media. And I remember I kept checking your Instagram cuz I'm like, I wanna see the video. What's but I was so I was so glad that I wasn't seeing you active on there cause I'm like, oh, this is so beautiful. Like Karen is enjoying these moments with her little daughter. And so what, what was that [00:12:00] like for you? Was it, did you feel that. Oh, I should be on. Or did you feel peace about it? What was that kind of feeling?
[00:12:07] Karin: I felt total peace about it. And, um, so two, two things that come up for me, like when I, the social media detox just sort of happened organically in this 2021 year as I was downsizing and kind of reevaluating what I wanted my work in life to look like, because it had been so crazy and like anyone who knows me knows I'm a workaholic.
[00:12:34] I, you know, if I wasn't at the interior design studio, I was doing social media. I was working around the clock. I mean, thank God I have a partner who supports all that. And, and because I loved it, but there is a certain kind of like manic mania, sort of ADD intensity, like thrill that kind of comes from working at that pace.
[00:12:54] And I think a lot of us, through, COVID actually got an opportunity to experience what [00:13:00] a little bit more of downtime feels like, like a slowing down. And I think a lot of people actually really liked that they moved away from this crazy hustle. And so, I mean, I'm, I'm sure there was a little bit of that going on for me too, but, um, it kind of started slowly with me just wanting to, I just, rather than unfollowing people, I just sort of muted a few accounts.
[00:13:22] Like the accounts that I noticed that I was watching and would kind of make me feel a certain way, I just started muting them and then I moved my apps into another folder, so they're not directly on my home screen, so I wasn't accessing it so much. And then it just kind of like one thing after another happened to the point where I was like, checking it very infrequently and then just not posting.
[00:13:43] And I was really enjoying being really present and what was coming up for me, through the, and it's all very serendipitous. Like, I don't think it's because of the pregnancy, but of course the pregnancy had something to do with it. It wasn't just because of the downsize, but [00:14:00] of course the downsize had something to do with it.
[00:14:01] So it was just the perfect storm. And what I found for me was it, taking that time to be off social media, um, gave me the opportunity to kind of recenter myself. And I really feel like the, your message works the best on social media when it's an authentic message anyways. And with, after having built a little bit of like a machine where there's the Netflix show, there's the studio, we have a whole social process.
[00:14:32] It's kind of like, there was a little bit of a rinse and repeat thing that was happening. Um, and not to say that it wasn't, I wasn't being authentic, but sometimes you can be going in a direction and you just keep going in this direction because you're on this train, but you're not taking a minute to go, hold on, hang on. Is this really what I wanna be talking about? Is this really like, am I really projecting who I am or is now because this machine and this [00:15:00] train is going in this direction, I'm just continuing to, to do what is has already been done. Does that make sense?
[00:15:05] Danielle: Uh, it makes so much sense, Karen, and I'm like, I literally have goosebumps right now because this is exactly what I was experiencing when we were hosting our events. Just event after event every single month. And it was this, like you said, this rinse and repeat, okay. Like this event's done we're onto the next one. And it was like, almost like we didn't even have time to really, I didn't have time to really reflect and dream and think about like, what do I want in my life and in my business, five years, 10 years from now, because I was, I was working at such a crazy pace that I didn't have time to pull back and think about that. So similar, like with you, it was the pregnancy. And definitely like for me, pregnancy was a huge part of that too. Um, but I think the initial was the, you know, pandemic and then forced every event to shut down and then there [00:16:00] was that, you know, second time to sort of reflect when, when I got pregnant as well.
[00:16:04] So I can a hundred percent to relate to everything you're saying. And I, I think there's a lot of people listening who can probably relate to that too. Or maybe they're in that phase right now where they feel like they're running it. And they're like, I don't even know how to keep up with this, maybe.
[00:16:20] Karin: Totally, totally. And I think that that's actually like, um, it's a function of success, you know, once you've built something and it's going in a direction and you have, you know, a method to your magic and you, sometimes you can get because it's success and because it's working, you can just be repeating that.
