Mindset

Ep 205. Juggling a Side Hustle and Full-Time Job Through Unexpected Life Changes With Chris Misterek

I'm Ashley!

My mission at The Purpose Gathering is to help driven momtogs like you level up, so you can build a sustainable business AND a fulfilling family life. I do that through authentic brand photography and my signature program for mompreneurs: The Efficient Mompreneur.

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How to Optimize Your Limited Time & Maximize your Revenue as a Mompreneur 

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything you can to move your business forward… and it’s still not enough?

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Chris Misterek from Showit for one of the most honest conversations I’ve had on the show. We talked about what it looks like to juggle a full-time job, a thriving side hustle, a big family and still prioritize your faith and mental health.

Chris’s story is powerful. He’s a former worship pastor turned web designer, YouTube creator, and community leader at Showit (the website platform I’ve used and loved for over a decade!). After walking through a painful divorce and becoming a single dad of three girls, he had to figure out how to financially provide for his family… fast.

He started freelancing and building websites with zero experience, often staying up until 2 or 3 a.m. to get it all done. And through all the late nights, tears, and doubts, God was still writing his story.

Today, Chris is remarried with four kids, working at a company he loves, building a thriving side business, and mentoring others through it all. But what I appreciate most is his honesty about the messy middle, the parts we don’t always share online.

The Juggle Is Real

We talked about the reality of managing family life with side hustles and full-time work. Chris shared:

  • How he budgets his time like money (and how you can too!) by identifying which parts of your day are essential, which ones can be trimmed, and which aren’t serving you at all.
  • Why communication with your spouse is the foundation for balance
  • How batching tasks and aligning your full-time job with your passion can create momentum
  • The value of weekly planning and flexible routines

Faith in the Messy Middle

Chris’s faith journey hasn’t been a straight line. It’s been shaped by heartbreak, church hurt, and a deep wrestle with doubt but it’s also been a journey of rebuilding and resilience. In his business, Chris invites God into the decision-making process, regularly asking for wisdom, guidance, and the courage to keep going even when outcomes are uncertain. Whether he’s planning content or navigating growth, he intentionally keeps God at the center, choosing purpose over perfection and presence over hustle.

This episode is for you if you’ve:

  • Wondered if your slow growth is a sign to quit
  • Struggled to find time for your dream while keeping your job
  • Faced mental health battles that made entrepreneurship feel impossible
  • Needed permission to pause without giving up

Real Talk About Mental Health

We also dove deep into mental health, something that’s not talked about enough in the business world. Chris opened up about his diagnosis of OCD, anxiety, and depression, and how therapy, medication, and God’s grace have helped him heal.

Here’s what stood out:

  • There’s no shame in asking for help
  • You don’t have to be perfect to be used by God
  • You can move forward, even if it’s just 1% at a time

Encouragement for the Mompreneur in a Tough Season

Chris reminds us that slow growth is still growth. That some seasons are just for seed planting. That you can be faithful without being fast.

If you’re walking through a season of waiting, healing, or rebuilding, I want you to know you’re not behind. You’re right on time. God’s writing your story in ways you can’t even see yet.

Quotes to Note:

“If you want to add something, something else has to go. You can’t say yes to everything.”

“Comparison isn’t the problem, it’s the moral judgment we attach to it.”

“There’s no grace for the things you’re unwilling to admit. Bring your real self to God.”

“You overestimate what you can do in a year, but underestimate what you can do in a decade.”

Check Out Showit

If you’ve been thinking about building or refreshing your website, I highly recommend Showit. I’ve used them for years and truly love the creative flexibility and support they offer. Chris and the team have created something amazing, and I’m honored to spotlight their work.

Start your 14-day free trial at showit.co.

Connect with Chris:
Website: selfmadewebdesigner.com
YouTube: Self-Made Web Designer
Instagram: @chrismisterek

Join Us at The Purpose Gathering Live 2025

If this conversation encouraged you, imagine what it would be like to spend two full days surrounded by other faith-filled mompreneurs who get it. At The Purpose Gathering Live 2025, we’ll dive even deeper into topics like building your business without burnout, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and surrendering your plans to God.

Join us in person or virtually, tickets are available now!

Grab your in-person ticket here
Join us via livestream here

Special Thanks to Our TPG Live 2025 Sponsor: Showit

We’re thrilled to have Showit as one of our incredible sponsors for The Purpose Gathering Live 2025! Their support helps make this faith-filled, transformative event possible, and their heart for serving creative entrepreneurs shines through everything they do.

As a long-time Showit user myself, I can confidently say it’s the best website platform for mompreneurs who want both creative freedom and excellent support. I’m so grateful for Chris’s contribution to the podcast and for the entire Showit team’s partnership in this mission.

You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do the next right thing. And God will meet you there.

You are not alone.

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Complimentary Episodes:

  1. Ep 203. Sustainable Wellness Habits for Busy Mamas Juggling it All
  2. Ep 200. Fighting the Real Enemy of Your Business Growth
  3. Ep 199. Breaking Up with Hustle Culture
  4. Ep 198. Finding Peace in the Messy Middle
  5. Browse All Mindset Related Episodes

Resources:

  1. The Purpose Gathering Live In-Person Event – A transformative two-day experience for women ready to trade worldly hustle for Kingdom impact, where you’ll learn to infuse God’s wisdom into every area of life and discover sustainable success His way
  2. The Purpose Gathering Livestream – Can’t make it in person? Join us virtually and experience the event from anywhere!
  3. Local to Gilbert/Mesa Arizona (For Mom Business Owners) Join our in person membership community
  4. Need support managing your time well and creating systems to streamline your business? Join the Organized CEO Bootcamp (6 Week Group Program)
  5. Message me on Voxer (My username is afreehan)
  6. Have a question for me? Or a specific struggle you’re dealing with? I’ll address your question on the podcast. Submit your ‘Ask Ashley’ question here

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My mission is to help fellow mom business owners experience success in business and in motherhood. As an Arizona brand photographer for mompreneurs, I’m passionate about capturing authentic images that show off my clients’ unique personalities so they can connect with their ideal clients. And as an online business coach for mompreneurs, I LIVE for helping mamas experience incredible transformations that help them build a business they love, without sacrificing their precious time with their littles.

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