Four months into maternity leave, I checked my Chandler Honey revenue reports and discovered something remarkable: My business hadn’t just survived without me—it had actually grown. The automation systems I’d put in place months before my daughter arrived were quietly doing their job, bringing in customers and maintaining relationships while I focused on being a mom.
The whole reason I wanted to become an entrepreneur was so I could enjoy my life and enjoy taking leave whenever I needed to—whether for maternity, health, or simply a vacation—and not sacrifice one part of my life for another.
Here’s how I built a business that runs itself—and how you can too.
1. Make email automation your secret weapon
The first thing I tell any entrepreneur? Set up your abandoned cart alerts. It’s the easiest money you’ll ever make. But don’t stop there. Email sequencing has transformed how I run my ecommerce business, and it really allows me to do less work on the ecommerce side while significantly improving my conversion rates.
I use Flodesk integrated with Shopify to create sophisticated email journeys. When someone signs up for my newsletter, they automatically receive a sequence of messages I’ve pre-written: first, a little bit about the brand; a couple days later, some recipes they might like; then some more things they might find interesting. Each email builds on the last, turning curious browsers into loyal customers.
2. Batch everything you can
Working in batches isn’t just efficient, it’s essential for automation. I never force myself to create content on a rigid schedule. Instead, when creativity strikes, I maximize it and capture it all—even if it’s just creating the bones or framework that I can flesh out later. This approach makes the work enjoyable rather than a chore, and it ensures I always have content ready to deploy.
I apply this to everything: social media posts, email campaigns, even product descriptions. By working with my natural rhythms instead of against them, I create better content in less time. Then I use scheduling tools to distribute that content strategically over weeks or months. This way, my business keeps communicating with customers even when I’m not actively working.
3. Diversify your revenue streams
Direct-to-consumer sales require constant attention, but other revenue streams can provide more stability. I’ve built three automated income sources that keep money flowing regardless of my daily involvement.
First, white label contracts add recurring revenue to my business model. While these relationships still need nurturing, having that predictable income reduces the stress of relying solely on day-to-day sales.
Second, I sublease part of my commercial space. I have the smallest commercial space I could possibly find, and it’s still far too big for what I need. That excess square footage now generates automatic monthly income.
Finally, I’ve systemized my wholesale reordering process. Stores know how to reorder, the process is streamlined, and these sales happen without my direct involvement. Each stream compounds over time, creating a foundation that maintains business momentum even when I step away.
4. Trust your team and delegate strategically
After exploring various technology solutions, I’ve found that one of the best forms of “automation” is finding an employee you really trust. While not strictly automation in the technical sense, delegating effectively creates the same outcome: Work gets done without my constant involvement.
This human element of automation has been crucial for maintaining quality while reducing my workload. Technology can handle many tasks, but having someone I trust to create my product, pack orders, tell me what inventory needs reordering, and maintain standards provides a different kind of freedom. It’s allowed me to scale back while keeping the business running smoothly.
5. Know what can (and what can’t) wait
Here’s what nobody tells you about automation: It’s as much about what you don’t automate as what you do. I’ve learned to prioritize revenue-generating activities while being flexible with everything else. Some social media posts can wait. Some emails can be delayed. But maintaining strong systems that keep revenue flowing? That’s non-negotiable.
This mindset shift was crucial when preparing for maternity leave. Instead of trying to automate everything, I focused on the core activities that drive revenue and customer satisfaction. Everything else, I either delegated, delayed, or simply let go.
6. The results speak for themselves
I’m now back to working 15 to 20 hours a week, which is perfect for my life and my goals. I get out of the house and have my own identity, but still spend as much time with my baby as possible. And my revenue streams even grew during my time away.
This isn’t about building a business that runs on autopilot forever. It’s about creating space for what matters—whether that’s a new baby, a health challenge, or simply wanting to take a real vacation. Start with one automation this week. Set up those abandoned cart alerts. Create your first email sequence. Find one task you do repeatedly and systematize it.
Because the ultimate goal isn’t just business growth—it’s building a business that serves your life, not the other way around. Tune in to Tique’s full Shopify Masters interview on YouTube to catch a live honey tasting, and to learn how she made over $10K in revenue her first month in business.
