Moms Making Money

If the thought of selling makes your stomach flip, this episode is for you. Marli breaks down why being “sales-phobic” doesn’t disqualify you from becoming a successful sleep consultant — it actually makes you uniquely qualified. Instead of sleazy scripts or pressure tactics, you’ll hear how to approach sales as genuine service, build relationships with exhausted parents, and feel confident charging for the transformation you provide. Marli shares real stories from Cradle Coach Academy grads and clients that show how heart-led, service-first women can build thriving sleep consulting businesses without a traditional sales background. In this episode, you’ll learn: The #1 fear moms share when they’re considering sleep consulting as a home-based business Why you don’t need prior sales experience to succeed as a sleep consultant The mindset shift from “selling” to serving exhausted parents who are already searching for help A simple playground analogy that will change how you think about “offering” your services How one former kindergarten teacher landed her first client just by genuinely helping another mom Why sleep consulting is built on relationships and transformation, not one-and-done transactions A practical, non-intimidating way to talk to potential clients (what to ask, what to listen for, and how to share how you can help) Why charging for your expertise is not selfish — and how clients often feel grateful, not pressured, when they finally get real support Free resource mentioned in this episode: 👉 90-Day Sleep Consultant Blueprint (Free Video Series) Walk through what it actually looks like to become a sleep consultant and build a business that fits your life as a mom. Watch here: www.thecradlecoachacademy.com/video

What’s the difference between enrolling in a program and actually finishing it? For some people… five years and counting. But for Yusra? Three months from enrollment to certified and launched. In this episode, you’ll hear from one of our September 2024 Live Cohort graduates who went from full-time corporate employee and mom of two to serving 100 families in her first year as a sleep consultant…while still working full-time! Here’s what makes Yusra’s story so powerful: ✨ She paid back her entire investment in just 4 weeks after graduation ✨ She hit 100 clients in her first year while working full-time ✨ She went from zero business background to sponsoring networking events ✨ She built her entire business on referrals and word-of-mouth (hardly posts on Instagram anymore and still fully booked) But here’s what I really want you to hear: Yusra talks openly about why she chose the Live Program over self-paced, and why she’d “do it over and over again” if given the choice. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why Yusra almost didn’t start (and what finally made her pull the trigger) The exact timeline: September enrollment → December graduation → January boom How she manages 5-10 clients per month while working full-time with two kids The networking strategy that filled her calendar (no complicated social media required) What surprised her most about the Live Program experience Why real-time support and weekly case scenarios changed everything Her honest take on self-paced programs (spoiler: her friend’s been enrolled in another self-paced for 5 years and hasn’t finished) The Live Program Difference: “You’re not actually left alone to figure things out. We’d go through actual case scenarios every week with other students, and even if I didn’t think of something, you’d hear different perspectives. Honestly, I would do the live program over and over again over the self-paced one.” – Yusra Is the live program calling your name? We start Feb. 2nd and there are some amazing bonuses you get when you enroll before Dec. 31st! Apply here now to lock in your spot: https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/live-application

This episode is so valuable we are sharing it again! Meet Christina Carpenter – a former marketing professional who traded in her 40-hour corporate workweek for a 10-hour-a-week sleep consulting business that’s thriving on referrals alone. Christina is a mom of three who knew she needed more flexibility but wasn’t sure what that looked like. After Googling “jobs you can do from home” and trying (and failing at) a few different business ideas, she found sleep consulting – and everything clicked. Here’s what makes Christina’s story different: She hasn’t spent time chasing clients on social media or perfecting a six-page website. Instead, 100% of her business comes from word-of-mouth referrals through local Facebook mom groups and past volunteer clients. She’s stayed so busy that she’s worked with three families more than once (coming back for help with a second child). The biggest lessons from Christina’s journey: You don’t need everything “perfect” before you start. Christina had clients ready to book before she even had a website up. The credibility that matters most? Results and relationships. Starting local is powerful. Christina focused on her immediate community – friends of friends, local mom groups, and connections from where she used to live. This built-in trust shortened the sales cycle and created a referral engine. The right support system changes everything. Christina tried multiple business ventures before this, but they always stalled out. What made sleep consulting different? Having a proven framework, templates, and a community of people who’ve done it successfully. What Christina wishes she’d known: Stop researching and just decide. She got caught in analysis paralysis comparing programs and trying to find the “perfect” one. Looking back, she wishes she’d trusted her gut sooner and just started. If you’re someone who’s been that go-to friend for sleep advice, who’s tried other side hustles that didn’t quite work, or who’s ready to leave corporate life but isn’t sure what’s next – Christina’s story is proof that this works. Connect with Christina Instagram: @everyone_is_sleeping Website: everyoneissleeping.com

