Become Your Own Boss: Tips for Starting and Growing Your Own Small Business

In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica unpacks the powerful lessons learned from her conversation with Trish Skelfo, a successful franchise broker and entrepreneur. Monica shares reflections that challenge traditional startup thinking—like skipping the business plan—and reveals why betting on yourself may be the most important investment you ever make. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a smarter way to grow, this episode will have you rethinking your approach to business, success, and what it truly means to be your own boss.

Episode Quote: 97% of the people who quit too soon are employed by the 3% who never gave up. ~ Unknown

Questions answered:

• What if the pain you're experiencing is the push you need to start a business?

• Do you really need a business plan to get started?

• Is franchising a good option if you want to skip the startup grind?

• How do you avoid making a bad franchise investment?

• Why is having the right advisor so important?

• How does customer relationship-building lead to long-term success?

  
  

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Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss

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Ways to reach Monica:

Email: [email protected]

Listen now to be inspired, gain clarity, and keep building the business—and life—you truly want. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with one fellow entrepreneur!

In this episode of Monica chats with Trish Skelfo, a leading franchise broker who built her business from zero to seven figures—starting with just $1,500 and a borrowed garage room. Trish shares how one big risk (and one small ad) changed her life, and how her cutting-edge AI platform is helping others find the right franchise fit—without wasting time or money. Her story is proof that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to own a business…you just need the right roadmap and support.

Episode Quote: The more people you help become successful, the more successful you become. ~ Steve Harvey

Reach Trish: Trish Scelfo - CEO 

[email protected]

540-538-7466 M  Schedule a Call

TheFranchiseCollective.com

Talk to Trish's clone: Franchise Discount Marketplace

Questions answered:

• ​Why should you consider franchising instead of starting from scratch?
• ​What are the biggest red flags in a franchise opportunity?
• ​How long does it take to buy and launch a franchise?
• ​What role does a franchise broker play—and how do you choose one?
• ​How can you protect yourself when making a six-figure business decision?

Ready to skip the struggle and find your next move? Listen now, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a review to support the show and help other aspiring entrepreneurs find it!

Save on Team Gear: https://zeuscloset.com/products/solopreneur-package?_pos=1&_psq=business-pac&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Email with questions: [email protected]

When is the right time to take a stand—and when is silence the smarter move? In this thought-provoking episode, Monica shares her personal journey as an entrepreneur navigating the tricky intersection of politics, personal beliefs, and business strategy. With examples from her own business and high-profile brands like Tesla and Target, she breaks down the importance of staying true to your values without compromising your brand. If you’ve ever wondered whether your opinions belong in your business, this episode will help you find clarity and confidence in your approach.

Episode Quote: The mixing of politics and business not only is detrimental to politics, as is frequently observed, but even much more so to business. ~ Ludwig von Mises

Questions answered:

• Should you talk about politics in your business?

• What’s the risk of aligning your business with your personal views?

• When is it okay—or necessary—to speak out?

• How do you handle customer backlash or brand fallout?

• What questions should you ask before making a public statement?

Listen to this episode now to gain the tools and insight you need to protect your brand and lead with purpose. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs find their way to success!

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica welcomes back entrepreneur, author, and AI strategist Ethan King to unpack what’s currently happening in the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence (AI). From game-changing updates in image and voice tech to the real secret weapon behind AI success...this conversation is packed with tools and truths every business owner should hear. Whether you're overwhelmed by AI or overusing it, Ethan offers a powerful mindset shift and practical advice to help you stay relevant, competitive, and real. AI is evolving fast, but how you use it matters even more, and this podcast is here to help you keep up.

Episode Quote: At the end of the day, the real AI is your authentic influence and when you fuse that together with Artificial intelligence, that’s how you win. ~ Ethan King

Questions answered:

• What are the latest AI tools small businesses should know about in 2025?

• Can AI-generated images really be used for marketing?

• How do new AI phone systems differ from traditional automated menus?

• Is it worth paying for the Pro version of ChatGPT?

• What’s the best way to start using AI without losing your personal touch?

Ready to bring AI into your business the smart way?Listen now, subscribe to the show, and leave a review. Don’t forget to connect with Monica on Instagram @becomeyourownbosspodcast to share how YOU are using AI in your business or life.

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⁠Monica FREE ebook⁠

Get your⁠ Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠

Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re getting real about the pressure to grow, hustle, and perform according to everyone else’s expectations. Whether it’s social media trends, industry “shoulds,” or well-meaning friends giving unsolicited advice—there’s always noise about what your business should look like.

But here’s the truth: your business should work for you.

Monica shares candid stories—from her own journey, her conversation with entrepreneur Tracy Nicole, to examples from fellow business owners who’ve chosen peace over pressure. You’ll hear why defining success on your own terms isn’t just okay—it’s essential. Because burnout isn’t the badge of honor, and bigger isn’t always better.

This episode is your reminder to build with intention, not just ambition. Let’s talk boundaries, alignment, and what it really means to design a business that supports your life—not swallows it whole.

Listen in and ask yourself:
Are you playing by your rules… or someone else’s?

Episode Quote: Just do what works for you, because there will always be someone who thinks differently. – Michelle Obama

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What if the dream you’ve been avoiding is the one that could change everything?

