In this episode of Don't At Me, hosts Sophie and Belle chat with artist Lucinda Jones about her transition from fashion to art, embracing vulnerability, and the importance of community support among women in business. Lucinda opens up about overcoming insecurities, navigating the impact of COVID-19 on her art sales, and trusting her intuition in the creative process. They discuss maintaining authenticity in the art world, the power of limited edition prints, and the balance between personal and professional life. The conversation explores themes of inner beauty, inspiration, and the challenges of vulnerability, offering valuable advice for aspiring artists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Unfiltered Insights

03:01 Overcoming Insecurities and Vulnerability

05:56 The Journey of Becoming an Artist

08:54 Transitioning from Fashion to Art

11:52 Building a Business from Passion

15:12 Navigating the Art World and Community Support

18:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Art Sales

21:06 Shifting Perspectives on Art Value

23:52 Maintaining Authenticity in Business

27:05 The Role of Intuition in Creativity

30:10 Balancing Growth and Personal Touch

32:47 Finding Inspiration and Creative Sources

39:52 Inner Beauty and Fashion Inspiration

40:15 The Role of Inspiration in Creativity

41:48 Navigating the Exhibition Process

44:12 The Pull to New York and Manifestation

47:59 Intuition and Vulnerability in Art

49:15 Balancing Personal and Professional Vulnerability

52:22 Navigating the Creative Process and Productivity

57:40 The Importance of Creativity in Business

01:01:12 Overcoming Creative Blocks and Intuition

01:07:25 Advice for Aspiring Artists

Lucinda Jones Art: https://www.instagram.com/lucindajonesart/?hl=en

Sophie Hood: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/?hl=en

Belle Maartensz: https://www.instagram.com/bellemaartensz/?hl=en

In this episode of Don't At Me, Sophie sits down with Talitha Cummins, founder of The Cut Jewellery, to talk about redefining luxury through lab-grown diamonds. Talitha shares her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, opening up about motherhood, addiction recovery, and the power of self-belief. Together, they explore personal branding, mentorship, and what it takes to build a meaningful business in a changing world.

Chapters

00:00 Don't @ Me Moment

02:33 Navigating Social Media Feedback

04:40 Transitioning from Journalism to Jewelry

06:35 The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds

09:48 Shifting Perceptions of Luxury

12:52 Building a Personal Brand

15:13 Balancing Business and Personal Life

18:05 Trends in the Engagement Ring Market

20:27 The Importance of Mentorship

22:42 Starting a Business Later in Life

25:41 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose

29:22 Balancing Motherhood and Business

32:44 The Challenges of Growing a Business

36:18 Navigating Social Media and Personal Branding

40:20 Sustainable Growth and Quality Control

45:49 Mentorship and Self-Belief

In this conversation, Mark Lazarus (founder of Lazarus Legal) shares his journey as a lawyer, discussing the importance of boundaries, reputation, and innovative legal strategies for startups. He emphasizes the need for proactive legal advice and the challenges entrepreneurs face in navigating legal complexities. We discuss on the evolving landscape of legal services and the significance of building strong client relationships. We deep dive into the complexities of navigating tax implications for international operations, the critical importance of shareholders agreements, and the evolving role of AI in legal drafting.

Chapters

00:00 Don't @ Me Moment

02:44 Navigating Client Expectations and Boundaries

07:06 The Importance of Reputation in Legal Practice

10:45 Mark's Journey Through the Legal Landscape

18:25 Innovative Legal Structures for Startups

22:46 Proactive Legal Strategies for Entrepreneurs

29:18 Navigating Tax Implications for International Operations

32:25 The Importance of Shareholders Agreements

35:11 AI in Legal Drafting: A Double-Edged Sword

39:53 Embracing AI: A New Approach to Legal Services

43:55 Building a Legal Resource for Startups

48:14 Legal Precautions for Early-Stage Founders

52:10 The Cost of Legal Oversight: A Long-Term Perspective

More information:

Mark Lazarus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklazaruslegal/?originalSubdomain=au

Sophie Hood: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/

Belle Maartensz: https://www.instagram.com/bellemaartensz/?hl=en

In this episode, Jack Delosa shares his insights on expertise on entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of time management, understanding business constraints, and the evolution of his company, The Entourage.

He discusses his journey from a young entrepreneur to a successful business coach, highlighting the need for intentionality in business practices. We discuss practical advice for scaling businesses, identifying core constraints, and unlocking revenue potential.

This is a must listen with so many tangible takeaways and tips - Jack even did a deep dive into our own businesses!

