The Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley
The Bloom & Grow Show is a podcast to help women build thriving business and joy-filled lives. We believe in writing our own success story. Through smart marketing strategies, confidence and clarity there is no dream too big. To us, it’s more than building a thriving business. It’s about creating a new joyful life for you and your family. To constantly grow into who you were meant to be. And that, together, we can bloom and grow. Marketing Strategy, Small Business Strategy, Creative Business, Mom Entrepreneurship, Gardening and a Joy-Filled Life
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Ep. 161 The Magic of Retreats & What I Learned at the Beach
04/03/2025
Ep. 161 The Magic of Retreats & What I Learned at the Beach
In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my recent Coterie Mastermind Beach Retreat. I share the power of hosting intimate, well-curated retreats, and how this event reminded me of the deep connections and transformations that can happen when we gather together. You’ll hear how I’ve refined my retreat process over the years and why retreats—whether big or small—offer incredible value for both hosts and attendees. Resources Mentioned: The Retreat Effect Masterclass (April 16th): amberhousley.com/retreatclass Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/coteriemastermind
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Ep. 160 - Spring Reset – Where I’ve Been & What I’m Growing This Season
04/03/2025
Ep. 160 - Spring Reset – Where I’ve Been & What I’m Growing This Season
After a break from the podcast, I’m back to share some personal updates and how life’s challenges led me to rethink my business planning. I talk about embracing more flexibility in my approach, starting a new creative outlet with Sweet Life Letters on Substack, and setting meaningful intentions with my word of the year, Golden, and my spring word, Open. Join me as I reflect on life’s seasons and the freedom that comes with embracing change. Resources Mentioned: Sweet Life Letters on Substack: Spring Virtual Retreat Replay: Retreat Planning Masterclass:
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Ep. 159 - How To Take 4 Months off in Business and Double Your Revenue with VIP Days featuring Sage Polaris
07/03/2024
Ep. 159 - How To Take 4 Months off in Business and Double Your Revenue with VIP Days featuring Sage Polaris
Today I'm sitting down with Sage Polaris, consultant, copywriter and VIP Day extraordinaire, to discuss her approach to taking time off in her business and how she was able to double her revenue with VIP days. Sage shares how she's taken four months off every year for the past nine years and has continued to grow her business. Sage shares her insights and strategies for using VIP days as a marketing method and the need to consistently grow your audience in order to maintain the effectiveness of this method. Takeaways Strategically plan your time off in advance to create more white space on your calendar Offering VIP days can help consolidate client work and create more flexibility in your schedule Referrals and partnerships play a significant role in audience growth Tailor your website design to your specific business model Provide flexibility for clients in terms of in-person or virtual VIP days Offer additional support after the VIP day ends Resources Mentioned: Connect with Sage: Learn more: Join me at Bloom & Grow Live: Learn more about the Blooming Business Inner Circle:
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Ep. 158 - 10 Strategies to Boost Your Business Growth This Summer
06/26/2024
Ep. 158 - 10 Strategies to Boost Your Business Growth This Summer
Welcome to summer in the Bloom & Grow Show! Today I'm sharing tips and strategies for growing and thriving in your business during this busy season. I encourage you to embrace the summer season for content creation, hosting summer sales or events, planning for the future, connecting with your community, refreshing your brand, focusing on personal growth, creating summer-themed products, enhancing customer engagement, optimizing operations, and preparing for the back-to-school season. Takeaways: • Embrace the summer season for your content creation by incorporating seasonal themes, colors, and visuals. • Host a summer sale or event to drive engagement and boost sales. • Use the summer season to plan for the future, including Q3 and Q4 schedules and goals. • Connect with your community by creating opportunities for networking and socializing. • Refresh your brand by updating your website, social media profiles, and other branding elements. • Focus on personal growth and self-care during the summer season. • Consider creating summer-themed products or offerings to align with the season. • Enhance customer engagement through contests, giveaways, and encouraging user-generated content. • Optimize your business operations by streamlining processes and implementing new tools or systems. • Start preparing for the back-to-school season by planning campaigns and content that cater to the energy and needs of this time. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Join my Blooming Business Inner Circle: Learn more about Bloom & Grow Live:
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Ep. 157 - Pre-Retreat Prep: Shifting from Business Hustle to Hostess Mindset
04/04/2024
Ep. 157 - Pre-Retreat Prep: Shifting from Business Hustle to Hostess Mindset
In today's episode, I'm sharing all about my pre-retreat preparation process and how I shift from a business-focused mindset to a warm and welcoming hostess mindset. I'll take you behind the scenes of what I'm doing to prepare for Inspired Retreat, ensuring that when my attendees arrive, I'm ready to create a fantastic experience for them. Highlights & Takeaways: • Shifting Mindsets: I discuss the importance of transitioning from focusing on business priorities to creating a welcoming atmosphere for retreat attendees. • Engaging Pre-Retreat Communication: I share strategies for connecting with attendees beforehand to build anticipation and community, such as using Voxer, sending personalized emails, and thoughtful gifts. • Strategic Planning and Logistics: I talk about having a "get it done" attitude, making decisions, and staying within budget, as well as the importance of a lean schedule leading up to the retreat. • Creating a Cohesive Experience: I highlight how I design tablescapes, incorporate themes, and prepare my team to ensure a smooth and welcoming retreat experience. Resources Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: Learn More About Inspired Retreat:
