Adrienne shares what it looked like to build that business in the margins of a full-time job, the "cringe" pitch that turned into a long-term client, and how walking away from a controlling church taught her that fortune favors the brave.

We also get into:

• How calling herself a Podcast Manager before she was ready turned into a steady client roster
• Why she'd still be teaching today if the paycheck had matched the work
• How leaving the church proved she had the audacity to make moves
• Why hustling on nights and weekends is totally worth it, but only in the right seasons

If you've ever tried to build something new in the hours between dinner and the next morning, this one's for you.

Connect with Adrienne Cruz:

Website: https://adriennecruz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriennecruzpod/

Mentioned in this episode:

Saturday Morning Launch Plan: Adrienne's podcast launch program

The Podcast Starter: her free resource for developing a podcast concept

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly, and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

LoriAnn shares how she grew Profit Priority from a side hustle into a team of eight, and why she moved past the once-a-year accounting model to support clients all year round. We talk about what happens when you hit the revenue number you thought would fix everything and still feel stretched thin, and how to reverse-engineer your business goals from the life you're actually trying to build.

We also get into:

• Why seeing your clients once a year feels like ghosting
• Choosing simple growth over copying someone else's business model
• How to build a cash cushion before you need one
• What homestead life teaches her about slow seasons

If you've ever hit a revenue goal and found yourself working just as hard as before, this one's for you.

Connect with LoriAnn Kuntz:

Website: https://www.profitpriority.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriannkuntz.co/

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

Jade shares how a ChatGPT rabbit hole led to a blog post, which led to a co-founder offer, and what it actually took to stop being the person who answers every email. We talk about building systems before you hire, training an intern slowly instead of looking for someone already perfect, and the identity shift that has to happen before you can hand off the work you're best at.

We also get into:

• The ego death of the founder, or what happens when being the expert becomes the thing holding you back
• How Jade isn't a tomboy but landed squarely in bro tech, and what she does with that now
• Using AI, and the equally important work of learning when not to use it
• Knowing you're in a season of push, and knowing exactly where to go for support in it

If you've ever suspected you're the bottleneck in your own business but couldn't figure out what to hand off first, this one's for you.

Connect with Jade Pruett:

Website: https://helloseo.com / https://metamonster.ai

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadefromhelloseo

Mentioned in this episode: MetaMonster, WhisperFlow

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly, and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

A few things have shifted since the last episode, starting with my move to Alexandria, something I've been bittersweet about but am starting to see through a new lens. I've also started building my personal brand with Nicole Hart, since the projects I've taken on have outgrown the Willow + Jax umbrella. Here's the spoiler: Willow + Jax has served me so well, but it's time to step out and expand into who I've been becoming.

This episode is a soft reset, an honest look at what it means to rebuild in a new city and make room for all the pieces at once. The thread running through this season is that a creative business is built best when you get still enough to hear your own goals through the noise. I'm sharing what's changed on my end, why I'm stepping out from an established brand, and what I'm building next.

Ready for your own soft reset?

Reclaim is a free 4-day async workshop to help you step back into your business with clarity and direction, designed to fit in the margins of life. We start Monday, September 14th.

Save your spot: https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/reclaim

If you're catching this one later, come find me on Instagram! I'm documenting the pivot as it happens, so that's where you'll see all of this play out in real time.

Follow along: https://www.instagram.com/hellolucybrown/

Connect with Luz:

Website: https://www.willowandjax.com

In the DMs: https://www.instagram.com/hellolucybrown/

Mentioned in this episode:

Nicole Hart, personal brand mentor: https://thenicolehart.com/

My conversation with Kaileen Elise: https://apple.co/4cWRayj

In this episode, I'm sharing some behind-the-scenes moments of what it was like to start, fine-tune, and eventually trust what was happening naturally. I talk about what it looked like to loosen my grip, and why the messy, fumbling parts are necessary to get to the other side.

If you can see what's waiting on the other side for you but haven't quite stuck the landing yet, pull up a chair. This one's for us.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why overpreparing almost got in the way of the podcast I actually wanted to make
• Why I had to go back to Kaitlyn Parker with my tail between my legs
• What "Life of Leisure" means to me this season and how it shows up in the way we build

This season wouldn't have been what it was without some really incredible guests. Go show them some love:

Dalia Soles at Design Assisted

https://www.instagram.com/designassisted/

Intuition Coach Kaileen Elise Sues

https://www.instagram.com/kaileenelise/

Krista Reynolds at Krista Reynolds Photography

https://www.instagram.com/kristareynolds.photography/

Haley David Wilson at Money Rebel

https://www.instagram.com/themoneyrebel/

Personal Brand Mentor Nicole Hart

https://www.instagram.com/thenicolehart/

Thank you for being here this season, truly. Now go take five, boo. You've earned it.

We talk about what it really means to build a personal brand from the inside out, why hiding behind your business brand is costing you more than you think, and the difference between visibility and performance.