Chapters

00:00 Don't @ Me Moment

03:00 The Importance of Time Management in Business

06:02 Understanding Business Constraints and Growth

09:12 Jack Delosa's Journey and Early Influences

11:55 Evolution of The Entourage

14:57 Scaling Businesses: From Startup to Growth

17:48 Identifying and Overcoming Business Constraints

20:49 Practical Advice for Entrepreneurs

24:04 Navigating Cash Flow and Hiring Challenges

26:55 Unlocking Revenue Potential

29:59 Final Thoughts on Business Growth Strategies

35:28 Navigating Business Metrics and Profitability

38:52 Overcoming Overwhelm in Business

40:49 Recognizing Success and Normalizing Challenges

41:27 Building a Strong Team Culture

43:48 Uncomplicating Business Growth Strategies

47:20 The Unique Strengths of Women in Business

51:58 Balancing Personal Well-being and Business

54:47 Integrating Health into Daily Routines

01:03:06 Delegation and Focus on Core Challenges

01:07:11 Visualizing Business Structures for Clarity

01:09:13 Finding Inspiration and Role Models

More info:

Jack Delosa: https://www.instagram.com/jackdelosa/

Sophie Hood: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/

Belle Maartensz: https://www.instagram.com/bellemaartensz/?hl=en

This exciting podcast episode dives into the world of Katelin & Ella, the co founders of Australia's first membership based skin clinic. We discuss their journey as female entrepreneurs, the challenges of navigating social media criticism, and the innovative business model they created to make skincare more accessible.

The conversation delves into their funding journey, the importance of customer feedback in their rebranding efforts, and the strategic changes they are implementing to enhance their services and customer experience.

We discuss the importance of complementary skill sets, and the dynamics of maintaining a friendship while running a business whilst maintaining boundaries.

We also speak to their new venture, Skimchi, their OWN skincare line which focuses on mixing Korean & Western skin methodologies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Navigating Social Media Criticism

05:46 The Birth of Fayshell: A New Business Model

11:57 Funding and Pitching the Idea

17:49 Rebranding and Customer Feedback

24:10 Implementing Changes and Future Plans

26:23 Navigating Pressure and Decision-Making as Co-Founders

29:10 Complementary Skill Sets and Co-Founder Dynamics

30:53 Establishing Boundaries in Work and Friendship

32:39 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Growth

42:34 Launching a New Skincare Brand: Skimchi

More information:

Fayshell: https://www.instagram.com/fayshell.au/?hl=en

Sophie Hood: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/

Belle Maartensz: https://www.instagram.com/bellemaartensz/?hl=en

In this episode of 'Don't At Me', Sophie discusses the challenges and insights of being a female founder in the tech industry with Bridget Gale, the co founder of Hello Darling, a new age dating app where you FRIEND swipes for you.

They explore the dynamics of gender in business, the innovative concept behind the dating app Hello Darling, and the marketing strategies employed to engage users.

The conversation also delves into the importance of user feedback, the unique demographics of their user base, and the significance of maintaining healthy co-founder relationships while navigating the fundraising landscape.

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges and triumphs of balancing parenting with running a business. They discuss a significant collaboration with EmRata that boosted brand awareness, the importance of mental health and therapy in navigating motherhood, and the insights gained from the dating world.

This is a must listen:

Hello Darling: https://www.instagram.com/myhellodarling/?hl=en

Bridget Gale: https://www.instagram.com/bridgettegale_/?hl=en

Sophie Hood: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

03:07 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Tech

06:06 The Concept Behind Hello Darling

08:48 Challenges of Transitioning Industries

12:02 Marketing Strategies for a New App

14:56 User Feedback and App Development

18:01 Understanding User Demographics

20:55 The Importance of Co-Founder Relationships

24:06 Raising Funds and Overcoming Doubts

29:52 The Unicorn Dad: Parenting and Business Balance

32:02 Collaborating with EmRata: A Game Changer

34:49 Navigating Motherhood: Mental Health and Business

38:50 Therapy and Mindset: A Journey to Balance

40:56 The Dating App Landscape: Insights and Experiences

44:07 Building a Brand: Marketing Strategies and Partnerships

53:49 Resilience in Business: Lessons Learned

Summary

In this episode, the founder of Maison Essentiele, Liv Keonnecke, shares her journey building a fashion business within the Australian retail environment.

We discuss the evolution of the brand from a sleepwear focus to a direct-to-consumer model, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and customer interactions. We delve into various elements of the fashion industry, focusing on seasonal collections, influencer partnerships, sales strategies, sustainability, and the journey of starting and scaling a business.

