Creative Business Mindset™

Episode SummaryWhen you buy a business, are you really getting a company—or are you just buying yourself a job? In this conversation with Grant Findlay-Shirras, we explore the often-overlooked difference and why sometimes buying a job can actually be the right move if it aligns with your goals and lifestyle.Grant’s story is one of resilience and reinvention:Launching Canada’s largest mobile fitness franchise.Scaling a $37M real estate marketing technology company from scratch, without investors.Hitting rock bottom multiple times and discovering the power of systems.Acquiring Dekora, a 20+ year-old home staging company, and applying his playbook to the creative industry.This episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to acquire, grow, and enjoy running a business—or a job you choose on purpose.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe difference between buying a business and buying a job.Why buying a job can be the right option for some people.How to evaluate whether an acquisition is sustainable—or just another paycheck.Why systems are the secret to growth, profit, and freedom.What stagers and designers can learn from entrepreneurs outside the industry.Connect with GrantInstagram: @grantfindlayshirrasCheck out Dekora in Calgary: Dekora Home Staging & Design

The 5 Stages of the Creative Business JourneyEvery creative entrepreneur hits that moment where the fun fades and business feels heavier than it looks on Instagram. But here’s the truth: you’re not failing—you’re evolving.In this episode, Joké breaks down the five stages of the creative business journey:The Spark – when excitement and possibility are at their peak.The High and the Heat – your first wins and your first reality checks.The Hustle Trap – booked, busy, and burned out.The Shift – when you stop being the bottleneck and start building systems.The Sweet Spot – clarity, support, and the freedom to lead with peace.Whether you’re just starting with an idea or you’re tired of carrying your business alone, this conversation will help you recognize your stage, prepare for what’s next, and move with intention.Learn more at businessofhomestaging.com

Are you overlooking your wins? In this episode of the Creative Business Mindset Podcast, Joké breaks down a powerful lesson inspired by a coaching client. Too often, creative entrepreneurs normalize their breakthroughs so quickly that they forget to celebrate them. Instead of honoring progress, we skip straight to the next problem—and in doing so, rob ourselves of joy, clarity, and confidence.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: ✔ Why your brain downplays progress and jumps to “what’s wrong” ✔ The hidden danger of always chasing the next milestone ✔ How gratitude and celebration fuel momentum in your business ✔ A simple practice you can use daily (and in team meetings) to acknowledge wins ✔ Why acknowledging growth—even the small stuff—changes how you move forwardIf you’ve signed a client, launched a service, hit a milestone, or simply showed up again today, this episode is your reminder to pause, pinch yourself, and recognize: you’re doing better than you think, and you’re just getting started.Whether you’re growing a home staging business, leading a creative venture, or balancing the grind of entrepreneurship, this mindset shift will help you celebrate progress and sustain success without burnout.

Creatives Under Pressure— A Spoken Word Tribute Episode SummaryIn this powerful spoken word episode, Joké Durojaiye delivers a relatable, funny, and emotional tribute to every home stager who ever undercharged, overworked, and still made it look effortless.This is not just poetry. It is real talk with rhythm.You’ll find yourself nodding along, laughing out loud, and maybe even tearing up as Joké shares the real behind the reel. From loading your own truck to fielding drive-by staging requests, this piece will hit home in more ways than one.If you’ve ever • staged with secondhand pieces • dealt with impossible budgets • been asked to "just throw in" furniture like it's sprinkles on a sundae This one is for you.What You’ll Hear• Why that spray-painted table still mattered • The mental math of quoting jobs while trying to stay sane • The infamous "Can you stage tomorrow" call • A moment to honor your journey and the business you built • A straight-up reminder to raise your prices and stand in your worthThis Episode Is For• New and aspiring stagers trying to make sense of the chaos • Seasoned stagers who need a reminder of how far they’ve come • Creatives building something meaningful with limited resources • Anyone who wants to feel seen, heard, and respected in their workMore From JokéWebsite: businessofhomestaging.comInstagram: @businessofhomestaging Workshops and offers: businessofhomestaging.com/workshopWant to Work With JokéIf you’re ready to build a staging business that is both beautiful and bankable, explore coaching, courses, and resources created for stagers who are done playing small. Visit businessofhomestaging.com/resources

