Raw Milk - The Creative Business Podcast about social media, marketing, branding, blogging

When you build a brand based around your life, how do you know when work ends and life begins, or vice-versa? Does it mean your always working, or is there a way to stay intentional in your life and approach your commitment to business in a healthy way? Listen in as Rebecca Gallop of A Daily Something shares her approach to balancing work and life as a mom of three. Rebecca Gallop is the blogger, prop stylist and creative director behind A Daily Something, a lifestyle destination where she shares the daily somethings that make life beautiful, including home décor, entertaining, recipes, personal style and ‘life with littles.’ Rebecca’s work has been featured in Apartment Therapy, Martha Stewart Living and Camille Styles, among many other platforms, and she has collaborated with a number of national brands including Anthropologie, West Elm and Madewell. Through the events arm of her business, A Daily Gathering, Rebecca hosts workshops, seasonal dinners and creative retreats with the intention of bringing people together in a community of giving. Today, Rebecca joins me to explain how A Daily Something evolved from a simple creative outlet to full-fledged creative business. She shares her ongoing intention to help people find the joy and beauty in daily life and the tricky balance of running a lifestyle brand that is an extension of your life. Rebecca discusses the four revenue streams that make A Daily Something a lucrative business, describing her recent expansion to include an affiliate shop and online course on the art of gathering. I ask Rebecca how she maintains a healthy relationship with social media, and she shares the reality of the chaos ‘just beyond the frame.’ Listen in for Rebecca’s insight on the role of vulnerability in achieving business success and learn how to stop hiding and just start the creative project of your dreams! What You’ll Learn Rebecca’s intention to help people find joy and beauty in daily life How A Daily Something evolved from creative outlet to business The benefit to a lifestyle brand that changes with your situation The disadvantage of a brand that is an extension of your life Why Rebecca is creating an online course on the art of gathering   Connect with Rebecca A Daily Something A Daily Something on Instagram A Daily Something Shop A Daily Gathering Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Intentional Goal Setting Workbook Books by Edith Schaeffer Oh Joy! A Cup of Jo The Daybook Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo Kristin Ess Texture Spray Jen Olmstead GOMI Showit Herbivore Lip Balm Beth’s Instagram Preset Collection Review Raw Milk on iTunes

Most of us think of Pinterest as a place to collect ideas. But if you are a creative, the platform is also a powerful way to get your work out into the world. So, how can a maker or an artist or a blogger use Pinterest to grow their audience? What are the best practices for improving your discoverability on the site? What are the secrets to using Pinterest to take your creative business to the next level? Yuka Ohishi is the International Program Manager and Creator Programs Lead at Pinterest. She has been with the company since 2014, serving as Community Marketing Manager in the Tokyo office before transitioning to her current role in San Francisco. Yuka is also a content creator in her own right, running a YouTube channel that incorporates travel vlogs, tech tutorials and lifestyle videos. Today, Yuka joins me to explain Pinterest’s function as a visual discovery engine and the company’s view of pins as a call-to-action. She offers insight around leveraging a business account as an aspiring creative and claiming your domain to get the most out of Pinterest. She also introduces the platform’s new features, including the hashtag and following feeds. I ask Yuka about using Pinterest for content planning, and she shares the company’s support of brand collaborations. Listen in for Yuka’s advice on boosting your discoverability and learn the best practices for using Pinterest to grow your creative business! What You’ll Learn Yuka’s insight on how to see pins as a call-to-action How creatives use Pinterest as a communication tool What sets Pinterest apart from typical search engines Yuka’s best practices for increasing discoverability How to leverage Pinterest’s visual search technology Connect with Yuka Pinterest Business Yuka on LinkedIn Yuka on Pinterest Yuka on Instagram Yuka on YouTube Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Capture One Pro Pinterest 100 Insights Blog Beth’s Instagram Preset Collection Review Raw Milk on iTunes

So, you have a side hustle as a maker that you’re interested in turning into a full-fledged, full-time creative business. What steps do you need to take to reach the next level? How do you develop a business mindset and make a living monetizing a product that you’re passionate about? Lauren Haynes is the founder and herbalist behind Wooden Spoon Herbs, a small-batch herbal apothecary out of southern Appalachia. Lauren’s products are thoughtfully made with American-grown herbs, sourced directly from the farms that grow them. Wooden Spoon offers plant medicines in every approachable incarnation, including tinctures, salves, creams, sprays and syrups. Lauren is dedicated to empowering people to take self-care into their own hands. Today, Lauren joins me to explain how she turned her interest in herbalism and natural medicine into a business. She walks us through the first steps she took in up-leveling from part-time maker to full-time entrepreneur, describing how she tripled her business in just six months. I ask Lauren how her spirituality and wellness practices show up in her business, and she explains how she infuses slow living and nontraditional business systems like meditation and manifestation in her day-to-day operations. Listen in for Lauren’s insight around healing yourself as a subversive act and get her best advice for starting a business around a product you believe in! What You’ll Learn How Lauren became an herbalist and herbal product maker Lauren’s transition from three jobs to full-time entrepreneur Lauren’s evolving marketing strategy based on social media How Lauren has grown a team of four in the last six months Lauren’s advice around defining your mission and values  Connect with Lauren Wooden Spoon Herbs Wooden Spoon on Instagram Wooden Spoon on Facebook Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Kati Forner Design Jenna Kutcher Amy Porterfield Super Natural Sales Feminist Business School Google Drive QuickBooks Self-Employed Dr. Bronner’s Spirit Speak Beth’s Instagram Preset Collection Review Raw Milk on iTunes

