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More Revenue, Better Clients, Clear Boundaries: How Pamela Built a Sustainable Service Business
When Pamela Krikorian launched her business, Pamela Krikorian Design, in 2016, she knew she had the right skills to serve clients, but wasn’t sure how to actually run a business.
“Honestly, I was scared. I didn’t know what I was doing,” she admitted. “I was looking for both moral support and tactical support, because I’d never done this before.”
She found some help in a local group, but it wasn’t quite what she needed. Then, during one of her many research deep dives, she stumbled across the BS-Free Business blog.
“It really resonated with me,” Pamela said. “There’s a lot of advice out there that says, ‘you have to do it this way.’ I was very uncomfortable with that. Maggie’s perspective felt like a breath of fresh air.”
When Pamela learned about the BS-Free Service Business Mastermind, it felt like the right next step: a chance to get support, build community, and learn how to run a business on her own terms.
Tailored Support and a Community That Gets It
Pamela joined the BS-Free Mastermind in 2021 and has been an active member ever since.
“I’ve loved it,” she said. “It’s not like reading a book where someone gives you generic tips. Maggie is incredibly empathetic and in tune with where you are in your business. Her advice is always specific, practical, and tailored.”
That personalized approach helped Pamela develop confidence and clarity in how she runs her business. “I’ve gained so much more confidence in myself as a business owner,” she shared. “It’s because I’m getting advice that actually fits me, not a formula that doesn’t feel right.”
The community has been just as important. “We all run different businesses, but we’re aligned in values. I’ve always loved the people Maggie brings together. It’s helped me not feel isolated, and honestly, it’s just fun.”
More Revenue, Stronger Boundaries, and Client Loyalty
Over the past few years, Pamela has grown her revenue without having to hustle. “I wasn’t chasing growth,” she said. “But I focused on being of service to my clients. That’s a big thing Maggie teaches. As a result, I’ve gotten more referrals, kept more clients, and improved how I work.”
She has also gained clarity about how she wants to work. “I’ve gotten much better at setting boundaries,” Pamela explained. “I used to feel pressured to say yes to everything. Now, I protect my time. I know that if I don’t have capacity, I can’t do good work, and I’m confident saying no when I need to.”
That confidence extends to different ways of structuring her services as well, “I tried retainers and hated them. Now I know they’re not for me, and I’m unapologetic about it.”
The Maggie Factor: Insight, Intuition, and Real-World Support
When asked what role Maggie has played in her growth, Pamela didn’t hesitate: “Oh my god, it’s huge. She’s amazing.”
Whether it’s one-on-one coaching or group support, Pamela describes Maggie as deeply intuitive and practical. “When I’m stuck, Maggie doesn’t just say, ‘do this.’ She listens, gets where I’m coming from, and helps me land on a solution that actually fits.”
And it’s not just Maggie. “The entire group helps,” she added. “If I don’t know how to say something to a client, I can ask, and someone always jumps in with scripts or ideas.”
“It’s More Than Worth It”
For Pamela, the BS-Free Mastermind didn’t just support her business—it transformed how she runs it.
“It’s well worth it—more than worth it—for the moral support, the practical help, and the community,” she said. “It’s not about following someone else’s playbook, it’s about building a business that works for you.”
Or, as she summed it up: “Everything about the group helps you develop uniquely what you need. It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s BS-free—for real.”

I’m Maggie Patterson (she/her), and services businesses are my business.
I have 20+ years of experience with client services, am a consultant for agency owners, creatives, and consultants, and vocal advocate for humane business practices rooted in empathy, respect, and trust.
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