In this episode of Taking Five, I'm chatting with brand designer and creative business owner Maggie Reina of Viola Hill Studio about building a business that prioritizes space. Space to create, to think, and to live fully.

Maggie shares her journey from corporate designer to studio owner, reflecting on how she built her business around systems that give her more time freedom. We explore what it looks like to work just 20 hours a week while maintaining (and even increasing) profitability, and how structure can create more room for creativity.

We also get into:

• Making the leap from corporate life to creative entrepreneurship
• How freelancing built her confidence before launching her studio
• Streamlining project management with automation and structure
• The art of working just 20 hours a week (and staying profitable!)
• Creating whitespace to overcome creative blocks and spark inspiration
• What it means to define success differently in each season of life

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn't always mean doing bigger. Sometimes, it's about creating space to sustain what you've already built.

Connect with Maggie Reina:

Web: Viola Hill Studio

Instagram: @violahillstudio

In this episode: The Part-Time Studio Framework

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In this episode, I'm joined by Samantha MacKinnon (aka Strategy by Sam), an operations strategist who wears many hats: fixer, planner, and big-picture thinker.

We dive into the world of CEO Days and why they're so much more than vision boarding and big dreams. Sam makes the case for bringing data into the room and shows us how tracking the right numbers can unlock more clarity and time freedom.

We also get into:

• The emotional labor that comes with supporting founders (and why it matters)
• Why data isn't about spreadsheets, but about making aligned decisions
• The 5 revenue gaps to watch for if you want to see quick wins
• Simple automations and micro-shifts that create more breathing room
• How time freedom really is possible when you pair strategy with systems

If you've ever rolled your eyes at metrics or felt like data was too dry for your creative business, this episode will give you a fresh, human perspective.

Connect with Samantha MacKinnon:

Web: Samantha MacKinnon

Instagram: @strategybysam

In this episode: The FIXR Series

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

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In this episode, I'm joined by Kaitlyn Parker from Copy Uncorked, a copywriter and agency owner who's walked through maternity leave, scaled her team up (and back down), and leaned into new tools to support her work.

We talk about how becoming a mom reshaped her vision of success, and why giving yourself permission to pivot is sometimes the smartest business move you can make.

We also get into:

• The messy middle of running a business while raising little ones
• What it looks like to step away from a team and simplify your model
• How self-trust carries you through life and business seasons
• Why flexibility + alignment matter more than "hustle"

If you've ever wondered how to blend motherhood and entrepreneurship without losing yourself, this conversation will remind you that business can evolve right alongside you.

Connect with Kaitlyn Parker:

Website: Copy Uncorked

Instagram: @copyuncorked

In this episode: The Messaging Dash, Distilled

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

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Welcome to the first episode of Taking Five! I'm Luz, and I created this show as a place for creative entrepreneurs to exhale. Think of it as a coffee break with friends who get it.

I started this podcast because I know how messy and overwhelming the middle of business can feel. We're wearing all the hats, juggling all the roles, and sometimes it feels like we can't come up for air.

This is your reminder that it's okay to pause. Around here, we're talking about what it really looks like to build a sustainable business, navigating the ups and downs, and finding joy in the process.

You'll hear honest conversations with women in the creative space who are redefining success on their own terms—and hopefully, you'll walk away feeling seen, supported, and ready to breathe a little deeper.

Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.

👉 Come take five with us