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Ep. 156 - Marketing Magic for Retreats: How to Fill Your Spots
03/28/2024
Ep. 156 - Marketing Magic for Retreats: How to Fill Your Spots
In this episode, I dive into the world of marketing magic for retreats. Drawing from my extensive experience in hosting retreats and live events, I share three innovative marketing techniques to help ensure your retreat is fully booked. Whether you're a seasoned retreat host or just starting out, these strategies are sure to ignite your marketing efforts and attract the right participants to your transformative experience. Highlights: • Introduction to Marketing Magic: I share my passion for marketing and how it can sometimes feel overwhelming with so many options available. I emphasize the importance of simplifying your approach to avoid decision fatigue. • Digital Magazine: Learn how to create a visually appealing digital magazine as a lead magnet for your retreat. I explain how to use content from your sales page and repurpose it in a more engaging format. • Evergreen Email Sequence: Discover the power of an evergreen email sequence to nurture leads and build anticipation for your retreat. I share tips on how to create a sequence that remains relevant and effective over time. • Info Session or Webinar: Find out how hosting an info session or webinar can showcase the value of your retreat and build trust with potential attendees. I highlight the importance of enthusiasm and energy in selling your retreat experience. Key Takeaways: • Simplify Your Marketing: Don't let the multitude of options paralyze you. Focus on a few effective strategies to start with. • Utilize Visuals: A digital magazine can provide a more engaging way to present information about your retreat and attract leads. • Nurture Leads: An evergreen email sequence is a crucial tool for keeping your retreat top of mind and building excitement. • Engage Directly: Hosting a live info session or webinar allows for real-time interaction and can help alleviate any concerns potential attendees may have. Resources: Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: Learn More About Inspired Retreat:
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Ep. 155 - The Power of VIP Days: Redefining Retreats to Elevate Your Business with Guest Sarah Masci
03/26/2024
Ep. 155 - The Power of VIP Days: Redefining Retreats to Elevate Your Business with Guest Sarah Masci
Join me in this episode as I sit down with my guest, Sarah Masci, to explore the transformative power of VIP Days within the realm of retreats and how they can take your business to the next level. Incorporating VIP Days into your business model can lead to transformative experiences for your clients and increased revenue for your business. Highlights: • Sarah shares her expertise on hosting retreats and VIP days, discussing transformational impact, location selection, logistics, and format/content design. • Discover how attending a retreat can be life-changing and translate into powerful testimonials for your business. • Learn how to select locations that create memorable experiences for your attendees. • Dive into the details of planning a retreat, from accommodations to handling unexpected challenges. • Design the format and content of your retreats for maximum impact, including hot seat sessions and outdoor activities. • Enhance your mastermind programs with retreats, offering alumni preferred rates and ongoing support. • Explore how hot seat sessions can provide personalized feedback and support. • Learn how VIP days can be a lucrative addition to your business offerings. • Get tips for pricing strategies and structuring your offerings for day rates in your business. Key Takeaways: • Retreats and VIP Days can be life-changing for participants and increase credibility for your business. • Incorporate retreats into mastermind programs to enhance community engagement. • Don't be afraid to experiment with VIP days and other offerings to find what resonates best with your audience. Links Connect with Sarah: Instagram: Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program:
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Ep. 154 - 10 Ways Your Retreat Budget Gets Blown: A Guide to Staying on Track and Profitable
03/22/2024
Ep. 154 - 10 Ways Your Retreat Budget Gets Blown: A Guide to Staying on Track and Profitable
In today's episode, I dive into the top 10 budget busters that retreat hosts face and how to avoid them. From choosing the right location to managing food and swag costs, I share practical tips to help you stay profitable while delivering an amazing retreat experience. Whether you're a seasoned host or planning your first event, these insights will set you up for success. Key Takeaways: Location Selection: Opt for budget-friendly destinations that align with your retreat's theme. Room Blocks: Approach room blocks cautiously to avoid unnecessary costs. Budgeting: Know your break-even number and track expenses closely. Food Costs: Be strategic with meal planning to minimize waste and expenses. Hotel Expenses: Understand all potential costs associated with your venue. Team Expenses: Budget for your support staff's travel and accommodation. Swag: Choose meaningful and cost-effective swag items. Alcohol: Use drink tickets to control alcohol consumption and costs. Event Size: Start small to manage costs and gain experience. Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being to ensure a successful event. Links: Join my Free Mastering Retreats Workshop Series: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program:
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Ep. 153 - Stitching Success: Building Community and Creativity with Christen Phillips
03/19/2024
Ep. 153 - Stitching Success: Building Community and Creativity with Christen Phillips
