PASSION to PROFIT

In the final months of the year, many creative entrepreneurs feel pressure to "finish strong" by launching something new, addind yet another service or completely reinventing what they are doing.. But what if the most straightforward path to additional revenue is already sitting right in your existing work and relationships? In this episode I share five practical approaches specifically designed for creative minds to generate income that aligns with your natural working style.   Key Moments: [00:00] Challenging the pressure to "finish strong"  [04:26] Why traditional business advice often fails creative entrepreneurs [05:37] First approach: Creating simple, focused solution-based services [09:29] Second approach: Authentically reconnecting with existing network [10:56] Third approach: Identifying overlooked opportunities people already ask about [12:06] Fourth approach: Collaborative partnerships that complement your work [14:56] Fifth approach: 30-day commitment to a new communication strategy [15:50] Importance of confidence and clarity in implementing these approaches   Notable Quotes: "Your creative business doesn't need to become something completely different to be more profitable. You need to get better at recognising and valuing what you already do brilliantly."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: What revenue approach resonates most with you? Share a strategy you're excited to explore in your creative business. Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know!   Never Miss an Episode: Join our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes resources and exclusive content that will help you build a business that feels authentically yours

After watching Pinterest webinars promising millions of views and instant success, I uncover the game-changing truth about sustainable marketing for creative entrepreneurs. Discover why 26 strategic website visitors matter infinitely more than vanity metrics, and how authentic, strengths-led marketing can transform your business growth.   Key Moments: [02:27] The problem with Pinterest webinars promising instant success [04:43] September's Pinterest metrics: 14,905 impressions, 26 unique website visitors [06:26] Why 26 real people matter more than millions of views [10:30] Creating a simple, 30-minute weekly Pinterest routine [12:48] The importance of having a website that supports visitors [14:34] Building marketing strategies around personal strengths [20:20] October's Pinterest strategy: increasing to 5 pins per week [22:36] The bigger picture: sustainable business growth through authentic marketing   Notable Quotes: "Twenty-six people finding your perfect-for-them website is worth more than a million views that lead nowhere!" "Your creative business doesn't need millions of anything to succeed. It needs the right people to find you, and it needs you to be ready to look after them really well when they do."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Pinterest Experiment Guide:  Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment  Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Link: My Story Page Podcast Episode: 106. My Pinterest Experiment: Month 1 Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear if you're testing Pinterest in your own business or considering it after hearing about my experiment. What resonated most with your approach to sustainable marketing? Send me an email at news@philippacraddock.com with your discoveries or DM me on Instagram. I'm genuinely curious about what works for others too.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get practical guidance delivered straight to your inbox, plus monthly Pinterest experiment updates as my six-month journey unfolds.

"What actually makes you a creative business owner?" Last week, I was asked this brilliant question at a creative business event and it made me think deeply: While it sounds simple, how you answer this question could fundamentally change everything about how you see your entrepreneurial capabilities.   Key Moments: [02:05] A transformative conversation at LineUp, London [04:22] Defining what truly makes a creative business owner [09:30] Why creativity drives business success and why traditional advice falls short for creative entrepreneurs [12:40] How creativity fuels problem-solving, differentiation, and business resilience [17:02] The power of understanding and building around your individual strengths [20:05] How to stand out in a saturated market by embracing your unique approach     Notable Quotes: "The most memorable creative businesses aren't the ones following industry norms or copying what everyone else does. They're built on the unique talents of their founders."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: What's your exceptional creative strength? How could you build your business more intentionally around what you naturally do best? DM me on Instagram and share your thoughts! I'd love to hear your unique perspective.   Never Miss an Episode: Join my weekly newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to resources, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday.

