Empowering Women in Business: Meet Mary Beth Berns of MBB Coaching
If you’ve ever crossed paths with Mary Beth Berns, you know she’s a force of wisdom, warmth, and encouragement in the world of small business. A former salon owner turned business coach, Mary Beth has built a career – and a legacy – on helping women entrepreneurs grow with confidence, clarity, and financial empowerment.
Based in Waukesha County, Mary Beth is the founder of MBB Coaching, a business dedicated to supporting women solopreneurs and small business owners through strategic coaching, financial literacy, and heart-centered leadership. Her journey from shy twenty-something to powerhouse mentor is nothing short of inspiring.
From Salon to Strategy: A Career Rooted in Experience
Mary Beth spent over 40 years as the proud owner of a thriving salon. “I love all things small business,” she shares. “One of the most important things I learned was the responsibility to understand your finances.”
Like many business owners, she initially leaned on accountants and bookkeepers for guidance – but realized that true success required more than delegation. “If I truly wanted to be successful, I needed a business coach to help me understand my numbers. I needed to take responsibility for my finances.”
That realization planted the seed for what would become her second act. After selling her business, Mary Beth became certified as a business coach and launched MBB Coaching, where she now empowers other women to do the same: build strong, sustainable businesses with eyes wide open.
Helping Women See Their Potential
“I meet and talk to women small business owners every day – my days are glorious!” she says with a smile. Whether someone is just starting out or looking to grow, Mary Beth has a heart for entrepreneurs who see more in their future.
Her coaching focuses on business strategy, financial confidence, goal-setting, team development, and most recently, self-publishing. Her ideal client? “Women solopreneurs and small business owners who will see growth as an option. New owners, established owners – those who see more in their future.”
And what sets her apart? “Not all business coaches have owned a successful small business,” she explains. “I’ve been there. There is nothing you can’t tell me that I haven’t experienced in my lifetime.”
Community, Connection, and a Good Rolodex
Mary Beth is an active member of Women Making An Impact (WMAI) and the Delafield Chamber of Commerce, where she continues to pour into her community through support, collaboration, and connection.
“Networking is everything,” she says. “You need a Rolodex of important connections – bankers, coaches, accountants, attorneys, insurance agents. You never know when you’ll have an urgent question. If you don’t have a relationship already established, it’s much more challenging.”
One of her most valuable lessons came through a difficult moment – a financial setback in her building plans. “Lots of tears, hard work, and one day at a time,” she recalls. “That experience taught me the value of knowing people who can step in when you need it most.”
A Heart for Impact
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Mary Beth lights up as she talks about her former team: “The lives of my team at the salon. We have so many women who spent their careers with us. They are amazing, talented, smart, and giving. I am proud to have had time with them.”
Today, that same spirit of investment lives on through her coaching. Her advice for aspiring women business owners? Build relationships, take ownership of your finances, and never underestimate the power of local impact.
“The best advice I ever received from a business coach,” she recalls, “was that your business should be so valuable to the local community that if you were to close – you would most definitely be missed.”
Gratitude as a Daily Practice
What keeps Mary Beth going on tough days? “Be grateful,” she says. “If I am breathing, I get another day. Another day to meet someone new. Another day to work through a challenge. Another day to learn a new skill.”
She draws daily inspiration from the women she meets – of all ages and stages – calling them “valuable, complex, interesting, challenging, open, afraid, nervous, and determined. Each one is inspiring.”
As for the future? “Since I’m 67,” she laughs, “I’ll just leave it with: I’m thankful for tomorrow.”
Follow Mary Beth & Learn More:
📍 Serving Waukesha, Delafield, and surrounding communities
🌐 www.mbbsmallbusinesscoaching.com
📱 Facebook: @mbbernssbc
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