Episode 33: Confidence After Kids and Truly Rebuilding the Woman in the Mirror

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, co-hosts Kellie Hoover and Leah Williams tackle a topic that resonates with countless mothers: finding and rebuilding your identity and confidence after having kids. They share their personal experiences with the dramatic changes that come with motherhood—from physical shifts to changes in priorities and self-perception. Leah opens up about the "big shift" she experienced postpartum, feeling insecure and questioning, "Who am I in this role now?". Kellie explains that as women, we often put ourselves on the back burner, and our identities can become solely focused on being a mom. They discuss how this can lead to a feeling of being a "failure," especially for women who are used to being "high performing" in other areas of their life. The key, they agree, is not to lose yourself completely but to embrace the change and intentionally reconnect with who you are.

Episode Highlights:

The "Mom Identity Crisis": Leah and Kellie explore why many moms experience a hit to their confidence. Leah points out that motherhood is unpredictable and that the "formula" that often works in other aspects of life doesn't apply to raising kids. She also mentions the physical changes and the pressure to excel, which can make a new mom feel like a failure from day one.

Small Steps to Rebuild: Kellie emphasizes the importance of starting small when it comes to self-care. Her top tips include:

• Move Your Body: Physical activity, whether it's a walk with a friend, a gym class, or playing pickleball, releases endorphins and improves your mood.
• Start Your Day for You: Take just five minutes in the morning for yourself, whether it's reading, journaling, or simply sitting in silence.
• Ditch the "Head Trash": Let go of the belief that a workout has to be perfect or that you have to look a certain way to exercise.

The Power of Mindset & Community: Leah stresses the importance of curating your social circle. She explains that it's okay for your friendships to change as you grow and that surrounding yourself with people who support your journey is crucial.

Leading by Example: Kellie shares that one of the best examples she's given her teenage daughters is showing them that she prioritizes herself, demonstrating that it’s not selfish to take care of your own well-being.

Final Takeaway: Confidence after kids isn't about "reversing" who you've become, but rather about creating the best version of yourself. It's about giving yourself grace, celebrating small wins, and being disciplined about a few small habits that lead to growth. Remember, you are more than just a mom.

Call to Action:

Share this podcast episode on social media
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- Tag the hosts and share what inspired you from this episode

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Episode 32: Navigating the Guilt Trip: A Conversation on Mom Guilt

Episode Summary:
In this episode, hosts Leah Williams and Kellie Hoover have a candid discussion about the universal experience of mom guilt. They dive into what mom guilt is, how it manifests at different stages of a child's life, and how to manage the pressure—both internal and external—that comes with modern parenting. The conversation touches on personal anecdotes, including balancing work and family life, the influence of social media, and the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion.

Episode Highlights:

Mom Guilt is Universal: Leah and Kelly agree that mom guilt is a feeling that every mother experiences, regardless of their child's age. The feeling can stem from external sources like social media and other people, as well as internal pressure.

The Working Mom Struggle: Kelly shares a personal story about feeling immense guilt after missing her youngest daughter's first steps due to a work trip. She also discusses the common guilt of working instead of being with her children.

Shifting Priorities: As children get older, the nature of mom guilt changes. Kelly notes that it shifts from worrying about not being present for every milestone to focusing on creating meaningful memories and being truly present during one-on-one time.

The Social Media Trap: The hosts discuss how social media can be a major source of mom guilt, as it often presents an unrealistic, curated view of other people's lives. However, they suggest that with a shift in perspective, it can become a source of motivation rather than comparison.

Involving Your Children: Kelly shares her strategy of involving her children in major family and career decisions. She explains that this practice helps them feel included and allows her to feel less guilty about the time she spends working.

Guilt as a Catalyst for Change: Leah and Kelly highlight that mom guilt, while often negative, can be a productive tool for self-re-evaluation and personal growth. Sometimes, guilt is a sign that you are running on empty and need to prioritize your own well-being.

SEO Keywords: 

Mom Guilt, working mom, parenting, motherhood, self-care, work-life balance, self-awareness, social media, family, podcast.

Final Takeaway: 

You are doing enough, and you are enough. Mom guilt is a normal feeling, but it doesn't have to define your life. Be kind to yourself, give yourself grace, and remember that everyone's journey is different.

Call to Action:

- Share this podcast episode on social media
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- Tag the hosts and share what inspired you from this episode

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Episode 31: Seasons of Growth: Knowing When to Pivot, Pause, or Push

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Women of Fort Mill," hosts Leah Williams and Kelly Hoover discuss the topic of "seasons of growth," focusing on when to pivot, pause, or push in both personal and professional life. They share their experiences as "drivers" and high-achievers who are used to hustling and grinding, but have learned the value of slowing down.

