Minding My Creative Business Podcast

She Went for 100 Nos on Purpose — Here's What Happened Next ft. Isabel Bora

Episode Summary: Isabel Bora didn't wait until she was ready — she started in her bathroom, pregnant, modeling wigs at night while her baby slept, and reaching out to 40 companies before she got her first yes. In 14 months, she built Sugar Bridals into a premium bridal hair brand serving brides of color, closed 62 brides in year one, assembled a 5-person team, and used her creative business income to buy her first real estate investment. If you've been sitting on a skill, second-guessing your prices, or wondering how long it's supposed to take — this episode is the answer. What You'll Learn: * How to find and own a niche that the market is ignoring — and why underserved audiences often become your most loyal, highest-paying clients * The counterintuitive truth about pricing: why charging too little kills your credibility faster than charging too much, and how to raise your rates with confidence even when you're still building * How to build a backend system that runs without you — from rotating VA schedules to human-first communication strategies that beat automation every time * The difference between tracking revenue and tracking profit — and why confusing the two is the fastest way to look busy while going broke * How to take the income from your creative business and turn it into a real asset — Isabel's exact path from $25,000 in business profit to her first real estate property Key Quotes: "I went for the first 100 nos. That's the mindset. After 20 nos, I take 24 hours, check my email, ask myself what I'm writing wrong, reposition — then I try again." — Isabel Bora "Drop the price. Then go silent. The first one to speak loses. If you start explaining why you charge what you charge, you already lost the power." — Isabel Bora "Don't get carried away with doing 80 people a day. Big companies make $60 million and close tomorrow. Track the profit — that's what keeps the lights on." — Isabel Bora Resources + Links Mentioned: * Shugar Bridal Hair (Isabel's company Instagram) — https://www.instagram.com/shugarhair/ [https://www.instagram.com/shugarhair/] * Isabel Bora's contact / email — sugarhair1@gmail.com [sugarhair1@gmail.com] * MMCB Creative to CEO Challenge — https://creativetoceochallenge.com [https://creativetoceochallenge.com] * Credit Savant (Business Funding) — www.creditsavant.io [http://www.creditsavant.io] Connect with MMCB: * Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minding-my-creative-business-podcast/id1724893043 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minding-my-creative-business-podcast/id1724893043] * Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uo7amHW0dR2tBd3gMgOV4?si=511ddd99b115418b [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uo7amHW0dR2tBd3gMgOV4?si=511ddd99b115418b] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindingmycreativebusiness [https://www.youtube.com/@mindingmycreativebusiness] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindingmycreativebusiness [https://www.instagram.com/mindingmycreativebusiness] * Website: www.mmcbpocast.com [http://www.mmcbpocast.com] You Have a Skill. Now Build the Business Around It. Isabel started with a wig, a bathroom mirror, and a mindset that refused to quit. What she built in 14 months didn't happen by accident — it happened because she got clear on her offer, built structure around it, and stopped treating her talent like a hobby. If you're ready to do the same, the Creative to CEO Challenge is where that work starts. In five days, Ron and Shy will help you name your signature offer, price it with confidence, and build the 90-day plan that turns your creativity into a real business. Join the Creative to CEO Challenge — https://creativetoceochallenge.com All it takes is intention, consistency, and laser focus — to mind your creative business.

Everybody Wins or Nobody Wins ft. Dominick "Dom" Domasky & Ramon Ray | Live from CreativeCon Chicago

