Digital Queens

By Sarah Thomson - Online Social ButterflyBusiness Marketing

Digital Queens episodes

February 25, 2025EP141 - Softness & Success in Business with Sam Dhu
In this episode, I chat with Sam Dhu about the intersection of mental well-being and business growth. We explore why self-compassion is a game-changer for entrepreneurs, how to embrace softness while still being successful, and the importance of giving yourself permission to grow without burnout. Business can be tough, but we don’t have to meet challenges with self-criticism—we can approach them with kindness and resilience. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to hustle at all costs, this episode will shift your mindset and give you a fresh perspective on sustainable success.
Key Takeaways:
Self-compassion is essential for business growth.
Success doesn’t require burnout or hustle.
Kindness toward yourself fosters resilience.
Permission to slow down is powerful.
Mental well-being is a business strategy.

instagram.com
samanthadhu.com.au
Free Boundary Setting Scripts
30 min
February 18, 2025 EP140 - Lauren Mathie from Merio Product Lab
Lauren is the founder of Merio Product Lab, a company dedicated to helping product entrepreneurs and startups develop efficient, monetisable products. With years of experience in product development, she shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of launching and scaling a product-based business.
Episode Summary
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Lauren from Merio Product Lab to talk all things product development. If you've ever thought about launching a product-based business or scaling an existing one, this episode is packed with gold! We dive into the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when developing products, how to create a solid strategy, and the secrets to navigating the tricky world of manufacturing and supply chains. Lauren shares her expertise on making sure your product is profitable and scalable from the get-go. If you're looking for practical, actionable advice on turning your product idea into reality, this one’s for you!
Key Takeaways
✅ A product development strategy saves time and money.
✅ Avoid rushing into manufacturing without proper planning.
✅ Your pricing should reflect your business growth goals.
✅ Understanding supply chains helps avoid costly mistakes.
✅ Testing and iterating is key before full-scale production.

meiryoproductlab.com
Facebook
Instagram
28 min
February 11, 2025 EP139 - Nikki Paterson from Accomplished Education
My guest today is Nikki, the founder of Accomplished Education. Nikki has over 22 years of experience in state and federal law enforcement in Australia. In her role, she has sat on recruitment and promotion panels, which inspired her to create Accomplished Education - a business focused on helping people write winning job applications and prepare for interviews. Nikki is passionate about empowering individuals to showcase their value and land their dream roles.

Episode Summary:
In today's episode, Nikki and I dive deep into her journey of transitioning from law enforcement to entrepreneurship. Nikki shares how her frustration with seeing qualified candidates miss out on roles due to poor job application skills led her to create Accomplished Education as a "passion project" on the side.
We discuss how Nikki leveraged a career break to focus on building the foundations of her business, setting up systems and processes to streamline operations. Nikki emphasizes her commitment to maintaining both her day job and her business, as she finds fulfillment in the different aspects each role provides.
Nikki opens up about the ebb and flow of motivation, and the importance of being kind to herself and focusing on high-impact tasks. She also shares her plans to expand Accomplished Education's offerings, with a greater focus on training, workshops and teaching job seekers essential skills.
Throughout our conversation, Nikki's authenticity and determination shine through. Her story is an inspiring example of how you can build a successful business while maintaining a fulfilling career. I hope this episode encourages listeners to define success on their own terms and not be swayed by societal expectations.

Key Takeaways:

Define success on your own terms - don't be limited by societal expectations of what a "real" business looks like.

Embrace the ebb and flow of motivation and focus on high-impact tasks when energy is low.

Leverage the strengths of both your career and your business to find fulfillment in both.

Invest time upfront to build efficient systems and processes that support your business growth.

Sharing your expertise through training and workshops can be a powerful way to help others and grow your business.