Episode Highlights:

Recognizing Seasons: The key to navigating life and business is learning to recognize which season you are in—whether it's a time to push, pivot, or pause.

The Power of Pausing: Pausing, whether intentional or not, can lead to a breakthrough. It provides an opportunity to refocus and refine your goals, and to be better prepared for the next push phase.

Slowing Down for Growth: Contrary to the "hustle and grind" mindset, slowing down can be a more effective path to growth. 

Refining and Refocusing: Kelly's experience shows that a pause allows you to reassess what you want and to "refine" your mission, making you more effective when you start pushing again.

Filling Your Own Cup: Leah advises that it's important to do things for yourself to feel fulfilled, rather than expecting others to fill your needs.

You're Not Behind: Both hosts agree that different seasons serve a purpose and that a slower season can equip you with maturity and a different skill set. 

Honoring All Seasons: You can be in different seasons in different areas of your life at the same time.

Final Takeaway: 

The key takeaway from this episode is that a life of constant pushing and hustling is not sustainable and can lead to burnout. Leah and Kelly, both self-proclaimed "drivers," emphasize that true growth and success come from understanding and honoring the different "seasons" of life—whether they require you to push, pivot, or pause. Pausing, though often uncomfortable for high-achievers, is a necessary time for healing, refocusing, and refining your goals, which ultimately leads to a stronger, more intentional, and more effective push phase. The journey is the most important part of life, and slowing down to fill your own cup and be present in each season is crucial for long-term fulfillment and success.

Call to Action:

- Share this podcast episode on social media
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- Tag the hosts and share what inspired you from this episode

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Episode 30: How to Not Crumble in life when you are facing a life crisis

Episode Summary:

In this deeply moving episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, your co-hosts Kelly Hoover and Leah Williams get vulnerable about what it means to keep showing up when life hits the hardest. From brain tumors to personal loss, divorce, and parenting challenges, this conversation isn’t just about surviving crises — it’s about reclaiming your power, owning your story, and learning to thrive in the aftermath.

Kelly shares the life-altering experience of being diagnosed with a brain tumor while parenting two young children, and the internal battle she fought to stay grounded in gratitude and hope. Leah opens up about the unraveling of her first marriage, the unexpected death of her brother, and how those rock-bottom moments became the foundation for her growth and purpose.

Together, they unpack the messy middle of crisis — the lies we tell ourselves, the unrealistic expectations we hold, and the hard but healing work of choosing how we respond when we can’t control the storm.

Episode Highlights:

Kelly’s story of surviving a brain tumor and how it redefined her purpose

Leah’s courageous decision to leave an abusive marriage and rebuild her life

The toxic lies we tell ourselves in crisis — and how to fight them

How to set realistic boundaries when life gets overwhelming

The importance of communication with your spouse, kids, and yourself

Why productivity does NOT equal worth — and how to redefine success

Practical tools for “showing up” when you’re barely holding it together

Final Takeaway: 

Life doesn’t come with a roadmap, and sometimes the storms are heavier than we ever expected. But even in our hardest seasons, there’s always a chance to rewrite the story — with grace, with grit, and with support. Whether you’re in a storm, coming out of one, or unknowingly heading into one, know this: you are not alone, and your ability to show up — even imperfectly — is already a victory.

Let this episode be your reminder that hard things don’t define us — how we rise from them does.

Call to Action:

- Share this podcast episode on social media
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Episode 29: The Myth of Balance: How Real Woman Make It Work

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the Women of Fort Mill podcast, co-hosts Kelly and Leah tackle the often-debated concept of "balance" for real women and mothers. They delve into whether true balance exists, how its definition varies for each individual, and share their personal strategies for managing busy lives, growing businesses, and family priorities. The discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing what truly matters, adjusting expectations, and releasing the need for absolute control to reduce stress and find fulfillment.

Episode Highlights:

Redefining Balance: Kelly and Leah explore the idea that balance isn't about equal distribution across all life quadrants, but rather prioritizing what's most important in a given season, such as family over friends or business.

The Power of Prioritization: Kelly shares her personal system of prioritizing family first, followed by business, and how she schedules her mornings to accommodate both. Leah emphasizes that her son is her number one priority, and how the flexibility of her business allows her to drop everything for urgent family needs.

Releasing Control and Stress: Leah discusses her biggest area of growth: learning to give up control and trust that doing her best is enough, which has significantly reduced her stress levels.

Being Present: Kelly highlights the importance of "being where your feet are planted" and putting down to-do lists to be fully present in the moment with family, friends, or work.

