In this episode of Tough Stuff, we flip the mic and host Audrey Saccone is interviewed by friend and colleague Ashli Pollard. Audrey shares her journey from working in the nonprofit art space to launching her own business. She discusses the challenges she faced and the decision to pivot her business model. Audrey also talks about the importance of mindset and seeking support during the transition. We hope you enjoy this peek behind the curtain!

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

03:48 Uneven resources, overload, and personal dissatisfaction explained.

07:53 Challenging decision to pause and reflect.

12:22 Shedding old patterns, seeking spiritual guidance.

15:07 Business started at 30; experience counts.

16:08 Experienced mentor showed potential for long-term success.

19:19 Struggled to value experience, peers guided pricing.

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👋 STAY IN TOUCH

✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦

Our website

Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram

✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦

Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram

Learn more about Audrey Digital

Follow @audreydigital on Instagram

✦ Today’s Guest Host: Ashli Pollard ✦

Follow @teamapconsulting on Instagram

Learn more about Ashli’s portfolio of businesses: Team AP Consulting, Me Time, Dial Zero Marketing, Fast Forward Productions, Cocky Ventures

Leslie Ann Hall, CEO and founder of Iced Media, shares her journey in building a successful agency in the beauty industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying focused and specializing in a specific niche, such as beauty and wellness. Leslie also discusses the challenges of working with business partners and the importance of finding partners who share the same values and vision. She highlights the value of asking for help and building a strong support network. Leslie also talks about the exciting opportunities in social commerce, particularly in TikTok Shop.

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:03 Lessons from Business Partnerships

13:02 The Power of Asking for Help

24:33 The Exciting Opportunities in Social Commerce

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✏️ RESOURCES

· The Messy Truth: How I Sold My Business for Millions But Almost Lost Myself by Alli Webb

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✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦

Our website

Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram

In today’s episode, we welcome Olivia Austin, brand strategist and business consultant. Olivia shares her inspiring journey from ditching the corporate grind to embracing a life of creativity and purpose through her design studio, Current. Dive deep as she reveals the challenges of scaling a business only to realize it wasn't aligned with her true desires, and how redefining success helped her reshape her life and business to better suit her new role as a mother. Olivia shares her strategies for maintaining creativity and control over her workload, and how she transitioned her service offerings to better accommodate long-term client relationships and a less hectic lifestyle.

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

03:28 Surprised by the success of freelancers, considers quitting.

09:16 Visionary creative with subconscious success misconceptions overcome.

10:43 Pregnancy sparks worries about work-life balance.

13:56 Small wins and original why drive business.

17:42 Parenting teaches efficient time management and prioritization.

20:51 Thanking Olivia for insights, subscribe for more.

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👋 STAY IN TOUCH

✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦

Our website

Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram

✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦

Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram

Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok

Learn more about Audrey Digital

Follow @audreydigital on Instagram

✦ Today’s Guest: Olivia Austin ✦

Explore Olivia Austin’s Website

Explore Current Design Studio

Follow @byoliviaaustin on Instagram

Listen to Behind the Design Podcast

Download Olivia’s free ClickUp leads tracker

Access Olivia’s free 6 Figure Design Process Course