Stepping Away from the Wine Glass to Build Bigger Wings

Sometimes growth looks like pouring another glass.
And sometimes—it looks like setting the glass down.
For me, stepping away from the wine business is not about not loving it anymore (because oh, I do). It’s not that I won’t miss the laughter around a tasting table, the clink of glasses, or watching someone’s eyes light up when they discover a new favorite bottle. I will.
But this season is about choosing where to put my time and energy.

You may be asking, "What does this have to do with doula work?"
Well, it has to do with me. How I have been dividing up my time. AND the bigger part for my readers is: How to work through a decision on to stay or to go with anything. Maybe your side hustle, maybe your 9-5 job, and maybe even doula work. 

As always, take what helps and leave the rest.

Why Leave Something You Love?

Because loving something doesn’t always mean it’s where you’re meant to stay. The wine business has been good to me. It gave me community, adventure, income, and a way to give back through charity events. It taught me sales without sleaze, confidence in my voice, and more than a few creative charcuterie board tricks.
But here’s the truth: I’m building something bigger now.
And bigger requires space.

The Cliff and the Wings

Leaving isn’t easy. Honestly, it feels like stepping off a cliff--heart pounding, a little terrified, but knowing that the only way to really fly higher is to let go of the ledge.
I’m not walking away too soon. My other business is solid. It supports my needs and then some. I’m not making this choice out of desperation--I’m making it out of intention. The timing is right. I’ve built a foundation strong enough that I can risk trading good for great.
Because every hour I free up, I can invest in my mentorship work—helping new doulas build sustainable businesses without burning out. I can show up more fully for the people who need me. I can give my best energy to creating programs, writing resources, and being the mentor I wish I’d had when I started.

More Time = More Impact

The more time I have, the more impact I can make.
The more impact I make, the more growth I create—not just for me, but for my clients and for the causes I care deeply about. The more money I make, the more I can give. It’s not just about me—it’s about multiplying good in the world.
So yes, I’m leaving behind something I loved.
But I’m also leaving with deep gratitude.
Wine helped me grow wings.
Now it’s time to fly higher.

Deb's takeaway for my readers:

Maybe you’re at a similar crossroads in your own business. Maybe you’re still clutching something that you love, but deep down you know it’s holding you back from what’s next. You don’t have to leave too soon, but you also don’t have to stay too long. Growth is messy, emotional, and sometimes terrifying—but it’s always worth it.