At 25, Caitlin Kiene’s entrepreneurial journey took off with a global design competition win, opening the door to a dynamic business career. By 27, she had earned equity in her first company and further expanded her expertise by traveling to China to source products from the renowned Canton Fair. At 28, she made the courageous decision to step away from that opportunity to start a family. Four years after her separation, Caitlin co-founded a thriving women-led marketing agency that grew rapidly within its first 12 months. She is now launching her newest venture, Monvo Studio, while writing her book, “Choose Your Hard: From Single Mum to Agency Owner.” In this book, Caitlin shares her lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and balancing motherhood with business success.
Background
Growing up in a small town of just 2,000 people, I was instilled with values of freedom, honesty, and determination. Those early lessons laid the foundation for my ambition and drive. I always knew that authenticity and hard work would guide me through life’s challenges. As I navigated my career, these values shaped not only my professional journey but also my personal growth.
The Turning Point:
The real turning point in my journey came after my marriage ended. With just $2,000 to my name and a one-year-old to care for, I was forced into a situation where I had to rebuild my life from the ground up. It was an incredibly difficult and humbling experience, but it also ignited a drive in me that would become the foundation for my future success. That moment of challenge and uncertainty pushed me to redefine what was possible, both for myself and my family.
The Journey:
At 32, after my separation, I faced the daunting task of starting over, with limited resources and a young child. My first move was returning to work at a medi-aesthetic clinic, where I quickly applied retention strategies that transformed the business from two locations to five within six months. It was during this time that I fully understood the value of long-term client relationships and the power of sustainable growth—a philosophy that would guide me throughout my career.
In the years that followed, I navigated several transitions, including exiting two businesses and selling one that I had built from the ground up. Each of these experiences honed my business acumen, strengthened my resilience, and taught me the importance of adaptability. I also learned the value of creating systems that work even when you’re not present—a skill that has been instrumental in balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.
These experiences prepared me for my next chapter—co-founding a rapidly growing marketing agency with a strong client base, where I was able to apply everything I had learned about strategy, systems, and client retention. As I now transition from that agency to my latest venture, Monvo Studio, I can look back and see how each challenge shaped me into a more adaptable and determined leader. Every setback became a stepping stone for personal and professional growth, reinforcing my belief in the power of perseverance and strategic thinking. Most importantly, these lessons have shown me that success is not just about growth—it’s about building something that aligns with your values and supports the life you want to live.
Achievements:
One of the most significant milestones in my journey was scaling multiple businesses to six-figure revenues. At the medi-aesthetic clinic, the retention strategies I implemented led to rapid growth, expanding the business from two to five locations in just six months and generating six figures in recurring monthly revenue. I also helped an eCommerce brand grow its revenue from $14k to $120k in just two months using similar long-term growth strategies.
In addition to these accomplishments, I co-founded a marketing agency that achieved intense growth in its first 12 months. Building this business while balancing the demands of being a single mum was no small feat. Juggling client calls, late-night work sessions, and parenting a young child required resilience, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to both my business and family.
Additionally, I co-founded Emoti World, an air freshener brand now stocked in petrol stations across Australia. This brand, which raises awareness for mental health, was brought to life through determination and collaboration with my business partner at the time, Steve Braude. Together, we proved that combining business with purpose can have a profound impact.
These experiences allowed me to redefine success—not just in financial terms but in alignment with my values. I’ve learned that real success comes from building a business that reflects who you are, delivers value, and makes a positive difference.
Lessons Learned:
Throughout my journey, resilience and adaptability have been my greatest assets. I’ve come to understand that setbacks and tough decisions are inevitable, but it’s how we respond to those moments that defines our future. Success is not just about hitting revenue targets or scaling quickly—it’s about creating something sustainable that aligns with your core values and delivers genuine impact.
A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of customer retention. Building long-term relationships and systems that prioritize client experience is what has driven growth in every business I’ve been a part of. Growth comes from consistently delivering value and staying committed to quality over quick wins.
Advice for Others:
My advice to anyone facing similar challenges is simple: stay focused on what matters most. Whether in business or personal life, your core values will guide you through tough times. Don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary, and always prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term success.
In my upcoming book, Choose Your Hard, I explore these lessons in depth, sharing the challenges and triumphs of balancing entrepreneurship with the realities of life. It’s not about avoiding challenges but about choosing the ones worth taking on—and staying resilient through them. I hope this book will inspire others to embrace their own challenges and build businesses that are both successful and meaningful.
Purpose-Driven Business: Giving Back
At Monvo Studio, I believe in using business as a force for good. That’s why we donate 1% of profits to World Vision, a cause that’s close to my heart. For me, success isn’t just about financial growth; it’s about making a lasting impact and contributing to a better world.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, my journey has shown me that success is about much more than financial milestones. It’s about building a business that aligns with your values, creates a lasting impact, and allows you to grow both personally and professionally. Resilience, adaptability, and a focus on long-term relationships are the keys to sustainable growth, and those are the lessons I hope to impart through my experiences.
As I look back on the challenges I’ve faced and the milestones I’ve reached, I realize that every setback has led to a new opportunity, and every tough decision has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. The road to success isn’t easy, but it’s worth it when you stay committed to your vision and purpose.
If there’s one message I want others to take from my story, it’s this: you have the power to choose your hard. The challenges will always be there, but it’s how you approach them that determines your path forward. Stay true to yourself, keep pushing forward, and know that every step brings you closer to building the life and business you envision.
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