Pause, Pray, Reset: Why I Took a Break From My Business

Be Still, Rest, and Remember Your Why

I had to take a two-month break from Sarah & Shug.

Not because I wanted to, but because God made it clear — I needed to.

I hit complete burnout. I was drained, overwhelmed, and running on empty. And beyond the physical exhaustion, my heart was cluttered. God had to sit me down and wring it out — gently, but firmly.

Starting a new business is full of ups and downs. One day you feel unstoppable, and the next you’re questioning if it’s even worth it. I found myself constantly battling thoughts like, “Is this growing fast enough?” or “Is all the time and money I’ve invested really paying off?”

Then I’d have  great events — the kind that makes you say, “Wow, thank you, God!” But if I’m being honest, vanity started to creep in. I’d get caught up in the “success” of it all… daydreaming about what this business could become, how far it could take me, and what I could gain. That’s when God stepped in.

He reminded me: Hustling isn’t holy.

I was moving fast, doing everything for Him, but not necessarily with Him. I’d say I was taking a Sabbath, but in reality, I wasn’t resting. April was packed with back-to-back markets. I kept saying, “I’ll rest after this one…” but rest never came.

At the end of April, it was like God grabbed me by the collar and said, “Time out.”

And in that sacred stillness, He Spoke.

He reminded me of why we started Sarah & Shug. Not for money, not for popularity, not for material gain — but to build something that glorifies Him. A brand that spreads His message through fashion and merchandise. A seed-planting ministry disguised as apparel and accessories.

He reminded me to stop obsessing over the future and start being present. To stop and smell the roses — because I’m living in a prayer I once cried out for.

He reminded me that He is my provider. That the resources, the growth, the next step — all of that is in His hands, not mine.

I was doing too much. Saying yes to everything. Biting off more than I could chew. And He lovingly sat me down to rest.

I’ve been reading the book of Nehemiah lately, and one verse in particular hit me: Before Nehemiah began rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he consulted God first. He didn’t rush. He waited. He listened.

That’s what I’m learning to do again: wait on the Lord.
Not hustle. Not stress. Just trust.
Because if it’s for me, it’s for me.
No striving necessary.

So now… I’m easing back in. Slowly. Intentionally. Gratefully.
And things are starting to come together — not by my strength, but by His.