[00:16:40] But, um, for me, I felt like, yes, I was definitely getting away from like my core authenticity and I, I almost needed to just take the time to be really off and not looking at other people, not looking at other accounts so that I could rekindle what inspires me [00:17:00] creatively and rekindle just my, my own connection to myself without looking at anybody else and what anybody else was doing.
[00:17:10] And, um, it actually helped me redefine our purpose at house of Bohn which I now define as to share our passion. So that's our higher purpose at house of Bohn where we, we, all of us like my team, we're here to share our passion with each other. We wanna share a passion with our clients, with our community at large.
[00:17:29] And, um, it feels really good to have like a, an, a north star that really resonates. And it's not just about the next project, the next gig, the next profit amount. It's, it's more than that. It's really bringing people together and sharing our passion.
[00:17:47] Danielle: I love that so much speak to the person right now who's thinking, okay that sounds great. Sounds really awesome that you're able to, you know, take this time away, um, [00:18:00] have this, you know, detox for social media, get clear, but they're also in the back of their mind thinking, if I did that my business would fail or if I did that, my, my whole business would fall apart. First of all, did you have, did you have any of those things come up when you did start to take that, those steps back?
[00:18:20] Did you have any of those fears come up and if you did, how did you move through those? Because I think a lot of times when we're running at that pace, that our fear is, and I know that cuz that was for what it was for me, is if I stop for just even a second, my entire business is gonna, like is gonna fall apart, fall apart. Everything that I worked for for the past, however many years.
[00:18:44] Karin: Yeah. I mean, did I have those thoughts? I guess for me, I didn't, because, for me, it was more about if I don't take this time out or if I don't connect [00:19:00] to what is authentically true for me, my business is not gonna grow anyways. Like it's not, I'm, it's never gonna be more than what it is right now.
[00:19:10] And not that it has to be more in the sense of it's gotta be bigger or more people or more clients. But like, I, in this the last couple years, I think the thing that I've learned the most is that you really do need to be happy with what you're doing and money and Netflix show, a brand, you know, all of these things, they don't necessarily equal happiness.
[00:19:37] So the things that you're chasing, there's nothing wrong with the chase, but sometimes when you get there, you realize like when you're not any happier than you were before you had this. So being in a place where you can find like that fulfillment and joy and happiness, I think is so much more important.
[00:19:55] And for me, it was a process of like, okay, if I don't take the time, [00:20:00] I will forever be in this machine and model that, yes, is successful. But if I'm seeking a greater deeper sense of happiness, I need to connect with myself more
[00:20:12] Danielle: Yes, a hundred percent. I just had this conversation actually on a recent episode of the podcast, just about how often we are, we are chasing other people's versions of success and we're not chasing our own version of success.
[00:20:28] Karin: This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is exactly what I mean, where you're, where like my vision for what I wanted to do with my company. I was like, I just, I stopped for a second. I was like, but is this what I want? What I want? Or am I just, have I created this vision because this is what, I've, what I think it should be or what I've seen it could be, or, but is it me?
[00:20:55] Is that what I want? And so, yeah, it's been kind of fun to pull [00:21:00] back. I mean, scary for sure, but also fun to pull back and go like, okay, hang on. Let me, let me, let me feel around here and redefine what this vision is and I to haven't totally redefined it yet. Um, but it's kind of fun to be going through that right now.
[00:21:16] Danielle: Yes. And I love, I love this conversation so much, cuz I think a lot of times what ends up happening in business is we, we have this, you know, vision of what we wanna create. We start working, you know, we're seeing some success, whatever that looks like. And so we just keep going and then we start seeing, oh, well this person over here, that's how they experience success.
[00:21:37] So maybe I should be doing that. So we go, so then we kind of almost divert from our original plan. We start going in this direction here and then we're like, wait a second. Like this person over here is doing this other thing and that's, what's making them successful. So then we're like, okay, so I guess I have to do that. And this person wrote a book, so I should definitely do that. Yes. And then I need to also, you know, it's like, it just becomes this. [00:22:00] It's never over.
