Seasons in Business

Planning with the seasons: Finding a gentle 90-day rhythm

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, I’m exploring seasonal planning — a gentle way to plan your business by working with the natural rhythm of the year, rather than against it.

Building on episode four, where I shared what a slow, seasonal business can look like, this feels like the next step — turning that idea into something practical and supportive. I talk through how I combine the Wheel of the Year with a simple 90-day approach, creating a way of planning that feels structured, but still flexible.

This isn’t about rigid systems or doing more. It’s about choosing one meaningful focus, working with your energy, and allowing space for things to evolve as you go.

So if you’ve been craving a softer, more sustainable way to plan your work, this episode is a gentle place to begin.

Key takeaways from this episode

What seasonal planning is, and how it blends natural rhythms with 90-day planning
A simple way to choose a seasonal focus without feeling overwhelmed
Why working with the energy of each season can make planning feel more intuitive
The importance of a mid-season check-in, and allowing flexibility as you go
A gentle alternative to goal-setting, using themes or intentions instead

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Download my Seasonal Planning Guides — These gentle guides will help you reflect, set intentions, and plan your next 90 days in a way that feels calm and manageable. https://www.sarahandmaude.com/seasonal-planning

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like episode four "What running a slow, seasonal business really means — and why I love it".

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Have you ever… Asked everyone else, before asking yourself?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, I’m exploring what happens when we ask everyone else what we should do — before asking ourselves. It’s something many of us do, often without even realising. We look for reassurance, perspective, or a sense of certainty… but somewhere along the way, our own voice can get a little lost.

This isn’t about never asking for help — it’s about gently shifting the order. Letting your perspective come first, and then inviting others in.

So if you’ve been feeling unsure, overwhelmed by opinions, or a little disconnected from your own decision-making, this episode is a quiet invitation to come back to yourself.

Key takeaways from this episode

Why we naturally seek input from others — and when it becomes unhelpful
How too many opinions can leave you with analysis paralysis
The shift from asking for permission to trusting your own judgement
Simple, gentle ways to anchor your own perspective before reaching out
A reminder that no one knows your business quite like you do

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Powerful by Maisie Hill – https://uk.bookshop.org/a/17216/9781472978929

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Shifting seasons: A brief intermission

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this short intermission episode, I’m sharing a quick update as I prepare to move house and studio — and reflecting on how beautifully timed it feels as we approach the shift from winter into spring.

After recently talking about work/life balance and building a slow, gentle business that moves with the seasons, it felt important to follow my own advice and take a small step back.

I’ll be back soon with a deeper dive into seasonal planning, and explore how we can gently shape the next season in our businesses.

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Work & life: Finding steadiness when the balance shifts

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, I’m talking about work-life balance, and what to do when it suddenly shifts. I share practical, gentle strategies I use to stay steady when life or work demands more of my time and energy.

This isn’t about achieving a perfect balance (because I’m sure we can all agree that’s almost impossible). It’s about small, manageable ways to respond to tipping points. So if things are feeling unpredictable or overwhelming, this episode is a reminder that steadiness is possible — with a few intentional, practical tools.

Key takeaways from this episode

• How noticing shifts early can help you respond thoughtfully rather than react in panic

• Simple prioritisation techniques to manage your tasks and energy

• Why flexibility and boundaries are essential when the day doesn’t go as planned

• The importance of communication, asking for help, and having backup plans

• Small ways to care for yourself and reflect regularly, so you can stay grounded

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Download your Priority Matrix — a simple tool to help you organise tasks and plan with calm intention. (https://www.sarahandmaude.com/s/priority-matrix-download.pdf)

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Taking the fear out of business finances

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, I’m talking about business finances — gently. I share the simple routines I use to stay on top of my numbers, and some honest thoughts on money, confidence, and fear — especially as women in business.

This isn’t about big income milestones or complicated systems. It’s about small, manageable habits that help make business finances feel a little less scary, and a lot more doable.

