The Quinn Essential Life

Episode Summary:

Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: A Family's Journey

In this episode, the host speaks with her son Brady about growing up in a household where their mother balanced raising five kids and launching a new business. The conversation highlights the family's resilience and adaptability, particularly Brady's experiences and recollections of his mother's entrepreneurial journey. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of hard work, and the impact of parental decisions on children. The episode aims to inspire working moms by showcasing how juggling career and family responsibilities can be done successfully, without guilt.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Resilience Through Role Modeling
• Brady reflects on how witnessing his mother’s determination and work ethic shaped his own values and outlook.
• The Realities of Juggling It All
• The episode dives into the emotional and logistical challenges of raising five kids while launching a business—without sacrificing either.
• Inspiration Without Guilt
• A powerful message for working moms: success in both family and career is possible, and guilt doesn’t have to be part of the equation.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Check out the salon mentioned, Quinn Vise Hair Salon, in Holland, MI or on the web

Join the Conversation:

Take a moment to reflect on the people who have supported you in your journey, whether they are a parent, mentor, or friend. Reach out to them and let them know about the impact they’ve had on your life.

📢 Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!
• Share this episode with a fellow mompreneur!
• Follow me on Instagram

🔗 Links & Resources:

Visit The Blog | Subscribe To My Newsletter | E-mail Me at [email protected]

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Claire, a bright and ambitious young woman who just graduated from cosmetology school. We had an honest conversation about the beauty industry and how it is about more than beauty. Claire shared her journey into the industry, which was deeply influenced by her mother’s battle with cancer. She talked about how helping her mother regain confidence after losing her hair pushed her toward this career path and how her close-knit family plays a key role in shaping her dreams.

Beyond her career path, we discussed the importance of choosing the right people to surround yourself with, the importance of dreaming big, and sharing a bit of advice I wish someone gave me when I was starting out not only in the beauty and self-care industry, but with entrepreneurship as a whole. 

The conversation left me inspired by Claire’s drive and perspective at just 19 years old. She’s just getting started in her career, but she already has the wisdom to know that success is shaped not just by talent, but by mindset and the people we choose to keep around us.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The power of support systems and how having a strong network of family and friends can be crucial in shaping your career and personal growth.
• Why dreaming big and overcoming comparison puts you on the path to reach your potential

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Episode 3 of The Quinn Essential Life: The Audacity to Dream Bigger: How Dreaming Transformed My Journey
• Find Claire on Instagram at @style.with.claire
• Check out the salon mentioned, Quinn Vise Hair Salon, in Holland, MI or on the web

Join the Conversation:

Take a few minutes and do what Claire is doing. Write down two sentences about how you want your next year to go. Be bold. Be grand. If you’re brave, take a video of you doing it and post it to your Instagram story! If you do, tag me so I can cheer you on!

📢 Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!
• Share this episode with a fellow mompreneur!
• Follow me on Instagram

🔗 Links & Resources:

Visit The Blog | Subscribe To My Newsletter | E-mail Me at [email protected]

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Hannah about growing up with a working mother, seeing her mom as a role model, and the dynamics of being a child in a divorced family. We dove into the often polarizing narratives of working mothers, either being perceived as struggling to balance it all or excelling to an unattainable degree. Hannah shared her perspective on watching her mother juggle college, career, and parenting, and how that shaped her own aspirations.

Hannah’s story is deeply inspiring. Her mother started her family young but pursued higher education while raising four children, ultimately working toward a doctorate. Despite the demands of her career, she remained a constant source of support, attending every performance, concert, and event Hannah participated in.

We also explored the complexities of growing up in a divorced household—navigating different family dynamics, adjusting to step-parents, and the emotional shifts that come with transitioning between homes. Hannah’s candidness about these experiences shed light on the pressures children face in blended families, especially when they feel caught between adult expectations and their own need for stability.

Now, at 20, Hannah is forging her own path, having just completed cosmetology school. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, independence, and the importance of a strong support system.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Being a working parent is not causing harm to your children.
• Being a child in a blended family has challenges parents often don’t consider.
• How important support systems are for success

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Find Hannah on Instagram at @hairby.hannahvk
• Check out the salon mentioned, Quinn Vise Hair Salon, in Holland, MI or on the web

Join the Conversation:

Take a moment to reflect on the people who have supported you in your journey, whether they are a parent, mentor, or friend. Reach out to them and let them know about the impact they’ve had on your life.

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!
• Share this episode with a fellow mompreneur!
• Follow me on Instagram

🔗 Links & Resources:

Visit The Blog | Subscribe To My Newsletter | E-mail Me at [email protected]

As we step into the spring season of 2025, many of us are starting to plan for the summer, whether it’s sports camps, family vacations, or even big decisions like boarding school. In this episode, I reflect on the importance of creating open, pressure-free conversations with our children. From car ride chats to Sunday beach walks, we explore how to cultivate safe spaces where kids can share their thoughts, dreams, and goals. Plus, I share practical tips for planning ahead, balancing spontaneity with anticipation, and using journaling to clear your thoughts before big discussions.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The importance of planning ahead to give children something to look forward to.
• Why journaling can help you process thoughts before family or business discussions.

