By: Unstoppable Branding Agency

In a world that constantly preaches the pursuit of balance, Missy Kelly stands for a different philosophy—one rooted in the belief that balance is not only elusive but often counterproductive. As the co-founder and CEO of CatTongue Grips, Missy built a successful business empire with her husband Matt while raising two kids and navigating life’s inevitable challenges. Yet, contrary to popular advice, she doesn’t strive for a perfect work-life balance.

Instead, she believes that embracing imbalance, rather than resisting it, is key to personal and business growth. Her approach shows how entrepreneurs can let go of perfectionism and surrender to life’s ups and downs without sacrificing entrepreneurial success.

The Myth of Balance for Women in Business

Many see achieving a perfect work-life balance as an aspirational goal, one that aims peace, productivity, and fulfillment. However, Missy views balance as a myth that, when over-pursued, leads to self-neglect and fragmented well-being. She argues that pursuing balance often forces impractical compromises that distract from true priorities.

“When you try too hard to achieve balance, you end up deprioritizing yourself, and that’s when everything starts to unravel,” Missy explains. “You’re not fully present in any aspect of your life, and the people who matter —your family, your team—end up getting a fragmented version of you.”

Missy’s perspective is born from experience. She knows that when she puts her own needs first, she has more to give to others. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about ensuring that she has the energy, clarity, and strength to be there for her family and lead her company effectively.

Navigating Personal Challenges as a Business Leader

The year 2021 brought Missy’s philosophy into sharp focus, testing her resolve amidst intense family challenges. Missy’s husband, Matt, suffered a serious skiing accident that resulted in a torn ACL, requiring surgery and a long recovery. Shortly thereafter, their daughter, Ava, was also injured in a skiing race, resulting in the same injury. Suddenly, Missy found herself in the role of primary caregiver for both her husband and daughter, all while trying to steer CatTongue Grips through a critical period of expansion.

“In those moments, meticulous balance wasn’t just impractical—it was impossible,” Missy recalls. “I had to let go of the idea that I could do everything perfectly and instead focus on what really mattered: taking care of my family and keeping the business moving forward.”

This period of her life was a crash course in surrendering control. Missy had to make difficult decisions about where to invest her time and energy, often relying on intuition and self-trust. Maintaining airtight boundaries and clearly communicating her needs became pillars of strength and stability. 

The Power of Surrender in Entrepreneurship

Missy’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is let go of the need for perfection and embrace the chaos that life throws our way. This surrender is not about giving up; it’s about recognizing that we can’t control everything and that true growth often comes from navigating the messiness of life with grace and courage.

While caring for her recovering family, Missy led CatTongue Grips through one of its successful periods—despite her past fear that over-delegating would compromise results. Previously, Missy struggled to let go of perfectionism and fully trust her team. However, with her family demanding her full attention, she had no choice. The unexpected outcome was that her team thrived, feeling empowered in their roles, and the business grew significantly, expanding its product line and solidifying its position as an industry leader.

Photo Courtesy: Duston Todd

Radical Self-Care as a Business Strategy

Missy’s approach to self-care is radical in that it defies conventional wisdom. Instead of seeing self-care as an afterthought or something to squeeze into the margins of a busy life, she places it at the center of everything she does. This means setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and being unapologetic about putting her well-being first.

“When I take care of myself, I’m able to show up fully for my family and my business,” Missy explains. “It’s not about balance—it’s about overflow. I want to be so full of energy and passion that I can give generously to those around me.”

This approach has not only benefited Missy personally but has also proven to be a powerful business strategy. By prioritizing her own needs, she’s able to lead CatTongue Grips with clarity and purpose, making decisions that are aligned with her values and long-term vision.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

Missy’s journey offers valuable lessons for any entrepreneur struggling with the demands of life, business, and family. It’s a reminder that balance is not the goal; instead, the focus should be on radical self-care and letting go of perfectionism. By releasing the myth of balance and embracing the messiness of life, we can accelerate success in unexpected ways and find a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment.

“Life is never going to be perfectly balanced, and that’s okay,” Missy says. “What matters is that you take care of yourself first so that you can be there for the people and the things you love. That’s where true growth comes from.”

In a world obsessed with balance, Missy Kelly offers a refreshing perspective—one that encourages us to embrace the chaos, prioritize ourselves, and trust in the journey.

Published by: Nelly Chavez