Today’s episode is brought to you by two amazing partners that make life simpler and more beautiful:
Clay & Vine Interiors
Jamie at Clay & Vine completely transformed my office built-ins—from “random shelves” to warm, welcoming, and elevated. She asked great questions, communicated clearly, and respected my budget every step of the way. It was such a stress-free process! If you need inspiration or accountability on bringing your home designs to life, I highly recommend Clay & Vine.
→ Learn more or inquire here.
Let’s Dish!
If dinner time ever feels chaotic (hello busy parents!), Let’s Dish! will be your new best friend. Their family-friendly freezer meals go from freezer to table in 30 minutes—so you can skip the stress of meal planning and grocery runs, and just enjoy dinner with your family. I’ve loved having a few in my freezer at all times!
→ Learn more here.
Episode Snapshot (Timestamps are approximate)
[00:00] Introduction
[03:10] Meet Darcy Olson: Let’s Dish! founder, CEO, and mom of two
[07:00] The “aha” moment that sparked a bold business idea
[11:25] Leaving the safety of a 9–5 and stepping into risk
[16:45] Early days of Let’s Dish!: long nights, learning curves, and lessons in leadership
[22:15] Growing from one store to five—and expanding into 25 Target stores
[26:50] Balancing business growth with family life
[31:30] Energy management vs. time management: Darcy’s game-changing mindset shift
[36:10] Simplifying life to create more joy and meaning
[41:00] What’s next for Let’s Dish! and Darcy’s words of wisdom for women ready to take a leap
Ever thought about leaving the comfort of your 9–5 to start something of your own?
This week, I’m joined by Darcy Olson, co-founder and CEO of Let’s Dish!, a Twin Cities favorite helping busy families get dinner on the table with less stress and more joy.
Darcy spent 15 years in the corporate food world before taking a leap of faith—launching a local meal-prep concept that’s now grown into five stores and over 25 Target locations across the Midwest.
Her story isn’t just about business growth—it’s about trusting your gut, adapting through each season, and staying true to your mission, both at work and at home.
If you’ve ever dreamed of building something of your own or wondered how to balance growth with grace, this episode will meet you right where you are.
Feeling the pull to pivot or simplify? Fill out the Free Clarity Call application to explore what’s possible with the right support.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
Leaving Corporate Life to Follow a Calling
- How Darcy transitioned from 15 years in corporate food to building her own business from scratch.
- What she learned about risk, fear, and the moment she decided she couldn’t ignore the pull to create something new.
Building Let’s Dish! from One Idea
- The origin story behind Let’s Dish! and how it evolved from a “make-and-take” meal prep experience into a multi-location business.
- How she and her co-founder turned a simple concept into a community that now spans retail stores and Target shelves.
Balancing Growth and Motherhood
- Darcy’s honest take on building a business while raising a family—and why she stopped chasing perfection.
- How she learned to lead with clarity, not chaos, and create systems that gave her back time and energy.
The Power of Energy Management
- Why Darcy now focuses on managing energy instead of time.
- The small habits that help her lead with presence and purpose in every area of her life.
Staying True to the Mission
- What’s next for Let’s Dish!—and how Darcy continues to align her business with her family and personal values.
- Her reminder that success isn’t about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most.
My Favorite Takeaways from Darcy’s Story:
- Start before you’re ready. You don’t need every answer to begin—you need courage to take the first step.
- Energy > Time. Managing your energy fuels everything else—your creativity, focus, and ability to lead with presence.
- Simplify to thrive. Growth doesn’t mean more complexity; it’s about alignment, clarity, and joy. Being able to “keep your arms around the business” (simplicity) while also being able to scale. Great takeaway!
- Leadership begins at home. The way you build a business should reflect how you want to live your life.
Final Thought
Darcy’s story is such a refreshing reminder that the path to purpose isn’t linear—it’s layered with courage, recalibration, and grace.
Her journey from corporate leader to founder of a thriving family brand shows what’s possible when you stay true to your mission and follow that nudge that says, there’s something more.
If you’re standing at your own crossroads, wondering whether it’s time to make a change, take this as your sign: one bold idea can change everything.
Episode 220 is one you don’t want to miss!
Feeling ready for your own pivot or recalibration? Fill out the Free Clarity Call application for a stronger sense of direction and aliveness in your next chapter.
