In today's episode, we're diving into Cortney LaCorte’s journey from running a buzzing cheese board business in Nashville to becoming a full-time lifestyle and food influencer.

Cortney talks about the challenges business owners face, like managing a team, motivating employees during difficult times, and the inevitable encounter with impostor syndrome. She shares her experiences in transitioning her business and her strategies for creating authentic content that resonates with her audience.

We also explore the personal side of Cortney's life, including her love for food and travel with her husband, their upcoming trip to Italy, and the role he plays in their content creation. Plus, Cortney will offer insights on social media consumption, setting boundaries, and finding your authentic style.

KEY POINTS:

00:00 Navigating impostor syndrome, travel impact, future expansion.

05:09 Unique journey from local cheese gal to influencer.

09:01 Learn to grow following and land deals.

10:03 Discovering niche, attracting brands, opening brick-and-mortar.

13:54 Struggles with postpartum, business, and career decisions.

18:05 Accepting and embracing different life seasons gracefully.

21:39 Navigating imposter syndrome to create authentic content.

25:45 Testing lifestyle content, advice on content creation.

28:44 Travel's impact on content creation, intentional or natural?

30:24 Sharing travel experiences and personal style evolution.

34:28 Husband's cooking launched her into culinary space.

37:44 Dreaming of a lasting legacy in cooking.

QUOTABLES:

"It's giving yourself the permission to change your mind and know that's not failure. It's really just evolving. You're evolving."

— Cortney LaCorte

I think you just have to take inventory of, like, what is serving me right now, what is bringing me joy, and where do I really want to go in my life? And so when I came to that conclusion, I was like, no, I want to be in the “how to,” I want to show people how to make a cheese board."

— Cortney LaCorte

“When it comes to your content, try to film around what you're already doing versus doing things to film."

— Cortney LaCorte

GUEST RESOURCES:

Cortney LaCorte

IG | @cheesegal

RESOURCES:

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[FREE] Want the step-by-step roadmap to grow your following, monetize your content, and land paid brand deals? Click here to join my brand new free class! This is perfect for you if you want to turn your social media into a profitable & fun career… even if you’re starting from scratch!

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month! 

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer 

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Today's guest is someone that I have long admired. She is such an inspiration to her community and dedicated to helping us all lead healthier lives. Jen Esquire is not like any fitness influencer out there. She found her niche in the fitness world as a doctor of physical therapy and uses her social media platforms to share educational videos on how to maintain mobility, increase strength, and prevent pain throughout the body. She is a former gymnast and Pilates instructor, and her vision is to empower others to move and live a pain free, active lifestyle.

Jen shares with us her personal evolution within the fitness industry, pinpointing how a deeper understanding of her audience's needs led to the birth of her widely acclaimed mobility program. Whether you are an aspiring influencer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to enhance your physical well-being, Jen's expertise and advice will leave you feeling motivated and ready to make intentional choices in your life and work.

KEY POINTS:

– Jen's journey in identifying her niche and creating a mobility program in response to audience engagement and feedback

– The significance of proper breathing techniques and beginner-friendly exercises for stress reduction and improving mobility

– Encouraging a playful and intuitive approach to exercise while being mindful of the body's needs

– Discussing the value of accessibility in fitness and Jen's provision of free and comprehensive content on Instagram

– The impact of authentic collaborations on social media visibility and growth

– Jen's book recommendation for business strategies and her perspective on the true definition of influence

– A peek into the Mobility Method and Optimal Body membership offered by Jen for personalized mobility exercises

– Jen's background in kinesiology, her discovery of physical therapy, and the inspiration drawn from watching patients achieve their potential

QUOTABLES:

"To find success, you must be willing to listen, adapt, and sometimes, re-invent your approach based on what your audience resonates with." – Jen Esquire

"The act of moving your body should bring joy, not be a chore. Listen to your body; it's the best guide you have." – Jen Esquire

GUEST RESOURCES:

IG | @docjenfit

RESOURCES:

[FREE] Are you a content creator ready to take your brand collaborations to new heights? Grab the Brand Deal Playbook and unlock the secrets to securing paid partnerships with confidence. You'll gain free access to pitch templates, essential questions, and expert strategies that will propel your content creator journey to new heights, including immediate and lifetime access!

