PRO/JECT : Building Authentic Businesses, Marketing Strategies & Success on Your Own Terms

What does it really take to grow on social media in 2026 — without a massive production team, fancy tech stack, or perfectly curated life?

In this episode, Christina sits down with family adventure creator Nick Rowley to talk about the future of content creation, viral growth, and building a sustainable personal brand in today’s evolving creator economy.

What does it really take to grow on social media in 2026 — without a massive production team, fancy tech stack, or perfectly curated life?

In this episode, Christina sits down with family adventure creator Nick Rowley to talk about the future of content creation, viral growth, and building a sustainable personal brand in today’s evolving creator economy.

Everyone thinks being a content creator is sexy.

Travel. Brand deals. Viral moments. Free product.

But what does the actual day-to-day look like?

In Part 2 of my conversation with full-time creator Nick Rowley, we go deeper into the work behind the highlight reel — from editing hours of footage and managing negative comments to pitching brands, applying for campaigns, and handling rejection.

We unpack:

• The real workload behind content creation
• How brand partnerships actually work
• Cold outreach strategies for landing deals
• Why most creators get told “no” (a lot)
• Choosing the right social media platform for your business
• Why small businesses should think granular, not glamorous
• Lo-fi content vs. polished production
• Why patience matters more than perfection

If you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, consultant, or local service provider wondering:

“Do I really need to be on social media?” “How do I make content without hiring a full team?” “Is virality realistic?”

This episode gives you the grounded, strategic answer.

Because here’s the truth: social media is one of the biggest opportunities for modern businesses — but only if you’re willing to do it right.

And right doesn’t mean perfect.

It means consistent. Granular. Patient.

Part 2 of 3 in The Creator Economy Series.

What does it actually look like to become a full-time content creator?

In this episode of PRO/JECT, I sit down with Nick Rowley — former action sports marketer turned family content creator — to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of influencer life.

After working with major brands like Chevrolet and GoPro, Nick made a bold pivot: leaving a stable marketing career to go all in on content creation after a wake-up call from his daughter. What followed? Virality, brand deals, creative freedom… and a lot of hard work most people never see.

We talk about:

• The reality of becoming a full-time content creator
• Can you plan for virality (or is it luck)?
• Authenticity vs. AI “content slop”
• Brand partnerships and monetization strategies
• Burnout in the creator economy
• Building a niche without forcing it
• What sustainable content creation really looks like

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or creator wondering whether content creation is worth it — or how to build an audience without losing yourself — this episode is an honest look at the creator economy in 2026.

No fluff. No “get rich quick.” Just the real story.

In this episode of PRO/JECT, Christina sits down with Vanessa Fenn, an experienced copywriter and brand strategist, to break down what copywriting really is—and why it’s one of the most misunderstood (and misused) tools for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

From growing up in a family-run ad agency to working across New York and San Francisco’s advertising worlds, Vanessa shares her unique perspective on brand voice, content strategy, SEO, AI-generated content, and burnout-proof marketing. Together, they unpack why copywriting is more than just words on a page—it’s the bridge between your business goals and your customer’s needs.

This episode covers:

• What copywriting means for entrepreneurs and small businesses
• How storytelling, SEO, and brand strategy work together
• Why consistency across websites, emails, and social media builds trust
• The role of AI in content creation—and why it can’t replace strategy
• How to avoid burnout by focusing on foundational marketing instead of chasing trends
• Why entrepreneurs don’t need to do everything themselves (and shouldn’t)

If you’re a founder, consultant, or creative trying to market your business without exhausting yourself, this episode offers practical, honest insight into building clear, human-centered messaging that actually converts.

Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to improve their website copy, content strategy, SEO, and marketing clarity—without falling into hustle culture or content overwhelm.

In this first episode of 2026, PRO/JECT kicks off the new year with an honest, grounding conversation about slowing down, clarifying your work, and building a sustainable business as an entrepreneur. Christina shares what’s ahead for PRO/JECT in 2026, including guest expert interviews, deep dives into marketing strategy, copywriting, social media, and a refreshed, step-by-step marketing strategy series designed for small business owners.

