Boss Mama CEO Story: From Dream to Reality

Lynn is the perfect example of who should be supporting mothers in this field: a mother herself!

Too often, moms receive advice from practitioners who have never personally experienced the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, or motherhood. While education and professional training are incredibly valuable, there’s something powerful about learning from someone who truly understands what you’re going through because they’ve lived it themselves. And in my humble opinion, that makes them more qualified than anyone to do the job.

Lynn brings both expertise and firsthand experience to the table. She understands the joys, struggles, and complexities of motherhood, which allows her to connect with and support families in a deeply meaningful way.

She has an incredible story to share. One of resilience, growth, and service. Through every challenge and triumph, she has built a mission centered on providing high-quality, comprehensive, and personalized mental health care that puts people first. Her journey is inspiring, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

But before you scroll down and dive into her story, show her a little love on social media and give her a follow! 💜

YOUR STORY

Tell us who you are!

My name is Lynn Wolf and I’m the owner of Midwifing the Mind.

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

I’m Lynn Wolf, a Certified Nurse Midwife and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in integrative psychiatry and women’s mental health across the lifespan.

Through my practice, Midwifing the Mind, I provide holistic, root-cause-focused mental health care that blends medication management, hormone-informed treatment, and mind-body approaches to support teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, reproductive transitions, and more.

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

MTM is brand new this year! My office is located in Charlottesville and officially opened on June 1st, and I’m already providing telehealth services throughout Virginia.

I started this practice after spending several years building experience in different areas of healthcare—first as a Labor & Delivery and NICU nurse, then as a Nurse Midwife, and most recently as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

My goal is to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and personalized mental health care that puts people first, rather than focusing on ever-increasing revenue targets. An added bonus is that owning my own practice gives me the flexibility to create a schedule that allows me to be more present for my three daughters while doing the work I love.

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

I think the roots of this journey began 20 years ago when my first baby was born. Navigating motherhood while living with trauma, postpartum depression, complex PTSD, depression, and ADHD was one of the most challenging experiences of my life.

Those struggles ultimately inspired me to become a source of support and hope for others facing similar challenges. When my older children were in elementary school, I went back to nursing school and spent several years working as a bedside nurse. I then began my Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery program while pregnant with my third child and later completed my postgraduate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner education as a single mother of three.

None of it was easy, but I was driven by a desire to leave the world a little better than I found it and to show my daughters what perseverance, leadership, and purpose look like. That mission continues to guide me every day.

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.

Finding the right support is key. I was so fortunate to have amazing friends in my life who showed up for me time and again. I spent nights crying on the bathroom floor wondering if I would survive the seemingly insurmountable stress – I had to teach myself basics like how to form an LLC and launch a website. Somehow, the universe put the right people in my life at the right time and things began to fall into place.

What’s one obstacle you’ve overcome?

Financially I didn’t know how I could make my business happen. There is a lovely woman in my community who I randomly met one day. I told her my dream of building my own practice. One day, she handed me a check and said “make it happen.” She is the reason I took the leap of faith. She believed in me enough, so it was time to start believing in myself. Because of her, the first year of rent on my office is paid. I am so incredibly grateful to her and to everyone who has been cheering me on!

YOUR BUSINESS

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

Integrative and Holistic Psychiatry

What’s the magic that sets you apart?

I am a midwife and a psych NP – it’s a unique blend. I also am the product of an unstable childhood, foster care, and profound loss – but here I am building something that exists to help others heal and overcome their own challenges. It is so rewarding.

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

There is a podcast coming soon. It mostly covers topics around women’s mental health. It’s called “Midwifing the Mind.” Stay tuned!

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

‘m usually up around 6am, prepping lunches and getting kids off to school (I still have a highschooler and an elementary schooler at home). Then it’s time for some coffee, checking my schedule, getting organized, reviewing charts, and seeing patients.

Because I sit all day at the computer, I make a point to do what I call “exercise snacking” – some squats with a 30lb dumbbell or some stretching, yoga, or a walk with the dogs in between patients.

Once the kids get home its usually dinner, homework, household chores etc. I get the youngest to bed with a bit of reading first, and then I wind down by a hot shower, some bougie skin care (I’m 45 and trying to age with grace lol!), then I jump into bed and read a bit until I pass out (which usually takes about 0.25 seconds).

ADVICE FOR MOMPRENEURS

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

Don’t wait around for the ‘right’ moment. Time will pass anyway. Just go for it!

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

As a single mom, owning a business comes with fears of “what if I can’t pay the bills?” I also often struggle with when to put the work away and be fully present.

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

Do the best you can. Don’t sweat the small stuff. The dishes can wait. The laundry can wait. The priority is being there for my kids, but also allowing time for my own self-care because no one can pour from an empty cup.

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

I wish it didn’t take me so damn long to have the confidence to do this. Imposter syndrome has gotten in my way for years.

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

Movement. I can’t stress enough how important daily movement is. Walking, yoga, cycling, weights, hiking… it doesn’t matter. I just know I feel ten times better if I am active.

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

I just at some point decided to stop trying to fit other’s expectations. Instead, I show up as my authentic self. I find that people seem to connect with me more easily that way anyway!

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

Remember WHY you have this dream and WHO it is for (for your family, but also for YOU). It’s not easy, but it is absolutely worth it.

Lynn’s story is such a powerful reminder that when you have the courage to share your story, your dreams, and what you’re working toward, you never really know who might be listening or how it could change everything.

In her case, it was as simple (and as life-changing) as sharing her dream with a woman in her community, who then helped provide the financial support she needed to get started. One simple conversation and a moment of bravery created a completely new path forward.

It really makes you think: you never know who you’ll cross paths with that could open a door you didn’t even know existed.

I’d love to feature more Boss Mamas like Lynn. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, please reach out and send me their info at ashley@bossmamaceo.com. 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.