Letters From A Hopeful Creative

In today's episode Jen is sharing a recent free office hour recording diving into questions all about how you can build and run your business in a way that works best for you. Questions cover topics such as how to follow your renewed enthusiam for your business after recovering from burnout, how to launch a new membership when you're afraid no one will join, what to do when your business is thriving but feeling like a lot to maintain and more.You can also watch the recording with time stamps this way too.And if you'd love to join me inside Your Simple & Spacious Business doors are open until next Wednesday 7th if you're ready to never do business alone again. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

A short and sweet solo episode from Jen today to encourage you to run your business in a way that truly works best for you and some gentle ways you can tap into support from Jen in your business this month too. Get the Design Your Part Time Business Model Toolkit sent to your inbox for freeSubmit your Q for the office hour - deadline is Wednesday 23rd AprilFind out more about Your Simple & Spacious Business + join the waitlist This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we dive into a letter all about how to build and grow your business at a slower and gentler pace and actually believe that it's possible for you too when you've been taught that hustling and burning yourself out is the best path to reaching your goals. Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.And Jen's group program Your Simple & Spacious Business is open for enrolment for a few more days until Friday 7th February if you'd love to feel deeply supported in your business journey and never do business alone again. More from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

Jen here today to share the audio of a recent coaching session from inside her group program all about the rules & norms we have permission to opt-out of in our business.If you feel overwhelmed by all of the noise and ‘should dos' and are craving doing business in a way that feels sustainable, joyful, and aligned for you - this episode is for you. And if you'd love to never do business alone again and join Jen inside Your Simple & Spacious Business: Doors are now open with early-bird pricing until Sunday 2nd February.Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.More from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics PodcastsPhoto credit: Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

A quick check-in episode from Jen to share that Sara and I will be recording new episodes together soon if you'd love to submit a letter for an upcoming episode.And while you wait for new episodes you can listen to Jen's new mini private podcast series The Slow Business Sessions

In today's episode Jen dives into eighteen questions covering topics such as making space for the needs of your health in your business, moving from 1:1 to 1:many work, marketing and messaging, preparing your business for starting a family, aligning your offers with your capacity and more.If you'd prefer to watch a video with timestamps of each question you can find that here.And if you'd love to have guidance, encouragement, and support every step of the way in bringing more freedom, ease, and intentional growth into your business and never feel stuck or alone again in your journey you can join Jen inside her program Your Simple & Spacious Business before doors close soon on Friday 1st November. * Submit your letter for an upcoming episodeLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:“I am a small business owner with chronic illnesses who loves your podcast tremendously. I've learned so much from you, and I come to you today with a question: what happens when you've deeply invested in a business that once did quite well, but is now floundering?How do I figure out my next steps? I run an online writing school that, in the flush years of 2020 and 2021, easily charged thousands of dollars for tuition that people happily paid. Over the years, fewer and fewer people were willing to pay such large amounts, until at this point we sell membership in the Academy for $67 when we used to charge $2200 for essentially the exact same thing, and even now we don't have many sign-ups anymore.Part of me tells myself that it's the economy, but I also see businesses doing quite well - usually businesses that help people make money, however, which mine does not do. I am bringing in less than a thousand dollars a month when I work harder than I ever did at a 9-to-5. But because I am chronically ill, I need to work for myself for the flexibility. I have built a beautiful offer suite organised around the online writing school. Objectively, it should bring in a healthy income. But the people are just not coming anymore, and I don't know what to do. I am burned out and don't know what to do.”In today's episode Sara and Jen explore the questions we can ask ourselves when we feel like we're stuck in a slow-down in our business and how to honour our capacity and needs in the process of supporting our business to thrive again too.Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.And Jen's group program Your Simple & Spacious Business is opening for enrolment this month if you'd love to never do business alone again - find out more this way. More from SaraMore from JenGet Jen's free 100 Hell Yes People ToolkitLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

