StartUp Creative - Your go-to source for straight-up business advice
Real-life and raw startup stories from the frontline of successful business. Hosted by business coach and founder of StartUp Creative, Kaylene Langford, these episodes are packed with invaluable how-to advice, resources, recommendations and inspiration for up-and-coming startups, freelancers and entrepreneurs. Feel empowered in the knowledge that managing a business you love isn’t a pipedream but rather an opportunity waiting to come to life. It simply requires persistence, sleep deprivation and a reckless renegade spirit of possibility and positivity. At StartUp Creative find everything you need to give you a big, bad dose of brave.
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Routines & Habits for Motivation with Odette Barry
04/07/2024
Routines & Habits for Motivation with Odette Barry
Welcome back to the StartUp Creative Podcast and the first episode for 2024. On today's episode I caught up with Odette Barry who has been a long time network/friend from the creative entrepreneur world. We got chatting on Instagram about our morning routines and thought it would make for a great conversation about how different they were and how important it is to find the right routine that works for you so as to better your chances of success. Odette and I share what personally motivates us along with some research and resources that help us create lasting habits. She also recommends to help regulate your nervous system. Check out more of Odette's work
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In conversation with Brooke, Sharesies
12/19/2023
In conversation with Brooke, Sharesies
On today's episode I caught up with Brooke who is one of the 6 founders of Sharesies, an online platform and app that’s aim is make investing easy and accessible to someone who haas $5 or $5 million dollars to spend. I first saw Brooke talk at Purpose Conference in October 2023 and was instantly inspired by and intrigued about the company’s mission. Not only have they broken new ground in the investing world but they’re a purpose driven business looking to support and empower all people with financial independence. Brooke shares how the platform works as well as what it took to build a business that didn’t exist, how they’ve built consumer and stakeholder trust all while staying true to their brand values.
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How to Create an Online Course
10/11/2023
How to Create an Online Course
On today's episode I share the behind the scenes of creating my new online course 'Start Your Side Hustle' my first online course 2017. If you've been thinking about a way to set up passive income for your business to help you scale and automate your current offerings, I'll teach you how to get started and share exactly how I set mine up. I'll cover: how to come up with your course idea setting up your course a formula for creating your online course marketing and sales of your course Check out the online course on our website now and look forward to meeting you in the class.
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Creating Cut Through Content with Lucy Lumen
10/08/2023
Creating Cut Through Content with Lucy Lumen
On today's episode we share a recent IG live chat I had with content creation pro Lucy Lumen who makes content and builds communities on Substack, Instagram and YouTube. I quiz Lucy on how she keeps up, her tips for creating across different platforms and for different audiences, we share our planning and content creation schedules or lack of and how we approach social media of late. Lucy started her YouTube channel as a creative side project when she first had her child and has managed to build her following to almost 20K subscribers on YouTube alone. She now makes content for brands and sells courses and advice for other photographers and has an abundance of amazon straight-up and relatable tips for those struggling with content creation in their own businesses and looking for ideas to get them inspired.
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In conversation with co-founder Will Morgan, Fellr
10/02/2023
In conversation with co-founder Will Morgan, Fellr
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In conversation with FlexMami
10/01/2023
In conversation with FlexMami
On today's episode I caught up with the business boss herself, FlexMami. We recently had the pleasure of Flex speaking at our Make Your Mark: How to market yourself online event in collaboration with Squarespace. Flex shared her incredible insights, wisdom and opinions about what it really takes to build an online following, how she prefers to diversify her skillsets across multiple platforms, what role her website plays in her business as well as her approach to social media. Flex gives some really good advice for those looking to start and scale their personal brands and businesses and the process she uses for deciding what to do next in her career. Her career has led her in many different directions from author, influencer, DJ, Logie nominated TV presenter and many more accolades but it all started with some good old fashioned hustle. An inspiring and entertaining chat with one of the best in the game.