Episode Summary: Most creatives are still playing small because they think collaboration is competition in disguise — this episode dismantles that lie in real time. Recorded live at CreativeCon Chicago, Ron and Shy sit down with bestselling author and Motivation Champs founder Dominick "Dom" Domasky and small business powerhouse Ramon Ray to unpack what it actually takes to build events, publishing companies, and creative communities that outlast the hype. If you've ever wondered whether your idea is big enough to become a movement, this conversation will show you the blueprint — and remind you that you were never supposed to build it alone. What You'll Learn: * How to redefine yourself as a "creative" — even if you're in real estate, landscaping, or any industry that has nothing to do with the arts — and why that shift changes everything about how you market and grow * Why every business you build has an invisible ceiling when you're the only one holding it up — and what to do before it stalls you out * The three non-negotiables of a successful event-based business — and which one will sink you faster than the other two combined if you ignore it * How Dom and Julie Laughton merged separate communities into a thriving live event — and how to apply that same strategy to your next launch * The "everybody wins" framework for building collaborations and partnerships that don't leave anyone holding an empty bag Key Quotes: "In 2026, if you're a real estate agent, a podcaster, a landscaper — you should be using video, podcasting, AI. When we say 'creative,' it's not just rah-rah. It's using the tools that all businesses should be using." — Dominick Domasky "Alone, we can do so little. My dad's business would only grow to what my dad could control. You bring in the right people — people who've done it, who want to add value — and two plus two stops equaling four." — Ramon Ray "Your message isn't my message. But that doesn't mean someone can't receive yours. Once I realized that, I stopped seeing competition and started seeing community." — Dominick Domasky Resources + Links Mentioned: * CreativeCon Event — https://www.cre8tivecon.com [https://www.cre8tivecon.com] * Motivation Champs Publishing / Dominick Domasky — https://www.motivationchamps.com [https://www.motivationchamps.com] * Celebrity CEO by Ramon Ray — https://www.ramonray.com [https://www.ramonray.com] * MMCB Creative to CEO Challenge — https://creativetoceochallenge.com [https://creativetoceochallenge.com] * Credit Savant (Business Funding) — www.creditsavant.io [http://www.creditsavant.io] Connect with MMCB: * Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minding-my-creative-business-podcast/id1724893043 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minding-my-creative-business-podcast/id1724893043] * Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uo7amHW0dR2tBd3gMgOV4?si=511ddd99b115418b [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uo7amHW0dR2tBd3gMgOV4?si=511ddd99b115418b] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindingmycreativebusiness [https://www.youtube.com/@mindingmycreativebusiness] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindingmycreativebusiness [https://www.instagram.com/mindingmycreativebusiness] * Website: www.mmcbpocast.com [http://www.mmcbpocast.com] Ready to Stop Building Alone? If this conversation hit home, the Creative to CEO Challenge is your next move. In five days, Ron and Shy will help you identify your signature offer and build the 90-day structure around it — so you stop spinning and start executing. Less than $100. One hour a day. Join the Creative to CEO Challenge — https://creativetoceochallenge.com

Season 5 Wrap-Up: Creative Courage, CEO Mindset & the Systems That Scale

EPISODE DESCRIPTION Two years in. Five seasons deep. And we are just getting started. In this Season 5 Wrap-Up episode of Mind My Creative Business, hosts Ron Lee Jr. and Shai Speaks take you on a full-circle journey through one of the most powerful seasons yet — recapping the game-changing conversations, frameworks, and strategies shared by this season's guest experts. Whether you are a creative entrepreneur just finding your footing or a seasoned CEO ready to scale, this episode is your master class in one. We are also celebrating a major milestone: two years of the Mind My Creative Business podcast. To mark the occasion, Ron and Shai officially launch the Creative to CEO Challenge — a free five-day live coaching experience designed to help creative entrepreneurs stop hustling and start building a business of purpose, profit, and peace. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE Creative Courage with Jalia Davis (Iconic Television) Jalia Davis did not just climb the ladder — she bought the building. Starting as an intern, Jalia's relentless work ethic and unshakeable character led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire Iconic Television, a 24-hour network, for pennies on the dollar. The lesson? Your reputation is your greatest business asset. Creative courage is not just about talent — it is about showing up with integrity every single time. High Performance and the PGR Framework with Terry Williams Mindset coach Terry Williams introduced his signature PGR Framework: Purpose, Growth, Rest — a three-part system for high-performing creative entrepreneurs. Terry's concept of "ustress" (intentional, productive stress) reframes discomfort as a growth tool. His most powerful analogy: your body is like a phone. If you never charge it, it dies and becomes useless. Rest is not a reward — it is a requirement. Niching Down for Impact with Shadera Naymith (Stacked Up Academy) Shadera Naymith, founder of Stacked Up Academy, proves that serving fewer people better is the path to greater impact. Her nonprofit uses creative products to teach technology and coding to youth — and her success comes from a disciplined commitment to niching down and building tiered programming that meets her audience where they are. Strategic Positioning with Tolu Berry (T-Berry Films) Photographer and filmmaker Tolu Berry dropped one of the season's most quotable truths: talent alone will not get you to the next level. Tolu's journey from charging $50 per shoot to landing five-figure brand campaigns was built on professional reliability — showing up on time, having clear delivery systems, and creating an experience that makes clients feel safe and valued. Your skill gets you in the room. Your professionalism keeps you there. Data-Informed Decisions with Kira Dodson AI and data expert Kira Dodson brought the season's most clarifying insight: internal clarity creates external authority. When you know your numbers — your KPIs, your conversion rates, your audience data — you stop making decisions based on feelings and start leading with confidence. Kira's framework challenges creative entrepreneurs to build data literacy as a core business skill. CEO STRATEGY DEEP DIVES Meeting Rhythms: The 4P Framework Unproductive meetings are one of the biggest hidden costs in a creative business. Ron and Shai break down the 4P Framework for Effective Meetings: Purpose (why are we meeting?), People (who actually needs to be in the room?), Process (what is the agenda?), and Payoff (what decision or deliverable comes out of this?). Every meeting should produce something tangible — or it should not happen. Automation: Doing More by Doing Less The hosts challenge the "I'm overwhelmed because I'm growing" mindset and replace it with a more empowering truth: "I'm overwhelmed because I haven't optimized." The solution is a workflow audit — a systematic review of every task you touch to identify what can be automated, delegated, or eliminated. Ron shared a personal story of running his own workflow audit and discovering that nearly every task he touched was flagged red — a wake-up call that led to a complete operational overhaul. Team Leadership: Hire Slow, Fire Fast In response to a live audience question about team management, Ron and Shai offered a framework that every creative CEO needs to hear. Before you blame a team member for poor execution, ask yourself: Did I communicate the vision clearly? Did I give them the keys they needed to succeed? If the answer is yes and execution still fails — hire slow, fire fast. THE CREATIVE TO CEO CHALLENGE This season's biggest announcement: the Creative to CEO Challenge is officially open. This is a free five-day live coaching experience where Ron and Shai will walk you through building your 90-day profit plan, developing the habits of a high-performing CEO, and creating the systems that generate consistent cash flow — without burning out. VIP Upgrade available for those who want daily behind-the-scenes Q&A and bonus coaching sessions throughout the challenge. PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Credit Savant — Helping creative entrepreneurs access up to $150,000 in business credit to fund their growth. www.creditsavant.io Savant CRM — The CRM and sales automation platform built for creative businesses. Manage your funnels, automate your follow-ups, and close more deals. https://systems-savant.com/ CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS Ron Lee Jr. | @ronaldleejr | www.ronaldleejr.com Shai Speaks | @ShySpeaks | www.shyspeaks.com Subscribe, Rate & Review — If this episode added value to your business, leave us a five-star review and share it with a creative entrepreneur who needs to hear it. SHOW AFFIRMATION "All it takes is intention, consistency, and laser focus to mind my creative business." creative entrepreneur podcast CEO mindset creative to CEO small business strategy podcast for creatives business automation creative business growth black entrepreneurs entrepreneur podcast 2025 creative business systems how to scale a creative business mindset for entrepreneurs business coaching podcast workflow optimization creative economy