Do you currently feel overstretched, burned out, or like there's not enough space for your needs and your humanness in your business? If so, today's episode is for you.We're doing things a little differently today and sharing an interview Jen did on one of her favourite business podcasts, Off The Grid, where the wonderful host Amelia asks Jen some really insightful questions around reshaping her business to truly work best for her, how to stop building burnout into your business, plus why fluctuating income in business is so normal and Jen's approach to gentle and human marketing too. Join Jen for her Revitalise Your Marketing workshopGet Jen's free Simple & Spacious Deep Dive Kit sent straight to your inboxListen to more Off The Grid episodesMore from SaraMore from Jen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we're switching things up a little and sharing a recap and debrief from Sara's recent launch, the biggest lessons she learned, and our thoughts and experience on launching in our business and some encouragement for you if you have a launch you're bringing to life soon too. Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.Find out more about Sara's summer schoolWatch Jen's behind the scenes planning video for her upcoming launchJen's 100 Hell Yes People toolkit (100% free for you to dive into!)Escaping the Attention Economy: Resonance Over Reach with Jay Acunzo on Off The GridMore from SaraMore from Jen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we dive into listener questions all about Instagram - from building engagement up, feeling hopeful and excited about the platform again, coming back after a long break, adapting to creating more video content, whether to use hashtags anymore and lots more.Join Sara for her Instagram Summer SchoolWould you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.More from SaraMore from Jen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:Lately, I've been inspired to grow my non-client work and my unpaid projects into a bigger part of my business. I have a published book, a podcast, and regular events - but they're not closely related to each other!This makes it really hard to grow any one of them, let alone all of them, when my client work is what pays the bills.I end up prioritizing client work above all these other projects, and I end up with very little time to spend on growing these other projects that I'd prefer to be the focus of my future. I have a gigantic list of ideas and dreams related to these projects, but it's felt like my paying client work is "getting in the way."Do you have any ideas on how I could create the time or space to grow my lesser-paying work when my client work isn't the dream?In today's episode Sara and Jen explore how we can balance the work that pays the bills and the creative projects that truly light us up and create more space for all of the things we want to create, explore, and experience in this journey.Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.More from SaraMore from JenLooking for a podcast editor? Our editor currently has some space for new clients. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:Please can you talk more about the failure/success connection and how we can pick ourselves up and move past the failures when we're struggling with our confidence and self belief? In today's episode Sara and Jen dig into their relationship with failure in their business, why highs and lows are normal in this journey, and how to hold ourselves through the emotional rollercoaster along the way.Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.Find out more about Sara's The Insta RetreatFind out more about Jen's gentle mastermind for small business owners: SteadyMore from SaraMore from Jen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:I am not great at the IG game, and I prefer to focus on sharing quality work versus creating reels that don't resonate with me and my style. Do you have any ideas on how to continue to build my audience without sacrificing my quieter style, "not in your face" approach, and build an email list?In this episode we dig into the question, share our experience with gently and sustainable growing and nurturing our audience, and our encouragement for doing so in your business too.Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.Find out more about Jen's gentle mastermind for small business owners: SteadyGet Jen's Deep Dive KitGet Jen's 100 Hell Yes People toolkitMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In this episode we catch up for spring and dive into what's been going well in our businesses, what we've been finding challenging in this season, and what we're working towards in our businesses right now too.If you'd love to listen to a really honest chat between two business besties, we recorded this episode for you.Links mentioned:Sara has some availability for 1:1 clientsGet 100 Hell Yes People - Jen's new free toolkitAnd Jen's group program, Your Simple & Spacious Business, is open for enrolment until Friday 24th May if you'd love to never do business alone againAnd you can listen to Jen's interview on the Off The Grid podcastWhat Jen's simple and spacious workweek looks likeWhat Jen's learned about running a gently thriving group programLaurel Denise plannersDr BeckyAnd our inbox is open for new letters for upcoming episodes if you'd love our encouragement and support in your business This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