Key takeaways from this episode

Why I’m aiming to file my tax return in April this year — and what that shift has taught me
The simple tools and routines I use to track my finances month by month
Why consistency matters more than having a “perfect” system
How separating business and personal finances makes everything easier
Thoughts on money, confidence, and navigating financial fear as a woman in business

If business finances feel overwhelming, intimidating, or easy to avoid, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to love the numbers — you just need a way to look at them calmly and confidently.

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Launching a podcast — Lessons from my first ten episodes

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, I reflect on the first ten episodes of Seasons in Business and share what I’ve learned about starting and growing a podcast. From early worries and technical challenges to small wins and steady growth, I talk about the lessons that have surprised me and why it’s worth starting even if you don’t have everything figured out.

Key takeaways from this episode

Fewer than 10% of podcasts make it to 10 episodes — and why that’s worth celebrating
How a simple setup and an idea are enough to get started
The challenges of consistency, scheduling, and invisible work
Why slow, steady growth can feel deeply rewarding
A reminder that you don’t need everything figured out to begin

If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast — or any creative project — this episode is an encouragement to begin where you are, with what you have.

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Why I don't set business goals in January — and what I do instead

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0100

January often comes with pressure to set big business goals, start new routines, and feel motivated — but for many of us, the deepest, coldest part of the year is better suited to rest and gentle beginnings. In this episode, I share why I don’t set business goals in January, and how I approach the start of the year more slowly — noticing what’s unfinished from last year, reflecting on how I want the year to feel, and how choosing a word to guide me can be surprisingly powerful.

Key takeaways from this episode

Why January can be the hardest month to set goals — and why that’s perfectly normal
How to embrace observation over action in the darkest part of the year
A gentler way to start the year: tying up loose ends and noticing what’s stirring
Why choosing a single word for the year can be more supportive than a list of goals
Practical prompts for reflection and beginning the year at your own pace

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Download your Winter Planning Guide — for reflection prompts, seasonal inspiration, and gentle ideas to tend to your energy through the quietest part of the year. (https://www.sarahandmaude.com/seasonal-planning)

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Before what comes next — A gentle winter reflection

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The end of the year can feel like a whirlwind. December is often a blur of final orders, new year bookings, and festive plans, before we suddenly leap into fresh goals and projects. In this episode, I explore winter as a season for reflection and replenishment, sharing gentle prompts and questions to help you notice what has supported you, the challenges you’ve faced, and what you might want to carry forward — all while embracing the slow, restorative rhythm of this season.

Key takeaways from this episode

Nature takes time to rest and save energy for what comes next — and we can do the same
How to give yourself permission to pause and step out of the festive hustle
Why December 31st isn’t a cut-off — reflection can happen anytime, at your own pace
Reflection prompts to help you see what’s been meaningful, challenging, or surprising
Considering what to release and what to carry forward into the new year

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Download your Winter Planning Guide — for more reflection prompts, seasonal inspiration, and gentle ideas to tend to your energy as the year draws to a close

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Pricing and pressure — Offering discounts as a creative business

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Discounting can feel like one of the trickiest decisions in a creative business — especially at this time of year, when inboxes and socials are full of sales and “last chance” offers. In this episode,

I’m exploring the realities behind discounting: when it can genuinely support your business, when it can quietly drain your energy or margins, and how to make pricing choices that feel aligned with your values (not the pressure of what everyone else is doing).

Key takeaways

When discounting does make sense — and how to approach it intentionally
Why small creative businesses often can’t compete with big-brand discount culture
The myth that “everyone else is doing it” — and how comparison clouds judgement
The unseen costs of discounting: financial, emotional, and energetic
How to make pricing decisions that support your business, your margins, and your wellbeing

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

Have you ever… Signed up and forgotten to show up?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0100

We all do it — sign up for courses, workshops, or resources that promise to solve a problem or spark inspiration… and then never actually do the work. In this episode, I’m exploring why that happens, the psychology behind it, and giving some gentle permission to ease the guilt.