The Importance of Community: Both hosts underscore the value of surrounding yourself with supportive women who understand your priorities and encourage personal and business growth. Leah explains how her focus on adding value to others has attracted outstanding women into her life.

Non-Negotiable Routines: Kelly reveals her commitment to scheduling personal time (gym, self-grounding) and dedicated family time on her calendar every Sunday as non-negotiables to maintain her foundation and prevent feeling off-balance.

Advice for Overwhelmed Moms: Leah advises moms to recognize that seasons of life change and priorities will evolve. She suggests interchanging activities to make downtime more productive and fulfilling. A key takeaway is to identify 2-3 core priorities for the current season and say "no" to anything that doesn't align, saving mental energy and fostering intentionality.

Final Takeaway: 

Balance isn't about perfection or equal distribution; it's about anchoring your life around what gives you peace and what's most important in this season, understanding that these priorities will evolve over time.

Call to Action:

- Share this podcast episode on social media
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- Tag the hosts and share what inspired you from this episode

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Episode 28: Breaking Down Financial Barriers: ClimbFund's Impact on Small Business Growth

Episode Summary:

This episode features a conversation with Keonta Ramsey, Director of Growth for ClimbFund, a non-profit community lender. ClimbFund is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs access capital when traditional banks decline their applications. They are a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) focused on serving underserved communities, including women-owned, veteran-owned, rurally-based, and BIPOC-owned businesses. Beyond providing funding, ClimbFund offers extensive free technical assistance and wraparound services, such as marketing, accounting, HR, and general business consulting. The discussion highlights the critical role non-profits play in fostering small business growth and building inclusive communities.

Episode Highlights:

• ClimbFund functions as a CDFI, providing funding to small businesses that are turned down by traditional banks, without taking deposits.
• The organization's mission is to serve underserved groups like women, veterans, rural businesses, and BIPOC communities.
• ClimbFund's "secret sauce" is its free technical assistance, which includes support for marketing, accounting, QuickBooks, and HR, ensuring client success beyond just providing a loan.
• They offer flexibility with loan repayments, understanding that "life happens" and businesses experience ebbs and flows.
• ClimbFund provides industry-specific and general business consulting through staff and contractors, all at no cost to clients.
• Clients become part of the "PlanFund Collaborative," a private Facebook group for sharing ideas and support, fostering a strong community.
• ClimbFund serves the entire state of South Carolina, with five community development loan officers strategically located to be within 90 minutes of clients.
• A success story shared is Verde, a restaurant that grew from one location to multiple, including a contract with Charleston International Airport, after receiving funding from ClimbFund.
• Keonta advises aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and minorities, to "just start" and utilize available resources like ClimbFund's free workshops and partnerships with organizations like SCORE.

Final Takeaway: 

ClimbFund provides vital financial access and comprehensive, free support to entrepreneurs, particularly those overlooked by traditional banks. Their commitment goes beyond funding, offering essential technical assistance and fostering a supportive community, which are critical for the sustainable growth and success of small businesses in South Carolina.

Call to Action:

- Share this podcast episode on social media
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- Follow the podcast on Instagram @womenoffortmill
- Tag the hosts and share what inspired you from this episode

- To learn more about ClimbFund and their services, visit ClimbFund.org. Explore their client success stories, resources tab, and event schedule, including their free small business loan application workshops. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram under "ClimbFund".

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Episode 27: Time Management (Part 2) - Owning Your Mornings for a Happier, More Confident You

Summary

In this episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, co-hosts Kellie Hoover and Leah dive into the power of owning your mornings (or evenings!) to reduce stress, increase confidence, and create a happier household. Kellie shares her personal morning routine, emphasizing small, consistent changes, and offers practical advice for busy moms, including habit stacking and prioritizing self-care. The discussion highlights how intentional time for oneself can significantly improve overall well-being and relationships.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - 3:00: Introduction to the podcast and hosts, Kellie and Leah.
• 3:00 - 8:00: Discussing the importance of self-care and how starting the day intentionally impacts overall effectiveness. 
• 8:00 - 15:00: Kellie shares her current morning routine, including waking up before her family.
• 15:00 - 23:00: Addressing challenges for moms with young children or demanding schedules, emphasizing evening preparation and "habit stacking" to integrate self-care into daily activities like showering or commuting.
• 23:00 - 26:00: The importance of sleep and naps as self-care, and the impact of being well-rested on mood and effectiveness.
• 26:00 - 30:00: Incorporating children into self-care activities like family yoga or dance parties to model healthy habits.
• 30:00 - 34:00: The positive impact of "owning your mornings".
• 34:00 - 39:00: Three small, impactful changes to implement immediately. Plus, a tip about coffee consumption.
• 39:00 - End: Call to action for listeners to share their experiences and connect with the podcast.