Jen here with two supportive resources for you today ✍

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:How do you handle navigating the grief of feeling like your chronic illness has held you back in so many ways - and yet know that there's nothing else you'd rather do? I have so many ideas, so many things I want to create, and yet with my health recently being so challenging at times, I've found myself feeling stuck in the grief of not getting to do everything I want to in the timeline that I want to, and feeling like people often pip me to the post when it comes to creating new things. To the outside world I look like I create & do a lot - but in my messy internal world I often feel like I'm playing catch up and people around me are creating similar ideas to my own far quicker than I'm able to.In this episode we dig deep into this question, share our own lived experienced as chronically ill humans, and how we try and find peace, joy, and acceptance in taking our business journey slower and gentler along the way.This episode is for anyone who feels like you have to take your business journey slower than you sometimes wish you had to - whether that's because of chronic illness, caregiving responsibilities, or just not being a human being who thrives at a go-go-go pace.Join us on SubstackWould you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.More from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:Like a lot of people, I've moved my newsletter from a more traditional email software product over to Substack. As a writer, I also host a lot of my work on my website in a blog. The intention was always for the blog to host SEO friendly pillar content and for the newsletter to speak to more distinct, current or personal topics. I'm now unsure as to what my website is for. Should its focus be on paid offerings and directing people over to Substack? Should I keep my blogs on my website? How does SEO even work on Substack, especially when you've paywalled your archives. I guess my question is how does the content on your website and the content on your Substack intersect? - CarolineIn today's episode we dig into this question, explore the different ways we can balance writing for our Substack and our blog, and why there's no right or wrong answer but just figuring out what works best for you and your business. And Jen's group coaching program to support you to bring more freedom, ease, and intentional growth into your work and life, Your Simple & Spacious Business, is now open for enrolment until Friday 9th February if you'd love to never do business alone again.And Sara is currently taking on new 1:1 clients if you'd love deeper support with your Substack in this season.Join us on SubstackWould you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.More from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode Jen dives into twelve questions covering topics such as buiding your business in a way that honours your energetic needs, prioritising your goals with intention, routines and habits to work less and still get your important work done, simplifying marketing, recovering from burnout and more. If you'd prefer to watch a video with timestamps of each question you can find that here. And if you'd love to have guidance, encouragement, and support every step of the way in bringing more freedom, ease, and intentional growth into your business and never feel stuck or alone again in your journey you can join Jen inside her program Your Simple & Spacious Business before doors close soon on Friday 9th February and there's also an awesome 1:1 coaching bonus if you join by Friday 2nd.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letterLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

To kickstart 2024 together we sat down for a business bestie chat where we asked each other:What are your goals and desires for your business and creative life this year?And where would you love to be five years from now and how do you want to work towards that vision in 2024?We talk about how it feels to be a decade into our business journey, the growth we're prioritising this year, new projects that we want to work on and so much more. If you'd love to tune into a really honest chat between two business besties, we recorded this episode for you.Join us on SubstackWould you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here.More from SaraMore from JenAnd Jen's group program, Your Simple & Spacious Business, is opening for enrolment again very soon on Wednesday 31st January and this will be the last time to join before the price increases too. If you're ready to never do business alone again you can find out more this way.Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode, for our last episode of 2023, we're diving into four listener questions covering stepping into a new arena in our work, feeling lonely in our business, structuring our days with intention, and the main challenges we've seen others and ourselves overcome in our business journey too. And today is the last day to join The Substack Soirée for the Christmas class!* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's Substack* Get Jen's Deep Dive KitLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

