You’re showing up for clients . . . but who’s showing up for you?
There are seasons in life when being a creative entrepreneur feels heavier than usual. Maybe you’re navigating grief. Maybe a relationship is unraveling. Maybe your health—physical, mental, or emotional—is quietly begging for attention. And yet, the business doesn’t stop. The inbox still pings. The wedding dates don’t move. The client meetings are still on the calendar. So how do you continue to provide exceptional client care when your personal life is falling apart?
Let’s take a deep breath together. Because this post isn’t about pushing through burnout—it’s about honoring your humanity while maintaining your professional integrity.
Here are five (5) soulful and strategic ways to stay present for your clients—even when life feels like it’s crumbling.
1. Build Boundaries That Protect You and Serve Your Clients
Start with the basics: Boundaries
Set realistic timelines. Delay non-urgent meetings. Use autoresponders to manage expectations. Boundaries aren’t walls, they’re bridges to sustainability.
Here’s an example autoresponder line:
“Thank you for reaching out. I’m currently managing a full schedule and will respond within 48 hours.”
2. Lean on Your Systems and Automations
This is why client experience workflows, onboarding sequences, and email templates matter.
When you’re emotionally spent, having structured processes in place helps you deliver consistent service even if your heart isn’t 100% in it that day.
If you haven’t built that structure yet, let this be a nudge to prioritize it. Your future self will thank you.
3. Communicate with Grace and Transparency
You don’t have to tell your clients everything. If you decide to let them know that you’re experiencing a personal challenge, focus on your commitment to delivering what you’ve promised, with grace.
Most people will respond with compassion. And that trust you build by being vulnerable (without oversharing) is part of the magic that sets soul-led entrepreneurs apart.
4. Keep Showing Up, But Redefine What That Looks Like
Showing up doesn’t always mean being at 100%. It might mean showing up softly. It might mean being quieter, slower, or less polished, but still intentional and present.
And that’s okay. Done with love beats done with perfection, every time.
5. Give Yourself the Same Care You Give Others
You are your business’ most valuable asset. Take breaks. Seek help. Cry. Meditate. Journal. Call a friend. Go for a walk. You can’t pour into your clients if your own cup is dry.
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a line item in your business plan.
You are allowed to be both a thriving creative and a hurting human.
Client care doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence, empathy, and systems that support you behind the scenes. If you’re in a tough season, please know that we‘ve all been there. And you’re doing better than you think.
Love and Soul Always, Kawania
Photo: Chip Dizard Studios
