Sometimes the most valuable content isn’t about business strategies or marketing tips—it’s about the person behind the brand. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain and answering your most frequently asked personal questions (with a sprinkle of business wisdom, because I can’t help myself). This is your chance to get to know the woman juggling four kids, a thriving six-figure business, and everything in between.
How Are You Juggling Motherhood and Business?
The short answer? I don’t do it all—and that’s my secret.
I have four kids (ages 10, 9, 7, and 4), and we even fostered a fifth child for two years. The honest truth is that I rely heavily on support systems. I outsource everything I can within my financial means: house cleaning, grocery delivery, and I have a part-time nanny.
I’m always looking for ways to simplify, both in business and in life. I also have an incredibly supportive husband who’s a private pilot with a flexible schedule that allows him to be a truly involved father. When I’m solo parenting during his work trips, I still have my support network to lean on. Without these systems, I simply wouldn’t be able to manage it all while staying mentally well.
Are You Still Fostering?
After keeping an open foster home for seven years and welcoming many children into our family, we’ve decided to close our foster home for now. Our most recent placement was a two-and-a-half-year-old who stayed with us for two years before finding her forever home with a beautiful adoptive family.
It was a difficult decision to pause fostering, but considering our family dynamics, our kids’ ages, and our mental health, it was the right choice for this season. I have hopes that one day we’ll reopen our home, but right now we’re focused on what’s best for everyone in our family.
What Has Been Your Greatest Challenge Growing a Business?
Without question, mindset has been my biggest hurdle.
Running your own business comes with incredible freedom and benefits, but also enormous responsibility. You’re solely responsible for moving the ship forward, hitting your goals, and paying your team. The bigger your business grows, the more pressure you might feel.
Keeping my mind right has been challenging because I’m naturally analytical and like to control things—but that’s just not how business works. You can control your actions, but not always the outcome.
The industry has changed dramatically too. Post-COVID, we experienced an unprecedented boom that started to feel normal. When things “popped” and returned to a more realistic market, many business owners struggled. Some who were absolutely killing it during the COVID boom are no longer in business because they didn’t build sustainable systems.
Despite these challenges, I’ve maintained six figures in revenue throughout these shifts. This reinforces everything I teach about building a sustainable, simple business model and consistently adding leads to your pipeline.
What Kind of Experience Do You Have?
When I started my virtual assistant business (which later evolved into Peggy Ray James LLC), I had zero formal business experience. I had some management experience from working at a health club and dabbled in online ventures like Etsy shops and eBay selling, but nothing substantial.
I learned everything as I went, borrowing belief from others who told me “I did it, and you can too.” And I just went for it!
After nine months, I had replaced my husband’s corporate salary. People started asking how I did it, which naturally led me to coaching virtual assistants. About two years later, I pivoted to my current focus—helping established business owners (usually in years 3-5) who haven’t yet hit consistent six figures.
Now I help them restructure, streamline, and simplify their businesses while teaching effective marketing and selling strategies that don’t require trading time for money. The proof? I work about 20 hours a week while maintaining six figures annually.
What’s Your Favorite Type of Client?
My favorite clients have nothing to do with what they’re selling—it’s all about mindset. I love working with people who have a growth mindset, who are ready to put in the work (mentally, physically, emotionally) without me having to drag them along.
They love what they do so much that they’re eager to show up for their business. And candidly, I prefer clients who are already making some money because it’s incredibly difficult to make good decisions from a place of financial scarcity.
I work with all types of service providers—coaches, consultants, done-for-you service providers, course creators, B2B, B2C—but the mindset is what matters most, regardless of whether you’re on day one or year five of your business journey.
What’s Next for You and Your Business?
My business goal has always been creating more time and financial freedom, and I’ve consistently moved in that direction. While industry changes have led me to take on more one-on-one clients than I’d planned, I’m now committed to limiting these and focusing more on group support offers.
I’m entering a season where something in my soul is ready to move faster and more intentionally toward growing a larger audience and offering more accessible options. I recognize there are many business owners who need support but don’t feel comfortable investing large sums upfront.
Stay tuned for exciting changes to Grow Business and Marketing Academy—a little directional pivot that’s been a long time coming. I’m thrilled about serving more people while maintaining the freedom that’s at the core of my business philosophy.
If you’re nodding along, thinking “I’d love to have more time to market my business and create offers that don’t require tons of my time”—you’re exactly who I work with. For five consecutive years, I’ve maintained a six-figure business while working just 20-25 hours weekly, and I’ve helped countless clients do the same.
Whether you’re a service provider, coach, mentor, or consultant, I have the strategies to help you simplify, scale, and create the freedom you’re craving. Check out the Grow Business and Marketing Academy today to learn how we can work together to transform your business while reclaiming your time.
DM me on Instagram with any questions! I’d love to chat!