Dive into the power of retreats in building community and creativity. On today's episode I welcome Christen Phillips, the creative force behind I See Stars Quilting, to share her journey from starting a modern quilting blog to hosting sold-out retreats that bring women together in creativity and connection. Discover how Christen's retreats have transformed her business, deepened her community, and inspired attendees to embrace their quilting passion. Key Takeaways: From Blog to Business: Christen's evolution from starting a quilting blog to creating a thriving community. Retreat Inspiration: How attending Amber's retreats influenced Christen's approach to her own events. Overcoming Challenges: Lessons learned from hosting the first retreat and the importance of personal touches. Community Impact: The role of retreats in fostering connections and confidence among attendees. Links Connect with Christen: YouTube: Instagram: @iseestarsquilting Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program:
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Ep. 152 - Retreat Realities: Unpacking the Highs and Lows of Creating Events
03/14/2024
Ep. 152 - Retreat Realities: Unpacking the Highs and Lows of Creating Events
Welcome to the realities of planning and hosting retreats. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes, sharing my personal stories, including the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned from over a decade of event planning experience. Combined with a bit of humor, the insights I provide in this episode offer a valuable look into the complexities and rewards of retreat planning. My emphasis on authenticity, community, and self-care offers inspiration for anyone looking to create impactful and memorable events. Highlights: • My extensive background in event planning, from college days to working in the wedding industry to hosting my own retreats • The importance of managing attendee expectations and logistics, including accommodation challenges and the impact of swag size • The significance of retreats in my business strategy, highlighting their role in my value ladder and the potential for generating revenue • Creating a cohesive experience for all attendees, regardless of their investment level, and the power of community in my events • Personal stories of challenges I faced, such as managing swag orders, vendor issues, and accommodation logistics at Inspired Retreat • The importance of self-care and setting boundaries as an event host to maintain energy and focus Key Takeaways: • Retreat planning involves a delicate balance of logistics, attendee expectations, and creating a memorable experience. • Swag size matters: consider the practicality of gifts for attendees who have to travel. • Music sets the tone: invest in a good DJ or carefully curate your playlist to enhance the event atmosphere. • Accommodation choices can significantly impact attendee experience; consider options carefully. • Retreats are not one-off events but part of a larger business strategy that can lead to significant revenue and deeper connections with your audience. • Self-care is crucial for event hosts to maintain their energy and provide the best experience for attendees. Links: Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: Discover the Blooming Business Inner Circle: Start Your Coaching Journey With Me:
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Ep. 151 - Crafting Community: Building Authenticity Through Live Events with Cathy Olson
03/12/2024
Ep. 151 - Crafting Community: Building Authenticity Through Live Events with Cathy Olson
Today I had the extreme pleasure of chatting with my good friend, Cathy Olson, of Funnel Gorgeous. Join me as we follow her journey from a design business start-up to co-founding a multi-million dollar company. We discuss the importance of authenticity and building a community of like-minded individuals, and our experiences hosting retreats and conferences. Cathy shares the details of the recent Funnel Gorgeous Retreat, a small, intimate event that focuses on deep connections and valuable content. We also touch on the logistics and challenges of organizing events, including shipping swag and managing attendee expectations. Cathy emphasizes the importance of adapting to unexpected changes and finding creative solutions. Takeaways * Authenticity is key in building a community of like-minded individuals. * Hosting retreats and conferences can create deep connections and valuable content. * Logistics, such as shipping swag and managing attendee expectations, can be challenging but important to consider. * Creating a balance between work and play during events can enhance the attendee experience. * Embrace unexpected changes and find creative solutions to make the best of challenging situations. * Join supportive communities to connect with like-minded individuals and receive valuable advice and assistance. Links Connect with Cathy on Instagram: Learn more about Funnel Gorgeous: Try FG Funnels for your business: Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program:
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Ep. 150 - My Retreat Learning Curve: From Event Attendee to Event Expert
03/07/2024
Ep. 150 - My Retreat Learning Curve: From Event Attendee to Event Expert
In this episode, we're diving into the journey from being an attendee at retreats more than a decade ago to becoming an expert in hosting them. Join me as I share my personal growth and key lessons learned along the way in bringing my retreat dreams to life. You'll also get a peek at life right now - which feels very much like a transition season. With just finishing hosting a Coterie Mastermind retreat and preparing for Inspired Retreat, while also in the middle of an office refresh, everything feels a little imperfect right now. Highlights: - Reflecting on the recent Coterie Mastermind retreat in Florida. - Sharing the excitement of office renovation and embracing imperfection. - Celebrating the 12th birthday of the Inspired Retreat and its evolution. - Discussing the early days of attending retreats and the inspiration to host her own. - Emphasizing the importance of starting small and learning from each experience. - Inviting listeners to the "Mastering Retreats" workshop series. Key Takeaways: - Embrace the journey of personal and professional growth, from attending events to hosting your own. - Start small with your retreats and gradually build up to your dream event, learning and improving along the way. - Hosting retreats can be a powerful way to make an impact on your clients and customers, as well as a significant revenue stream for your business. Links: Sign up for the workshop series at Follow Amber on Instagram for more insights and join the Spring Clean Your Business Challenge at .