In this episode of Creative Business Mindset, I’m pulling back the curtain and telling the truth behind what really hit home at a recent business event where I was invited to speak.Spoiler: It wasn’t the strategy, the automation tips, or even the tech stack breakdown that had the biggest impact.It was one vulnerable slide. One raw story. One real moment that reminded everyone in the room—and me—that we don’t just need systems. We need soul.If you’ve ever felt like you’re building alone… If you’ve ever been praised for holding it all together while quietly falling apart… If you’re tired of only hearing success stories without the struggle behind them…This episode is for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode: ✅ The moment my breakout session shifted—and why one vulnerable story meant more than all the strategies I shared ✅ A powerful conversation with a fellow special needs mom that made me feel seen ✅ Why burnout, fear, and isolation are silently shaping your business—and what to do about it ✅ How to build a business that works for your life, not against it ✅ The real reason people stay loyal to you: your story, not your statsKeywords for Search & Discovery: entrepreneur burnout, building a business with balance, creative entrepreneurship, mompreneur stories, vulnerable business stories, business strategy with soul, how to avoid burnout in business, behind the scenes of success, the messy middle, how to stay human in business, systems and soul, podcast for creative entrepreneurs, home stager podcast, business mindset podcast for women, authenticity in businessMentioned in This Episode: – The slide that changed everything: The Story Behind the Glory – My own story of building systems as a special needs mom – Real convos that matter more than perfect business plansLove what you heard? Here’s how to go deeper:Join the Home Staging Startup Workshop DM me on Instagram: @businessofhomestagingNeed systems that work for your life? Visit: businessofhomestaging.com/resourcesRate + Review + Share If this episode spoke to you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Leave a review, rate the podcast, and tag me when you post—it means the world and helps more people find the real side of business we rarely get to talk about.

Originality Is Overrated: Make It Yours InsteadDescription: In this episode of Creative Business Mindset, we’re flipping the script on originality. You’ve been told to stand out by being 100% original — but what if that’s holding you back? Joké Durojaiye breaks down why the pressure to be "the first" is keeping creatives, coaches, stagers, and entrepreneurs stuck. You’ll learn how to stop overthinking, start creating, and build something that resonates — even if it's already been done before.Because the truth is, nothing is new under the sun — but everything can be done your way.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why chasing originality can be a creativity killerThe difference between being original and being resonantHow the most successful brands are remixes of existing ideasWhat Bruce Lee, Canva, and Beyoncé can teach us about inspirationThe mindset shift that will finally get you out of your head and into actionHow to create your version of something that’s already workingWhy your lived experience is your creative advantage creative business podcast, originality in business, how to start creating, stop overthinking ideas, remix your business, Canva inspiration, business mindset for creatives, starting a creative business, entrepreneurship tips, home staging business advice, stager marketing ideas, Joké Durojaiye podcast, faith-based creative businessResources & Links:Learn more: businessofhomestaging.comGet tools + templates: businessofhomestaging.com/resourcesJoin the Home Staging Startup Workshop: Workshop InfoConnect on Instagram: @businessofhomestaging Ready to stop chasing originality and start chasing resonance? Take one small step after this episode — post, record, launch, or pitch. Create your version. Make it honest. Make it yours.

In this episode, Joké gets real about what it means to be visible online without losing yourself in the process. With everyone shouting “be authentic!” from the rooftops, it’s easy to feel pressured into sharing every moment of your life for the algorithm. But where’s the line between real connection and oversharing?From lessons learned on her own journey as a business owner, mother, and creative entrepreneur, Joké breaks down how to show up online your way. If you’ve ever felt torn between protecting your privacy and promoting your personal brand, this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why visibility is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategyHow your online presence impacts your SEO and personal brandThe fine line between being “real” and being too realWhy not every moment needs to be contentThe truth about other people’s reactions (hint: it’s not always about you)How to show up consistently without burning outPractical tips to define visibility on your termsThe power of setting boundaries in content creationWhy your story matters—even if no one clicks "like"Joké’s Challenge to You:Take one intentional step toward visibility this week. Whether it’s sharing a personal insight, creating a voiceover video, or finally saying yes to that podcast interview—show up in a way that feels right for you.Mentioned in This Episode:Shout-out to Bradital Media and Wisdom Bradford for pushing personal content with strategyThe idea that “You are the content”—but only if that feels authenticHow visibility helped Joké’s business grow through real, human connection

