Welcome back to Sukany4 - The Podcast, where we explore the stories of inspiring individuals walking their own unique paths. For Episode 7, I had the pleasure of taking a walk with Rebecca Smith, founder of Box Box Solutions, on a bright, slightly breezy day. We navigated the narrow lanes and alleyways, dodged the occasional noisy delivery truck, and shared a heartfelt conversation about business, family, and finding balance in life.
Rebecca is a seasoned business strategist who helps sole traders and small business owners carve out their growth paths with clarity and confidence. But her story doesn’t stop there—it’s one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of purpose.
From Corporate to Founder
Rebecca’s career began in pharmaceutical sales, where she honed her skills in understanding people, sales strategies, and what makes businesses tick. After transitioning to a senior management role at an SME, she found her passion for strategy—helping organizations grow, compete, and thrive.
But something was missing.
“I wanted to take everything I’d learned from working with big organizations and apply it to smaller businesses,” she explained. “Sole traders and micro-business owners don’t often have access to the strategic tools that larger companies use. I wanted to make that accessible and easy for them.”
This led Rebecca to create Box Box Solutions, a consultancy focused on simplifying strategy for small businesses.
Helping Sole Traders Feel Less Alone
As we walked, Rebecca shared her “why” for starting her business:
“My big why is that I want to help sole traders feel less alone. It can be such an isolating space, and if I can make one person feel supported through something I do, that’s a win for me.”
Her approach is rooted in empathy and experience. Rebecca knows the highs and lows of being a sole trader, from the excitement of building something meaningful to the challenges of managing everything on your own.
“It’s not just about creating a strategy—it’s about helping people trust themselves and feel confident in their decisions,” she said.
Making Strategy Accessible
Rebecca’s process for creating a business strategy is designed to be practical and empowering.
At the end of her program, clients leave with:
- A one-page, three-year plan outlining their vision and key steps.
- A detailed 12-month action plan in a format they can integrate into their existing tools.
- A scorecard to track progress and stay accountable.
“What’s important is that the plan is something they feel confident in,” Rebecca emphasized. “It’s not overwhelming, and it’s tailored to their unique goals and challenges.”
The Challenges of Starting Out
Stepping out on her own wasn’t easy, and Rebecca spoke candidly about the fears and uncertainties she faced:
“It was so scary to step away from the security of a team and a steady salary. Suddenly, it was just me—my name on the tin, so to speak. At first, it felt like I was ‘on’ all the time, constantly selling myself. That was exhausting.”
But Rebecca’s resilience saw her through. By building a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and investing in her own development, she found her footing.
Balancing Business and Motherhood
As a single mum to her four-year-old son, Louis, Rebecca’s days are a careful balance of work and family.
“Having my own business allows me to put Louis first,” she said. “I can structure my day around his needs—whether it’s sports camp or a quiet week during the holidays. That flexibility is priceless.”
Rebecca’s approach to parenting mirrors her business ethos—building good habits, fostering independence, and emphasizing well-being. From encouraging Louis to eat his vegetables to introducing him to mindfulness practices, Rebecca is teaching her son the value of health, resilience, and balance.
Personal Growth as a Business Owner
Running a business has also been a journey of personal growth for Rebecca.
“I’ve learned to trust myself more. I don’t always know what the challenges will be, but I’ve built confidence in my ability to figure it out. It’s a rollercoaster, but every day I back myself a little more.”
Her commitment to backing herself is something she encourages all business owners to embrace.
Building Community
Beyond her one-on-one work, Rebecca has cultivated a supportive community of sole traders who have gone through her program.
“The group sessions are such a special part of what I do,” she said. “They’re a space for business owners to share their challenges, learn from each other, and build genuine connections.”
These sessions often lead to collaboration and cross-promotion among participants, creating a ripple effect of mutual support and growth.
Looking Ahead
As we reached the end of our walk, Rebecca shared her goals for the rest of the year:
“My business is in a great place, but now it’s about prioritizing my well-being,” she said. “I’m working on embedding a consistent daily routine that supports my physical and mental health. If I can get that right, everything else will fall into place.”
Rebecca’s vision for Box Box Solutions continues to evolve, but her mission remains the same: to make strategy simple, accessible, and empowering for small business owners.
Final Thoughts
Walking and talking with Rebecca was a refreshing reminder of the power of purpose, resilience, and community. Her journey is a testament to what’s possible when you trust yourself, seek support, and stay true to your values.
If you’re a sole trader or small business owner looking for guidance, Rebecca’s approach might be just what you need. You can learn more about her work at Box Box Solutions and follow her on her mission to help entrepreneurs feel less alone.
Thank you for joining us for another inspiring episode of Sukany4 - The Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and stay tuned for our next walk and talk with another incredible guest.
Until next time!
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