From “Trapped” to Thriving: Why Running an Online Business is a Game Changer
A few days ago, my flight was canceled, leaving me unexpectedly “stuck” on the Sunshine Coast.
But you know what? I wasn’t even mad about it.
Instead of panicking about being away from my desk, I sat in a gorgeous spot, got my work done, and soaked up the perks of running an online business.
But let me be honest—it hasn’t always been this way.
My Journey to Running an Online Business
When I started my first business—a face-to-face wellness centre—everything depended on me being physically on-site. If I wasn’t there, I wasn’t earning.
COVID lockdowns hit, and suddenly, I was “trapped” in Melbourne. I couldn’t visit family in New Zealand in case I ended up stuck there and not being able to run my business. It was exhausting, isolating, and downright depressing.
Picture this: me, sitting in my tiny Port Melbourne apartment with my pup, locked down and losing money every day. I felt stuck in every sense of the word.
Desperate for a productive outlet, I focused on solving a personal challenge—my ongoing struggles with sleep. I dove headfirst into studying sleep science, fixed my own issues, became certified as a sleep coach, and realised I could help a lot of people.
Initially I planned for sleep coaching to be an additional arm of my wellness business. But, when we finally emerged from the last lockdown in Victoria and I was allowed to re-open my business, I realised that my brick and mortar business no longer served me.
So I sold up! And transitioned into the online coaching space.
Why Running an Online Business Works for Me
Fast forward a few years, and after helping hundreds of people improve their sleep, I had an epiphany.
While chatting with fellow health coaches and wellness business owners, I kept hearing the same thing:
“I’m overwhelmed by tech and systems.”
“I have no idea how to manage all these processes.”
“Running a business is so much harder than I thought.”
“I don’t know what I don’t know.”
At first, I didn’t understand. To me, this stuff was second nature. Then it clicked: my 20 years of experience as a legal assistant, technical project manager, and business operations manager gave me a unique edge. So, in a gorgeous blend with my wellness industry knowledge, I started helping wellness business owners sort out their tech and systems.
The Perks of Running an Online Business
“Running an online business gives me the flexibility and freedom I didn’t have before”
One of the biggest benefits of running an online business is the freedom it brings. For example, when my flight was canceled, it wasn’t a problem—it was a perk.
But the benefits go far beyond working from anywhere:
Freedom of Time – I set my own hours and work when I’m most productive.
Scalability – Automating systems means my business works even when I’m not.
Flexibility – No more missing important events or vacations because “the business needs me.”
And, perhaps most importantly, it gives me the work-life balance I had been craving. How else was I going to get away with a nine-month road-trip around Australia!
But I’m not alone in prioritising balance in my life. A recent study by Humanforce, revealed that 54% of Australian workers who changed jobs in the last year did so to improve their work-life balance and wellbeing, rather than for higher pay. This really shows just how much Australians value having control over their schedules and aligning work with personal priorities—a key benefit of running an online business!
The Challenges of Running an Online Business
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows:
Always “on” – My brain rarely switches off from thinking about work.
Loneliness – I miss having work besties or a boss to bounce ideas off.
Irregular Pay – Managing finances requires careful planning.
Still, for me, the benefits of running an online business far outweigh the challenges.
Simplify Your Business, Simplify Your Life
One thing I’ve learned is this: a well-run business doesn’t just give you freedom—it gives you your life back.
That’s why I created HTN Essentials—a tailored package for health coaches and wellness business owners who want to automate their systems, streamline operations, and focus on their clients.
If you’re overwhelmed by tech or have no idea where to start, this is for you.
Imagine your business running smoothly—even when you’re not working—giving you more time for the things (and people) that matter most.
How I Can Support You
HTN Essentials – Perfect for health coaches and wellness business owners ready to elevate their side hustle into a serious business.
1:1 Online Business Support – See what tasks you can offload here.
COMING SOON: The Network – A community for business support, connection, and growth. Be the first to hear when we release our founding member offer.
If you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm, sort your business out, and reclaim your time, let’s chat.
