Marriage, Money & Entrepreneurship: A Real Talk with My Husband

Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify | Listen Everywhere

Panic, Partnership & Personal Brands

Anxiety is simply worrying about something that may never happen—but when you're an entrepreneur, the future can feel terrifyingly close. Panic sets in every few months, wondering, “Is this all about to fall apart?”

Spoiler: it rarely does.

Welcome to The Creative Bodega, where we keep things real—especially when it comes to running your business and your life. In this very special episode, I brought on someone who knows the real behind-the-scenes of my business better than anyone: my husband, Rob.

Rob is my CFO, business confidant, sounding board, dishwasher police, and resident golf fanatic. In this post, we’re taking you inside the reality of what it’s like to:

• Run a household and two businesses under one roof

• Navigate finances together (including how we paid cash for a six-figure kitchen renovation)

• Deal with anxiety, unpredictability, and building a business from scratch

• Support each other—when one of you becomes the main earner

And yes, we’ll also answer the all-important question: who loads the dishwasher right?

From CrossFit Coaches to Content Creators

Our entrepreneurial journey didn’t start with Canva templates and course launches—it started with barbells and burpees. We met while coaching at a CrossFit gym, fell in love, eloped, and opened our own gym together.

Working together wasn’t new. But it was far from easy.

We learned quickly that the best way to run a business as a couple is to stay in your own lane. Rob tackled the finances, systems, and equipment, while I focused on community, coaching, and content. That foundation still helps us today.

When we eventually sold the gym during the pandemic, I pivoted into content marketing and branding—and The Creative Bodega was born.

When the Wife Becomes the Breadwinner

One of the most popular questions we get: “How does Rob feel about you being the main earner?”

Short answer: He’s proud.

Rob grew up around strong, independent women—including a mom who came to the U.S. from the Philippines and built a life for herself. That shaped how he views success, money, and partnership.

If you're in a relationship where you're the main earner, or you’re building toward that, here’s what helped us:

• Having regular financial check-ins (even when they’re uncomfortable)

• Creating a joint vision for how we want our lives to look

• Understanding that income is just one piece of partnership

It’s not about ego—it’s about trust, respect, and shared goals.

The Anxiety Factor (And How We Manage It)

Let’s be real: anxiety is part of the entrepreneurial package.

I’ve dealt with it my whole life—and running a business only amplified it. What helps?

💡 Rob’s #1 tip: “Think about the panic you felt four months ago. Did what you feared actually happen?”
Usually… nope.

When you’re deep in it, it feels like everything is crumbling. But it’s often just a messy middle—part of the natural cycle of growth. Here’s how we navigate it together:

• Check-ins: We talk a lot. Sometimes on walks. Sometimes at 6am in the kitchen.

• Defined roles: I ask for help when I need it. And Rob is always game to step up.

• Planning: We map out heavy work seasons (hello, launch mode) so we’re not blindsided.

• Humor: It helps when your partner knows how to make you laugh when you’re spiraling.

Money, Taxes & How We Paid Over $100k for Our Kitchen in Cash

Let’s talk finances.

Two years ago, we took on a major home project: a six-figure kitchen renovation. We didn’t take out loans or put it on a credit card. Instead, we cash-flowed it directly from my business profits—with a lot of planning.

Here’s how we did it:

🔹 Step 1: Know your monthly “enough” number

We sat down and calculated what I actually needed to make to cover business expenses, taxes, savings, and personal life.

👉 Rob’s tip: “Don’t chase an invisible income goal. Know exactly what your business needs to make—and what you’ll keep after expenses and taxes.”

🔹 Step 2: Save 22% of every sale for taxes

Every month, we set aside 22% of my revenue in a separate account. This covers quarterly tax payments and keeps surprises (mostly) at bay.

🔹 Step 3: Create seasonal launch strategies

We structured my business to have two big course launches per year, with membership revenue providing recurring monthly income. That helped us plan major expenses like the kitchen renovation around projected cash flow.

📚 Resource Mentioned:
The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz – A must-read for business owners ready to prioritize profit.

Boundaries, Babies & Business Meetings

Yes, we work from home.
Yes, we’re around each other… a lot.
Yes, we still like each other (most days).

But it takes boundaries.

Here’s what helps us thrive under one roof:

• Monthly biz meetings: We sit down and review numbers, goals, and what’s coming up.

• Kid logistics calendar: Everything from soccer to school plays goes on the shared calendar.

• Solo time: I thrive with quiet creative time. Rob thrives on the golf course. We give each other space.

• Defined chores: I do the laundry. He does the dishes (as long as I don’t load the dishwasher “wrong”).

If You’re Building a Business With a Spouse Who Doesn’t Get It…

This one’s for you if your partner isn’t 100% supportive of your business—or doesn’t understand why you’re showing up on Instagram stories every day.

Here’s what we suggest:

✅ 1. Explain the why

Don’t assume they “get it.” Explain why your content matters. What you’re building. The long-term vision.

✅ 2. Show them the numbers

Numbers don’t lie. When Rob saw my revenue growing, the seriousness of the business clicked.

✅ 3. Set clear expectations

If you're launching something big, let them know you’ll need extra support at home or more alone time.

✅ 4. Ask them what they need too

It’s not a one-way street. Ask how you can support them during your busy seasons.

Our Biggest Wins (and Mistakes) as a Couple in Business

Looking back, here are a few things we’re really proud of:

• Supporting each other through two career pivots

• Staying debt-free through major business and life changes

• Being fully present for our kids—at the bus stop, at practice, and every milestone

• Being willing to talk through hard conversations about money, roles, and expectations

Were there mistakes? Absolutely.

We’ve had our share of panic attacks (me), financial missteps (me again), and days where we wonder if it’s all worth it.

But through it all, we keep choosing each other—and choosing this life we’re building together.

Build a Life You Don’t Need a Vacation From

Here’s what we’ve learned:
You don’t have to do this alone.
Your business doesn’t have to burn you out.
And your relationship doesn’t have to suffer because you’re ambitious.

If anything, your ambition can fuel both your business and your marriage.

So whether you're just starting out or scaling your offers, take time to:

✨ Talk with your partner about money
✨ Ask for the support you need
✨ Plan for the reality of taxes (ugh, but vital)
✨ Celebrate the little wins—like a well-loaded dishwasher😉

Resources Mentioned

• 📚 The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz

• 💸 Rob’s Substack on finance & oil/gas industry

Before You Go…

If you loved this peek behind the curtain of our life, do me a favor:

👉 Share this blog with a fellow solopreneur who needs to know they’re not alone.
👉 Subscribe to The Creative Bodega wherever you get your podcasts (Apple | Spotify)
👉 DM me on Instagram if you’ve ever had a “business meltdown” moment—I promise, I’ve been there too.

Until next time, keep creating. Keep showing up. And don’t forget: the life you want is on the other side of consistency.