Last week, I had dinner with a brand strategist named Sarah who was completely deflated. She'd just lost a potential client to someone charging half her rates. But here's the fascinating part: that client had spent twenty minutes explaining why Sarah's approach felt so different, so thoughtful, and exactly what they needed. They praised her insights, described her process in detail, even said they felt confident she could transform their business. And then they chose someone else purely on price. Sarah thought this was evidence she needed to lower her rates. I saw something completely different... a pattern I've seen across many creative businesses that, once you understand it, changes everything about how you position your work...   Key Moments: [00:00] The dinner conversation with Sarah that sparked a critical business insight [03:14] Why price isn't the ultimate deciding factor for clients [06:17] The real value of understanding your unique business approach [10:03] How to communicate your exceptional strengths [16:10] Strategies for attracting clients who value expertise [21:55] Breaking the cycle of underpricing and overdelivering [28:24] Transforming consultations into value-demonstration opportunities   Notable Quotes: "When you price based on the outcomes you create rather than competing on cost, you attract clients who are looking to invest in what you deliver and what they want to achieve." "Quality has become non-negotiable, but it's no longer enough on its own. Beautiful work is expected. What makes you stand out now is how you think, how you solve problems, and how the experience of working with you feels from the very first interaction."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: Have you experienced a moment when a client recognised your unique value but chose a cheaper alternative? Share your story and insights with me over on Instagram. DM me and let's discuss how we can better communicate our exceptional strengths.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, early access to new resources, and weekly inspiration for creative entrepreneurs. Get the first look at upcoming programs and special offers

The combined creative economies of Western Europe, US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are now valued at over $1 trillion - driven primarily by solo entrepreneurs and small teams. So why in these seemingly booming times do many creative entrepreneurs still feel like they are struggling? Today we explore the disconnect between this massive opportunity and the way most creative entrepreneurs are trying to build their businesses - and reveal the three key shifts that are making all the difference for those who are succeeding. You will discover you are more ready than you think...   Key Moments: [00:00] Challenging conventional wisdom about creative businesses [02:00] The incredible scale of the creative economy - UK and global figures [05:53] Why creative businesses still struggle despite market strength  [08:58] The three real reasons creative entrepreneurs get stuck [11:44] Why now is actually the perfect time for creative businesses  [17:33] What's working now - key shifts for success [17:50] First shift: Identity over tactics [19:33] Second shift: Building around your natural strengths [20:59] Third shift: Sustainable systems that support creativity  [23:45] Your place in the creative economy and next steps   Notable Quotes: "What's easy for you is often impossible for your clients - that's exactly why they need you." "The creative entrepreneurs who are succeeding aren't starting with marketing strategies or business plans. They're starting with a fundamental shift in how they see themselves."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Pinterest Experiment Guide:  Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment  Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: How has your perspective on your creative business changed after hearing these market insights? I'd love to hear what resonated most with you - send me a DM on Instagram. I really do read and respond to every message, however old the episode - your insights often inspire future episodes.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights from each episode, plus exclusive resources and first access to new offerings. You'll get the deeper context that makes each episode even more valuable.  

One month into my Pinterest experiment and I've discovered that everything I'd heard about Pinterest was wrong. Everyone says post daily (some say 30 times a day!). But three strategic pins per week actually works better than seven rushed ones. The results? 11,000 impressions in month one and people clicking through to my website. Sometimes the sustainable approach beats the overwhelming one!   Key Moments: [05:52] Why this Pinterest Experiment matters [10:32] The big revelation [17:55] The sustainability reality check [26:05] Surprising technical discoveries [30:24] The numbers from month one and what they actually mean [32:36] The Strategic shift - What’s coming next with AI agents [35:52] Overview and my hypothesis [37:28] My practical take aways and the deeper lesson [44:17] What to expect next   Notable Quotes: "Pinterest success isn't about posting more - it's all about posting strategically. I always prefer careful and practical strategy over sheer numbers for the sake of it." "You need enough time to get past the initial excitement and see how something feels when it becomes routine. So much business advice focuses on the first week or two, but sustainability shows up in week three and beyond."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Pinterest Experiment Guide:  Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment  Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: hello@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear if you're testing Pinterest in your own business or considering it after hearing about my experiment. What resonated most with your approach to sustainable marketing? Send me an email at hello@philippacraddock.com with your discoveries or DM me on Instagram. I'm genuinely curious about what works for others too.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get practical guidance delivered straight to your inbox, plus monthly Pinterest experiment updates as my six-month journey unfolds.