Key takeaways

Why we sign up for courses, workshops, webinars, and resources we never finish
How “future-self thinking” and “illusory progress” can cause problems
Why doing the work can feel uncomfortable or scary — and why we avoid it
Reframing guilt: it’s okay not to start or finish everything
Practical ways to notice patterns and focus on what matters

Thanks for listening today, I hope you enjoyed this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so come and say hello on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review.

Connect with Sarah

Website sarahandmaude.com

Instagram @sarahandmaude

Threads @sarahandmaude

Join my email community for seasonal business insights

It’s oh so quiet — Moving gently through the slow seasons we don’t choose

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome back to Seasons in Business with me, designer and printmaker Sarah Phelps.

Sometimes, work just… slows down. Enquiries stop coming in, sales quiet, and the studio feels a little too still. In this solo episode, I’m talking about the slow seasons we don’t choose — the ones completely out of our control — and sharing gentle, practical ways to navigate them without panic or guilt.

You’ll hear strategies for staying connected to your creativity, taking small intentional steps, and reaching out for support — all while being kind to yourself through those quieter times.

Episode themes:

The familiar, manageable lull that comes with your business’s natural rhythm
The unexpected slowdown when you’re not sure why things aren’t picking up
The “money’s tight” moments and what to do to keep your business afloat

Episode highlights:

00:53 The three kinds of “quiet and slow” I recognise in my business.
02:36 Remembering you’re not alone — and you’re not a failure.
04.47 How quieter times can be a gift.
05:18 Small, intentional steps to gently move forward.
08:06 Taking a deeper look when something isn’t quite working.
10:56 What to do when money is tight — it’s okay to shift gears.
12:53 Why reaching out can open the door to real support and connection.
14:19 A gentle reminder that slow seasons pass — and they don’t define your worth.

Resources:

Citizens Advice — for guidance on self-employed support, grants, and benefits (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk)

Samaritans UK — call 116 123 any time, day or night (https://www.samaritans.org)

Shout Text Support — text “Shout” to 85258 for 24/7 confidential support (https://giveusashout.org)

Thanks for listening. If today’s episode got you thinking, I’d love to hear from you — come and say hello over on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify really helps more people discover it.

For more details about the podcast, visit the website sarahandmaude.com/seasons-in-business.

And if you have suggestions for topics or guests, please email me at podcast@sarahandmaude.com

What running a slow, seasonal business really means — and why I love it

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome back to Seasons in Business with me, designer and printmaker Sarah Phelps.

In this solo episode, I’m talking about what it really means to run a slow, gentle business — one that moves with the seasons, honours your energy, and creates space for creativity to flourish.

We’ll explore what slow business actually looks like day to day, how the seasons can shape our rhythm and focus, and why balancing structure and flexibility has been key for me. So if you’ve ever felt tired of the hustle and wondered if there’s another way, this episode might just give you the permission you’ve been looking for to slow down and work at your own pace.

Episode themes:

What it really means to run a slow business (and what it isn’t).
Why slowing down doesn’t mean giving up on growth.
How our energy naturally rises and falls with the seasons.
Simple ways to start aligning your work with your own creative rhythm.
Why slowing down can help you reconnect with joy and creativity.

Episode highlights:

00:36 Does your business really work for you right now?
02:22 Exploring what “slow business” actually means, and how it can give your creativity room to breathe.
04:07 Recognising how seasonal cycles shape our lives, energy, and work.
08:28 How I’ve used a seasonal approach to keep working gently through perimenopause.
11:11 It is possible to run a business and take care of yourself, in a way that feels natural and nourishing.

Resources:

Download my Seasonal Planning Guides at www.sarahandmaude.com/seasonal-planning — a simple way to reflect, set intentions, and move with your natural energy.

Thanks for listening. If today’s episode got you thinking, I’d love to hear from you — come and say hello over on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify really helps more people discover it.

For more details about the podcast, visit the website sarahandmaude.com/seasons-in-business.

And if you have suggestions for topics or guests, please email me at podcast@sarahandmaude.com

3 simple creative mantras I always come back to

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome back to Seasons in Business with me, designer and printmaker Sarah Phelps.

