26 Jan 2016 to 2026 – Then VS Now
In this episode of the Empower House Podcast, I’m reflecting on the last decade of my life and business — not just the wins, but the full story of what it’s taken to get here.
I take you back to the launch of Empower House in 2016 and walk you through the evolution of the business over the past ten years. From digital products, events, retreats, and awards, to the personal and professional challenges that shaped me along the way, this episode is about growth, resilience, and perspective.
I share what I’ve survived, what I’ve learned the hard way, and why boundaries, sustainability, and alignment matter so much more to me now than hustle or appearances ever did. This is a candid look at what happens when you stay in the game long enough for the lessons to compound.
If you’re reflecting on your own “then vs now” season — in business or life — this episode is for you.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How Empower House has evolved since launching in 2016.
- The milestones and achievements I’m proud of across the last decade.
- The personal and professional challenges that shaped my leadership.
- Why boundaries, pricing, and choosing the right clients matter.
- The difference between looking successful and building real wealth.
- How sustainability became my priority after burnout.
- Why community and impact remain at the heart of my work.
Milestones I reflect on:
- Launching Empower House in August 2016.
- Completing a Certificate IV in Business Management through the NEIS program.
- Volunteering to teach social media marketing at NEIS as a full-circle moment.
- Creating and launching multiple digital products and programs.
- Hosting events, retreats, and International Women’s Day charity fundraisers.
- Teaching business education within women’s refuges.
- Winning Business Woman of the Year and an international award for innovation.
- Hosting a business retreat in Morocco.
Challenges I survived along the way:
- Skin cancer and melanoma.
- Domestic violence and a very public court case.
- Poor investments, stolen IP, and difficult client experiences.
- Burnout, over-delivering, undercharging, and weak boundaries.
- COVID and navigating business through uncertainty.
Ten years on, my life and business look very different. I’m a twin mum, working with clients I genuinely enjoy, building sustainable systems, and focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term wins. I’m proud of the growth, the lessons, and the version of myself who said yes before she had proof.
If this episode resonates and you’re reflecting on your own journey, I’d love to hear from you. Come and connect with me on Instagram @empower.house and tell me what you’re proud of surviving — and what you’re excited to build next.
Links + Resources
Visit my website:
https://empowerhouseonline.com
Sign up for my Vision Masterclass:
https://app.empowerhouseonline.com/vision-masterclass
Start your free two-week trial of HighLevel:
https://www.gohighlevel.com/109776b2?fp_ref=empower-house
Connect with me on Instagram:
@empower.house
@thebrunchclubevents
Empower House Podcast
The podcast where we’re talking business, entrepreneurship, habits, mindset, and sharing real life stories. I’ve been hosting my networking event the Brunch Club, featuring incredible speakers for 7 years, now I’m bringing the Brunch Club experience (and more) to your ears.
Come and join the community, find us on Instagram @empower.house
Hosted by Lauren Bryant, multi-award winning small business specialist, founder of Empower House, and The Brunch Club events, Business Club mentor, twin mum, and coffee enthusiast.