Is selling something that you feel overwhelmed by and often shy away from in your business? If so this episode is for you.In today's episode Jen is sharing with you a sneak peak of one of the coaching sessions inside her group program, Your Simple & Spacious Business on Gentle & Joyful Sales Experiments To Generate Cashflow In Your Business.I'll be walking you through the five gentle guideposts for intentional selling, ten gentle and joyful sales experiments, and how to make a gentle plan for generating cashflow too.My hope is that this coaching session can support you to take intentional action to generate sales in your business without burning out and without compromising your magic and your values in the process too.You can also dive into the video and workbook of this coaching session this way.And if you'd love to have guidance, encouragement, and support every step of the way in bringing more freedom, ease, and intentional growth into your business and never feel stuck or alone again in your journey you can join Jen inside her program Your Simple & Spacious Business before doors close soon on Monday 23rd October.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letterLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:Despite having a chronic illness, I show up fully to my clients - so how can I explain that I am 100% there for my clients at the times I make for them - but also be real about the reality of days where I can't even muster to have a shower? How can I share, in my communications - that I can be both of these things, all at once?- BoIn today's episode we dive into this question, share the lessons we've learned about putting our needs on the table in our business, and our encouragement for anyone who fears their humanness is an inconvenience in their work.And Jen's group coaching program to support you to bring more freedom, ease, and intentional growth into your work and life, Your Simple & Spacious Business, is now open for enrolment if you'd love to never do business alone again. And there's also an awesome 1:1 coaching bonus available if you join by Wednesday 11th October - you can find out more this way. And Sara's The Substack Soirée will be opening again very soon too. * Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's Substack* Get Jen's Deep Dive KitLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

