Although Haylie Duff is best known as an actress, it’s her passion project that has her fan base tuning into her every move. Turns out, Duff has always turned to cooking as a form of self-expression but she never considered it would become a full-time gig. It wasn’t until she started posting recipes, entertaining tips, and cooking advice on her site, Real Girl’s Kitchen that a devoted foodie following, a book deal, and a popular TV show on the Cooking Channel quickly followed—and the star is still pinching herself.

And if that wasn’t enough, the mom of two is also the co-founder of Little Moon Society a clothing line for kids and adults using eco-fabrics that are 100% made in L.A. How many hours are there in a day? Duff is squeezing everything she can get out of those 24 hours. Read on to learn more about Duff’s creative journey, her advice for young women who want to achieve similar success, and how to handle the bumps along the way.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: You started Real Girl's Kitchen as a way to share recipes—did you imagine it would turn into a book and then a TV show? How does that feel? Can you talk us through the vision? Where do you hope to grow the brand next?

HAYLIE DUFF: Truthfully, I didn't imagine it turning in to what it did! It started as a side passion project. A way for me to channel some creative energy between acting projects. I really believe that sometimes the universe takes you in a roundabout way to find what it is you really enjoy doing.

You also launched a kid's clothing line called Little Moon Society. There is a sea of competition in the kid's clothing space, what makes your business stand out? How do you find/create a unique point of view? What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself when you were first launching your business? Why?

I have a fantastic partner, Jessica. We have been best friends since we were 16. I think she helps me keep a unique perspective on things. We really encourage each other to not watch what other kid's brands are doing. Not comparing ourselves to anyone else. I think that is really important. As far as what makes us stand out, we make all of our garments in L.A., using smaller family-owned manufacturers. Our dye team is only two women. We are very focused on the ethical treatment of the people making Little Moon and I really believe that that care seeps into the clothes. You feel good wearing clothing that is putting goodness back into the world.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?

We lean on each other. That is when our long history really comes in to play. We trust each other. We can figure it out—together!

“Aim high. You are capable of way more than you think you are.”

You've had an impressive career but not everything is as rosy as it seems on social media. Can you recall a specific time you failed and how you turned that around/into an opportunity?

Haha! That is true. Those are the times I usually stay quiet on social media. Giving myself some time to reset, get my mind right, then charge on!

You've been very smart and savvy with your business and it's been incredibly profitable. Where do you think is the most important area for a business owner to focus their financial energy? Why? What money mistakes have you made and learned from along the way?

I think trying to grow too fast is always a mistake. Slow, organic growth is key. For us, with Little Moon, it has been word of mouth. Not so much "celebrity gifting" or things like that. It's the mom that sees it on the kid at the park and goes "where did you buy that?" Then once your business can afford it, marketing!

You are one of our favorite people to follow on Instagram with over a million followers, what unique social marketing tips do you have for other entrepreneurs to help grow their company online?

I'm still trying to learn these tricks myself. If you find some out, send them my way!

You are the definition of a multi-hyphenate and took a lot of twists and turns in your career, starting as an actress then moving to the food industry and even into clothing. What advice do you have for others looking to make a career shift?

My advice is to follow your passion. Let it be your guide. Keep things genuine. People will go along the journey with you if you keep things REAL.

With success comes opportunity, but that also means you have your hands full—what keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days? What drives your passion?

My girls. Their big eyes, always on me. Soaking up my every move. Knowing that one day they will be in the same position as I am with their own families. So every day I try to make the best decisions I can.

Success is such a broad term and it means something different to everyone—how do you define success?

A happy family. Mom and dad feeling creatively fulfilled. And lots of friends and happiness.