#021: Forging Your Own Creative Path With Courtney Whitmore

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly talented fashion designer and entrepreneur, Abbey Glass. Abbey shares her journey from a creative middle child with a passion for sewing to founding her namesake fashion brand, which now includes retail stores in Atlanta, Charleston, and Dallas. Abbey opens up about the lessons she learned along the way, including embracing failure, navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and scaling her business without losing the artistry that makes her designs so special. We dive into: How Abbey’s upbringing shaped her creativity and entrepreneurial drive. Her experiences at art school and showcasing her first collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Transitioning from custom designs to scaling a fashion business with manufacturing partnerships. How the Tory Burch Fellowship transformed her business during the pandemic. The importance of unbridled confidence and why taking risks is essential for growth. Whether you’re a designer, artist, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice to fuel your creative journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The importance of taking baby steps and embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. How to balance artistic passion with building a sustainable business. Why confidence—even if it feels naïve—is a powerful tool for achieving your dreams. The value of redefining success and finding contentment in the journey. Practical advice for artists and designers looking to grow their brand. Links & Resources Mentioned Abbey Glass: Shop Abbey Glass Follow Abbey on Instagram: @ShopAbbeyGlass Connect with Me Visit my website: the5to9pod.com Follow me on Instagram: @_the5to9podcast Subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories like Abbey’s! Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Shopify. I’ve been using Shopify for the past 10 years to run my online business! Sign up through this link to get your first three months for just $1 each and discover how Shopify can help you manage and grow your online storefront no matter what stage of the game your business is at!

In this inspiring episode of The 5 to 9 Podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a creative business coaching session with Laurie Arnold, a former teacher who has turned her passion for art into her second act. Laurie shares her journey from hosting art camps in her home to opening her own art studio, where she teaches children and adults while working to grow her career as an artist. What We Cover: 🌟 Laurie’s transition from education to creative entrepreneurship 🌟 How she launched her art studio on a shoestring budget 🌟 The challenges of overcoming self-doubt and selling her first piece of art 🌟 Pricing strategies for artists just starting out 🌟 Tips for building confidence as an artist and leveraging your local community 🌟 The importance of setting goals, time management, and mindset shifts Takeaways for Artists: You don’t need a formal art education to start a successful creative business. Building a local audience can be a powerful stepping stone for selling your work online. Pricing your work doesn’t have to feel daunting—start with a simple formula to gain confidence. Collecting emails and fostering connections are vital for growing your audience. Small, giftable items like mini paintings and ornaments are great for the holiday season! 🎧 Whether you’re an artist just starting out or a seasoned creative looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartwarming stories to inspire your next steps. Links Mentioned: Join the Studio B Art Club: Click here to join (Doors close soon—don’t miss out!) Brooke’s recommended book: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Check out the recommended platforms for selling art: Shopify, Squarespace, FinerWorks, and IPrintFromHome 💌 Stay Connected: Follow Laurie Arnold on Facebook: @LaurieArnoldArt Learn more about Brooke: www.studioblearn.com Sign up for Brooke’s newsletter for weekly art tips and updates!

In this episode, I’m diving deep into the key elements that have helped me—and many others—accelerate our creative journeys. It’s not just about improving technique or mastering your medium (though that’s part of it!). It’s about nurturing the mindset, environment, and community that make growth happen in unexpected and powerful ways. Here’s what you can expect in this week’s episode: Mindset Shifts for Creative Growth – How the right mindset can unlock endless creative potential (and why self-doubt doesn’t have to hold you back). Setting Up Your Creative Environment – Why your workspace is more than just a place to create; it’s where your best ideas come to life. Consistency (and Rest) – Why showing up is key to progress, but resting is just as important for long-term growth. Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone – The uncomfortable truth about growth: it happens when you take risks and push your boundaries. The Power of Community – How a supportive, like-minded community can elevate your creativity, push you further, and hold you accountable. I’ll be sharing personal stories from my own creative journey to illustrate how these elements came together for me, and how they can do the same for you. Whether you're just starting out or already on your creative path, this episode will offer a fresh perspective on how to nurture your growth in a holistic, sustainable way. I can't wait for you to listen and hopefully walk away feeling inspired to tackle your creative goals with new tools and a fresh outlook.   SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Studio B. The Studio B Art Club is launching December 2, and I’m thrilled to invite you into this new creative space! Inside, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials, foundational courses, and fresh content released throughout the year. Plus, enjoy live sessions filled with inspiration, tips, and guidance to support your creative journey. Spots are limited, so join the waitlist now to save your place! Visit www.studioblearn.com and be part of this amazing community!   BE ON THE SHOW! Email us at [email protected] or follow this link to apply to be on the show!   JOIN OUR TRIBE! We would LOVE to hear from you! Be sure to connect with us on social. Send us a DM with your thoughts from the show or share a screenshot when you listen in your story! We would so appreciate if you leave a review and share with a friend! Follow us on instagram at: @_the5to9podcast Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/the5to9pod

