It’s been five years since I founded Studio Kynd and if there is one thing I’ve always been guided by, it’s reflection. I’ve learned a lot along the way, but one of the biggest lessons has been the power of mindfulness in business.
Running your own business can feel like a whirlwind. Tasks pile up, deadlines loom, and there’s always that thought: “Did I reply to that email?” It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of what truly matters.
Years ago, I lived at a Buddhist Centre, where I was introduced to the art of meditation and the practice of being present. I carry that experience with me to this day. Whenever I allow myself to slow down and step away even for just a few moments, clarity always returns. The best ideas come not from scrolling online or trying to keep up, but from stillness.
At Kynd, mindfulness is not just a buzzword. It’s a foundational principle woven into the way we work. Staying present helps me make intentional decisions, ease the pressure, and foster a more balanced, soul-led studio.
In my own day-to-day, mindfulness shows up in many forms: meditation, journaling, walks in nature, deep breaths between calls. These small rituals have transformed the way I lead — helping me to listen to my body, notice when I’m nearing burnout, and course-correct before I hit a wall.
Burnout, for me, felt like an inevitable part of the journey. For years, I believed pushing through exhaustion was simply what it took to succeed. I worked late nights. I lived alone in the city, barely able to afford rent. I thought hustling was proof of dedication.
But that belief was unsustainable.
Books like The Creative Act reminded me that true creativity is born from balance, not burnout. That our best work flows when we’re well. When we’re nourished, not depleted. Looking back, I can see that burnout crept in when I failed to honour boundaries, answering emails at midnight, working weekends, never truly switching off. I was scared that if I didn’t give it my everything, it would all fall apart. But all that did was drain my energy and dim my creativity.
Now, I’ve shifted how I work. I honour breaks. I protect my time. I take space to breathe, reflect, explore. Whether it’s a day offline or a long walk somewhere new, these moments away are essential. They refill the well and bring me back to my work with fresh energy and intention.
This slower, more considered way of running a business has given me the space to build something sustainable, something soft, grounded, and resilient.
I share all of this in the hope that it reminds you, too, that you don’t have to burn out to be successful. You get to build your business in a way that feels kind to your nervous system, connected to your purpose, and true to who you are.
If you’re a woman navigating your own path, I see you. I hope this helps you breathe a little deeper, trust yourself a little more, and know that fulfillment doesn’t come from doing it all, it comes from doing it your way.
With love + light,
Niobe x
