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Ep 33: Faith-First Business: How to Grow Without Compromising What’s Sacred — with Vanessa Mitera
26 Plays6 months ago
What if you didn’t have to choose between building a thriving business and staying faithful to what matters most? In this powerful episode of Mommas Who Lead, host Laura Caroffino sits down with Vanessa Mitera, founder of Eden & Empire and creator of the Legacy by Grace Architecture, to talk about what it really means to grow a faith-first business— one that honors God, serves your family, and still thrives in the marketplace.
Vanessa brings a fresh, spirit-led approach to entrepreneurship — combining seminary training with proven business systems to help Christian women move from hustle to holy alignment.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
– Build a business rooted in biblical principles
– Align your mindset, messaging, and systems with your divine calling
– Recognize the signs of misalignment and burnout
– Market authentically without feeling “salesy”
– Create lasting Kingdom impact through your business
Whether you’re starting your first offer or scaling your next launch, this conversation will help you build from rest, not pressure — and remind you that what’s sacred doesn’t have to be sacrificed.
🎯 Connect with Vanessa Mitera:
Website: www.edenandempire.com
Instagram: @edenandempire
If you’ve ever felt torn between your big dreams and your desire to honor God, this episode will give you the clarity, peace, and practical steps to lead boldly and build with purpose.
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to Vanessa Maitara and Eden and Empire
00:00:00
Speaker
Welcome back to another episode Mamas Who Lead, where we talk about what it means to lead in life and business and in purpose without leaving your faith or your family behind.
00:00:10
Speaker
I'm your host, Laura Garofino, and i have a question for you today. Have you ever felt like you had to choose between growing a meaningful business and staying aligned with your faith?
00:00:21
Speaker
Like somehow to be successful, you'd have to sacrifice what's sacred? If so, you're not alone and you are going to love this conversation. Today I'm sitting down with an amazing woman, Vanessa Maitara, the founder of Eden and Empire, a faith-based membership community that helps Christian women build thriving, aligned businesses without compromising the things that matter most.
00:00:47
Speaker
Vanessa brings a unique perspective. She combines seminary training with proven business strategies, creating framework that doesn't just sprinkle scripture on top of secular models, but actually builds from a biblical foundation up.
Legacy by Grace Architecture Model
00:01:02
Speaker
She's a creator of Legacy by Grace Architecture, a transformative model that helps women align their mindset, messaging systems, and impact with their God-given calling.
00:01:13
Speaker
She's a wife, a mama to two sweet boys, and a woman whose wisdom is soaked in scripture and seasoned with strategy. And she's here to remind us that when we build with God, we build with peace, purpose, and power.
00:01:25
Speaker
Vanessa, welcome to Mama's Lou Lead. i am so honored to have you here. oh my gosh. I loved your question, by the way, because that was me for sure. So...
The Meaning Behind Eden and Empire's Name
00:01:35
Speaker
I, you know, I would love to um start with, I think, like a lot of people might be wondering your business is has such a unique and powerful name, Eden and Empire. Can you tell us the story behind that name and how it reflects the heart of what you do?
00:01:51
Speaker
I wish I had like this incredible realization moment, but I didn't. um I think that the idea really stemmed from i was a mom or I am a mom, but at the time, like I was in this phase where I was building a business and experiencing so much burnout. There was this feeling of me that I was being pulled in so many different directions and I was failing at all of them.
00:02:19
Speaker
And in reality, it's like God came to me and he's like, you never... you don't have to perform you know i never called you to carry that and it really shifted my mindset and you know there was one day when i was reading um in genesis and i don't know if this happens to you but like when i'm reading the bible and i'm like studying it and understanding it There's things where it's like, hmm, let me dive a little bit deeper. And so when I was in Genesis and Eve and ah her story and the and the impact of that, I was like, okay, what if this place that God intended for us is so different than what the world is telling us?
00:02:57
Speaker
You know, and then we're building our businesses and we have...
Balancing Identity and Business Ambitions
00:03:00
Speaker
We have this identity where we're wanting to be a mom, a wife, ah you know, just a woman, a daughter of God, and um they don't have to compete with one another. So you can have this peace and this beautiful place that God intended as you're building your business. And so they kind of come together and coexist.
00:03:19
Speaker
So i love that. It's so beautiful. like think yeah on top of that, you've got such a beautifully layered background too, from branding, marketing, seminary, and of course, motherhood.
00:03:34
Speaker
How do all those threads lead you to building this faith first business? Yeah. So my, I, one of the biggest things we work on with women, um is, is the foundation piece and we go deeper into past life experiences. And I really think that everything that you're doing up until this point, when you start your business, or even when you're, you know, deep into your business, maybe you want to pivot, um, all of these things that you've gone through with your life really give you that training and that preparation. And I feel like guide you to where God is is really calling you. So for me, you know, my background, like I, i was in corporate, um, and that helped my ana analytical mind. Cause I was deep in, in, um, doing investigations as a ah compliance investigator. Uh, and then I pivoted into photography. So I feel like it's like a combination of all of these different things. That's like, this is what I'm setting you up for.
