This week I talk to Katie Leamon, who turned her love of paper and pattern into her eponymous family-run stationery studio. Her notebooks have been a daily companion to me for many years, so it was really fun to chat with her about her designs, her process and the realities behind running a product-lead business with the family on board! Things we talk about: * Building from a home studio to printing and selling at scale * Designing products based on creative instinct * The rise of independent stationery makers and designers online * Selling wholesale vs. direct * Family business, and drawing the the lines between work and home life. * Taking time for creativity outside of work * Growing a team, and when to let things go * Katie’s new experiments in creating ceramic range  * Launch strategies and learning from mistakes * Trusting your brand identity and staying authentic  Links we mentioned: * My Substack Soiree class * Katie’s online store, Katie Leamon  * Katie’s new ceramic range (I LOVE THIS CUP!) Listened and loved it? Let us know what you think in the comments below!   

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Staying true to your unique identity, with Katie Leamon

A podcast for dreamers, makers and creatives who want to grow their online business without having to sell their soul. 

In each episode, certified coach and UK Instagram Expert Sara Tasker and her guests share inspiring stories, practical strategies and social media insights to help you create the life, presence and business of your dreams. 

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I first met deep-dive master coach Katie Pulsifer when she was my instructor for certification at The Life Coach School. I recall being pretty intimidated. I’ve never been sky-diving or tried a bungee jump, but I’m pretty sure the adrenaline rush is comparable to coaching in front of Katie for immediate feedback in front of a group. 

A Beginner's Mindset to Instagram, with Katie Pulsifer

I’m sharing something a little different today… the results of my ‘podcast affair’ with my Aussie bestie, the gorgeous Ms  . Bonded over our love of storytelling and creativity, Keeley and I and came together to create  - a gathering of resources, classes and a shiny new podcast, in the hope of passing some of that passion along.I chose this very first episode to share here with you on Hashtag Authentic because I really think the fundamentals we talk through - which we’re jokingly calling our ‘commandments’ - are applicable to every and any platform out there online.  So, whether you’re Substack-curious, have no intention of ever joining Substack or are a self-confessed Substa-holic, I hope this episode can offer you support, strength and encouragement for showing your creative side online.If you want to hear more from me and Keeley, be sure to Subscribe to  and to the SSS podcast in your favourite podcast app. PS - Our special Winter Substack class is now enrolling, until Monday November 27th!  Check out all the details on how you can join us here.   

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Introducing: The Substack Soirée Podcast

Find Hannah’s 4 Week Refresh Programme here  Hannah’s Instagram: @hanbullivant Hannah’s website: hannahbullivant.com   Sara's Instagram:  Sara's Substack: Sara's classes and coaching: Sara's website: 

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Downsizing, decluttering and still creating content with Hannah Bullivant

Things we talked about:The way multi-faceted careers can feel piecemeal (especially if parenting is added into the mix), or “like I’m doing five different jobs at once”Factoring in time to play as well as workExploring your home town like a holiday destinationTaking things home from real holidays that you might not expect (like appreciating the simple things, family meals, all your possessions in one suitcase)Avoiding habits of consuming everything and creating nothingMaking connections on Twitter (Lisa says, “I engage with people because I love it”)Pondering the idea that the Internet means we don’t get bored any more, and what that meansOn making things happen (Lisa was waiting for a radio job offer but it didn’t come, so she started a podcast)“People say you’re brave putting yourself out there, but I’m more afraid of not doing it”The importance of perseverance, and regularly doing the thing you fear (until you don’t fear it any more)We had a frank conversation about money. Despite living an outwardly glamorous life, Lisa says, “I don’t earn enough”Becoming an “accidental landlady”: her unexpected foray into property investment to build financial securityWe talked about the way women often hide our realities, keeping everything from messy kitchens to miscarriage behind closed doorsEverything has to start with just two views. Even the most viral video of all time had only two views at some point.And finally, the possibly-surprising-but-then-probably-not location that Lisa chose when I asked her about her favourite place in the whole worldWhere to find Lisa:On Twitter she's @lfnandOn Instagram she's @lisafrancesca_nand and @thebigtravelpodcastHer podcast: The Big Travel PodcastThe meditation app Sara mentioned:Waking UpWhere to find Sara:Sara on SubstackSara’s website: meandorla.co.ukSara's charity Christmas cardsMe and Orla 2023 CalendarSara on Instagram: @me_and_orlaSara on Twitter: @meandorlaOne to one business coaching with SaraThe Insta Retreat 

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Staying true to your unique identity, with Katie Leamon

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