Fay Harris on Burnout, Boundaries & Building a Profitable Business That Reflects Her
Interview with Fay Harris, founder of socialuxe uk, by Shannon Kate Murray, Founder & Editor of High Flying Design (august 2025)Navigating the journey of entrepreneurship is rarely as straightforward as the success stories suggest. The classic narrative, launching a venture, enjoying early victories, facing a downturn, and ultimately rising triumphantly, often overlooks the gritty realities of the entrepreneurial experience. Welcome to the messy middle, where slow pivots become essential, and progress is measured in small victories amidst the chaos.
In my conversation with Fay Harris, she opens up about her authentic journey through burnout, boundary-setting, and the hard-earned insights she's gathered along the way. With unvarnished honesty, she shares what it truly means to break the mould and create a business that not only pays the bills but also resonates with her true self. Join me as Fay reveals the triumphs and trials of crafting a life and a career that feel uniquely hers.
Let’s start at the beginning. How did this all begin for you?
Fay: When COVID hit, I lost my job overnight. As a 23-year-old living comfortably paycheck to paycheck, I had no savings. I ended up on Universal Credit and even got a credit card to survive. It was then that I realised how much everyone was on their phones. This observation sparked an idea. I started by helping my friend manage the Instagram and content for her coaching business. This experience led me to offer social media services to others. I set up an account, shared tips and packages, and things took off rapidly. I was offering a lot for very little, and my business grew so fast that I was able to come off Universal Credit remarkably quickly – even they were surprised!
That sounds exciting, but overwhelming. What did it turn into?
Fay: It kind of turned into a full-blown agency. I had a couple of people helping me, but I was still the primary contact for everything. We had clients on five to seven posts a week. I was working until 1 am most nights, seven days a week. I was constantly stressed. I wasn't eating properly. My mental health just crashed. Eventually, I burnt out completely. I had to move home with my parents. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, couldn't function. It got really bad.
What came next?
Fay: I stopped everything. I didn't want to feel that way again. I knew something had to change. That's when I started experimenting with passive income. I put digital products on Etsy and made a great, consistent income from it. But I went too far in that direction and stopped doing the creative work I loved. Then I launched a course to help others do what I was doing. But in all honesty, I hated the pressure. It felt like I was responsible for their results. I had to show up in ways that didn't feel like me - always talking about money, always promoting. I'm a private person.
So what happened when you realised it wasn’t the right direction?
Fay: I stopped promoting the course. I honestly thought about shutting everything down. It felt like I'd built the wrong audience, like the people I loved working with had already left. I was drained and disconnected. So I stepped back. I stopped posting. I spent more time in nature. I focused on protecting my energy instead of trying to force a fix. I didn't have a plan - I just knew I couldn't keep doing what I was doing.
Was there a turning point that helped you rebuild?
Fay: Yeah - working with you. That honestly changed everything. I was floating. Lost. And you helped me figure out what I wanted, not just what I could do. You helped me work out what wasn't working anymore and gave me space to find my direction again. I stopped spiralling and started building again - slowly, gently, but with intention. I remember after our calls, I felt clear. It was like, okay, I can do this. I just don't have to do it the old way.
What does your work look like now, day-to-day?
Fay: I'm back in design, which is where I always felt most myself. I work with clinics, educators, and beauty brands on branding, content kits, and digital resources. I also sell pre-made kits through Etsy for people who want elevated design without the custom price tag. I work at my own pace now. There's space to be creative again. My process is slower, more thoughtful. I'm not trying to do everything. I'm just doing what feels good.
What does balance look like for you now?
Fay: It looks like boundaries. I don't work weekends anymore. I stop replying to messages after a specific time. I work with my energy, not against it. I journal most mornings. I prefer ambient music over podcasts because they overstimulate me. I make a nice tea in my favourite Emma Bridgewater mug, put a movie on in the background, and just ease into my work. Some days, I go for a long walk in the evening. On other days, I just rest. I used to stay up until 1 am trying to do it all. Now, I close my laptop and enjoy my evening. That's success to me. Feeling lucky in my everyday life.
How does it feel now, after the relaunch?
Fay: For the first time in five years, the business feels like me. My Instagram and TikTok feel like autumn - warm, cosy, calm. That's the vibe I always wanted but could never quite create. People have even messaged me saying how calm and cosy my content makes them feel... That's when you know it's aligned. More than that, I feel proud. It's not performative. It's not forced. It's mine.
What kind of results have you seen since?
Fay: It's all added up. I've had past clients come back, and I've also gained new clients through content. Etsy sales are rolling in, and I’ve even started getting larger bookings than I ever had before. It feels good. The most significant shift, though, is confidence. I'm charging what I should be. I'm not afraid to say no. I'm not afraid to rest.
What would you say to someone stuck in the in-between - not burnt out, but not lit up either?
Fay: Don't force it. You're allowed to take a step back and reassess. Focus on what makes you feel good and aligned. Trust the process and give yourself the space to rediscover what truly lights you up.
Businesses are not what we see in the movies. It’s not a simple storyline where you start something, have success, face challenges, and then find a solution that works forever.
Instead, it’s more like this: you stop, you pivot, you panic, and then you try again. Over time, you build something that genuinely reflects who you are. That's the goal - it's not about achieving perfection but about embracing honesty.
There isn’t a hero's journey or a final destination here. Fay is still growing, building, and adjusting her vision. However, she's now approaching this process with clarity, confidence, and calm.
You can explore Fay's work, from thoughtfully designed clinic kits to custom brand design, on Instagram at @socialuxeuk and on her website socialuxeuk.com.
Don’t be surprised when it feels like stepping into autumn.
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