Lynn Hazan, founder of ChicpeaJC, left a corporate job to pursue her creative passions, turning a blog into a successful social media agency. Her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship reveals the power of self-belief, adaptability, and purpose. Here, Lynn shares her experiences, challenges, and advice for other moms who want to build something meaningful.
1. Lynn, what inspired you to leave corporate life and start ChicpeaJC?
I had been working in corporate for about seven years, but it never felt like “me.” Both of my parents are entrepreneurs, so I grew up with that spirit, but here I was, working a job that didn’t allow me to tap into my creativity. I was also a new mom, so I couldn’t just quit my job, but I knew I wanted more. That’s when I decided to start a blog. I spent six months creating content and building the website, and when it launched, it took off! Two months in, I figured out how to monetize it, and eventually, I was able to leave my job. A few years later, I saw a growing need for social media content among local businesses, so I started managing social media for a coffee shop as a test. Now, 10 years later, I manage social media for over 15 businesses.
2. What challenges have you faced in growing your business?
There have been a lot! I’ve dealt with issues like employee challenges, losing my office due to high rents, and of course, the impact of COVID. I lost most of my clients during the pandemic and had to rebuild from scratch. Balancing work with motherhood, especially without maternity leave, was tough, too. But having a supportive partner, believing in myself, and taking it one day at a time helped me push through. Each obstacle strengthened my resilience and faith in my journey.
3. What keeps you motivated, even in difficult times?
Knowing that this business supports my family motivates me. I don’t have the luxury of giving up! I also believe in the universe and that everything happens for a reason. Whenever things feel overwhelming, I remind myself that setbacks often bring valuable lessons. What doesn’t kill you truly makes you stronger.
4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?
Start now! There’s never a “perfect” time, and yes, there will always be someone who seems to be doing it better. But there’s only one you, and that’s your superpower. Success is about persistence—every time I faced a setback, I just got back up. Success isn’t defined by avoiding failures; it’s defined by how often you get back up. And remember to enjoy the process, not just the destination.
5. What has been a defining moment in your entrepreneurial journey?
For me, it’s been creating something from scratch that combines my passions and supports my family. Building a business around what I love and seeing it grow into something that can make a real difference in people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that we all have the power to create something meaningful.
6. What’s your vision for the future?
I joke with my husband that I’d love to be a stay-at-home Pilates wife someday! But honestly, I know I’ll always want to keep evolving. I’m really passionate about finding ways to give back to the Jewish community and making a positive impact in new ways. I want my work to continue to align with my values.
7. What message would you like to share with other moms?
I want to encourage moms to pursue what they truly want—whether it’s a career, staying home with their kids, or doing both. You don’t have to compromise on your dreams. I hope my journey shows that it’s possible to create a life you love while staying true to yourself. There’s no one right way to be a mom or an entrepreneur, and it’s okay to carve out your own path.
Final Thoughts
Lynn Hazan’s story shows that entrepreneurship doesn’t require a perfect plan; it requires passion, resilience, and self-belief. She proves that you can build a meaningful business while honoring your values and supporting your family.
To learn more about Lynn and her work, visit chicpeajc.com.