An Instagram post about spending eight weeks in Greece with my family has so far generated over 165,000 views and revealed something profound... creative entrepreneurs yearning for freedom but unsure how to get there. This week, I'm answering the five questions myself and showing you exactly what your answers reveal about building the business and life you actually want.   Key Moments: [00:00] The Instagram post that has now generated 165,000 views and what it revealed about creative entrepreneurs [04:46] Why traditional business advice fails creative minds and the breakthrough that changed everything [07:22] The question that reveals your true business vision (and why most people get this completely wrong) [13:11] The natural ability you're probably undervaluing that could transform your income [18:16] How to identify the part of your business where you feel most authentically yourself [22:53] The permission question that could eliminate half your current stress immediately [26:38] The vulnerable truth most entrepreneurs won't admit (but must address to move forward) [30:24] What your answers reveal about your path to genuine freedom and success [32:37] One simple step to start building your ideal Tuesday this week   Notable Quotes: "The gap between where you are and where you want to be is almost never about working harder or learning more tactics - it's about recognising what you naturally do brilliantly and building everything around that." "Your impossible dream? It starts with believing it's possible."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Coffee invitation: 5 Questions to Create Your Next Chapter Pinterest experiment: Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear which of these five questions resonated most with you! What came up when you imagined your ideal ordinary Tuesday? Share your insights with me on Instagram - I read every message and love hearing about your discoveries. Please know your reflections often inspire future episodes and help our entire community grow.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll also receive practical guidance for building a creative business that aligns with your natural strengths whilst creating genuine freedom.  

Last week, a simple Instagram post about our family summers in Greece generated over 110,000 views and more responses than anything I've shared in a while. But it wasn't the Greece part that resonated, it was the underlying message about designing your business around the life you actually want to live. The messages revealed the same question: "I can see what I want, but I don't know how to bridge the gap." Here are the five questions that will help you find that bridge.   Key Moments: [01:37] The Instagram post that reached over 110,000 people and what it revealed [03:04] Why the gap isn't about lacking skills or strategies  [03:36] Introducing "The 5 Questions to Create Your Next Chapter" [10:05] How to use these questions this week and what's coming next   Notable Quotes: "Most of us are so busy following generic business advice that we've never stopped to ask ourselves the fundamental questions about what we truly want our business to make possible in our lives." "The clarity you're seeking is already inside you. You just need the right questions to access it."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's Full Journal Post Coffee invitation: 5 Questions to Create Your Next Chapter Pinterest experiment: Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear which of these five questions immediately sparked something for you. Sometimes just hearing the right question can shift everything about how we see our business possibilities. Send me a message on Instagram - I read every single one and your insights often inspire future episodes.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new programmes and community launches. Plus, you'll be the first to know when The Base Notes community opens again    

There's an invisible line that many creative entrepreneurs struggle to cross, from seeing yourself as a creative person who happens to sell their offerings, to stepping fully into being a creative business owner. It sounds like a small difference, but it changes absolutely everything about how you operate. This final episode of our summer series is about making that shift and owning your identity as a professional creative business owner. Your creativity doesn't diminish, it becomes your unique business advantage when treated with the professional respect it deserves.   Key Moments: [02:01] The invisible line: creative person vs. creative business owner [04:21] Why "humility" about your work actually holds everyone back [06:45] Simple systems that signal professional seriousness [08:35] You're not becoming a business owner, you already are one!   Notable Quotes: "When you show up as a confident business owner, you give your clients permission to see you that way too. They trust you more, they value your input more, they're happier to pay your prices, and they refer you to others with confidence." "You're not just creative. You're a creative business owner. Own it, because the world needs what you have to offer."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's   Full Journal Post Pinterest experiment: Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: What resonated most with you about stepping into your identity as a creative business owner? I'd love to hear about your own identity shifts or the small professional systems you're implementing this week. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram, I read every message however old the podcast and love connecting with you.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new programmes and community launches. Plus, you'll be the first to know when The Base Notes community opens again.

As creatives we often think perfectionism makes our work better, but it's actually costing us clients, opportunities and genuine connections with our audience. While you're perfecting, polishing, and waiting for everything to be "ready," your ideal clients are working with someone else - someone who showed up, shared their work, and made that human connection. In this episode we explore why "good enough, shared" always beats "perfect, hidden."   Key Moments: [02:19] The real cost of perfectionism: missing clients while you perfect your work [03:57] Why people hire you, not just your skills - the power of authentic connection [05:57] The ceramicist story: how perfectionism was blocking growth and visibility [08:58] Behind-the-scenes content gets more engagement than polished perfection [11:52] This week's experiment: sharing "good enough" instead of perfect   Notable Quotes: "People don't just hire your skills. They hire you. And perfectionism often hides the very personality and authenticity that makes you memorable and trustworthy." "Your clients want to work with someone they trust, someone they feel comfortable with, someone who feels real and approachable. And perfectionism actually works against all of those things."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's   Full Journal Post Previous Episode Mentioned: 101. Why Your Natural Skills Are Your Biggest Asset Previous Episode Mentioned: 100. The One Thing Holding Back Your Creative Business Pinterest experiment: Follow Along with My Pinterest Experiment Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: What's one thing you've been holding back from sharing because it wasn't "perfect" yet? I'd love to hear about your experiment with "good enough" content - send me a message on Instagram and let me know what you discover when you share something genuine rather than polished.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter  for behind-the-scenes insights, including my current Pinterest experiment where I'm sharing both the wins and frustrations as I test what works. You'll get first access to new resources and exclusive content that doesn't appear anywhere else.  

