What to do when life looks great on paper but still feels off (with Christine Coughlin)
Ep. 101 of All Figured Out Podcast
When “perfect on paper” doesn’t feel perfect at all
Have you ever looked around at your life — the marriage, the kids, the house — and thought: why doesn’t this feel like mine?
That quiet whisper is exactly where today’s guest, Christine Coughlin, found herself. From the outside, she had everything she thought she wanted. But on the inside, she knew something had to change.
Christine’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and following curiosity — and it might be exactly what you need if you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for your own pivot.
Listen to the full episode here
The moment Christine knew something had to change
Christine had worked her way up to become a Director of Operations at a retail company — a role she held since she was 19. Her job wasn’t just work, it was part of her identity.
Then came motherhood. Like many, she thought being a stay-at-home mom would be the dream. But soon after having her first child, she found herself looking at her baby on the carpet and asking: “When do I get a break?”
That moment was the beginning of a deeper realization: she loved her kids fiercely, but she also needed something more.
From bakery burnout to rediscovering her voice
Christine’s first attempt at “something more” was turning her love of baking into a business. She poured herself into Sweet Petite, making cakes that sometimes took 12 hours to sell for $75.
It didn’t take long for her to realize the truth many ambitious moms learn the hard way: turning a beloved hobby into a business doesn’t always bring joy. Instead, it left her exhausted, resentful, and ready to shut it down.
But in that messy middle, Christine discovered something surprising — she loved the marketing and storytelling behind her bakery more than the baking itself. That spark would lead her to her next chapter.
Hard conversations at home
One of the most powerful moments Christine shares is the conversation with her husband where she finally said:
“If it takes us not being together for us to both be happy, we can be great co-parents. I can’t stay in this situation. I’m for sure not happy.”
It wasn’t about leaving her marriage — it was about telling the truth. She needed her husband to see that pursuing work she loved wasn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It was essential to who she was.
This honesty didn’t just reshape her career. It reshaped her partnership and the example she wanted to set for her three kids.
Building YVR Creatives and redefining success
Christine began sharing her journey online through The In Between blog — a safe space to write, experiment, and connect with other women who were navigating similar identity shifts.
That small act of curiosity turned into something much bigger. Today, Christine is the founder of YVR Creatives, a community that helps women build bold personal brands through events, masterminds, and content creation.
The work lights her up. And importantly, it feels aligned with the kind of life she wants to model for her family.
Key takeaways from Christine’s story
Feeling “off” is data — don’t ignore it.
Not every passion is meant to be a business.
You can start your personal brand before you know your final offer.
Honest conversations at home are uncomfortable — but necessary.
Balance isn’t a final destination. It’s something you experiment with and adjust season by season
Why this matters for you
If you’ve been feeling restless in a life that looks good on the outside, Christine’s story is proof that you’re not broken — you’re paying attention.
You don’t need to have the answers before you begin. You just need to start following the threads of curiosity, and trust they’ll lead you toward work and a life that actually fit.
About Christine Coughlin
Christine Coughlin is a former Director of Operations turned entrepreneur, mom of three, and founder of YVR Creatives—a community that supports women building bold, personal brands.
Website: yvrcreatives.ca | the-inbetween.ca
Instagram: @yvr.creatives | @iamchristinecoughlin
About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out
Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.
Connect with Andrea via Instagram here.