Many aspiring creative business owners wonder how not only to sell their products and services online, but how to find their customers (and keep them!) Running an online business can be especially challenging for building a loyal customer base that believes in what you're doing, since it's all living in a digital landscape. But if you ask Jenna Wilson and Cary Vaughan, the internet has provided a previously unimaginable opportunity to grow a brand online that has both a thriving digital and in-person community of supporters. Jenna and Cary are the cofounders of Ace & Jig, a collection of timeless women’s fashion made from yarn-dye, woven fabric. The pair met as fashion interns in New York City and bonded over a shared love of antique textiles. Their friendship grew as they discovered common values around what a company culture should look like, and in 2009, Ace & Jig was born. Jenna & Cary walk their talk, producing zero textile waste, employing an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process, and giving back to the causes they care about. Today, Jenna and Cary join me to discuss how their aesthetic and ethical alignment lends to their success as business partners. Jenna explains how they built their team out of necessity, focusing on fit as opposed to skill set and experience, and Cary shares the organic process they use to create original pieces that mirror their values. I ask Jenna and Cary about their grassroots approach to marketing, and they describe the storytelling strategy that helped them build a thriving community around the Ace & Jig brand. Listen in for insight around their ‘do your best’ approach to work-life balance—and learn how Jenna and Cary stay true to their values AND work towards growing their community, team, and brand. What You’ll Learn How Jenna & Cary’s friendship became a business partnership How Jenna & Cary maintain their values yet continue to grow Why the Ace & Jig Community is so important to the brand Ace & Jig’s grassroots marketing strategy around storytelling How Jenna & Cary leverage email blasts and Instagram Connect with Jenna & Cary Ace and Jig Ace and Jig on Instagram Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Slack Beth’s Instagram Preset Collection Review Raw Milk on iTunes

“All of the people who come to my workshops are part of a community. Literally, we’re weaving ourselves together.”  In the age of social media, Emily Katz has a unique creative business in that she cultivates connection both online and in-person. ‘Making with’ has been an important aspect of her enterprise from the beginning, and Emily is all about networking and teaching through social media AND face-to-face interaction. So, what’s her story? How did this dual strategy develop? Emily is a creative consultant, interior designer, macramé educator, artist, and Instagram phenomenon. She creates large-scale, custom installations for the likes of Ralph Lauren and teaches macramé workshops all over the world. Emily’s creative business, Modern Macramé, provides ready-made macramé products and DIY materials for crafters and artists. The site also offers online courses in macramé for her hundreds of thousands of followers. Emily’s work has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, Elle Japan, and the London Daily Mail, among many other publications. She is currently on tour promoting her new Amazon bestseller, Modern Macramé: 33 Stylish Projects for Your Handmade Home.  Today, Emily joins me to share her decidedly nonlinear path to founding Modern Macramé, discussing her early entrepreneurial ventures in fashion and her surprising career in music videos. She explains how a desire to reconnect with her mother led her to macramé and describes her first experience teaching macramé in an impromptu class for Japanese magazine editors. I ask Emily about the role of failure in her creative life, and she offers insight around navigating serious challenges—like declaring bankruptcy—with the support of a network. Listen in for an inside look at the process of negotiating a book deal and learn how Emily blends online and in-person networking to build a community-based business! What You’ll Learn How Emily developed an anything-is-possible mindset The process of putting together a book proposal The long process of writing, shooting Modern Macramé Emily’s blend of online and in-person networking The community-building aspect of Emily’s business Connect with Emily Modern Macramé Modern Macramé on Instagram Emily’s Website Emily on Instagram Emily’s Tour Schedule Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Modern Macramé: 33 Stylish Projects for Your Handmade Home by Emily Katz Alicia Rose on Vimeo Cake’s ‘Mustache Man’ Music Video Beth’s Instagram Preset Collection SCORE Free Small Business Advice Ten Speed Press Nicole Franzen Anne Parker Review Raw Milk on iTunes

One of the greatest challenges for aspiring creative entrepreneurs? Limiting our scope to a single area of expertise. We tend to dabble in many different creative realms, and it can feel impossible to limit our self-expression to just one thing. So, is there a way to collect all your passions under one umbrella and design a business that affords you the freedom to explore multiple creative outlets? Athena Calderone is the entrepreneur behind Eye Swoon, an award-winning lifestyle brand and online destination for food, décor and lifestyle advice. Athena is an interior designer, chef and entertaining expert, and Eye Swoon serves as a unified voice for her many creative pursuits. Athena’s work has been featured in Elle Décor, Harper’s Bazaar and Bon Appétit, among many other publications, and her book, Cook Beautiful, is a James Beard award winner. Today, Athena joins me to explain how she found purpose and a social outlet in cooking and interior design. She describes how sponsorships became her first revenue stream, discussing how her work with brand partnerships evolved from simple product placement to the design of a creative vision. Athena also offers insight around reaching out for collaborations, sharing her gratitude for the education she received from people she admires. I ask Athena about making time for creativity when faced with the demands of running a business, and she reveals her struggle to maintain a consistent self-care routine as a busy entrepreneur. Listen in to understand Athena’s take on prioritizing—as opposed to striving for balance—and learn how she built a brand that gives her license to be more than just one thing! What You’ll Learn Athena’s evolution from one-woman-show to a team The challenge of making time for creativity in your business Why Athena still does her own social media management The best online tools to help you plan your Instagram feed Why Athena thinks about priorities rather than balance Connect with Athena Eye Swoon Eye Swoon on Instagram Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone Buvette Jean-Georges Wooden Spoon Herbs Chairish 1stdibs Planoly PLANN Snug Johnny Miller Review Raw Milk on iTunes

