Building a Business That Works for You
“I’ll be real with you—running a business as a neurodivergent creative sometimes feels like juggling 8 different things, while also trying to remember where I left my coffee.” -Brennah D’Layn
I'm in year three of my business and I definitely don’t have it all figured out yet. But I have learned some ways to make things a little easier on myself in my creative small business, even when my brain feels like a pinball machine.
Here’s what’s actually been helping:
Moving with the mood swings
Some days, I wake up feeling inspired and full of ideas. Other days, I barely have the energy to answer my emails.
Instead of forcing myself into a rigid schedule that's the same all the time, I ride the waves—batching content when I’m on a roll, letting myself rest when I’m drained and knowing that it all balances out in the end (most of the time).
Working from weird places
I have a desk. Do I work there? Sometimes. But I also sometimes get my best ideas sprawled out on the floor, journaling at a coffee shop, or pacing my house endlessly. Sometimes co-working with a friend keeps me focused, sometimes I need to be alone in my little work nest.
Batching work to avoid the overwhelm spiral
I don’t create content on demand every day—it just doesn’t happen. So instead of trying to post on social media daily, I batch-create when I feel inspired and then schedule it out. Same with emails, content planning, and even retreat work. This way, when I hit an unmotivated slump, I’ve already got stuff lined up and don’t have to panic as much.
Taking breaks (Even when my limiting beliefs say I shouldn’t)
I still struggle a little with taking enough breaks, but I know that when I push myself too hard, I just crash harder later.
I've been practicing stepping away—going for a walk, stretching, doodling or art journaling, even just lying on the floor or bed, doing a yin pose, or staring at the ceiling.
It all counts as ‘work’ when you realize rest is part of the process.
During my breaks I often take time to check in with friends and family, a very important part of my process. It's also easier to take breaks when my partner Tree says to me: "Have you had your bare feet on the Earth today baby?".
Accepting that it might always be a bit messy
There’s no perfect system, no magic routine that makes everything run smoothly 100% of the time. "Life Lifes". Some weeks I’m super productive, other weeks I’m scrambling a bit to catch up and that get’s to be ok in this early-ish stage. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding a way to keep going, even when things feel just a bit chaotic in the collective or in my personal world.
3 ways to make your business work for you
1️⃣ Batch Work When You Can – Create content, write emails, or do admin tasks in chunks so you have a buffer for lower-energy days.
2️⃣ Experiment with Workspaces – Try different spots in your home or around town to see where you focus best. It could be a cozy nook, a coffee shop, or even pacing the room.
3️⃣ Track Your Energy Patterns – Notice when you feel the most productive vs. when you need rest, and plan your tasks and work accordingly when you can.
Your business: Your beautiful way
If you’re a neurodivergent creative trying to make your business or side hustle work, just know: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it ‘the right way' all the time.
Your version of success might look totally different from someone else’s and that’s exactly how it should be!
✨ What’s one ‘rule’ you’ve broken to make your business work for you? Drop a comment and share!