As I gear up for the next enrolment of my flagship group program, Your Simple & Spacious Business, I'm sharing a behind the scenes launch diary over on my solo podcast so that I can bring you along the journey with me and share all of the messy middle that comes with embarking on a launch in our business. I'm sharing the first episode of this launch diary with you today on the LFAHC feed if it can be supportive and encouraging for you in your business journey right now too.In this episode I share:* Why I'm doing this launch diary* Some behind the scenes on what I'm launching, how I've launched it in the past, and how it usually sells too* The gap between traditional launch advice and our capacity for that workload* How a 5th launch of a program feels very different to the first* How and why this is going to be a very simple and low-key launch* How I'm feeling as I'm about to embark on this launch* The things I will be prioritising most* What you can expect from this launch diaryA new episode of this launch diary will go live every week over on my solo podcast for the next six weeks where I'll take you with me as I prepare for this launch and then real-time behind the scenes and updates as I navigate this enrolment too.You can find out more about YS&SB this way. And you can subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to have new episodes sent straight to your podcast feed too! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:I am writing you from probably the lowest point I have encountered in my creative journey.This year has been hard for me. I feel a bit lost in my business and so so tired. I have been making pottery for over a decade, selling for about 6 years and working full time as an artist for 2. And the struggle just never ends. I feel like I am pushing a rock up a hill and I keep waiting for the incline to level out so I can coast a little. I keep waiting for that break: for that post or feature that brings thousands of new people to my page, for the grant to be approved, for the gallery show to happen, for my community to establish… I am just desperately needing some ease from the grind. I am so grateful for the growth I have had. I am grateful to be selling my work after years and years of building that confidence, I so grateful for the kind words and support from my customers. I am also very privileged that I am partnered with a wonderful supportive husband who has a secure job and salary that we can rely on when sales have been dropping the past year due to inflation and economic anxiety. I am so lucky… but I am also starting to really lose confidence in myself.I am simply running out of stamina.As I see other businesses and accounts pop up around me and grow with such ease (of course I know I am only seeing the surface of these experiences) I can't help but wonder if I just am not good enough as an artist… or if I am just too idealist. Or really I am just complete s**t at the marketing? My vision isn't what sells quickly and I don't want to stray from my aesthetic. I don't want to play the trending social media games, I am too tired and those honestly aren't the least bit inspiring to me. I know I need to shift what I am doing because social media based sales just aren't working for me anymore, Instagram is no longer a place I feel inspired by and want to be spending my time. I just feel so lost and am not sure what my next steps should be.There is an other aspect to this too I need to throw in and would love to get your advice on: last year I was diagnosed with ADHD. I started using a light medical dose to help with this condition and it did wonders for my executive function. I felt like for the first time I was really getting my business, finances, schedule, all the little pieces that slip through the cracks under control! As I am writing this I am newly pregnant and desperately struggling with fatigue. Because I can no longer take medication it has thrown me for a loop and I feel more disoriented than ever before. I catch myself wasting hours of the day distracted from tasks. I am trying to study more information on ADHD and develop new strategies for coping. The more I study, the more “ah-ha” moments I have. I believe my ADHD has been a much bigger barrier in operating a business and managing a social media account than I was aware of.I apologize this is a lot of different elements (and I realize this letter is probably now long enough to be disqualified from being answered!) but I know Sara has been so open with her ADHD and you both experience chronic conditions that make you experts in running a business with varying levels of energy. You seem like the perfect people ask for guidance in this time. How can I right this ship and get back on track while this pregnancy is wrecking havoc on my emotions and energy? Are there any resources for creatives with ADHD you recommend Sarah? I would love to know more about your experiences transitioning into motherhood especially as my transition is coming at a time where I was already struggling with so much self doubt in my identity as an artist. I am a bit frightened right now to be honest.Thank you so so much for considering this letter.- Insecure, distracted, AND expectingIn today's episode we dive into this question, share our encouragement for when you find yourself running out of stamina in your business, why we believe honouring our humanness first is so important, and how we've both navigated seasons like this in our own business journey too.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's Substack* Get Jen's Deep Dive KitLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:I am hanging on your every word about Substack. I just can't seem to shake this question: Is Substack really right for my business? And if so, am I doing it right? How should I think about it and prioritize it among the many other things I could be doing with my limited time and energy? But I keep getting tangled up in this question: is substack _marketing_ for my business, a _product_ for my business, or simply an on-the-side creative outlet?If I'm being honest, I want it to be all three! I love the simplicity of it being everything at once. But let's get real. It seems like there's not much hope of Substack becoming a meaningful source of revenue, unless you've got a massive audience to begin with that you are transferring over from somewhere else. The typical price point is just too low to make the numbers make a real difference with a small audience.I wonder if you could help put Substack into perspective, in the context of a service-based business that already includes regular writing and podcasting. A business that's ready to pivot into one-to-many offerings. For a person who's sort of hooked, but also worried the promise of Substack is too good to be true.- LisaIn today's episode we dive into Lisa's question and share how we're using Substack in our business and why the platform is really just a playground to shape and use in whatever way feels aligned for us. If you're curious about experimenting with Substack in your business this episode is here to help you explore what that could look like for you. * Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's Substack* Dive into Sara's The Substack SoiréeLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics PodcastsAnd our next monthly private behind the scenes episode is now live if you'd love to become a paying subscriber. Join us this way! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:I'm an artist and graphic designer and I run a one-woman creative studio. Like Jen, I'm very intentional about not hiring staff. If/when I get to a certain stage I would like to hire a VA or studio manager, but for now it's just me. I've raised my rates over the last year, and I have a steady stream of work coming in, which is great and I'm very grateful for it. However being a service-based business, especially a one-woman show, there is a very clear cap on how much I'm able to earn providing services. I plan to keep raising my rates gradually, and I'm slowly starting to gain slightly higher-paying clients and am, getting better at saying no to low-paying jobs. But this feels like quite a slow strategy, at least just now when it's still just me. I also plan to set some time aside this year to make stock (vectors, illustrations and textures) to hopefully set up some passive income streams, although I know this can be tricky to get going.Do you have any ideas, strategies or suggestions for expanding income potential for a service-based business? There are three reasons I'm asking this:   1. I'd love to have more ease and breathing room around money. At the moment I'm able to pay my way each month but I still feel a lot of anxiety around my finances.2. It's my partner and my 10th anniversary next year and I want to treat him to an amazing holiday as a surprise. We joked about going to the Maldives, but I would LOVE if that could become a reality!   3. I want to help my parents, who after working hard their whole lives are still paying off their mortgage and aren't able to retire yet. I would love, love, LOVE to be able to help them pay off the mortgage so they can finally retire and enjoy life.Any advice you can give would be massively appreciated!- LauraIn today's episode we share our own experiences of expanding our income streams in our business, why it's also often impactful to prioritise simplifying our client business too, and our encouragement for creating 1-to-many income streams in your business in a way that works best for you.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's Substack* Get Jen's Deep Dive KitAnd our first monthly private behind the scenes episode is now live if you'd love to become a paying subscriber. Join us this way!Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:Over the last year, I've found myself becoming less and less engaged and connected to Instagram as a form of marketing. I don't enjoy creating videos. I don't like being pressured into buying a blue tick just to stop my work being copied.But more importantly, it doesn't align with my values of a soul-centred approach to business and life, and honestly, it has been quite detrimental to my mental health as I've struggled with my physical health over the last year, comparing my reality to everyone else's highlight reel.My question to you Jen and Sara is, how else would you reach your audience in this current landscape if you moved away from Instagram? I'm not saying imagine it's gone all together, but more how would you create a business that is PURPOSELY not on Instagram, when it feels like everyone else is.I think we're told that Instagram ‘needs' to be integral and that ‘businesses can't survive without it' but businesses were thriving long before pictures in a grid were a thing!I'm currently on a break from Instagram to experiment and navigate this myself, but to have other people's opinions and thoughts would be amazing. And perhaps a little bit of the permission slip I'm seeking to create a business that works for me and my energy flow.- VicIn today's episode we share how and why neither of us rely on Instagram as a marketing platform, our thoughts on the shifting landscape of the platform, and encouragement for building and running a thriving business without relying on Instagram for growth and reach.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's SubstackAnd our first monthly private behind the scenes episode is now live if you'd love to become a paying subscriber. Join us this way!Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:I'm building a supportive platform on Substack for therapists in private practice called 'Therapists Corner'. Therapists often work alone and I hope to create a space where they can find support, advice and guidance whenever they need to and have a genuine community.In part it will be educational around building up a private practice but i'd also like it to feel like their staff room, where they can take a five minute break or like they have a business best friend online. So as well as asking for support they might also answer questions for others too.It's hard to get going while it's being built up and theres not too much engagement I'm sure once it gets going it will be great it's just these early days.Also the problem with humans, even ones that are therapists is that we all have tricky brains and when you put us in groups we can become problematic and you could have an amazing group then it only takes one person to make you want to shut the whole thing down , or it might just take off in another direction with a life of it's own or become over complicated.How have you managed things when it's gone wrong, when you have encountered that one tricky person or what do you think you do to keep your communities engaged, welcoming and enjoyable? All of your community building ideas will be very welcome.- SarahIn today's episode we explore what we've learned from building our own engaged, welcoming, and thriving communities, why it's our job as the leaders of our business to set the tone and expectations within our communities, and how to navigate any tricky situations too.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's SubstackAnd our first monthly private behind the scenes episode is now live if you'd love to become a paying subscriber. Join us this way!Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/subscribe

