Rebuilding with Support — How Crystal Dove Regained Her Business Rhythm in the Staying Solo Squad

When Crystal Dove, owner of Marketing Queen, returned to work from maternity leave, she found herself in a place many solo service business owners know all too well: struggling to get back into a rhythm.

As Crystal explains, “I was floundering to find my new schedule and what I could commit to.” 

With client work paused and energy stretched thin, she knew she needed structure, accountability, and a supportive community. That’s when she joined the Staying Solo Squad.

From Floundering to Focused

Post-maternity leave, Crystal needed more than just time at her desk; she needed motivation to get there in the first place. Her revenue had taken a dip, and while a traditional mastermind might’ve been out of budget, she saw the Squad as the right-sized commitment for this new chapter.

“I needed the group gatherings and those on my calendar to attend,” she said. “Even if I didn’t have a question, I like contributing to others. It’s almost like mini strategy sessions.”

The community didn’t just give her a place to show up; it gave her a boost of energy and direction.

“It gives me that little dose of whatever that happy hormone is. I feel like I’m using my skills, even if I don’t have a client session on the books.”

The Power of Peer Support

Crystal quickly found the camaraderie she was craving.

“I tell everyone to join The Squad,” she said. “The camaraderie is really strong. I love the Slack group. I love the accountability. And I love the people.”

From designers and SEO pros to platform experts and copywriters, the variety within the group means “any question you have is not a dumb question, because usually someone in the group is an expert in that field.”

One of the most unexpected wins? The deep peer connections that go beyond just business.

“I love so many of the members, and we have conversations outside of the group. I feel like I have a solid group of people to talk to about topics like AI, or when things come up that scare me, or I don’t know about. It’s a whole mixture of things.”

Measurable Growth and New Momentum

Crystal’s Squad experience didn’t just feel good—it produced real results.

“I had the energy needed to have a strong Q1 and Q4 in sales,” she said.

Weekly Squad calls helped her build structure and a sustainable planning system.

“I'm able to write out my to-do lists and get clear every Monday. Monthly planning really helped—just looking at what these four weeks need, because that's all I can really focus on right now.”

Through Squad accountability and Maggie’s guidance, Crystal also saw shifts in how she runs her business.

“Saying no—I think Maggie is a great confidence booster in that,” she explained. “She gives you the confidence to find your words to say it.” From boundaries to pricing to packaging, Crystal’s gained clarity and courage: “She also helped me increase my revenue with the maintenance plans.”

Even when things didn’t go perfectly—like working a weekend to catch up—Crystal leaned on the Squad without judgment.

“I came to the Squad tail between my legs, and they rallied. They were like, ‘That’s what entrepreneurship is.’ One member even offered to co-work with me on a Saturday. They get it in a way people outside the Squad just don’t.”

The Squad is so Worth It 

When asked what she’d tell someone considering joining, Crystal didn’t hesitate.

“For the price, you can’t afford not to. That sounds so cliché and car salesman-y, but even if it was double the cost, it’s so worth it.”

As for the return on her investment so far? Space to reset, expert advice on demand, and time that holds her accountable to actually work on her business.

“It helps you switch gears and actually think about your business for a second.If you’re a solopreneur who needs a place to land, reset, and actually move forward—this is it. The Squad gets it.”