Automate to Elevate: Scaling Your Creative Business

The central theme of our discussion revolves around the imperative of automating mundane tasks to liberate oneself for pursuits of greater significance. We delve into the concept of a workflow audit, a critical exercise designed to identify areas of inefficiency within one's business processes. By implementing strategies to automate, delegate, and eliminate repetitive tasks, we can subsequently elevate our creative endeavors, thereby enhancing both productivity and satisfaction. We invite creative entrepreneurs to consider the profound benefits of this approach, particularly as it pertains to achieving a work-life balance that fosters innovation and growth. Join us as we explore actionable insights, aimed at transforming your routine into a framework that supports your aspirations for a flourishing creative enterprise. Episode Chapters 00:00 Automate to Save Time 04:31 Streamlined System for Productivity 09:02 Free Lunch Fridays Partnership Story 10:29 Workflow Audit Explained 14:24 Finding Balance and Delegation 18:15 Carving Out Creative Time 21:27 Workflow Audit for Less Hustle 25:20 Share & Support Creative Journeys 28:12 Speaking Shapes Beliefs and Actions Takeaways: 1. The importance of automating routine tasks is emphasized, enabling one to concentrate on extraordinary endeavors. 2. Creative entrepreneurs can benefit significantly from a workflow audit to streamline their processes effectively. 3. By reducing the number of times we handle tasks, we can identify opportunities for automation and delegation. 4. Participating in the Creative to CEO challenge offers a structured environment to develop necessary business skills and mindset. 🔗 Links & Resources: • Creative to CEO Challenge: https://creativetoceochallenge.com/ – gain clarity, confidence & strategy to turn your creative gifts into consistent income. • Business Funding: https://creditsavant.io/ – secure funding for your creative business. • Creativepreneur Gear: https://whatstheirony.com/ – apparel for the creative entrepreneur. • Creative’s Corner Newsletter: Sign up at https://mmcbpodcast.com/ for monthly tips & mindset shifts in under 5 minutes. 👍 Join Our Community • Listen to the show: https://feeds.captivate.fm/mmcbpodcast/ • Website & inquiries: https://mmcbpodcast.com | hello@mmcbpodcast.com • Follow us: • Facebook: @mindingmycreativebusiness • Instagram: @mindingmycreativebusiness • TikTok: @mindingmycreativebusiness We’re Ron & ShySpeaks, creative entrepreneurs turned business mentors. Each week we share strategies, mistakes and insights to help you build and scale your business like a CEO. Comment with your biggest takeaway, like if you got value, and subscribe for more creative entrepreneur tips!