In this solo episode I share three of my favourite mantras — simple phrases that have helped me stay grounded, keep perspective, and keep moving through the ups and downs of running a creative business. I talk honestly about the challenges of comparison, perfectionism, and the isolation that can come with working alone, and how these little reminders can help steady our thoughts and ease self-doubt.

Episode themes:

How simple mantras can help steady your thoughts and ease self-doubt.
Recognising and managing comparison and perfectionism in a creative business.
The value of community and support for sustaining wellbeing and creativity.
Reflection and action: celebrating wins, sharing work, and nurturing your support network.
Noticing the phrases that resonate with you and using them to guide your work.

Episode highlights:

00:38 Why small phrases can have a big impact
02:19 Tackling comparison: “Comparison is the thief of joy”
05:30 Moving past perfectionism: “Done is better than perfect”
09:20 Leaning on your support network: “It takes a village”
13:01 Finding your own grounding words

Thanks for listening. If today’s episode got you thinking, I’d love to hear from you — come and say hello over on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify really helps more people discover it.

For more details about the podcast, visit the website sarahandmaude.com/seasons-in-business.

And if you have suggestions for topics or guests, please email me at podcast@sarahandmaude.com

From hobby to business — without losing your passion

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome back to Seasons in Business with me, designer and printmaker Sarah Phelps.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing the story of how my love for letterpress printing grew from a hobby into a stationery business — and what happens when your passion becomes your full-time work. It can be thrilling, but it also brings challenges you might not expect. I’ll talk about the shifts I noticed in my own creative life, and share a few gentle reminders that help me stay connected to joy and inspiration along the way.

Episode themes:

How a hobby can slowly grow into a business.
Navigating the new pressures that come with doing what you love.
Practical tips for prioritising joy, rest, and creativity.
Balancing the mindset of an artist with the mindset of a CEO.

Episode highlights:

01:23 My journey from designer to business owner
03:53 From creating for passion to creating for profit
04:30 Expectation vs reality
05:50 When creativity starts to feel like a commodity
07:47 Five tips to help stay connected to your creativity

Thanks for listening. If today’s episode got you thinking, I’d love to hear from you — come and say hello over on Instagram or Threads.

Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify really helps more people discover it.

For more details about the podcast, visit the website sarahandmaude.com/seasons-in-business.

And if you have suggestions for topics or guests, please email me at podcast@sarahandmaude.com

Introducing Seasons in Business

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Seasons in Business with me, designer and printmaker Sarah Phelps.

Thanks for joining me for this very first episode, where I introduce myself and the podcast, share a little behind the scenes of how it came to be, and talk about why now felt like the right time to start.

Episode themes:

• My journey from design student to running a full-time letterpress stationery studio.

• Why now felt like the right time to start Seasons in Business.

• Reflections on running a creative business at a gentler pace.

• Why growth doesn’t mean having it all figured out.

• What you can expect from upcoming episodes.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:36 Hello and welcome

• 01:07 The story so far

• 03:26 Why a podcast and why now?

• 04:41 What to expect

Thanks for listening. If today’s episode got you thinking, I’d love to hear from you — come and say hello over on Instagram or Threads.

Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify really helps more people discover it.

For more details about the podcast, visit the website sarahandmaude.com/seasons-in-business.

And if you have suggestions for topics or guests, please email me at podcast@sarahandmaude.com

Coming Soon: Seasons in Business (Trailer)

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:45:00 +0100

Introducing Seasons in Business — a podcast for creative business owners who want to build something thoughtful and sustainable, at a pace that actually feels good.

This podcast is for anyone who wants to grow their creative business with a little less chaos — and a lot more intention. We’ll explore everything from building a brand and navigating burnout to content creation and finding community, all rooted in a seasonal rhythm that leaves more room to breathe.

Enjoy this sneak peek of the stories, ideas, and inspiration we’ll explore in full episodes.

New episodes land every other Wednesday and are just the right length for a morning walk or a cosy tea break. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the first full episode.

Head over to Instagram or Threads and share your questions, ideas, or just say hello — I’d love to hear from you.

For more about the podcast and future episodes, visit my podcast page.