What happens when you realize the endless hustle isn’t leading to happiness? For Amy Stauffer, that realization led her to make a dramatic shift in her career, mindset, and approach to success. In this week’s episode of Penny for Your Shots, Amy shares her journey from corporate recruiting to dance studio ownership, launching a podcast, and embracing the concept of flow over constant hustle.

From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship

Amy started her career in corporate recruiting, traveling frequently and working in a high-pressure environment. But everything changed when she found herself resigning from her job from a hospital bed shortly after her son was born. It was a moment of reckoning—one that forced her to rethink the way she had been working and living.

She knew she wanted something different. Having grown up with a deep love for dance, Amy saw an opportunity to open her own dance studio, North Royalton Dance Academy. It wasn’t an easy road—she signed the lease while pregnant and launched her business with just 27 students. But through persistence, passion, and strategic hiring, she built a thriving studio that is now a well-known and respected institution in the Midwest.

The Shift from Hustle to Flow

For years, Amy operated under the belief that hard work equaled success. She pushed herself, worked long hours, and prided herself on outworking everyone around her. But eventually, she recognized that this mindset wasn’t sustainable—or necessary. She started shifting toward a flow-based approach, where she leaned into opportunities, trusted herself, and focused on alignment rather than overexertion.

This shift impacted everything: her business, her personal life, and even how she raised her kids. She moved from a mindset of proving herself through hard work to embracing success as something that could come with ease and joy.

Launching a Podcast—For Herself

Amy’s podcast journey started with a simple realization: everything she was doing was for others—her family, her business, her employees. She wanted something that was purely for her own creativity and growth. That’s how Clearly I Have Nothing to Say was born.

The podcast became a place for her to have meaningful conversations, explore different perspectives, and reconnect with her own voice. It was a reminder that taking time for personal projects isn't selfish—it’s necessary.

Key Takeaways from Amy’s Story

• Hustle isn’t the only path to success – Working hard is important, but forcing things often leads to burnout rather than progress.

• Flow over force – When you align with your strengths and passions, opportunities come more naturally.

• It’s okay to pivot – Amy’s journey included multiple career changes, but each step led her closer to the life she truly wanted.

• Create something just for you – Whether it’s a podcast, a creative outlet, or a hobby, doing something that brings you joy can fuel your success in other areas.

Amy’s story is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to push endlessly to succeed. Sometimes, stepping back, trusting ourselves, and embracing flow leads to bigger wins than we ever imagined.

To learn more about or listen to Amy's Podcast, Clearly, I have nothing to say...: https://www.clearlyihavenothingtosay.com/

Check out Farm Girl Flowers, here: https://farmgirlflowers.com/