You know those polished product launches? The ones with cinematic teaser trailers, color-coordinated Instagram grids, and captions that sound like they came from a TED Talk?

Yeah… this isn’t that. This is the behind-the-scenes. The mess. The version of entrepreneurship that happens between doctor’s appointments, on days when your energy is rationed, and while your body is simultaneously fighting and healing. This is the version I’m living.

Since the beginning, I planned to intentionally keep my personal health life separate from Simplicity with Sarah. I wanted the business to be clean, clear, and polished—an inspiring place that reflected the kind of calm and clarity I help others create. But here’s the truth: life got real, real fast. And I think it’s time I let you in on why. At first, I tried to keep everything compartmentalized. Health in one box. Business in another. But healing doesn’t work like that. And neither does building something meaningful. The truth is, Simplicity with Sarah is growing not in spite of the mess, but alongside it. Every blog post, every idea, every small launch—these are being created in the in-between moments. Between treatments. Between rest. Between waves of fatigue and strength.

The Delay Behind the Scenes

If you’ve been following my journey, you might’ve noticed things have been quieter than usual. Projects paused. Launches delayed. Content slower to roll out. The reason? I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy for Lymphatic Cancer, which is a result of my anti-rejection medication, for my transplanted kidney of 7+ years.

Even typing that still feels surreal. I didn’t want to lead with it. I’m not sharing this for sympathy, but for transparency. To show that even in uncertainty, something meaningful can still be built. This is about honesty, not pity—because we all have our own version of hard, and we’re still showing up anyway. I didn’t want my health to define this business or become the headline. But I also believe deeply in honesty—and in showing up as a whole human being, not just a brand.

Fighting for My Health, and My Dream

I used to believe I had to wait until timing was ‘just right’ for everything to be perfect to share my work. That I'd finally "arrive" at a moment when I felt healthy, productive, and capable of building something from start to finish with no interruptions. Who else has the all or nothing mentality? I am working on a balance. But real life had other plans and propelled me into starting my business now! Some days, my biggest accomplishment is getting some house work done. Others, it's designing a web site with no code knowledge, building a course I feel has value I would be seeking, or mapping out a business strategy between IV drips and fatigue. Entrepreneurship hasn't been a glossy experience for me—it's been full of grit, grace, slow pace, and showing up as real and human as I can be.

Why I’m Building in the Open

I’ve decided to stop hiding my process. No more waiting until everything is tied up in a neat little bow. No more creating in silence until I have a “big reveal.”

Because the truth is, the messy middle is where the magic happens. When I share my imperfect journey, I connect with people who are also building through burnout, grief, illness, pivots or uncertainty. We are not alone! People need to know they’re not broken for not fitting the mold of hustle culture.

There’s Courage in the Imperfections

I have been feeling behind in my pace. Feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, wasn’t healing fast enough, wasn’t growing my business the “right” way. But now I realize: slow is still progress. Messy is still movement. Every small step I take is a radical act of self-trust. Of belief that my voice matters, even if it’s quiet. That my dream matters, even if it’s evolving.

I used to think I had to present a final product before I could be taken seriously as an entrepreneur. That everything had to be perfect, branded, and beautiful. But cancer has taught me to be honest with my limits. To give myself grace. To let things be unfinished and imperfect—and still valuable. So, this isn’t a traditional launch. It’s not a "reveal" after months of prep.

It's an unfolding.

And I’m showing up for it, as I am. Building something honest. Something heartfelt. Something that might take longer to launch but will be deeply rooted in truth, value and empowerment of small business owners for their vendor experiences.

This isn’t a final product. It’s the story in real time. And I’m honored you’re here for it.

What’s Next

Simplicity with Sarah is still here. Slowly taking shape. Guided by passion, purpose, and a stubborn belief that even in the middle of uncertainty, we can create something beautiful. You can follow along with the journey through blog posts here and announcements on social media. I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes over on Instagram: @simplicity_with_sarah_holtz and on Facebook: Simplicity with Sarah Holtz

Thanks for being here—for the real, the raw, and everything in between.