Feeling behind despite working hard? This episode reframes why creative entrepreneurs and neurodivergent individuals struggle during transitional seasons - it's not a discipline problem, it's a nervous system safety issue. Learn why external disruptions like sensory overload, schedule changes, and social overwhelm drain your activation energy before you even start your work, why comparing yourself to others' seemingly linear progress is misleading, and how to redefine momentum as the act of not quitting rather than perfect consistency. Would love to chat! Say hi on IG: https://www.instagram.com/setapart_company/
In this Thanksgiving week episode, Sarah reframes gratitude as a nervous system strategy rather than a performative holiday exercise. She explores why creative entrepreneurs struggle with contentment due to constant forward projection, explains how gratitude provides evidence-based stabilization for your nervous system, and reveals why celebrating small wins matters more than waiting for big flashy moments. Sarah discusses how to rewire catastrophic thinking and comparison spirals, offers a new perspective on viewing every dollar spent and received as evidence of success, and challenges listeners to shift their internal dialogue about their business and creative practice. Mentioned: https://www.setapartcompany.net/creative-audit https://www.setapartcompany.net/ @setapart_company
Sarah reveals why feeling stuck is actually a symptom of lacking clarity on where to allocate your energy, and introduces the two-part formula that moves you from paralysis to progress. Sarah explains the neuroscience of why your nervous system keeps you frozen, shares her "storyline approach" for connecting your transformations with your mediums, and introduces the concept of your Financial Freedom Number - the non-emotional data you need to make strategic decisions. She also answers a Messy Confession from a pattern illustrator and mom who keeps starting and stopping despite having time and support. Essential for multifaceted creatives feeling paralyzed by too many ideas, anyone who relies on motivation instead of strategy, or those spinning their wheels without understanding the money piece of their business. Resources Mentioned: www.setapartcompany.nethttps://www.setapartcompany.net/freebiebookkeepinghttps://www.setapartcompany.net/creative-audit
In this deeply personal episode, Sarah shares the full story of watching people photograph and attempt to steal her product designs at a major retail showcase - and the incredible moment when those same designs (that others tried to copy) ended up legitimately featured in NYC holiday windows and on national television. She explores how efficiency culture and AI have created a permission slip for creative theft across industries, why the fear of robbery is keeping talented people from sharing their work, and how reconnecting with your "why" helps you shine despite the threats. Sarah discusses the difference between synthetic copying and authentic work, explains why your actions reflect your beliefs, and reveals how her 10-year journey in New York City came full circle when the right people noticed her light. Essential for anyone dealing with stolen work, AI fear, afraid to share their portfolio online, questioning whether showing up is worth the risk, or needing encouragement to keep creating despite the threat of theft. Mentioned: https://www.setapartcompany.net/ https://www.setapartcompany.net/creative-audit
This Q&A episode introduces the new "Messy Confessions" series, tackling three anonymous questions creatives are often afraid to ask. Topics include navigating business dreams while carrying significant credit card debt, whether being "too sensitive" disqualifies you from entrepreneurship, and why investing thousands in courses without launching might signal something deeper than procrastination. The episode explores financial literacy versus income amounts, reframes emotional awareness as strategic advantage, and examines the nervous system patterns that keep us in perpetual learning mode. Essential listening for anyone questioning their readiness, struggling with shame around money or progress, or wondering if they're actually cut out for creative business. Submit Your Messy Confession: https://www.setapartcompany.net/confessions
In this vulnerable and tactical episode, Sarah Edwards reveals a major (still secret!) network opportunity that's making her nauseous with fear, and breaks down exactly how she's working through it using principles from her OCD treatment journey. She explores the neuroscience of why our brains automatically label opportunities as dangerous, introduces the concept of "pleading the fifth" to release outcome anxiety, and explains how to build evidence of success in micro-steps that convince your nervous system you're capable. Sarah also emphasizes why you cannot and should not do entrepreneurship alone, detailing how to build a proper safety net of professionals and community. Essential for anyone staring down a terrifying opportunity, paralyzed by "what if" thinking, or stuck in the rumination cycle that keeps them from saying yes to growth. Creative Strategy Audit: https://www.setapartcompany.net/creative-audit