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:Right now I'm taking a good hard look at what I can outsource in my business so that I can be free to do the stuff that I really love. Sara, you mentioned that you have an executive assistant, Jen do you ? If not, I'm really curious to know why not. I genuinely wonder whether it can potentially complicate the goal of a simple and spacious business when we employ people? On the other hand, thinking we can do everything ourselves more easily than outsourcing it can be a trap. I also wondered whether you both have ongoing sessions with your own business coaches or do you feel your work business buddies are enough?- DeniseIn today's episode we explore why Sara has intentionally built a team in her business and why Jen intentionally hasn't, the pros and cons of each path, and why the most important thing when it comes to outsourcing is making the most intentional decision for you and your business.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's SubstackAnd Jen's flagship group program, Your Simple & Spacious Business, is currently open for enrolment until Monday June 5th if you'd love more guidance and support in building and running a business that truly works best for you.Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:I'm so happy you two are back! I listened to your podcast a few years ago when I was dreaming about creating a business, and now I'm actually starting one, so it's perfect timing for me.  I have a chronic illness that only allows me to work about 2 hours a day most days (although it fluctuates often from 0-4 hours). I just finished creating my website a few weeks ago, so I'm starting from scratch, and I'm trying to figure out how to manage the marketing side of things because I find social media extremely draining.   Realistically, I think I can dedicate one day a week to marketing without it taking away too much creative time, so I'm wondering, where should I focus my energy? Are there any social platforms or tools where it's possible to just show up once a week and actually connect with people? I am a pretty extreme introvert, so anytime I try to do more than that, or a little each day instead, I just can't function. I need fully uninterrupted days to get into the creative flow.  I have put some time into SEO that will hopefully start working in a few months. I've also started a blog and I'm posting each one to Pinterest, but I'm just wondering if you have any other ideas? I'm not looking for overnight results - I'm definitely in the slow lane, as Jen would say. I'd love to hear your thoughts.- ClaireIn today's episode we share our encouragement for how we would prioritise our marketing energy with limited time, why marketing is not a sure science but instead just one big experiment, and what marketing tasks we would prioritise at different stages of business too.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's Substack* Get Jen's The Simple & Spacious Deep Dive KitAnd the beautiful illustration Emily Charlotte Powell sent to us:Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