In this episode, Monica reflects on seven powerful lessons sparked by her recent interview with Tracy Nicole of Tracy Nicole Clothing. If you've been feeling stuck, uncertain, or unfulfilled, this is your reminder that the dream won’t chase itself—and life won't wait forever. Monica gets personal about support systems, past job experiences, industry research, and what to do when your business no longer fills your cup. From brand-building to choosing courage over comfort, this episode is packed with real-talk moments to push you forward.

Episode Quote: Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

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Questions answered:

• Who should be in your support circle as an entrepreneur?

• What are the dangers of only studying what works in your industry?

• How can “random” jobs prepare you for entrepreneurship?

• Why is collaboration more powerful than competition?

• What brand decisions matter most early on?

• How can you realign your business to bring back joy?

• What does it look like to take the first step in faith?

Listen to this episode of Become Your Own Boss, subscribe so you never miss an insight, and leave a review to let Monica know what spoke to you most. Know someone who’s sitting on a dream? Share this episode with them today.

In this inspiring episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica sits down with Tracy Nicole—a powerhouse fashion designer, author, and philanthropist whose story will challenge everything you thought you needed to succeed. From occupational therapy to building a national fashion brand, Tracy shares how purpose, preparation, and the courage to begin transformed her life and business. Raised by a single mother, diagnosed with breast cancer, and once afraid to start her own line, Tracy reveals how she created a clothing brand that heals, empowers, and redefines what success looks like. You won’t just hear a fashion story—you’ll hear a blueprint for chasing your calling with grit and grace.

Episode Quote: Go after your dream, no matter how unattainable others think it is. ~Unknown

Guest info:

Tracy Nicole Clothing

Created by: @tracynicoleatl
Life should be SIMPLE @simplebytracy @tracynicolefoundation (giving back)

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to start a brand without investors or loans

• How to use pop-ups and grassroots marketing to grow your audience

• How to find your business lane by studying what others miss

• How to build a fashion business that’s both profitable and purposeful

• How to balance motherhood, entrepreneurship, and mental clarity

Questions answered:

• What’s the first thing Tracy studied to avoid fashion business failure?

• How did she fund her first retail store without outside capital?

• What impact did breast cancer have on her designs and business direction?

• Why did she choose not to pursue big department store orders?

• How does Tracy define legacy and success now?

Listen now to hear a story of reinvention, resilience, and believing in your own dream.

Subscribe to Become Your Own Boss wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review if this episode inspired you.

What does five years of podcasting teach you about life, business, and legacy?

In this powerful season opener, Monica marks the 5-year anniversary of Become Your Own Boss with five timeless lessons that will resonate deeply with entrepreneurs at any stage. From launching in a global shutdown to reaching listeners across the world, Monica opens up about the moments of doubt, the push for perfection, and the quiet strength in showing up even when no one seems to notice. This episode isn’t just about podcasting—it’s about what happens when you decide to keep going, even when it’s hard.

Episode Quote: Your legacy is every life you’ve touched. ~Maya Angelou

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to stay consistent even when inspiration is low

• How to start sharing your voice before it feels ready

• How to avoid the perfection trap and actually launch

• How to keep going when feedback and applause are missing

• How to make your content and business outlive you

• How to reuse and repurpose your content for bigger impact

Questions answered:

• What should you do when you feel like quitting your business?

• How do you find your voice as a content creator or entrepreneur?

• Why is consistency more powerful than perfection?

• How can your work serve people even after you're gone?

• What does building a real legacy actually look like?

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Ready to celebrate five years of insight, inspiration, and impact? Hit play on this milestone episode, subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to leave a review. Your support keeps this mission alive—and it might just inspire the next boss in the making.

Are you truly present when others speak—or just waiting for your turn?
In this powerful solo episode, Monica invites listeners to rediscover the lost art of meaningful conversation. Sparked by a simple chat with her daughter, Monica explores how curiosity, presence, and better questions can strengthen our personal and professional relationships. Whether you’re building a brand or bonding with your family, the way you engage with others matters. And in today’s distracted world, the ability to truly connect may be your greatest superpower. Monica also shares a simple challenge that can transform your week—and your connections.

Episode Quote: Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. ~Stephen R. Covey

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to become a better listener in a noisy world

• How to ask questions that invite real connection

• How to use curiosity to build stronger customer relationships

• How to make your team feel truly heard

• How to be present at home without sacrificing your business goals

Questions answered:

• Why do so many conversations feel one-sided?

• How can you get people to open up to you?

• What kinds of questions lead to better dialogue?

• How does intentional conversation impact your business?

• What’s a simple way to practice presence with your family?

Tune in now to rethink how you connect—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review if the show has inspired or helped you in your business journey.

In this episode Monica unpacks the very real impact of newly announced tariffs (and the pause) —and what you, as a business owner, can do to protect your bottom line. This isn’t a panic moment; it’s a preparation moment. Monica walks you through the strategic decisions she’s making at Zeus’ Closet and challenges you to rethink your supply chain, pricing, and even your revenue streams. From small tweaks to big ideas, this episode is about thinking smart, staying flexible, and refusing to go down without a fight.

Episode Quote: The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance. ~ Alan W. Watts

Questions answered:

• What are tariffs, and how do they impact small businesses?

• What can you do if your products are considered discretionary?

• How can you add new revenue without increasing physical inventory?

• Why should you keep checking in with your suppliers right now?

• What does it mean to “sell your sawdust” in business?

Tune in to this timely and empowering episode to future-proof your business. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow entrepreneur, and leave a review if this helped you think more strategically.