“Can I actually do this business thing?” If that question has been holding you back from becoming a sleep consultant, this episode is for you. You might think you’re starting from zero – no business experience, no MBA, no entrepreneurial background. But here’s the truth: your 9-5 has been training you to run a successful business this entire time. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly which corporate skills translate directly to building a thriving sleep consulting business (spoiler: it’s most of them). And I’m showing you the only things you actually need to learn – because they’re not mysterious, they’re just teachable. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why the belief that you “don’t have business skills” is keeping you stuck – and what’s actually true The 5 corporate skills you’re using every day that are the foundation of entrepreneurship (communication, problem-solving, consistency, trust-building, and systems) What your 9-5 didn’t teach you – and why those gaps are easy to fill with the right training Why women who realize they’re not starting from scratch launch faster and with more confidence How students like Yusra and Lindsey earned $4,000 in their first month after graduating (and what made that possible) The biggest mistake new sleep consultants make: thinking certification is enough Our Live Certification program is open for enrollment now. This is your chance to start 2026 getting certified as a sleep consultant – and by April, be earning from a business you can run from home during nap times and evenings. Learn more and apply here: Live Certification Program

If you’re outside the US and limiting your program search to only local options, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down the biggest myth holding international women back from choosing the RIGHT program: the belief that a certification program needs to be based in your country to work for you. The truth? The location of your program doesn’t matter—the quality, international recognition, and support structure does. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: → Why limiting yourself to local programs might mean settling for less rigorous training and no business support → What actually matters when choosing a certification program (hint: it’s not geography) → The three elements that make ANY program work for international students—and why most programs miss the mark → Real student story: How a Mandarin-speaking student in Australia researched local programs but chose ours instead—and why it was the best decision → Why international accreditation gives you MORE credibility than a local program with no global standards → How to evaluate whether a program can truly support you across time zones (with real examples from students in China and Australia) → The difference between old-model certification programs that force everyone into the same schedule vs. flexible programs designed for real life Key Takeaways: ✓ You don’t need a program based in your country—you need a program with internationally recognized credentials that parents worldwide trust ✓ Less than 50% of our students are US-based—thriving sleep consultants are building businesses in the UK, China, Australia, Canada, Morocco, and beyond ✓ International Recognition + Flexible Structure + Global Support = Location-Independent Sleep Consulting Business ✓ Stop limiting your options based on where a program is located—start evaluating based on quality, standards, and support ✓ The “safe” choice of a local program might actually be limiting your credibility and boxing you into a business that doesn’t travel with you Resources Mentioned: The Cradle Coach Academy enrollment options: thecradlecoachacademy.com International Association for Sleep Consulting—the only international body that does thorough review and upholds high educational standards

You can love the idea of becoming a sleep consultant and still freeze when it comes to your first client. In this episode, we’re talking about the one thing that transforms passion into unshakable confidence—and it’s not what most certification programs are telling you. What You’ll Learn: Why getting certified quickly and “figuring it out later” actually backfires The real reason 40-60% of people never finish their certification How confidence comes from application, not just information What happens when you learn through expensive mistakes with paying clients The Client Mastery Method: practicing with real families before you charge Key Takeaway: You need to work with real families before you charge for it. That’s the only way to launch with actual confidence instead of just crossing your fingers and hoping you’re ready. The Problem with “Certify Fast, Launch Immediately”: You can know all the theory and still panic when a parent asks something unexpected New consultants often wait 6-12 months after certification before feeling confident enough to launch Most launch with zero testimonials and have to convince people to trust them anyway Your first clients become practice runs instead of success stories The Client Mastery Method: Work hands-on with 5 real volunteer families during training (not after) with expert mentorship guiding you every step: Family 1: Heavy guidance—your mentor walks you through every step Families 2-3: Less hand-holding but still with feedback and support Families 4-5: More independence with expert oversight By your fifth case study, you’re not wondering if you can help families—you know you can because you already have. Why This Works: You’re not learning through trial and error with paying clients You make mistakes in a safe environment with immediate course correction You launch with 5 testimonials already in hand Students report feeling confident 3x faster than the traditional model Your paying clients get the best version of you, not the “still figuring it out” version Ready to Build Confidence the Right Way? Check out The Cradle Coach Academy’s Rapid Success Sleep Consultant Blueprint training at thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series to see exactly how we help you go from zero sleep experience to confident business owner in just 90 days.