00:04:30
Speaker
to kind of give you that experience to relate to women in a different way that you can't just read in a book. Oh, i love that. And I love that investigate. It's so you have a very diverse background. It is it's kind of similar to a mine in a way, very vastly different. You know, I started in government contracts and um dabbled in um a whole bunch of different and intel. And it just kind of and then I went into investigations, too. So it's just so funny how um we have very similar backgrounds in a way.
Struggles of Christian Entrepreneurs
00:05:01
Speaker
um Now let's, I want to talk about also, you know, many women and you know, in, well, my community specifically feel like they're constantly walking like a tightrope between their business and like business ambition and their desires to honor God and their family. What are some of the most common struggles that you see Christian entrepreneurs face when they're trying to live and lead from a place of faith?
00:05:27
Speaker
Yeah, I think that they are, we're so torn, right? Where we have these frameworks and and the world is saying like, you need to follow this design. Then you have, you know, when you dive deeper and truly understand what scripture says, he's he's not calling you to that. and And one of the things that I had to come into this, yeah I'm walking through this season,
00:05:47
Speaker
right now is a full surrender to him, knowing that he's the CEO of my business and that, you know, I am someone who I'll do the work, but really he has everything under control. You know, it's all according to his plan. And even if I pivot or I, you know, maybe miss the mark a little bit, he has it, he has it taken care of and he can course correct. And so one of the things I feel like with women as they're trying to, you know, navigate, like I have my faith telling me one thing, but business is telling me something entirely different.
00:06:19
Speaker
It's like, well what does scripture say? You know, and ah the book isn't, you know, just for that time period, it applies for what you're going through now. And when you dive deep into it, you can really see how God designed you know, business to be like he models delegation, he models, um you know, creating something out of nothing. He he creates rest for it like he models all of these different areas of business that it's like if you follow that framework,
00:06:46
Speaker
I think that's where the clarity really comes into play. And a lot of women struggle with that because they're like, okay, but i'm I'm focused on the metrics, right? Like I see the numbers and I want to go after these things and those that's not really what's important.
Faith and Financial Success
00:06:59
Speaker
it's I mean, it's an indicator, but it's not the thing that measures your worth um or your success. And yeah you're talking about the metrics there.
00:07:09
Speaker
You know, I also, i think I kind of struggled in the beginning when I was becoming financial ah financially successful um with the guilt about it. um Why do you think so many of us women that are Christians feel guilty about wanting that financial success or business growth?
00:07:27
Speaker
I think it's just because either we're taught one of two things. You have the prosperity gospel where they're like, you know, you're the daughter of the most high. You, God called you to abundance. And then you have this, uh, poverty mindset where it's like, give, give, give, and you need to, you know, that money is God's money and all of these things. And it's like, we're the daughters of the most high, right? Like he doesn't want you to be in struggle.
00:07:50
Speaker
There's even verses in the Bible that, that share about um, your work, like not your worth, but you deserve to be paid for your, your talents and your, your gifts.
00:08:01
Speaker
And so there's also even, a story I'm really bad with quoting exactly where it is. won't, I am too don't worry won't even pretend to like say exactly where it is in the Bible, but it, it's the, um, parable of talents where, um, you know, God or this, this King or the this, this I don't remember what his exact title is, but he gives his servants, um, money.
00:08:30
Speaker
And I think at that point in time, they're called talents and there were three of them and he gave two of them and they, uh, went and, and invested it and grew that money. And then there was one that, that kept it close.
00:08:44
Speaker
And, you know, the the moral of that is that, um, God really wants to reward when we're good stewards of our finances. And so that doesn't mean living excessively and crazy. And like, he calls you to be good stewards. And I think a lot of times us as women feel like guilty about that because you know, of the world is like, oh, this is glamorous and this is that. And it's like, no, it's fine to be paid your, your, your time and your talents and all of these things. In fact,
00:09:16
Speaker
I think a lot of times we suppress those things because we're like, I don't want to be too loud or I don't want to oversell or do these things, but it's actually not glorifying him when we're keeping a lot of these things.
00:09:29
Speaker
You know, yeah we're suppressing the gifts that he gave us. Yeah, and you you definitely you touched on um like the mindset and also how we're raised um to have that either you know prosperity or um poverty mindset.
00:09:46
Speaker
And it does it does it is rooted a lot by how we're raised.
Embracing Abundance and Impact
00:09:50
Speaker
um And I love when I started seeing things differently, i started looking and when I was reading about the Proverbs woman, because, you know, there it was like, oh, God really does want us as women to prosper and share our talents and cultivate um wealth and abundance.
00:10:11
Speaker
So, um, How do you, when you're working with your clients, overcome those internal blocks and get them to start thinking like a Proverbs woman that is biblically aligned in that way?
00:10:25
Speaker
I think a lot of times... regardless of where you're at in your faith, I think it's an entire mindset shift. So there's so much work that needs to go into it on the back end.
00:10:36
Speaker
And so that's really why we start in this place of like filling your cup and shifting your mindset from what the world has been really filling you with. And I'll preface it by saying this to like, I incorporate strategy, right? So there's things that come from that piece of it. So when I say of the world, I don't mean like, you know, that piece of it.
00:11:00
Speaker
um But the the piece of it that we have to take away is is what is God called you to? And when you have a clear understanding of the purpose that he's he's put inside Your business and and you, it just, I think it really shifts the way that you view your identity and yourself.