Notable Quotes:
"If it works for you, do it. We define our own success."
"The to-do list will never be fully complete. Focus on what moves the needle."
"I thrive on process and structure. Monthly planning helps me stay on track."

www.accomplisheducation.com.au
Facebook
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linkedin
youtube
19 min
February 04, 2025EP138 - Turning Passion into Profit
In this episode, I chat with Olga from Studio Thimble about her incredible journey from being a process engineer to launching a thriving sewing business. We dive into how she discovered her love for sewing, the transition from hobbyist to entrepreneur, and the challenges she faced along the way. Olga shares her insights on building a brand, creating an engaged community, and making a business out of a creative passion. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn something you love into a successful venture, this one’s for you. It’s packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a whole lot of encouragement for anyone looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship!
Key Takeaways:
You don’t have to start with a business degree—passion and persistence go a long way.
Community is key—building relationships helps grow a loyal audience.
Embrace your journey—even if it takes unexpected turns, it can still lead to success.
Teaching others your craft can be a great business model.
Authenticity is your superpower—people connect with real stories and genuine passion.
https://studiothimbles.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/StudioThimbles
https://www.instagram.com/studio_thimbles/
23 min
January 28, 2025EP137 - Starting Now is Totally Fine
Hi, I’m Sarah Thomson, and in this episode, I’m flying solo! I wanted to dive into the idea that starting now is always fine—no matter the time of year. So many of us feel pressure to start fresh in January, but life gets in the way. I’ll share my thoughts on how to reset, build momentum, and set goals that actually work for your business and life.
Episode Summary: January can feel like a chaotic blur, especially for business owners juggling holidays, family, and the pressure of a ‘new year, new me’ mindset. In this episode, I explore why waiting for the perfect moment isn’t necessary and how you can start fresh anytime. I share practical ways to regain focus after a slow start, rethink goal-setting to fit real life, and embrace consistency over perfection. Whether you’re feeling behind or just need a reset, I’ll show you how to create momentum without the stress. Let’s ditch the overwhelm and make progress on our terms!
Key Takeaways:
It’s never too late to start fresh—momentum can begin any day.
Perfection isn’t the goal; small, consistent steps matter more.
Customizing your goals to fit your life leads to better success.
Overcoming the January slump starts with giving yourself grace.
Focus on what you can do rather than what you’ve missed.
Notable Quotes:
"The perfect time to start is whenever you decide to. No need to wait for a fresh calendar!"
"Small steps build big momentum—don’t underestimate the power of just starting."
"January isn’t a deadline; it’s just a month. Your progress is on your timeline."
"Forget the pressure to have it all figured out—just take action."
"Your goals should fit your life, not the other way around."
25 min
January 21, 2025 EP136 - Smart Money Moves for Entrepreneurs with Mel Browne
In this episode, I’m joined by Mel Brown, a financial expert and author of My Financial Adulting Plan. With years of experience helping individuals and business owners take control of their money, she’s here to share her wisdom on making finance work for you. We unpack the myths around money, discuss practical strategies for managing cash flow, and explore why understanding your finances is crucial for business success. Mel shares her journey from struggling with money to becoming a financial powerhouse, offering relatable insights along the way. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to get a grip on your business finances or someone who just wants to feel more confident with money, this episode is packed with insights you can start using today. We also chat about the mindset shifts needed for financial success—because money isn’t just about numbers, it’s about confidence too!
Resource Page : https://www.melissabrowne.com.au/thesocialcircus
Join the next live round of My Financial Adulting Plan : More Info
Sign up for the free masterclass: HIIT for money : More Info
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Key Takeaways:
Financial literacy is the key to business success.
Small changes in money habits create big results.
Understanding cash flow helps you make smarter decisions.
Investing isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for everyone.
Confidence with money starts with knowledge and action.