So, you want to stand out as a creative entrepreneur. But how do you develop a design aesthetic that feels like you? Where do you go for inspiration that will resonate with your audience—without turning into a mash-up of the creatives you admire? Jen Olmstead is the co-founder of Tonic Site Shop, a platform that offers customizable website designs for the modern, stylish creative. The cocktail-inspired templates allow online business owners to showcase their brands through designer-made sites tailored specifically to their audience. Jen also operates her own design studio, where she specializes in visual storytelling and creating unique brand and web experiences for creatives and small businesses. Today, Jen joins me to share her approach to curating an innovative design aesthetic. She describes how she stumbled on her creative niche as a web designer and how she merges storytelling and design in her work. Jen explains why learning to say and hear NO is vital for business owners, discussing how Tonic Site Shop was born in response to a demand for her services. She offers insight on the realities of working remotely as a service-based mompreneur, sharing her take on the possibility of ‘doing it all.’ I ask Jen about her definition of branding as a reflection of us at our best, and she reveals her it’s-not-about-you approach to the process. Listen in for Jen’s advice around sourcing inspiration without replicating others and learn to develop a design aesthetic that makes you ideal client feel at home! What You’ll Learn How Jen’s upbringing taught her the value of storytelling Jen’s journey from piano teacher to creative entrepreneur Jen’s approach to developing an aesthetic for your audience How to source design inspiration without replicating others The realities of the business aspects of entrepreneurship   Connect with Jen Tonic Site Shop Tonic on Instagram Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Showit Katelyn James Photography Jeff Shipley Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller Carolina Herrera Natalie Frank The Instagram Hashtag Quiz The Ultimate Instagram Organic Growth Guide Review Raw Milk on iTunes

The first step is the hardest. Whatever goal you’re chasing, it is all too easy to come up with a long list of reasons NOT to start: What if people don’t like my work? What if I’m not good enough? What if it’s simply too late? I’ve had all of those fears myself, many in the last few days. And the truth is, we’re never going to eliminate fear completely. But we CAN learn to appreciate where our fear is coming from and choose to take the next small step, despite our uncertainty. Today, I’m discussing how to get over fear and START. I share the importance of taking the first step to build momentum and explain why the people who ‘make it’ don’t let failure turn into unsurmountable fear. I also explore the value in teasing out the negative thoughts that inform your fears and dismantling them logically—with a little help from your rational brain. Finally, I walk us through some of the big fears that hold creatives back and offer advice on overcoming the fear of rejection, the fear that it’s all been done before, and the fear that we’re too late to the party. Listen in for insight around honoring your own timeline and learn how to confront your fears, walking through them bravely each day. What You Will Learn The concept of life as a series of starts How taking the first step serves as momentum How people who make it start (and never stop) How to tease out the thoughts behind the fear How to engage your emotional AND rational brain Why we should celebrate rejections, not fear them How to counter the fear that ‘it’s all been done’ The value in focusing on what you can control Why it’s never too late to start How to embrace the public learning curve How to leverage the abundance mentality The idea of bravely walking through your fears Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Raw Milk Podcast Show Notes Instagram Hashtag Quiz Intentional Goal Setting Workbook

The life of an artist is one of uncertainty. You simply can’t predict how long it may take to turn your art into a job or how many paintings you will sell in a given month. So, how do you navigate that uncertainty? How do you make a living without feeling like you’re selling out?  Stella Maria Baer is a painter and photographer whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Scientific American, and Time Magazine, among many others. In her work, Stella explores the mythology of the desert, the cosmology of space, and the topography of the human body. Her pieces can be found in public and private collections all over the world. Today, Stella joins me to explain how she started painting in her mid-20’s as a form of meditation. She describes how working as a research assistant for Titus Kaphar showed her the potential of art as a career and taught her about the business side of being a creative. Stella speaks to the evolution of her work, the tension between making a living and selling out, and the value of cultivating a supportive community. I ask Stella about her approach to Instagram as a type of collage and how she uses the platform as a marketing tool. Listen in for Stella’s insight on navigating motherhood as a working artist and processing the financial uncertainty of life as an artist! What You’ll Learn How Stella started painting as a form of meditation that became her career How Stella learned the business side of fine art Stella’s take on the tension between making a living and selling out How Stella sees Instagram as one of many marketing tools How Stella navigates motherhood as a working artist Connect with Stella Stella’s Website Stella on Instagram Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Titus Kaphar The Ultimate Instagram Organic Growth Guide Beth’s Instagram Hashtag Quiz Review Raw Milk on iTunes