"It's just something I'm naturally good at." "It feels too easy to charge for." "Anyone could do that." I hear these phrases constantly from creative entrepreneurs who are unknowingly dismissing their most valuable business assets. What feels effortless to you is often exactly what clients will pay premium prices for. In this episode, I'll show you how to spot your undervalued strengths and turn them into your most profitable offerings.   Key Moments: [01:53] The problem: Why "it feels too easy" is costing you money [02:53] Real examples of natural skills being undervalued by their owners [03:52] The weird guilt about charging for things that come naturally [05:31] The reframe: Easy for you doesn't mean easy for everyone else [06:50] How to recognise when ease actually indicates expertise [07:31] This week's action: Start tracking your "no big deal" moments   Notable Quotes: "What feels effortless to you is often what clients and customers will pay premium prices for. The skill that comes naturally, that you barely have to think about, that you assume everyone can do - that's probably your most valuable part of your offerings." "Your clients aren't just paying for your time. They're paying for your perspective, your expertise, your ability to see solutions they can't see. They're paying for the years of experience that allow you to make something look effortless."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: What natural skill do you find yourself dismissing as "no big deal" that others consistently compliment you on? I'd love to hear about those abilities you take for granted that might actually be your biggest business assets. Send me a DM on Instagram, I read every message and love helping you recognise your genuine value.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get thoughtful business guidance that supports your creative entrepreneural journey.

"I'm not a real business owner yet." "I'm just starting out." "I don't have enough experience." I hear these types of phrases constantly from creative entrepreneurs - even ones who've been successfully running businesses for years. This single limiting belief is costing you money, opportunities, and confidence, but the good news is it's completely fixable. As we reach our 100th podcast episode, here's the mindset shift that changes everything about how you see yourself and your creative business. This belief shows up in how you price your services, communicate your value, and the growth opportunities you don't pursue because you assume you're not ready. If you've ever downplayed your expertise or waited for permission to call yourself a legitimate business owner, this episode will help you step fully into your professional identity and unlock the sustainable business growth you've been working towards.   Key Moments: [02:29] Celebrating 100 episodes and the collaborative nature of this podcast [04:47] The one belief sabotaging creative businesses more than anything else [06:01] How this self-doubt manifests - even in successful creative entrepreneurs [09:03] The uncomfortable but powerful exercise to shift this belief [11:36] The truth about becoming "legitimate" as a business owner   Notable Quotes: "The creative entrepreneurs who thrive aren't necessarily the most experienced or the most qualified. They're the ones who recognise their own value and own it confidently." "There's no magic moment when you suddenly become 'legitimate.' There's no external validation that makes you a 'real' business owner. It's a decision you make about how you see yourself and your work."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear how this resonates with you! Have you caught yourself saying "I'm not a real business owner yet" despite all the evidence to the contrary? What shift in language feels most powerful for you? Send me a message on Instagram, I genuinely love hearing from you, however old the episode!   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to know about new programme launches and exclusive resources.