28 min
January 14, 2025EP135 - Choosing your Word for 2025
In this episode, I’m diving into the tradition of picking a "word for the year" and how it can set the tone for everything you do. I explore why this practice is so popular and share practical steps for choosing a word that feels authentic and aligned with your goals. Whether you’ve been doing this for years or it’s your first time, I’ve got tips and anecdotes to guide you through the process. I’ll also reflect on the podcast’s incredible three-year journey, sharing my excitement for the episodes ahead. If you’re ready to kickstart 2025 with focus and intention, this one’s for you!
Key Takeaways
Reflect on your past year before choosing your word.
Let your word align with your personal and professional goals.
Avoid choosing a word arbitrarily; it should resonate deeply.
Use your word as a decision-making anchor throughout the year.
Revisit your word often to stay motivated and on track.
Notable Quotes
"Your word for the year isn’t just a word; it’s your North Star."
"Choosing a word aligned with your values can be a game-changer."
"Reflection is the key to finding a word that truly resonates."
"This simple practice can create clarity in your life and business."
"The word you choose will shape your focus and your year."
18 min
December 10, 2024EP134 - The Final Episode of 2024
In this reflective episode, I take you behind the scenes of "The Social Circus" as we close out 2024. It’s been three amazing years of podcasting, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned along the way—the challenges, triumphs, and why we take a well-deserved break over Christmas. I delve into what it takes to keep a podcast running weekly, from the energy and planning to the constant creativity. This episode is a mix of gratitude, storytelling, and a sneak peek at what’s to come for the podcast in 2025. Whether you're a fellow podcaster, a business owner, or just curious about the journey, there’s plenty of inspiration to take away. Let’s wrap up the year together with positivity and purpose!

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Key Takeaways
Consistency is the backbone of podcasting success.
Taking breaks is essential for maintaining creativity and energy.
Reflecting on accomplishments keeps motivation alive.
Planning ahead ensures podcast longevity.
Sharing gratitude fosters connection with your audience.
24 min
December 03, 2024EP133 - Your Year in Review 2024
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Social Circus, I dive into the power of reviewing your year—yep, we’re talking about the highs, lows, and everything in between for 2024! I share practical steps to evaluate your business performance, unpack what worked (and what didn’t), and identify where you can level up. You’ll also hear about my own reflections as I gear up for 2025, because who doesn’t love a sneak peek? Whether you’re a pro at annual reviews or feeling a bit clueless, this chat is packed with tips to wrap up your year with clarity and purpose. Ready to turn those lessons into goals for 2025? Let’s do this!
2025 Goal Setting and Planning Workshop
Key Takeaways
Break your year into sections to identify trends.
Celebrate wins, no matter how small.
Use data to guide your decisions for 2025.
Reflect on challenges to discover growth areas.
Create actionable goals for the new year.
Notable Quotes
"Reflection isn’t about criticism—it’s about growth."
"Your biggest wins might not be in the numbers but in the lessons learned."
"Small steps forward are still steps forward."
"Reviewing your year is like prepping your soil for next season’s harvest."
"Clarity comes from looking back before moving ahead."
2025 Goal Setting and Planning Workshop
27 min
November 26, 2024EP132 - Chris Gaskell - From Haircuts to Entrepreneurship
In this episode, I’m joined by Chris from MopTops Hair, and together, we dive into her incredible journey from founding a children’s hair salon to running a successful business for nearly two decades. Chris and I reminisce about our first meeting when she cut my son’s hair as a toddler, and we explore how her salon became a haven for families. We also discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of building community, and why understanding your customers is key. Whether you're a parent, a business owner, or just someone looking for inspiration, there’s something here for you!
Key Takeaways:
Specialising in a niche can set your business apart.
Building strong customer relationships is invaluable.
Serving families requires a unique approach to customer care.
Perseverance and passion are essential for business growth.
Always adapt to changing customer needs.

https://www.facebook.com/moptopshaircare?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://linktr.ee/moptops101
https://www.instagram.com/chris_gaskell_moptopshaircare/
23 min

About Digital Queens

From the publisher's feed

Join me, Sarah Thomson, as your host each week as we dive into digital marketing, social media and all the things it takes to run a business in this social circus.