In this powerful episode, Robert and Kay Lee sit down with 17-year-old entrepreneur and leukemia survivor Keira Chang, founder of Heroko Shop and author of The Second Race: The Turtle and the Puppy, A Story About Money. Diagnosed with leukemia the week before her 13th birthday, Keira spent years in treatment and isolation—but emerged with a renewed appreciation for life, community, and the importance of using your gifts to help others. Her story is raw, inspiring, and a needed reset for entrepreneurs who get caught up in the grind.

Keira shares how Heroko Shop was born at the end of her treatment as a way to give back to the pediatric cancer community that supported her. Designed for Gen Z, by Gen Z, her brand sells fun accessories while raising awareness and support for kids battling cancer. With guidance from mentors (including Robert and Kay Lee) through a local youth entrepreneur program, she transformed a simple idea into a profitable, impact-driven business—learning how to test, adapt, and lead a team along the way.

She also unpacks the heart behind her children's book on saving and money, and why financial literacy needs to start younger—especially in a world of rising debt and easy spending. For married entrepreneurs, Keira's perspective is a refreshing reminder: your business is a tool, not just for income, but for impact; your support system matters; and your influence on the next generation—whether through parenting, mentoring, or leading by example—can shape how they view hardship, money, generosity, and purpose.

Links

Store: https://herokoshop.com/

Book: The Second Race: The turtle and the puppy: A story about money https://keirachanggogold.wixsite.com/book

IG: @keiragsbook

IG: @herokoshop

Key Takeaways

• How a life-threatening diagnosis at 12 reshaped Keira's gratitude, priorities, and view of what truly matters.

• The origin of Heroko Shop and how a teen founder built a brand with a cause: Gen Z designs that support kids with cancer.

• Why support systems—family, friends, community, medical staff—are crucial, and how that parallels the importance of strong marriage and partnership in entrepreneurship.

• The inspiration behind The Second Race: The Turtle and the Puppy and why teaching kids about saving and stewardship early is so important.

• Practical lessons married entrepreneurs can draw from Keira's story: simplifying what you stress about, aligning your business with impact, and remembering that people always matter more than pressure and profit.

• A vision for legacy: how mentoring and modeling healthy leadership today can empower the next generation of values-driven entrepreneurs.

Biography:

Keira Chang is a 17-year-old high school student, cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and author. After being diagnosed with leukemia at 13, she was inspired to give back and founded Heroko Shop, a clothing and accessories brand that donates all profits to childhood cancer organizations. This year, she became a published author with her children's book on financial literacy, which she used to launch a campaign donating around 250 books to schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers, hosting reading sessions and workshops to teach kids about saving. She also helped found her school's chapter of Therapicasso, a nonprofit that uses art to help kids process emotions and manage mental health.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

As the year winds down (or whenever you're listening), Robert and Kay Lee invite married entrepreneurs to pause and audit what's working—and what's quietly piling onto your calendar "just because." The danger isn't always failure… it's drift. When you never stop to evaluate, your schedule fills up, your energy gets spent on habits instead of priorities, and both marriage and business can slowly erode under nonstop momentum.

They walk through a powerful set of reflection questions designed to help you celebrate progress (not just critique problems), gain clarity on your goals, and make smarter decisions with your time. Kay Lee shares personal growth around emotional triggers and learning not to take everything personally—especially in family relationships. Robert opens up about loosening perfectionism, taking more chances, and using "small steps" to reduce overwhelm—like their decision to test a possible move to Lake Norman one step at a time instead of forcing a massive all-or-nothing decision.

The episode also highlights practical business lessons like testing demand safely (hello, waitlists) and learning to ask for what you want—whether it's closing a deal, requesting introductions, or opening doors through relationships. They wrap with meaningful experiences from the past 90 days: building local community through fun gatherings for married business owners, and serving local businesses impacted by the devastating Southern California fires—offering clarity, encouragement, and simple marketing direction when life feels foggy.

• If you don't audit your life, your calendar will audit you. Reflection helps you remove what's no longer serving you—before "busy" becomes your default.

• Celebrate small wins, not just big milestones. Most entrepreneurs can spot failures instantly—this episode helps you build balance and sanity by naming what's working.

• Small steps reduce big fear. Especially for perfectionists, progress comes easier when you create a "safe" next step instead of trying to solve everything at once.

• Test demand before you invest. A waitlist is a simple way to validate interest before you commit time, money, or a big launch.

• Ask for what you want. Whether in business, relationships, or networking—doors open faster when you stop hoping and start asking.

• Community is a strategy, not a luxury. Fun, face-to-face connection isn't optional for thriving—it's fuel for married entrepreneurs.

• Encouragement is leadership. When people are overwhelmed or recovering from loss, clarity + reassurance can be the most meaningful "next step."

