SummaryIn this episode, Celie and I discuss the intersection of creativity, ADHD, and chronic illness. Celie shares her journey as a visual storyteller and how her experiences shape her work and business practices. They explore the impact of late ADHD diagnosis, the importance of adapting business strategies to accommodate neurodiversity, and the empowering nature of photography in self-expression and personal growth. Celie and I discuss the complexities of living with ADHD, the impact of medication on creativity, and the importance of personal hobbies. We explore the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives, the duality of neurodivergence as both a superpower and a disability, and the significance of authentic connections in business. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for managing daily tasks, the role of photography in enhancing personal branding, and the evolving landscape of marketing beyond social media.TakeawaysCelie reframes failures as lessons learned.Photography allows individuals to feel witnessed and held.Experiencing a professional photo shoot can be empowering.Unmasking in front of the camera reveals the real self.Navigating social media can be challenging for neurodiverse individuals.Late ADHD diagnosis can lead to a reevaluation of past experiences.Adapting business practices is essential for neurodiverse entrepreneurs.Gamifying tasks can enhance productivity and focus.The importance of community and support in creative fields.Recognising and working with one's neurodiversity can lead to personal growth. Creative hobbies can bring immense joy and fulfillment.Medication can alter one's personality and creativity.Understanding ADHD involves recognising daily challenges.Habit stacking can help manage daily tasks effectively.Balancing personal and professional life is a continuous journey.Neurodivergence can be seen as both a superpower and a challenge.Social interactions can drain energy for neurodivergent individuals.Authenticity in photography enhances personal branding.Marketing strategies should extend beyond social media.Self-worth should not be tied solely to business success.Chapters00:00 Reframing Failure as Lessons02:15 The Empowering Nature of Photography04:35 Navigating Neurodiversity and Self-Discovery07:15 Social Media Dynamics and Personal Expression10:06 ADHD and Business Adaptations12:23 Building Supportive Friendships15:10 The Impact of Negative Reinforcement17:37 Access to Work and Systemic Challenges26:13 The Power of Imagination and Loneliness28:06 Navigating Social Dynamics and Context31:15 Creativity and ADHD: A Double-Edged Sword35:34 The Impact of Medication on Creativity40:28 Balancing Personal and Professional Life45:26 Understanding Neurodivergence and Social Interactions47:26 Using Photography to Enhance Authenticity Online53:21 The Challenge of One-Page Profiles54:29 Navigating Social Media: Instagram vs. Substack56:24 The Personal vs. Professional Identity57:58 Self-Worth and Business Success59:07 Distinguishing Self from Business01:01:11 Tools for Efficiency in Creative Work01:03:18 The Evolution of Photography Equipment01:06:03 Exploring Holistic Health and Spirituality01:06:03 Closing Thoughts and Future ConnectionsFind Celie online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celie.nigoumi/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celienigoumi/Website: https://www.celienigoumi.com/Substack: https://celienigoumi.substack.com/

This week, I’m joined by Rachel Harris, founder of @accountant_she, where we discuss her journey to empower and educate within the accounting industry. She shares her vision of transforming the perception of accountants, emphasising creativity and emotional connection within the finance industry and content creation. Rachel elaborates on her strategies for disrupting stereotypes, maximising tax benefits, and creating engaging content that resonates with her audience. She also highlights the importance of community, the power of introversion, and the significance of hiring the right people. TakeawaysRachel Harris aims to change the perception of accountants.Creativity in finance can lead to a more engaging experience.Understanding financial metrics is crucial for business success.Maximizing tax benefits can significantly impact business owners.Content creation should be fun and engaging, not boring.Introversion can be a superpower in business leadership.Setting personal boundaries is essential for maintaining integrity.Failing forward is a key to growth and learning.Hiring the right people is critical for business success.Building a community around your brand fosters loyalty and connection.Chapters00:00 Proud Achievements in Business02:29 Disrupting the Accounting Industry05:32 Making Finance Engaging08:22 Understanding Key Financial Metrics11:17 Creative Approaches to Expenses13:54 Navigating Tax Benefits17:00 Adapting to Modern Careers19:32 The Role of Governing Bodies22:27 Balancing Creativity and Structure24:44 Creative Process and Time Management26:49 Navigating Busy Days and Inbox Management28:27 The Power of Introversion30:15 Building Confidence as an Introvert32:06 Content Creation Strategies33:07 Failing Forward: Embracing Failure in Business34:56 Understanding Different Platforms37:30 Creating Community and Authenticity43:08 Clarity in Branding and ValuesYou can find Rachel on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accountant_she/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harris-a3192372/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@accountantsheTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@accountant_shePodcast: https://practiceownerspod.substack.com/