[00:22:01] Karin: Yeah. Like and you're to you're you're like, yeah, you're like a ping pong ball going back and forth between all of these sort of like definitions of success that you're seeing other people do, um, that might not be where you really want to be at the end of the day.
[00:22:19] Danielle: Yeah, exactly. And I think the one thing that I, that I really have, I think, gotten more clarity on too, just over the past like year is like each and every, and that's why I love, love talking to people on this podcast and like interviewing people. Cause everyone has their own unique strengths, unique giftings, unique abilities to do what they do best.
[00:22:44] And just because you know, the person that you, that you admire on social, you can admire someone that you are following or, you know, um, someone that's even in your industry, then you're like, wow, that's so amazing that she's been able to do that. [00:23:00] But you can be inspired by them. That doesn't mean that you have to like replicate that exact journey that they went on, like your journey could look totally, completely different to theirs.
[00:23:10] Karin: Totally
[00:23:11] Danielle: because you have giftings that they actually don't have. And so, I think I love this conversation because it's really like, and I think like what you were saying about taking that time and really like slowing down is like figuring out, okay, like, yeah, what do I want for my business? And what are my unique giftings that I can kind of bring to the world?
[00:23:31] Karin: Yeah. You're like hitting the nail on the head with that. It's like the unique giftings and your superpowers, right? Like, what are your superpowers? Everyone has different superpowers, um, or unique giftings, whatever you wanna call it. And I think that if you are in a situation where you are able to do your superpower the most, to me, that is being successful or that's what I want for me, right, is to like, I know I'm really, I know I'm really creative. I know there are certain things that I'm good at. And I know that there are certain [00:24:00] things that I'm less good at.
[00:24:01] And I, and celebrating those superpowers, I think is really important. I think some of us, and I realize I was guilty of this, you can almost play small with your superpower too. Right? But like, girl, you gotta embrace it, celebrate it, own it. Um, and then allow, if you are building a team or a business, allow that team and business to support what your superpower, superpowers are or is because other people have different superpowers in your team that need to be celebrated and supported.
[00:24:36] And I think like, um, yeah, I think really honing in on what is your unique gift and then how do you wanna express that to the world? Um, is where I think you, people would naturally have a lot of success, the most success.
[00:24:52] Danielle: Ugh, that's so good. Karen. I love that. Okay, let's talk a little bit about surrounding yourself with other people [00:25:00] who can help support your goals and dreams, because I mean, you are doing a lot and you know, it could be easy for people to look at you and be like, holy smokes, like, what! Like, she must be superwoman. I mean, you're talking about superpowers, but it's like, she must be superwoman. So talk about like the support that you have to have around you to make all the things that you do happen. And now being a new mom, like all of those, a new things. What does that look like?
[00:25:31] Karin: You know, and I can, I mean, this is very close to my recent experience of downsizing because, and kind of going through a period where it was time. I mean, I've been in business for 14 years, you know, I think every business at some point or another, if you've been around for a really long time, sometimes there's a period of time where you clean house because you are wanting to go into a different direction or it's just, it's a new season.
[00:25:55] It's it's time to maybe reinvent [00:26:00] what the company is. So that is a process that I just went through. Um, it's started with trying to restructure my team. And then through that, you know, again, it was just by moving people around and, you know, doing some hires and letting go. It just, it, it all I wanna say organically happened.
[00:26:21] It was tricky at the time because I had built up such a great core team and like a culture, but it was time. It was time to make a change because the business wasn't serving me the way that I needed it to at that at the size that it was at. Like, I think we were a team of 13 and I, we were juggling over 20 design projects at a time.
[00:26:43] It was like 24, 26 projects at a time. Like it was, and then doing all the social media and other stuff. So it was a lot, it was a lot. And so now, uh, my team is much smaller. We're a team of seven and, but what is different about the team [00:27:00] right now? Is it, it, there is a lot of support and it's restructured in a way where it really, you know, like quality delivering quality work is something that's so important to me being extremely collaborative, being like having clear communication.