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Ep. 149 - Stories of Transformation: The Power of a Purposeful Retreat with Pink Creatives
03/05/2024
Ep. 149 - Stories of Transformation: The Power of a Purposeful Retreat with Pink Creatives
In this episode I chat with the creative duo behind . They share their journey of creating a unique retreat experience for creative entrepreneurs, with insights into their individual businesses and the impact of the Invite & Delight retreat planning program. Key Takeaways: Sarah and Wendy's Creative Journeys: Learn about their backgrounds in content creation, chair design, and real estate investing. Birth of Pink Creatives Retreat: Discover how the retreat was conceived to address the demand for creative business coaching. Retreat Experience: Get a glimpse into the immersive experience at the Frenchie Boutique Hotel, covering marketing, publishing, and more. Success Stories: Hear about the growth and achievements of past attendees. lanning and Execution: Understand the importance of meticulous planning and providing a luxurious experience. The importance of having your next retreat ready for marketing while wrapping up the current one. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in starting or leveling up their creative business, seeking inspiration for hosting their own retreat, or simply curious about the power of community and creativity in business. For those interested in starting their own retreat, I'm excited to share that doors will soon open for my Invite & Delight retreat planning program. Stay tuned for more details on how you can create and launch your own successful retreat. Links Learn more about Pink Creatives: Connect with Wendy, Sarah & Pink Creatives on Instagram: @simplysoutherncottage, @chairwhimsy, @pinkcreatives Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program:
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Ep. 148 - Embracing the Spring Season in Your Business and Life
02/23/2024
Ep. 148 - Embracing the Spring Season in Your Business and Life
In this episode of The Bloom and Grow Show, I dive into the spring season, both in terms of our menstrual cycles and the calendar year. I share how aligning with the energy of spring can help us plan, set goals, and be creative in our businesses. I also talk about my upcoming spring retreat, Craft and Create, and how it's designed to help women entrepreneurs connect with their creativity and set themselves up for success in the coming season. Key Points: Winter Recap: I recap the winter season of your cycle and how it influences your business and life. Spring Energy: The spring season, or follicular phase, brings new energy, creativity, and optimism. It's a great time for planning, goal setting, and starting new projects. Aligning with Nature: I discuss the importance of aligning your business and life with the natural seasons and cycles for better flow and productivity. Spring Retreat - Craft and Create: I introduce my upcoming spring virtual retreat, which focuses on reconnecting with creativity and crafting a successful path for the next 90 days. The retreat includes a mix of mindset work, goal setting, and business strategies. Invitation to Join: I invite listeners to join the spring retreat and consider the VIP upgrade option for additional benefits, including a free month in my Blooming Business Inner Circle membership. Call to Action: Listen to Episode 147 for a recap of the winter season. Check out the spring retreat at amberhousley.com/spring and consider the VIP upgrade for extra perks. Share this episode with a friend who might benefit from it. Leave a rating or review on iTunes to help the podcast reach more people.