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In conversation with podcaster & author Alexis Fernandez, DYFM
08/27/2023
In conversation with podcaster & author Alexis Fernandez, DYFM
On today's episode I spoke to Alexis Fernadez, author and podcast host of DYFM. is a neuroscientist, mindset coach, best-selling author and host of Do You F*****g Mind? - a podcast that mixes neuroscience, psychology and tough love altogether. Alexis started the podcast halfway through her masters degree in neuroscience as a way to be able to share what she was learning and as a way to connect with an audience who wanted to work on themselves. We recently met on the Make Your Mark: How to market your business online event in collaboration with Squarespace. Alexis shares so much straight up business advice about how she started her podcast while studying neuroscience and after 7 months she left her job and became a full time podcaster. She shares some of the highs and lows of starting a business from meeting her beans at the event and how she's built such a loyal following, her tips for carving out your niche in the business space and sticking to your brand values. As well as lots of insightful mindset hacks and how she keeps herself motivated and inspired. Check out her work on her website and podcast.
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What's comparison got to do with it?
08/22/2023
What's comparison got to do with it?
On today's episode I dive into a popular topic for many creative entrepreneurs; comparison. I share a personal experience I had with comparing myself to others' success and the tools I use to help me avoid a negative downward spiral of self-doubt. I share some insights into how we can use comparison as a positive on our business journey to help us realign our goals and dreams and start working towards them as well as tips for catching the negative side of comparison so as to not sabotage ourselves.
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In conversation with author Amy Lovat
08/21/2023
In conversation with author Amy Lovat
On today's podcast I caught up with a long time client, friend and fellow author Amy Lovat. You may recognise her from Secret Book Club, a business she started with her partner years ago. Amy shares her incredible journey to accomplishing a 30 year dream of becoming a published author. She shares very generously about how she took 11 years to write her first novel, the mindset and support she leant on to keep her going when she wanted to give up. We dive into the inspiration behind her debut novel 'Mistakes and Other Lovers' and her advice for creatives striving to make their dreams a reality. Grab a copy of Amy's book
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In conversation with Daniel Flynn, THANKYOU
08/13/2023
In conversation with Daniel Flynn, THANKYOU
Today’s guest is Daniel Flynn, co founder of Thankyou, a business I was fortunate enough to come across many years ago when they first started out as Thankyou Water. Since then Daniel and his team have built a globally recognised social enterprise on a mission to end extreme poverty. In this episode Daniel shares the journey they’ve taken to reimagine their business model many times over. From expanding into products, taking on the big supermarkets to get stocked, harnessing the power of social media and their audience to support their mission and more recently taking the company to the global stage. An insightful episode about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts, sticking to your brand values and what you set out to achieve no matter how many hurdles and temptations to divert your encounter and taking care of your mental health as a founder. Check out Thankyou and the work their doing
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How to Start a Side Hustle With Kaylene Langford
08/06/2023
How to Start a Side Hustle With Kaylene Langford
In today's episode I share the story about how I landed my first book deal that led to me writing 'How to Start a Side Hustle' in 2020 and advice for people looking to pitch to publishers for those looking to get their own publishing deal. I also go through each chapter of the book and share my author notes, bonus tips to help you get started and how to use the book to get started on your idea. Tune in for a guided tour of the process I took to write the book and tips on exactly where to start on your side hustle journey. You can grab one of the last signed copies of HTSASH on my website and I'll be sure to include a personalised note with inspiration to get you in the game.
