Business from Scratch

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Barnhart, owner of Axis Fitness, to discuss his journey from serving 87 months in federal prison to building a multi-location gym empire. Mike shares how a rock-bottom experience became the catalyst for his obsession with self-development and how he now uses those lessons to help others transform their lives. We dive deep into why the "hard stuff" is the point of growth and how true leadership is built on character and doing the work no one sees.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro(01:57) - From an 87-month sentence to a choice for change(03:41) - Discovering the physics of movement through injury(06:01) - The moment Mike committed to becoming a coach(10:47) - Creating environments that increase human capacity(15:04) - The "Performance Pathway": Inspire, Motivate, Coach(18:13) - Why entrepreneurship is about character over skill(25:41) - Practicing the process until you can't get it wrong(30:46) - Paying the "ignorance tax" and the power of coaching(38:17) - Why solving problems means you are making progressAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Mike BarnhartInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebarnhart_axis/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-barnhart-1a702840/Website: https://www.axisfitnesstraining.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Sydney Durrett Falkner to unpack her journey from painting on a college apartment floor to getting featured in Architectural Digest. We dig into the unglamorous side of building an art business, how to confidently price your work, and why learning to outsource was the key to protecting her creativity.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro(02:53) - Rebuilding business identity in a new city(06:07) - Investing in professional branding(09:07) - Learning when to hire help(11:36) - Overcoming the fear of self-promotion(19:40) - How to price your art confidently(25:20) - The Architectural Digest story(33:10) - Scaling with products vs. commissionsAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Sydney Durrett FalknerInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bysydstudio/Website: https://bysydstudio.com/

I’m diving into a heavy but necessary conversation about the specific loneliness that comes with building a business. We’re talking about that invisible line where your business stops supporting your life and starts demanding it instead. If you’ve ever wondered if you should sell it all just to get your life back, this episode is for you.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro(01:20) - The specific loneliness of business ownership(02:27) - When your life starts bending around the business(02:59) - The three-year test for your current lifestyle(03:45) - Why some business communities feel performative(05:18) - How to vet a community for real connection(07:45) - Signs it might actually be time to sell(08:27) - You shouldn't decide your future while burned out(09:33) - Choosing your next chapter with intentionAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Allie Mitrovich to unpack how a bored quarantine hobby turned into a viral business shipping 1,300 orders in a single night. We dig into the raw reality of moving fulfillment out of an apartment to save your sanity and why building a real community pays off more than chasing viral trends.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro(02:37) - How a viral TikTok launched Allie Rose Co.(06:42) - Why community drives sales better than viral hits(13:51) - The breaking point: Moving to a fulfillment center(19:02) - Creating products based on customer feedback(27:51) - Handling a major holiday product disaster(33:51) - The reality of being a solo founder(39:15) - Why you shouldn't quit during the slow seasonsAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Allie MitrovichInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/allieroseco/

In this episode, I sit down with my very first client, Lindsey Cheek of Gathered, to discuss why she radically scaled down her interior design firm. We explore how she went from a large staff and retail store back to a lean team of two, and why that decision actually increased her profitability. This conversation proves that you don't have to be "big" to be successful—you just have to be intentional.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro(05:27) - Reality of opening a retail store(09:42) - The catalyst for scaling down(14:33) - The "Three Ps": Profitable, Publishable, Pleasurable(18:28) - Separating ego from business growth(26:17) - How to cultivate strong vendor partnerships(31:17) - Building client relationships that last years(43:20) - Final thoughtsAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Lindsey CheekInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatheredgroup/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-cheek-55434416/Website: ⁠https://gatheredgroup.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Lanier to talk about the reality of building a business while raising a family. We dig into why asking for help is actually a leadership skill and how to build deep, genuine connections without feeling fake. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect, this conversation will give you permission to let that go.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro(02:30) - Networking for introverts(03:28) - Why you should join a nonprofit board(11:24) - The origin of the Inspiration Lab(13:00) - Uncovering the "hidden labor" of success(24:00) - Why "B-plus" work moves you forward faster(40:22) - Viewing business as an intellectual sport(51:00) - Learning to trust your gut over bad adviceAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠Connect with Stephanie LanierInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephlanier/?hl=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanierpropertygroup/?hl=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspirationlab/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.theinspirationlab.co/

