How a Creative Entreprenuer Takes Real Time Off (Without Losing Momentum)

If you’ve ever thought, “If I unplug for a day, everything will fall apart,” you’re not alone. As a creative entreprenuer based in Minneapolis, I’ve had that fear too.

In my recent interview on the Wisdom in the Tangents Podcast, Episode 262, we dove deep into what it actually takes to build a business that can run without you — one that allows you to truly rest, recharge, and live your life.

I now take two to three months off each year, and my business still runs smoothly. In this post, I’ll share the mindset and simple systems that make that possible so you can take time off, too — without losing momentum.

The Moment Everything Shifted

I used to be “always on.” Laptop at the beach. DMs at dinner. Then I asked a better question: am I truly the best person to do every task? The honest answer was no. I hired help for editing, bookkeeping, and admin. I built a few templates. I set boundaries. The result was more energy, better work, and actual time off. It felt radical. It was also repeatable.

Design Your Business Around Your Life

A thriving business shouldn’t cost your life. It should support it. Here’s the framework I use—and teach—to help any creative entreprenuer step away without stressing out.

1) Systems Create Freedom

Document what repeats. Build templates for proposals, questionnaires, and emails. Create a friendly autoresponder that:

• Confirms you received their inquiry,
• Shares next steps,
• Links to book a call or a session,
• Sets a clear reply window (e.g., “within 48 hours”).

Even while you’re away, leads feel seen and can self-schedule.

2) A Tiny Team That’s Mighty

Ask: “Should this be me?” Often, it shouldn’t. Start with 5 hours a week. Give your assistant one outcome (ex: inbox triage) and one SOP. Add roles over time: editing, album design, scheduling, or social. As a creative entreprenuer, you keep the vision; your team keeps the wheels turning.

3) Automations That Sell While You Rest

Let tools handle the routine. Use gallery software with store automations. Add contract + invoice workflows. Schedule a simple nurture sequence after delivery. Set up an abandoned cart reminder. Those “you made a sale” emails hit different on a rest day.

4) Money That Matches Your Season

Plan time off during natural slow periods. Save a cushion or pay yourself a steady amount each month. Track spending so choices are clear: new gear now, or two weeks off later? There’s no right answer—only aligned trade-offs.

One Week Off: A Simple 7-Step Plan

This is the exact process I follow. It works for a weekend, a week, or a month.

1. Pick dates and protect them. Mark your calendar unavailable.
2. Clear the runway. Deliver edits, send invoices, and close open loops.
3. Turn on autoresponders. Include a booking link and your reply window.
4. Name a point person. A teammate watches the inbox and escalates only true emergencies.
5. Batch your marketing. Schedule posts and one email. Repurpose your greatest hits.
6. State your boundaries. No email after 5 p.m., no Slack on weekends. Put this in client onboarding.
7. Practice micro-rest. Before the big week, take one Friday off. Notice how much still works.

Why Real Rest Makes You Better

Rest isn’t a reward; it’s a resource. After time off, ideas feel fresh. Decisions come faster. You remember that ordinary life is magic—orange sunsets, grass under bare feet, dinner with someone you love. That energy shows up in your work. Clients feel it too.

Start Small. Stay Consistent.

If two months off feels wild, begin with one protected evening. Then try a long weekend. Then a week. Each win builds trust in your systems and in yourself. You’re not “abandoning” your business—you’re leading it with intention. That’s what a creative entreprenuer does best.

Ready to Make It Real?

If you’re craving permission, here it is. Take the first step today.

Want help installing these systems?
👉Or book a 15-minute coaching consult and we’ll map your 30-day “Time-Off System” together.
👉Grab my free guide Unlock Your Ideal Workday to design your schedule and boundaries.