If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who you know you’re meant to be, this episode will shift something in you.In this unfiltered conversation, I sit down with my coach, my friend, and one of Africa’s most trusted voices in personal and business transformation—Steve Harris. From helping entrepreneurs generate $17 million in six weeks to showing everyday people how to exceed their “perceived impossible,” Steve doesn’t just teach. He activates.We unpack what it really means to position yourself for premium clients, why your pricing should follow your perception, not the other way around—and the truth about serving everyone (spoiler: you’re not for everybody). Steve breaks down how to own your message, find your people, and stop majoring in the minors.In this episode, we cover:What does it mean to exceed your perceived impossibleWhy your positioning drives perception—and perception drives your pricingThe three tiers of clients: 90%, 10%, and 1%—and how to speak their languageHow to build a brand that disqualifies the wrong people so you can attract the right onesWhy failing fast is better than procrastinating for perfectionAnd the hard truth: you don’t need everyone, just the right someoneThis episode is your wake-up call to stop playing small, start failing forward, and build the brand your legacy deserves.Connect with Steve Harris: Instagram: @iamsteveharrisLiked this episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the show—and share it with someone who’s ready to stop being everyone’s backup plan and start being someone’s only choice.

Mommy Dearest: The Legacy of Woman Who Fed Strangers And Raised GenerationsThis special Mother’s Day episode is unlike any I’ve ever recorded.Today, I honor my mother, our beloved Sisi Mi. A phenomenal woman who made everyone feel seen, safe, and full—whether through a hot meal, a warm bed, or a listening ear.She didn’t leave behind a business, but she built a legacy. Not with strategies, but with a hot plate. Not with titles, but with tenderness.If you knew her, you called her Sisi Mi. And even if you didn’t—you’ll feel her in this episode. She was the neighborhood mother, the quiet force, the kitchen therapist, and the woman who believed that as long as someone is in need, you always have enough to share.This is a tribute to her life. A love letter to all the women who mother without fanfare. And a reminder that legacy lives in how we make others feel.To every woman who’s ever poured into others—this episode is for you.

Baking Big Dreams: The Cookie Empire That Became a Delta Airlines FavoriteWhat do farm-to-table culinary roots, a love story in Bogotá, and a cookie served on Delta Airlines all have in common? They’re all part of Brooke Perez’s journey as the co-founder of Seattle-based Bell’s Cookies. In this episode, Brooke shares how she went from studying at the Culinary Institute of America to launching a bakery in Colombia, and eventually building a cookie brand that’s now enjoyed by thousands of airline passengers mid-flight.We discuss the real-life hustle behind turning a homegrown dream into a cookie business featured on Delta Airlines, growing a team, navigating setbacks, and staying true to your vision, even when it feels impossible. Whether you’re a foodie, a founder, or flying soon, this episode is a masterclass in turning your passion into a brand with staying power.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Bell’s Cookies got on Delta Airlines flightsThe journey from culinary school to global cookie successWhat it takes to scale a product-based businessLessons in entrepreneurship, growth, and resilienceThis episode is perfect for:Aspiring entrepreneursSmall business ownersFood lovers and cookie enthusiastsAnyone ready to build a brand that rises above the noiseHungry for inspiration (and maybe a cookie)? Tune in now and visit www.bellscookies.com to get a taste of the story for yourself.

