Starting a business is a monumental challenge; doing so while raising a family feels like trying to climb a mountain backwards. But, like all seemingly insurmountable challenges, with the right mindset, support, and strategies, it’s entirely possible. I’m Tracey Biscontini, and this is the story of how I built Northeast Editing, Inc. from scratch, all while keeping my family at the forefront of my priorities.
The Decision to Leap
The decision to start Northeast Editing was not made overnight. It came from a necessity to balance my professional aspirations with my personal commitments. After my children were born, the rigid schedules of the corporate world seemed less and less feasible. I needed flexibility—a rare commodity in traditional job roles at the time.
Freelancing initially seemed like a temporary solution; a way to keep my foot in the door of the editing world while I focused on my children. But as the demand for my work grew, so did the realization that this could be more than just a stopgap. This could be the way to blend my career with my role as a mother without sacrificing either.
Laying the Groundwork
The early days of Northeast Editing were a juggling act. I converted a small section of our home into an office, and during nap times or preschool hours, I would dive into work, immersing myself in manuscripts and client emails. I quickly learned that the key to managing this balance was prioritization and meticulous time management.
I set clear work hours for myself, communicated these boundaries to clients, and used every available minute efficiently. Tools and technology were my allies, allowing me to work faster and smarter. I invested in good childcare when necessary, ensuring that the kids had engaging, enriching experiences while I focused on building the business.
Scaling With Care
As the business grew, so did the need for more structured operations. I moved Northeast Editing out of our home to a small office. This physical separation of work and home was crucial—it gave me mental clarity and helped define the boundaries between professional and personal life even further.
Scaling the business meant scaling the team, too. Hiring was a slow and deliberate process; I sought people who not only had the right skills but also understood and respected the ethos of the company, which was heavily influenced by my experiences and values as a parent. Empathy, flexibility, and a supportive environment became the pillars of our company culture.
Embracing the Chaos
There were days when everything seemed to fall apart—sick children, missed deadlines, technology failures. On those days, the challenge seemed too big, the balance unachievable. But over time, I learned to embrace this chaos. I understood that not every day would be perfect, not every plan would pan out, and that’s okay.
I learned to forgive myself for the imperfections, to celebrate the small victories, and to accept that some days, just making it through was enough. My family was supportive throughout, and as the kids grew, they became proud of the work I was doing, which fueled my motivation even more.
The Reward of Perseverance
Today, Northeast Editing is more than I had ever imagined it could be. It’s not just a business; it’s a community. A community that respects family, values flexibility, and supports personal growth. Looking back, the years of balancing business with family life taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, patience, and leadership.
To anyone standing on the brink of a similar journey, my advice is simple: believe in your ability to succeed, set clear boundaries to help manage your responsibilities, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Building a business while raising a family is certainly not easy, but it is profoundly rewarding.
Looking Forward
As I look to the future, I see a landscape rich with opportunities for further growth, both for Northeast Editing and for my family. The children, much older now, occasionally contribute to the business, bringing fresh ideas and new energy. We continue to evolve, embracing new technologies and expanding into new markets, but always with an eye on maintaining the balance that has been so crucial to our success.
In conclusion, my journey of building a business while raising a family has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences of my life. It has shaped who I am as a business owner, a mother, and a mentor. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.