[00:27:18] And I'm talking about all these things that are core values at our company too, but the team really believes in those core values. And I think that core values is really important because that's how you build culture and that's how you build a team and that's how you bring people together. And, um, I, I, I mean, I'm so grateful to my team.
[00:27:40] Like I would not be able to be still juggling a bunch of projects and a newborn, a three month old and doing what I'm doing if I wasn't for my amazing team, including my amazing husband, who's super, super supportive. But yeah, I think, I think surrounding yourself with really good people and being, [00:28:00] having the courage as a leader, to be clear about what you want and expectations, and also, um, like have you heard the saying clarity is kind.
[00:28:12] Danielle: Oh no, but I love that so much.
[00:28:14] Karin: Clarity is kind and that when I heard that I've, that really resonated with me because I think when things are confusing or you're not being clear or you're maybe not voicing what you, you have a feeling, but you're not voicing it. It's not respecting this relationship, this amazing working relationship that you have.
[00:28:33] And I think if you can navigate these relationships and have difficult conversations, but, in the name of clarity, you're giving other people an opportunity around you to show up in their best way as well.
[00:28:46] Danielle: So good yeah. I love that. And I think too, as someone, myself who has really I'm really working on it, but being a people pleaser, I just it's [00:29:00] way I am wired, I've realized. And it's just, and maybe it was, I don't know if it was like part of my upbringing, I'm the youngest child. I like always wanted to be like a part of what my sisters were doing. And so I'm just, it's like, I want everyone to be happy. And if I feel like someone isn't happy around me or in my vicinity because of maybe something I said or did or whatever, it just, it, it drives me crazy.
[00:29:27] And so I think that can cause a lot of, like you said, maybe not being clear because maybe I'm worried about offending someone or I'm worried about being too harsh or I'm worried about what someone thinks of me or whatever that is. And I love that phrase. That clarity is kind because it is. And I think the more difficult conversations you can have. And the more like you can kind of lean into some of the, ugh, uncomfortableness [00:30:00] of how relationships are, because they're not all rainbows and butterflies, like it's sometimes it's really hard.
[00:30:08] Karin: It's, it's hard. Right? Right. And I think like when you, I mean, we all come together like as a team, but everyone has their different backgrounds and views and opinions and, um, you know, like upbringing, and so to me, I seek conflict as just the difference of those views and up like opinions and stuff coming together. That's to me what conflict is, and what I've had to learn over the years, and I, you know, it is a skill that I think anybody can get better at cuz I do resonate with being a people pleaser is to be able to have conversations and to depersonalize it.
[00:30:46] And sometimes I think like exactly what you're talking about when you don't wanna disappoint anyone or you don't wanna hurt their feelings, or you don't wanna make them wrong, or all of a sudden there's like so much emotion and like stuff that's now part of this conversation. [00:31:00] And it's almost like if you can completely depersonalize it and just remove all that and speak about, about the facts and expectation and do it in a very matter of fact way, take all of that out.
[00:31:14] It, um, helps to cultivate healthy results and understanding because it's not personal.
[00:31:23] Danielle: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm, totally, totally. I love that so much. And I think with growth, with the growth of your business, there's gonna be, have to be those times, whether it has to be uncomfortable conversations with clients or with your team, or even just with people that are supporting you in your personal life of, you know, setting specific boundaries or what have you.
[00:31:44] So tell me like, what has been, so in the past couple of years, or even like, since we last spoke, there's been a lot of, you said clarity, which is amazing. There's been like, it seems like you're just in such a good place and I love that. Has there been any like, [00:32:00] what has been one of the biggest challenges, um, for you in this new season? I feel like of life that you're in right now in season of business that you're in?
[00:32:09] Karin: I think the challenge, well, the thing that comes to the top of my head is, um, client expectations because for, with interior design and the types of projects that we do, typically, a project life cycle will be like one to three years.
[00:32:24] So we might be working with a client for that long on one project. And so one to three years, like some clients that we have today who are just closing out, were closing out their projects. So they've been with me or with house of Bohn through this transition. And maybe when they were hiring me in house of Bohn, two or three years ago, there was an expectation around the size of the team, how much support they would get, what if they would get any social media, um, mentions and, and stuff like that. But because [00:33:00] it's transitioned, um, I think one of the biggest challenges just been navigating client expectations.