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and industry leader Alyssa Ait to unpack the messy reality of running a floral business while raising three kids. We have an honest conversation about how she navigates working alongside her husband, Jordan, and the boundaries they set to keep their marriage and business afloat. Alyssa opens up about a terrifying trademark mistake that forced her to change her name, a lesson that proves why you need to cross your t's from day one. We also dig into the struggle of pricing your art and why she willingly invests her own money into projects to attract her ideal high-end clients. Finally, we discuss managing the mental load of motherhood and why physically taking care of yourself is a non-negotiable part of business success. This episode is for anyone trying to build a business they love without losing their sanity along the way.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro(01:27) - How Alyssa started in the floral industry at 15(10:02) - Starting a business out of necessity(14:09) - The reality of working with your husband(21:40) - Setting boundaries for family time and kids(24:59) - How to attract high-end clients by investing upfront(37:28) - One business lesson Alyssa learned the hard way(38:55) - The trademark horror story you need to hearAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠Connect with Alyssa Ait⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherofwildnc/⁠

In this episode, I talk honestly about one of the hardest leadership lessons I’ve had to learn as a founder: how to take time off without feeling guilty. I share why so many business owners—especially women—struggle with rest, how guilt gets tied to productivity, and why our teams often mirror the behavior we model. Through my own experiences of burnout and exhaustion, I explain how refusing to rest doesn’t make us noble leaders—it quietly teaches our teams to ignore their own needs too.Timestamps(00:00) — Intro(02:07) — Founder Burnout Reality(04:18) — Rest As Leadership(06:31) — Building Rest Rhythms(08:57) — Stop Glamorizing Burnout(10:24) — Releasing Founder Guilt(12:58) — Modeling Sustainable LeadershipAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Meredith Cook, founder of Green Compass Global, to talk about what it really looks like to lead with heart while building a fast-growing business. We dive into the hardest decisions she’s had to make as a founder, especially when it comes to leading people you deeply care about and navigating seasons that feel overwhelming.Meredith shares how compassion, transparency, and tough conversations have shaped her leadership style and helped her build a people-powered brand rooted in trust. This conversation is an honest look at what it takes to stay grounded when the stakes are high and the responsibility is heavy.Timestamps(00:00) — Intro(05:52) — Letting people go with heart(11:18) — Founding Green Compass(16:44) — Purpose over quick profit(22:07) — Family inside the business(27:36) — Marriage and entrepreneurship(32:58) — Staying in your strengths(38:12) — Running into hard seasonsAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠Connect with Meredith CookWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.greencompassglobal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greencompassglobal/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredithcookgc/?hl=en

In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest look at how my relationship with planning has changed and why this year feels different than any before it. I talk about letting go of chaotic growth, admitting where burnout has shown up for me and my team, and choosing to step into leadership with more intention instead of constant reaction. This episode isn’t about having a perfect system — it’s about becoming the kind of CEO who plans slowly, thoughtfully, and with real life in mind.I walk through how I’m defining my season, choosing how I want the year to feel, and setting goals that actually support my business, my team, and my life. From redefining KPIs to intentionally planning for rest, I’m sharing the mindset shifts helping me build something sustainable instead of sprinting toward burnout. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just trying to get through the week, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin leading from a more grounded place.Timestamps(00:00) — Intro(02:01) — Kitchen realization moment(04:03) — Defining your season(06:12) — Team-centered planning shift(08:07) — KPIs without burnout(10:59) — Scheduling rest intentionally(12:01) — Choosing clarity and alignmentAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Capone to talk through the financial mistakes that quietly derail small businesses and how to avoid them early. We unpack why growing too fast can be just as dangerous as not growing at all, and how focusing on your core competency can protect both your cash and your sanity.Chris breaks down why knowing your numbers isn’t just about bookkeeping—it’s about creating clarity, confidence, and better decision-making as a founder. This conversation is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by financial terms or unsure how to plan ahead.Timestamps(00:00) – Intro(05:55) – Growing too fast risks(11:30) – Cash flow explained simply(17:05) – Planning for seasonal revenue(22:45) – Hiring and cash reserves(28:20) – Cutting unprofitable business lines(33:50) – CPA vs CFO roles(38:15) – Fixing messy financesAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPodApple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠Connect with Chris CaponeWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://caponeandassociates.biz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-capone-287b2521

