What happens when you build a brand from scratch, reach the top 5% of Etsy shops worldwide, and realize the success you’ve built is actually exhausting you?

In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita Ernst sits down with Allison Sherwin, the founder of Threads and Honey, to redefine the 'F' word—failure.

Allison shares her transition from a 15-year corporate sales career to building an international embroidery brand featured in Food Network, House Beautiful, and The Observer.

Despite hitting profitability within three years and scaling to a team of six in her in the basement of her home, Allison found herself stuck in the "messy middle" of growth. She reveals the internal battle she faced with imposter syndrome, the "ego trap" of viewing her business as her "baby," and the overwhelming mom guilt that surfaced as the business outpaced her gifts and desires.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Scaling Trap: Why Allison chose "peace and joy" over scaling to an eight-figure manufacturing organization.
• The Permission Slip: The life-changing advice Allison received from her father during his final illness: "It’s okay to walk away and change your mind".
• Redefining Failure: How to dismantle the story that stopping a profitable venture negates your past achievements.
• The "What Next" Phase: Allison’s journey into her new chapter as an author and partner in her husband's business.

Whether you are a perfectionist struggling with burnout, an entrepreneur contemplating an exit strategy, or a professional navigating a new season of life, Allison’s story is a "permission slip" to prioritize your mental health and purpose over your pedigree.

“You are never stuck. Take the next right step that is right for you.” — Allison Sherwin-------------------------Connect with Our Guest: Allison Sherwin

Episode Resources:

• Companion Journal Guide: Download our premium guide featuring prompts to redefine your relationship with failure and unlock your permission to act.
• Recommended Reading: What Color Is Your Parachute?.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Story I’m Telling Myself and leave a five-star review if this episode helped you rewrite your own narrative!