In today's episode we dive into this letter from a listener:I am 6 years into running my business and I feel like I'm running out of steam. The beginning was hard, but then came the “Instagram high” with dozens of thousands of engaged followers. Everything felt so exciting and spacious, I felt like people wanted to see what I'm up to, follow my work and buy from me. Then the pandemic happened and it left me burnt out. For the past two years I was running on the momentum I generated at the beginning of my journey. But the momentum seems to have stopped.Now slowly coming back to myself and my business I can't help to feel like it's almost dead. For the past few months I'm working on different ideas to get it all back up and running but I noticed no one cares. I set up a Substack but the engagement is very low, sales are low and so is my mood. Long story short, my main concern is: did they only like me because they didn't know real me before and now that they do, they checked out and there's no hope left? How do you run a business when you don't feel like one of the popular girls anymore?- Unpopular OneIn today's episode we share our encouragement for today's letter writer, our perspective on audience engagement and behaviour evolving, and how we would prioritise re-engaging our audience and breathing fresh life back into our business.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's SubstackLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com

After a three year hiatus we are so excited to be coming back into your podcast feed today.In today's episode we re-introduce this show after our 3 year break, share why we're hosting this podcast on Substack this time around, share some updates from our own businesses since we last recorded, and invite you to submit a letter that you'd love us to dive into in a future episode too.* Letters From A Hopeful Creative Substack* Submit your letter* More from Sara* Sara's Substack* More from Jen* Jen's SubstackLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lettersfromahopefulcreative.substack.com

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is struggling to feel confident in their new business. Together they dive into the different ways we can all find courage and confidence in our own journeys, and share some encouragement for today’s letter writer moving forward too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-47You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is finding more joy, ease, and freedom in their business and life during this time of forced lockdown and is wondering how they can bring this into their daily life when they’re back to business as usual. Sara and Jen dive into how we can bring more freedom, ease, and joy into our businesses and lives and how we can navigate the fears and beliefs that can hold us back from doing this too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-46You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is struggling to decide whether to focus on creating products or building a community first. Today’s letter writer also shares a whole lot of fears that are holding them back at the moment too, so Sara and Jen dive into how today’s letter writer can feel confident and courageous in the pursuit of their business goals while also exploring how best to approach balancing product creation and community building too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-45You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is wondering how best they can refocus and adjust in their business during this world health crisis. Sara and Jen explore how we can feel grounded in this time, how to re-route some of the goals and intentions that we set for ourselves this year, and why they believe we all still have permission to remain optimistic in our business in this time too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-44You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is wondering how (and if) they should sell in this time while we all navigate this world health crisis. Together they explore how to make business decisions from a place of integrity in this season, how to navigate any feelings of fear and shame that comes with selling, and how they’re both approaching running their business in this time too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-43You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is struggling to decide where to focus next in their business. Together they dive into the lessons they’ve learned about finding focus in their own businesses and explore their advice and encouragement for today’s letter writer too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-42You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who wants to take the freelance career they’ve built and turn it into a thriving business instead. Sara and Jen explore the difference between being a freelancer and a business owner, how you can start to develop a vision and a plan for your business, and the mindset shifts necessary to go from freelancer to business owner too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-41You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is battling with burnout in their business and is struggling to show up and run her business in this season. Sara and Jen share their own experiences with burnout, the lessons they’ve learned, and their advice and encouragement for today’s letter writer too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-40You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is struggling to find focus in their work and is curious as to whether or not they can still build a business on Instagram. Sara and Jen encourage today’s letter writer to think bigger than just Instagram when it comes to building their business, and share how they encourage them to get moving forward too. Today’s letter writer also shares that they live with ADHD, something Sara has recently been diagnosed with too so she shares her advice for anyone navigating this diagnosis right now too.Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-39You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