If you’re under the impression that the people who ‘make it’ are special in some way, I’m here to tell you that’s not true. The only thing special about me is that I was especially broken, especially damaged, especially sick and hurting. For more than a decade, I lived in a haze of drugs and sex, desperately trying to feel whole. I was in the throes of full-on mental illness, stuck in an endless cycle of abusive relationships, and I didn’t know how to make it stop. It wasn’t until I was forced into rehab that I made the mindset shift that finally freed me. Today, I’m sharing my story in the hopes you’ll see that your dreams are possible. I describe my typical, middle-class American childhood and my transition from good kid to good-time girl. I explain what finally motivated me to pursue treatment and how my beliefs changed radically as a result.  I credit the therapist who gave me permission to try this whole blogging thing as a career and discuss how I taught myself photography and social media marketing. Finally, I speak to the evolution of my business model, from doing local work to earning sponsorships to offering retreats. Listen in to understand my recent decision to stop working for corporations and start working for YOU and get empowered to transform your life—with a creative online business of your very own. If I can do it, so can you. What You’ll Learn My typical, middle-class American childhood My diagnosis of bipolar disorder at the age of 20 The mindset shift that finally freed me How I started Local Milk on the advice of my therapist How I taught myself social media and photography Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned 10 Instagram Secret Weapons to Beat the Algorithm Intentional Goal Setting Workbook Raw Milk EP005: All About Our Revenue & Money

Belief is powerful. And for Alison Wu, spirituality is deeply connected to her ongoing health and wellness journey. She embraces the woo and lets intuition guide her, making decisions based on the connection among body, mind and spirit. Alison Wu is the well-known food stylist, recipe developer and wellness writer behind Wu Haus, the blog designed to empower and inspire people to take control of their health by way of daily practices that support overall wellbeing. On her site, Alison encourages healthy, balanced eating, self-care habits as well as mindfulness and spiritual practice. Today, Alison joins me to discuss the turning point when she decided to pursue photo styling and how the Wu Haus blog eventually became her main gig. She explains her shift from vegetarian to plant-forward omnivore, sharing her intuitive approach to making choices about food and eating healthy without becoming obsessed. Alison shares her authentic social media strategy and the tools she uses to create a consistent look on her Instagram feed. She offers insight on the inclination to compare and compete with other creatives—and how to choose collaboration instead. I ask Alison about the revenue streams available to bloggers and how she determines pricing for her services. Listen in for Alison’s take on perfectionism as a lifelong lesson in letting go and learn the value in forging your own spiritual path! What You’ll Learn The turning point when Alison shifted from copywriting to photo styling How Alison’s health and wellness blog became her main gig How Alison makes intuitive choices about food Alison’s shift from vegetarian to plant-forward omnivore The danger in allowing your diet to become your identity Alison’s connected approach to spirituality Alison’s social strategy to share an authentic expression of herself How Alison draws diverse content together by way of editing Alison’s advice on taking time off from social media to connect with nature Alison’s insight on choosing collaboration over creating fake competition Alison’s view on perfectionism as a lifelong lesson in letting go The challenge around eating healthy without becoming obsessed The revenue streams available to Alison as a health and wellness blogger Alison’s advice for aspiring food stylists and bloggers Alison’s tips on negotiation and tailoring your prices to the individual client Connect with Alison Alison’s Website Alison on Instagram Alison on Pinterest Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Beth’s Intentional Goal-Setting Workbook Adobe Photoshop VSCO The Ultimate Instagram Organic Growth Guide Review Raw Milk on iTunes

Saying NO comes with a lot of baggage—guilt, fear and shame. We are taught to be obliging, and we tell ourselves that turning people down makes us lazy and selfish. But here’s the truth: When you say YES to the things that don’t move your dreams forward, you end up scattered and stuck. Pulled in a million different directions rather than intentionally moving toward what really matters. Today, I’m debunking the myths around the real magic word—NO. I discuss how to make decisions around what truly deserves a yes, using your big dreams as a guide. I explain why you have to put your own oxygen mask on first and recognize that time is your most precious resource. I speak to the danger in conflating what’s visible with what’s important, describing how we say yes to the noise in order to postpone real action. And I give you permission to outsource tasks without shame, freeing yourself up to do the work only YOU can do. Listen in for my go-to strategies for saying NO (without coming off like a jerk) and learn to say ‘hell YES’ to the things that truly make your life better. What You Will Learn Why saying no doesn’t come naturally to us What #theartofslowliving looks like for me How defining your big dreams serves as a guide Why every yes is actually a no to something else The value in putting YOUR oxygen mask on first Why time is more valuable than money How to avoid conflating visible with important How we use yes to postpone real action The option to outsource tasks without shame Why saying no is NOT selfish or lazy How to say no with confidence and compassion How the No Challenge simplifies your life overnight Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned The Slow Morning Routine Intentional Goal Setting Workbook The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