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In conversation with Claire, ACID.FLWRS
08/01/2023
In conversation with Claire, ACID.FLWRS
On today’s episode I caught up with the genius creative mind behind one of my favourite businesses ACID.FLWRS, Claire Muller. Claire shares her startup story that took her on a journey from Perth to London and eventually her home today Sydney Australia. She shares the lessons learnt from changing career paths, working for an innovative startup with small budgets with working for leading startup Airtasker. Her insight into finding which path to follow, facing a life changing moment that put life on hold and figuring out what to do next before. Claire started ACID.FLWRS, as a side hustle, passion project in 2020 when she was experimenting with flowers and spray paint. It went on to grow a cult-like Instagram following and led her to collaborating with brands such as VANS shoes, Casetify and producing installations for the National Gallery of Victoria. Packed with raw storytelling, startup tips and advice on how to get a creative project off the ground from her 15 years experience in styling and communication with brands around the world as well as starting and scaling ACID.FLWRS Enjoy the show and check out Claire’s work
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In conversation with Evi O
07/28/2023
In conversation with Evi O
This week I had the absolute pleasure of talking to the award winning designer and founder of her own studio Evi O. A well known expert in the design space who delivered a keynote presentation at Semi Permanent Sydney in 2023 as well as Creative Mornings Sydney and The Design Conference in Queensland. Evi's studio specialises in publications, brands and creative collaborations that have won her multiple awards. Evi shares an abundance of information and insights into the behind the scenes of what it takes to build a successful creative company, from finances and managing a team, attracting your ideal clients and pushing the boundaries with new and creative work. She is also a self taught artist who is represented by Saint Cloche in Sydney and Up Rise in New York. An incredibly talented, wise and humble creative with so much knowledge to share, it was truly an honour to share this conversation with Evi and I have no doubt you'll walk away with an abundance of knowledge and inspiration for your own creative endeavors.
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How to start a successful podcast for your business
07/18/2023
How to start a successful podcast for your business
On today's episode I caught up with Lyndal Harris from Podcast VA who truly is an expert in her field. With many years of experience in starting and scaling podcasts, the StartUp Creative show included, Lyndal holds a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to launch a successful podcast. In this episode I ask Lyndal some of the FAQ's I get about when and how to start a podcast as well as her practical tips and advice on the technical side of things. If you've been looking to start a podcast for yourself and/or your business, this episode will teach you everything you need to know to help you just start. We'll cover: the benefits of staring a podcast how to use a podcast as a marketing strategy for your business ideal episode lengths and topics technical setup what to focus on and invest in when just starting out how to pitch to potential guests apps and resources you can use for quality recording experience And so much more. Check out for more tips, services and resources to help you on your podcast journey.
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In conversation with James Parr
05/11/2023
In conversation with James Parr
It was an absolute joy to have James Parr, disability advocate, model and athlete on the show. James shares his incredible life story with such openness, honesty and lightheartedness that it was hard to keep then conversation to an hour. In the episode you’ll learn how James became an amputee at age 21, went from a social worker to runway model in the space of a few years and an insight into how he keeps positive and keeps creating the life of his dreams despite the multiple challenges he has faced. A fun, inspiring and truly courageous conversation and an honour to share it here on the show. Check out Jame’s work here https://jamesparr.com.au
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In conversation with Hannah, Rainbow History Class
05/11/2023
In conversation with Hannah, Rainbow History Class
Hannah is the Author of her first book, Rainbow History Class- your entry into LGBTQ+ history, sharing queer and trans stories from Ancient civilisations all the way up to the internet. In this inspiring conversation Hannah and I discuss who gets to record and tell history and how diversity in gender and sexual orientation can often be excluded from the narrative. Hannah also offers tips and insights into building her social media audience and making viral videos with millions of views as well as the process behind landing her first book deal and writing. Check out her work here https://www.rainbowhistoryclass.com https://www.instagram.com/rainbowhistoryclass/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowhistoryclass?lang=en
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In conversation with Angus, Co-Founder of Ārepa