00:11:21
Speaker
And then it allows you to really step into the world in a different capacity. And so I think a lot of that fear comes from just not really understanding fully what you're supposed, to like what you're called to do in the way that God has called you to do it.
00:11:36
Speaker
And I think a lot of women just, so we focus on that. we We go deeper into the identity and the foundation. And then that's when we start building like, okay, what does your business look like? What what does this look like in the world and in the way that God has actually designed for your business and what makes the most sense for your audience and, you know, all of these different things.
00:11:56
Speaker
different components. I think there's a level of confidence that comes with that, that women are just naturally like, I've surrendered my business. What comes of this is what comes of it. And knowing that this is what God wants for me, this is fully aligned.
00:12:08
Speaker
so I love that. And, you know, speaking about this, this framework, um you know, you, you've developed um legacy by grace soer architecture.
00:12:21
Speaker
Can you you, you, where you take like women through mindset messaging systems and impact. Can you walk us through that, what that framework framework looks like and, um and why it works?
Wholeness Framework and Defining Success
00:12:34
Speaker
Yeah. So we're actually in the stages of of renaming it because I feel like what feels most aligned is is the wholeness the wholeness framework. And really what we're diving deeper into is women are not single purpose individuals, right? So we have our callings as moms, as wives, as caregivers, whatever that looks like.
00:12:54
Speaker
And we want to honor the whole woman. She you know she is somebody who... Feels like she needs to be split in two, but in reality, she, she doesn't. And so we really go deep into the first phase again, where we go deeper into the mindset shifts and reminding her like, this is what scripture says, and this is who God called you to be.
00:13:14
Speaker
And then looking at like, what's your capacity? Not saying like, oh, you need to make this a certain dollar amount, but like, what is it that you actually want? What's your capacity to take on?
00:13:25
Speaker
Because I think so often we're driven by the dollar amount. And while that's a great indication of, you know, many different factors. That's not the only thing that determines success.
00:13:37
Speaker
And so I think a lot of women are like, if I'm not hitting six figures that I'm failing in my business, of course, we want you to have a profitable business, but we also want it to be sustainable. And so what does that look like for the season of your life that you're in?
00:13:50
Speaker
um So we work a lot on that. And then we develop um the next steps of building your business, building your brand, building what that's going to look like, focusing on your audience. And then we, you know, figure out how to get it seen into the world.
00:14:05
Speaker
Um, and then the last piece of it is like, let's build your legacy. Let's build what you want this to look like your impact, because that's really what we're driven towards rather than the revenue is how can we impact lives and run businesses that are not only profitable and sustainable, but also ones that are more impact driven. So.
00:14:26
Speaker
That is so powerful. And um it's not just a theory, it's it's a lot of structure too. And that creates the margin and momentum that women are actually really craving right now.
00:14:36
Speaker
So I've seen, and I know of so many people, so i think I'm probably going to hand your info to a couple of friends of mine that are going there. um But you know if someone is listening right now thinking, i know I'm out of alignment, but I don't know where to start, what's one step that she could take today?
00:14:55
Speaker
I think it's really just, it's almost like a self audit of like, why, like asking those deeper questions really is where it began for me. And this is probably why I created like get an entire series of questions to ask. But like, the thing that I found is that when I started like asking, what does God want me to do? Or one of the questions on there is like, um do my kids need more toys or do they need more of my attention?
00:15:24
Speaker
You know, like, is it, is it these things that like, why am I feeling the way that I am? And a lot of times these questions lead to deeper questions and then more of the self-realization. I think I'm really big on going deeper versus things being surface level because that's how God is, right? Like he, he wants to to know you on a deeper level and he wants you to be healed and whole.
00:15:48
Speaker
And so I think for a lot of women, there's a lot of things hidden. And I know I experienced that. I went through a phase where I was carrying so much as a wife, as a mom, as a, you know, we talked about it before, but I'm the oldest by far of my siblings. And I was carrying the weight of so many things that I didn't even realize. And it was trickling into the way I was operating feeling like I needed to perform, feeling that my worth was tied in to so many other things, the validation.
00:16:18
Speaker
And like most of the time when you're working with coaches, like I've never worked with a coach that goes deep like that, that says the reason why you're so driven to these numbers and the reason why you're needing to post and promote, and it's because you're seeking validation from something.
00:16:34
Speaker
and i um you know, we go into like, Is it based on, you know, a life experience that you had and, you know, all of these different things. So I think it's just like beginning to ask those questions.
00:16:44
Speaker
And when you can do that, I think that God invites that invites God in to say, okay, you're ready to kind of heal these pieces of you that you didn't even potentially know were affecting how you showed up in your business.
00:16:57
Speaker
That is so good. and And that, and I've worked with a lot of coaches too, and they just kind of brush the surface. They don't go as deep like that. So I'm so glad you're doing that and being somebody in this space too, that is doing that.
00:17:12
Speaker
um ah It's going to help so many women. um Now, I wanted to also talk about hustle because it's everywhere. Hustle, it's celebrated, um but it also leaves us ah feeling very depleted and disconnected. Why do you believe hustle culture contradicts biblical truth?
