Send us a text
For 99 episodes, I’ve been the one asking the questions. But for this milestone 100th episode, the mic is turned on me.
I asked my business advisor, Paul Claessen, to take over as host. Paul has a way of cutting straight to the heart of things, and in this conversation, he doesn’t hold back.
We talk about what business really costs, the risks that bleed into your whole life, the friendships that don’t survive, and the nights you lie awake wondering if it’s worth it. Paul takes me back to my early years in South Africa, the side hustle that started when I was 12, and the winding journey that took me from airline cabins to running Design Studio Perth.
For the first time, I share openly about the personal cost of chasing my mission, the moments I nearly walked away from it all, and why I have made it my life’s mission to show the finger to mediocrity by helping people and businesses be recognised for the impact they have. We talk about the damage of the wrong team members, the challenge of focus, the strength I draw from my faith, and why I now believe health is the most underrated business strategy of all.
This is the rawest and most unfiltered conversation I’ve ever had on the podcast. It’s not about theory or tactics. It’s about truth, the kind of truth that might just change the way you see your own business and your own life.
In this episode you’ll hear:
[15:06] The role of faith and routine in staying centred when giving up feels easier than carrying on.
[39:21] The hidden cost of the wrong team members and why protecting culture is non-negotiable.
[42:12] Why starting a business means risking it all and learning to make peace with loss and reinvention.
[47:42] The moments I nearly gave it all up, the overwhelm that came with it, and the reasons I stayed.
[57:38] How health became my most underestimated business strategy and why leading by example matters more than words.
If you’ve ever wondered who I am when the mic is off, this episode will give you the answer.
Season 2 Gift: Free Brand Discovery
Claim yours: designstudioperth.com.au/brand-discovery
Official Sponsor: Cuppa Cartel
About Tracy:
Tracy Fryer is a branding powerhouse, speaker, and founder of Design Studio Perth and Trace Designs Bespoke. She’s dedicated to helping business owners and creatives build brands that truly reflect their values, passions, and long-term vision. As the host of The Real Biz Life Chronicles, Tracy brings raw, insightful conversations that push entrepreneurs to embrace bold growth, develop strategic branding, and lead with unapologetic confidence. Her approach is refreshingly real—blending deep expertise with a passion for authenticity, creative excellence, and business success.
Connect with Tracy Fryer:
LinkedIn
Instagram
TikTok
The Real Biz Life Chronicles Instagram
The Real Biz Life Chronicles Facebook
The Real Biz Life Chronicles Spotify
Book Your Free Brand Discovery
Is there a topic you’d love us to chat about?
Send us a DM on any platform above, and we’ll make it happen!...
