Loss, Leadership, and Letting Go: A Week of Reflection, Family, and Growth
- Jade Chapman
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
The Blog Is Now Free!
Before diving in, I have an exciting update... this blog is now completely free to the public!
For months, I’ve been sharing weekly behind-the-scenes updates about business, family, and life as a mompreneur. So many readers have reached out saying how much they love the transparency and inspiration, and I want more people to have access to that. If you’re new here, welcome, grab a coffee (or maybe a glass of wine) and join me each week for real conversations about what it actually looks like to build a business and a life you love.
Life Lately: A Week of Travel, Loss, and Love
This past week was heavy. We took Jett on his first road trip to Texas City for a funeral, where he met my church family for the first time. It was bittersweet. A beautiful reunion and a painful goodbye.
Then, just that night, we faced another loss, this time on Bobby Joe’s side of the family. His nephew passed away unexpectedly. As I write this, we’re on the road to Nebraska, traveling as a family to support his sister and loved ones.
There’s something about holding your baby while processing loss that hits you differently.
Every little coo, every breath reminds you how fragile and precious life is. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child, and my heart breaks for the families experiencing it firsthand.
Grace in the Grief
In back-to-back weeks of loss, I was reminded of something every entrepreneur needs to hear: your business can wait, but your family cannot.
When tragedy hits, when life shifts, when your people need you, it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to take a day off, to move deadlines, to show up as a human instead of a business owner.
For years, I believed that strength meant powering through anything. But now I understand that real strength is knowing when to stop. Your clients, your team, and your business will still be there when you return. Sometimes, stepping away gives you the perspective to come back stronger.
Transitioning at Home
This week was also an emotional one at home. My mom officially went back home after spending six weeks with us since Jett’s birth. It’s hard to put into words how much she’s done for us. She made my transition into motherhood so much smoother and reminded me that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.
Now, with her gone, I’m focusing on supporting my husband as much as possible. He’s been carrying so much lately, and he needs me more than ever. As entrepreneurs, we often pour everything into our work, but the people we love deserve our best energy too. This week, my focus is on family... being present, patient, and intentional.
Building My “Second Me”
On the business side, things are moving fast. Client work is strong, new projects are launching, and opportunities keep rolling in. But one big goal is front and center right now: finding or developing my “second me.”
It sounds simple, but it’s not. My role combines systems, operations, automation, marketing, development, and coaching. Finding someone who understands that mix or training someone to grow into it is a process. But it’s one I’m fully committed to.
This next phase of growth is about scaling smart. Building systems that work without me. Training leaders who think like me but lead in their own authentic way. That’s how real freedom as a business owner is created.
5th Annual ABJ + Texas Training Tailgate
Now for something a little more fun! We’re gearing up for our 5th Annual Joint Tailgate hosted by ABJ Chapman Services and The Texas Training Program!
Date: Saturday, October 11
Game: Texas A&M vs. Florida
Kickoff: 6:00 or 6:45 PM at Kyle Field
Location: Same spot every year
Event Highlights:
We’ll start at noon, with Bobby Joe there bright and early at 9 AM to get everything set up.
Breakfast & Lunch: Muffins, wraps, chips, fruit trays, cookies, and more
Drinks: Water, soda, juice, champagne, seltzers, beer, margaritas, and sweet tea
Dinner: Catering arrives around 7 PM (menu TBD)
Transportation: Free rides from 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM from our house at 3006 Jennifer Dr. There’s plenty of street parking, and we even have a spare parking pass for early or late arrivals.
Free food✅ Free drinks✅ Free transportation✅ Yard games and good vibes
This is our fifth year hosting, and for the first time, I’m not overwhelmed. Maybe it’s because motherhood has given me perspective, or maybe I’ve finally learned the power of letting go and trusting others. Either way, I’m ready to relax and enjoy it this year.
Looking Ahead
This coming week, my goal is to focus on family, balance, and intentional leadership. I want to support my husband as he grieves, soak up time with Jett, and continue developing the structure that lets my business thrive even when life is unpredictable.
If you’ve been following this blog and you’re navigating your own busy season, take this as your reminder to pause, reflect, and realign.
And if you’re ready to start building systems that give you more balance, more freedom, and more time with the people you love, you can book a consult or join the Backend Boss Membership to start building the backend that supports your dream.
Here’s to slowing down when needed, stepping up when called, and showing up for what truly matters, both in business and in life.
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