Self-Care Survival | Deb Davis, Nicole Havelka and Di Hilstad
Release Date: 09/02/2025
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info_outlineRunning your own business is rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and sometimes downright soul-sucking. In this episode of Gratitude Geek, I chat with three powerhouse solopreneurs—Deb Davis, Nicole Halveka, and Di Hilstad—about survival-level self-care strategies for women over 40. From setting boundaries and asking for help to creating your personal “Survivor’s Toolkit,” we cover practical, real-world ways to protect your energy, thrive in your business, and still find time to breathe. Whether you’re facing burnout, health challenges, or just want to reclaim your calendar, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you survive—and even enjoy—entrepreneurship.
Meet the Host
Kandas Rodarte is a business coach, podcaster, and internet marketing pioneer who has been helping women solopreneurs over 40 grow businesses that fit their lives for decades. Living with metastatic breast cancer since 2014, she understands firsthand the importance of self-care, boundaries, and working smart—less hustle, more impact.
Meet the Guests
Deb Davis is an accomplished headshot photographer and author, known for her stress-free sessions and expert expression coaching. She serves as President of Professional Photographers of Michigan (2024–2025) and is an elite Associate with the Peter Hurley Photography Group. Deb helps professionals over 40 show up fully, inside and out, using photography as a tool to highlight confidence and authenticity. Her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor has reshaped her approach to self-care and legacy, making her a relatable guide for solopreneurs navigating life and work simultaneously.
Nicole Halveka is a burnout recovery and prevention coach who helps solopreneurs thrive amid chaos. With a background in institutional church leadership and years of navigating conflict and change, Nicole emphasizes spiritual practices, intentional planning, and community support as keys to sustainable success. She founded her coaching business to pass along strategies that help women over 40 avoid burnout while building businesses that reflect their true values.
Dianna “Di” Hilstad is a bold, creative entrepreneur and solopreneur coach who helps women build businesses that feel authentic. Known for blending strategy with sass, Di has reinvented herself multiple times, including navigating breast cancer, a hysterectomy, and a broken ankle. She champions asking for help, setting boundaries, and thinking outside the box, making her insights invaluable for women balancing health, life, and business.
Links
- Deb: https://upage.in/deb
- Nicole: http://defythetrend.com/
- Di: http://instagram.com/dihils
- Energy Mapping: https://designingyour.life/insights/find-your-flow-with-energy-maps/
- Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/287
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction to Self-Care for Solopreneurs
- 01:01 – Deb Davis: Self-Care Journey and Insights
- 01:50 – Nicole Halveka: Burnout Recovery and Business Growth
- 03:40 – Facing Mortality: Deb’s Perspective on Legacy
- 06:46 – Creating a Survivor’s Toolkit for Solopreneurs
- 12:00 – Establishing Boundaries and Recognizing Limits
- 19:15 – Di Hilstad: Asking for Help and Pausing When Needed
- 22:35 – Lessons on Self-Care and Community Support
- 25:18 – Setting Boundaries Through Asking for Help
- 27:59 – Balancing Giving and Receiving
- 29:08 – Understanding and Enforcing Boundaries
- 31:51 – Impact of Personal Stories on Relationships
- 37:40 – Navigating the Sharing of Personal Experiences
- 40:07 – Lightning Round: Quickfire Insights
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