How do you walk away from a successful creative business when your heart is pulling you in a new direction? How do you follow that internal North Star despite the shame around choosing a new path? How do you do the hard work of reinventing yourself as an artist? Rebekka Seale is an oil painter based in Nashville, Tennessee. She has owned a number of successful creative businesses, including wedding-cake bakery The Cake Parlour and Camellia Fiber Company, a collection of luxury hand-dyed fibers and handspun yarns. Rebekka has also worked as a freelance illustrator, doing work for print and greeting card companies as well as private commissions. Today, Rebekka joins me to explain how her desire for making and learning translated to several successful businesses. We discuss Rebekka’s ability to reinvent herself when she’s called to a new creative pursuit and how she came to her current work as an oil painter. She describes the challenge of developing a business mindset as an artist and her take on art in the home as part of a family ritual. Rebekka also opens up about her adopted daughter, Pascale, and the traumatic fertility journey she endured on the path to becoming a mom. Listen in for Rebekka’s insight around the relationship between passion and success and learn how she overcomes resistance to follow her internal North Star—and reinvent herself as an artist. What You Will Learn How Rebekka’s desire for making and learning translated to several creative businesses Rebekka’s enneagram personality type as a highly creative, introverted artist Rebekka’s ability to reinvent herself when it’s time for a new creative pursuit How Rebekka views painting as a spiritual practice of self-care Why it’s harder for Rebekka to develop a business mindset around her artwork Rebekka’s insight on art in the home as part of a family’s daily ritual How Rebekka’s creative process involves living with and listening to her work How childcare allows Rebekka to carve out blocks of time for painting Rebekka’s traumatic fertility journey and struggle with in vitro fertilization Rebekka’s disheartening experience with corruption in international adoption How Rebekka and her husband came to adopt their one-year-old daughter Rebekka’s advice around whether to share personal experiences on social media How Rebekka worked through the shame associated with following her North Star The role of passion in birthing the hard work it takes to reinvent yourself Connect with Rebekka Rebekka’s Website Rebekka on Instagram Rebekka on Pinterest Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned The Enneagram Institute Camellia Fiber Company Beth’s Intentional Goal-Setting Workbook Tonic Site Shop Showit

A lot of us creatives are resistant to the cultural idea of ‘more is better,’ some even going so far as to view money as a dirty thing. Yet we HAVE to be profitable to continue doing our creative work. So, how do we come to understand the numbers without getting lost in a more-more-more mentality? How do we decide what is ‘enough’ and design a business to fit the life we want? Shanna Skidmore is a business strategist and finance coach who teaches creative entrepreneurs how to build a profitable business that works for the life they want. She combines her background in business, finance, psychology and art to support creatives in defining ‘enough’ and developing a business model that allows them to continue with their craft and make a living doing what they love. Her signature program, the Blueprint Model, offers makers, artists and creatives a step-by-step process for building a business based on their own version of success. Today, Shanna joins me explain her role in bridging the gap between finance and creativity, using the idea of ‘enough’ to measure individual success. We discuss Shanna’s long-term moratorium on social media, and she shares how the experience forced her to build a ‘marketing sundae’—diversifying her strategy to include SEO, email and Pinterest. Shanna describes how she came to design her signature Blueprint Model, her decision to offer the program as an online course, and the Blueprint’s aim to teach strategic thinking. Listen in for Shanna’s insight around sales for creative entrepreneurs and learn to find contentment in where you are right now! What You Will Learn Shanna’s role in bridging the gap between finance and creativity How profitability allows us to continue doing creative work Why Shanna focuses on the idea of ‘enough’ vs. ‘more’ The concept of time as a form of currency Shanna’s year-long moratorium on social media How to build a ‘marketing sundae’ with email, SEO and Pinterest How Shanna designed her signature Blueprint Model Shanna’s decision to offer the Blueprint Model as an online course How the Blueprint Model teaches creatives to think strategically Shanna’s insight on finding contentment in where you are now The common struggles among creatives regarding pricing and cost Shanna’s advice for creatives around practicing sales language Connect with Shanna Shanna’s Website Shanna on Pinterest Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned The Blueprint Model The Blueprint Collection Pricing for Creatives on If I Made Planoly Marie Forleo Elizabeth Suzann on Raw Milk EP003 Elizabeth’s Money Talk Blog Post ConvertKit Infusionsoft MailChimp Tonic Site Shop Showit  