00:17:31
Speaker
I think it's because of the men. I got chills. I don't know why. I got chills on that end and probably because I can relate to that piece of it so much. I think we glorify it. I used to wear my busyness like a badge of honor and I was so much like the more that I take on, the more that I do, people are going to see my worth and they're going to think that I'm credible.
00:17:53
Speaker
That's how I measure success. And I still have chills. Like I literally have goosebumps all over. And I think it's because God just literally took me from the season so recently and told me like, that's not how I measure your worth.
Critiquing Hustle Culture and Biblical Rest
00:18:07
Speaker
And, and I'm calling you to rest. Like rest is holy. It is in scripture. Like he modeled that for us on day seven and, and while he worked and, and I am mindful and I'm in this season right now where It's my my heavier season of the year, right? We're going into launch of several of several things. And so I'm aware that my business is going to require a little bit more of me, but that's only for a short period of time. I can't operate in that way.
00:18:37
Speaker
um But I think a lot of times what ends up happening with hustle is like you're driven towards the money. And that's why it's like, no, we need to shift our mindset. You're trying to prove your worth. You're trying to prove all of these things that God is like, I never asked you to carry that piece of it.
00:18:53
Speaker
um And that's not how I measure success. And it also trickles into your family. You know, when you're hustling, your time with your family, I've never experienced it where women can truly hustle and spend, you know, an adequate amount of time with their family and take care of their themselves if they're married or their family. You know, i think that this culture is so ingrained because look how negative it actually can be for you.
00:19:22
Speaker
And God is like, that's not at all what I called business to be. And I think that's where I was like, women are feeling so that they have to split themselves in two. And there's such a gap and we can't talk about faith and business um because they're two separate things.
00:19:39
Speaker
um And then you have to hustle. And so that means maybe your family doesn't get that much time with you, but you're making the money. what's, I think it even says in the Bible is like, what is, i wish I was better. I need to like write them down on sticky notes. I got my my notes in i am i wear this same where this a in.
00:20:03
Speaker
But it talks about how, like, what is, um what is it worth? You know, if you're selling your soul, essentially, like, What are all these things worth if if you lose your soul in the process?
00:20:15
Speaker
And i feel like what is all of the money that's in your account worth if you don't have a family to spend it with? Or, you know, so I just, I feel like when I look at what God has really intended for business, what I believe,
00:20:28
Speaker
um it's It's none of those things. And I saw what it did to me mentally, you know, and I wasn't taking care of myself. But again, I was like, well, my calendar's booked, you know, I'm making, you know, multiple five figures. It's like, okay, I must be successful.
00:20:46
Speaker
but then I felt so much guilt surrounding it. And you know I think God that was like, you have all these wounds that need healed um and those need to be healed before you can actually step up as an effective leader to teach these women and do it in a way that really honors your family. So now I'm in this like delusional state where I'm like, it feels so weird to be making the same amount of money but I rest, like I take off time and ah and my days feel like, I feel like I should be doing more, but God is like, this is actually the peace that I want you to have in all of it and not feeling like you're striving for all of these things.
00:21:27
Speaker
What do you, um what do you think building from rat rest actually looks like in your life as a mom and entrepreneur? Entrepreneur, Yeah. so I think that it's never ah perfect balance because I think balance is a myth. So for me, it's like prioritization. And so ah again, like I said, i go into seasons where my business does require more of me, um but I'm mindful of that. And I incorporate rest into that. And I say, I'm very, very strict on the weekends, like during the day,
00:22:01
Speaker
On Saturdays and Sundays, those are 100% family time. And when my boys come home from daycare and school, you get 100% of me. And when I'm working, my work gets 100% of much as can. then just build in...
00:22:14
Speaker
um and then you know i just build in time for rest and building those margins. And when I know I have a heavier week coming up, whether it's in business or, you know, my family life, I incorporate rest. Like my husband's going to be gone next weekend. So I'm solo parenting and I'm like, okay, on Saturday, I'm going to go get my hair done all day. And like, that's my, my reset before I wasn't doing that. I was just going into all of these things and never accounting for that recharge for myself.
00:22:46
Speaker
um And it, I mean, of course it started to show up in many ways. um But now I love baking. I do that a lot. oh Yes. I love baking.
00:22:56
Speaker
Don't like the cleanup, but I love baking. Yeah. I like i'm I'm trying to be better ah cleaning up as I go instead of having like 5 million but I bake a lot so it never works out that way but what do you make what do you make so like I love making bread I was always so intimidated by it but it's so easy um so I do that help no that I can't I haven't dived into that one I attempted yeah That's where I think is where it's intimidating is the sourdough. There's a lot.
00:23:27
Speaker
um I make art like an artisan bread in my Dutch oven. And we had that with like a ah lasagna soup and that was like so good. Um, and then this weekend I made like these blueberry kind of cinnamon rolls, but there's no cinnamon. They're just blueberry and lemon.
00:23:45
Speaker
So I love like those kinds of things where it's like a treat. Um, but I'm trying to make all the things like sometimes I'll make hummus. Sometimes I'll make tortillas.
00:23:56
Speaker
Um, I, I was in this phase where it was like, an obsession with everything being non-toxic and organic. And I try to, but then I try to be realistic in that I don't have the capacity for that all the time. so I think we all kind of go through that, you know, adventure or we try to do that. And then we quickly realize it's not as easy as we thought it was.