[00:33:07] And also, because this has been a time where I like fully, um, am transparent about, you know, the whole team changed over. The majority of the team, I will say. Um, I'm basically working with a brand new team. Um, there's, there's one person who's been with me for two years and another one, um, who has been with me for three and then someone who came back, um, from years ago, which has been really fun. But, so clients have been seeing different faces on their projects and that's been a little bit tricky to manage as well.
[00:33:38] But again, it's, for me, I've, my attitude, and my outlook around that has been, I am going to service these clients as best as I can, be as open and honest as best I can. And at the same time, I still have to proceed being as truthful and authentic to myself, respectful to [00:34:00] myself as I can be. And so, um, it's the way sometimes the cookie crumbles and I'm sure, you know, I'm not the only, only entrepreneur that's gone through a massive overhaul in their business where it's affected the client services.
[00:34:14] Danielle: Yeah. So, so what comes up for that? Like, with that for me is boundaries. And maybe when, and I'm not saying that this was the situation before, but I think a lot of entrepreneurs can relate to. And I know I can for sure of potentially like going through a change and then not having certain boundaries and then putting those boundaries in place.
[00:34:37] And then what are like some of the repercussions that maybe come of that and a lot of them, and I know you could probably relate to this, but like obviously becoming a mom, you have to have those boundaries or else, you know, you can't, you can't be present, um, you know, for your, for your family or for your baby.
[00:34:54] And so how would you, yeah, if someone is very new to boundaries,[00:35:00] and they are used to just, you know, not having boundaries around anything when it comes to work, when it comes to relationships, what would you say would be a good, like starting point for people to start implementing those? And what has your journey been like around boundaries?
[00:35:17] Karin: What, what a great question. What a great question. And I echo that it's boundaries are so important being a mom or not a mom, but even like, throw in the layer of being a mom, and now it becomes even more important. Cuz yeah, you, you don't have the ability to, to work all night long. You just, you don't. What is a good starting place for boundaries?
[00:35:40] I think that that's some, a skill that you can, and a muscle you can develop as well. And I think it does, you know, over time it will become second nature, but I think really listening to your intuition and to your gut, um, and you know, that [00:36:00] maybe what a client is asking is they're over-asking or, or not that they're over-asking, maybe there's just a lack of awareness there. And you just need to, um, politely educate them that that's not something that you would do or that maybe that's outside of scope or, um, unfortunately you can't accommodate.
[00:36:18] I always try to, again, With the people pleasing aspect of it, I think a lot of people could be afraid of disappointing, and so there's a lot of, yes, yes, yes, yes, sure, sure, sure. But, and then you end up running yourself into the ground. And so I think sometimes trying to, or having, uh, maybe like a script where you're saying no politely, but also in a helpful way.
[00:36:43] So like, you know, thanks for that request, unfortunately, we actually don't have scope for that in our current agreement, but we would love to help you with that under a new work authorization or something and, and just giving yourself, like politely saying no, but [00:37:00] giving your, but also trying to be helpful because you don't wanna like leave anybody, a bad taste in anyone's mouth, right?
[00:37:07] Danielle: Yeah. Oh, absolutely. And like being, yeah. Being respectful. And I, I love what you said before about being really open and honest and, and clear too. Right. Because a lot of times we kind of try to dance around the issue or we're yeah. We're trying to people please. And so we're maybe not being very clear mm-hmm or yeah.
[00:37:25] Karin: Here's one that I still struggle with, which is, I don't know why I still struggle with ducking outta meetings early. So in my world, sometimes meetings will go on really long. Sometimes there'll be like two hours, three hours. There's a lot of material to cover. And I still struggle with ducking out of the meeting early, um, and then letting my team handle it. And so that's something that I'm still kind of working on being, you know, saying like, okay, Um, I'm gonna deck out in an hour and then really take the time to like, leave.
