How Connie Scaled Her Micro Agency With Less Stress and Achieved a 125% Increase in Take-Home Pay

When Connie Holen, founder of Pixality Design, joined the Micro Agency Mastermind, she was at a crossroads in her business.

As Connie explains, “I didn’t feel like I was making enough take-home relative to the amount of work and hours that I was putting into it.”

Like many service providers at the time, she was weighing her options between scaling through digital products or building out an agency. “There was a lot of hype around digital products for sure, but when I found the Micro Agency Mastermind, it felt like I could get real advice to figure out what was right for me.”

Spoiler alert: she didn’t go the digital product route, and she hasn’t looked back.

The Micro Agency Mastermind Made All the Difference

What drew Connie in wasn’t just the structure of the program; it was the depth of experience and individualized feedback.

“I had outgrown DIY courses and business coaching via generic content,” Connie shared. “I needed someone with more experience and success than I had. The big thing was that there was one-on-one time, and I’d be in a group with people at or slightly ahead of me.”

Over the years, Connie consistently leaned on the group and Maggie’s direct, strategic guidance.

“It’s not just general ‘business-y’ coaching. It’s specific feedback based on what’s actually happening in my business. Sometimes it's a hard truth, but it's real and it's incredibly useful.”

A 125% Increase in Take-Home Pay

Connie’s results speak volumes. Since she started working with Maggie in the mastermind, her take-home pay has increased by 125%.

“I’ve been solidly at that higher number for several years now. I really think that this mastermind has a lot to do with that,” she noted.

But the growth wasn’t just about money. She also significantly reduced her working hours, from 40+ hours a week to about 30.

“I’ve made it a goal every year to maintain my income while working less. Hiring two retainer contractors, putting SOPs in place, and systemizing the non-sexy stuff like templates and processes, that’s what’s made it possible.”

Growing a Lean and Effective Team

Before joining the mastermind, Connie operated mostly as a solo business owner, only hiring help when she was underwater.

“I’d end up paying too much for emergency help when I got overwhelmed,” she admitted.

Through the mastermind, she’s built a lean micro-agency model with four regular team members, including a VA and a senior designer. “Now I have regular relationships and support, even if I’m still running lean. The feedback I’ve gotten has helped me weigh what it would take to go to the next level—without pressure.”

Decision-Making Support and Strategic Tools

A big part of Connie’s continued success is her ability to make faster, better decisions.

“Just knowing I have a monthly check-in with Maggie keeps me moving. I’ll think, ‘Okay, I have to decide this before that call.’ I come in with a decision I’m leaning toward, get Maggie’s take, and move forward.”

She also credits the tools and structure of the mastermind with helping her feel more in control.

“In the first year, I didn’t realize how little I really understood the money in my business. The dashboard Maggie provides completely changed that. Now I use it to stay on top of everything, and I finally feel like I’m running the business, not the other way around.”

Real-World Experience From People Who Get It 

Beyond Maggie’s guidance, the Micro Agency Mastermind community has been a vital part of Connie’s experience.

“You don’t feel alone here. There are many people giving advice online, but very few of them share my values or goals. This group gets it.”

Connie emphasized how valuable it is to be in a space where peers offer support, wisdom, and real-world experience.

“Sometimes I show up to calls without questions, just to listen. Even that gives me insight into where I’m headed or what I might face down the line. And the Slack community? It’s like a safety net. I know if I post, I’ll get thoughtful replies from people who actually understand my business.”

A Sustainable Business Built with Strategic Support 

Connie is a testament to the impact of consistent, values-aligned support. Through strategic decisions, streamlined operations, and a strong community, she’s built a business that not only pays her well but one that fits her life.

“I don’t need to hustle 24/7 or chase trends. I’ve built something sustainable, and I know I’m not doing it alone.”

When asked what she’d tell someone considering joining the Micro Agency Mastermind, here’s what she had to say: 

“Absolutely do it—especially if you're committed to running a service-based business. There are people in the mastermind who want to grow big, and people like me who want to run a solid, efficient business that supports our lifestyle. But we all share a commitment to doing business well. The check-ins, the accountability, the tools, the wisdom—it’s all 100% worth it.”