What does it really take to build a business from nothing and design a life you love?

For Emily Frisella, founder of The Paper & Plan Co., it started on a farm. She bought her first house at 19, launched a brick-and-mortar business at 20, and turned early failure into fuel for long-term success. Today, she leads multiple brands with relentless execution, discipline, and heart.

In this episode of Common Denominator, we unpack how resilience, reverse-engineered goals, and paper planning helped Emily go from a $42 bank balance to a thriving entrepreneurial life she loves.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🌾 How growing up on a farm built discipline, resourcefulness, and work ethic

📉 The cash flow crisis that nearly broke her, and the hustle that changed everything

🧠 Why successful entrepreneurs still use pen and paper to set and stick to big goals

📈 How to diversify your business without losing focus

👩‍💼 Why women excel in executive roles that require detail and emotional intelligence

🤝 How to build relationship capital that isn’t transactional

🧒 The tools she’s created to help kids learn financial literacy, without screen time

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Timestamps:

00:00 The Journey Begins: Early Lessons in Entrepreneurship

02:57 Building a Business: The First Steps

05:56 Facing Challenges: The Reality of Entrepreneurship

08:55 The Importance of Adaptability and Resourcefulness

11:56 Diversification: Balancing Multiple Ventures

14:57 Scaling and Forecasting: Strategic Business Growth

17:39 The Power of Goal Setting and Visualization

20:42 Building Genuine Relationships in Business

24:07 Empowering Women in Business

26:51 Giving Back: The Importance of Community Engagement

29:50 Reflections on Success and Gratitude

Guest Links:

Follow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilyfrisella/?hl=en

🎙 Common Denominator Podcast

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