In this thought-provoking episode, Sarah Edwards explores how modern society and technology have completely distorted our perception of time, leading to chronic underestimation of tasks, burnout, and feelings of failure. She examines why we constantly feel behind when comparing ourselves to social media highlights, how efficiency culture forces us into impossible productivity standards, and why projects that "fail" on our original timeline often succeed brilliantly when they finally launch. Sarah shares her own two-year journey with an offer that kept flopping until the perfect moment arrived, revealing how time walking through setbacks actually enriches your final outcome with depth you couldn't have planned. Essential listening for anyone feeling crushed by their own timelines, apologizing for not finishing fast enough, or wondering why everything takes so much longer than it seems to take everyone else. Get your Creative to Cash Audit: https://www.setapartcompany.net/creative-audit
In this vulnerable episode, Sarah Edwards shares her recent mental health struggle while moving into her first home and reveals why traditional "balance" advice might be sabotaging your success. She challenges the toxic narrative that you need to be 100% consistent in everything, introducing the concept of "permission slip seasons" where going all-in on one important thing means letting other areas slide temporarily. Sarah discusses her all-or-nothing neurodivergent tendencies, why she stopped working on her business for a full week without guilt, and how strategic tunnel vision can create more intentional outcomes than trying to juggle everything at once. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs drowning in balance culture messaging, struggling with shame about not doing it all, and needing permission to prioritize what truly matters right now. Get your Creative to Cash Strategy Audit: https://www.setapartcompany.net/creative-audit
In this comeback episode after months away, Sarah Edwards shares raw insights from her recent experiences pitching major brands like Target and Anthropologie while living out of a suitcase and moving into her first home. She tackles the emotional reality of working toward goals that seem to take forever, exploring why slow progress often leads to better outcomes than quick wins. Sarah introduces her "80% rule" for overcoming perfectionism, redefines what balance actually means beyond Instagram aesthetics, and explains how to practice discernment when life throws curveballs. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs feeling stuck in the middle of their journey, wondering if their efforts will ever pay off, and struggling to balance big dreams with daily life responsibilities. Interested in a Creative Success Audit? You can get yours here! https://www.setapartcompany.net/creative-audit Follow me on IG @setapart_company
In this special episode, Sarah Edwards opens up her Creative Clarity Club Q&A session to podcast listeners, delivering candid answers to members' burning questions about creativity, business, and mindset. Sarah tackles how to find creative balance between "creating for fun" and strategic work, what to do with accumulated courses and systems, building a membership-based creative community, redefining what balance truly means beyond Instagram aesthetics, and overcoming the fear of sharing creative work. Throughout the episode, Sarah emphasizes intentional strategy, finding your "why," creating sacred space for creativity, and focusing on service over vanity metrics. This rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Creative Clarity Club offers listeners practical wisdom for their own creative journeys. You can join The Creative Clarity Club and jump into Sketchbook to Sales, Passive Income Training, by going here: https://www.setapartcompany.net/the-creative-clarity-club
In this candid episode, Sarah Edwards tackles the often misunderstood concept of passive income, stripping away the myths and revealing it as a strategic chess game rather than a quick-win scheme. She discusses why today's economic pressures make diversifying income streams essential, while emphasizing that passive income requires consistent effort, strategic thinking, and long-term commitment. Sarah shares personal insights about her gradual growth journey, encourages listeners to envision their completed offers before they exist, and explains why finishing projects is crucial for building a compounding portfolio of income streams. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs feeling economic pressure who want straight talk about building genuine financial resilience without the hustle culture mentality. Creative Clarity Club & Sketchbook to Sales: https://www.setapartcompany.net/the-creative-clarity-club
In this episode, Sarah Edwards explores the concept of "economic procrastination" and how current financial pressures can impact our creative work. She shares personal insights from her recent housing crisis experience, revealing how building a "creative safety net" through consistent practice—even when it feels indulgent or imperfect—creates compound benefits over time. Sarah emphasizes that procrastination often stems from not valuing your creative work, and offers encouragement to keep creating regardless of immediate outcomes. Learn why small, consistent creative efforts matter more than perfection, how to hold space for both positive and negative emotions in your creative process, and why your "indulgent" creative work may become your most valuable asset.