There are introverts, there are extroverts, and then there are webtroverts—those of us who embody our most comfortable selves on the internet. For Sara Tasker, the web has allowed her to control her anxieties, develop relationships, and establish a thriving business that she can run from her phone in bed, with or without pants. Sara is a writer-photographer turned social media coach and host of the Hashtag Authentic podcast. She left her day job with the NHS three years ago to turn her internet passion into a business, and today her work revolves around helping other creatives tell their own stories online. Sara recently won Content of the Year in the Cosmopolitan Influencer Awards and earned runner-up honors for Natwest’s Creative Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Buzzfeed, and Mother & Baby, among many other publications. Today, Sara joins me explain her initial interest in Instagram as a creative outlet and how it evolved to become a multiple six-figure coaching business. We discuss the misconceptions about what it means to be a social media influencer, and she shares a brilliant way to reframe the common fear around succeeding in a saturated market. Sara offers her advice on marketing your business through a mailing list and building a social media following in today’s online climate. Listen in for real talk on overcoming the guilt of making money and learn the value in viewing your business as an entity separate from yourself. What You Will Learn How Sara’s business evolved to include podcasting and coaching Sara’s initial interest in Instagram as a creative outlet How Sara made the decision to become an entrepreneur Sara’s insight on receiving freebies vs. payment for your work How extensive experience as an influencer adds value Sara’s take on competition vs. community in the Instagram space Sara’s pause-and-consider approach to dealing with negativity online How Sara translates her popularity on Instagram into revenue Why Sara considers herself to be a ‘webtrovert’ How to market your business through a mailing list Sara’s holistic social media marketing strategy Sara’s advice around building a social media following today How to see your business as an entity separate from yourself How Sara overcame the guilt of making money How Sara prices her offerings based on hours and experience Why Sara struggles with guilt around maintaining work-life balance Connect with Sara Sara’s Website Sara on Instagram Sara on Pinterest Sara on Twitter Sara on YouTube Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned The Instaretreat Bloom & Grow Hashtag Authentic Hashtag Authentic: Be Your Best Creative Self Via Your Instagram Online Presence by Sara Tasker Gleam Futures MailChimp You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sicero You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sicero Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr Tara Mohr’s Website Tonic Site Shop Showit

If you suffer from depression, anxiety, overwhelm, perfectionism, burnout or procrastination, you are NOT alone. The struggle is all too common, especially among creative entrepreneurs. The key is to navigate the challenges and develop coping mechanisms so you can thrive despite the mental hurdles. Today, I’m sharing the strategies I use to fight my own battle with fear, anxiety and uncertainty. I discuss the importance of understanding your own patterns and regulating your energy accordingly as well as the value in connecting with other humans—friends, family or mental health professionals—when you start to feel overwhelmed. I explain the danger in viewing mental health issues as a moral failing and offer insight around letting go of the all-or-nothing thinking that holds me back. Listen in to understand how I say ‘no’ without guilt or anxiety and learn about the deep connection between mental and physical health. What You Will Learn How common it is for creatives to struggle with mental health How I fight fear, insecurity and uncertainty Know myself (patterns, weaknesses) Regulate energy accordingly Overcome uncertainty Connect with other humans Let go of all-or-nothing thinking Don’t try to fit square peg in round hole My weaknesses around deadlines and overcommitting The value of bringing in a mental health professional as necessary Why mental health issues are NOT a moral failing or character flaw How to overcome procrastination and ‘just start’ My strategies for coping when I’m really struggling Rest, five-minute timer & list of ‘fires’ How to say ‘no’ without guilt or anxiety The connection between mental and physical health Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK ‘The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship’ in Inc. Intentional Goal Setting Workbook The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown Tonic Site Shop Showit

You know that feeling when you’re creating … and everything else seems to fall away? You hit your stride, and you’re simply yourself—immersed in a moment of beauty? Satsuki Shibuya sees creativity as a gateway to the spiritual soul, an opportunity to cut through the noise and connect with the vulnerable part of yourself that is open and fluid and fully present in the moment of creation. Satsuki Shibuya is an artist and spiritual thinker based in Los Angeles. Her work is grounded in the idea of bridging the gap between the tangible and the unseen, and Satsuki’s watercolors explore the themes of nature, energy, and everyday life. Based on intuition and spirit, her work seeks to cultivate peace and harmony—and offer an appreciation for the world we all share. Satsuki is also the author of Moment, a book featuring poems in English and Japanese accompanied by a collection of ethereal watercolor paintings. Today, Satsuki joins me to discuss the physical crash that led to her creative clarity. She explains the value in honoring your own pace, sharing the point system she uses to work with her energy and avoid burnout. I ask Satsuki about the tension between running a business and doing work that aligns with your principles, and she speaks to the idea of creativity as a gateway to the spiritual soul. Listen in for Satsuki’s insight on the value of audience engagement over social media numbers and learn her #1 piece of advice for aspiring artists and creative entrepreneurs. What You Will Learn The physical crash that led to Satsuki’s creative clarity How to harness your gifts by honoring your own pace The value of taking a sabbatical for inspiration and rest How Satsuki developed a point system to conserve energy How to take business seriously without letting money become the driving force Why social media numbers are less important than audience engagement How Satsuki generates business through reputation and relationships Satsuki’s insight around creativity as a gateway to the spiritual soul The signs that led Satsuki to create the book Moment Satsuki’s advice around self-publishing and crowdfunding Satsuki’s guidance for aspiring artists and creative entrepreneurs Connect with Satsuki Satsuki’s Website Satsuki on Instagram Satsuki on Twitter Satsuki on Facebook Satsuki on YouTube Satsuki on Pinterest Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Moment by Satsuki Shibuya Tonic Site Shop Showit

