Kelly Franko has lived ten business lives—teacher → maker → boutique owner → broker—and she’s here to talk pivots, burnout, and building a business you can actually leave. We dig into the CEO mindset, what makes a boutique sellable, and how to design a company that supports your life (not the other way around).

Resources mentioned

• Elite Collaborative — Kelly’s brokerage (free business evaluations + FAQs)
• QuickBooks — monthly P&L and basic bookkeeping
• “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz — cash flow discipline
• The Boutique Chat Podcast — industry conversations on growth & sustainability

Takeaways

• Build with an exit in mind from day one; it raises value and quality of life.
• It’s hard to sell a job—buyers want systems, margin, and a trained team.
• If you’re even thinking about selling, start planning now (avg. timeline is 8–12 months).
• Monthly P&Ls expose waste, pricing gaps, and where to lean out.
• COVID “glory days” aren’t coming back; the owners who pivot win.
• Put people in roles they love; passion + competency = better outcomes.
• Train yourself out of the weeds—almost nothing truly requires you.
• “Sustainable” means the business funds your life, not holds you hostage.

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Brought to you by Hot Mess Consulting, where killer brands and shopify websites are built. Check them out at www.hotmesshustle.com.

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