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Ep. 147 - Embracing the Winter Season: A Guide to Empowerment and Productivity
02/14/2024
Ep. 147 - Embracing the Winter Season: A Guide to Empowerment and Productivity
Welcome back to another episode of the Bloom & Grow Show! Today, we're diving into a topic that might not be on everyone's radar but is incredibly important for female entrepreneurs: embracing the different seasons of your menstrual cycle. Join me as we explore how understanding and honoring your cycle can lead to greater productivity, self-care, and empowerment in both your personal and professional life. I review the four seasons of your cycle: winter, spring, summer and fall, and chat about the specifics of how each phase corresponds to different hormonal changes in the body and offers unique opportunities for self-care and productivity. I share practical tips for tracking your cycle and how best to show up for yourself and your business during each phase. I encourage you to honor your natural rhythms and make the most of each phase. Links Clue cycle tracker: Stardust cycle tracker: In The Flo by Alisa Vitti: Learn more about the Blooming Business Inner Circle: Get your free Vision Board Training:
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Ep. 146 - Unveiling My 2024 Blueprint + Goals for Business and Life
01/25/2024
Ep. 146 - Unveiling My 2024 Blueprint + Goals for Business and Life
In this inspiring episode, I warmly welcome listeners to the dawn of 2024, sharing my personal and professional goals for the year. The episode kicks off with my reflections on the much-needed break taken since December, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and aligning with the season's rhythm. I delve into the unexpected 'Snowmageddon 2024' that blanketed Nashville, drawing parallels between this event and the quiet, introspective days of the pandemic. This natural pause allowed for family bonding and a reconnection with the essence of joy and simplicity in life. Exactly what the winter season is for! Listeners will find this episode particularly engaging as I unveil my eight carefully thought-out goals for 2024 (with a few bonus business goals for the winter season!). These goals range from creating a serene and organized home environment, embracing a holistic health and wellness journey, and mindful financial planning, to nurturing creativity through reading and adventures, preserving family memories, leading my business with confidence and clarity, and fostering community through collaborations. I share my reconnection with PowerSheets, a pivotal tool in my goal-setting journey, and how this tool, along with Asana, will guide me through the year. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to start their year with intention, seeking inspiration for setting personal and professional goals, or anyone interested in learning how to balance the demands of life and work with grace and joy. Links Spring Virtual Retreat Preview: Blooming Business Inner Circle Membership: Copy Club Ai: Podcast Success Blueprint by Elizabeth McCravy: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: Join Me at Inspired Retreat:
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Ep. 145 - Financial Facelift: Why Your Business Goals Need a Monetary Makeover with Portia Jackson
12/06/2023
Ep. 145 - Financial Facelift: Why Your Business Goals Need a Monetary Makeover with Portia Jackson
Today, I had the ultimate pleasure of interviewing Portia Jackson, a certified financial planner and money coach for online entrepreneurs. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to grow their business while maintaining a balanced, satisfying personal life. Her approach to financial planning, emphasizing personal satisfaction over the hustle culture, is a breath of fresh air. We dive into Portia's intriguing journey from engineering to financial planning, uncovering the steps and insights that led her to her current role. Growth and Wisdom Highlights: How best to track financial metrics & their importance in our entrepreneurial journey Collaboration & understanding strengths in a relationship can significantly enhance financial management Seek out alternative marketing methods to social media that more closely align with personal values Takeaways: Connect your business revenue goals with your personal financial aspirations to create your ideal lifestyle Finding personal satisfaction and a balanced life is needed in today's fast-paces business world Set meaningful, satisfying goals that resonate beyond just the numbers Links Portia Jackson: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: Join Me at Inspired Retreat:
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Ep. 144 - Courage in Creativity: Thriving in the World of Entrepreneurship with Elizabeth McCravy
11/08/2023
Ep. 144 - Courage in Creativity: Thriving in the World of Entrepreneurship with Elizabeth McCravy
Take a deep dive into a meaningful conversation with the amazingly talented designer, podcaster, and template shop owner, Elizabeth McCravy. In this episode of the Bloom & Grow Show, Elizabeth opens up about her current focus on developing an educational course during her pregnancy, and her excitement for expanding her range of educational content in the future. Elizabeth shares her passion for course creation and website template design, expressing how these creative outlets bring her joy and fulfillment. During our chat, Elizabeth also touches upon a past venture, sharing her experience with creating a membership product, a project she eventually decided to close. This part of our discussion sheds light on the vital aspects of adaptability and the bravery required to make difficult decisions in the world of entrepreneurship. So, if you’re intrigued by course creation, template design, or navigating the challenges of product offerings, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights for a unique perspective on creative entrepreneurship and building resilience in your business journey! Connect with Elizabeth: Instagram: @elizabethmccravy Elizabeth McCravy Template Shop: Use code "AMBER" to save at checkout! Breakthrough Brand Podcast: Links: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: Join me at Inspired Retreat:
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Ep. 143 - People Before Pitches: Crafting a Friendly Marketing Space with Sara Dunn
11/01/2023
Ep. 143 - People Before Pitches: Crafting a Friendly Marketing Space with Sara Dunn