05/11/2023
In conversation with Angus, Co-Founder of Ārepa
On today’s episode I had the pleasure of meeting Angus the co-founder of the world's first brain drink. Ārepa is a neuroscientist-backed brand based in NZ and improving brain health around the world. Angus shares insights into where this incredible business idea came from and the steps he took to bring the idea to life. An incredible start-up story that didn’t follow the conventional path but that has attracted some of the worlds leading athletes and creative minds as customers and fans. I personally love the drink and the team have offered a discount code to listeners of the show Use THEBRAINDRINK for 10% of your first order. Find out more about the drink and where you can purchase it at https://drinkarepa.com.au
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How To Navigate Uncertainty With Dr Marion Piper
03/07/2023
How To Navigate Uncertainty With Dr Marion Piper
On today's episode I caught up with Dr Marion Piper, Creativity Coach and all around legend. We discussed the role that creativity and art plays in times of uncertainty and how we as creative entrepreneurs can find ways to continually expand and grow our businesses when times are tough. Marion is an expert in the field of identifying big and small traumas in our lives and stories and offers us insights and tools as to how we can transmute the hardest challenges in our lives into art. We also discuss what differences we've noticed in our lives and businesses post covid and what we've had to put in place to manage the stress and big lifestyle changes that came with such a prolonged amount of hardship and uncertainty. Check out Marions work here
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In conversation with Montaigne
01/13/2023
In conversation with Montaigne
In this episode I caught up with an Australian singer/songwriter and icon, white literally - Montaigne was Australia’s Eurovision contestant in 2021 and has a long list of accomplishments including a recent collaboration with David Byrne from the Talking Heads. They share their story of stumbling into the music industry, how they stay inspired to create art and tips for those looking to get started. An incredibly humble, talented and inspiring artist who is staying in their own lane whilst making art from an authentic place and taking us all on the journey with them. Check out their work here
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Hot content creation tips with Bianca Beers
01/11/2023
Hot content creation tips with Bianca Beers
From my IG live with content creator and artist Bianca Beers, where we discussed how to become a content creator as a career, the best motivation to get started on your content and practical tips to make it work for your business. Bianca shares incredible but relatable tips and stories on how she got started, gets clients and advice for getting yourself back in the content creation game. Check out Biancas work here
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How to overcome fear
01/05/2023
How to overcome fear
On today’s episode I discuss lessons learnt from Rich Diviney’s book The Attributes, in particular the topic of fear. I often gets asked by coaching clients and our community about ‘how to overcome fear?’ I see it a lot in people who have an idea that they want to make a reality but who find that fear stops them from taking action. Diviney’s book shares research and insights into what exactly fear is and how moving towards it, is one of the best ways to overcome it. In this episode I share tips and tricks for how you can put this into action to ‘just start’ and explore how understanding where fear comes from and how it shows up can be the best tool to overcoming it.
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How to know if my idea will work
11/29/2022
How to know if my idea will work
I've had a few coaching clients of late reach a point of needing help to finally give their side hustles their all in order to help them finally leave a job that isn't serving them anymore. I often get asked about when and how to make the leap from a full time or part time job so as to give their business idea or side hustle a solid crack. It's a tough one to give a blanket answer to but in this episode I share how I felt and what I did when I transitioned from my '9-5' to StartUp Creative and insights into how to make it work for you. Even if you've already started and you need help deciding if your next big idea/project/product or service is worth taking the risk, this episode will help you figure out the best next steps as well as some mindset hacks to overcome fear and inaction.
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4 Myths About Goal Setting That Could Be Holding You Back
11/15/2022
4 Myths About Goal Setting That Could Be Holding You Back
On today's episode I attempt to bust some of the common myths and stories that keep us from effective goal setting. Based on a research paper 'Role of Goal Orientation, Ability, Need for Achievement, and Locus of Control in the Self-Efficacy and Goal-Setting Process' I cover what are the key factors to setting goals that one goes on to accomplish. I share practical tips on how to better position yourself for success, ignite your motivation and sustain your efforts towards your goals in order to improve your chances of success.