We also get into:

• The $20 moment in the back of an Uber that changed everything for her business
• Why barrel jeans and talking head videos belong on the same list of things to stop forcing
• Her approach with personality tests to reveal more than just your strengths
• Putting her ranty pants on at 11 pm to post a story about something that wouldn't leave her alone

If you've ever felt like you're shouting into the void or wondered what it would look like to finally let people know who you actually are, this one's for you.

Connect with Nicole Hart:

Website: https://thenicolehart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenicolehart/

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

We talk about what it really looks like to leave something that's working, the slow realization that a business can be profitable and still feel completely wrong, and what she calls "decentering money" — and why it's not as scary as it sounds.

We also get into:

• The Liquid Death rabbit hole and why the dumbest idea is sometimes the best one
• How a commercial client bailing a week before their contract changed everything
• Staring out the window with coffee in silence as the ultimate flex of a toddler mom
• Why Frozen 3 is basically a masterclass in patience, trust, and long-game thinking

If you've ever opened a check, felt nothing, and quietly wondered what that means, this one's for you.

Connect with Hayley David Wilson:

Website: http://moneyrebelco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoneyrebel/

Podcast: https://moneyrebelco.com/podcast

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

Krista shares what it's like to run a business while raising three kids (plus fostering four more), teaching nine fitness classes a week, and juggling every client request that came her way. We talk about the slow burn of burnout, the guilt that comes with saying no, and how moving across the country forced her to finally ask: what do I actually want my business to feel like?

We also get into:

• Why hiring an editor was the first step toward reclaiming her time (and why it took two years to do it)
• The difference between reacting to your business and intentionally building one
• Why fitness became her non-negotiable (and how waking up at 4:15 a.m. made it work)
• Navigating the mental and logistical challenges of moving with kids while running a business
• Finding community in a new city without forcing it

If you've ever felt like you're just keeping your head above water, or wondered what it would take to start fresh without burning it all down, this conversation will remind you that you can rebuild on your own terms.

Connect with Krista Reynolds:

Instagram: http://kristareynolds.photography

Website: https://www.kristareynoldsphotography.com/

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

Kaileen shares her journey of self-discovery through motherhood, and how becoming a stay-at-home mom challenged her to question everything she thought she knew about achievement, creativity, and purpose. We talk about what it's like to carve out your own path when it doesn't look like what you expected, and why trusting your intuition matters more than following someone else's blueprint.

We also get into:

• Navigating motherhood when you don't fit the traditional mold
• Why your definition of success should evolve as you do
• The power of trusting your intuition and leading yourself first
• How repetition in your messaging builds trust (not boredom)
• Finding creativity in unexpected places, even when you don't see yourself as an artist

If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough, or wondered what success really means for you, this conversation will remind you that you get to write your own definition—and it's allowed to change.

Connect with Kaileen Elise Sues:

Website: https://www.kaileenelise.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaileenelise/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/celebrate-cultivate/

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

Dalia gets real about what it's been like to navigate the shifts in her business while prioritizing her mental health, strengthening her marriage, and learning to create more space for stillness and patience. We talk about transitioning into a family business with her husband, and how that's changed the way she shows up as a leader.

We also get into:

• How understanding your nervous system can change the way you manage stress
• Why patience and stillness are essential for sustainable growth
• What it looks like to transition into a family business (and make sure your marriage stays strong)
• Rethinking marketing as connection, not just visibility
• How travel can shift your perspective and open new doors

If you've ever felt stuck between who you were and who you're becoming, this conversation will remind you that change doesn't have to be rushed—it can be intentional, grounded, and deeply meaningful.

Connect with Dalia Soles:

Website: https://designassisted.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designassisted/

Mentioned on the podcast:

Intuition Coach Emily Judice:

https://www.instagram.com/thatgirlemilyjudice/

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

If you've ever started something with excitement only to watch it fizzle out halfway through, I'm sharing why having a finish line changes everything, what I did during the pause between Season One and Season Two, and how you can use this same strategy to finally finish what you start.

We also get into:

• Why projects with no end date tend to lose momentum (and how seasons fix that)
• The power of public accountability and picking a date
• How to know when something is "done" and why that matters
• The difference between back-pocket offers and full-time commitments
• Why thinking in sprints might be the key to sustainable growth

If you're a project-based person like me, or if you've been putting off a goal because it feels too big, this episode will show you how to break it down, commit to a season, and actually follow through.

What's coming this season: Season Two is packed with honest conversations about stepping away from long-term careers, pivoting without being emotionally tied to money, how visibility affects your life, and learning to trust your intuition even when the path forward isn't clear.

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

👉 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

In this episode, I'm revisiting some of my favorite takeaways from the season—from the quiet bravery behind making aligned decisions (even when they feel scary) to continuously working from a place of intention. These conversations reminded me that there is always more (or sometimes less) waiting on the other side of a choice, and that ambition is more about commitment than it is about desire.