You’ve been told to chase the paycheck, not the passion. That fulfillment is a “nice to have”, not a need. But what if that belief is exactly what’s holding your business (and energy) back? In this episode, we’re talking about the real secret behind building a business that doesn’t burn you out: doing work that actually lights you up. Because the truth is, fulfillment isn’t just some fluffy add-on — it’s the fuel that powers consistency, income, and long-term growth. We’ll unpack: Why loving your work is non-negotiable for long-term success The lie we’ve been sold about work vs. purpose How fulfillment leads to consistency (and consistency = income) The real-life story of Jessica – a grad who found freedom and passion through sleep consulting The 3-part methodology that turns your passion into a profitable, purpose-driven business If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be more than this,” this episode is your permission slip to stop settling. Watch the Rapid Success Blueprint — a free video series that walks you through how to become a certified sleep consultant in the most streamlined, confidence-building way possible. 👉 thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series

Ever feel like you’re constantly choosing between being a present mom or a professional powerhouse, but never both? In this powerful episode, Marli Klaus is flipping the outdated script that keeps so many high-achieving moms stuck in burnout mode. You’ll learn why success doesn’t have to mean sacrifice, and how to build a career that fits your life, not one that demands more than you have to give. Whether you’re curious about sleep consulting or simply craving more clarity, margin, and meaning in your day-to-day, this episode gives you a real path forward. We’ll cover: 🔄 Why “freedom vs. income” is an outdated belief, and what actually works 📱 The 3-step formula for building a flexible, profitable business from scratch 📚 Why you’re still stuck in “learning mode” and how to shift into confident action 💡 How to market yourself authentically (without feeling like a salesperson) ⚡️ The truth about nap-time businesses that actually work ✅ And why your desire to make a difference is your biggest advantage If you’re done feeling torn between work and motherhood, and ready for a career that fits your real life, this episode is your new playbook. 👉 Join the Free Live Workshop: thecradlecoachacademy.com/workshop 🗓 Thursday, Oct. 16 at 12p CST | Replay available!

Soccer practice chaos. PTO acrobatics. The guilt cocktail of choosing between being a present mom or a professional powerhouse. Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re calling out the false choice that has working moms stuck — and flipping the script. You don’t need another pep talk. You need a proven, time-smart plan built for the life you’re already living. Here’s what we cover: 🔄 Why “freedom or income” is a lie — and how to get both 📅 The real reason PTO isn’t working for moms (and how to reclaim your time) ⏱ The 90-day SMART goal system that moves the needle without burning you out 🔍 Real-life biz-building strategies that fit inside your already-packed schedule ✅ Why DIY = stuck mode (and the better way forward) 💼 The simple shift from overwhelmed employee to confident consultant 🧪 Action steps you can take today to stop overthinking and start moving Whether you’re curious about sleep consulting or just desperate for more margin in your day, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and a proven path forward. Want the first actionable step? Grab our free 5-part training series: 👉 thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series

Want to become a sleep consultant, but you’re worried you’ll feel stuck re-writing the same sleep plan 14 times and still hovering over send? In this episode, I break down the one thing that separates confident sleep consultants from the ones second guessing every move: specific, personalized feedback. Not more courses. Not memorizing your training. Feedback. I’ll show you the 3-step loop we use at The Cradle Coach Academy so you can move from “I hope I can do this” to “this is what I do.” Ready to see the full breakdown of how we help our students build confidence fast and go from zero sleep experience and zero business background to becoming sleep experts and confident business owners? Head to www.thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series to sign up for our free bite-sized video series that breaks this all down.