1. How have I grown as a person over the past three years?

2. What are the biggest things that I've learned in the past 12 months?

3. What are 10 important things I've accomplished in the past 12 months?

4. What meaningful experiences have I had in the past 90 days?

5. How am I clearer on my goals and vision than I was 90 days ago?

6. In what ways is my life different and better than 30 days ago?

7. What important progress have I made in the past seven days?

8. What progress have I made in the past 24 hours?

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

What happens when a career shake-up, a calling to entrepreneurship, and a surprise pregnancy all collide at once? In this episode, Robert sits down with Robbie and Nicole Harper—co-founders of Blue Ridge PR—to talk about what it really looks like to build a business while protecting your marriage and family. Robbie shares how leaving an unhealthy work situation became the catalyst for launching their PR firm, while Nicole reflects on the early season of keeping the "home fires burning" so the business could get off the ground.

You'll hear how they navigated financial uncertainty, parenting stress, and the emotional ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship—especially when one spouse processes internally and the other needs to talk it out. Their secret? Honest communication, giving each other space to process, and learning how to "carry the baton" when the other spouse is spiraling. They even share practical tools they use in real life (including one surprising app that helps them process emotions and stay connected).

The Harpers also unpack what it takes to protect your relationship long-term—especially as kids grow up and empty nest seasons approach. From beach walks and "broke date nights" to ice cream runs and dog walks, they remind us that connection doesn't require a big budget—just intentionality. If you're a married entrepreneur trying to build something meaningful without losing each other in the process, this conversation will feel like a deep breath and a roadmap.

• Don't let life stack up without a pause. Regularly audit what's working and what's adding unnecessary stress.

• Start-up seasons are intense—support is everything. A spouse being genuinely "on board" can be the difference between breaking and building.

• Communication is the real safety net. When money is tight or clients are slow to pay, staying connected keeps fear from taking over.

• Only one meltdown at a time is a win. Learn how to stabilize each other when one spouse is spiraling.

• Give each other space to process differently. Some need silence and a walk; others need to talk it out to find clarity.

• Connection doesn't need to be fancy. Ice cream runs, dog walks, beach subs—small moments can be the most impactful.

• Protect the marriage before the empty nest arrives. Keep investing now so you don't wake up later wondering, "Who are you?"

• Intertwined lives require extra intentionality. When work, church, and family overlap, boundaries and check-ins matter even more.

Bio:

Robbie Harper, MBA, and Nicole Harper are the co-founders of Blue Bridge PR, a public relations firm focused on building reputation for faith-driven and values-based organizations. Robbie serves on the boards of both the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce and the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce. Nicole is also the Children's Minister at Stetson Baptist Church. They live in DeLand, Florida, with their three children. Connect with them at https://www.bluebridgepr.com.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

FREE Marriage and Business Assessment https://marriageandbusiness.scoreapp.com/

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

As married entrepreneurs, it's easy to fall into traps that seem harmless but quietly eat away at your profits, your time, and even your marriage. In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee uncover five hidden growth traps that keep business owners stuck working harder instead of smarter. These aren't your typical sales or marketing issues—they're deeper mindset and leadership challenges that directly impact your ability to scale while still having time and energy for your spouse and family.

From chasing sales without focusing on profit margins, to micromanaging instead of delegating, to ignoring outside counsel (including your spouse's wisdom!), these traps are more common than you might think. You'll also hear how holding onto "sacred cows" or letting the words "I can't" dominate your thinking can prevent you from making necessary changes that create both freedom and financial stability. With practical stories and client examples, Robert and Kay Lee show how to shift your mindset and avoid sabotaging your own growth.

This episode is about more than building a bigger business—it's about building a healthier business and marriage at the same time. When you stop focusing on the wrong things and start creating systems, margins, and open communication, you'll reclaim time, reduce stress, and grow profitably in tandem.

Key Takeaways:

• Sales don't guarantee profits—healthy margins do.

• Micromanaging drains your energy and limits your team's potential.

• Every entrepreneur needs trusted outside counsel (yes, even your spouse).

• Holding onto "sacred cows" keeps you stuck in outdated practices.

• Saying "I can't" closes the door on innovation and healthy growth.

When big ideas stall, it's rarely because the idea is bad—it's because people get stuck. In this week's conversation, we welcome strategist and author Susan Schramm (chair of Nehemiah Project; founder of Go To Market Impact) to unpack how married entrepreneurs can de-risk decisions at work and at home—without killing momentum or connection.

Susan introduces her De-Risk System for Impact, a simple, people-first way to move initiatives forward: clarify why and why now, name who must take action, surface assumptions, and explore both upside and downside risk—including the risk of inaction. She also shares a practical rhythm couples can use to align different risk profiles (hello, "shoot first" spouse vs. "think it through" spouse), reduce anxiety, and keep communication open.

From cross-country moves and career shifts to launching products and leading teams, you'll hear scripts, questions, and exercises you can use tonight—like pre-mortems, writing decisions down, and even trying on "Disney roles" (visionary, operator, financier) together—so you protect your marriage, accelerate results, and avoid costly detours.

