The farm was stunning: a modest house and 11-stall barn on 40 acres outside Nashville. It evoked memories of Christy's father and Bo, the wobbly-legged colt she watched take his first steps nearly two decades earlier. Bo was her father's first horse—wild and adventurous, just like her. She'd dreamed of ranch life ever since. She wanted this ranch. But there was a catch: the rent was triple what the struggling college grad could afford. Still, Wright praised it.
She wasn't fixated on failure; she focused on her dream. To bridge the gap between her ranch aspirations and limited funds, Wright leveraged what she had: horse knowledge, care expertise, and 11 empty stalls. Fields of Grace Farm became her first venture—a horse boarding service that evolved into a haven for miniature donkeys, stray cats, and two feisty goats. She didn't aim for massive profits or entrepreneurial fame. She simply merged her skills, background, and resources to solve a personal problem.
Related: How Women Advance in Business
"A lot of times, business isn't super sophisticated; it's just making it work," says Wright. "It's failing, picking yourself up, and trying something new."
Launching the farm was risky amid tough times. But Wright was done with revolving-door roommates and 80-hour weeks at nonprofit minimum wage. She gave herself permission to chase a bigger dream and crafted a plan.
Now a 35-year-old business coach, Dave Ramsey-aligned media personality, Business Boutique bestselling author, and creator of the Business Boutique brand, Wright empowers women—from boardrooms to nurseries—to heed that inner voice buzzing with ideas. Her sold-out events inspire embracing solo hustles to leverage natural gifts and boost income.
A side hustle doesn't need to be world-changing or Silicon Valley-scale. It can fund a family vacation or kids' sports trips. The YouEconomy's beauty is its customizability, molding to your life's messy realities. Your business should fit your life—not vice versa.
This accessible American Dream suits any motivated woman. Helping them design, launch, and grow YouEconomy ventures became Wright's calling and Business Boutique's foundation.
Related: Why Mentally Strong Women Aren't Afraid to Break the Rules
"My favorite part is the front-row seat to women building businesses and chasing dreams," says Wright.
But starting isn't easy or for everyone. For those ready, timing is ideal. Here are her top tips for a YouEconomy business.
Understand Your Calling
Love crafting coffee tables? Great. It may not be your life's legacy, but if others value your skill and pay for it, you've got customers—and a business. "Calling doesn't mean one singular purpose," Wright explains. "I'm passionate about serving people in many ways."
Ignore doubts about profitability. Start simple.
Embrace Your Story
Wright's journey predated the farm. At 6 months old, her single mom—a struggling sales rep—pivoted. She partnered with a Nashville candy store owner, showcasing homemade desserts in an empty case for profit share. It succeeded; she opened her own bakery.
Wright grew up there: befriending staff, biking deliveries, sorting icing. She skipped baking but loved the hustle. Pre-school naps on flour sacks left her powdered blonde hair classroom-famous. Despite her BBA and coaching certification, her earliest lessons came from that bakery.
"Mom didn't teach work ethic, passion, or persistence—she lived it, and I absorbed it," Wright says.
The bakery never exploded but provided comfort and joy serving loyal customers' milestones.
In today's crowded market, stories sell. "Personal branding is your edge," Wright notes. "What seems quirky makes you unique." Share vulnerably; audiences connect.
Do Your Research and Be Realistic
Wright's no-fluff style stems from leading teams and launching ventures. If demand lacks, she'll say so. Love piano lessons? Check local competition. Struggling teachers signal issues—research why.
"Business solves problems," she says.
Start with What You Have—And Start Fast
No complexity needed. Fluent in languages? Teach or create digital courses—low barrier beyond internet and planning.
Related: Try this brainstorming exercise to come up with better business ideas
The hardest step is first. Secure one paying client quickly for momentum. "Fail fast, pivot fast," Wright advises.
Highlight Your Unique Field
Your USP is what sets you apart—or what you emphasize. Like the app-controlled Ember mug revolutionizing Wright's mom-life coffee. No invention? Spotlight your teaching style.
"Billions of coaches exist, but people choose me for my approach," she says.
Related: How to Start a Business in a Day
Dream Big, Start Small, Work Hard
Wright joined Dave Ramsey in 2008 as product developer, rose to speaker, now runs her coaching firm. Inspired by mom's example, she took risks patiently with a learner's mindset—always prioritizing security.
"I teach the safe path—no Jerry Maguire fishbowl exits," she insists. Grow side hustles alongside day jobs to avoid desperation.
"Customers sense neediness," Wright warns.
Take the Time, Not Excuses
"I know my time's finite—I can do anything, not everything. I say no," she says.
Audit schedules: Track a week honestly. Cut scrolls and streams; prioritize goals.
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Wright's mom showed dreams can't wait. Identify your 'why'—even extra cash—for motivation. "Stay-at-home moms with doubts: you can do this too," she encourages.