On this episode of The 5 to 9 Podcast, join me as I coach Charlene Johnson in a 1-on-1 business strategy session where we discuss everything it takes to launch your art business from the ground up! Charlene is a part time artist who is trying to move her side hustle into her full-time job.  Charlene asks me tons of great questions she has as she is in the beginning stages of launching her art business. We discuss everything it takes to turn that art career from a dream into reality!  Some topics we discuss include:  launching an art collection starting an art business as a side-hustle selling art at outdoor pop-up shops painting in cohesive collections how to scale your business so it can become your full-time dream job …and so much more! This episode is full of great insights and wisdom for anyone looking to grow their side-hustle art business into a full-time gig. So grab a cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy your backstage access to this strategic coaching session!   Follow Charlene on Instagram at: @charlene.artist   Connect with Charlene on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/charleneartist Check out Charlene’s website here: https://charleneartist.com/   SPONSORS   This episode is sponsored by Shopify. I’ve been using Shopify for the past 10 years to run my online business! Sign up through this link to get your first month for just $1 and discover how Shopify can help you manage and grow your online storefront no matter what stage of the game your business is at!   BE ON THE SHOW!   Email us at [email protected] or follow this link to apply to be on the show!   JOIN OUR TRIBE!   We would LOVE to hear from you! Be sure to connect with us on social. Send us a DM with your thoughts from the show or share a screenshot when you listen in your story! We would so appreciate if you leave a review and share with a friend!   Follow us on instagram at: @_the5to9podcast   Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/the5to9pod

In this episode of The 5 to 9 Podcast, I’m thrilled to chat with the original content creator herself, Courtney Whitmore of Pizzazzerie. I had the honor of interning for Courtney during my college years, and her passion and creativity were a huge inspiration to me. In this episode, she shares her journey from starting a blog to becoming a best-selling author and lifestyle expert, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to make it as a creator today. Courtney opens up about how she found the courage to bet on herself, the key moments that shaped her career, and her favorite tips for adding pizzazz to any celebration. Whether you're sitting in an office dreaming of quitting your 9 to 5, or you're already years into your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with wisdom and gold from start to finish. Tune in and get inspired by one of the best in the business! Check out Pizzazzerie here! Purchase Courtney’s books here! SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Shopify. I’ve been using Shopify for the past 10 years to run my online business! Sign up through this link to get your first month for just $1 and discover how Shopify can help you manage and grow your online storefront no matter what stage of the game your business is at! JOIN OUR TRIBE! We would LOVE to hear from you! Be sure to connect with us on social. Send us a DM with your thoughts from the show or share a screenshot when you listen in your story! We would so appreciate if you leave a review and share with a friend! Follow us on instagram at: @_the5to9podcast Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/the5to9pod

#020: Building a Business Around Your Niche with Allison Lee Guest Interview with Allison Lee In this episode I sit down with Allison Lee, founder and owner of Eventide Pennant Co. for a cozy conversation about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and everything that goes into running an online creative business. Allison started her business as a side hustle in 2019 and now works full time on her custom pennant business with six employees. Her story is relatable in so many ways and sure to leave you feeling inspired to chase your dreams! Check out the Eventide Pennant Co. here! SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Shopify. I’ve been using Shopify for the past 10 years to run my online business! Sign up through this link to get your first month for just $1 and discover how Shopify can help you manage and grow your online storefront no matter what stage of the game your business is at! JOIN OUR TRIBE! We would LOVE to hear from you! Be sure to connect with us on social. Send us a DM with your thoughts from the show or share a screenshot when you listen in your story! We would so appreciate if you leave a review and share with a friend! Follow us on instagram at: @_the5to9podcast Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/the5to9pod

