Boss Mama CEO Story: A Life of Ambition

Of all places, Josie and I first connected through the Kit creator community! She reached out through the Creator Network, and we quickly realized we had a lot in common. From our entrepreneurial journeys to the businesses, we’re building and the lives we’re creating along the way.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. I’ll actually be joining her podcast soon! But before that happens, I’m SO excited to share her story with you.

Josie knows the feeling of being trapped in a 9–5 that doesn’t fulfill you, and how that feeling can slowly trickle into every other part of your life. Eventually, she reached a point where she no longer wanted to put her dreams on the back burner and decided to step into a life she gets to choose for herself. Now, she’s thriving as she builds her business alongside her 9-to-5.

There’s something incredibly powerful about that.

Oh, and did I mention she built this business with THREE kids in tow?! 

There is nothing easy about entrepreneurship. Add motherhood and three kiddos to the mix and, well… you might as well hand her a backpack and tell her to go climb Mount Everest.

But Josie did it. And she continues to do it with so much heart, determination, and purpose. I’m incredibly proud of her and everything she has built, and I cannot wait to keep watching her journey unfold and this beautiful company flourish.

Go check out her story below and be sure to head over to her socials and show this mama some love!

YOUR STORY

Tell us who you are!

My name is Josie Anderson and I’m the owner of The Divine Self by Josie Anderson.

We love a good origin story, but first, give us your short + sweet intro!

I support ambitious, burnt-out moms in creating more time for peace, presence with kids, and purpose. I support them through self-reflection work, mindset coaching and sharing relatable stories on the Ambitious Mom Mindset podcast.

Every boss mama has a ‘day one.’ What was yours?

In 2023, things finally hit a breaking point when I was in a job that didn’t reflect my need for creativity. I had no outlet, no break, and no sense that I was keeping up with everything. I was overwhelmed with work and family expectations. I was grumpy all the time, and my usual remedy of Trader Joe’s $2 Buck Chuck and solo dance parties weren’t enough to pull me out of it.

Then, came the anxiety: it was my “rock bottom” moment. I knew that I needed a change.

I asked myself two life-changing questions: “Is this it? Is this how my life is going to be?”

Through my own spiritual journey in the Dharma practice (and investing tens of thousands of dollars in myself and coaching programs), I learned that none of us should be living life with a burden on our shoulders.

I discovered that my soul’s purpose is to help other SuperMoms break free from the conventions that keep us from actually hearing our intuition and discovering our Divine Self.

I learned that there is freedom on the other side of anxiety and burnout. I learned that we have the power to heal from within. I learned that self-care shouldn’t come with guilt; in fact, it sets us free.

What does this look like for me? More time for taking daily walks around the bay and jamming out in the car (and probably embarrassing my kids!). More stolen moments just for me (savoring a Snickers bar without the kids around, among other things!). More time to embrace joy with my family, build deeper connections with people around me, and invest in myself by investing in my passions. More time to be present in this life.

Which came first—the business or the babies? Tell us how your family + business journeys intersected.

My business journey began after I started my family. My kids were 14, 13, and 9 at the time.

We know it’s a wild ride—tell us how you’ve balanced building your dream biz while raising your crew. The good, the tough, the real.

Through it all, I’ve learned how to regulate my emotions and find peace within the uncertainty, which is why mindfulness, emotional wellness, and nervous system support are at the heart of what I teach. I deeply believe that life’s challenges expand our capacity to serve the people we’re meant to help. I’ve spoken with so many moms who have turned their greatest challenges into their purpose. The more we share these stories, the more we know we are not alone.

What’s one obstacle you’ve overcome?

My biggest challenge was overcoming a midlife crisis at age 40 years old. I was burnt out from work, prescribed anxiety pills, and left to figure it out on my own. I knew there was a deeper meaning to life, which is why I set out on a quest to discover my soul’s purpose. I realized my soul’s purpose is to support ambitious, burnt-out moms having the same feelings.

YOUR BUSINESS

Tell us your superpower—what’s your product, service, or special offering?

Awaken to the Divine Self 90-day guided journal which helps women uncover their limiting beliefs so they can live a life of their dreams.

What’s the magic that sets you apart?

I have experienced the low of lows. I can talk about burn out, anxiety, work stress, mom guilt, relationship issues, and much more. I don’t only have the certifications; I have real life experience.

Spill the tea — any big milestones, press shoutouts, or launches on the horizon? 

Top 5% Globally Rank Podcast

Magazine Interview

My coaching services launched in September! I’m offering a FREE Reframe Your Mindset masterclass on October 20^th! Click the link below to sign up:

Give us a Day in the Life of being both Mom and CEO!

