Elevated Ambition with Sarah Lilly

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I explore one of the most underrated marketing tools for both product and service-based business owners: testimonials, feedback, and referrals.

Discover how testimonials act as powerful social proof, building credibility and trust with your dream clients. Learn the difference between feedback and testimonials, why referrals are warm leads that convert faster, and practical strategies for asking your clients for both.

I also share mindset shifts to help you see feedback as a growth opportunity, not criticism, and highlight the importance of creating simple systems to collect testimonials consistently.

If you’re ready to amplify your online presence and grow your business authentically, this episode will show you how to turn client experiences into your most powerful marketing tool.

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

Waitlist to work with Sarah in 2026 here

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In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I sit down with Katrina, owner of Bloom Boutique Beauty, to talk about her inspiring journey in the beauty industry.

Katrina shares how she first got into the beauty industry and how over 20 years of experience led her to open her own home-based beauty studio in May 2024. She opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the often unseen behind-the-scenes work, and why self-care is so much more than a luxury.

We explore the powerful connection between beauty treatments and mental health, why women often feel guilty for prioritising self-care, and how something as simple as a facial or lash treatment can be a reset for both body and mind. Katrina also dives into current beauty trends like brow laminations and lash lifts, the role of social media in shaping beauty standards, and what excites her about the future of her business.

If you’ve ever felt guilty about investing in yourself, this episode is a beautiful reminder of why self-care matters.

Bloom Boutique Beauty on Instagram: @bloomboutiquebeauty

Bloom Boutique Beauty on Facebook

Website: www.bloombeautydunedin.com

Connect with Sarah Lilly on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

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If you've ever thought, “Do I have to share my whole life online to be relatable?” ... then this episode is for you.

Let’s bust the myth that being authentic = sharing everything online. I’m pulling back the curtain on what I personally share in my business, what I keep private, and how YOU get to create your own rules (that suit YOU!)

Inside this episode:

• How to balance personal posts with business value

• Why oversharing isn’t always more authentic

• The kind of behind-the-scenes content that actually builds connection

• What I don’t post (and why that’s powerful, too)

Because being the face of your brand doesn’t mean you need to share your whole life. Your audience doesn’t need your deepest secrets, they need connection and value.

Join the conversation over on Instagram

Discover how you can work with Sarah Lilly

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In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I chat with Merekara from Massage Serenity and Healing in Dunedin.

Merekara shares her inspiring journey of building a wellness business that blends relaxation massage, therapeutic techniques, and traditional Māori healing practices including mirimiri and honohono.

We talk about the challenges of starting a business, the importance of self-care and balance, and how massage can be a powerful tool for maintaining wellbeing. Merekara also explains how she integrates Reiki and traditional Māori energy work into her healing style, creating a holistic experience that supports both body and mind.

From navigating burnout to building meaningful community connections, Merekara offers honest insights and practical wisdom for anyone interested in wellness, entrepreneurship, or simply slowing down in our busy world.

Connect with Merekara on Instagram: @massage_serenity_healing

Book with Merekara here

Connect with Sarah Lilly on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

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Social media isn’t what it used to be - and if your likes and follows are down, it might not mean what you think. In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I unpack the real story behind today’s engagement metrics.

We explore the shift from vanity metrics like likes and follower counts to deeper, more impactful indicators like reach, click-throughs, and conversions. With video content dominating and attention spans shrinking, it's time to rethink how you define success online.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why social media engagement has changed — and how to adapt

• What metrics actually matter in 2025

• Why reach and conversions are more powerful than likes

• How to shift your strategy to create value-driven content

• The mindset shift every business owner needs when it comes to growth online

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

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Feeling disconnected from your body? Learn how to create safety, vitality, and lasting change.

This week, I’m joined by the inspiring Jessebel Chan from Collective Care, a personal trainer and life coach who’s redefining what health and wellness look like for women.

Together, we explore how science and spirituality can work hand-in-hand, why small, consistent steps matter more than drastic changes, and how to reconnect with your body when life feels overwhelming. Jessebel also shares her tips for navigating the fitness world with confidence, building a supportive community, and balancing business with personal wellbeing.