Are you multi-talented but stuck in analysis paralysis, trying to pick the “right” path? In this episode, Joké Durojaiye shares a powerful, practical approach to help multi-passionate creatives, students, and entrepreneurs overcome the overwhelm and move forward with clarity.From the advice she gave her college-bound daughter to the lessons she’s learned from her own entrepreneurial journey, Joké breaks down how to identify your “moneymaker talent,” create financial stability, and still leave room to explore your creative passions—without going broke or burning out.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why being multi-talented is a gift and a challengeThe real reason you might be stuck in decision fatigueHow to identify your moneymaker talent (aka the one that pays now)Why your first focus should be income, not passionWhat to do when your dream audience can’t afford your servicesThe power of financial stability as a launchpad for creativityA step-by-step approach to monetize your talent, even with no budgetHow to set clear monthly income goals and reverse-engineer your successPro tips for building momentum and staying consistentThe importance of making space to explore passions guilt-freeWhy it's okay to pivot—and how to do it with graceJoké’s Action Steps for You:Identify your most monetizable talent (Hint: It’s not necessarily the one you love most—it’s the one the market will pay for now.)Set a clear income goal and reverse-engineer how many clients or sales you need.Be consistent—a little effort each day adds up.Protect your creative time and explore other talents once your bills are paid.Give yourself the grace to pivot—you're not locked into one path forever.This Episode Is Perfect For You If:You’re a student, freelancer, or multi-passionate entrepreneur feeling stuckYou have too many interests and can’t pick a focusYou want to build financial freedom and pursue your passionsYou need a practical approach that doesn’t rely on vague “follow your dreams” adviceYou’re parenting or mentoring someone facing this struggleKeywords: multi-talented entrepreneur, analysis paralysis, how to pick a career path, monetizing your talents, income over passion, creative entrepreneurs, choosing a niche, build financial stability, side hustle strategy, multi-passionate adviceConnect with Joké: Have questions or need help choosing your path? Email Joké at info@businessofhomestaging.comLoved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear this!And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to the Creative Business Mindset Podcast for more real talk on building a profitable, passion-fueled business.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the not so sexy side of business that will keep you in business.  A conversation most creative entrepreneurs avoid—but NEED to knwo. Yep, we’re talking money, profitability, and the messy side of business finance. And if the numbers make your head spin, you are in good company.To walk us through it all, I’m joined by Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting, where she helps small business owners increase profitability, reduce taxes, and scale smarter using simple financial strategies.We unpack why so many small businesses—especially in creative industries like home staging—struggle with cash flow and what it really means to run a profitable business.Here’s what we covered:✅ Why your bank balance is not your profit ✅ What numbers you need to track—and how to simplify it ✅ The truth about pricing your services for profit ✅ The power of a Fractional CFO (and why you don’t need to be a big business to get the benefits) ✅ How to know when you can afford to hire someone ✅ The difference between LLC vs S-Corp from a tax and cash flow perspective ✅ How to build a sellable business from day one (even if you're just starting out)Whether you're just launching or scaling up, this episode will help you move from “I’m winging it” to “I’ve got this.”Because here’s the thing: Creative doesn’t have to mean chaotic. You can still love the work and run your business like a CEO.So if you’ve been hiding from your numbers, this episode is your wake-up call. And the best part? We break it all down in plain English—no accounting degree required.small business profitabilityhow to manage cash flowbookkeeping tips for creativeshow to price your serviceshome staging business advicecreative entrepreneur financeQuickBooks for small businesswhen to switch from LLC to S-Corpunderstanding your numbersfractional CFO services

summaryIn this inspiring conversation, Anne Alexander shares her journey of reinvention and resilience as she relaunches her acting career at 47 after a long hiatus. She discusses the challenges she faced, including overcoming obstacles, imposter syndrome, and ageism in the creative industry. Anne emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, embracing a beginner's mindset, and the power of community and mentorship in achieving one's dreams. Her passion project, 'Passion Project to Pro,' aims to help others navigate their own journeys of transformation and success.takeawaysAnne moved to Germany for love and had to reinvent her career.After 16 years away from acting, she found her passion again.Obstacles often hold the answers if you ask the right questions.Embracing a beginner's mindset helps overcome imposter syndrome.Taking small steps can lead to significant progress.Age should not be a barrier to pursuing dreams.Community and mentorship are vital for personal growth.You can monetize your passion by creating opportunities.Fear is a natural part of growth; learn to live with it.Curiosity can lead to discovering new passions.TitlesReinventing Dreams: Anne Alexander's JourneyOvercoming Obstacles: The Path to Acting SuccessSound Bites"Dreams don't have expiration dates.""Embrace where you are.""Stop thinking about it and do it."Chapters00:00Dreams Without Expiration Dates00:00The Journey of Reinvention00:00Overcoming Obstacles in Pursuing Passion00:41Curating Your Path to Success03:53Building Community Through Shared Interests09:51Overcoming Self-Doubt and Starting Anew11:25Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Steps13:36Embracing Fear and Imposter Syndrome17:31Reinventing Yourself and Helping Others22:35Building a Thriving Career in Creative Industries26:51Navigating Ageism and Finding Your Voice33:45Taking Action and Building Confidence

