Creatives Under Pressure— A Spoken Word Tribute 

Episode Summary

In this powerful spoken word episode, Joké Durojaiye delivers a relatable, funny, and emotional tribute to every home stager who ever undercharged, overworked, and still made it look effortless.

This is not just poetry. It is real talk with rhythm.

You’ll find yourself nodding along, laughing out loud, and maybe even tearing up as Joké shares the real behind the reel. From loading your own truck to fielding drive-by staging requests, this piece will hit home in more ways than one.

If you’ve ever
 • staged with secondhand pieces
 • dealt with impossible budgets
 • been asked to "just throw in" furniture like it's sprinkles on a sundae
 This one is for you.

What You’ll Hear

• Why that spray-painted table still mattered
 • The mental math of quoting jobs while trying to stay sane
 • The infamous "Can you stage tomorrow" call
 • A moment to honor your journey and the business you built
 • A straight-up reminder to raise your prices and stand in your worth

This Episode Is For

• New and aspiring stagers trying to make sense of the chaos
 • Seasoned stagers who need a reminder of how far they’ve come
 • Creatives building something meaningful with limited resources
 • Anyone who wants to feel seen, heard, and respected in their work

More From Joké

Website: businessofhomestaging.com
Instagram: @businessofhomestaging
Workshops and offers: businessofhomestaging.com/workshop

Want to Work With Joké

If you’re ready to build a staging business that is both beautiful and bankable, explore coaching, courses, and resources created for stagers who are done playing small.
 Visit businessofhomestaging.com/resources

In this episode of Creative Business Mindset, I’m pulling back the curtain and telling the truth behind what really hit home at a recent business event where I was invited to speak.

Spoiler: It wasn’t the strategy, the automation tips, or even the tech stack breakdown that had the biggest impact.

It was one vulnerable slide.
 One raw story.
 One real moment that reminded everyone in the room—and me—that we don’t just need systems.
 We need soul.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re building alone…
 If you’ve ever been praised for holding it all together while quietly falling apart…
 If you’re tired of only hearing success stories without the struggle behind them…

This episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✅ The moment my breakout session shifted—and why one vulnerable story meant more than all the strategies I shared
✅ A powerful conversation with a fellow special needs mom that made me feel seen
✅ Why burnout, fear, and isolation are silently shaping your business—and what to do about it
✅ How to build a business that works for your life, not against it
✅ The real reason people stay loyal to you: your story, not your stats

Keywords for Search & Discovery:
entrepreneur burnout, building a business with balance, creative entrepreneurship, mompreneur stories, vulnerable business stories, business strategy with soul, how to avoid burnout in business, behind the scenes of success, the messy middle, how to stay human in business, systems and soul, podcast for creative entrepreneurs, home stager podcast, business mindset podcast for women, authenticity in business

Mentioned in This Episode:
– The slide that changed everything: The Story Behind the Glory
– My own story of building systems as a special needs mom
– Real convos that matter more than perfect business plans

Love what you heard?
Here’s how to go deeper:

Join the Home Staging Startup Workshop
DM me on Instagram: @businessofhomestaging
Need systems that work for your life? Visit: businessofhomestaging.com/resources

Rate + Review + Share
If this episode spoke to you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Leave a review, rate the podcast, and tag me when you post—it means the world and helps more people find the real side of business we rarely get to talk about.

Originality Is Overrated: Make It Yours Instead

Description:
In this episode of Creative Business Mindset, we’re flipping the script on originality. You’ve been told to stand out by being 100% original — but what if that’s holding you back? Joké Durojaiye breaks down why the pressure to be "the first" is keeping creatives, coaches, stagers, and entrepreneurs stuck. You’ll learn how to stop overthinking, start creating, and build something that resonates — even if it's already been done before.

Because the truth is, nothing is new under the sun — but everything can be done your way.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why chasing originality can be a creativity killer
• The difference between being original and being resonant
• How the most successful brands are remixes of existing ideas
• What Bruce Lee, Canva, and Beyoncé can teach us about inspiration
• The mindset shift that will finally get you out of your head and into action
• How to create your version of something that’s already working
• Why your lived experience is your creative advantage

 creative business podcast, originality in business, how to start creating, stop overthinking ideas, remix your business, Canva inspiration, business mindset for creatives, starting a creative business, entrepreneurship tips, home staging business advice, stager marketing ideas, Joké Durojaiye podcast, faith-based creative business

Resources & Links:

• Learn more: businessofhomestaging.com
• Get tools + templates: businessofhomestaging.com/resources
• Join the Home Staging Startup Workshop: Workshop Info
• Connect on Instagram: @businessofhomestaging

 Ready to stop chasing originality and start chasing resonance?
Take one small step after this episode — post, record, launch, or pitch.
Create your version. Make it honest. Make it yours.

In this episode, Joké gets real about what it means to be visible online without losing yourself in the process. With everyone shouting “be authentic!” from the rooftops, it’s easy to feel pressured into sharing every moment of your life for the algorithm. But where’s the line between real connection and oversharing?

