In this episode of Unpolished Empire, Sara sits down with Madii Carruthers, mom of three and founder of both Luxe Salts and Madly Fun Events, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really looks like to build a business that evolves with you.

Madii shares her journey from network marketing into creating two businesses of her own, and how that path helped her redefine what success actually means. What started as a search for community turned into an unexpected entrepreneurial path, one that required her to make bold pivots, trust her instincts, and let go of what no longer aligned.

This conversation dives into the realities of burnout, the pressure of trying to “do it all,” and the moment when a business that once felt exciting starts to feel heavy. Madii opens up about stepping back, reshaping her business to fit her life, and choosing authenticity, even when it comes with financial trade-offs.

You’ll also hear how she’s shifting her product line toward more sustainable, toxin-free ingredients, and the challenges that come with making values-based decisions in business.

If you’ve ever felt like your business no longer fits the version of you today—or you’re craving more flexibility, alignment, and honesty in how you work—this episode will hit home.

Connect with Madii on social media: www.instagram.com/luxesalts and www.instagram.com/madlyfunevents

In this episode, Sara sits down with writer, speaker, and creative entrepreneur Kate Tremills to explore what it really looks like to build a career—and a life—on your own terms.

From leaving the film industry to becoming a bestselling author, Kate shares how reclaiming creative control led to a more aligned and fulfilling path. The conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship that often go unspoken, including burnout, identity shifts, and the pressure to define success by external milestones.

Together, they unpack what it means to redefine success as a feeling rather than a destination, and why building a business that supports your life—not consumes it—is essential for long-term sustainability.

This episode also highlights the power of community in navigating creative and entrepreneurial transitions. From finding the right people to embracing radical honesty about what success truly requires, Kate offers grounded insight for anyone forging their own path.

If you’ve ever questioned whether the version of success you’re chasing is actually yours, this conversation will challenge you to think differently.

Join Kate's Substack here: https://joyfulcreating.substack.com/

Want to connect with Kate on Instagram? https://www.instagram.com/katetremillsauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/joyful.creating

In this episode of Unpolished Empire, Sara sits down with Jillian Lawrence to talk about the side of entrepreneurship we don’t see on Instagram.

Jillian shares how she became an accidental entrepreneur, built a thriving marketing business with a growing team, and hit a breaking point that forced her to rethink everything.

What looked like success from the outside came with burnout, overwhelm, and a moment at home that made her realize something had to change.

Together, they unpack:

• The hidden cost of saying yes to everything
• What burnout actually looks like in real life
• Redefining success on your own terms
• Why emotional regulation is a leadership skill
• The loneliness of entrepreneurship and the power of community

Jillian also shares how she rebuilt her business around mindfulness, stepped away from scale, and created the Cowichan Women’s Business Network to support other entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges.

If you’ve ever wondered why success doesn’t always feel the way you thought it would, this conversation is for you.

You can learn more about Jill from her website: https://www.mindfulnesswithjill.com/

You can also connect with her through InsightTimer here: https://insighttimer.com/mindfulnesswithjill

This episode is a solo episode with Sara, where she shares early lessons she has learned in business.

Want to connect with the show on Instagram? Come join in on the fun here: https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/

Laura Forsythe is the owner of LJW Creative Photography, a lifestyle photography business focused on families, couples, and intimate weddings. Her work centers on natural connection, honest storytelling, and creating images that feel true to real life.

In this episode, we talk about success, body image, knowing when it is time for a change, and finding your supportive group!

Connect with Laura on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ljwcreative.photography/

Connect with Sara and the podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/

Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss out on future episodes.

In this episode, Sara sits down with Syd Heron of Heron Hill Farm to talk about the realities of homesteading, farming, and building a small business rooted in the land.

Syd shares the story behind their 150-acre farm in western Quebec, where they grow lavender, raise livestock, and create natural bath and body products using ingredients grown directly on the farm. The conversation explores the challenges of farming in harsh winters, balancing entrepreneurship with family life and a full-time job, and the importance of reconnecting people with where their food comes from.

They also discuss sustainable growth, learning from mistakes, and why kindness and collaboration matter so much in business.

If you have ever been curious about homesteading, rural entrepreneurship, or building a life aligned with your values, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes.

Connect with Syd here: Heron Hill Farm on Instagram

Connect with Sara and Unpolished Empire here: Unpolished Empire on Instagram

This was such a fun conversation!

Jenny Higgins is the face of @its.jenny.fit, where she helps women build strength AND confidence.

Sara and Jenny talk about success, current trends in the fitness industry, and showing up authentically.

Sara goes on a bit of a rant this episode about opinions and how they can prevent growth.

Follow the show on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/

Follow Sara on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/timeinthevalley/

This episode helps lay the foundation for the first season of Unpolished Empire.

In this episode, Sara discusses her perspective on the messy middle in business.

Connect with the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/

Connect with Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timeinthevalley/

Welcome to the very first episode of Unpolished Empire.

In this opening episode, host Sara Bjornson shares why this podcast exists — and why she was done waiting for someone else to create the business conversations she was craving.

If you’ve ever looked at your business and thought, “I should feel more confident than this by now,” you’re in precisely the right place.

This episode is about the space between the polished success stories we see online and the objective, often messy, day-to-day reality of building something meaningful.

What’s coming next:

In Episode 2, we dive into the messy middle — that uncomfortable stage where you’re putting in the work, following the advice, and still wondering why it hasn’t clicked yet.

(And yes, it’s as common as it is uncomfortable.)

Thanks for being here at the very beginning.
This empire may be unpolished — but it’s real.

New episodes drop regularly.
Follow, subscribe, and join us in the messy middle.

https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire?igsh=d2huZ2c2cjVsdHRs&utm_source=qr