How I Run My Solopreneur Business Post-PhD: My Lean, High-Leverage Tech Stack
Transparency note: I love sharing the exact tools that keep my life and business running smoothly. Occasionally, I use affiliate links for products I genuinely trust. If you decide to sign up through one of my links, I may receive a small contribution - without costing you anything more. Thank you for supporting Lexie’s Choices!
Well, this post takes a slightly different turn, but it is deeply practical for every ambitious, high-achieving woman building a dream, business, or side hustle.
Let’s start with a quick backstory: After completing my PhD, I launched my business in the writing space shortly thereafter. Stepping into entrepreneurship meant wearing every hat at once - from strategist and creator to administrator and finance manager. When your energy and time are finite, focusing on essentials isn't just a preference; it is a necessity.
To avoid burnout and protect your mental space, you need tools that reduce your workload, streamline your workflow, and ensure your energy goes into high-leverage work.
When I chose the tools, I focused on the following:
Focus on Leverage: Choose tools that protect your time rather than demand it. Minimalist systems prevent decision fatigue.
Prioritize Data Sovereignty: As AI integrates into daily workflows, select platforms that protect client data and intellectual property.
Avoid Subscription Stacking: Utilize one-time purchases (like Sheetify) or all-in-one ecosystems (like Google Workspace) to keep operating expenses lean.
Here are the exact core tools I rely on to keep my operations lean, secure, and effortless.
Website & Hosting: Squarespace
If you are building a business, you need an online home that you truly own. While the technical options are endless, choosing a platform that minimizes backend maintenance is key.
After securing my domain, I chose Squarespace as my all-in-one host and builder. While platforms like WordPress offer infinite design tweaks, Squarespace provides built-in security, reliable hosting, and clean aesthetics out of the box. The slight design constraints are actually a feature, not a bug: they keep you from wasting hours troubleshooting plugins or tweaking pixels when you should be serving clients.
Business Infrastructure & AI Privacy: Google Workspace
A custom domain unlocks access to Google Workspace, which I view as an essential operational hub. Beyond professional email routing, a single subscription grants access to a cohesive ecosystem, expanded cloud storage, built-in client scheduling, and AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM (in the “standard” option).
For founders managing sensitive information, enterprise-grade data privacy is crucial. Workspace protects your operational data from being used to train public models. While alternative platforms exist, Google Workspace provides the cleanest balance of utility and simplicity in a convenient package for a solopreneur.
The Digital Second Brain: Anytype
Managing complex projects requires a reliable second brain. While Notion is widely popular, Anytype offers a local-first, privacy-focused alternative built around end-to-end encryption.
Because Anytype stores data locally on your device before syncing securely, offline access is seamless and your notes remain strictly yours. Though it carries a slight learning curve, it has anchored my knowledge management and daily planning for years.
Lean Financials & CRM: Sheetify
Tracking client relationships, active offers, project hours, and cash flow is non-negotiable. Building custom tracking systems from scratch demands time, while complex SaaS platforms introduce recurring subscription costs.
Sheetify offers a streamlined middle ground: comprehensive, pre-built template systems native to Google Sheets available for a one-time purchase. It keeps financial tracking clean, secure, and cost-effective without adding another recurring bill to your ledger.
Now, of course I could also dive into how the aesthetics, the cozy drinks, the comfy vibe all enhance our productivity, but I will save this up for a later post and keep this entirely "hard tools" focused.
If you have any additions or recommendations, please let all of us know in the comments!
Ready for more?
Make sure to check out my Complimentary Resources - for the ambitious woman designing a life on her own terms.
