Craving More Autonomy? How I Built My Business (and How You Can Too)

Have you ever dreamed of working for yourself, setting your own schedule, and building something that feels meaningful — but felt overwhelmed by where to start?

I get it...

I started my business on caffeine and dreams. Making Waves Counseling and Wellness turned 2 years old in April 2025. I remember where I was sitting and what I was doing the day I decided to work for myself. I was scared, unsure yet motivated that I could do it in a 30 day time period. Yes, you heard that right.. A 30 day time period.

While working as a therapist, I struggled with not having autonomy. I dreamed of a life where the Sunday scaries did not exist and I was able to 'drive the boat'. As a therapist, I have spent a lot of time around individuals who crave the same autonomy but struggle to find balance but I am here to say it is doable.

My practices focuses on increasing happiness through intentional and values based living. My consulting services are an extension of that. I love helping people identify what they are passionate about and create thriving businesses around their personal values.

The Challenges

The most common problems I see with individuals are the following:

Wanting more independence but not knowing the steps

Feeling like business ownership is too risky

Being stuck in jobs that do not align with their lifestyle needs

Fear of rocking the boat

Let me say this first, valid. Before starting my small business, I was worried about my needs, feeling stuck, failing, not knowing and rocking the boat. I questioned my ability to be able to do it and decided I was not going to let fear decide for me. I went home and sat in front of my computer to create a very informal business plan. If I am honest, I felt like I was tapping into my inner child when creating a business plan because it all felt too good to be true. You mean I can rent a space, I can panel with insurance, I can hire an accountant? The first thing I did was reach into my community of people and seek a resource who would help me build my Rocketship while flying. She consulted with me around taxes, niche, rates, billing, website and so much more. She really was an instrumental part in my business being what it is today.

The Solution

The solution to these feelings is simple, 1:1 consulting sessions. My consulting approach is similar to how I practice therapy, client centered. You have waited forever to have autonomy and I wont be taking that from you, if anything, I would encourage it. I would help define business ideas, structure, and provide support that encourages practical strategy and emotional wellbeing. My services are tailored to you, not a 1 size fits all approach.

If you have been thinking about creating more freedom for yourself, I would love to help explore your business idea. I offer private pay consulting services where we work together to find a path that fits your lifestyle and needs.

You do not have to wait until your 110% ready, start taking small steps today towards autonomy.

Kara Tolman is a small business owner based in Wilmington, NC, dedicated to helping people create lives filled with purpose and meaning. She is passionate about supporting individuals who are motivated to align their work and personal goals with their core values, empowering them to build businesses — and lives — that truly feel worth living.