I also share what's coming next for the show as we move into Season Two.

Follow all of this season's amazing guests:

Kaitlyn Parker // Copy Uncorked: https://www.instagram.com/copyuncorked/

Samantha MacKinnon: https://www.instagram.com/strategybysam/

Maggie Reina // Viola Hill Studio: https://www.instagram.com/violahillstudio/

Brooke Stoll: https://www.instagram.com/brooke__stoll_/

Xanthe Appleyard // Oh Sierra: https://www.instagram.com/xanthe.appleyard/

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

👉 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

Thank you for tuning in, sharing your messages, and being part of this little corner of the internet. I'm so grateful you're here. Here's to more clarity, more alignment, and more courage in the next season!

We chat about what it really looks like to build an intentional, sustainable rhythm in your creation practice. Xanthe shares how she balances structure with spontaneity, makes space for reflection before planning, and finds joy in showing up online without the pressure to constantly perform.

Our conversation touches on:

• Building systems that support your creative flow (without stifling it)
• Staying honest about your capacity and energy in each season
• The role of reflection in sustainable growth
• Finding ease and connection in how you share your work
• Letting simplicity be your strategy in a noisy online world

This episode is an invitation to rethink how you approach strategy—as something soft, flexible, and rooted in self-awareness. Because sometimes the best way to grow is to slow down, reflect, and create from a place that just feels good.

Connect with Xanthe Appleyard from Oh Sierra:

Web: https://ohsierra.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xanthe.appleyard

In this episode: https://ohsierra.ca/life-of-the-party

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

Brooke shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, and how learning to say no to misaligned work, outdated pricing, and unnecessary pressure opened the door to more aligned opportunities and impact.

We also get into:

• How community really is the heartbeat of sustainable growth
• Why focusing on less can actually help your business grow more
• The emotional leap behind raising your rates
• How a little data goes a long way when making decisions
• Why saying no is an act of trust, and often the first step to more freedom

If you've ever felt stagnant and wondered how to step into the next version of yourself and your business, this episode is for you.

Connect with Brooke Stoll:

Website: https://www.brookestoll.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke__stoll_/

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

Maggie shares her journey from corporate designer to studio owner, reflecting on how she built her business around systems that give her more time freedom. We explore what it looks like to work just 20 hours a week while maintaining (and even increasing) profitability, and how structure can create more room for creativity.

We also get into:

• Making the leap from corporate life to creative entrepreneurship
• How freelancing built her confidence before launching her studio
• Streamlining project management with automation and structure
• The art of working just 20 hours a week (and staying profitable!)
• Creating whitespace to overcome creative blocks and spark inspiration
• What it means to define success differently in each season of life

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn't always mean doing bigger. Sometimes, it's about creating space to sustain what you've already built.

Connect with Maggie Reina:

Web: https://www.violahillstudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violahillstudio

In this episode: https://www.ptstudioframework.com/

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

We dive into the world of CEO Days and why they're so much more than vision boarding and big dreams. Sam makes the case for bringing data into the room and shows us how tracking the right numbers can unlock more clarity and time freedom.

We also get into:

• The emotional labor that comes with supporting founders (and why it matters)
• Why data isn't about spreadsheets, but about making aligned decisions
• The 5 revenue gaps to watch for if you want to see quick wins
• Simple automations and micro-shifts that create more breathing room
• How time freedom really is possible when you pair strategy with systems

If you've ever rolled your eyes at metrics or felt like data was too dry for your creative business, this episode will give you a fresh, human perspective.

Connect with Samantha MacKinnon:

Web: https://samanthamackinnon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategybysam/

In this episode: https://samanthamackinnon.com/fixr-series

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

We talk about how becoming a mom reshaped her vision of success, and why giving yourself permission to pivot is sometimes the smartest business move you can make.

We also get into:

• The messy middle of running a business while raising little ones
• What it looks like to step away from a team and simplify your model
• How self-trust carries you through life and business seasons
• Why flexibility + alignment matter more than "hustle"

If you've ever wondered how to blend motherhood and entrepreneurship without losing yourself, this conversation will remind you that business can evolve right alongside you.

Connect with Kaitlyn Parker:

Website: https://copyuncorked.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copyuncorked/

In this episode: https://copyuncorked.myflodesk.com/dash-distilled

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast

I started this podcast because I know how messy and overwhelming the middle of business can feel. We're wearing all the hats, juggling all the roles, and sometimes it feels like we can't come up for air.

This is your reminder that it's okay to pause. Around here, we're talking about what it really looks like to build a sustainable business, navigating the ups and downs, and finding joy in the process.

You'll hear honest conversations with women in the creative space who are redefining success on their own terms—and hopefully, you'll walk away feeling seen, supported, and ready to breathe a little deeper.

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

👉 Come take five with us: https://www.willowandjax.com/podcast