In this business-focused episode, Sarah dives into the critical importance of building a strong foundation before stretching beyond your comfort zone. She introduces the concept of the "Financial Freedom Number" - understanding exactly what you need to feel safe and secure - and explains why identifying a core offer that generates 60-80% of this number is essential for creative entrepreneurs. Sarah challenges listeners to honestly assess their foundations, arguing that most business struggles stem not from lack of talent or ability, but from unclear financial targets and scattered energy across too many offers. This practical episode provides actionable steps to create the safety net that makes risk-taking possible, allowing creatives to expand confidently into new territories while maintaining financial stability.
Sarah shares her journey of discovering how intentional living can dramatically improve your quality of life even within limitations. She challenges listeners to question their definitions of success and embrace that while suffering is part of the human experience, we have the power to infuse joy into our everyday moments. Sarah offers practical ideas for adding intention to your day—from creating sensory experiences with candles and music to planning small joys like fresh flowers in unexpected places. This episode reminds us that our creative practice is important but not our entire identity, and invites listeners to attempt five intentional acts over the next seven days to transform their relationship with ordinary life.
In this heartfelt episode, Sarah Edwards tackles the uncomfortable truth about success: it takes time—often much longer than we're led to believe. Drawing from personal experience and recent conversations with fellow entrepreneurs, Sarah explores how our modern culture of instant gratification has distorted our expectations about the entrepreneurial journey. She reminds listeners that success is designed to be a gradual process, allowing us to compound skills, connections, and experiences that eventually form something exceptional. Rather than fixating on timelines, Sarah encourages redefining what success means personally, celebrating small steps forward, and finding peace with your unique path. This episode offers a refreshing perspective for anyone feeling stuck in the molasses of slow progress or comparing themselves to overnight success stories.
In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Sarah shares her journey with OCD and mental health challenges, revealing how education and understanding transformed her darkest moments into purpose. She explores how the labels we carry—whether diagnosed conditions or self-imposed limitations—can silently sabotage our creative expression and business growth. We're joining thousands of podcasts around the world this week in Podcasthon! A volunteer-run platform that encourages podcasters to dedicate one episode to a non-profit! My non-profit to celebrate (that saved my life) is Made of Millions! Please listen in and consider making a donation here: https://www.madeofmillions.com/?form=FUNPMJRBNLD
In this paradigm-shifting episode, Sarah challenges the very notion of procrastination as a personality trait and reveals why labeling yourself a "procrastinator" keeps you trapped in cycles of avoidance. Drawing from personal experience and client stories, she explains how your nervous system creates resistance to protect you from discomfort and offers practical strategies to break through these barriers. Learn why you need to create time rather than find it, how micro-decisions compound into major transformations, and why the statement "why not me?" can be your most powerful tool for creative momentum. If you've been waiting for the "perfect moment" to pursue your creative calling, this episode delivers the permission and practical wisdom to start today, exactly where you are. Get Strategy, Encouragement & Clarity in 3 Days: https://www.setapartcompany.net/creative-audit
In this vulnerable and powerful episode, Sarah tackles the often unspoken relationship between body image, physical appearance, and creative expression. Drawing from her own journey with physical limitations, appearance insecurities, and society's impossible beauty standards, Sarah explores how these challenges can silently sabotage our creative and entrepreneurial potential.
In this transformative episode, Sarah Edwards challenges listeners to shift their perspective from constantly trying to fix perceived flaws to embracing the potential for abundance in all areas of life. Drawing from her personal journey and recurring patterns in client conversations, Sarah offers a fresh approach to navigating imposter syndrome, fear, and self-doubt.
In this raw and vulnerable episode, Sarah Edwards shares the deeply personal story of her most challenging client experience - one that nearly led her to shut down her business. She walks through how a seemingly positive professional relationship turned toxic, triggering a relapse of her OCD and forcing her to completely reimagine her business boundaries. Sarah offers valuable insights on recognizing red flags, protecting yourself legally and emotionally as a service provider, and emerging stronger from difficult client situations. She discusses practical solutions like implementing contracts, payment systems, and communication boundaries, while exploring the deeper lessons about self-worth, personal power, and healthy professional relationships. This episode provides essential guidance for any creative entrepreneur or service provider on maintaining boundaries while still delivering excellence to clients. The Best Creative Business Lawyer & Contracts: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyratelle/ Start Your Business in 7 Days: https://www.setapartcompany.net/7-day-creative