Trap Back Jumpin’: When the Streets Are Quiet but the Bills Are Loud

Let’s be honest. Some seasons your business is booked, & busy... Other seasons… the trap is not jumping, the emails are dry, and you’re refreshing your bank app like it owes you money.

That’s exactly why Episode 1 of Business Friends: The Official Co-Space Podcast had to be called “Trap Back Jumpin’.” Because if you’ve been in business longer than five minutes, you know business comes in waves. And right now? A lot of folks are riding the low tide.

So I pulled up with my business friends

• Enoch St. Clair (St. Clair Financial Services)

• Ashley Carter (EatWell Exchange)

• Lisette Tresvant (Glow Skin Studio)

  
  

And we talked it out.

First Things First: What’s On Your Spirit?

We started the episode the only way that made sense… checking in.

Ashley immediately reminded us that non-profits are businesses too. Bills don’t magically disappear just because your mission is good. Fundraising, long-term planning, and scaling are still required. Heavy on the strategic part.

Lisette shared that she’s been restructuring her business to maximize revenue. Not just working harder, but working smarter. Which, honestly, is what we’re all trying to do without losing our minds.

And Enoch came in with the accountant energy we all need but don’t always want. End-of-year reviews, tax minimization, and getting ready for tax season in the middle of new laws and an economy that has everyone in survival mode. Fun times.

When the Economy Gets Funny

Then we slid into the reality of economic slowdowns.

Lisette dropped a gem that a lot of service providers needed to hear. When money gets tight, clients don’t always leave. Sometimes they just stretch their appointments out. That doesn’t mean your service isn’t good. It means people are being cautious.

Ashley talked about pivoting EatWell Exchange’s focus based on funding trends. Translation? Follow the money. When the government is funding food insecurity, that’s where the energy goes. Culture is still important, but you also have to stay funded.

And Enoch kept it real about consumer behavior. People are holding onto their money. Jobs are being replaced by AI. Spending power is changing. If your business started in the last five or six years, this season might feel like a pop quiz you didn’t study for.

The Holiday Season That Wasn’t

Let’s talk about the “Santa Claus rally” that never showed up.

Black Friday was soft. Prime Day didn’t hit like it used to. The streets were quieter than expected. And while social media made it seem like everyone was selling out, the numbers told a different story.

The consensus? People aren’t broke. They’re cautious. And cautious customers make decisions differently.

How You Survive When the Trap Is Not Jumping

This part was for the business owners who are tired but still standing.

Ashley stressed diversification. Workshops. Trainings. Digital products. Books. One revenue stream is cute until it dries up.

We talked about monetizing the customer journey. Not in a scammy way. But in a thoughtful way that adds value and makes sense for your brand.

Enoch emphasized quality over quantity. When money is tight, people choose who they trust. Period.

Lisette shared how she expanded beyond facials and skincare products into workshops and space rentals. Because sometimes the pivot saves you.

Signs the Trap Is Starting to Jump Again

This was the hopeful part.

Ashley said increased bookings and the ability to hire again are major green flags. Lisette mentioned steady appointment growth and consistent product sales. Enoch pointed to real estate activity and multiple offers coming back into play.

And on my end? Seeing Co-Space members upgrade from monthly to annual memberships. That’s when you know people feel confident again.

The Group Chat: Boundaries, Because Whew

We ended with boundaries. Because every business owner has a story.

Ashley talked about setting boundaries with partners who expect everything but want to give nothing. Lisette shared how she protects her expertise by holding clients accountable. You can’t skip the instructions and then be mad at the results. Enoch made it clear that unrealistic expectations are the fastest way to get fired as a client. Integrity matters.

The Bottom Line

This episode was a reminder that slow seasons don’t mean failure. They mean adjustment. Strategy. Boundaries. And sometimes, a deep breath.

If you’re in a season where the trap feels quiet, just know you’re not alone. And if you’ve survived one downturn, you already know… it jumps back.

🎙️ Episode 1: Trap Back Jumpin’ is now live on YouTube. Watch it when you’re ready. Or read this and come back later. Either way, you’re invited.

And if you don’t have business friends? You already know… you can borrow mine for the next 30 minutes. 💛