00:24:20
Speaker
No, not at all. yeah I want to enjoy it. I want to enjoy when I bake and it not feel like a chore. So yes, yes. Okay. So Finishing that up, that what are some signs that you think a woman, when a when a woman is stuck in hustle mode, how can she begin to break free? What are some signs we should look out for?
00:24:41
Speaker
I think that most women are fully aware in the fact that they are taking on too much.
Realigning Priorities and Embracing Change
00:24:48
Speaker
um And I think it's it's that i when you can take a step back and say like, why am I doing this?
00:24:56
Speaker
Is it because my family really does need this money or have I built a business that it feels impossible to step back and take on less work? Um, I think there's so many different areas that you can do like an evaluation and say, why am I doing this? Does it make sense? Can I step back?
00:25:14
Speaker
I will say on for myself, when I was in that mode, God called me to offload most of my clients and majority of that was because my parent company is different than Eden. And enough it's not different. It's the same, but Eden and empire is my membership community.
00:25:33
Speaker
And with my parent company, I do one-on-one work with clients. So you, they get more high touch access to me. And so that part of it's great, but he was like, you need to offload majority of it so that you can focus on this community that you're building.
00:25:48
Speaker
And on top of that, I had just too many clients and, um, you know i was like, I felt so much peace about it. It can be so scary to say, I'm going to take on less money.
00:26:01
Speaker
but God's like, when in the middle of the night, he came to me and he was like, build it strong and they will come. And I was like, okay. That gave me goosebumps. Yes. So it's like the motto, I live by it. I'm like, I'm just going to build it strong and not be tied to the outcome.
00:26:16
Speaker
Fully surrender and hear what you you have for me. regardless of what that looks like. you know If my family and I can afford it, like yes, we're blessed for me to take on less clients, but then it allowed me to have that ability to really honor my family, to take time to find the things that I love doing. I recognize for myself, like we went on a family vacation that I had been dreaming of The year prior, we had it.
00:26:45
Speaker
And the entire time I felt like I couldn't part fully be present because I had been taking on so many things that I just kind of became numb. And I felt like I couldn't find joy in the things that I was doing because...
00:27:00
Speaker
my nervous system was like shot and I was taking on so much. And i was like, this isn't, i this doesn't feel like how it's supposed to feel. um and I think a lot of women feel that too. Like I was one of, i was very much so like I'd hit a goal and it's like, what next?
00:27:15
Speaker
Like I couldn't even live in that phase of celebrating it. It was just like, now I got to move on to the next thing. And I'm like, That's not, I feel like that's not how it's supposed to be.
00:27:26
Speaker
yeah Very transactional. Um, I, I, yes, I was, the i you know, oh my goodness. Like everything you speak, it's like, I was just in that season too. And, and then I just like, okay, get, just give it all to God, like cut it out.
00:27:41
Speaker
I resigned. Yeah. from a seven-figure income. And i did. i did. it still It's big. Yeah. But I was in that burnout, that hustle, and it just burned out. And I didn't feel like I was making that...
00:27:58
Speaker
doing what I was called to do and, you know, it kind of trained, I wanted the kingdom impact. And, um you know, you, when God calls you, listen, even if it is like a big, scary transition, like that, walking away from an income and, um, you know, you're talking about the kingdom impact.
00:28:17
Speaker
How can women begin to think eternally instead of that transactional method of thinking, what do you think they can do? What steps can they do? I feel like the first and only thing that comes to mind is, again, like build it strong and they will come.
00:28:32
Speaker
I genuinely feel like God is not saying, and it says it in the Bible. I mean, we were talking about it in Jeremiah where it says, ah the plans I have for you are plans to prosper, right?
00:28:44
Speaker
And so sometimes that means we've built businesses. That didn't necessarily align with what he had envisioned for our long-term kingdom impact.
00:28:55
Speaker
I don't want to ever say that everything that you've gone through to this point wasn't aligned because it was all part of his plan. um I think we had to go through those seasons because again, that gives you that life experience, that different relatability, that your approach that nobody else is ever going to have.
00:29:12
Speaker
And so I truly believe that we need to go through those things, but when it's time, he will always redirect you in the area and the pivot isn't bad. In my experience, it's always been that step into the thing that is ah so much better than I imagined.
00:29:27
Speaker
And so I feel like for a lot of women, it's it's so scary. I can't even begin to tell you how many women are like, I literally just left my six, seven, eight figure business and I'm stepping into something different.
00:29:41
Speaker
And it's scary, of course, but I think that's where he has to bring you to a place where you're fully relying on him and not the dollar amount. And i I had to experience that too when I left my corporate job. I was like, my husband is a business owner as well. And I'm like, i hold the health insurance. So we were nervous about that. That was one of the things that kept me there and so comfortable.
00:30:04
Speaker
um But he knew but he had to he had to take a bigger step and say, i'm i'm gonna have you leave and sometimes he's just looking for that obedience as well for you to say i can't be tied to the money what you have planned for me is so much more important but i don't want women to think that you know just because you're stepping away from that that he doesn't plan abundance for you it might just and it might not look 100 what you envision and he's he's really i believe he's going more for the width
00:30:37
Speaker
um And the amount of women that you're going to, or men that you're going to impact in a different way. Absolutely. know it's, I, I tend to kind of joke around that, you know, I was in my job season, you know, it was hard, was a hard season.