From lessons learned on her own journey as a business owner, mother, and creative entrepreneur, Joké breaks down how to show up online your way. If you’ve ever felt torn between protecting your privacy and promoting your personal brand, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why visibility is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategy
• How your online presence impacts your SEO and personal brand
• The fine line between being “real” and being too real
• Why not every moment needs to be content
• The truth about other people’s reactions (hint: it’s not always about you)
• How to show up consistently without burning out
• Practical tips to define visibility on your terms
• The power of setting boundaries in content creation
• Why your story matters—even if no one clicks "like"

Joké’s Challenge to You:
Take one intentional step toward visibility this week. Whether it’s sharing a personal insight, creating a voiceover video, or finally saying yes to that podcast interview—show up in a way that feels right for you.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Shout-out to Bradital Media and Wisdom Bradford for pushing personal content with strategy
• The idea that “You are the content”—but only if that feels authentic
• How visibility helped Joké’s business grow through real, human connection

If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who you know you’re meant to be, this episode will shift something in you.

In this unfiltered conversation, I sit down with my coach, my friend, and one of Africa’s most trusted voices in personal and business transformation—Steve Harris. From helping entrepreneurs generate $17 million in six weeks to showing everyday people how to exceed their “perceived impossible,” Steve doesn’t just teach. He activates.

We unpack what it really means to position yourself for premium clients, why your pricing should follow your perception, not the other way around—and the truth about serving everyone (spoiler: you’re not for everybody). Steve breaks down how to own your message, find your people, and stop majoring in the minors.

In this episode, we cover:

• What does it mean to exceed your perceived impossible
• Why your positioning drives perception—and perception drives your pricing
• The three tiers of clients: 90%, 10%, and 1%—and how to speak their language
• How to build a brand that disqualifies the wrong people so you can attract the right ones
• Why failing fast is better than procrastinating for perfection
• And the hard truth: you don’t need everyone, just the right someone

This episode is your wake-up call to stop playing small, start failing forward, and build the brand your legacy deserves.

Connect with Steve Harris:
Instagram: @iamsteveharris

Liked this episode?
Subscribe, rate, and review the show—and share it with someone who’s ready to stop being everyone’s backup plan and start being someone’s only choice.

Mommy Dearest: The Legacy of Woman Who Fed Strangers And Raised Generations

This special Mother’s Day episode is unlike any I’ve ever recorded.

Today, I honor my mother, our beloved Sisi Mi.
A phenomenal woman who made everyone feel seen, safe, and full—whether through a hot meal, a warm bed, or a listening ear.

She didn’t leave behind a business, but she built a legacy.
 Not with strategies, but with a hot plate. Not with titles, but with tenderness.

If you knew her, you called her Sisi Mi. And even if you didn’t—you’ll feel her in this episode.
 She was the neighborhood mother, the quiet force, the kitchen therapist, and the woman who believed that as long as someone is in need, you always have enough to share.

This is a tribute to her life.
 A love letter to all the women who mother without fanfare.
 And a reminder that legacy lives in how we make others feel.

To every woman who’s ever poured into others—this episode is for you.

Baking Big Dreams: The Cookie Empire That Became a Delta Airlines Favorite

What do farm-to-table culinary roots, a love story in Bogotá, and a cookie served on Delta Airlines all have in common? They’re all part of Brooke Perez’s journey as the co-founder of Seattle-based Bell’s Cookies. In this episode, Brooke shares how she went from studying at the Culinary Institute of America to launching a bakery in Colombia, and eventually building a cookie brand that’s now enjoyed by thousands of airline passengers mid-flight.

We discuss the real-life hustle behind turning a homegrown dream into a cookie business featured on Delta Airlines, growing a team, navigating setbacks, and staying true to your vision, even when it feels impossible. Whether you’re a foodie, a founder, or flying soon, this episode is a masterclass in turning your passion into a brand with staying power.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Bell’s Cookies got on Delta Airlines flights
• The journey from culinary school to global cookie success
• What it takes to scale a product-based business
• Lessons in entrepreneurship, growth, and resilience

This episode is perfect for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Small business owners
• Food lovers and cookie enthusiasts
• Anyone ready to build a brand that rises above the noise

Hungry for inspiration (and maybe a cookie)? Tune in now and visit www.bellscookies.com to get a taste of the story for yourself.

Are you multi-talented but stuck in analysis paralysis, trying to pick the “right” path? In this episode, Joké Durojaiye shares a powerful, practical approach to help multi-passionate creatives, students, and entrepreneurs overcome the overwhelm and move forward with clarity.