We LOVED having Liv on and think there are so many tangible take aways from this episode, particularly if you are interested in the behind the scenes of scaling a brand.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maison Essentiele

03:02 Customer Interactions and Challenges

05:56The Evolution of Maison Essential

11:53 Building a Direct-to-Consumer Brand

19:04 Community Engagement and Brand Awareness

23:51 Retail Store Dynamics and Seasonality

27:36 Seasonal Collections and Strategic Drops

30:27 Influencer Partnerships and Gifting Strategies

31:45 Sales, Discounts, and Consumer Behavior

35:18 Sustainability in Fashion: A Double-Edged Sword

39:49 Starting a Business: Financial Insights and Resourcefulness

45:01 Retail Experience: Feedback and Adaptation

51:05 Future Goals: Expansion and Community Engagement

As always - please follow us on:

Sophie Hood: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/?hl=en

Belle Maartensz: https://www.instagram.com/bellemaartensz/?hl=en

Liv Keonnecke: https://www.instagram.com/livkoennecke/

In this episode of 'Don't At Me', Sophie and Belle discuss their experiences as female founders navigating the challenges of trademark opposition, startup costs, and finding reliable suppliers.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Personal Updates

05:04 Trademark Opposition and Small Business Challenges

09:57 Startup Costs and Financial Planning for New Businesses

15:01 Finding Suppliers and Manufacturing Challenges

19:58 Navigating International Trade and Language Barriers

26:59 Trademark Challenges and Legal Battles

30:08 Negotiation Skills in Business

34:41 Building Relationships with Suppliers

40:13 Financial Literacy and Business Management

49:52 Parting Advice for Entrepreneurs

As always follow us on socials at:

Sophie Hood: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/

Belle Maartensz: https://www.instagram.com/bellemaartensz/?hl=en

In this episode of 'Don't At Me', hosts Sophie and Belle welcome Andy, the founder of Pina and Room 10, to discuss his journey in the hospitality industry. The conversation covers the challenges of customer interactions, the evolution of Andy's career from employee to business owner, and the viral success of his cafe, Pina. Andy shares insights on the importance of human relationships in business, his passion for coffee, and the unique culture he created at Room 10. The episode concludes with the story of how Pina came to be and its immediate popularity. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolution the culinary experimentation behind their menu, and the importance of quality ingredients, particularly in their matcha offerings. They discuss the strategies for creating viral drinks, understanding customer demographics, and the philosophy of continuous improvement in their business practices. Future plans include the introduction of a new juice bar, Kolada, which aims to bring unique flavors to the market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:00 Navigating Customer Interactions in Hospitality

04:07 The Journey into the Cafe World

09:50 Finding Passion in Coffee and Hospitality

15:52 Transitioning from Employee to Business Owner

19:58 The Birth of Pina and Its Viral Success 22:55 The Evolution of Fishbowl and Matcha Culture

24:40 Culinary Experimentation and Menu Development

26:00 The Art of Menu Presentation and Customer Trust

28:52 Creating Viral Drinks: The Strawberry Matcha Story

30:51 Quality Ingredients: The Key to Matcha Success

32:12 Competitive Edge: Sourcing Unique Matcha

34:44 Continuous Improvement: The Philosophy of Quality

36:49 Understanding Customer Demographics and Feedback

40:48 Future Plans: Introducing Colada Juice Bar

Follow us on:

Sophie Hood: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/

Belle Maartensz: https://www.instagram.com/bellemaartensz/?hl=en

Pina Potts Point: https://www.instagram.com/pinapottspoint/

This week we have serial entrepreneur and Australia's most recongisable woman in business, Janine Allis, the founder of Boost Juice and more recently Yo-Chi. You may remember Janine from OG Australian Shark Tank, Celebrity Survivor, Food Stars with Gordon Ramsay amongst many other TV & social appearances.

In this engaging conversation, Janine Allis shares her insights on navigating online criticism, the importance of a positive mindset, and her journey with Yo-chi and Boost Juice. She discusses the significance of community in business, the role of staff culture, and the innovative marketing strategies that have contributed to Yochi's resurgence.

The discussion also covers effective marketing strategies and the importance of building a strong brand identity, particularly in competitive markets.

She is a wealth of knowlege and we are so glad she spent the time with us to impart some truth bombs we really needed to hear as we are both growing our businesses.

Chapters

03:04 Navigating Online Criticism 06:00 Business Ventures and Mentorship 08:59 The Rise of Yochi 12:01 Creating a Community Experience 15:06 Staffing and Company Culture 17:49 TikTok Strategy and Viral Marketing 20:54 Winging It and Embracing Opportunities 23:49 Growth and Future of Yochi 27:33 Maintaining Authenticity in Growth 30:42 Insights from Shark Tank Experiences 33:41 Understanding Business Failures 35:30 Navigating Economic Challenges 39:03 Building a Strong Brand Identity 42:44 Effective Marketing Strategies for Growth 49:16 Navigating Sensitivity and Resilience 51:47 Balancing Personal Challenges with Business Growth 53:49 Embracing Problem-Solving as a Strength 56:26 The Importance of Friendships and Boundaries 01:01:08 Honesty in Leadership and Feedback 01:02:54 Creative Marketing Strategies for Product-Based Businesses

If you want to keep up to date with us, our socials are:

Sophie Hood - https://www.instagram.com/sophiehood1/?hl=en

Belle Maartensz - https://www.instagram.com/bellemaartensz/?hl=en