00:30:56
Speaker
um And I think we kind of cause we can't really fathom all the good and abundance that he has for us. Right. Right. And, um, I think a lot of when you're in it and the thick of it and trying to stay focused on his word and that he has plans to prosper, non-harm, um, is one thing like I did. I'm like, okay, God, I'm sticking, and sticking it out. I'm doing your you know, your will be done. And, um, it's hard. It's, it's not easy.
00:31:27
Speaker
do you have like anything that you can share, like a tip that we can help people who may be going through that, maybe, you know stuck between the two worlds her faith and her business and um what's one thing that maybe she can do today to step back in to an alignment i i know for myself it was just fully saying god i surrender and then really going deeper into i think a lot of times when we're building these big businesses
00:32:00
Speaker
it's really hard to stay rooted in scripture and to make time for that and to fully understand it. And so opening up the book and really understanding that piece of it. And I say that because to me, business is so much of what you believe, right? Like, of course it's the output. There's so many different factors, but when you believe that your business is going to be successful, you, you show up in different ways. And I think really understanding and, and having that confidence that God has got my back, you just show up and you do every day when you fully surrender. yeah.
00:32:37
Speaker
Yes. And I wanted to kind of touch on something um really quick as well is that a lot of women, you know, when they're trying to get their messaging down and trying to show up on social media specifically, they struggle with marketing, especially when it comes to their faith. Like how, how do I tie all this in?
00:32:58
Speaker
And not like scare people away, but also attract who I want to attract. And you teach something magnetic marketing for faith driven entrepreneurs, which I absolutely love. Why does so many Christian women feel icky about the marketing piece? And how do you help them shift?
00:33:16
Speaker
So something that I said to you earlier, and I think that women, i know that I struggled with this too, but sometimes we feel like the sale feels icky and that if we are like, we've been conditioned to not want to pop up in somebody's DMS and and cold message and all of that. And I'm not, I'm not a huge advocate to say like, go,
00:33:35
Speaker
just go message everybody, of course. um But what I, what we really teach is like, you have to understand who you are, then you have to understand your audience.
00:33:46
Speaker
And then you understand how to show up in the online space or whatever, whatever your business model looks like. Um, but with that, when you're really clear on those things, you know exactly how to relate to to women or men, like to your audience, you know what they need.
00:34:03
Speaker
So when you are offering something, you're actually offering it from your heart because you know that what you have is so valuable. If you were to keep it from them, it's kind of like a disservice to them. And it's also not glorifying God because he gave you those gifts. He gave you this business, this idea, all of these different things.
00:34:22
Speaker
And when you don't share it, you're you're doing a disservice to somebody who could genuinely use what you have to offer. And I think it's because we are so used to it being transactional with that mindset of like,
00:34:35
Speaker
Am I doing this with, I had this mindset too, where I was like, am I actually trying to have a relationship with this person because I intend to sell to them or i genuinely want to help them? And so I think it's about the way that you view it, of course, and the heart that you have going into what you're doing with your business.
00:34:54
Speaker
um And I think naturally it just flows when you're like, this is what I have to offer. And I understand how deeply These women are struggling with this, but I can't not help them with it.
00:35:06
Speaker
So I think it's just, it's a full understanding of so many different things. How they're serving, like serve instead of the transactional piece. You know, do you, see what is, what one messaging mistake that you may see often?
00:35:22
Speaker
And do you have any tips on how they could fix it? Like a quick fix? Yes. ah So, With messaging, I feel like we try to replicate other people's messages.
00:35:35
Speaker
Like we see another coach or we follow somebody on social media and they're like, that sounds smart. That doesn't necessarily mean that it's true for one. or And it's not it's not you.
00:35:47
Speaker
Now, that's not to say that you can't use AI. I think AI is a great copywriter, right? But like you have to be able to tailor it to your voice. You have to know what is accurate, right? So you have that level of expertise to say, no, that's not true. That's not factual. That isn't, you know, all the things, because we know that AI can make stuff up.
00:36:08
Speaker
So
00:36:11
Speaker
so there's that piece of it. But also I think there's a lot of people who are nervous in this AI generation that everybody's going to kind of sound the same. And I i don't believe that. I think it's all based on you knowing who you are, what's going to resonate with your audience.
00:36:25
Speaker
And so- I feel like a lot what a lot of women do is they see a coach or an influencer, somebody they follow on social media, and they're like, this is the way they do this. Or an expert told me on social media that I need to post 10 hashtags.
00:36:40
Speaker
And then another expert said 15. And then you have to have emojis and this and that, like all these things. And it's like, no, what makes sense for you? What sounds like you? What makes sense for your audience?
00:36:52
Speaker
And when you're clear on those two things, No amount of algorithm change or trends is is going to matter because those things are going to stay consistent. And that's where I feel like when we follow other people's frameworks, they're not necessarily meant for us because our business is designed in a very specific way.
00:37:10
Speaker
Our needs for our clients are very specific. like There's so many different things, but when you're rooted in knowing who you are and knowing your audience, you just get really clear on all the other things that they need and you can shut out the things that they don't.
