Julie McAllister: Niching Down, Trusting Your Gut, and Building a Business Without a Playbook

When she started her business, Julie McAllister was busy making sugar cookies for events around town — but what really lit her up were hyper-realistic, sculptural cakes. When she made the risky decision to niche down and fully own her creative lane, everything changed. That clarity led to Netflix’s Is It Cake?, the Food Network, and clients like Reese Witherspoon. On today's episode, we're talking about the power of niching down, trusting your gut, and how clear positioning can fuel real growth.

Today’s episode is all about what happens when you stop building for your customers—and start building with them. We’re joined by Samantha Gold, founder and CEO of Motette, the elevated bamboo clothing brand for babies and toddlers that’s quickly becoming a go-to for modern families.A former fashion exec and tech leader, Sam didn’t just launch a brand—she created a community. In this conversation, we dive into what that really means: from the DMs that drove early traction, to how 80% of her launch day sales came from moms in her inner circle.We talk about the power of transparency, the value of listening, and why the smartest founders are inviting their customers behind the scenes. If you're thinking about how to grow your brand through real relationships, this one’s for you.

What does it really take to manage a brand build from start to finish—without losing your mind or your message? In this episode, I sat down with Rachelle Saevil, founder of Saevil Row, to unpack the art (and science) of creative project management. With two decades of design experience and a decade running her own agency, Rachelle shares how to bring the right people in at the right time, make smart investments, and avoid common pitfalls in the brand development process. Whether you're building a brand from scratch or refining one, this conversation is full of insights on streamlining workflows, maximizing budgets, and making branding feel less chaotic—and a lot more strategic.PS, have you noticed the refreshed PR Adjacent podcast cover? That's thanks to photographer Sarah Cramer Shields and Rachelle and her talented team at Saevil Row!

Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long are the founders of The Southern C , a community that’s redefining what networking looks like for creative entrepreneurs. They have built an ecosystem where relationships come first, and their approach to fostering meaningful connections has made The Southern C Summit a must-attend event for female business owners the country.Beyond their in-person events, they’ve also cultivated a thriving online membership, offering entrepreneurs a space to connect, collaborate, and grow year-round. In our conversation, we dive into how in-person experiences are a powerful driver of business growth and brand loyalty, how personalized marketing fosters deeper consumer connections, and how quality over quantity is always the move.

PR and marketing are shifting faster than ever—platforms change, media landscapes evolve, and what worked last month might already be outdated. "Touching Base" is your go-to monthly check-in for the latest trends, industry moves, and strategic insights you actually need to know to take your business to the next level. Join Nicole Noble, founder of marketing consultancy Specio, and Ellie, founder of The Birdie Agency, each month as we break down the biggest shifts in PR & marketing, share our insider POV on what’s working now, and help you cut through the noise to stay ahead. If you’re looking for real insights, expert analysis, and actionable takeaways to grow your brand in an ever-changing landscape, this is the check-in you don’t want to miss.

Ready to take your business to the next level—without drowning in the day-to-day? Kate Rosenow, founder of Work Well with Kate, is your guide to stepping out of the weeds and into a more streamlined, profitable business. Kate is a business systems strategist who shares proven strategies to simplify operations, optimize efficiency, and scale with confidence. Having helped thousands of women business owners transform their workflows, Kate knows that the key to sustainable growth isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter. In today's episode, we dive into what it really takes to transition into your next chapter of business growth, set up systems that work for you (not the other way around), and build a business that supports your life—without burnout. Whether you're stuck in the weeds or ready to scale with ease, this podcast gives you the tools to grow profitably while staying in your zone of genius. Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Real Simple, and Business Insider, Kate brings expert insights, real-life success stories, and actionable strategies to help you create a business that runs smoothly—so you can focus on what matters most.

Who knew a publicist and a dietitian had so much in common?! In this episode, I sit down with Cayla, a registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition Preferred to chat about breaking free from the “January reset” mindset. We dive into how small, consistent habits, realistic planning, and progress over perfection can help you stay on track all year long—whether you’re working on your health or growing your brand. Tune in for actionable tips to start 2025 with purpose and momentum! 🎧

On this episode, Emily Heslin, founder of Carriage House Creative, joins us to explore how paid media and PR align for maximum impact. From Meta and Google to TikTok and Pinterest, Emily breaks down key platforms, shares tips for leveraging earned media in ad campaigns, and offers advice on planning for Black Friday and 2025. Perfect for founders looking to elevate their strategy!

On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to have Erin Noël, a fashion stylist based out of LA  who specializes in helping female entrepreneurs and founders elevate their brand through their wardrobe. In our conversation, we discussed how the clothing and accessories we choose communicate far more than just style—they reveal who we are, what we value, and where we’re headed. Erin shared her expertise on building a wardrobe that reflects both your personal and professional identity, how the right outfit can boost your confidence, and influence how others perceive you.

It’s no secret that women in leadership positions often face burnout, with their mental load undermining the strategic thinking needed to continue advancing. At Birdie, we know that nothing compares to the power of a rested woman. When given the chance to recharge, women can invest in their communities, create jobs, and show up as their highest selves—free to channel their energy into leadership, innovation, and creativity. In this episode, I sat down with Elise Nicholson, Birdie's Senior Project Specialist, to discuss the intentionality behind Camp La Fontaine and all that's coming up at our retreat this fall in the Cotswolds and London. We provide women the space to disconnect, think big, take care of themselves, and form deep connections—so they can return to their work restored and energized with innovative new ideas.