Mondays for Small Business Owners: Cultivating Calm and Intentional Planning

Starting a small business brings excitement and challenges, especially when your passion is rooted in wellness and natural products. For Karen Onove, owner and certified herbalist behind Gathered Natural Wellness in Ormond Beach, FL, Mondays are more than just the start of a workweek. They are a vital time to reflect, plan, and prepare for the days ahead. This approach helps her maintain calmness and focus while growing her artisan crafting business, which includes soaps, tinctures, natural salves, and organic balms.

Monday morning preparation with infused oils and organic herbs

Reflecting on the Past Week to Shape the Week Ahead

Karen begins each Monday by looking back at the previous week. This reflection helps her identify what worked well and what needs adjustment. For a small business owner, especially one starting a small business like Gathered Natural Wellness, this habit is crucial. It prevents overwhelm and keeps priorities clear.

She takes notes on her successes and challenges, which might include sales at local farmers markets or feedback from online customers. This process also involves reviewing her inventory of wellness products, such as soaps and tinctures, to ensure she has enough supplies for upcoming orders or market days.

Preparing with Intention and Calm

After reflection, Karen moves on to preparing for the week. This includes infusing oils and crafting natural salves and organic balms that will be ready for sale. She finds that this hands-on work grounds her and sets a calm tone for the week.

To maintain focus, Karen listens to calming music while working. This simple practice helps quiet the busy thoughts that come with running a small business. She also keeps a detailed to-do list, checking off tasks as she completes them. This method reduces stress and creates a sense of accomplishment.

Nourishing Body and Mind for Sustained Energy

Running a wellness-focused business requires energy and mental clarity. Karen supports this by drinking soothing teas like chamomile or lemon balm throughout the day. These herbal teas complement her lifestyle and align with the natural products she creates.

Eating clean, nourishing food is another key part of her routine. This helps her stay energized and focused, which is essential when managing multiple responsibilities—from artisan crafting to preparing for the opening of her brick and mortar wellness store at Fountain Square off Granada in Ormond Beach, FL.

Soothing chamomile tea with notes for weekly planning

Balancing Wellness with Real Life

Karen believes wellness is a lifestyle, not a strict set of rules. While she prioritizes natural products and organic herbs in her daily routine, she also allows herself small indulgences like a chocolate bar or a cocktail now and then. This balance keeps her feeling healthy and clear-minded without pressure.

Her approach reflects the philosophy behind Gathered Natural Wellness: creating products that support well-being while embracing life’s simple pleasures. This mindset is valuable for anyone starting a small business, reminding them that self-care includes flexibility and kindness toward oneself.

Building a Support System

Behind every small business owner is often a support system that makes the journey possible. Karen credits her husband as her source of encouragement and strength. Having someone who believes in your dream can make a significant difference, especially during challenging moments.

For those starting a small business, finding or building a support network—whether family, friends, or fellow wellness coaches—can provide motivation and practical help. Karen’s story shows how encouragement fuels persistence and growth.

Interior view of a wellness store preparing to open at Fountain Square off Granada

Looking Forward to New Opportunities

Karen is excited about the upcoming opening of her brick and mortar wellness store in Ormond Beach, FL. This new chapter will allow her to connect more deeply with her community and share her handcrafted wellness products in person.

Her experience at farmers markets and online sales has laid a strong foundation. The store will feature a curated selection of natural salves, artisan-crafted soaps, tinctures, and other wellness products made with organic herbs. It will also serve as a space for wellness coaching and education.

Tips for Small Business Owners Starting Their Week

Karen’s Monday routine offers practical advice for other small business owners:

• Set aside time for reflection: Review what worked and what didn’t last week.

• Plan with intention: Make a clear to-do list and prioritize tasks.

• Create a calming environment: Use music or rituals that help focus.

• Nourish yourself: Drink herbal teas and eat clean to maintain energy.

• Allow flexibility: Balance discipline with small treats or breaks.

• Build support: Surround yourself with people who encourage your goals.

  
  

These steps can help reduce stress and increase productivity, making the journey of starting a small business more manageable and enjoyable.