Get the book - Fast Track Your Big Idea: Navigate risk, move people to action, and avoid your strategy going off course fasttrackyourbigidea.com or

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbaileyschramm/

• Risk has two dimensions: awareness of risk and willingness to engage. Know where each spouse sits.

• Always ask "Why now?" Great ideas can be right—but at the wrong time.

• Map four quadrants: upside of acting, downside of acting, upside of not acting, downside (risk) of not acting. Inaction carries its own costs.

• Make assumptions visible. Write down what you're presuming about time, travel, money, family, and capacity. Revisit when reality changes.

• Use pre-mortems. Before launching, imagine what could go wrong (or right too fast) and plan responses—without making it personal.

• Try role-switching. Together evaluate ideas as the visionary (experience), operator (execution), and financier (resources).

• Document decisions. Capture reasoning so you can learn, adapt, and avoid blame when conditions shift.

• Practice on small stuff. Use the system for everyday choices (schedules, purchases, projects) so you're ready for high-stakes moves.

Bio

Susan Schramm is on a mission to help people turn big ideas into reality. Whether in a boardroom or a coffee shop, Susan finds joy in equipping and encouraging people to overcome obstacles and move forward.

After decades of working with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits launching new products and programs, new partnerships, and new companies, Susan founded her firm, Go to Market Impact. She aims to help leaders of organizations of all sizes achieve results faster when driving high-stakes strategies. Susan developed the De-RiskSystemforImpact® to encourage leaders to openly discuss risk and plan for the people side of strategy, which is often ignored. She brings energy, experience, and practical insights that inspire a fresh perspective.

Susan revels in exploring the world around her and has proudly conquered one of her bucket list goals: visiting all 50 states in the US. She is fueled by her faith, her family, and a bottomless cup of coffee.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Cracker Barrel's attempted rebrand lit up the internet—but the logo was only the tip of the iceberg. In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee unpack what really happened: rapid, sweeping changes to brand visuals, menu staples, and in-store experience that left loyal customers feeling ignored. Robert draws on his Coca-Cola days to connect the dots to "New Coke" and other big-brand missteps.

The lesson for married entrepreneurs? Expansion is great—if you bring your core with you. We talk about how to modernize without losing the soul of your brand, why you must weight research toward your existing buyers, and how "nostalgia" (surprise!) still wins with younger audiences. Translation: keep what people love, then pilot the new.

You'll also hear practical ways to pressure-test change as a couple-led team—from founder interviews and customer listening to limited market tests—so you protect profits, avoid avoidable conflict at home, and buy back time you'd otherwise spend doing cleanup.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

• Protect the core: modernize, don't amputate.

• Weight research to loyal customers before chasing new segments.

• Give choices (keep the classics while piloting new offers).

• Test small (limited locations/segments) before rolling out big.

• Honor the brand story—talk to founders/OG customers early.

• Nostalgia sells (even with Gen Z); don't discard it.

• Measure reality, not vibes: let sales, retention, and sentiment data lead.

• As spouses in business, align on "non-negotiables" first to prevent conflict later.

• Expand the market by adding rings around the core, not replacing it.

• Listen continuously—surveys, DMs, and event feedback are your free focus groups.

After a jam-packed few weeks onboarding clients and juggling a major project, Robert & Kay Lee get real about a message every married entrepreneur needs to hear: "Hustle now, rest later" is a myth that steals joy, strains marriages, and sabotages long-term business value. In this candid conversation, they unpack why constant grind doesn't equal greater achievement—and how to build a business that grows and lets you enjoy life with your spouse now, not "someday."

You'll hear how choosing family over finance actually creates a stronger company: better culture, lower turnover, healthier leadership, and a business people would want to buy or inherit. They share practical first steps to break the cycle—like taking intentional time off (even half-days), setting clear boundaries between work and home, and building trust in your team so the business can run without you. The goal? A sellable, scalable, legacy business that supports your marriage rather than competing with it.

If you've ever thought, "I'll rest when I'm dead," this episode is your gentle (but firm) reset. Learn how to pace your ambition, protect your relationship, and design systems and team capacity that free your time. You can grow profits and deepen connection—without grinding yourself or your marriage into the ground.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

• Hustle ≠ Happiness: Achievement alone won't deliver lasting joy; healthy relationships and rhythms do.

• Family Over Finance: Prioritizing marriage and home life strengthens culture, performance, and retention.

• Design for Exit (or Freedom): Build a business that runs and grows without you—making it sellable, transferable, and actually attractive to the next owner or your kids.
  Start Small, Start Now: If a full day off feels impossible, begin with a half-day or device-free evening; build the "time-off muscle."

• Boundaries Create Balance: Define when business ends and family begins so work doesn't invade every conversation and moment.

• Delegate & Trust: Train (or replace) where needed so you can disconnect without fear—the house won't burn down.

• Burnout Hits Early: Even under-40 owners are burning out; prevention beats recovery every time.