SummaryThis week, I’ve invited Lorna Scully, an email marketing expert, onto the podcast to share her insights on the challenges of social media marketing and the power of email marketing. She discusses the importance of building and maintaining an email list, optimising email strategies, and the significance of segmentation and personalisation. Lorna emphasises the need for creativity in email marketing and provides practical do's and don'ts for effective campaigns. Additionally, she touches on GDPR compliance and the necessity of explicit consent in email marketing practices.TakeawaysEmail marketing allows for direct communication with interested audiences.Social media can be overwhelming and often leads to conflicting advice.Building an email list is crucial for long-term business success.Segmentation helps tailor messages to specific audience interests.Creativity in email marketing can enhance engagement and conversion rates.Consistency in branding across emails and websites is essential.GDPR compliance is necessary to avoid legal issues in email marketing.Testing different email formats can lead to better understanding of audience preferences.The importance of clear and concise subject lines to increase open rates.Regularly cleaning your email list can improve deliverability and engagement.Chapters:00:00 Navigating Social Media Frustrations03:06 The Power of Email Marketing05:55 Building and Optimizing Your Email List08:33 Creative Email Marketing Strategies11:11 Consistency in Branding and Communication29:26 The Color Orange: A Personal Branding Journey30:56 Choosing the Right Email Provider for Your Business34:26 Email Marketing Do's and Don'ts37:47 Crafting Effective Subject Lines40:50 Building and Growing Your Email List45:57 Understanding GDPR Compliance in Email MarketingFind Lorna Online:Instagram: @lornascullyukThreads: @lornascullyukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornascullyemail/Website: https://lornascully.com/

In this week’s conversation, Holly discusses her journey into journalism, and writing. She shares insights into the relaunch of her magazine 'In the Country,' its new focus on Western lifestyle, and the challenges of marketing her new book. Holly reflects on her creative process, the importance of community in business, and the persistence required to succeed as an entrepreneur. The discussion also touches on the balance of managing multiple projects and the evolving landscape of social media marketing.Key PointsThe relaunch of 'In the Country' was driven by passion.The magazine now focuses on Western lifestyle trends.Holly's book reflects her journey of self-discovery.Marketing a book is a different challenge than a magazine.Community support is vital for small businesses.Persistence is essential in entrepreneurship.Balancing multiple projects requires effective time management.Social media marketing has changed significantly.Chapters02:01 Navigating Change and Growth04:47 Relaunching 'In the Country'07:11 Embracing the Western Lifestyle10:08 The Journey of Writing a Book12:44 Marketing Challenges in the Digital Age15:19 Self-Publishing Insights18:03 The Differences in Publishing Processes32:18 The Rise of Book Influencers34:53 Navigating Social Media for Authors37:32 Balancing Passion and Profit in Business44:51 The Journey of Entrepreneurship50:31 Building Community and Brand LoyaltyFind Holly Online:In The Country Magazine: https://www.inthecountrymagazine.com/In The Country Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecountrymaggHolly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holllythomson/Holly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-thomson-153670144/Holly’s Substack: https://substack.com/@hollythomsonRead “A Search of Kinds”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Search-Kinds-Holly-Thomson/dp/B0DJKC2RJT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=T38ZQEGCSACI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1ljUSZppkOEvZpoDeZg8qQ.COitixbDLUD27iLfuzJ7RYf6dHlrfaqN6diW8PxGb5Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+search+of+kinds+holly+thomson&qid=1741203088&sprefix=a+search+of+%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1 

In this episode, Ellie and I explore the intricacies of messaging and content creation for small business owners. We discuss the importance of having a clear message, the challenges of content creation, and the value of community support. Ellie shares her ICK framework for helping clients articulate their unique stories and the significance of authenticity in building connections online. We also touche on the balance between personal boundaries and community engagement, the role of creativity and chaos in business, and the importance of enthusiasm in everyday life.Takeaways:Content creation should be fun and less stressful.Having a sounding board can enhance creativity.Messaging is crucial for small business success.The ICK framework helps clarify individual and client narratives.Building confidence through messaging is essential.Communities provide invaluable support for business owners.Authenticity fosters trust in community engagement.Setting boundaries is key to maintaining personal well-being.Creative collaboration can lead to innovative ideas.Embracing change is part of the entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:00:00 Finding Fun in Content Creation02:05 The Importance of Messaging for Small Businesses04:54 Nailing Your Unique Selling Proposition07:35 Creative Approaches to Messaging10:26 Building Confidence in Sharing Your Message13:18 Leveraging Community for Business Growth16:11 Creating a Supportive Business Environment18:49 The Enthusiast: Building a Community on Substack22:15 The Art of Perspective26:45 Building Authentic Communities31:14 Establishing Boundaries in Community Leadership34:25 Creative Collaboration and Chaos40:37 Looking Ahead: Enthusiasm and Future GoalsFind Ellie Online:Website: https://www.eleanormollie.co.uk/Substack: https://caringiscool.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleanor_mollieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-kime/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@eleanor_mollie

