Raising Businesses and Babies: Why This Season Led Me to Start Something New

If you had told me back in college that I’d someday be balancing naptimes with building content calendars, I probably would’ve laughed — but here we are.

We are just a few days away from meeting our second son!

The idea of starting my own business has been quietly present for a long time. It took shape slowly, through small moments: supporting a friend's startup, creating social media plans late at night, organizing systems that made someone’s life a little easier. It’s never been about chasing hustle culture or being “busy.” It’s always been about helping people — especially small business owners — feel less overwhelmed and more supported.

The first time I saw what that could look like was during college, when I worked with the Catamount Innovation Fund at my alma mater, the University of Vermont. One of the projects I helped with was RiverRat Custom Outdoors, founded by Ian Brett. Supporting that business, by shaping ideas and developing a strategy, was the first time consulting felt real. It wasn’t just a class or a resume booster. It was about volunteering to listen, solve problems, and encourage someone’s actual dream become more tangible. I was hooked.

Since then, I’ve worked in a variety of roles tied to marketing and business, and am always drawn to the behind-the-scenes work that helps people stay focused on what they do best. I’ve designed workflows, managed content calendars, built websites, and helped shape brand messaging for startups and small teams. But some of the most meaningful work has happened closer to home.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to support my husband, Craig, as he’s grown Jr’s Auto Detailing, his auto detailing business here in Bryan-College Station. I’ve helped him with everything from his logo and branding to social media content, strategic planning, and marketing systems, and partnered with him as he's navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Being able to offer meaningful support has reminded me that small businesses don’t need a big agency. They need someone who gets it.

At the same time, I’ve also been working as a middle and high school science teacher, where I’ve spent the last four years planning lessons, creating structure, and helping kids stay curious. That experience shaped my approach more than I expected. Teaching taught me how to break down complex things and keep people engaged, and I have grown my skills that now serve me well when I’m helping a client organize their ideas, build a content plan, or get their brand voice in shape.

Now, with baby number two arriving any day, I’m stepping into a new season - one where I’ll be at home more, yes, but also finally building something of my own. A business that allows me to use my skills in branding, marketing, content strategy, and virtual support to help other small business owners, especially women and parents, build theirs too.

Bristol Consulting isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up for real people, in real businesses, with real needs - offering smart, simple, personalized support to help them breathe a little easier and grow a little steadier. Whether it’s building a Google workspace, planning a launch, setting up a system, or just talking through the next step, I’m here for it.

I believe good business support doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be thoughtful, flexible, and rooted in integrity for how hard you’re already working.

This new season of raising babies and raising businesses is full, but it feels like the right step forward. And if any part of my story resonates with yours, I’d love to connect!

Thanks for being here with me.

— Amelia