As creative entrepreneurs, we dream of the trifecta—time freedom, financial freedom, and creative freedom. What no one tells us, though, is that scaling up the business actually limits those freedoms and pulls us farther away from the joy we felt in the beginning, back when we were just getting started and had nothing to lose. So how do we make bank—without making ourselves miserable? Tara Mangini and Percy Bright founded Jersey Ice Cream Co in the summer of 2010. What began as a vehicle for selling vintage furniture has evolved into an enviable design business. Tara and Percy move into the homes they are designing, drawing inspiration from the space itself to create interiors that are beautiful, distinct, and timeless. Their work has been featured in Design*Sponge, the New York Times, and Architectural Digest, among many other online and print publications. Tara and Percy join me to explain how their business unfolded organically, benefitting from online press without a marketing budget of any kind. They share their goals around creative freedom, discussing their desire to ‘feel like we felt at the beginning, but be less broke.’  I ask Tara and Percy about the pros and cons of working with your other half, and they communicate the way that overcommunication keeps them on the same page. Listen in for Tara & Percy’s insight on the idea of ‘arriving’ as a big old myth and learn why they are scaling down their business to pursue unadulterated creative freedom. What You Will Learn How Jersey Ice Cream’s business model unfolded organically The creative freedom that stems from having nothing to lose Tara & Percy’s realization that scaling up was not their path Tara & Percy’s revised definition of what success looks like How Jersey Ice Cream has benefitted from online press How Tara & Percy are inspired by the houses themselves Why Tara & Percy view their lack of formal training as an asset Tara & Percy’s take on not getting credit for your creative work Tara & Percy’s decision to radically shift their business model Why the idea of ‘arriving’ is a myth How overcommunication keeps Tara & Percy on the same page Tara & Percy’s concerted effort to develop work-life balance Connect with Tara & Percy Jersey Ice Cream Co Jersey Ice Cream on Instagram Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Jersey Ice Cream in Design*Sponge Jersey Ice Cream in Architectural Digest Tonic Site Shop Showit

Ever wondered how bloggers and instagram influencers make money?It is not uncommon to hear that a successful creative is earning six figures in revenue annually. But HOW? Where does that money come from exactly? And how do I get me some of that? Yes, money is usually a taboo topic, but I think it’s beneficial for ambitious creatives to understand how established entrepreneurs generate revenue, how long it takes to build a six-figure business, and the difference between revenue and profit. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain and explaining the revenue streams that contribute to my six-figure annual earnings. I share the financial challenges I faced in my 20’s and the way I approached my business in the early days—before I was qualified to charge premium rates for my work. In addition, I offer insight around separating your worth as a person from your income and fostering a you-can’t-stop-me attitude toward earning and entrepreneurship. Listen in to understand why I'm shifting my business model away from sponsorships in order to spend more time in support of aspiring creatives—like YOU! What You Will Learn How your worth as a person is separate from your annual income Why I am choosing to share the breakdown of my profits The challenging financial situation I experienced in my 20’s My decision to turn a love of cooking and writing into a business How I approached the business like a student/intern early on The value in creating a roadmap of your goals from the beginning How my income grew with hours logged in practice How many years it took to generate six-figure revenue The revenue streams that make up my annual earnings Sponsorships, freelance photography and styling Retreats, workshops and education Why I organize retreats despite the smaller work-to-profit ratio Why I have shifted my business model away from sponsorships My mission to support aspiring creatives Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned A Daily Something Tonic Site Shop Showit  

‘When you think like that, when quitting the dream … isn’t an option, you find solutions.’ Marte Marie Forsberg works as a food and lifestyle photographer for magazines around the world, and she regularly runs photography, creative business and cookery workshops and retreats across Europe. Marte grew up in the Norwegian countryside where her mother taught her how to cook from scratch with fresh produce from the garden. From that experience, Marte learned to be creative with food and to never stop exploring and venturing into unchartered food territory. Today, she is the published author of The Cottage Kitchen: Cozy Cooking in the English Countryside. Marte joins me to explain how writing down the words food, travel and design led to her career as a photographer. She shares her decision-making process around what facets of life to post on social media and offers insight on the realities of paying the bills as a creative entrepreneur. I ask her about the journey to become a published author, and she describes how The Cottage Kitchen became a story about ‘finding your way home.’ Listen in as Marte gets real about the logistics and financial realities of creating an event and learn how to avoid creating from a place of insecurity—and trust that you have an important story to share. What You Will Learn How Marte turned the words food, travel and design into a career Marte’s path to discovering her love of photography How being recognized by Bon Appetit led Marte to focus on Instagram How Marte makes decisions around sharing personal stories on social How to set boundaries regarding what facets of life you post online Marte’s insight on the reality of ‘paying the bills’ as a creative How Marte crafts several different revenue streams as a one-woman brand The impetus for Marte’s book, The Cottage Kitchen Marte’s insight on the logistics and financial realities of creating an event Marte’s learn-as-you-go approach to working as a new mom How Marte avoids creating from a place of insecurity Connect with Marte Marte Marie Forsberg Photography Marte Marie on Instagram The Cottage Kitchen Blog Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned The Cottage Kitchen: Cozy Cooking in the English Countryside by Marte Marie Forsberg Tonic Site Shop Showit

