Hayet Rida started out as an influencer. When a company she was supposed to collaborate with backed out of a fine jewelry partnership deal, she was stuck holding thousands of dollars worth of packaging. At that point, she decided to lean on her influence and the loyal community she had built to launch her own Jewelry brand. This happy accident has turned into a global phenomenon called Khoi. In this episode, Hayet is sharing the rollercoaster ride of her first year in business. It’s rare to get such a raw and transparent view into the early stages of a successful business. I hope you draw inspiration from the fact that there is light at the other end of whatever phase of business you’re currently working through. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: When to transition from influencer to business owner Bootstrapping a brick-and-mortar business Building a team that helps you scale Cultivating a tribe Mentioned in this episode: Personal Instagram: @hayet.rida Business Instagram: @shopkhoi Website: https://www.shopkhoi.com/

Over the past few years, several female executives and well-known entrepreneurs have stepped down from their leadership roles and or shut down their businesses. From YouTube’s former CEO Susan Wojcicki to online business sensation Vanessa Lau, they all site either burnout or the need to focus on their health as their reason for stepping back. Today’s guest is also familiar with burnout. She launched a successful marketing agency at age 16 and by 27 she burned out for the first time. After going on a 12-year journey to figure out work-life harmony, she created the elevation approach – a 4 phase framework that helps you achieve work-life harmony In this episode, Tina Wells is sharing a few ways we can either avoid or come back from burnout as business owners. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: Recognizing the signs of burnout Why the Elevation approach actually works How to structure your day, week, and year with this approach Biggest hurdle Type A women face Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @tinawells Website: http://tinawells.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tinawells/

On average today’s guest makes over a million dollars a year through business collaborations. She has the process of collaboration down to so much of a science that she has created an AI-based app that helps business owners generate collaboration ideas and drafts email pitches that lead to mutually beneficial partnerships. In this episode, Jordan Gill is sharing a detailed guide to how we can create our own profitable collaborations. From where to find people for collabs, what to say to them, red flags to steer clear of, and everything in between, she’s diving deep with us! Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: Best collabs for product based vs. service-based vs. education-based businesses best place to find people to collaborate How to pitch a collab red flags to look out for Measuring the success of a collaboration Mentioned in this episode: Jordan's Instagram: @systemssavedme/ https://readysetcollab.com/

In the first episode of this series, I announced that I was launching a newsletter business. I released the first issue of, The Off Script Weekly on 3/4/2023. After that first issue, I was consistent for 3 more issues then completely fell off. While there’s something to be said about being able to publish for a month straight, building a newsletter business can’t end with the launch. So in this update, I’m sharing what went wrong and some of the changes I’m putting in place to get me back on track. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: Defining what success looks like Creating systems for consistency Refining your newsletter promise Frustration with slow growth Mentioned in this episode: The first episode in this series: https://youtu.be/ipH77j2JrnY Sign up for the newsletter here: http://offscriptweekly.com/ Our Instagram: @shesoffscript Where I found the newsletter growth list: https://creatorscience.com/experiment-email-february-2023/ https://youtu.be/tacD640Awe4

Today’s guest has built a brand around the idea that it’s OK to not have perfect skin. Olamide Olowe is the Founder and CEO of Topicals. You may know her as the youngest Black woman to raise over 10 million dollars in capital BUT growing up, Olamide suffered from chronic skin problems like boils, acne, and hyperpigmentation. As a solution to similar problems faced by her community of Spottie Hotties, she created Topicals which is a line of skin products to help people who aren’t served by the line of products currently available in the skincare aisle. In this episode, Olamide is breaking down what it took for her to gain such rapid success. From amazing collaborations to building a tribe, innovating new products and so much more, she’s bringing us behind the curtain. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: Earlier fundraising mistakes Pros and cons of having a co-founder Hiring an executive coach when you're successful Most effective marketing techniques Mentioned in this episode: Business Instagram: @topicals Personal Instagram: @olamideaolowe Website: https://mytopicals.com/

This week we’re continuing with our series on the business of podcasting. In this episode, I’m sharing common mistakes new podcasters make that cause them to quit far too soon. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast of your own, here are 5 mistakes you should steer clear of. As always, I would love to continue this conversation with you in the comments of our video podcast on YouTube! Let me know if you have made any of these podcasting mistakes or if they resonated with you. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: 5 Reasons Why You Keep Failing At Podcasting (It's not your fault) Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @shesoffscript Website: www.shesoffscript.com Podcasting course waitlist: https://bit.ly/JoinPodcastLabCourseWaitlist Podcast starter kit: https://www.serwaaadjeipelle.com/startmypodcast/ https://youtu.be/5bfW7W0vG4Q