If you’re ready to feel more empowered in your health, find safety and vitality in your body, and step into a holistic approach to wellness, this episode is for you.

Connect with Jess on Instagram : @collectivecare_

Collective Care website: www.collectivecare.co.nz

Follow Sarah on Instagram : @sarahlillymedia

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Branding isn’t just about pretty logos and curated colours—it’s the heart & soul of your business.

In this episode, I dive into the true essence of branding (spoiler alert, it's not just your logo and colours!) and why having a solid brand strategy is crucial for lasting success.

We cover the five powerful pillars of branding strategy and how each one supports your ability to confidently show up, attract aligned clients, and create meaningful impact.

We’re talking:→ Clear, magnetic communication→ Building deep connection→ Consistency across your brand→ Staying aligned with your mission→ Creating a foundation for growth

Plus, you’ll walk away with powerful reflection questions to help you reconnect to your brand’s deeper purpose and mission.

Book your 1:1 Strategy Call and to get clear on your businesses WHY and let me help you build a solid and actionable brand strategy.

Let's connect on Instagram

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I sit down with Ngahuia Crossman — founder of branding studio Inspiring Design — to talk all things creativity, business evolution, and building a brand with soul.

Ngahuia shares her journey from self-taught designer to the heart-led and values driven entrepreneur she is today. You’ll hear how her business has pivoted with her passions, the importance of storytelling in branding, and why collaboration (not competition!) has been key to her growth. She opens up about building a team, managing creative burnout, and creating a lifestyle business that aligns with your values.

You’ll also learn how Ngahuia uses tools like Canva and AI without losing the human touch — and how she's built a community for women in business through Elevate Mind and Business.

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, a brand-builder, or a woman in business looking for real, raw conversation, this episode is for you.

Topics we cover:

• Creative entrepreneurship and DIY branding tools

• Branding as culture, not just design

• Finding your brand’s voice and values

• Pivoting your business with your passions

• Navigating creative burnout and outsourcing

• Creating a supportive, aligned team

• The power of community and networking

• Using AI wisely in branding

• Multiple income streams and lifestyle business tips

Connect with Ngahuia on Instagram: @inspiringdesign_studio

⁠Elevate Mind & Business Community: @elevate_mindandbusiness⁠

Inspiring Design Website:

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

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As a mum and a small business owner, life can be chaotic but after learning how to set boundaries and structure my business I've never felt more calm and with a better work-life balance.

In this episode I am sharing how I structure my weeks as a business owner, working 4 days a week, by breaking my week into specific days for different tasks.

In this episode we chat about ....

• The importance of setting boundaries
• Time management as a working mum
• Creating a clear schedule
• Utilising different days for different focuses
• Using tools like Trello to enhance productivity

Let's connect on Instagram!

Sarah Lilly is a branding coach and social media expert, helping small businesses to create magnetic content easily. Follow for branding tips, social media advice, content creation and the general how-to's of running a small business.

In this episode of Elevated Ambition, I'm sitting down with podcast producer and coach Maxene London to talk all things podcasting — from starting out, to scaling, and staying grounded in the journey.

Maxene shares her experience navigating entrepreneurship while raising a family, what you need to get started with a podcast, and how perfectionism can stall your success before you even hit “record.” She offers insights into building audience engagement, staying consistent, and making podcasting accessible without burning out.

We also chat about her upcoming podcast Wanna Podcast?, a must-listen for aspiring podcasters wanting clear, down-to-earth advice to grow a show they love.

We chat....

• How to balance motherhood and business

• • Why it’s better to start imperfectly than not at all
  • What you need to know to start or grow your podcast successfully

• Tips for audience engagement that actually work

• Why consistency > frequency in podcasting

• Tools and mindset shifts that make podcasting easier and more sustainable

  
  

Whether you're thinking of starting a podcast or looking to grow one, this episode is packed with real talk and practical gems that you can apply right away.

Follow Maxene on Instagram: @maxenelondoncreative

Work with Maxene: www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz

Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahlillymedia

👉 Don't forget to hit follow and rate and review so Elevated Ambition can reach more amazing woman like you!