Picture this: You’ve finished your certification. You’ve done the training. You know the material. But when it comes to helping real families… you still don’t feel ready. That nervous knot in your stomach isn’t imposter syndrome – it’s what happens when you’ve skipped the practice that actually builds confidence. In this episode of the Sleep Consultant Blueprint Podcast, I’m breaking down how our students use five volunteer families to bridge the gap between “I hope I can do this” and “This is what I do.” Here’s what you’ll learn today: Why knowledge alone doesn’t build confidence (and what does). How five practice cases prepare you to confidently support paying clients. The step-by-step volunteer process we use to help students go from overwhelmed to prepared. How volunteer families often become your first referrals and testimonials—kick-starting your business before it even officially launches. If you’ve been second-guessing yourself, avoiding clients, or waiting for the “perfect time” to feel ready – this is your permission slip to stop waiting and start practicing. 👉 Grab my Sleep Coach Blueprint Video Series—a short series that shows you exactly how training turns into transformation, and why practice with volunteer cases is the fastest path to confidence. Because your future clients don’t need a perfect consultant. They need a prepared one. And that can be you – starting now.

Tired of feeling like you need to go viral or post every single day just to build a business? Here’s the truth: parents don’t hire influencers. They hire trusted experts who solve real problems. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how our students build profitable sleep consulting businesses in just months—not years—without spending all their time online. You’ll discover: Why trust (not likes or followers) is what gets you booked. How the referral snowball can turn one happy client into a steady stream of business. The exact process we teach inside The Cradle Coach Academy to help you get results fast—even if you’ve never sold a thing before. Lindsey’s story of going from hustling in Facebook groups to having most of her clients come from referrals in just 6 months. If you’ve been stuck thinking you need a massive following to start, this episode will show you the shortcut to building a business based on real results, real clients, and real income. This episode may be better to watch vs. listen to – you can find it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vXyr_gtdSa4 👉 Want to see how this can work for you? Send me a DM on Instagram @thecradlecoachacademy with the word START, and I’ll send you our free Sleep Coach Startup Playbook so you can take the next step today.

If you’ve been wondering what’s actually inside the sleep portion of our certification — and whether it truly prepares you to serve families — this episode pulls back the curtain. Inside, I walk you through: What you’ll learn in the sleep curriculum (newborn through age seven). How our expert faculty — from pediatric neurologists to NICU nurses — teach you evidence-based strategies you can trust. Why our approach is science-based, not “fluff” or “no-cry” marketing. The safe sleep guidelines we follow (and train you to follow). How we ensure you graduate ready by requiring volunteer hours with real families. This isn’t about memorizing sleep tips. It’s about learning from experts, applying the research, and practicing until you feel like a pro. Watch our Free Video Series that will walk you through how this all works in detail – from sleep to business and everything in between. >>>Watch the video series here

Feel like you’re not “business-minded”? That you’ll be great at supporting families and coaching, but freeze when it comes to things like marketing, pricing, or finding clients? You’re not alone, and you’re not bad at business. You’ve just never had someone break it down in a way that actually makes sense for your life. In this episode, Marli walks you through: The real reason women get stuck after certification Why most business advice doesn’t work (especially in this space) The 5-phase roadmap we teach inside TCCA to help you go from “certified” to “client-booked” What we’re rebuilding inside our Business Accelerator — and how it’s designed to get you paid This one’s for the woman who wants to help families, have more freedom, and finally feel confident running her own business — without becoming someone she’s not. 🎯 Want to go deeper? Grab our Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Pediatric Sleep Consultant — it’s free and breaks down exactly what this path could look like for you (and how to make it happen). 👉 https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/ultimate-guide

If you’ve been dreaming about becoming a sleep consultant but keep getting stuck on the thought: “Why would anyone hire me when I’m brand new?” …this episode is for you. That “newbie fear” is completely normal — but it doesn’t have to keep you from starting. In fact, at The Cradle Coach Academy, we’ve built a process that helps you step into your new career already armed with experience, results, and credibility. Here’s the secret: before you even graduate, you’ll work with five real families as volunteer clients. You’ll get hands-on practice solving real sleep challenges and collect five glowing testimonials you can use to attract paying clients from day one. In this episode, I’m sharing: Why self-doubt is actually a sign you understand the importance of this work (and why it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for it) How our volunteer process works and why it’s a confidence-building game-changer Real stories from graduates who went from “Who would hire me?” to booked out How to use your first five testimonials to land your first paying clients faster The mindset shift that helps you move from hoping you can do this to knowing you can If you’re stuck wondering whether you can be successful in this work, this episode will help you see exactly how we set our students up for success — before they even launch. 🎥 Ready to learn more about becoming a sleep consultant? Watch our free bite-sized video series that walks you through everything you need to know → [LINK]