Have you ever adjusted to something inconvenient without realizing it? In today’s episode, I share a story about a lightbulb in my closet that went out—and how I walked in the dark for a whole year before finally fixing it. It seemed like a small thing, but it became a powerful reminder of how often we settle for less, simply because we’ve gotten used to it.We do this in our careers, relationships, and personal growth. We tell ourselves it’s not a big deal, but over-time, settling for “good enough” keeps us stuck. Today, we are flipping the switch—literally and figuratively—to uncover why it’s time to stop walking in the dark and step into the light.In this episode, I’ll break down:How small changes can create major breakthroughsWhy procrastination keeps us stuck in the darkThe hidden mindsets we’ve inherited that no longer serve usA powerful lesson from Ephesians 5:8 about stepping into the lightThis episode will challenge you to take one simple action today that could change everything.Key Takeaways:Sometimes, we adjust to less because fixing it feels like too much workProcrastination makes problems seem bigger than they areSelf-awareness is the first step to change—where have you been walking in the darkCultural conditioning can shape our habits more than we realizeGod calls us to step into the light (Ephesians 5:8)Challenge for You:What’s the “lightbulb” in your life that you’ve been avoiding? What’s one small thing you can do today to bring more light and clarity into your life?Mentioned in This Episode:Bible Verse: Ephesians 5:8 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”Practical Step: Identify one small task or mindset shift that will bring clarity and action into your life.Keywords for SEO & Searchability:Stop SettlingStepping Into the LightProcrastination and Personal GrowthSelf-Awareness BreakthroughHow to Overcome Mental BlocksChristian Personal DevelopmentBible Verses About GrowthWalking in Darkness vs. LightSmall Shifts, Big ChangesThe Power of Taking Action

Keywordsresilience, entrepreneurship, motherhood, skills, adaptability, personal growth, career transition, stay-at-home mom, leadership, empowermentSummaryIn this conversation, Joké Durojaiye shares her personal journey of resilience and adaptability as she transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to an entrepreneur. She emphasizes the valuable skills that motherhood imparts, which are transferable to the workplace and entrepreneurship. Through her experiences, she encourages other mothers to recognize their strengths and embrace their journeys as they pursue new opportunities.TakeawaysMotherhood equips you with invaluable leadership skills.Every experience as a mom prepares you for entrepreneurship.Managing a household is akin to project management.Budgeting skills learned at home are crucial in business.Conflict resolution is a key skill developed in parenting.Moms are resourceful problem solvers in any situation.Time management is mastered through juggling family responsibilities.Event planning skills from motherhood translate to business events.Embrace your past experiences as your superpower.You are capable of achieving your dreams, no matter your background.Chapters00:00Journey of Resilience and Adaptability06:55From Stay-at-Home Mom to Entrepreneur14:01Skills Moms Bring to the Workplace21:02Embracing Your Journey and Superpowers

