March 08, 2026

How to Grow Without Losing Yourself | Brooki

1 hour 22 minutes

From making just $300 a day in her early bakery days to raising $25 million in venture capital and expanding from local to global, this growth story is extraordinary. But this conversation isn’t just about numbers.

It’s about what happens when success comes fast.

In this episode of The Balance Theory, I’m joined by Brooki, founder of Brooki Bakehouse, for her first ever podcast interview.

We talk about the identity work that needs to happen before growth, the trade-offs that come with scaling a business publicly, and how to build something big without losing who you are. Because success doesn’t build your character, it reveals it.

In this episode, we unpack:

* How Brooki went from $300 days to raising $25M+

* The single decision that changed the trajectory of her business

* What it really felt like when everything started snowballing

* The reality of building a brand in public

* How she handles scrutiny and criticism

* The trade-offs of growing a global business while raising young children

* Why becoming a mum became her superpower, not a setback

* How to grow without losing yourself

* Why you need to build yourself before you build success

If you’re ambitious, building something, navigating change, or stepping into a new level of life, this episode will shift how you think about growth.

Because the real question isn’t how to succeed.

It’s who you become along the way.

Subscribe for more conversations on ambition, mindset, identity and building a life that feels aligned.

#Brooki #FemaleFounder #EntrepreneurMindset #VentureCapital #WomenInBusiness #PersonalGrowth #TheBalanceTheory #StartupJourney #WorkingMum #BuildingInPublic

LINKS

💆‍♀️ ⁠COZY EARTH⁠ - Use code “ERIKA” to get 20% off ⁠HERE⁠ (I’m currently loving their comforters to enhance deep sleep)!

💧 AQUATRU Use code “ERIKA” to get 20% off at https://www.aquatru.com

📸 I⁠⁠nstagram⁠⁠

TIME STAMPS

(01:54) Introduction

(07:15) How I Got To Know Myself

(16:19) What Made You Start Your First Bakery?

(23:27) How Did You Meet your Husband?

(26:31) When did you Realise It Was going to be Bigger than a Local Bakery?

(30:14) This Single Decision Shaped the Trajectory of My Business

(32:17) What Was your Dream When You Opened The Bakery?

(37:12) What Did You Struggle With Behind the Veil of Success?

(43:54) The Reality of Being a Working Mum

(55:50) Trade Offs You Have To Make in Life

(1:00:57) How do You Stay Confident When Your Integrity Is Questioned Publicly?

(01:09:28) Securing $25 Million in VC Funding

(01:15:19) What Has Been the Biggest Shift For You Being Local to Global

WHO AM I?

My name is Erika and I am an Australian living in Dubai. I have my own business as a strategic legal consultant and run this podcast to explore my passion + curiosity for all things health, wellness, self growth & mindset. A big focus of mine is how to sustainably navigate a busy schedule and live my best life in the process. Welcome to my Channel! 📸 ⁠⁠Connect with me on IG!⁠⁠

RESOURCES

▶︎⁠⁠ 25 Day Self Development Marathon⁠⁠

▶︎ ⁠⁠21 Day Self Growth Challenge⁠⁠

▶︎ ⁠⁠Goal Setting System E-Book⁠⁠

LET’S BE FRIENDS

📸 ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

📱⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠

MY FAVOURITE STUFF

💻 Email & Calendar tool - ⁠⁠Sunsama for 1 Month free trial

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...more

View all episodes

By Erika De Pellegrin

1313 ratings