Welcome back to Seasons in Business with me, designer and printmaker Sarah Phelps.

In this solo episode, I’m talking about what it really means to run a slow, gentle business — one that moves with the seasons, honours your energy, and creates space for creativity to flourish.

We’ll explore what slow business actually looks like day to day, how the seasons can shape our rhythm and focus, and why balancing structure and flexibility has been key for me. So if you’ve ever felt tired of the hustle and wondered if there’s another way, this episode might just give you the permission you’ve been looking for to slow down and work at your own pace.

Episode themes:

• What it really means to run a slow business (and what it isn’t).
• Why slowing down doesn’t mean giving up on growth.
• How our energy naturally rises and falls with the seasons.
• Simple ways to start aligning your work with your own creative rhythm.
• Why slowing down can help you reconnect with joy and creativity.

Episode highlights:

• 00:36 Does your business really work for you right now?
• 02:22 Exploring what “slow business” actually means, and how it can give your creativity room to breathe.
• 04:07 Recognising how seasonal cycles shape our lives, energy, and work.
• 08:28 How I’ve used a seasonal approach to keep working gently through perimenopause.
• 11:11 It is possible to run a business and take care of yourself, in a way that feels natural and nourishing.

Resources:

Download my Seasonal Planning Guides at www.sarahandmaude.com/seasonal-planning — a simple way to reflect, set intentions, and move with your natural energy.

Thanks for listening. If today’s episode got you thinking, I’d love to hear from you — come and say hello over on Instagram or Threads (@sarahandmaude).

Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify really helps more people discover it.

For more details about the podcast, visit the website sarahandmaude.com/seasons-in-business.

And if you have suggestions for topics or guests, please email me at podcast@sarahandmaude.com