Helping ambitious women build a life they love and a business that thrives!

Carole Blackburn

Growth & Success Coach

The Woman Behind the Business Matters.

Because when you thrive, so does everything you touch.

You can't pour into your business, your family, and your future when you're running on fumes.

This isn't about doing more. It's about coming back to you - and leading from that place.

You’re juggling all the roles -

business owner, mom, partner, friend, go-to for everything. The calendar is full, your energy is drained, and “me time” feels like a distant dream. You know there’s more to life than checking boxes and surviving the day… but you’re not sure how to break the cycle.

Now imagine this instead:


Your days feel intentional, your energy is protected, and you’re showing up fully — in your business, in your relationships, and for yourself. You have systems that support you, boundaries that empower you, and habits that fuel your best life. You’re no longer running on empty — you’re thriving in harmony.

You're not just chasing goals —

you're becoming the woman who knows her worth, protects her energy, and grows in every season.

Hi, I'm Carole!

I'm a mom, entrepreneur, and lover of travel who is passionate about helping ambitious women build businesses that thrive without burning out. I get it - juggling family life, running a business, finding time to look after yourself or just breathe can feel like a full-time job in itself.

That's why I'm here. I help women like you find balance, clarity and the sustainable growth they need to succeed in business and in life. When you thrive personally, your business flourishes, and I'm all about supporting you to make that happen!

Let's make thriving your new normal.

Ready to build

the life of your dreams?

Work with me.

Ready to go from stuck to soaring in your life and business? I offer three powerful ways to work together, each designed to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go — with clarity, confidence, and alignment. These mentorship programs are built to support your growth, help you reclaim your time and energy, and create real momentum in both life and business. This is your next level — and I’m here to walk it with you.

Grab Your FREE

Boundaries Blueprint

Designed for Female Entrepreneurs

Protect your time, peace & energy

The Boundaries Blueprint s a free guide for ambitious, heart-led women in business who are ready to protect their time, energy, and peace—without guilt. Learn how to set clear, confident boundaries that support the life and business you’re actually trying to build.

Download it free and start thriving—not just surviving.

Join the community!

Join our vibrant community of female entrepreneurs and subscribe to our newsletter to connect, share ideas, and empower one another. Together, we can inspire growth and success in our businesses while cultivating lasting relationships.

Let's Connect!

Whether you’ve got questions, want to collaborate, or just need a little boost of inspiration — I’d love to hear from you. Don’t be shy! Let’s chat, connect on social, and start something amazing together.

Ready to build the life of your dreams?

Let's chat

Ready to work with a coach to uplevel your life and business?

Listen to the

Podcast

view my

services

read the

BLOG

Let's chat

Ready to work with a coach to uplevel your life and business?

Let's learn

Learn at your own pace and make quantum leaps.

Student Love Notes

We've helped so many incredible students to find success as Virtual Assistants...

The VA Business Blueprint helped me to go from feeling completely stuck to starting my business and getting my first client!

Ellen, business name

I enrolled in the VA Services Academy feeling completely lost - within 2 weeks I knew exactly what to offer & what to charge.

Ellen, business name

Beginner to Booked Out was a game-changer for me. Anna and her team are incredible and I'm booked out for the next 3 months!

Ellen, business name

Find the program that's perfect for you!

High-level coaching to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose—in life and business.

2-days of Voxer coaching for clarity, quick wins, and momentum—when you need it most.

One power-packed session to get clear, get unstuck, and get moving—fast.

New on the blog...

My Amazing Blog Title Goes Right Here

How to Pack Light for the Perfect Mini Break

March 11, 20263 min read

There’s something magical about a mini break. A few days away from your usual routine, a change of scenery, good food, long walks, and that feeling of being slightly untethered from everyday life.

But somehow the packing part always feels… chaotic. Suddenly the “just a few days away” trip turns into a suitcase situation that would survive a two-week holiday.

The truth? You probably need way less than you think.

Learning to pack lightly doesn’t just make travel easier, it makes the whole experience feel calmer, more spontaneous, and a lot more fun.



Packing Light Is Easier Than You Think.

Packing light isn’t about restriction or sacrificing style. It’s about being intentional.

Instead of throwing options into a suitcase “just in case”, you build a small collection of pieces that work together effortlessly.

Think layers. Think versatility. Think outfits that can go from a morning coffee walk to dinner without needing a full wardrobe change.

Once you start packing this way, travelling becomes a lot simpler, and honestly, a lot more enjoyable.

Take my recent trip to Madeira...

On a recent trip to Madeira, I challenged myself to pack in just one small bag.

No “backup” outfits. No extra shoes I’d probably never wear. Just the essentials.

And you know what? I didn’t miss anything.

Having fewer choices actually made the trip easier. Getting dressed took seconds, my bag was light enough to carry anywhere, and I never had that annoying moment of digging through layers of things I didn’t need.

It was proof that packing light isn’t about doing without, it’s about travelling smarter.


The Absolute Essentials

For most short trips, my packing list barely changes.

A versatile dress or two, a comfortable pair of trainers, a lightweight jumper, sleepwear, and a simple jacket that works with everything.

Toiletries stay minimal and travel-sized, and I always pack a reusable tote for beach days, market runs, or spontaneous shopping.

When everything works together, a tiny bag suddenly feels more than enough.

Packing List

My Go-To Packing List:

Clothing

  • 1 travel outfit (comfy but cute)

  • 1 versatile dress or outfit for evenings

  • 1 lightweight jumper or cardigan

  • 1 jacket or coat depending on the weather

  • 1 extra top

  • 1 pair of comfortable trainers

  • Sleepwear

  • Underwear + socks

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush + toothpaste

  • Travel-size skincare essentials

  • Deodorant

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Minimal makeup (if needed)

Essentials

  • Phone + charger

  • Passport or ID

  • Sunglasses

  • Small crossbody bag

  • Reusable tote bag

Extras (Optional but handy)

  • Kindle or book

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Compact umbrella

  • Hair clip or scrunchie

  • Lip balm

Travel isn’t about how much you bring with you — it’s about how much freedom you leave room for.”


That One Bag Will Change Everything

There’s something incredibly freeing about travelling with just one bag.

No dragging heavy suitcases through train stations. No waiting around at baggage carousels. No stress about what you packed or didn’t pack.

Just grab your bag and go.

It turns travel into something lighter, physically and mentally.

And once you experience that kind of simplicity, it’s hard to go back.

My Bag

3 Key Factors To Finding Your Perfect Mini-Break Bag:

  1. Size matters (but smaller is better): your bag should be big enough for essentials but small enough that overpacking isn’t an option.

  2. Comfort is everything: if you’ll be walking through airports, train stations, or cobbled streets, a comfortable strap and lightweight design are essential.

  3. Style you actually love: a bag you genuinely love to carry makes the whole experience feel better. Function matters, but so does feeling good with it.


Mini breaks are meant to feel easy, spontaneous, and refreshing.

Packing lightly helps you lean into that energy, less stress, less stuff, and more room to actually enjoy where you are.

So next time you’re heading off for a few days away, try taking less than you think you need.

You might be surprised by how much better the trip feels.

Bon voyage!

Evelyn Smith xxx

Back to Blog

Carole Blackburn is a Certified Life and Wellness Coach, speaker, published author and supporter of women everywhere. Carole has a gift for supporting female entrepreneurs and those who crave true and tangible personal development. Through goal-based action, time accountability and the undoing of limiting beliefs, Carole helps transform lives. Carole is based in Ottawa, Canada, and services clients virtually wherever the sun shines.

Copyright 2026. Carole Blackburn Coaching. All Rights Reserved.