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In conversation with the founders of Foile
11/06/2022
In conversation with the founders of Foile
On today's episode we chat with Su and Alex, the co-founders of a conscious beauty brand that we all love - Foile. The pair chat about their startup story and how they got into business together and their tips for starting a business as co-founders. We also discuss the importance in taking your time in the research and development stage when starting a product based business. The couple also shared the real side of running a startup from having to find solutions to their packaging when things didn't go to plan, pivoting their business during covid and moving into a new phase of scaling and marketing their business to a wider audience. A really real chat with two very passionate and inspiring founders serving us straight up advice for starting a beauty label.
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Feeling Lost in Your Business? 3 Helpful Hacks
10/27/2022
Feeling Lost in Your Business? 3 Helpful Hacks
On today’s episode I share 3 hacks for helping you to navigate through times of feel stuck, lost or unclear about your business vision and direction. Inspired by a lot of practices and strategies that I’ve been implementing of late about how to reignite my passion and inspiration for my business after some time off. A practical guide with 3 clear steps to take now and revisit when the feeling arises. It’s not always going to be easy and the ebbs and flows of business can be hard to manage but when we take time out of working in our business and revisit why we started and where we’re headed we can more easily regain focus and motivation.
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In Conversation with Author Issy Beech
10/27/2022
In Conversation with Author Issy Beech
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Scaling from Freelancer to Business
09/20/2022
Scaling from Freelancer to Business
On today’s episode I caught up with the bubble personality, photographer and business coaching client of mine Sian Fay. Over the last 6 months or so Sian and I have been working together to redesign her personal brand and help her to scale her business in order to attract more of her ideal customers and dream work. On completion of our time together Sian shared the many wins and successes she’s had in her business since working together and we reflected on the journey she’d been on to make her dreams and goals come to life. In this episode Sian very generously shares the lessons she learnt, the [practical steps she took, the ways in which she mastered her mindset around money and her worth as a creative and how she was able to transform her business by backing herself. A lot of people come to StartUp Creative for ‘how to start’ advice and we regally share the success stories of many well established entrepreneurs and businesses but in this episode we celebrate those still on the journey and the first steps they took to elevate their business skills to move out of those early stages of startup/freelancer to a sustainable and growing business. Check out Sian’s website & work here
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5 Foundations for Business Success
09/20/2022
5 Foundations for Business Success
On today’s podcast I share insights from recent materials I’ve been reading and enjoying to creativity inspire my writing, teaching and business coaching. Pulling on a variety of books, podcasts and lessons from the wisdom of First Nations people, the laws and lesson of nature and new commentary on time and our finite amount of it. Books & resources I mentioned on the episode: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Sand Talk by Tyson Yunkaporta The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben The Choice by Edith Ever Happy Money by Ken Honda
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How to diversify your business for long term success
08/10/2022
How to diversify your business for long term success
On today’s episode I discuss the rising fear of challenging economic times for small businesses, creative entrepreneurs and startup founders. As we learnt throughout the pandemic, there will be many unpredictable circumstances outside of our control that will inevitable challenge us as business owners and freelancers. Whilst we can not always predict or control outside events we can find hope that they are a natural part of life, business and growth and happening around the globe. As a business owner you should be taking time out of your business to consider how you are setting yourself up to handle the changing tides that ebb and flow so as to withstand the challenges and come out the other side stronger. During difficult times, many businesses owners will become fearful and begin to act from a place of lack, scarcity and comparison. This outlook can stifle business growth and cloud your ability to see opproetunies, new ways of doing business and growth. In this episode I share tips on how to get yourself out of fear and lack and refocus your energy on preparing your business through diversifying your reach, value and offerings. I also mentioned this to the MTV music awards which showcases to me an artist that is staying true to why is started. Also some past episodes worth revising to help you work on your business and make a solid plan: Power of brand values How to create high converting copy Target Market A step-by-step to creating the ultimate collaboration with Jess Rufus Money Mindset: Charging what you’re worth Good old fashion customer service Check out the Pricing and Number Review chapter in our Sign up to the Level Up Masterclass
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How To Overcome Self Sabotage
07/24/2022
How To Overcome Self Sabotage
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