Creating a calm business as a highly sensitive business owner: lessons from my burnout recovery
What we cover:
My personal experience with burnout, the challenges it brought and the lessons that reshaped my work approach.
How I created a calm business model in response to my personal needs and preferences, allowing me to thrive in my business as a highly sensitive business owner
Practical, simple steps you can do right away to help you make supportive decisions and create a business (and life) that is calm and feels good to you
Digital nomad life: how I balance the excitement of new travel experiences while still giving my nervous system the calm and order it needs
Intentional life choices and sacrifices which have allowed me to create a life that aligns with my values.
Overcoming burnout as a highly sensitive entrepreneur
Timestamp: 00:04:53 - 00:09:40
I’ve experienced three significant burnouts, each one worse than the last, with the most intense one happening in 2018. That period of my life took a huge toll on my health and personal life, forcing me to take a hard look at what was causing the burnout. As a highly sensitive person, I realised I wasn’t honouring my nervous system and was pushing myself too hard. My recovery took time, and even today, I have to stay vigilant to prevent slipping back into old patterns. I’ve learned that self-acceptance and constant attunement are essential to avoiding burnout, especially for those of us who are highly sensitive.
How and why I created the one-week website calm business model
Timestamp: 00:15:22 - 00:21:05
To help me thrive as a sensitive entrepreneur, I created my one week website model. Instead of dragging out projects for weeks or months, I finish a website in just one week. Some might assume that this sounds like a rushed, stressful process, but it’s actually the opposite. I’ve created a safe, calm, structured container that allows me to focus fully on one client at a time without overwhelming myself. This model not only supports my nervous system, but it also gives my clients a calm, efficient, and personalised experience.
Aligning to your core values to create a feel-good and calm business that supports your highly sensitive nervous system
Timestamp: 00:29:01 - 00:33:42
A huge part of my journey has been learning to align everything in my life—both personally and professionally—with my core values. My values of freedom, minimalism, kindness, personal growth, and community guide every decision I make. Whether it’s where I live, how I run my business, or the projects I take on, I ensure that they reflect what’s most important to me. It wasn’t always easy, but living and working this way feels like an authentic extension of who I am. I encourage others to get clear on their values and use them as a compass to create a more fulfilling life.
The role of rest: building breaks into my business plan to regulate my nervous system
Timestamp: 00:53:45 - 00:55:57
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the need to incorporate rest into my business. This year, I’ve been more intentional about taking breaks by scheduling every second Friday off and including "regulation snacks"—short, two-minute breaks to reset my nervous system—throughout the day. By allowing myself these moments of rest, I’ve been able to protect my well-being and prevent burnout, without sacrificing the quality of my work.
Digital nomad life, slow travel and the need for new experiences
Timestamp: 00:40:21 - 00:45:54
I’ve embraced a lifestyle of slow travel, moving between Australia and Thailand, and I like to call myself a “digital slow mad.” One interesting thing I’ve discovered is that, as a highly sensitive person, I can actually crave stimulation, especially when my environment becomes too routine or under-stimulating. But I’ve learned that balance is key. I slow down my travels, staying in one place for longer periods so that I can enjoy the excitement of new experiences while still giving my nervous system the calm it needs. This slower pace of travel has been incredibly enriching for both my life and my business.
The benefits of kind, ethical and calm web design
Timestamp: 00:22:27 - 00:24:21
In my design work, I’ve become deeply passionate about “kind design,” which benefits not only my clients but their customers and even the planet. I strive to create websites that are easy to navigate and calming to use, which naturally lowers their environmental impact by reducing energy usage. I’ve realised that ethical, kind design isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to align business practices with a more sustainable, thoughtful approach to serving people and the environment.
Personal sacrifices and choices for a feel-good life
Timestamp: 00:57:01 - 01:00:35
I’ve made a lot of intentional choices to live a simpler, more fulfilling life, including financial decisions that allow me to work less and live more. For example, my partner Craig and I lived in a camper van for over a year, and we chose to live in Thailand because the cost of living here allows me to focus on the things that matter to me—my work, my creative pursuits, and my personal growth—without being overwhelmed by expenses. I also made the personal decision not to have children, which has given me more flexibility and freedom. This was a deeply personal choice, and it aligns with the life I want to live, even though I understand it’s a sensitive topic for many women.
Embracing dichotomies and creating space for all parts of who we are
Timestamp: 01:03:00 - 01:04:11
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is how to embrace the dichotomies within myself. I have a strong need for adventure, excitement, and new experiences, but I also crave safety, calm, and structure. For a long time, I thought these two sides of me were in conflict, but I’ve realised that by embracing both, I can find a balance that works. Life isn’t about choosing one over the other—it’s about creating space for all parts of who we are.
Resources for highly sensitive business owners mentioned in this video:
For highly sensitive entrepreneurs: Kind and calm one-week websites
For highly sensitive web designers: One-week website process
Dani Gardner’s The Art of Responding
And don’t forget to follow Kim Kimball Coaching for more interviews like this one!
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