An Unconventional Path Where Art & Business Collide
Lara Buelow has always been a seeker. From her first job at 14 to painting murals in San Francisco, she chased meaning across “a hundred different trades,” fueled by self-help books and entrepreneurial stories. Her leap into coaching finally let her merge her passions into one transformative career.
But the journey wasn’t linear. A cross-country move, raising young children, and the long process of writing a book tested her resilience in ways she never expected. She admits dropping the ball, recalling moments she nearly quit the book altogether. Yet through these challenges, she discovered a truth that now defines her coaching: what feels like burnout may be untapped energy waiting to be redirected into a purposeful reinvention.
Now certified by iPEC and trained in Stanford’s Design Thinking, Lara guides others with a rare blend of practical strategy and passionate transformation. Her approach? Treating careers like art, where every brush stroke (even the messy ones) contributes to a life that’s restorative, dynamic, and authentically yours.
Supporting Small Business Owners with Moxie!
Lara’s coaching isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about designing a life that accommodates all of it: the pivots, the parenting, the creative blocks. Through private coaching and programs like her semi-annual That Moxie Life challenge, she helps clients rewrite burnout stories into energizing career pivots, blending creativity with strategy. Her accountability approach, whether through scheduled check-ins or art-inspired reflection, keeps clients motivated while recognizing their struggles.
Her philosophy mirrors her award-winning book, Mostly Unanswerable Questions, a postcard-style guide that tackles life’s big questions through three lenses: Head-Heart-Gut, Existential, and Professional. The book was an art-meets-snail-mail collaboration that invites readers to reframe overwhelm into curiosity, proving that even existential dilemmas can spark playful self-discovery.
Creative Accountability for RMMFI Entrepreneurs
Since 2018, Lara has been a dedicated volunteer Business Coach with RMMFI, guiding entrepreneurs through both hybrid and in-person programs. She brings the same practical accountability tools she uses with her own clients, helping business owners stay focused, motivated, and supported every step of the way.
“Every coaching journey—whether you’re the coach or the one being coached—has its ups and downs,” Lara shares. “There are ebbs and flows. Part of the process is pushing through the moments when it doesn’t feel like it’s working until you hit your stride and feel like you’re on fire.”
Whether she’s helping entrepreneurs troubleshoot a tough challenge or celebrate a big win, Lara emphasizes the importance of creative accountability. “Communication is everything,” she says. “Write it down. Say it out loud. Share it with someone else. That tangible expression makes it real.” She encourages simple tools like scheduling a text or an email to yourself or a partner as a way to stay on track and be honest about what’s getting done, and what’s not.
“Creative accountability means figuring out what works for you,” Lara explains. “And being real with yourself and your mentor when something doesn’t get done.”
Lara also highlights the collective wisdom found in RMMFI’s community of entrepreneurs and coaches.
“You never know who’s in the room with you. Leaning on the expertise and experiences of others can open up doors you didn’t even know were there.”
– Lara Buelow
Explore Lara’s Resources
Lara’s dedication to helping others craft meaningful lives shines through in everything she creates, from her coaching to her book. For those ready to explore their own potential, check out Lara’s work:
Free Career Guide: Discover Your Passionate Career outlines five steps to identify strengths and leverage your network for meaningful work.
