Socialuxe UK on Burnout, Balance, and Building a Business That Lasts
Burnout. It's a reality many ambitious founder face - the result of pushing hard to make your dreams a reality, only to find exhaustion waiting on the other side.
For Fay, founder of Socialuxe UK, burnout wasn’t just a challenge; it was a wake-up call. Like many entrepreneurs, she threw herself into her fast-growing business, believing that hard work alone would get her where she wanted to be. But when the hustle started costing her creativity, energy, and wellbeing, she knew something had to change.
Now, she’s proving that sustainable success isn’t about working harder - it’s about working smarter. Our founder, Shannon Kate Murray, sat down with Fay to talk about burnout, balance, and the business lessons every female entrepreneur needs to hear.
The Birth of Socialuxe UK: Finding a Gap in the Market
Shannon: What inspired you to start Socialuxe UK?
Fay: “Socialuxe was born from a love of design and strategy, paired with a vision to help beauty and lifestyle brands show up online with both style and authenticity.
I noticed a gap in the market for a social media agency that felt fresh, personalised, and visually elevated. Too many agencies focus on tactics without truly understanding a brand’s identity. I wanted to change that - creating a space where strategy and aesthetics work together seamlessly."
From Hustle to Burnout: The Breaking Point
Shannon: Burnout is something so many founders experience. How did it show up for you?
Fay: “Honestly? I went all in. I was working non-stop, saying yes to everything, and running on sheer excitement.
But after months of long hours, unrealistic expectations, and no boundaries, I hit a wall. I was exhausted. Uninspired. I didn’t feel like myself anymore.
That’s when I had to stop and ask: What am I actually working towards? Is the hustle worth my health?
The answer was no. Since then, I’ve learned that rest isn’t a luxury - it’s a business strategy. Now, I prioritise balance, protect my energy, and work smarter, not harder.”
Scaling with Balance: Saying No to Say Yes
Shannon: As you scale, how do you maintain balance without compromising growth?
Fay: "I’m a big believer in quality over quantity. I want my team and clients to feel seen and valued, and well taken care of - which means saying no sometimes.
I’d rather take on fewer projects and deliver outstanding results than spread myself too thin. I also prioritise flexibility to ensure I have space to recharge, reset, and bring my best creativity to every project.”
The Business Lessons That Changed Everything
Shannon: What have you learned about building a business that lasts?
Fay: “The biggest lesson? Burnout is a business problem. As founders, we have a responsibility to create businesses that prioritise well-being from the inside out.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Hustle culture isn’t a strategy. Scaling fast means nothing if you’re too burnt out to enjoy it.
Boundaries are a business tool. Saying no creates space for the right opportunities.
Team well-being matters. A thriving business starts with a thriving team. We make sure everyone feels empowered to set limits, rest, and speak up if they need support.
A business built on overwork and exhaustion won’t stand the test of time. But when you build with intention, balance, and long-term thinking? That’s when success becomes sustainable.”
Final Advice for Female Entrepreneurs
Shannon: If you could give one piece of advice to women building their own businesses, what would it be?
Fay: "Don’t be afraid to rest. Building something amazing takes time, and trying to do it all at once isn’t sustainable.
Success doesn’t require burnout. It requires strategy, self-trust, and knowing when to pause.
Invest in yourself. Prioritise your wellbeing. And remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you feel good, your business thrives, too."
Socialuxe UK is part of a new wave of female-led businesses proving that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to mean exhaustion.
Fay’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about big wins - it’s about how you get there. When you build a business that supports your wellbeing, you don’t just create a brand that thrives. You create a life that does, too.
If you’re ready to break free from burnout and build a business that works for you (not the other way around), check out Shannon’s Personalised Itinerary session - the same one that helped Fay transform Socialuxe UK.