Join the Conversation:

What are you planning for your family this summer? Do you have any traditions that encourage open conversations? Send me a DM on Instagram at @Quinn.Vise and let’s chat!

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!
• Share this episode with a fellow mompreneur!
• Follow me on Instagram

Links & Resources:

Visit The Blog | Subscribe To My Newsletter | E-mail Me at [email protected]

In this episode, I dive into the audacity of dreaming bigger—something that has shaped both my 27-year career in the hair industry and my 11 years as an entrepreneur. Throughout my journey, I’ve often been met with questions like, “Where did you come up with that idea?” or “How did you even think that was possible?” I explore how daring to dream bigger can challenge those around us, sometimes in ways that aren't so sweet, and why embracing that challenge is essential for growth.

I share some of the pivotal moments that shaped my mindset, from my childhood as an only child with plenty of time to daydream, to an unexpected inspiration from the movie Pretty Woman. I also reflect on how curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to take risks have fueled my entrepreneurial journey.

But dreaming bigger isn’t always easy. I touch on the struggles that can come with comparison, especially among women, and the importance of keeping our hearts in check when feelings of jealousy or self-doubt creep in. Finally, I share a deeply personal turning point—the loss of my aunt—and how that tragedy became a driving force in my life, reminding me that we don’t always get unlimited time to chase our dreams.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to think bigger, take risks, and step into your full potential, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Your dreams may challenge those around you, but that doesn't mean you should stop pursuing them.
• Recognizing jealousy and reframing it as motivation can propel you forward.
• Life is unpredictable—don’t wait to go after what truly matters to you.

Join the Conversation:

If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway on social media and tag me! And if you’re ready to take the next step in your own journey of dreaming bigger, subscribe and leave a review, I’d love to hear how you’re challenging expectations in your own life.

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!
• Share this episode with a fellow mompreneur!
• Follow me on Instagram

Links & Resources:

Visit The Blog | Subscribe To My Newsletter | E-mail Me at [email protected]

In this episode, I reflect on my journey from being stuck in a victim mindset (or having a bottom feeder mindset) to embracing confidence and growth. For a long time, I believed life was just harder for me than for others. I held onto negativity, convinced that people didn’t understand me or that I was constantly being wronged. My ego and fear of rejection made it difficult to accept new perspectives. Everything started to shift when I met a woman who embodied the kind of kindness, confidence, and personal growth I admired. She showed me what it looked like to move through life with grace, and I realized that I had been holding myself back with my own defensiveness. I learned that leadership isn’t about demanding respect—it’s about building trust and showing up for others.

Now, I see things differently. I recognize the power of mindset and how important it is to let go of old narratives that kept me small. In this episode, I share what helped me break free from that limiting perspective and invite you to reflect on your own mindset. Are you holding onto past hurts, or are you open to growth? Let’s talk about it—connect with me on Instagram and share your thoughts!

Today’s Takeaways:

• We can learn from each other and don’t have to learn every lesson the hard way.
• Be willing to learn and be curious. 

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• From Bottom Feeder to Number One Blog Post

Join the Conversation:

Take some time today to journal about an area of your life where you have bottom feeder energy. Explore some alternative realities of that perspective.

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!
• Share this episode with a fellow mompreneur!
• Follow me on Instagram

 Links & Resources:

Visit The Blog | Subscribe To My Newsletter | E-mail Me at [email protected] 

Motherhood often feels like an endless effort to be the best, giving your child everything, making sacrifices, and putting in the work with the hope that someone, somewhere, will acknowledge it. But the reality? There’s no grand prize for exhausting yourself. In this episode, I share a personal story about how chasing validation through overextending myself led to disappointment and what I learned about setting healthier expectations.

But this idea doesn’t just apply to motherhood—it also shows up in family dynamics and leadership. We often avoid difficult conversations, downplay our own disappointments, or wrap hard truths in a way that makes them seem like they don’t bother us at all. But real communication—clear, direct, and honest—is actually an act of kindness. I dive into how changing the way we express our needs and expectations can transform our relationships, both at home and in business.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why expecting recognition leads to burnout
• Clear communication is kind
• Resentment grows in silence



Mentioned in This Episode:

• The blog post “Martyrs Don’t Win Blue Ribbons”

Join the Conversation:

I’d love to hear about a time when you were hoping for a blue ribbon. Send me an email or a DM and share your story.

Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!
• Share this episode with a fellow mompreneur!
• Follow me on Instagram

Links & Resources:

Visit The Blog | Subscribe To My Newsletter | E-mail Me at [email protected]

Take a peak into what The Quinn Essential Life is all about- balancing entrepreneurship with family in tow. Officially launching in April 2025.