This episode is part reflection, part roadmap. Christina talks about redefining success after burnout, using planning tools, human design, and even AI (hello, ChatGPT) to create monthly themes, focus areas, and mantras that support both business growth and personal well-being. Instead of “new year, new you” hustle culture, this episode centers on nervous system regulation, clarity, boundaries, and realistic goal-setting—especially for entrepreneurs balancing work, family, and life.

You’ll also hear what to expect from the podcast this year, including access to a practical marketing strategy template, a community-first approach to learning, and an invitation to co-create future episodes based on what listeners are actually struggling with.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for marketing strategy, clarity, alignment, and a more human way to build your business in 2026, this episode sets the tone for the year ahead.

Topics covered include:

• Marketing strategy for small businesses in 2026
• Slowing down and building sustainable growth
• Using planning, human design, and AI for clarity
• Entrepreneurship, boundaries, and burnout recovery
• Creating community-driven business education

Perfect for founders, consultants, creatives, and anyone building a business who wants less chaos and more intention this year.

Summary

In this conversation, I chat about the importance of preparing for the holiday season well in advance, emphasizing that the entire fourth quarter is now considered holiday shopping time.

I highlight key consumer insights, including the need for seamless shopping experiences and the importance of understanding different consumer mindsets.

I also outlines strategies for crafting effective marketing campaigns and navigating the customer journey, ultimately providing key takeaways for businesses to succeed during the holiday season.

Let's crush Q4!

In this conversation, Christina and Sharon discuss the complexities of pricing and financial management for entrepreneurs.

Sharon shares her journey from a background in music and food to becoming a pricing consultant, emphasizing the emotional challenges of pricing and the importance of understanding consumer behavior.

They explore the significance of in-person marketing, the need for effective budgeting, and the role of debt in business.

The discussion highlights the necessity of aligning marketing strategies with business objectives and the value of consumer research in shaping successful business practices.

Find more information about Sharon here.

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of PRO-JECT, Christina sits down with Helena Kaylin, the founder of MINDD Bra and a former colleague from their Under Armour days. Helena’s journey from working on railroads to revolutionizing lingerie is anything but ordinary—and neither is her product.

We dive into:

• What it really takes to invent and scale a product

• How her experience at Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein, and Under Armour led to creating the gold standard in wire-free bras

• The emotional and mental impact of wearing uncomfortable lingerie

• Why simplicity, adaptability, and customer education are key pillars of her brand

• Entrepreneurship in your 50s and how corporate life prepped her for building something bold

This episode is for anyone who’s ever worn a bra, built a product, or doubted their own timing. Helena’s unapologetic perspective and Christina’s signature real-talk create a candid conversation about what it means to lead with vision, adaptability, and a dash of humor.

👙 Want to feel more confident in your skin and your product ideas? This one’s for you.

Follow MINDD bra here or venture over and buy one yourself here!

In this powerful and personal episode, I’m joined by coach and men’s group facilitator Andy Nathan to talk about evolving through life’s hardest chapters and building a business from your own story. Andy shares how he went from working in record shops and surviving an armed robbery to finding healing through yoga, breathwork, and eventually coaching—especially for men.

We dive into:

• How trauma shaped his path and purpose

• The unique emotional wiring of men and how that impacts healing and communication

• Why perfectionism, procrastination, and avoidance are often protective behaviors

• How he built a business that reflects his lived experience and values

• His signature “freedom in a framework” approach to life and entrepreneurship

• Why you shouldn’t take advice from people who haven’t been where you want to go

Whether you're an entrepreneur redefining your path or someone struggling to take the first step, this episode is a grounding, eye-opening, and honest conversation that proves—it’s never too late to create the life and business you want.

I’m kicking off a new series on Human Design + Business—a place where I see my work naturally heading, and something I’m excited to finally share more publicly.

I work with a lot of small business owners, and here’s what I’ve realized:
Most of my marketing consults turn into therapy sessions.

Why?
Because when you run your own business, you are the business. And any growth your business goes through? You’ll go through it too.

Enter: Human Design.