[FREE] Want the step-by-step roadmap to grow your following, monetize your content, and land paid brand deals? Click here to join my brand new free class! This is perfect for you if you want to turn your social media into a profitable & fun career… even if you’re starting from scratch!

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month! 

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer 

[JUSTWORKS, payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place] Start your free month now at justworks.com/influencer

Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Janessa Storlie about her incredible journey of self-discovery and personal growth that led her to create a thriving online community: The Connection Chronicles. 

In this episode, Janessa opens up about her struggles with loneliness, finding her authentic self, and the profound impact The Brand Accelerator program had on not only her business but her self-acceptance as well. She also reveals the missing piece that helped her effortlessly communicate her message, engage her audience effectively, and catapult her business growth.

If you're looking for inspiration on self-discovery, community building, and purposeful content creation, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to hear Janessa's incredible journey and insights on how to create content and community effortlessly.

[ENROLMENT OPEN!] Get ready to elevate your brand and boost your visibility with my signature online program, The Brand Accelerator! With almost a decade of online business experience and a proven track record of success, this program is your ticket to growing your audience and revenue. Enrollment is open for a limited time until Friday, March 1, and won't reopen for the rest of the year, so seize the opportunity now at https://juliesolomon.net/TBA 

KEY POINTS:

- How Janessa clarified her personal brand and deepened her message through The Brand Accelerator 

- The Brand Accelerator vs free resources: which is best for you? 

- Biggest growth changes in Janessa’s business since joining The Brand Accelerator

- What is a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) and how can it help accelerate your business growth? 

- How to continuously create purposeful content easily and effortlessly 

- How finding her UVP helped Janessa with self-acceptance 

- Who is the Brand Accelerator perfect for?

- What’s next for Janessa Storlie and her brand?

QUOTABLES:

“A personal brand is a manifestation of your authentic self fulfilling your life's passion and purpose, and impacting others in a really positive way.” - Janessa Storlie

Must Haves This Month! 

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer 

RESOURCES: 

Janessa Storlie | @janessajstorlie

Join the Connection Chronicles on Substack 

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Today, we are diving deep into the concept of alter egos and how they can transform your performance and mindset. And I cannot think of a better guest to discuss this with than Todd Herman, renowned coach for elite performers, who has mastered the art of tapping into the power of your alter ego to overcome self-doubt, unleash your true potential, and achieve success in any area of your life.

Todd's expertise comes from years of working with athletes, leaders, and entertainers, helping them tap into their inner strengths and transform their performance. In this powerful episode, Todd discusses the importance of context and emotional resonance in building an alter ego, and provides 5 practical steps that you can implement today to activate your heroic self.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply looking to level up in your personal life, this episode will inspire you to harness the power of your creative imagination and become the best version of yourself. Tune in now and discover the secrets to unlocking your alter ego!

[ENROLMENT OPEN!] Get ready to elevate your brand and boost your visibility with my signature online program, The Brand Accelerator! With almost a decade of online business experience and a proven track record of success, this program is your ticket to growing your audience and revenue. Enrollment is open for a limited time until Friday, March 1, and won't reopen for the rest of the year, so seize the opportunity now at https://juliesolomon.net/TBA

KEY POINTS:

- Dispelling common myths about coaches, affirmations, and motivation 

- The origin of the Alter Ego and why it’s so effective in overcoming self-doubt 

- Understanding and embracing your Heroic Self to achieve your biggest goals 

- 5 simple steps to embody your Alter Ego 

- How can we embody our Alter Ego and be authentic at the same time? 

- How your Alter Ego can help you navigate trauma and become who you want to be

QUOTABLES:

“Most of the stuff that stops an athlete as they rise higher and higher is always that six inches between their ears.” - Todd Herman

“We all have this kind of definition of who we think we are. And when we take a look at the definition of who we think we are, a lot of times we're putting ourselves in a box that won't allow us to reach the success that we're striving for.” - Todd Herman

Must Haves This Month! 

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer 

RESOURCES: 

Todd Herman 

IG | @todd_herman 

FB | @toddhermanconnect 

Twitter | @todd_herman 

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Stacey Asis, a content creator and wellness enthusiast who has experienced tremendous growth and transformation in her journey.

Stacey opens up about her struggles with finding her niche and shares how she eventually discovered her unique value proposition (UVP) through my Brand Accelerator program. This eventually helped her develop her brand, refine her messaging, and attract an engaged community!