In this episode, I sit down with Wilmington business owner Bennie Sheally to talk about what it really takes to grow a company from scratch. We dive into his leap out of corporate life, the risk and reward behind acquiring agencies, and how he learned to lead with transparency and culture first.Bennie opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship — from burning through savings to figuring out payroll — and the resilience required to keep going. Together, we explore how community support, personal relationships, and strong leadership shape a thriving business.Timestamps(00:00) — Intro(07:38) — Wilmington support for business owners(12:19) — Scaling multiple office locations(16:19) — Revenue growth through acquisitions(20:38) — Entrepreneurship stress and payroll uncertainty(24:58) — Celebrating employee entrepreneurial growth(30:40) — Adapting agency systems for growth(36:55) — Leadership transparency with team(41:05) — Efficiency through back-office processes(47:20) — Culture-driven operational performance(53:10) — Strategic mindset during plateaus(59:45) — Long-term vision and legacy buildingAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with AbbyeLinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠Connect with Bennie SheallyWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sheallyinsurance.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Kristen and Wes Bechtel — the husband-and-wife team behind Bombalatti’s Ice Cream in Wilmington, NC. We talk about the real side of entrepreneurship: active-shooter lockdowns, plumbing disasters, chaos at multiple locations, and somehow still loving what they do. Their story reminds me that the hardest days in business can still feel better than the best days at a desk job. I love how honest they are about the sacrifices and surprises no one tells you about when chasing a dream.Timestamps(00:00) — Intro(07:55) — Buying Bombalatti’s opportunity (14:44) — Daily challenges in growth21:58 — Why expansion keeps happening(29:36) — Creativity takes backseat often(36:53) — Systems break with scale(44:25) — When family calls louder(52:04) — Success still costs somethingAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with AbbyeLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠Find the Show Here:YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠Connect with Kristen and Wes Bechtel of Boombalatti'sInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/boombalattis/?hl=enWebsite: ⁠https://boombalattis.com/

Designer, entrepreneur, and my good friend Carmin Black, went from turning handmade jewelry in her grandparents' garage to creating handbags carried at Magnolia and a hair tie sold nationwide at CVS. She walks me through the messy reality of building product-based businesses, from finding manufacturers overseas to knowing when to close one brand and start another.You'll learn:How to take a product idea from your brain to retail shelves without massive investmentWhy the first five years are about learning lessons, not making moneyWhat it really takes to work with major retailers like Nordstrom, CVS, and MagnoliaHow to know when it's time to pivot versus push through the hard stuffTimestamps(00:00) – Intro(01:10) – Working with Magnolia(06:09) – Manifestation vs action(08:17) – From idea to shelf(13:09) – The messy beginning(22:09) – When to pivot(28:17) – Why Half United closed(35:28) – Getting into CVS(47:20) – Landing Magnolia(52:50) – Building your network(57:37) – Book recommendationsAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with AbbyeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/Find the Show Here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPodApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65Connect with Carmin BlackInstagram: @carminblackthebrandWebsite: carminblack.comHairdo: usehairdo.comCarmin Black is a designer, entrepreneur, and founder of multiple product-based brands including Carmin Black handbags (sold at Magnolia) and hairdo hair ties (sold nationwide at CVS). She's a former D1 track athlete who started making jewelry in her grandparents' garage and grew it into businesses that employ artisans in eight countries.

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Melissa Tyson, an incredible goldsmith and custom jewelry designer. Melissa's story is one of courage, creativity, and starting over when life falls apart. We talk about how she built her fine jewelry brand from scratch, literally melting down her old pieces, and what it means to stay true to your art while running a successful business.You'll learn:How to balance your creative vision with client needs without losing yourselfWhy learning the business side is just as important as mastering your craftWhat it takes to pivot your business when life forces you to start overHow to use marketing strategically without losing your authentic voiceTimestamps:(00:00) – Intro(01:46) – Melissa's jewelry evolution from silver to fine jewelry(05:26) – Learning business skills as a creative(07:08) – Balancing artistic vision with client needs(13:05) – Cultivating brand identity over 25 years(17:03) – Losing income and starting over from scratch(18:17) – Melting down her life savings to create a new line(19:39) – Asking for a sign and making the first sale(27:03) – Hiring a marketing agency and doubling revenue(34:38) – Authentic connection in a noisy digital world(42:56) – Social media strategy that converts(54:36) – Getting scouted for Paris Fashion Week(1:03:30) – Motherhood and entrepreneurshipAbout the ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with AbbyeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/Find the Show Here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPodApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65Connect with MelissaWebsite: melissatysondesigns.comEtsy: MelissaTysonDesignsInstagram: @melissatysondesignsFacebook: Melissa Tyson DesignsMelissa creates custom fine jewelry and engagement rings. She's been featured at Paris Fashion Week and specializes in organic, handcrafted pieces with evidence of the maker's hand.