Step inside the world of wedding SEO with expert, Sara Dunn, in this insightful episode of the Bloom & Grow Show! 🎤 Sara opens up about her unique approach to hosting Lunch and Learn sessions, skillfully rotating core topics while introducing fresh, captivating content to keep her audience engaged and connected. Discover how she’s turned these sessions into a welcoming community space, offering invaluable advice and subtly showcasing her services in a manner that feels more like a friendly chat than a sales pitch. But the learning doesn’t stop there—Sara takes us through her monthly marketing routines, shedding light on her content creation process, SEO strategies, and the art of crafting emails that truly resonate. 🌟 She shares how answering recurring questions has led to impactful blog posts, driving traffic and inquiries her way through top Google rankings. And as we dive deeper, Sara generously shares her journey in growing a team, creating innovative products, and building a business that truly fits her lifestyle. Ready for a dose of marketing wisdom and a friendly nudge in the right direction? Press play and join us for a fun conversation that feels just like catching up with two friends on all things business and marketing. Connect with Sara: Instagram: @saradoesseo Links: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: Join Me at Inspired Retreat:
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Ep. 142 - Business Rewind: A 2014 Flashback and 2023 Hindsight
10/18/2023
Ep. 142 - Business Rewind: A 2014 Flashback and 2023 Hindsight
Come take a journey with me in this episode as we step back in time to explore the early years of my business. It all began with a simple Facebook Memory post from 9 years ago that triggered a cascade of memories. Back then, I was not only managing the business as a side hustle but also navigating the challenges of raising a baby and a kindergartener. I'll walk you through the products and services I was passionately creating and offering to the world during those days. We'll delve into the surprising sales I was making, with actual numbers from my P/L statement in 2014. Now, with the gift of hindsight, I'll share wisdom that has emerged over the course of nine years. What may have seemed like small steps back then were actually building the foundation for the business I have today. This episode isn't just a stroll down memory lane; it's a journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurial evolution. Whether you're an entrepreneur, engaged in a side hustle, or someone contemplating the leap into the world of business, this episode provides a candid glimpse into the past, filled with valuable lessons and the resilience that propels us forward. Tune in, and together, let's rewind the clock to uncover the treasures hidden in the early chapters of my business story. Links: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: Join Me at Inspired Retreat:
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Ep. 141 - Sales Funnels Unveiled: How to Strategically Work Smarter
10/06/2023
Ep. 141 - Sales Funnels Unveiled: How to Strategically Work Smarter
In this solo episode, I'm excited to take a deep dive into the world of strategic online sales funnels. Drawing from my recent experience at the successful Bloom and Grow Live event, I share how having a strategic foundation in place allowed me to work smarter, not harder, in creating and executing sales funnels, offer pages, and email campaigns quickly. I'll walk you through the essential elements that make up a sales funnel and explain how to get started with the necessary assets. Growth and Wisdom Highlights: You’re doing a disservice if you’re not sharing how you can help people The beauty of generating repeat business Build something once and reap the benefits of it for years Take-aways: It’s all about learning how to nurture people into your offer Understanding the “buying mood" The various assets you can create with sales funnel software Additionally, I'll unveil the software tools I use for creating impactful sales pages, managing email campaigns, and handling course membership products. Whether you're new to the world of sales funnels or looking to optimize your existing approach, this episode provides practical insights and strategies to help you work more efficiently and effectively. Links: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: FG Funnels Special Offer: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: Join Me at Inspired Retreat:
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Ep. 140 - Behind the Mic: Mastering Speaking and Hosting Live Events with Laylee Emadi
10/04/2023
Ep. 140 - Behind the Mic: Mastering Speaking and Hosting Live Events with Laylee Emadi
Join us as we sit down with Laylee Emadi, a coach for speakers and educators in the creative industry and the host of the Creative Educator Conference. In this friendly conversation, we explore the art of effective speaking and hosting live events. Laylee shares valuable insights on aligning your speaking content with your business offers, ensuring that your presentations not only impact your audience but also benefit your bottom line. Discover how to be of service to event hosts and attendees, leaving a memorable mark both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable tips to help you master the art of speaking and hosting. Growth and Wisdom Highlights: Take it easy, you don't have to do all the things, all the time. Be on the host's team and focus on serving them and the audience. Time is our most precious commodity, so make your presentations worth it. Takeaways: People remember how you made them feel above anything else and as a leader. What will their impression be? Anyone who wants to teach what they know and make their industry a better place is welcomed to join Laylee's conferences. When presenting or speaking slides are an absolute must. Links: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: Join Me at Inspired Retreat: Laylee's Instagram: Creative Educators Conference:
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Ep. 139 - Retreat to Reality: Navigating Post-Retreat Self-Care
09/29/2023
Ep. 139 - Retreat to Reality: Navigating Post-Retreat Self-Care
In this episode, I take you on a personal journey into the world of business retreats and the often-overlooked phase that comes after the event - post-retreat self-care and reintegration. Join me as I share my own recent experience hosting my transformative "Bloom & Grow Live" event. I'll open up about the raw emotions and insights I gained during the event and, more importantly, the practical strategies I employed afterward to ensure a smooth transition back into my business. From managing the post-retreat high to maintaining momentum in my business, you'll find valuable tips and actionable advice for business owners who create retreats. Take-Aways: Hydration is key throughout your live event. Arrange for support the morning following the retreat to give yourself a break from decision making. Allow a full week to catch up on business operations after your retreat. Make time to engage on social media so you have an archive of all of the wonderful posts and shares your attendees tagged you in. Links: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight Join Me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat
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Ep. 138 - Fall into Joy: Balancing Motherhood and Home with Eboni Creighton
09/27/2023
Ep. 138 - Fall into Joy: Balancing Motherhood and Home with Eboni Creighton
In this insightful episode, we welcome guest, Eboni Creighton, the Mommy Teacher Expert from cr8joi.com. With a Master's degree in Elementary Education and over 15 years of experience as an Elementary School Teacher, Eboni brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. As the fall season ushers in a flurry of activities and responsibilities, Eboni shares her mission to infuse joy into the lives of moms and women, especially during this busy season when home, school, and business priorities often collide. She offers practical tips and a unique educational twist to help you create more joy in your everyday life, even amidst the chaos. We also delve into a lively discussion around simple content creation and consistent marketing strategy, where Eboni excels. Discover the various methods and strategies she employs to spread joy and connect with her audience, making her business a beacon of inspiration for moms juggling a multitude of roles and responsibilities. Growth and Wisdom Highlights: We all need to return to being a beginner from time to time Let's talk about some important YouTube and TikTok considerations Take-Aways: Tricks to help kids manage emotions and adjust when coming home from school Tune in for some must-haves for your weekly organizational checklist Simple ways to improve your newsletter writing skills Links: Join my Blooming Business Inner Circle Membership: LMNT water electrolytes: Eboni Creighton Website: Instagram: Youtube: Subscribe to the Joi Note:
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Ep. 137 - Going From Wedding Planner to Expert Educator, Coach and Course Creator with Candice Coppola
09/20/2023
Ep. 137 - Going From Wedding Planner to Expert Educator, Coach and Course Creator with Candice Coppola
Candice helps wedding pros build a profitable business with purpose; giving them the short cuts and secrets she’s learned along the way. Amber and Candice talk about pricing, authenticity, over-delivering, content creation and the magic of turning 40! Growth and Wisdom Highlights: Going "live" for the first time as a shy content creator You have to grow into being the unpolished version of yourself, but when you do, that’s when you really start attracting likeminded clients. Let everyone around you self-select! How to know how much to charge for your programs and products. Spreadsheets are fun and other “Tales from the Clipboard.” Learn about Candice’s opt-in newsletter and her crazy-good organizational skills. Take-Aways: The biggest bang for your buck when it comes to content creation is blogging! Gather feedback from your customers through "office hours" calls to uncover the voice of your customer and understance what they need/want next. Discover what you are an expert in and confidently teach it! Know this: “You’re either here for me or you’re not.” 40 is the best age because you stop caring what people think, and you stop trying so hard to get people to like you. Resources shared in this episode: Coterie Mastermind: Weekly Business & Marketing Planning Notepad:
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Ep. 136 - Capturing Retreat Magic: How Photography Elevates Your Event with Jessica McIntosh
09/13/2023
Ep. 136 - Capturing Retreat Magic: How Photography Elevates Your Event with Jessica McIntosh
Jessica McIntosh is a branding, portrait and retreat photographer with 15 years of experience capturing the most beautiful moments when women finally invest in themselves! Today we talk about the huge value that a photographer adds to your in-person retreat or live event. And how communication, collaboration, and encouragement are key to capturing images that best reflect you and your brand. Growth and Wisdom Highlights: How to build a retreat team, including a photographer, to best support you and your attendees Infuse personality into your retreat! Bring in people who can model proactive behavior and help everyone feel comfortable. Communication is key! Consider the best tools to communicate with your team and attendees throughout the event. Take-Aways: Take the time to set expectations so your photographer knows what is important to you and what is not. Ask yourself, “Do I just need coverage for my event or do I also want to offer my attendees an experience like headshots or mini-branding sessions?" Squeeze in a branding session for yourself during the retreat! Resources we talked about: Retreat Planning Roadmap:
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Ep. 135 - Living in the Energy of the Seasons with Andrea Claassen
09/08/2023
Ep. 135 - Living in the Energy of the Seasons with Andrea Claassen
Meet today's guest, Andrea Claassen. Andrea is an expert in helping women align their minds and bodies with the seasons and cycles of life. Today we’re talking about applying Ayurveda and the wisdom of life to each day, practice by practice. In particular, how we can apply these practices for the coming fall season to benefit our lives and businesses. We also chat about publishing a book, coaching and producing a podcast while staying true to ourselves, and the cycles of life. Growth and Wisdom Highlights: Applying Ayurvedic practices to help us embrace the energy of the fall season. Intuitive-lead marketing and creating a higher commitment from customers. How to self publish a book and working with a writing coach and writing a book in all alone in a cabin with no internet. Take-Aways: Ideas to help you feel more grounded if you're feeling off balance in life or business. Ways to serve different audiences in your business by offering a "choose your own adventure" type program. How to stick with podcasting, or anything in online business for that matter, for 8 years! The fall session of Andrea's kicks off this month. Resources we mention: Fall Virtual Retreat:
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Ep. 134 - If I Overcame This Fear, What Could Happen?