That email you've been staring at for twenty minutes, trying to sound "professional" but ending up sounding like a robot?! I've been there. For years, I thought being professional meant hiding my personality behind formal language and corporate-speak. Then I met Elisa, a Sardinian event planner who was completely herself in every interaction... warm, direct, enthusiastic, while running a hugely successful international business. She taught me that authenticity doesn't make you less professional; it makes you more effective. This episode explores how to find that balance between being genuinely yourself and being professional, and why your real voice is actually your greatest business asset.   Key Moments: [03:40] The professional mask we think we need and why formal language often backfires [05:31] My turning point: learning from Elisa Mocci and discovering authentic professionalism [09:21] The cost of hiding behind formality  [10:32] What authentic professionalism actually looks like in practice [13:00] Finding your boundaries: what to share and what to keep private [13:43] Overcoming the fear that authenticity will turn off serious clients [14:58] How dyslexia taught me that vulnerability can become strength [15:48] Why your real voice matters more than ever in an AI-generated world   Notable Quotes: "When you're hiding behind overly formal language, you're not building genuine connections. And business, especially creative business, is fundamentally about relationships." "Your unique voice, your particular way of seeing things, your specific experiences - these are your competitive advantages. When you try to sound like everyone else, you're giving up the very thing that makes you irreplaceable."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Free Persistence Guide:  Thoughtful Persistence: Why Silence Doesn't Mean No Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear about your experience with finding the balance between authenticity and professionalism. Have you noticed a difference in client responses when you've communicated more naturally? What barriers have you faced in letting your real voice come through in your business communications? Send me a DM on Instagram - I read every message and love connecting with you about these topics.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get thoughtful business guidance that supports your creative entrepreneurship journey.

That beautiful pitch you sent months ago? The one that never received a response and left you feeling completely rejected? This silence almost never means what you think it means. After two years of rejection from Selfridges, I was told I "wasn't fashionable enough." Instead of giving up, I created fashion-inspired flower arrangements and turned up at their offices. That persistence became the foundation of one of my most important business relationships. Here's what I've learnt about the difference between thoughtful persistence and being pushy, and why your gentle nature is actually your biggest business strength when building a creative business.   Key Moments: [02:30] Why persistence only got 12% of votes despite being what holds people back most [03:58] The story of 20 beautifully crafted cards that received zero responses [05:37] What silence really means (and why our minds jump to rejection) [07:15] My Selfridges story: two years of "no" becoming my most important business relationship [11:44] The truth about creative professionals and why your "too much" probably isn't [12:53] When persistence works and when it becomes problematic  [17:31] The golden rule of follow-up: adding value rather than adding to to-do lists [18:25] Five practical strategies for thoughtful persistence [20:34] About the Free Guide and how it can help you.   Notable Quotes: "Your version of 'rude or pushy or annoying' is probably most people's version of 'thoughtfully persistent.'" "Most of the time, when we think we're hearing 'not ever,' we're actually hearing 'not right now.'"   Resources Mentioned: Free Persistence Guide: Thoughtful Persistence: Why Silence Doesn't Mean No Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: If today's episode gave you the courage to send that follow-up message you've been putting off, I'd love to hear about it. Have you experienced a situation where persistence paid off in ways you didn't expect? Share your experience with me over on Instagram or through DM's. I always read all your thoughts and comments however old the episode!   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter  for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to know about new episodes. You'll also get exclusive resources and first access to new offerings.  

That dream you haven't dared say out loud? The one that feels embarrassingly unrealistic? It might be exactly what your creative business needs. I started my flower business delivering bud vases to rural pubs, secretly dreaming of working with luxury brands and venues. That impossible vision didn't make building my business harder, it made everything clearer. When you aim for something extraordinary, project decisions become far more obvious. In this episode we look at how thinking on a scale of 10x instead of 2x can transform everything from your daily choices to the opportunities you attract, and how to hold massive dreams without losing your mind! Whether you're dreaming of premium clients, luxury brand partnerships, or building a seven figure creative business, this strategic approach to ambitious goal setting will revolutionise how you grow your creative business. Key Moments [04:18] The secret dream I didn't dare share - from kitchen table to luxury brands [06:23] Why small dreams keep you small and thinking in incremental improvements [09:21] The strategic power of impossible goals and how they force innovation [11:30] Dreams creative entrepreneurs whisper and why they're not as impossible as they seem [14:54] How to hold big dreams without losing your mind - the private vision strategy [19:07] When dreams change entire industries and create space for others to follow [20:44] The permission you've been waiting for - why your biggest dreams aren't big enough   Notable Quotes: "When you allow yourself to dream impossibly big, you can't just do more of the same. You have to completely reimagine what's possible." "The difference between creative entrepreneurs who build extraordinary businesses and those who stay stuck isn't talent, luck, or connections. It's the willingness to envision something so compelling that it pulls them forwards through every obstacle."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Read: 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: What's the dream you haven't dared to say out loud? I'd love to hear about it. DM me on Instagram i'm genuinely excited to hear it, These impossible dreams are what transform not just your business, but entire industries.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for insights on building your creative business around what you naturally do best. Next week, we're exploring persistence - how to handle rejection and keep moving towards those ambitious goals in a way that feels comfortable rather than pushy.    

