Welcome to Money Making Story,

where we share stories of people who turned dreams into financial success.

Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Cathryn Lavery, who went from architect to successful entrepreneur with her million-dollar brand, BestSelf Co.

In this discussion, we’ll discuss his:

• Architecture to Entrepreneurship

• Building BestSelf Co. with $550

• A Million-Dollar Business Built

• Leveraging AI and Automation to Run Her Business

• Managing Energy, Not Just Time

• Make Money with AI

• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• A Story Worth Reading

A Leap from Architecture to Entrepreneurship

Cathryn Lavery didn’t start as an entrepreneur; her career began in architecture, where she made a modest $30,000 a year with a long, daily commute. Dissatisfied with the routine, she looked to build something that offered both financial freedom and personal fulfillment. This journey into entrepreneurship began with a simple side business selling graphic art and posters online, sharing her designs on platforms like Tumblr. Eventually, her side business began earning more than her day job, sparking the realization that she could use her creativity to forge her own path.

But her progress didn’t come overnight. It took years of experimenting, facing self-doubt, and working through uncertainties about her future. After much exploration, Cathryn’s desire to solve her personal development challenges led her to create BestSelf Co., a brand focused on helping others reach their potential.

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Validating the Dream: Building BestSelf Co. with $550

Cathryn took a unique approach to launching BestSelf Co., investing $550 to design and test her first product: a journal based on her personal growth journey. To gauge interest, she launched a Kickstarter campaign to test the waters. The campaign received enthusiastic support, raising over $300,000 in pre-orders in just a month. This experience gave her the confidence to transition her side project into a full-time business.

In just nine months, BestSelf Co. generated $2.2 million in sales, showing a strong market need. Cathryn’s story began to resonate widely, and the company soon expanded its product line to include journals, prompt decks, and other tools that help people work toward their goals, make decisions, and improve relationships.

A Million-Dollar Business Built on Solving Problems

The foundation behind BestSelf Co. was simple: create tools that make self-improvement accessible and actionable. Cathryn’s early success with the journal inspired her to design additional products, such as prompt decks and guided notebooks, that could be tailored to different needs. These tools removed obstacles to self-improvement, encouraging users to develop routines and make steady progress.

Cathryn’s approach was focused on small, meaningful changes each day rather than ambitious, overwhelming goals. Her products gained momentum, and BestSelf Co. became known for its commitment to personal growth. With a problem-solving mindset, she continued to innovate, introducing new products based on customer feedback.

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Leveraging AI and Automation to Run Her Business

When Cathryn sold BestSelf Co. in 2022, she thought her journey with the company was over. However, when the acquiring company struggled to meet its goals, she was given the option to buy it back. Cathryn reacquired BestSelf Co., ready to rebuild the brand—this time with a new strategy.

Rather than rely on a large team, Cathryn incorporated AI and automation to streamline operations. She used AI for tasks that previously required more hands, such as analyzing customer feedback and crafting marketing messages aligned with customer needs. By allowing AI to handle repetitive tasks, Cathryn could dedicate her time to high-priority projects, making the company efficient and flexible.

“AI won’t replace people,” Cathryn explained, “but it can handle the repetitive tasks, giving us more time for creative work.” With AI’s help, she operated with a smaller team, keeping the brand agile and focused.

Make Money with AI

Finding Balance: Managing Energy, Not Just Time

As a mother and a business owner, Cathryn found that managing her energy was just as essential as managing her time. With AI handling many routine tasks, she could focus her energy on strategic planning and innovation. This approach helped her maintain a healthier work-life balance, enabling her to prioritize her family alongside her business.

Cathryn’s story demonstrates the benefits of delegating routine tasks to technology, freeing up time for what matters most. This shift in perspective allowed her to embrace entrepreneurship without sacrificing personal well-being.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Embrace Growth One Step at a Time

For anyone considering entrepreneurship, Cathryn suggests starting with small actions that lead to gradual growth. “Find the simplest version of something different you can do, and begin there,” she says. Whether it’s reading, connecting with mentors, or joining new groups, she emphasizes building skills gradually and surrounding yourself with people who inspire you to grow.

Cathryn’s journey from architect to entrepreneur offers valuable insights: embrace uncertainty, solve real challenges, and use technology to work smarter. Her story serves as a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that anyone can turn their dreams into reality with creativity, resilience, and a focus on problem-solving.

Learn More About Cathryn Lavery

A Story Worth Reading

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