Final Takeaways

• Small Changes, Big Impact: You don't need to overhaul your entire life at once. Start with small, consistent changes to your morning routine, like five or ten minutes, and gradually build from there.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Intentional time for yourself, whether in the morning or evening, is crucial for improving mood, increasing effectiveness, and enabling you to show up better for others.
• Avoid the Phone First Thing: Resist the urge to check your phone, emails, or news immediately upon waking. This helps set a more positive and less reactive tone for the day.
• Hydrate and Brain Dump: Two simple yet powerful habits are drinking water (preferably with electrolytes) first thing in the morning and getting all your to-dos out of your head by brain dumping.
• The Ripple Effect of Mom's Mood: When a mother is happy and well-cared for, it creates a more positive and smoother-running household. Conversely, stress and depletion can lead to snapping and a less happy environment.
• Habit Stacking for Busy Schedules: If traditional morning routines aren't feasible, integrate self-care into existing activities (e.g., listening to a podcast while showering or driving) or utilize evening hours for preparation and personal time.
• Sleep is Self-Care: Don't underestimate the power of sleep and even naps. Rest is essential for mental clarity, patience, and overall well-being, leading to greater effectiveness.
• Involve Your Children: When appropriate, include children in self-care activities like family yoga or dance parties. This not only benefits you but also teaches them valuable life skills and promotes connection.

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In this episode of the Women of Fort Mill podcast, hosts Kelly and Leah have an intimate conversation about personal growth, relationships, and parenting. Leah shares her journey of transformation, discussing how she evolved from being insecure and work-driven to prioritizing family, setting boundaries, and creating meaningful connections with her husband and son.

Episode Highlights:
- [0:00:00] - Introduction and podcast overview
- [0:01:31] - Welcome and episode introduction
- [0:03:21] - Discussion about Leah's marriage and relationship history
- [0:08:16] - Shifting priorities and work-life balance
- [0:11:33] - Parenting approach and personal growth
- [0:22:29] - Closing thoughts and encouragement

SEO Keywords:
- Women of Fort Mill podcast
- Personal growth
- Relationship transformation
- Parenting
- Boundaries
- Mindful motherhood
- Marriage evolution
- Self-improvement
- Family priorities
- Nervous system regulation

Final Takeaway:
Personal growth and self-awareness are crucial for building strong, meaningful relationships. By prioritizing family, setting healthy boundaries, and continuously working on oneself, individuals can create more fulfilling and connected family dynamics.

Call to Action:
- Share this podcast episode on social media
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If you’re a busy mom constantly saying, “There’s not enough time in the day,” this episode is for you. In this episode, we tackle one of the most common struggles among moms: how to manage your time without losing your mind. Host Kellie shares her real-life systems—from using a paper planner and digital dashboards to teaching her daughters the value of weekly planning. Whether you’re running a business, managing a household, or doing both, these insights will help you reclaim your schedule and your sanity.

We dive into the power of a Sunday reset routine, time-blocking tips that actually work, and how to build white space into your calendar without guilt. You’ll learn how to avoid the common time traps that drain moms—like endless scrolling, overcommitting, and neglecting self-care. Kellie breaks down her top tools and how she uses them to create family-wide clarity and structure.

Walk away with practical, realistic strategies to plan your week with more ease, more presence, and less stress.

Resources

• DAKboard
• Law of Attraction Planner

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If you've ever struggled with confidence around finances, or questioned your value as a woman, mother, or entrepreneur, this episode is for you. In this episode, Leah shares her deeply personal journey with money, mindset, and self-worth.

Leah opens up about how going through a difficult divorce sparked a journey of emotional and financial reinvention. From feeling broken and unworthy to becoming a financially empowered business owner, she walks us through the mindset shifts that helped her step into abundance. You’ll hear actionable insights around identifying your money story, getting aligned with your partner, and taking small but impactful steps to regain financial control.

This episode is rich with encouragement, practical tips and money mindset shifts every female entrepreneur needs to hear—from building daily money habits to using budgeting tools and investing with confidence. Whether you’re just beginning your financial journey or looking to level up, Kellie and Leah's honest conversation will help you rethink your relationship with money and recognize your true worth. Tune in to learn how empowerment, confidence, and clarity can radically transform your life and finances.

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Follow us on Instagram at @womenoffortmillpodcast and join our email list for exclusive updates, upcoming episodes, and resources from our amazing guests.

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