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Rebecca Hay, a Toronto-based interior designer, business coach, and host of the Resilient by Design podcast. We discuss how she transitioned from working with budget clients to running a multi-million-dollar design firm, the challenges of hiring and team-building, and why systems and processes are the key to success in business.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Rebecca broke free from the budget client loop and started attracting high-paying clients.The biggest lessons from her "lemon project" and how it transformed her business.Why hiring based on character over credentials is key to building a strong team.How to implement time-blocking and delegation to work fewer hours while making more money.The power of processes in scaling a design business without burnout.Why getting featured in major publications (Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Better Homes & Gardens) is great for credibility but doesn’t necessarily bring clients.The reality of running a successful podcast and why it’s worth the effort.Bonus: Rebecca is hosting a two-week Bootcamp for interior designers starting February 19th to help designers attract higher-paying clients. If you’re ready to elevate your business, sign up at rebeccahay.com/bootcamp.Keywords:Interior design business, attracting high-end clients, business processes, scaling a design firm, hiring for culture fit, time-blocking, work-life balance, interior designer success, pricing strategies, marketing for designers, client experience, home staging business, productivity for creatives, passive income, delegation in business, mindset shifts, resilient by design.Connect with RebeccaWebsite: rebeccahay.comInstagram: @rebeccahaydesignsSign up For: Designer's Bootcamp Starting February 19, 2025Podcast: Resilient by Design (Episode 199 featuring yours truly as a guest!)Tune in and let’s talk about building a business that works for YOU, not the other way around!

In this engaging conversation, Joké Durojaiye interviews Kishah Langham, a prominent figure in the home staging and design industry. Kishah shares her journey from being the first African-American woman to own a bed and breakfast in Wisconsin to founding Texas Stages. The discussion covers her transition into home staging, the challenges she faced as a woman of color in the industry, and the importance of mentorship and networking. Kishah emphasizes the need for diversity in design and shares her philosophy on creating spaces that promote well-being. The conversation concludes with practical advice for aspiring stagers and the significance of building relationships in the real estate market.00:00 Introduction to Kishah Langham10:02 Transitioning from Bed and Breakfast to Home Staging19:59 Challenges and Mentorship in the Staging Industry30:00 Networking and Marketing Strategies for Success40:00 Diversity and Cultural Awareness in Staging48:45 Design Philosophy and Well-Being in SpacesFor more resources and tips on home staging and growing your business, visit our website https://www.businessofhomestaging.com/thepodcastLet’s continue transforming spaces into dream homes together!

In this episode, I reflect on the past year, expressing gratitude for the support received and sharing significant milestones achieved. I discusse the importance of embracing change, the power of mindset, and the courage to overcome fear and judgment. Also, I emphasize the value of solitude for deep reflection and strategic thinking, and I encourage you to set intentions for the new year focused on experiences rather than more goals. The episode concludes with a call to take small, sustainable steps towards personal and professional growth.Chapters00:00 Reflecting on the Past Year03:09 Embracing Change and New Beginnings07:36 The Power of Mindset and Strategy12:01 Overcoming Fear and Judgment18:19 The Importance of Solitude and Reflection20:14 Setting Intentions for the New Year24:33 Small Steps Towards Big ChangesRecommended ReadingAtomic Habits By James ClearThe Gift Of Imperfection By Brené Brown

Our podcast has a new name: The Creative Business Mindset! This change comes straight from your feedback, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the direction we’re heading.While home staging has been a big part of our journey, I wanted to broaden the scope to include a variety of entrepreneurial topics. Don’t worry—the heart of the podcast isn’t changing. You can still expect practical advice and inspiring stories, but now we’ll be bringing on a wider range of guests and diving into different industries. My goal is to provide even more actionable insights to help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s grow together!

Home Staging Business Tips And Real Estate MarketingGuest: Lew CorcoranHost: Joké DurojaiyeIn this conversation, I sit down with Lew Corcoran, a multifaceted home staging expert with a background in real estate and photography. Lew shares his journey from real estate to home staging and photography, emphasizing the importance of technology such as drones and virtual tours in enhancing property listings. He discusses the significance of floor plans in staging and how they aid in visualizing space. The conversation also covers key elements for effective staging and photography, common mistakes in real estate photography, and the importance of lighting and leading lines in creating appealing visuals. In this conversation, we also discuss the evolution of the real estate market, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics and buyer expectations. I highlight the critical role of home staging in selling properties, especially in shifting markets. The discussion also delves into the impact of AI on the staging process, the balance between virtual and physical staging, and the necessity of creativity in transforming spaces. For more resources and tips on home staging and growing your business, visit our website https://www.businessofhomestaging.com/thepodcastLet’s continue transforming spaces into dream homes together!