We’re coming back from our break with another ask us anything episode, diving into topics like how to deal with a bad client experience, how to prepare for starting a family when you’re self employed, whether or not to put your prices on your website and lots more!Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-38You can write us a letter at our websiteMore from SaraMore from JenLetters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is struggling to decide what to automate, eliminate, and delegate in their business. Sara and Jen share their own approach to this in their business, the lessons they’ve learned, and their advice for anyone else struggling with this too. Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-37 You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is struggling with their work being copied online. Copycats is such a tricky subject that so many of us have to navigate along the way, and in this episode Sara and Jen share their own experiences of being copied, how they deal with it, and the mindset they embrace when it comes to the inevitability of being copied too. Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-36 You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen are diving into more listener questions, from our thoughts on Instagram potentially hiding like counts, our advice for being organised, how we motivate ourselves when we don’t feel like doing the work, navigating trolls online and more. Links to the pages and articles mentioned are at: https://www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-35 You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen are answering listener questions, from our advice for starting something new, navigating quiet seasons in business, how we approach setting short and long term goals, how to deal with people who don’t understand your business and more. Links to everything we mentioned will be on our website https://www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-34 You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is curious about what it actually looks like to build a community online. Together they explore the biggest lessons they’ve learned about building community online, why they don’t believe in trying to hack your way to audience growth, and why they believe the most important part of building a community online is the connection you create and find within it. Links to everything we mentioned will be on the website at www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-33 You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today’s episode Sara and Jen are talking all things mailing lists and newsletters. Together they dive into building a mailing list, opt-in incentives, subject lines, how to decide what content belongs on your newsletter and more. If you’re thinking of starting a newsletter or want to be more intentional with the one you’ve already built this episode is for you. We have a just a few spaces left for The Inner Circle now! Find out more about Jen’s new guided journal, Homecoming. Links to everything we mentioned will be on the website at www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-32 You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today's episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is unsure as to whether or not to invest any money into their business before it makes a profit. They share their own experience of choosing when and when not to invest in their business, why they believe all investments in business are a leap of faith, and their advice for how to make this decision for your own business too. Links to the pages mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-31 We still have spaces available for The Inner Circle. Click through to our website to find out more You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics Podcasts

In today's episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is hoping to build her creative business during her upcoming maternity leave. Sara shares her own experience of starting her business while on maternity leave, and Jen shares the lessons she's learned from seeing many of her clients go on this journey too. Together they explore why showing yourself a whole lot of patience, compassion, and grace is the most important thing and their advice and encouragement for today's letter writer moving forward too. Links to the pages mentioned are at: www.lettersfromahopefulcreative.com/episode-30 We still have spaces available for The Inner Circle. Click through to our website to find out more You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics

In this episode Sara and Jen respond to a letter writer who is feeling anxious about becoming self employed because of the financial uncertainty that comes with this path. Sara and Jen share their own experiences of navigating financial uncertainty in their business, why we need to talk more about the financial reality of being self employed, and their advice for today’s letter writer moving forward too. We still have spaces available for The Inner Circle. Click through to our website to find out more You can write us a letter at our website More from Sara More from Jen Letters From A Hopeful Creative is produced by Sonics