00:37:24
Speaker
Mm-hmm. I love that. A great, great advice there for that. Um, yeah, you know, yeah, just serving others. Um, that was always been my biggest thing and it is hard cause I learned over the years too. i like to say i fail forward, um, instead of, you know, their lessons, lessons you learn along the way marketing. Right.
00:37:47
Speaker
Um, And going back to whenever we're talking about the, you know, the wholeness over balance really quick, can you break down the difference and tell us why wholeness is better, is a better goal for moms in business?
00:38:03
Speaker
Yeah. So i I like to think of wholeness in the same way as integration. So you're integrating all of these other components of who you are as a woman, right? Like ah I previously said, like, we're not single-purposed individuals.
00:38:19
Speaker
And so we carry identities outside of mothers, outside of business owners, you know? and And I think that a lot of times we, especially in the early years of business and motherhood or, you know, being a caregiver, whatever that looks like for you, um we lose a lot of ourselves in it trying to figure out What is my purpose and how do I manage all of these things?
00:38:44
Speaker
To me, it's not about juggling all of these things. It's more about integrating them into your life in a way that honors instead of competes with what you're trying to do.
00:38:58
Speaker
So I feel like a lot of women, the reason why i don't feel like balance is a genuine, like I think it's a myth, More so because it's the idea that things are evenly weighed.
00:39:09
Speaker
Like my family is going to get this percentage and my business is going to get this percentage and it's going to be you know perfect. It's never like that. And I think when we try to aspire to that, that's where we're always going to feel like we're failing and we have this unnecessary pressure um versus when you're integrating all of these things. It's with the mindset that sometimes...
00:39:31
Speaker
Certain areas of your life are going to get more of your attention and that's okay. um And for me, the mentality that I carry it is, again, when I'm with my kids, they get 100% of me.
00:39:43
Speaker
And they also have to see that it's okay that mommy has something that's for her and that's totally fine. You know, daddy can go off to work and he can have a successful business. Mommy can as well.
00:39:55
Speaker
And when they're, when mommy's with me, she spends time with me, you know, it's, it's, it's this mentality that like, it's not a perfectionist mindset and saying that you can, you can have it all. But I genuinely think that you can have those things. You just have to integrate them in the right way.
00:40:13
Speaker
and What is your like everyday life look like running a business, raising little boys and obviously, you know, raising our husbands too. um Yes. Raising our husbands for sure.
00:40:24
Speaker
Yes. I would say. This to me right now is more of my ideal. The season that I'm in is more aligned with what I feel like I've always envisioned. And so, you know, I dropped my son off at school in the mornings now that he's back to school in the summer, it was just guilt all the time because I'm like, have to work in your home. I'm going to try to spend time with you.
00:40:46
Speaker
Um, but yes. So this season that I'm in a business and motherhood is my son is back to school. And so we drop them off and I come home and I work. I have to be very intentional with not staying at my desk all day and getting up and moving around and feeding myself, you know, all of the things.
00:41:05
Speaker
Are you by chance to have any like ADHD or anything like that? i struggle with reminding myself to eat. I'm like, i probably should have eaten like an hour ago. um It's more because I just get so...
00:41:20
Speaker
like I'm just trying to finish because all day it feels like I'm kind of on a deadline because I'm so strict about when my boys come home, you know, I have to pick up my son from school so that and like that's a break in the day.
00:41:32
Speaker
and then i have to stop again to pick up my youngest from daycare if my husband isn't available to do so. um And then when they're home, I'm home with them. You know, I might read right now that God has, because I have a summit that I'm hosting, he's like every single day when you have any moment of free time, I want you in scripture. Um, so I'm reading a lot in the Bible. Um, and then I put my boys to bed.
00:41:58
Speaker
I mean, we have dinner and whatnot. Well, yeah, yes, yes, of course. Of course. So, um, what, what is one thing you pray your sons learn from watching you build this business?
00:42:13
Speaker
i I want them to see, it was so cute. i I just have to add this in because um if you've ever seen on like Facebook where they ask like toddlers questions and they have like answer them. So I was doing that and my six-year-old, we asked him, we're like,
00:42:29
Speaker
what does mommy do? And in he goes, she works, she works all day. Right. and he goes, but what does she do? And she goes, yeah he goes, she teaches people about God.
00:42:40
Speaker
And I was like, that is so sweet. i mean, that's not all I do, but like, it's sweet that you see that. And I guess for me, i want them to know that whatever they aspire to, you know, whatever God places on their heart,
00:42:53
Speaker
is we are perfectly fine with like you can strive for what God wants you to strive for. My husband and I are both business owners. And so we're like, we want you to have big dreams and big goals. And as long as you incorporate God into all of that, whatever that looks like is perfect for us. And so I want them to see that. And I also want them to see that women are just as capable of men at running successful businesses or careers, um, and running in successful homes. Like even if you don't have a career and you're so a stay at home mom, you know, you took that sacrifice to be a stay at home mom, like that in and of itself is a big accomplishment. And so I just want them to be able to see, at least for me that, you know, women can be just as much as men.
00:43:38
Speaker
So. Absolutely. And, um, speaking out about your boys, what's your favorite thing about raising boys? Oh, goodness. I prayed for boys and I'm like, I don't think I knew exactly what this entailed.