Not sure you can start a podcast because of something you heard? This week we’re continuing with our series on the business of podcasting. In this episode, I’m sharing common myths and misconceptions that prevent people from starting their podcasts. So if you've ever heard something that turned you off from starting your own show, listen up! I would love to continue this conversation with you in the comments of our video podcast on YouTube! Let me know if you have any questions or any other podcasting myths you would like me to debunk. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: 5 common myths and misconceptions about podcasting Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @shesoffscript Website: www.shesoffscript.com Podcasting course waitlist: https://bit.ly/JoinPodcastLabCourseWaitlist Podcast starter kit: https://www.serwaaadjeipelle.com/startmypodcast/ https://youtu.be/Ye0HSIZA98g

This week we’re continuing our series on the business of podcasting. In this episode, I’m sharing 6 ways you can monetize your podcast. Most people assume that host-read ADs are the only way they can make money from their podcasts but that’s far from the truth. In fact, it’s possible to make $10,000/month or more as an independent podcaster. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about using podcasts to: 6 ways you can monetize your podcast Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @shesoffscript Website: hwww.shesoffscript.com Podcasting course waitlist: https://bit.ly/JoinPodcastLabCourseWaitlist Podcast starter kit: https://www.serwaaadjeipelle.com/startmypodcast/ Purchase Abu's ADs course: https://bit.ly/JoinADsCourse https://youtu.be/xDbIs1O23HA

Over the past 5 years of hosting and producing this show, I’ve gotten messages from those of you who are interested in launching a podcast of your own. I’ve jumped on calls with you and we’ve traded voice notes on Instagram but I feel like I could do a little more to help you. Podcasts are more popular than ever. With millions of people tuning in every day, podcasts have become a go-to source for entertainment, education, and inspiration. From comedy shows to true crime dramas, from interviews with experts to personal stories, there's a podcast for every interest and niche out there. And the best part? Anyone can start one! With this episode, I’m kicking off a series to give you insight into the business of podcasting and more specifically, my experience with podcasting. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about using podcasts to: build a personal brand and establish your expertise deepen your connection with your audience and customers creating an outlet for your passion a sales channel for your products and services feed the content beast create another stream of revenue build your network Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @shesoffscript Website: hwww.shesoffscript.com Click Up content workflow: https://youtu.be/540OqDo8iPc Podcast starter kit: https://www.serwaaadjeipelle.com/startmypodcast/ https://youtu.be/tw5ntc3CR3w

While working for a Venture Capitalist, Kelly Ifill saw first-hand the inequity that Black and Brown founders faced when seeking funding for their businesses. Of all the things she could have done to address this problem, Kelly decided to build her own digital bank. Guava is the digital banking and networking platform designed by and for Black small business owners. During our conversation, Kelly shares what it took to launch her digital bank. She also shares how she’s able to thrive in an environment where Banks like SVB are going under. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: How she made the transition from working full-time to running her bank The role of startup accelerators and having a "sherpa" played in her success How she found her partner bank Her plan to grow her bank within a niche market Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @joinguava Website: www.joinguava.com https://youtu.be/XQ5vuZa1F4Y

Imagine you were called into the office of senior leadership at your job and asked to choose between your extremely lucrative side hustle or keeping your day job. This is a scenario many side business owners have probably played out in their minds. For today’s guest, Eni Popoola, it became reality when a partner at her law firm asked her to choose between staying on as a lawyer and continuing as a viral beauty influencer. During our conversation, Eni shares how she started her journey as an influencer and what ultimately led her to leave her job as a lawyer to pursue influencing full-time. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: Starting a side hustle as an influencer Presenting your side hustle on a resume Navigating side hustles with colleagues The importance of office culture Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @enigivensunday https://youtu.be/ElLxk9jo1kk

In today’s episode, we meet Crystal Etienne the CEO of Ruby Love. Crystal’s 70-million-dollar apparel company is at the forefront of innovation in menstrual care. After watching her daughter and her friends sitting on the sidelines during swim meets because of their periods, she spent $25,000 of her own money to develop patented leak-proof menstrual sleepwear, swimwear, and underwear. During our conversation, Crystal shares the keys to growing her business including how she develops new products, markets her brand, stays ahead of her competition, and much more. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: The impact of rebranding Building the right team for rapid growth Finding your ideal customer Protecting your brand against copycats Mentioned in this episode: Brand Instagram: @shoprubylove Personal Instagram: @iamcrystaletienne

3 years after launching her luxury handbag brand, Anima Iris, today’s guest has made over a million dollars and her bag has been worn by the likes of Beyonce, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. In this episode, Wilglory Tanjong is giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies that have made her so successful in a short period of time. From sourcing leather in Italy to working with Senegalese artisans in her Dakar facility, dealing with copycats, and so much more. She is generously sharing her experience. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: Sourcing leather in Italy Finding and managing artisans in Dakar, Senegal The power of networks Finding balance Landing on retail shelves Mentioned in this episode: Brand Instagram: @anima.iris Personal Instagram: @wilgloryy https://youtu.be/m0XbvGhTeOE