But the best part? Stacey went from less than 10,000 followers on Instagram to a whopping 40,000 in under 8 weeks. Her revenue has doubled, and she's now partnering with aligned brands that she's always dreamed of working with.

So, if you're looking for inspiration, guidance, and practical strategies to find your niche, grow your brand, and increase your social media presence, this episode is a must-listen. 

[ENROLMENT OPEN!] Get ready to elevate your brand and boost your visibility with my signature online program, The Brand Accelerator! With almost a decade of online business experience and a proven track record of success, this program is your ticket to growing your audience and revenue. Enrollment is open for a limited time until Friday, March 1, and won't reopen for the rest of the year, so seize the opportunity now at https://juliesolomon.net/TBA

KEY POINTS:

- Taking the leap: How Stacey transitioned from real estate to full-time content creator 

- How Stacey overcame her resistance to niching down her content 

- How creating a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) helped Stacey gain 40,000 followers in 8 weeks 

- Biggest lessons learned from Stacey’s experience in the Brand Accelerator Program

- The impact the Brand Accelerator Program has had on Stacey’s business revenue and partnerships 

- Stacey’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators who are feeling stuck 

- What to do if you’re undecided on investing in a program or mastermind 

QUOTABLES:

“Trust in that feeling you have that you're meant to do something bigger than yourself, and to listen to that, because that is there for a reason.” - Stacey Asis

Must Haves This Month! 

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer 

RESOURCES: 

Stacey Asis 

IG | @staceyyasis

TikTok | @staceyyasis 

YouTube | @staceyyasis 

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with someone whom I consider to be an Instagram icon, and that is none other than Tezza Barton! In this conversation, Tezza brings us along her journey into the influencer world, how she found her unique style by focusing on her love for creating visual content and storytelling, and how all this eventually led to her becoming one of the first influencers in the space to monetizing her brand!

Tezza also talked about the challenges faced when launching products such as her famous presets and collage kits, and revealed her top advice for aspiring influencers and entrepreneurs when it comes to monetizing your content. So if you’re looking for valuable insights and practical advice on building a sustainable and successful brand from one of the OG influencers on Instagram - this episode is a must-listen!  

[NEW!!] Join me for an exclusive FREE masterclass where I reveal five strategic steps to elevate your brand, boost visibility, and secure consistent income. If you're tired of the money worries and are ready for a clear action plan, this masterclass is for you. 

In this masterclass, you will discover the secrets to passive income, sustainability, and content that resonates. It’s time to say goodbye to blindfolded darts and hello to a well-defined strategy. (Plus, snag a free gift, the Instagram Growth Guide 2024 edition, when you sign up for this masterclass!)

Don't miss your chance for a start-to-finish brand growth plan - Save your FREE seat now! 

KEY POINTS:

- Tezza's definition of influence and her journey from photographer to influencer 

- How to fuse your expertise and passion into a monetizable business

- Building the confidence to stand out and find your unique style in the influencer space 

- The driving factor behind Tezza’s preset product and app launch 

- Tezza’s most difficult obstacles and lessons learned from launching her own products

- The keys to Identifying and understanding your ideal customer 

- Future plans and what to expect on the Tezza app 

- Tezza’s biggest win and biggest challenge in the last year 

- Advice for anyone starting out or feeling stuck in their journey 

QUOTABLES:

“Don't quit. I promise if you're consistent, things will come." - Tezza Barton

"Feel the fear and do it anyway." - Tezza Barton

“The more you share your creativity, the more you grow and the more you can evolve." - Tezza Barton

Must Haves This Month! 

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer 

RESOURCES: 

Tezza Barton

IG | @tezza.barton

Get The Tezza App

IG | @tezza

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with Marianna Hewitt, veteran influencer and co-founder of the renowned Summer Fridays skincare brand. Tune in as Marianna gets up close and personal with us and lets us in on her early days of blogging and YouTube to her rise in the creator economy as an influencer, which ultimately led to her successful launch of the Summer Fridays brand. 

We also talk about the evolution of content creation, choosing the right platform as a content creator, and how to cultivate strong, lasting relationships in the industry that will build your brand over time. Marianna even lets us in on the story behind Summer Fridays and her thought process that went into launching a successful skincare brand.