00:43:53
Speaker
ah Right. They're fun. Yes, they are very fun. They're not gentle. I mean, they're sweet and they're calm, but they're not gentle. I think my favorite thing about them is they're like little sour patch kids. Like one minute they're not, they're like crazy and then they'll be super sweet to you the next.
00:44:09
Speaker
Oh, yeah. Yep. know that. I have four boys. So I have one daughter, one daughter. have It's been fun. It's an adventure, but I resonate with the Sour Patch description because it is so, is boys to a T. Okay.
00:44:30
Speaker
I'm going to ask a couple little more questions before we wrap up. What's your favorite scripture for this season? My favorite scripture. i'm trying to
00:44:41
Speaker
i I think it is the one that resonates with me like time and time again is are the plans that I have for you or plans to prosper. I know it doesn't say it exactly like that, um but that's what resonates with me in that season because, you know, when you're building something, Eden and Empire still technically is new.
00:44:59
Speaker
and so there's so much doubt where it's like, am I doing the right thing? Am I serving in the right way? am I building this correctly? And it's like his plans are to prosper and you have to not be tied to the numbers and just have peace with whatever the outcome is and knowing that he's got you covered. So.
00:45:17
Speaker
I love that. Now what's your go-to worship song when you're overwhelmed? Okay. It's by Brandon Lake and it is, oh my goodness. Why can't I remember it? It's the one where he talks about like your soul letting out a praise I should look at. yes. I know what you're talking about. And, um,
00:45:42
Speaker
I should have it like right here, actually. i am so bad at names um myself for songs. Like, I'm like, why did ask such a hard question, Laura? Like, you can't even remember. I'm actually really, I can like memorize every single word to a song and I'm usually really good at this. Is it the one where, um hallelujah?
00:46:04
Speaker
It's gratitude. Gratitude. Okay. yeah That's what it's called. That such, such a good song. Yes. That's usually my Like if I'm really wanting to like get deep into it, that's usually the one I go to. So I love that.
00:46:20
Speaker
I love it. um Okay. If you had your dream location for a rest and renew retreat, where would that be? Hawaii is the first thing that comes to mind.
00:46:34
Speaker
I think it's only because I've been there once and it felt like a different planet. so It's so beautiful. I know. it like it literally looks like a different planet. We went and we're like, this definitely was perfect for Jurassic Park.
00:46:49
Speaker
Yeah. it but So, um, it was just so beautiful. and Loved it. Well, if I really want to reset it's there. So ah yes. Oh, okay. Well, hope if you plan your next one, let me, let me know. I'll, I'll go and too.
00:47:04
Speaker
But, oh my gosh, that would be so fun. Just a really like relaxing time. yes Yes. That would be so nice. I need a vacation. um Vanessa, this conversation has been ah so good. It's been a breath of fresh air, really. And for the woman listening right now that may feel torn, like she's giving her all to her business, but losing connection to her, her faith, her family, what would you say to her heart today?
00:47:33
Speaker
Just to know that it is possible to incorporate the things that you love into all of that. And i feel like God, if you feel that nudge, it's it's more than likely that God is calling you into that season to show you how to incorporate all of it.
00:47:50
Speaker
I love that to every listener tuning in. I hope you're walking away with more clarity, more peace and, um, more permission to build a business as both impactful and sacred.
00:48:03
Speaker
And Vanessa, thank you so much for sharing your heart, your wisdom with us today. And where can our listeners go to connect with you and learn more about what you offer and more specifically the Eden and empire?
00:48:16
Speaker
Yeah. So on most socials, it's at Matera Branding and then like Facebook or LinkedIn, it's just my first and last name. And then right now we are in the midst of launching our annual summit.
00:48:30
Speaker
And so that really gives an insight into Eden and empire and how to integrate your faith and your family and your business. Uh, that's in October. So that's the 20th through the 22nd. And then, um, the doors for Eden and empire open in November. so Oh, exciting.
00:48:48
Speaker
well thank you so much. And friends, if this episode has blessed you, please share it with a fellow mama in business, screenshot it, tag Vanessa and me on Instagram and let us know your biggest takeaways.
00:49:00
Speaker
And remember, you don't have to choose between success and sanctity. You were made to lead with both. And then until next time, please keep leading, keep growing and keep believing in what's possible. And I'll see you next week on Mamas Who Lead.
00:49:14
Speaker
You've been listening to Mamas Who Lead with Laura Carafino. Thank you for joining us on this journey today. Each episode, each story, and every piece of advice we share is a step towards building a community of empowered, resilient, and inspiring Mama leaders, just like you.
00:49:32
Speaker
Remember leadership isn't just about the title or the workplace. It's about how we navigate our lives, uplift those around us and pave the way for future generations. As we close today's episode, I encourage you to carry forward the insights and inspiration you've gained, apply them to your life, share them with your tribe and continue to lead with heart and purpose. For more empowering stories, strategies, and support, make sure you subscribe to Mamas Who Lead on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to follow us on social media for behind the scenes content, community discussions, and much more.
00:50:08
Speaker
Until we meet again, keep embracing your unique journey of leadership and motherhood. You are capable, you are powerful, and you are exactly where you're meant to be.
00:50:19
Speaker
Lead on Mamas.