For this episode, I have put together 25 minutes straight of some of the best business advice our guests have shared over the years. There is so much more we could have put in here but I hope these picks help you in the season you’re currently in. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: Preventing burnout as an entrepreneur Landing high-ticket corporate clients Preparing BEFORE you go viral Pivoting until you find your thing Mentioned in this episode: Search through our audio archives: https://www.serwaaadjeipelle.com/the-podcast/search-episodes/ https://youtu.be/ml142CvoHIo

In September 2020, today’s guest launched Noirlux Candle Co. By February 2021, Colina Bruce’s company was featured by Oprah Magazine as one of the 25 Best Candles Companies. There is definitely a great story here about how Colina left her role as an adjunct professor and director at a university to open a candle bar in Seattle Washington. In this episode, Colina shares how she started candle making as a hobby and decided to turn it into a business that now makes more than 3 times what she earned as a professor. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn about: Trial and error of creating candles Buying equipment and inventory Joining an accelerator as a new business What it takes to open a brick-and-mortar retail space Mentioned in this episode: Website: www.noirluxcandleco.com Instagram: @noirluxcandleco https://youtu.be/K0y7SLMl9iY

After 2 of the corporate retail businesses she worked for went out of business, today’s guest, Jance Chartae, decided she was no longer going to work for anyone else. She took her 12 years of retail experience and decided to start her e-commerce business, Brazen boutique. 5 years later, she now runs a 7-figure business and has taught over 5,000 other women how to launch and grow their own e-commerce boutiques. In this episode, Jance shares how she went from being unsure what to even stock in her boutique to now having 10 and 20k sales DAYS. She shares common mistakes, where to find inventory, the best tools to use, marketing strategies that actually work today and so much more! Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn: Where to buy your inventory finding your ideal customer Best marketing strategies (text, email, ADs etc.) Inventory management Lead magnets that grow your email list Mentioned in this episode: Website: https://www.liinks.co/jancechartae Instagram: @shopbrazenboutique and @theboutiqueacademy SEO episode with Charlene: Episode 065 https://youtu.be/n9Tw2SRLWrI

Today’s guest Sarah Gaines took an unconventional path into entrepreneurship. Her transition from a traditional nursing career into travel nursing allowed her to retire at the age of 29. She now spends her time traveling and building businesses she’s passionate about. While you may not be a trained nurse, Sarah’s journey is a prime example of how transitioning into a flexible career can give you the breathing room you need to build a business, generate wealth and create your ideal lifestyle. For those of you who are interested in pursuing travel nursing, Sarah shares all the advice she gives the fellow nurses she’s helped transition into the travel nursing field. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn: What is travel nursing? How did Sarah get started with travel nursing? The difference between traditional and travel nursing Finding recruiters and landing contracts The best nursing specialties Managing relationships and family as a travel nurse Mentioned in this episode: Website: www.sixfiguretravelnurse.com Instagram: @sarah_gaines https://youtu.be/0Z3qwxqeF14

Here's how Delina Medhin went from working at the cosmetics counter at the mall to working with celebrity clients as a makeup artist.

Talia Boone started DIY flower arranging as a form of stress relief and self-care. When her local farmer’s market was shut down during the pandemic, she went looking for ways to order those same loose flowers online but flower wholesalers wouldn’t lower their order minimums for her. Four months later, she launched the beta version of her business, Postal Petals by partnering with 20 flower farmers. Almost 3 years later, she has grown Postal Petals into a thriving business selling farm direct fresh bloom boxes online. As you can imagine, it took incredible timing and hard work to launch a business in an industry that historically was only accessible to a select few. In this episode, Talia is sharing her whole journey with us from making the right industry contacts to her fulfillment process, their growth plans, and everything in between. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn: How to make insider industry connections The logistics of running an online floral business Diversifying revenue streams Pivots Talia has made to sustain the business Landing press coverage Mentioned in this episode: Website: www.postalpetals.com Instagram: @postalpetals

Today’s guest, Asia Abston, is what I like to call a pandemic phoenix. In 2020, she was a bartender earning $5 an hour. This was her career for over a decade when the pandemic shut down the restaurant industry. With no college degree, corporate experience, or savings to fall back on, she decided to double down on a drop shipping business. Within 12 months, she generated over $100,000 in revenue. 3 years later, not only has her business grown but she has also taught over 2,000 students how to start their own drop shipping businesses. In this episode, Asia not only gives us a step-by-step blueprint we can use to start a drop shipping business, but she also shares the early mistakes she made, the tools she uses, and insight into the future of the drop shipping world. Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube You’ll learn: The best items to sell as a drop shipper Where to find manufacturers and how to vet them What tools and plugins to use How to market with social media and/or paid ADs Mentioned in this episode: Website: absolutelyabston.com Instagram: @getrichorgetdrunktrying Asia's Free training: https://www.freedropshippingtraining.com/ https://youtu.be/ZGsf0j9yAbU