So if you’re looking for some expert insights in the content creation and influencer marketing space, this episode is going to give you the valuable knowledge and inspiration you need for your own journey as a content creator!

NEW!! Elevate your brand to new heights! JOIN MY LIVE AND FREE BRAND BUILDING BOOTCAMP in February for an empowering journey. It's time to (re)clarify your brand strategy, eliminate overwhelm, and build a sustainable business! Over 5 action-packed days, discover the secrets to solidifying your strategy, ensuring that 2024 becomes the year you captivate your audience and boost revenue – all without getting lost in the noise of countless online marketers. Gain a clear content direction, turbocharge your social media presence, and skyrocket engagement. Equip yourself with practical brand growth strategies that can be implemented immediately. Don't miss out on this transformative experience! Secure your spot now and make 2024 your brand's breakthrough year! 

KEY POINTS:

- Marianna’s decade-long journey from aspiring creator to brand founder 

- Choosing the ideal platform for your brand in the content creation landscape 

- The evolution of content creation: Instagram vs TikTok 

- How Marianna evolved from content creator to co-founder of Summer Fridays 

- Turning ideas into reality: a look into Summer Fridays brand launch journey 

- The keys to building & cultivating relationships to build a powerful personal brand 

- Marianna’s approach to creating unique and authentic product launches 

- Business reflections: One thing Marianna would have done differently in her business

- Striking a balance between personal & professional sharing on social media 

- What influence means to Marianna Hewitt 

QUOTABLES:

“I think ignorance is bliss. Had we known all the steps it would have taken it would have seemed so overwhelming. So it's great to have these big goals of where you want to be, but that can sometimes hinder you and make you feel a little bit fearful. It’s really about starting one step at a time, and then one tiny step leads to something else.” - Marianna Hewitt 

“If you're an introvert and you don't like going to events, you don't have to. It's okay to do the things that are serving you best and where you think your time is best spent.” - Marianna Hewitt 

“Instead of feeling pressure to be on a platform that you think isn't right for you, go where your strengths are.” - Marianna Hewitt 

Must Haves This Month! 

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer 

RESOURCES: 

Marianna Hewitt 

IG | @marianna_hewitt 

Summer Fridays

IG | @summerfridays 

Tune in to the Life with Marianna Podcast!  

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Welcome back friends! Today, we’re diving into the art of smart spending in your business. We’re going to break down the basics of where to place your hard-earned cash and, more importantly, how to overcome your fear of spending money.

I’ll be sharing 3 key considerations to factor in anytime you’re deciding to spend money in your business, as well as 3 main areas I would focus my spending on coming into 2024. And if all this money talk is making you nervous, then make sure you stick to the end, because I’m also sharing how giving into my fear of spending money ended up costing me $700,000 in my business.

So if you’re looking to discern between blindly spending and strategically investing in your business, and multiplying your earnings by being intentional with your money - then this episode is for you!

[NEW!!] Join me for an exclusive FREE masterclass where I reveal five strategic steps to elevate your brand, boost visibility, and secure consistent income. If you're tired of the money worries and are ready for a clear action plan, this masterclass is for you. 

In this masterclass, you will discover the secrets to passive income, sustainability, and content that resonates. It’s time to say goodbye to blindfolded darts and hello to a well-defined strategy. (Plus, snag a free gift, the Instagram Growth Guide 2024 edition, when you sign up for this masterclass!)

Don't miss your chance for a start-to-finish brand growth plan - Save your FREE seat now! 

KEY POINTS:

- 3 key considerations when spending in your business 

- Understanding the dire costs of inaction and letting fear dictate your decisions

- How one inaction cost me $700,000 in my business 

- The importance of using the right tools and strategies for maximum efficiency 

- What to look out for when you’re building your dream team 

- Why you need to find trusted coaches and sources to learn from and invest in 

QUOTABLES:

“Fear, particularly the fear of spending money, can be way more of a costly adversary than a costly protection.” - Julie Solomon

“You either learn or you win, but you don't lose.” - Julie Solomon

Must Haves This Month!

[JOVI, reduce the impact of pain during every phase of the menstrual cycle] For 40% off your order, head to www.MeetJovi.com/INFLUENCER and use code INFLUENCER

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

RESOURCES: 

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of business growth and brand development! While there are countless strategies out there to choose from to accelerate your brand growth, I’m going to break this all down into a 6-step formula that is simple, foundational, and easy to follow, but is also incredibly powerful for your brand when you put it to action. 

