Starting a business is hard. Starting one as a woman is possibly more so. Starting one as a wife and mother seems impossible. Feeling like you should just give up and take the easy route is, well, easy. That is where I was when I read this book. To say I was hesitant is an understatement. In fact, it sat on my shelf for months because I was afraid to take the next steps in my life and writing journey. But, after much faithful persistence in my husband, and frequent reminders, I finally cracked the book open. And I can honestly say, I am glad that I did.

This is a fantastic book. Maybe that seems a little strong, but from where I was to where I am now, it brought me a whole new perspective and gave me the dose of encouragement I needed. Business Boutique is many things. It is a collection of stories, it is a shot of reality, it is a plan for success, and it is probably the most encouragement you will ever get if you decide to start a business, especially if you are a woman. That’s not to say that men cannot or should not read it. They can certainly get insight and a plan for their business goals. But, Christy Wright has primarily marketed this book towards women.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many stories the book had. It is not that this is a book of short stories, but they were frequent and helpful. The book has numerous engaging stores that make the steps in business real, relatable, and doable. The steps to forming and building a business, which make up the meat book, are laid out in a clear and detailed manner without being overwhelming. Each step builds upon the last to help you do what you need to do to accomplish your dreams. Even better, at the end of each chapter is a section called “action items” for you to go over what you learned in each chapter. This is not only for further cementing what you’ve read but also for you to refer to later as you build your business!

Of the entire book, the last two chapters were probably the best. If nothing else, they were my favorite and possibly the most impactful. I think I found these chapters especially valuable because I am a mom, though you don’t have to be a mom to learn and embrace the advice here. In these chapters, she talked a lot about balance in your life, recognizing your limits, and going after your goals. She also encouraged everyone who wants to take the business path. It was the perfect way to end the book!

Business Boutique is more than a how-to book. Through the stories and her style, you, as a reader, connect with this book and its message on an emotional level. The stories make her advice real and relatable and help you understand how it applies to your dreams. Christy Wright is honest and encouraging. She lays out all of those not-so-fun details of running a business that we all need and expect from such a book, but she breaks it all down so well that you can’t help but want to learn what the next step is! This has been such a helpful book, and I recommend this book to all women, business people, and anyone else who needs encouragement and a plan to fulfill their calling in life. As I said at the start, it changed the way I viewed my dreams and has begun to help me make them a reality.

Blessings to you and yours,

~Madelyn Rose Craig