08/31/2023
Ep. 134 - If I Overcame This Fear, What Could Happen?
They say to “choose your hard” right? We’ve got two choices and they are both hard. We can try something new and feel the fear of failure or we can stay where we are and forever battle feelings of regret, the regret of not going after what we want. I have two stories for you today that illustrate this dilemma. One is about my daughter and the other is about me. Growth and Wisdom Highlights: When it comes to processing fears or feelings, take the time to journal and let your inner voice answer the questions you’re facing. There is no finish line in entrepreneurship. Our journey is full of new pathways to take. Embrace the journey because it is all here to serve me and my future self, and it can be fun! Instead of “Am I going to get this right?” with “Am I going to learn something here?” Take-Aways: Positive energy vs. negative energy. Stress has a real impact on our physical reactions. We all want to be liked. We fear that people will turn us down, but rejection is not a reflection of our worth. There are incremental ways to overcome our fear of taking risks. If you choose to embrace the opportunities the pay-off is always worth it Above all I want to ask you, “If you overcame this fear, what could happen? Resources I mention: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Bloom & Grow Live Invite Abundance Fall Retreat Weekly Planner Notepad:
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Ep. 133 - Blooming Bright: Summer Business Progress Report
08/25/2023
Ep. 133 - Blooming Bright: Summer Business Progress Report
Don't try to tell me that summer is over. We technically have one more month to work on and meet our summer goals so let's do a check-in together to see how things are going! Yep, we've got a little bit of a casual Friday vibe on the podcast today, so welcome! Growth and Wisdom Highlights: How to embrace an ADHD work style. Don't hold back your skills and knowledge - share that goodness with the world! Being intentional with planning your weeks based on your energy to amplify your presence. Take Aways: Don't feel bad about being scattered or having a lot of tabs open at once, literally or figuratively. Amplifying all the good you have created results in a positive response from your audience. Check-in on your summer goals. What can you push to accomplish before the fall season? Resources we talked about: Favorite makeup: app for clean product ratings Upcoming Invite Abundance Fall Virtual Retreat: in Nashville is coming up! September 20-21, 2023. Use to track your cycle so you know when you have the most creativity and energy.
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Ep. 132 - Creativity, Dreaming Big, and Weirdness are Magnetic with Amber Lilyestrom
08/23/2023
Ep. 132 - Creativity, Dreaming Big, and Weirdness are Magnetic with Amber Lilyestrom
Meet Amber Lilyestrom! She loves cats. She loves living by the lake. And, she believes in sharing your weirdness with the world so that the people who will love you can find you! is a business mentor, branding expert, author and speaker. She helps female entrepreneurs live fully into their visions and expand their capacity for receiving in life and business. In fact, Amber's been a longtime mentor and coach of mine, and I'm so excited to have her on today's episode to share all her wisdom with you! Growth and Wisdom Highlights: How to use all of your senses to help be more present. The beauty of coaching and mastermind groups is getting the permission to edit your dreams. They don’t have to stay the same in order for you to be successful. Ask, “How can I be a creator today?” The act of creating content is such a beautiful gift. Take-aways: Embrace being a beginner when trying new things. Share your dreams so others can find you. Understand your version of The Sweet Life and truly live into it. Join me (and Amber Lilyestrom!) at September 20-21, 2023 in Nashville. Learn more about Amber Lilyestrom: IG Check out Amber Lilyestrom’s book , a tribute to each of us and the extraordinary paths that we walk. In this heart-opening collection of poems and stories, Amber speaks to the depth of our pain and the strength of our souls as we rise into the fullness of who we really are. Each passage is an invitation home. Thanks for listening! I’m happy to be back in the studio to chat with you each week!
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