How do you grow and scale a thriving business—without abandoning your values? Can you stay positive in the face of criticism around your price point? And how do you get past people co-opting your work and passing it off as their own? Elizabeth Pape is the designer and founder of Elizabeth Suzann, a women’s clothing label born out of a dislike for excess and a desire for quality. All of her garments are cut and sewn locally in Elizabeth’s Nashville design studio using only the highest quality, natural fiber cloth. Elizabeth is passionate about creating well-designed, long-lasting garments and promoting a minimalist approach to clothing that slows down the rate of consumption. Today, Elizabeth joins me to share her organic transition from making clothing as a hobby to running a team of 35 employees. She explains the ebb and flow of her role as a creative and a business owner and addresses the challenge of saying ‘no’ to growth and financial gain when it compromises her values. I ask her about the courage it took to be transparent with her pricing, and we discuss how Elizabeth Suzann serves as a ‘gateway drug’ to the minimalist, slow fashion culture. Listen in for Elizabeth’s insight on differentiating yourself as an aspiring maker, dealing with plagiarism and competition in the online space, and expanding your business in terms of depth rather than production. What You Will Learn How Elizabeth’s college hobby evolved to become Elizabeth Suzann The organic nature of Elizabeth Suzann’s growth Elizabeth’s approach to learning leadership and management The leadership skills that did and did not come naturally to Elizabeth The ebb and flow of Elizabeth’s role as a creative and a business owner How Elizabeth says ‘no’ to growth when it compromises her values Elizabeth’s bold approach to transparency around the pricing of her apparel How Elizabeth Suzann serves as a ‘gateway drug’ to the slow fashion culture Elizabeth’s advice for aspiring makers around differentiating your work The pros and cons of working with your husband as a business partner Knows well enough to bring vision to life Difficult to unplug, check in to each other Elizabeth’s insight on dealing with plagiarism and competition Elizabeth’s ultimate dream of an in-house supply chain Connect with Elizabeth Elizabeth Suzann Elizabeth on Instagram Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Books by Simon Sinek Elizabeth’s Money Talk Blog Post Tonic Site Shop Showit

Instagram is a place to socialize and serve, not sell. So, if you want to grow a following organically on the platform, it is important to focus on your audience: Make decisions around what you hope to contribute to your dream clients first—and then provide a whole lot of value. Once you know your tribe and what you want to offer them, it’s time to purposefully design your feed to attract said audience. But what makes a beautiful feed beautiful? How do you choose a color story? (What is a color story?) Should your photos all be taken from the same angle? How do you write captions that promote engagement? And when is the best time to post? Today, I’m giving you a crash course in everything Instagram, starting with the WHY. I walk you through the elements of visual style, content strategy, and the visual rules you need to know—before you can break them! I offer advice on converting followers into clients and leveraging captions to build trust. Listen in for my secrets to organic growth and learn why follower quality is much more important than quantity. What You Will Learn How to determine your social media WHY Intersection of passions, talents, skill and values Brings value to lives of others How to establish your dream clients/customers The importance of a developing a consistent content strategy How to make decisions around visual style for your Instagram feed Beth’s visual ‘rules’ for Instagram How to choose an easy, recognizable name for your account How to select a profile image for Instagram Why your Instagram bio should be about the customer, not you How being honest about your humanity builds trust The benefit of including a call-to-action in your captions Why Beth is an advocate of organic growth Beth’s insight on creating your own branded hashtags How to determine the optimum times for posting The value in focusing on serving the followers you do have Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned VSCO Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC Snapseed on the App Store Snapseed for Android Beth’s Presets Planoly Beth’s Free Secret Weapons Guide @buzzfeedtasty on Instagram Linktree Tonic Site Shop Showit

Instagram is an incredibly useful social media marketing tool: I have used it to grow a following of more than 780,000 and build a thriving six-figure business. But social channels are not all rainbow emojis and kitten videos. The danger in a platform like Instagram lies in forgetting that other’s feeds are a highlight reel, not real life. And if we fall down the rabbit hole of comparing ourselves to the curated personas other people are posting, it can squelch our creativity pretty fast. So, how do we set healthy boundaries around social media? Are there strategies we can use to stay mindful and focused? How can we best use Instagram to connect with our customer-base—without getting caught up in the perpetual scroll of self-loathing? Today, I’m sharing my three best tactics for the intentional use of Instagram. I explain the importance of distinguishing yourself from your brand, focusing on the service of your tribe, and avoiding the use of social media as a substitute for face-to-face interaction. Listen in for insight around creating rather than consuming on social platforms and learn to separate self-worth from followers and likes! What You Will Learn The impetus for the Raw Milk podcast How Beth came to start her food blog, Local Milk How social media connects you with colleagues and clients The danger in comparing yourself to others on social media Beth’s three strategies for focus and confidence on social Intentional detachment between self and brand Focus on serving tribe Use platform mindfully The difference between diagnosis and self-loathing mode How to navigate a dip in engagement after a pivot Why social media is not a substitute for real life interaction Beth’s preference to create over consume on social Beth’s insight that you are not obligated to follow anyone Connect with Beth Beth’s Website Beth on Instagram Beth on Pinterest Beth on Twitter Local Milk Blog Local Milk on Facebook Email hello@localmilkblog.com Resources Mentioned Tonic Site Shop Showit

Beth Kirby's new podcast Raw Milk - Business Smarts with Creative Heart, the show about slow living lifestyle, minimalism, essentialism, creative entrepreneurship, social media and marketing, small + online business, sales, email list building, and lessons on building a life you love! Launching May 8th!