What if the very thing you think is holding back your creative business is actually your biggest competitive advantage? This episode completely reframes how we think about our location, moving from limitation to opportunity. Drawing from real examples including TOAST, Eileen Fisher, and my own journey building a seven-figure floral business from the countryside, we explore how distance from major hubs can become a powerful differentiator. Whether you're based somewhere rural, suburban, or simply outside the traditional industry centres, this episode shows you how to transform your location story into genuine business advantage. You'll discover why authenticity trumps convenience, how constraint breeds creativity, and practical strategies for leveraging your unique geographic perspective. This isn't about putting a positive spin on a problem, it's about recognising the genuine advantages you already possess.   Notable Quotes: "Your location can become one of your most powerful differentiators in a crowded market. But this isn't about simply putting a positive spin on a problem. This is about recognising the genuine advantages you already have." "The moment you stop seeing your location as something to overcome and start seeing it as something to leverage, so much can change for you."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: How has your location influenced your creative work in ways you hadn't considered before? What unique perspective does your environment give you that could become part of your brand story? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Send me a DM on Instagram about how you're planning to reframe your location advantage.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get thoughtful business guidance delivered straight to your inbox, plus early notification when we open the doors to our next Base Notes community.

Last week, I found myself interviewing Cath Kidston in front of 50 creative entrepreneurs, and whilst I could tell you all about her incredible journey, what's more valuable is understanding how I came to be on that stage in the first place. The truth is, you cannot build a creative business in isolation. Behind every successful creative entrepreneur I know is a network of genuine relationships that have amplified their voice and opened doors to opportunities they never could have created alone. This isn't about becoming a networking machine - it's about being intentional with your connections whilst staying true to your values.   Key Moments: [03:07] The foundation of business growth - why clear messaging comes before everything else [05:47] Meeting Sophie Perkins and how genuine relationships develop naturally over time [07:22] The internal battle between fear and opportunity - why I nearly said no [08:12] The extensive preparation behind a 30-minute interview and why it matters [09:29] The real return on investment from collaborative opportunities [11:15] Why viral moments aren't the goal - understanding what actually builds your business [12:34] The five-part framework for authentic networking and collaboration [14:40] How comfort zones limit business growth and why fear often signals opportunity [15:59] Practical next steps for building meaningful professional relationships   Notable Quotes: "Comfort zones are not where businesses grow. They're where businesses stay exactly the same." "You cannot build a creative business in isolation. Behind every successful creative entrepreneur is a network of genuine relationships that have amplified their voice."   Resources Mentioned: Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: I'd love to hear about a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone for your business - what happened, and what did you learn? Perhaps you're considering an opportunity right now that feels a bit scary but aligned with your values. Send me a DM on Instagram - I read every message and genuinely love hearing about your experiences with putting yourself out there.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights from each episode, plus exclusive resources and first access to new offerings. You'll also receive practical guidance delivered straight to your inbox each week.

What I've discovered about creative entrepreneurs who are thriving is fascinating. They're quietly stepping away from doing things like everyone else and building businesses that actually work for them. This isn't just about being different for the sake of it; it's about recognising what you're naturally brilliant at and having the courage to build everything around that foundation. In this episode, I share real examples of creative entrepreneurs who've broken industry "rules" and seen remarkable results. From the textile artist who stopped trying to do everything and focused entirely on commercial installations, to the food photographer who specialised in capturing the story behind family recipes - each found success by asking one simple question: "What am I naturally better at than most people?" This quiet revolution is creating businesses that are more distinctive, more profitable, and infinitely more energising for their owners. When you structure your business around your authentic strengths rather than industry expectations, everything transforms, your confidence, your marketing, your client relationships, and yes, your income.   Key Moments: [05:42] The rebellion against "best practices" and why following everyone else's approach might be limiting your potential.  [07:01] Why the old rules don't serve creative entrepreneurs and the interior designer who transformed her business by recognising her hidden strength [09:55] The question that changes everything: "What am I naturally better at than most people?" [11:05] Building your business like architecture: structuring everything around your natural advantage [13:21] The energy revolution that happens when you work with your natural current instead of against it [15:20] Permission granted - why you don't need anyone's approval to build your business differently [16:34] The compound effect of individual shifts creating positive change across the creative economy [17:30] Your next move: Your own quiet revolution   Notable Quotes: "What feels effortless to you is often extraordinary to others. Your 'common sense' is actually accumulated wisdom and natural intuition that others lack." "The creative entrepreneurs who are building something truly distinctive aren't following the crowd, they're following their strengths."   Resources Mentioned: Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: What's one area of your business where you've been following someone else's approach instead of trusting your own instincts? I'd love to hear about what might be possible if you built around your natural strengths rather than industry expectations. Send me a message on Instagram  I'm genuinely curious about your thoughts!   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll never miss the practical guidance that helps you build a business around what comes naturally to you.