In this episode, I walk you through the five people you should talk to before you spend money on a website, branding, or a big “I’m launching!” announcement. These conversations will save you time, stress, and years of trial and error.You’ll learn:How mentors shorten the learning curve and help you avoid common mistakes.Why real customer feedback keeps you grounded in what people actually want.What to ask your banker, CPA, or attorney so your money and contracts don’t get messy.How honest friends save you from blind spots and hype you didn’t realize you were stuck in.Timestamps(00:00) – Intro(00:22) – The five people to talk to before starting a business(01:02) – Why mentors matter and how Abbye found hers(03:26) – Abbye’s first client and scrappy beginnings(04:18) – Talking to future customers: pain points, desires, pricing(06:20) – Your money team: banker, CPA, cash flow, and early mistakes(08:49) – Legal basics: structure, contracts, trademarks(10:28) – The brutally honest friend and real-talk feedback(11:45) – Recap and immediate next stepsAbout The ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/Find the Show Here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPodApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65

In this episode, I take you inside the real first year of business — the good parts that light you up, the bad moments no one warns you about, and the absurd stories you only understand if you’ve lived them. I share the lessons, mistakes, and small lifesavers that helped me survive my earliest, messiest seasons.You’ll learn:How freedom quickly turns into chaos without simple structure.Why tiny wins matter more than any big milestone.What financial whiplash, taxes, and emergencies really look like.How support, community, and boundaries keep you from burning out.Timestamps(00:00) – Intro(00:23) – Why this show exists(01:00) – The good: freedom and control(02:53) – When freedom turns to chaos(04:58) – Tiny wins that keep you going(07:03) – Big wins and breakthroughs(07:38) – The hard parts no one tells you(08:28) – Money, taxes, and whiplash(10:08) – Loneliness and finding support(11:02) – Building a team the simple way(13:38) – The absurd side of business(15:50) – Chaos, emergencies, and resilienceAbout The ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with AbbyeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/Find the Show Here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPodApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65

In this episode, I introduce what Business From Scratch is all about and why starting a business never looks as clean as people make it seem. I share how my own story—divorce, rebuilding, survival work, and messy first steps—shaped the way I help people start their businesses today.You’ll learn:Why starting a business feels confusing and chaotic—and why that’s normal.What painful mistakes taught me that no classroom could.How community, resilience, and honest lessons create a stronger foundation for any new founder.What this podcast will give you so your business feels doable, not overwhelming.Timestamps(00:00) – Intro(00:25) – Who this show is for and why the beginning feels overwhelming(01:20) – Abbye’s story: rebuilding life, finding purpose in survival(02:08) – How community, cooking, and connection sparked her first business(03:14) – Lessons from commercial kitchens and early clients(05:09) – Why this podcast exists and what listeners can expect(06:07) – The emotional reality of starting from scratch(07:29) – What Abbye wants you to do nextAbout The ShowBusiness From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.Connect with Abbye:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/Find the Show Here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPodApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65

Starting a business is one thing. Starting over in life while building a business? That’s another level of crazy.I’m Abbye McGee — single mom, three-time founder, and someone who’s had to piece together life and business from zero. In this trailer, I’m introducing Business From Scratch — a podcast about what it really takes to build something that lasts when you’re rebuilding yourself at the same time.This isn’t about chasing a highlight reel or curating a Pinterest-perfect brand. It’s about the real, messy, and meaningful parts of starting over — the mindset shifts, money talks, identity changes, and all the behind-the-scenes logistics that come with creating something that actually matters.Each week, you’ll hear a mix of solo episodes and unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and friends who’ve built their businesses in their own imperfect way.If you’ve ever felt like a crazy person starting from scratch — trust me, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. Let’s do it together.Listen every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms, or watch full episodes on Spotify and YouTube.

COMING SOON – Business from Scratch with Abbye McGee is your unfiltered guide to building a meaningful business from the ground up. Abbye McGee shares honest stories, actionable insights, and practical strategies for entrepreneurs navigating the real, messy side of starting and scaling. Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, or aspiring founder, discover what it truly takes to build something from nothing. Get inspired, stay resilient, and grow your business one episode at a time. New episodes weekly. Subscribe now.