[00:37:54] That's my thing. No one seems to care, but it's just totally my thing. It's five people pleasing. It's it's weird.
[00:37:59] Danielle: Yeah, [00:38:00] totally. Totally. Yeah. And I think, and especially, I think too, if you've been doing something for so long and then you're like transitioning into doing something different, it is really difficult. And I know like that really resonates for me too, because this is the first, the in-person event that we're hosting, that Karin's gonna be part of. I'm so excited, so excited. You know, it's the first one since, well, since the pandemic, but also just since I've been a mom. And so, you know, even just having some of those boundaries around that, where, you know, Potentially a couple years ago, it'd be like, oh yeah, let's do like a site visit with some of the vendors or whatever.
[00:38:34] And like, I'm not able to do that anymore. And so just like having some of those boundaries and, and, and being able to still plan a very successful event and also just realizing like, yeah, there's some aspects of what we used to do that are not necessary actually. And just, you know, the time that it would take to execute whatever we [00:39:00] were doing, it's maybe not worth the time that, that it would take.
[00:39:04] And so totally just like realizing a lot of those things when you do have so much less time. Yes. Is really interesting.
[00:39:11] Karin: Yes. And I think as I was listening to you speak there, the other thing that came up for me is having boundaries is having respect for yourself. So having a lack of boundaries is a lack of respect for yourself and I think respecting yourself and whether that comes through time through asking for what you're worth through, um, saying no politely, that is the, you need to have respect for yourself in order to be able to grow and create the life that you want. And boundaries is such an important part of that.
[00:39:49] Danielle: Mm. So good. So, so good. Mm-hmm Karin tell me what, and I'm sure it's changing every day, but tell me what, like an average [00:40:00] day is looking like, for you right now with a new baby and balancing work, like, what does that look like for you? I'm so curious.
[00:40:09] Karin: Well, I did my hair today, but this definitely is not normal.
[00:40:14] Danielle: it looks fabulous.
[00:40:15] Karin: Not normal. Um, what does a day look like? So I am. I basically came back to work the week that I had Madison. Wasn't in intended to be that way. It, um, it, it just happened that way. That's a whole nother story. Um, so. I definitely like, I don't wake up as early as I used to. I, pre-Madison I was up at like 5, 5 30.
[00:40:45] I do my tea, my meditation, a little bit of yoga, some journaling and start my day off with, um, this routine, which I absolutely loved. Now, it's more like there's a whole bunch of feedings that happen in the morning. Madison gets changed. [00:41:00] I usually don't take any meetings until 10:00 AM. So that's the first time I'll take a meeting and then I've structured my day so that I usually do two blocks.
[00:41:09] So I'll do a morning block after 10 and then an afternoon block. Um, and then in between all of that, I am um, juggling Madison and I'm just getting back into doing content. So I definitely, like I said, have had a big break from social media. Um, my team has been amazing though, the design team, because we've kept all of our design projects going and rolling.
[00:41:36] And I guess the beauty of COVID has been like, I can take a ton of meetings over zoom, which has been amazing. I mean, pre COVID this would've never happened. I think I would've had Madison at the office in tow or at client meetings, which with a newborn, as you know, they're just so unpredictable and even scheduling has been tricky.
[00:41:57] Like my team has had to adapt to a lot of [00:42:00] flexibility, which they've been so great at. But as you know, it's like when you have a newborn, you try to schedule something at 10 and all of a sudden she wants to be fed or she's fussy. And you can't, ah, there in the beginning, there was a lot of, um, zoom meetings with the camera off, the video off and me nursing.
[00:42:17] Danielle: Yep. Yep, totally. I remember that. And I remember like, okay, I'm gonna feed and then like quickly do the call and then feed right after. Yeah. It's so, yeah. Oh man, thank you for sharing that because it gives, just gives a real realistic kind of view of what life and business looks like. Three months postpartum. So, yeah, it's amazing.
[00:42:39] Karin: Very rarely do I have my makeup done or hair done. I'm still usually in sweats or stretchy pants. And then, yeah, I'll be, I it's a little less, now that I'm nursing on a zoom call with Madison. I see we've got a little bit of a routine going, but yeah, it's pretty it's it's uh, it's real.