1. Change Your Limiting Beliefs There are more than enough people who want to buy original art. There is room for YOU and for all of us to sell our work online. Nobody can replace YOU. You are the magic ingredient to your brand! Someone else’s success does not equal your failure. 2. Recognize Your Fear Confidence is not the absence of fear. Being confident and brave is doing something in spite of being afraid. ·       Develop confidence and put your work out there. The fear gets quieter as you gain confidence. 3. Take Action Confidence comes through action. It does not happen overnight. ·       Taking baby steps is an important action to build confidence. Reward yourself for your effort, not just for your results. Build up confidence by simply taking action and building trust in yourself that you will follow through on what you say you will do. 4. Serve Before You Sell ·      Serve, serve, serve before you ever ask for someone’s money 5. Have The Courage To Fail ·      Your success is going to be measured by how many failures you have had. If you are not willing to fail, you will not succeed. ·      When something “fails” it doesn’t mean it actually failed, it means you have an opportunity to change things up and learn from the data you’ve collected. ·      Have the discernment to listen to your data and let it be your educator.   SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Shopify. I’ve been using Shopify for the past 10 years to run my online business! Sign up through this link to get your first month for just $1 and discover how Shopify can help you manage and grow your online storefront no matter what stage of the game your business is at!   JOIN OUR TRIBE! We would LOVE to hear from you! Be sure to connect with us on social. Send us a DM with your thoughts from the show or share a screenshot when you listen in your story! We would so appreciate if you leave a review and share with a friend! Follow us on instagram at: @_the5to9podcast Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/the5to9pod

#018: The Three Pillars of Building a Loyal Fanbase Consistency and time We all have a limited amount of time and it can feel overwhelming to have to show up all the time on the many social media platforms Focus on what you can commit to doing consistently Slow and steady growth. Build a strong foundation and avoid the burnout of a rapid overnight rise Authenticity Act as if you’re showing up for one person- this makes it easier and less intimidating, even though you may be showing up for thousands Don’t take yourself too seriously, people gravitate towards people they can trust, and being yourself is a great way to build this trust People don’t only care about what you create. They also care about the person who created it Value Can be entertainment or education Figure out how your brand can provide value to your ideal customer Before you ask for a customer’s money, you need to provide value for free to establish a trust factor. This ties back to the first pillar, consistency. Consistently providing this value will boost customer trust. If it was supposed to be easy, everyone would be doing it. If you feel like you don’t have the time, energy, or bandwidth, I want to challenge you to do at least one thing every week consistently. You don’t have to show up how everyone else is. You need to think about what you can consistently do over a long period of time so that you can build trust and confidence with your community. When they check back, they know that you’ll still be you. SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Shopify. I’ve been using Shopify for the past 10 years to run my online business! Sign up through this link to get your first month for just $1 and discover how Shopify can help you manage and grow your online storefront no matter what stage of the game your business is at!   JOIN OUR TRIBE! We would LOVE to hear from you! Be sure to connect with us on social. Send us a DM with your thoughts from the show or share a screenshot when you listen in your story! We would so appreciate if you leave a review and share with a friend!   Follow us on instagram at: instagram.com/_the5to9podcast Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/the5to9pod

As an entrepreneur, our mental state, is extremely important to our success. Our success, in turn, is often defined by our mental state. Others may look at us and think we are successful, while we keep moving towards our own constructed mirage of success on the horizon line, never satisfied with our accomplishments. THANKFULLY! There is an easy way to transform your brain and start feeling more successful, confident, and happy TODAY. In this episode of The 5 to 9 Podcast, we are doing a deep dive into “The Gap and the Gain” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. If you haven’t read this book, stop what you are doing and download immediately. Better yet, purchase a hard copy so that you can take notes. (I've linked through my Amazon storefront below!) And if you’re not sure if you want to read it yet, listen to this week’s episode where I do my best to break it all down for you!   BUY THE GAP AND THE GAIN THROUGH MY AMAZON STOREFRONT HERE!   SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Shopify. I’ve been using Shopify for the past 10 years to run my online business! Sign up through this link to get your first month for just $1 and discover how Shopify can help you manage and grow your online storefront no matter what stage of the game your business is at!   JOIN OUR TRIBE! We would LOVE to hear from you! Be sure to connect with us on social. Send us a DM with your thoughts from the show or share a screenshot when you listen in your story! We would so appreciate if you leave a review and share with a friend!   Follow us on instagram at: instagram.com/_the5to9podcast Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/the5to9pod  

On this installment of the pod, I dive into the five biggest mistakes I've made as a creative entrepreneur and some tips and tricks to overcome them so that you don't make the same mistakes I have over the years! Sit down with a good cup of coffee, pen, and a notepad and lend an ear so you can learn from my mistakes. This episode is sponsored by Typeform. Discovery the endless posibiliies at Typeform to level up your business.  And as always, follow us on instagram at: @_the5to9podcast