In this conversation, I'm joined by Rachel Emma Waring to discuss all things selling and launching!Rachel introduces her BEAM method for planning launches, which includes building, engaging, anticipating, and marketing. She also shares insights on creating engaging content, overcoming the discomfort of selling, and the significance of world-building in marketing. We get some fantastic insights into her experiences with successful and unsuccessful launches, offering advice on adapting strategies and handling failures. The discussion concludes with thoughts on the future of launching and the importance of creativity in the process.takeaways Immersive launching creates a sense of being everywhere. Pre-launch hype is crucial for a successful launch. The BEAM method includes Build, Engage, Anticipate, and Market phases. Content should cater to different buyer types. Selling should be viewed as sharing valuable information. World-building enhances the launch experience. Repurposing content can save time and effort. Handling launch failures requires analyzing data and learning from mistakes. Creativity in launching can lead to more engaging experiences. It's important to stay true to your brand vision.If you'd like to find Rachel online, you can do so on:Instagram: @rachelemmawaringLinkedIn: Rachel WaringWebsite: https://www.rachelemmawaring.com/

In this episode, I invited Kirsty onto the podcast discuss the intricate relationship between creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurship. We explore the creative process behind branding, the importance of understanding one's own definition of confidence, and how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression and healing, especially in the context of grief. The discussion also delves into the challenges of perfectionism, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the significance of self-care as a business owner. We reflect on the realities of support in entrepreneurship, the dangers of comparison, and the transformative journey of self-discovery that comes with building a business.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kirsty McCusker and Her Niche04:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Confidence09:56 Overcoming Perfectionism in Creative Work15:31 Finding Comfort in Creativity20:31 Establishing Boundaries as a Business Owner25:55 The Importance of Putting Yourself First31:21 Conclusion and Future Aspirations35:59 Navigating Family and Friends' Expectations40:33 The Comparison Trap in Entrepreneurship45:58 The Value of Genuine Support53:35 Tools for Focus and ProductivityYou can find Kirsty on:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/intruekirstyle/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimccusker/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndfg/about/https://www.linkedin.com/company/comfychaos/about/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/intruekirstyle/https://www.instagram.com/thisiscomfychaos/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/intruekirstyleWebsite: https://www.intruekirstyle.com/Email Newsletter: https://intruekirstyle.myflodesk.com

This week, I have my good friend Chelsea, owner of Hooves & Love and Paws & Love on the podcast. We discuss a whole array of topics including the power of gifting, and getting creative when giving someone a gift, imposter syndrome and perfectionism and where to start when it comes to being creative. Warning, we had an extra guest (Harley, the German Shepherd) and at times he has a lot to say for himself so be prepared! ~ You can find Chelsea on: https://hoovesandlove.co.uk/ https://www.pawsandlove.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/HoovesandLove https://www.instagram.com/Hooves_and_Love/ As always, you can find me on: www.bethlhicks.com www.facebook.com/BethHicksCreative www.linkedin.com/in/bethlhicks www.tiktok.com/@bethlhicks97 And if you'd like to keep in touch, you can join my email list here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62da975bbf22a55feeba578e

This week, I invited my good friend Isabelle onto the podcast. In it, we discuss some of the harder topics in regards to creativity, such as just how brave it is to be creative, and separating being creative with the value we put on ourselves. I hope you're ready to take some notes as there are so many nuggets to take away from this episode. I left a little bit mind blown! If you would like to follow Isabelle online, you can find her on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/isa.degrain (message her first to say you came from the podcast) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-casgrain/

This week, I invited Holly onto the podcast. Holly is probably best known for being the founder and editor of In The Country Magazine, and now is the co-founder of another publication Countrywoman's Guide. In this episode, we talk about our mutual love of writing, how Holly brought In The Country Magazine to life, and how this then transitioned into Countrywoman's Guide, alongside her co-founder Emma Warren (and the exciting things they have planned over the next couple of months). If you would like to follow Holly, Emma and Countrywoman's Guide online, you can do so via the following links: Holly: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holllythomson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-thomson-153670144/ Emma: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmawarren_1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmawarren/ Countrywoman's Guide: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countrywomansguide/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/countrywomansguide/ Publication: https://countrywomansguide.co.uk/