In a heartfelt New Year’s conversation with Jill Craven, owner of Starstruck All Stars, we explored themes of boundaries, business growth, and personal fulfillment. As a female entrepreneur running a thriving cheer, tumbling, and dance gym, Jill’s journey is a testament to the power of clarity, communication, and resilience. In this post, we’ll share some of the insights she brought to the table as we raise a toast to a new year filled with opportunity and growth.

Setting Clear Boundaries in Business

Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Jill knows this all too well, having navigated difficult conversations, evolving expectations, and the emotional toll of tough decisions. Her approach centers on clear communication and setting firm boundaries.

"I’ve learned to take the emotion out of it. When things are clear and documented, it’s easier for everyone to understand and follow," she shared.

Jill emphasized the importance of having systems in place to remove ambiguity, like detailed agreements for her gym’s teams. These systems make it easier to focus on growth rather than getting caught up in the frustration of miscommunication.

Finding Balance Amid Sacrifice

As an entrepreneur and mother, Jill reflected on the sacrifices she’s made over the years. Missing family dinners and late nights at work were often necessary to build her business, but she acknowledges the importance of balancing commitment to her work with cherishing time with her loved ones.

"You have to respect yourself enough to stop being run over. Your family, your relationships, and your well-being deserve attention too," Jill explained.

Win the Day: A Motto for 2024

Jill shared that her gym’s motto for 2024 is “Win the Day.” It’s a simple but powerful reminder to focus on making the most of each day, whether through small victories or significant accomplishments. The motto is applicable to everyone, whether running a business, chasing personal goals, or finding joy in daily life.

"Every day is an opportunity to start fresh. If today didn’t go as planned, tomorrow is a new chance to win."

Harnessing the Power of Vision and Systems

Jill and I talked about the value of creating vision boards and implementing better systems to improve both business and personal life. Vision boards serve as a visual representation of goals and aspirations, while streamlined systems make achieving those goals more efficient.

Jill also implemented a monthly newsletter for Starstruck families, which has helped reduce confusion and foster better communication. It’s a practice she plans to build upon this year to continue enhancing her team’s operations.

"It was overwhelming at first, but once the system was in place, it made everything easier for me and my team," Jill said.

Empowering the Next Generation

One of Jill’s greatest joys is mentoring her staff and watching them grow. She’s passionate about empowering her team to take ownership of their roles and embrace creative challenges.

"I love seeing my staff come to practice ready with a plan. Their growth inspires me to keep pushing forward," she shared.

Jill also highlighted the changing dynamics for young women today, noting how younger generations are more confident in asserting boundaries and prioritizing their own well-being.

A Toast to a Joyful 2024

As we wrapped up our chat, Jill and I agreed on a shared goal: to protect our energy, focus on what matters, and let go of what doesn’t serve us.

"The older I get, the less tolerant I am of things that drain me. I’m focusing on joy, creativity, and systems that make life and work smoother," Jill said.

As we clinked our metaphorical glasses to a brighter year, Jill reminded us all to embrace change, set boundaries, and find joy in every little victory.

Closing Thoughts: Jill’s insights remind us that success isn’t just about what we achieve—it’s about how we protect our energy, empower others, and show up for ourselves and the people we care about. As we step into 2024, let’s focus on winning the day, one step at a time.

What’s your motto for the year? Share it in the comments, and let’s toast to a year of clarity, connection, and creativity!

The song Jill referenced in this episode: Girl in the Mirror, by Megan Moroney

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