I wake up about an hour before my kids so I can begin the day with mindfulness. That quiet time is non-negotiable because it helps me protect my peace and feel grounded before the day gets busy.

After that, I take my youngest to school—my two older kids drive now, yay!—then come home and begin my full-time job. I also make movement a priority by fitting in an at-home workout about three times a week and taking walks along the bay whenever I can.

After picking up my youngest from school and finishing my workday, I shift into my role as a business owner. Depending on the day, that might mean working on my podcast, being a guest on another podcast, reaching out to boutiques about carrying The Divine Self journal, holding coaching sessions, or handling everything else that comes with building a business.

I know it sounds like a lot, but I’ve created a simple routine that brings more peace and intention into my days. I don’t believe balance means giving everything equal attention every day. For me, it means being present for what matters most in that moment. And because my business is deeply connected to my purpose, the work doesn’t always feel like work—it’s my passion, and that makes all the difference.

ADVICE FOR MOMPRENEURS

What’s the single best piece of advice or favorite tool you’d share with other mamas building their businesses?

You were never meant to carry it all. As moms and business owners, we often try to wear every hat, but it’s simply not sustainable. What has helped me most is practicing mindfulness, letting go of what doesn’t truly matter, setting boundaries, asking for support, and investing in myself. You don’t have to do everything alone to be successful. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is allow yourself to receive the support you need.

What’s been your biggest challenge juggling motherhood and running a business?

The hardest part has been knowing what to focus on when everything feels important. I’ve learned to quiet the outside noise, listen to what matters most in my heart, and set clear intentions for each day and week. I may not accomplish everything, but I can move forward with purpose—and give myself permission to let the rest wait.

What’s your approach to balancing business and family? We love the real, unfiltered stories!

Honestly, I don’t believe there is such a thing as perfect balance—lol! Some seasons require more of my attention as a mom, while others give me more space to focus on my business. I’ve learned to give myself grace for the season I’m in instead of expecting every day to look the same.

Whenever I try to push through and force everything to happen at once, I end up feeling overwhelmed. Now, I focus on what needs me most in that moment and trust that I can return to the rest when the time is right. No two days look the same—and I’ve learned that’s completely okay.

Looking back, what’s something you wish you had known before starting your business?

I wish I had known not to listen to all the noise or every business strategy telling me I needed to do XYZ to be successful. There is so much advice out there that it’s easy to lose sight of what feels right for you. I’ve learned that when I quiet the noise, trust myself, and follow my heart, everything begins to fall into place in its own time.

What tool, resource, or habit has completely changed the game for you?

The habit that has completely changed everything for me is practicing mindfulness every day. Taking time to sit in stillness allows me to quiet the noise, reconnect with myself, and listen for guidance from God and the universe as I create the life I desire. That practice can look different each day—guided meditation, prayer, a walk in nature, journaling, or simply taking a few moments to breathe and be present. It keeps me grounded, clear, and connected to what truly matters.

What mindset shifts have helped you keep going during hard seasons?

The biggest mindset shift has been learning to let go of what’s outside of my control. Instead of using my energy trying to force an outcome, I focus on what I can control—my thoughts, my actions, and how I choose to respond. That shift has helped me find peace in the uncertainty, trust the process, and keep moving forward even during the hardest seasons.

What words of encouragement would you give a Mom tempted to give up on her business dream?

You are not alone. There are so many moms who understand this journey and genuinely want to support you. It’s easy to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing or that you need more time, money, or resources before you can move forward. But there is another mom out there building her dream with fewer resources—and allowing that to inspire her rather than stop her.

I truly believe that continuing comes down to your mindset, supporting your nervous system, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Find a community of moms who are on a similar journey and plug into their support. You don’t have to have everything figured out, and you were never meant to do it alone.

The Divine Self is now 3 years old, and Josie has already landed in the Top 5% of globally ranked podcastsand been featured in San Diego Voyager magazine! That’s incredible.

And I truly believe so much of that success comes from Josie staying grounded in her own mindset and vision. One of the best pieces of advice she shared is to block out the noise and don’t lose sight of what feels right in your heart.

There will always be opinions, distractions, and plenty of people ready to tell you what you should be doing. But at the end of the day, you have to trust yourself enough to keep building what feels right for you.

I’d love to feature more Boss Mamas like Josie. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, please reach out and send me their info at ashley@bossmamaceo.com or via my contact page here. And hey, if that’s you, I love a little self-brag too! Send me your details so we can shine the spotlight on you as well.

Here’s to all the incredible Moms juggling a million things—keep shining bright, cheering each other on, and building the life you love!

Ashley

Friendly Note: I’m simply sharing my journey, experiences, and lessons learned as a Mom in business. This isn’t legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check with a qualified pro for guidance tailored to you.