[00:42:57] Danielle: It's crazy. Yeah. Yeah. Amazing. Oh, I [00:43:00] love it so much.
[00:43:00] Karin: And, but it's awesome. It's so fun.
[00:43:03] Danielle: Yeah. So, okay. What would, and the next question I have for you is because I know there's a lot of people listening who maybe, maybe are pregnant right now, or maybe are thinking about starting a family, but they feel like. Well, if I had this baby, like what's gonna happen to my business. And I know that was some of the fears that came up for me. When I was pregnant and just realizing like, whoa, this is gonna change my life and, and my business a lot. And of course, you know, I had always wanted to have kids and start a family, but I just was so unsure.
[00:43:35] And so, yeah. What, what would your words of wisdom be to those people kind of feeling that your business, you know?
[00:43:44] Karin: I feel like women entrepreneurs who become moms do become super women. And I think at any stage of your business, um, it's possible. I definitely think in [00:44:00] the startup stages for me, at least it would've been so much harder and at the stage that my business is in. I mean, there's so much structure and roles have been really solidified. So, um, I, the transition has actually been quite easy, but one thing that I thought was really interesting, I, um, was at a kids party and one of the moms, her and I were talking and, and she was saying, well, you know, go easy on yourself.
[00:44:29] Um, when I had my baby, you know, I really struggled with what my identity was. And she's like, if you're going through that, you know, like go easy on yourself. And I was like, huh. You know, actually I haven't even thought of that at all. And in that moment, it made me really grateful that I actually was juggling a newborn and still working because the Bohn brand that I built the Karin Bohn that I, you know, worked so hard to [00:45:00] become, didn't get lost in maybe like a one year mat leave where I can only imagine, if for some people, when you go on mat leave, it doesn't even have to be a year. It could be shorter than that. But where now you're not seeing your community as much. You're not seeing work.
[00:45:15] You're not plugged into other adults as much. And you're at home just with the baby and your life is completely transformed that yeah, maybe there is a little bit of like an identity shift or crisis that kind of happens. Like, who are you now outside of just this baby. But for me, I feel really lucky.
[00:45:32] Like it was, it's been really special that I've been able to continue doing, doing what I'm doing, but now it's even sweeter because I have little Madison. Mm. So I think for anyone who is maybe nervous or scared, um, about stepping away from your business, I don't know. I think there's a possibility that it could get even better.
[00:45:51] Danielle: Yeah. Yeah. That's awesome. And I thank you for sharing that because I think there's a lot of, um, and obviously, you know, some people do really struggle, you know, [00:46:00] when they're in and, and I think giving yourself that grace, but also knowing that it doesn't have to be any certain way. And I think everyone's so different too.
[00:46:07] Like, I love that you said like, yeah, like you weren't planning on coming back so soon, but you did. And, and, and that's what worked for you and that's great. And then there's some people it's like, they wanna take six months off their business and that's great too. Like, it's whatever works for you and whatever works for your lifestyle and, you know, the potential support that you have or, or don't have at that time.
[00:46:28] Um, so thank you for sharing that. Thank you for sharing just, uh, you are just, you're glowing and you just seem so happy.
[00:46:38] Karin: And so are you thank you with, yes. So, so happy, so content and I love it. Yeah. And, um, really have. Like everything that a baby has brought to my life, even it's forced me to work from home way more.
[00:46:54] And, um, I don't come into the office every day. So like, I, I take [00:47:00] late, I have taken meetings every day, but I don't come into the office every day. Actually. It's, I'm more rare that I'll come into the office than not. Yeah. But that has been so nice too, that to be working from home and to still have my business operating and, and we are still signing new clients and we're still delivering on amazing work.
[00:47:18] Like I almost feel like the work has gotten better and watching my team, you know, step into different roles and, and even step up because they've had to, because I'm not around as much and that's been even inspiring for me. So I think that there's been so many great things that have come from being a woman in business and having a baby.