Accreditation isn’t just a fancy stamp of approval — it’s a deep, challenging process that ensures your training truly prepares you for the work you’ll do with families. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it took for The Cradle Coach Academy to gain approval from the Newborn Care Specialist Association (NCSA) for our NCS program and from the International Association of Professional Sleep Consultants (IAPSC) and the International Association for Complementary Therapists (IAOTH) for our Sleep Consultant certification. You’ll hear: Why accreditation is about so much more than checking boxes The behind-the-scenes work (and three rounds of revisions!) it took to get approved How accreditation protects you as a student and boosts your career opportunities The surprising ways our updated NCS curriculum is now influencing industry standards Why now is the best time to enroll before our NCS program price increases from $349 to $499 on August 25 If you’re considering training as a newborn care specialist or sleep consultant, this episode will give you the insight you need to choose a program that sets you up for long-term success. Resources & Links: 📚 Enroll in our NCSA-approved Newborn Care Specialist Program → https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/newborn-care-specialist 💤 Learn more about our accredited Sleep Consultant Certification → https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/

Burnout isn’t a maybe — it’s a when if you don’t build your business with sustainability at the center. Whether you’re a sleep consultant, newborn care specialist, or parent coach, (or aspiring one!) this episode is your roadmap to doing meaningful, impactful work without burning yourself into the ground. Marli shares real strategies and boundary-setting practices that will help you structure your business around your life (not the other way around). These are the same tools she’s taught to hundreds of postpartum professionals inside The Cradle Coach Academy — and today, she’s walking you through how to implement them, too. Inside this episode: Why postpartum professionals are uniquely vulnerable to burnout How Marli rebuilt her biz after nearly burning out 3 months in The #1 communication tip that changes everything Sample schedules from real grads and how they honor their energy Why undercharging leads to overworking — and what to do instead The best client boundaries (and red flags to look out for) How to leverage slower seasons and prevent “constant content mode” The truth about marketing burnout — and how to avoid it The exact systems to implement if you’re feeling overwhelmed Ready to learn more about becoming a sleep consultant? Get instant access to our Exit Plan Blueprint to learn more about what this looks like at www.thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series

What happens when a burned-out educator turns her postpartum struggle into a thriving business? In this episode, Marli chats with Teal Chalek — a Cradle Coach Academy graduate and founder of Roots of Reverie — about her transition from special education to sleep consulting, how she went from zero to six clients in two weeks (without relying on social media), and what it really takes to build a business that supports your life and your family. This is for the mom mapping out her next move — and the aspiring or new consultant who needs to hear this: showing up consistently will pay off, even when the progress feels quiet at first. In this episode, you’ll hear: Teal’s emotional journey through postpartum and sleep deprivation Why she chose sleep consulting after leaving her career in education How local networking events helped her find clients faster than Instagram Her honest take on social media, introversion, and marketing overwhelm What she wishes she knew when she started (and what she got right) How she’s building a sustainable business one aligned decision at a time Connect with Teal: 🌿 roots of reverie website 📱 Instagram: @roots.of.reverie Mentioned in the Episode: 🎓 Learn more about The Cradle Coach Academy → www.thecradlecoachacademy.com

In this episode, Marli reveals the true requirements for building a successful sleep consulting business. Spoiler alert: it’s not what you think! While many women believe they need healthcare or childcare experience to succeed, Marli shares what actually determines success in this field. She breaks down the two critical elements that separate thriving sleep consultants from those who struggle, and explains why your background matters far less than these essential qualities.

In this comprehensive episode, Marli breaks down the five critical factors you need to evaluate before pursuing a career in sleep consulting. She shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving sleep consulting business and explains what it really takes to succeed in this field. If you’ve been wondering whether sleep consulting could be your path to freedom and fulfillment, this episode will help you make that decision. Next Steps Our Support+ Mentorship Track Sleep Consultant Certification program is currently open for enrollment and we are accepting applications. Apply now to snag one of the 5 available spots! https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/apply