I’m going to walk you through this formula step by step so that you can get started on setting that strong foundation for your sustainable business while also building a brand that has a loyal and engaged audience. 

So if you want to work smarter when it comes to accelerating your brand and building a sustainable business, then you’re going to love this episode! 

NEW!! Elevate your brand to new heights! JOIN MY LIVE AND FREE BRAND BUILDING BOOTCAMP in February for an empowering journey. It's time to (re)clarify your brand strategy, eliminate overwhelm, and build a sustainable business! Over 5 action-packed days, discover the secrets to solidifying your strategy, ensuring that 2024 becomes the year you captivate your audience and boost revenue – all without getting lost in the noise of countless online marketers. Gain a clear content direction, turbocharge your social media presence, and skyrocket engagement. Equip yourself with practical brand growth strategies that can be implemented immediately. Don't miss out on this transformative experience! Secure your spot now and make 2024 your brand's breakthrough year!

KEY POINTS:

- The biggest reasons behind the costly mistakes we make in business

- The 6 foundational levels you must build in your business to accelerate your brand

- How my Brand Accelerator Formula helped me secure my first multi 6-figure book deal

- 3 guidelines to build your brand and create multiple income streams

QUOTABLES:

“The key here that many people miss is that your audience needs to find it meaningful too, not just you. This isn't just about what you want to create; it's about what your audience needs and wants from you.” - Julie Solomon

“The more that I root into the simple; the more that I lean into the foundation, the bigger and more powerful my brand becomes.” - Julie Solomon

Must Haves This Month!

[JOVI, reduce the impact of pain during every phase of the menstrual cycle] For 40% off your order, head to www.MeetJovi.com/INFLUENCER and use code INFLUENCER

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

RESOURCES: 

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Hello my friends! Today’s conversation is with none other than renowned business and life coach Kelsey Murphy. Having been featured in publications like Forbes and Business Insider and worked with major brands such as Lauren Conrad, Kelsey spills the beans on the small but powerful steps she took to get from an introverted advertising professional to the owner of her now successful coaching business. 

Kelsey and I talk about the importance of embracing who you are (including your weaknesses!), taking action, and surrounding yourself with a like-minded community. She also shares her fail-proof 15-minute daily hack that you can use to get over your analysis paralysis and start taking action toward your goals. 

If you’re looking for a dose of empowerment and inspiration to take up space in the world, then this episode is for you! 

NEW!! Elevate your brand to new heights! JOIN MY LIVE AND FREE BRAND BUILDING BOOTCAMP in February for an empowering journey. It's time to (re)clarify your brand strategy, eliminate overwhelm, and build a sustainable business! Over 5 action-packed days, discover the secrets to solidifying your strategy, ensuring that 2024 becomes the year you captivate your audience and boost revenue – all without getting lost in the noise of countless online marketers. Gain a clear content direction, turbocharge your social media presence, and skyrocket engagement. Equip yourself with practical brand growth strategies that can be implemented immediately. Don't miss out on this transformative experience! Secure your spot now and make 2024 your brand's breakthrough year! 

KEY POINTS:

- How Kelsey gave up corporate success to pursue her true purpose in coaching 

- How to follow your intuition, overcome your limiting beliefs, and embrace your weaknesses

- Kelsey’s 15-minute daily hack to help you get from belief to taking action 

- What it means to be empowered and take up space in the world 

- How Kelsey cultivates her impact & influence in her life & business 

- The importance of having a community & support system of like-minded people 

- Kelsey’s biggest mission and vision to bring to fruition this year 

QUOTABLES:

“You have to want to be creating something that's bigger for the world, otherwise, you're gonna get lost.” - Kelsey Murphy 

“Influence means showing up in a way that you feel proud of.” - Kelsey Murphy

Must Haves This Month!

[JOVI, reduce the impact of pain during every phase of the menstrual cycle] For 40% off your order, head to www.MeetJovi.com/INFLUENCER and use code INFLUENCER

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

Kelsey Murphy 

IG | @kelseymurphy

Tune in to the Whiskey & Work Podcast 

RESOURCES: 

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.