Running a creative business can feel remarkably isolating. While friends and family are wonderfully supportive, they don't always understand the specific challenges of pricing creative work, the vulnerability of putting your designs into the world, or the constant balance between creativity and commerce. What I've discovered is that when you connect with other creative entrepreneurs who truly get it, something transformative happens. In this episode, I share how creative business community completely changed my approach to entrepreneurship, why business networking for creatives looks different from traditional networking, and how to build supportive professional relationships that accelerate your creative business growth.   Key Moments: [02:44] Why running a creative business can feel so isolating, even with supportive friends and family [05:17] The turning point: How connecting with other creative entrepreneurs transformed my confidence and business approach [08:28] My recent peer group that changed everything - how 90% of my current projects came from community conversations [11:40] Why business networking for creatives looks different: balancing artistic integrity with commercial success [14:24] The surprising hesitations about joining creative communities (and why they're worth pushing through) [19:33] How creative community supports each stage of building your business - from overcoming limiting beliefs to confident pricing [21:25] Practical ways to build your own creative business community when you're starting from scratch [22:55] The ripple effect: How supporting each other elevates the entire creative economy   Notable Quotes: "The creative entrepreneurs who thrive aren't necessarily the most talented or the most business-savvy - they're often the ones who've built strong communities that support their growth and hold them accountable to their potential." "When creative entrepreneurs support each other's success, it creates a ripple effect that elevates the entire creative economy."   Resources Mentioned: Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: What's been your experience with creative community? Have you found connections with other creative entrepreneurs that have changed how you approach your business? I'd love to hear about the communities that have supported your growth or any hesitations you've had about joining creative groups. Send me a DM on Instagram - I read and respond to every message however old the episode!   Never Miss an Episode Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive resources, and first access to new offerings. You'll get practical guidance for building your creative business delivered straight to your inbox!

After months of development, I'm revealing the complete framework that transforms struggling creative businesses into thriving ones. Many creative entrepreneurs unknowingly struggle against their natural strengths instead of building from them. In this episode, I introduce The Base Notes framework, a proven approach that helps you align your creative business with what you naturally do best. Learn why sustainable growth, authentic marketing, and real confidence come from recognising and building around your exceptional strengths. This isn't about becoming someone different, it's about growing a thriving creative business by doing what comes naturally.   Key Moments: [03:33] Why traditional business approaches aren't designed for creative minds [05:30] The turning point in my journey that changed everything - building around natural strengths instead of fighting against them [06:46] The three critical shifts that separate struggling creatives from thriving ones [09:15] What makes The Base Notes different from other business guides you may have tried before [12:38] The Nine Base Notes Framework - A walkthrough of all nine transformational chapters [17:18] Why I called it "The Base Notes" - the foundational elements that give lasting impact [21:08] Everything included: the complete handbook plus three practical bonuses [25:56] A special founding member opportunity    Notable Quotes: "When creative entrepreneurs build businesses around what comes naturally to them, everything becomes clearer, more sustainable, and genuinely more enjoyable." "You're not looking to become a different person - you want to build a business that honours who you already are. And you are absolutely right to believe that's possible."   Resources Mentioned: Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com    Share Your Insights: After listening to this episode, I'd love to hear which of the nine Base Notes resonates most with where you are right now in your creative business. Perhaps you're recognising exceptional strengths you've been overlooking, or maybe you're ready to step fully into creative business ownership. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram - I read every message and genuinely love hearing about your unique journey.   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for weekly insights that go deeper than what we cover on the podcast. You'll get behind-the-scenes thoughts on building sustainable creative businesses, plus you'll be the first to know about new resources and opportunities like The Base Notes Handbook. It's where I share practical implementation details that make all the difference.