From the advice she gave her college-bound daughter to the lessons she’s learned from her own entrepreneurial journey, Joké breaks down how to identify your “moneymaker talent,” create financial stability, and still leave room to explore your creative passions—without going broke or burning out.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why being multi-talented is a gift and a challenge
• The real reason you might be stuck in decision fatigue
• How to identify your moneymaker talent (aka the one that pays now)
• Why your first focus should be income, not passion
• What to do when your dream audience can’t afford your services
• The power of financial stability as a launchpad for creativity
• A step-by-step approach to monetize your talent, even with no budget
• How to set clear monthly income goals and reverse-engineer your success
• Pro tips for building momentum and staying consistent
• The importance of making space to explore passions guilt-free
• Why it's okay to pivot—and how to do it with grace

Joké’s Action Steps for You:

1. Identify your most monetizable talent
   (Hint: It’s not necessarily the one you love most—it’s the one the market will pay for now.)
2. Set a clear income goal and reverse-engineer how many clients or sales you need.
3. Be consistent—a little effort each day adds up.
4. Protect your creative time and explore other talents once your bills are paid.
5. Give yourself the grace to pivot—you're not locked into one path forever.

This Episode Is Perfect For You If:

• You’re a student, freelancer, or multi-passionate entrepreneur feeling stuck
• You have too many interests and can’t pick a focus
• You want to build financial freedom and pursue your passions
• You need a practical approach that doesn’t rely on vague “follow your dreams” advice
• You’re parenting or mentoring someone facing this struggle

Keywords:
multi-talented entrepreneur, analysis paralysis, how to pick a career path, monetizing your talents, income over passion, creative entrepreneurs, choosing a niche, build financial stability, side hustle strategy, multi-passionate advice

Connect with Joké:
Have questions or need help choosing your path?
Email Joké at [email protected]

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear this!
And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to the Creative Business Mindset Podcast for more real talk on building a profitable, passion-fueled business.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the not so sexy side of business that will keep you in business.  A conversation most creative entrepreneurs avoid—but NEED to knwo. Yep, we’re talking money, profitability, and the messy side of business finance. And if the numbers make your head spin, you are in good company.

To walk us through it all, I’m joined by Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting, where she helps small business owners increase profitability, reduce taxes, and scale smarter using simple financial strategies.

We unpack why so many small businesses—especially in creative industries like home staging—struggle with cash flow and what it really means to run a profitable business.

Here’s what we covered:

✅ Why your bank balance is not your profit
✅ What numbers you need to track—and how to simplify it
✅ The truth about pricing your services for profit
✅ The power of a Fractional CFO (and why you don’t need to be a big business to get the benefits)
✅ How to know when you can afford to hire someone
✅ The difference between LLC vs S-Corp from a tax and cash flow perspective
✅ How to build a sellable business from day one (even if you're just starting out)

Whether you're just launching or scaling up, this episode will help you move from “I’m winging it” to “I’ve got this.”

Because here’s the thing: Creative doesn’t have to mean chaotic.
You can still love the work and run your business like a CEO.

So if you’ve been hiding from your numbers, this episode is your wake-up call. And the best part? We break it all down in plain English—no accounting degree required.

• small business profitability
• how to manage cash flow
• bookkeeping tips for creatives
• how to price your services
• home staging business advice
• creative entrepreneur finance
• QuickBooks for small business
• when to switch from LLC to S-Corp
• understanding your numbers
• fractional CFO services

summary
In this inspiring conversation, Anne Alexander shares her journey of reinvention and resilience as she relaunches her acting career at 47 after a long hiatus. She discusses the challenges she faced, including overcoming obstacles, imposter syndrome, and ageism in the creative industry. Anne emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, embracing a beginner's mindset, and the power of community and mentorship in achieving one's dreams. Her passion project, 'Passion Project to Pro,' aims to help others navigate their own journeys of transformation and success.

takeaways
Anne moved to Germany for love and had to reinvent her career.

• After 16 years away from acting, she found her passion again.
• Obstacles often hold the answers if you ask the right questions.
• Embracing a beginner's mindset helps overcome imposter syndrome.
• Taking small steps can lead to significant progress.
• Age should not be a barrier to pursuing dreams.
• Community and mentorship are vital for personal growth.
• You can monetize your passion by creating opportunities.
• Fear is a natural part of growth; learn to live with it.
• Curiosity can lead to discovering new passions.

Titles

• Reinventing Dreams: Anne Alexander's Journey
• Overcoming Obstacles: The Path to Acting Success

Sound Bites

• "Dreams don't have expiration dates."
• "Embrace where you are."
• "Stop thinking about it and do it."

Chapters
00:00
Dreams Without Expiration Dates

00:00
The Journey of Reinvention

00:00
Overcoming Obstacles in Pursuing Passion

00:41
Curating Your Path to Success

03:53
Building Community Through Shared Interests

09:51
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Starting Anew

11:25
Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Steps

13:36
Embracing Fear and Imposter Syndrome

17:31
Reinventing Yourself and Helping Others

22:35
Building a Thriving Career in Creative Industries

26:51
Navigating Ageism and Finding Your Voice

33:45
Taking Action and Building Confidence