[00:47:39] I wanna have five more babies, but I'm too old for that now.
[00:47:42] Danielle: oh my gosh. That's so sweet. And, okay, so I love that you said that and also like, don't you feel that you are so much more grateful for each like small little moment? Like the, the, small little moments mean so much more.
[00:47:58] Karin: Yeah.
[00:47:58] Danielle: And before, whereas before [00:48:00] it's like, okay, like, you know, racing to get to this meeting or that meeting or, or racing to do this, or, you know, being on social 24 7, whatever that looks like.
[00:48:08] And now it's just savoring those little moments that you have and I think that's such a beautiful thing that babies can give and totally is just like the presence. Like you have to be present.
[00:48:22] Karin: You have to be present. Yeah. And I feel, I feel so. Guilty. Even what, cuz I have my phone in my hand all the time, yeah, partly too, that's cuz I have my baby tracker on the phone, so I still, I track her feedings. I track her naps. But the more I do it, the more manageable she is cuz I can just look at the app and be like, oh yeah, she hasn't slept in a little while. So we gotta put her down. Um, but yeah, I, I feel guilty that I always have my phone in my hand cuz I don't want her growing up, always having her phone in her hand.
[00:48:49] Danielle: It makes you, look at things in like a totally different way and like the impact that you have and man, uh, yeah, that's a, that's a conversation for another day.
[00:48:57] Karin: That's a whole, whole nother conversation, [00:49:00] but you look amazing too. And like you, your, your baby is 11 months going on a year. Like, oh my gosh, how fast has this last year gone by then?
[00:49:10] Danielle: So crazy. So crazy. Yeah, I know. It's it's awesome. And yeah, it just, like I said, at the beginning, before we, before we started is just, it gets better and better. So I'm excited for you too.
[00:49:19] Karin: It does it gets better and yeah, that's awesome.
[00:49:22] Danielle: I love it. Well, okay. Um, we wanna invite everyone to the party that's happening next week. So if you would like to have more of this conversation and get to hang out with us in person, we are going to be in Vancouver at the UBC alumni hall on May 18th. So, uh, Karin is one of our amazing panelists and we are so excited to have you again. Um, you've spoken, I think at two different events, I think two events of ours. And, um, yeah, so it'll be so amazing to have you back.
[00:49:56] Karin: And I'm so excited to be back and, and thank [00:50:00] you so much for, including me again. Last minute you had reached out to me. I can't remember if it was like pre or just post Madison and I wasn't sure how all of this was gonna go. So, um, but I'm so excited to be part of the panel and I'm so excited to see people in person and, um, I, I, it's just, I'm excited for an event.
[00:50:19] Danielle: I know, I know. It's so fun. It's so fun that we get to be back with events and, and just to be in person with everyone. So yeah, come join us. But before we end off, I wanna close on asking one last question and I wanna ask you, what are you most proud of? And I think I, in the last episode, so I wanna ask you now, what are you most proud of, um, your journey over the like literally last spoke.
[00:50:47] Karin: Oh, well, that's easy now that I'm a mom. I mean, so like, uh, it's, I'm so proud to have I'm so proud to have [00:51:00] a little baby and I'm so proud to be juggling my business at the same time. Like it, as I was saying before, it doesn't stop because you're, you've had a baby, um, if anything, it really does get better and I just continue to be so proud of my team and the work that we do.
[00:51:16] I love, I love that I get to share in our passion with such amazing people.
[00:51:21] Danielle: I love it. So good. Thank you so much for being on the podcast again, Karin.
[00:51:25] Karin: Thanks for having me. It's so great to see you and talk to you. I appreciate you too. And I'm excited to see you on, Wednesday.
[00:51:32] Danielle: Yes, we'll see you then and have an awesome rest of your day.
[00:51:35] Karin: Thanks you too.
[00:51:40] If you love this episode, make sure you screenshot post and tag us on Instagram at business babes co. Want to know when the next episode goes live? Subscribe on your podcast app, and while you're there, give us a review. Until next time, keep dreaming big, setting goals, and taking action.[00:52:00]