AI Isn’t Replacing You, But Creatives Who USE AI Will: Data, Tools & CEO Mindset

AI isn’t replacing creatives, those who embrace AI are. In this eye‑opening episode of Minding My Creative Business, hosts Ron “iRonic” Lee Jr. and ShySpeaks chat with Kierra Dotson, an AI engineer, data conversationalist and entrepreneur. They explore how creative business owners can leverage data and AI to work smarter, not harder. A 2025 survey found that AI adoption among small businesses jumped from 39 % to 55 % in a year, with 80 % of users saying AI is essential for reaching new customers. Kierra explains why now is the time to join that movement and build AI into your workflow. You’ll learn how both product and service‑based businesses can collect, analyze and act on data to boost sales and customer engagement. Kierra shares her favorite AI tools—from generative design platforms like Adobe Express and Descript to customer‑service bots like Freshdesk and CRM assistants like Salesforce’s Agentforce Assistant—that make marketing, inventory management and video editing easier. She also highlights ethical challenges such as algorithmic bias—like how past AI systems have favored male résumés or misidentified women of color and offers strategies to ensure fairness through diverse data and oversight. The conversation covers advanced topics like generative AI SEO and “AI Overviews,” which now appear in nearly half of search results, why only a few companies are realizing extraordinary value from AI and how a disciplined, top‑down strategy can unlock transformation; and how to adopt a CEO mindset by reviewing your metrics, systematizing creativity, and embracing PGR (Purpose, Growth, Rest). Whether you’re a boutique owner or a videographer, this episode will help you harness AI and data while staying human at the core. 🕒 Episode Chapters 0:00 – Empowering early AI adoption 4:49 – Everyday AI applications explained 9:18 – AI ethics: inclusion and bias 12:55 – Data drives business success 14:56 – Leveraging data for business insights 16:43 – AI for R&D and growth 22:29 – Optimize captions & analyze insights 26:20 – Optimizing service businesses with data 29:09 – Creative event planning tips 32:46 – Understanding metrics and traffic insights 34:27 – AI‑adapting job descriptions 39:18 – Using AI for trend analysis 41:08 – Creative ideation and event planning 45:24 – “Loable”: fast, secure startup tool 48:49 – Personalized shopping simplified 50:40 – Strategic AI development framework 53:54 – AI, business, and transformation 🔑 Key Points • Why AI matters now: A 2025 survey found AI usage among small businesses surged 41 % in a year, and 80 % of users say it’s essential for customer growth. Companies implementing AI wisely are seeing savings of 20 + hours per month and $500–$2,000 monthly • Make AI work for you: Tools like Adobe Express, Descript, Freshdesk Freddy AI Copilot, Salesforce Agentforce Assistant and Microsoft 365 Copilot help creatives design marketing assets, edit videos, automate customer service, and analyze data without technical expertise • Data ethics and inclusivity: Past AI systems have reinforced bias (e.g., Amazon’s hiring algorithm favoring male résumés and image recognition misidentifying women of color). Kiara discusses building inclusive data sets, diverse teams, and responsible AI frameworks. • AI‑driven search & SEO: AI Overviews appear in nearly half of search results. Optimize content for conversational queries and generative engine optimization. • CEO mindset: Move from creator to CEO by setting clear goals, measuring what matters, and adopting a PGR framework (Purpose, Growth, Rest). A top‑down, disciplined AI strategy and focused workflows are key to transformative value. 🔗 Links & Resources: • Creative to CEO Challenge: https://creativetoceochallenge.com/ – gain clarity, confidence & strategy to turn your creative gifts into consistent income. • Business Funding: https://creditsavant.io/ – secure funding for your creative business. • Creativepreneur Gear: https://whatstheirony.com/ – apparel for the creative entrepreneur. • Creative’s Corner Newsletter: Sign up at https://mmcbpodcast.com/ for monthly tips & mindset shifts in under 5 minutes. 👥 Connect with Kierra • Facebook: @KierraDotson • Instagram: @iamkierrad 👍 Join Our Community • Listen to the show: https://feeds.captivate.fm/mmcbpodcast/ • Website & inquiries: https://mmcbpodcast.com | hello@mmcbpodcast.com • Follow us: • Facebook: @mindingmycreativebusiness • Instagram: @mindingmycreativebusiness • TikTok: @mindingmycreativebusiness We’re Ron & ShySpeaks, creative entrepreneurs turned business mentors. Each week we share strategies, mistakes and insights to help you build and scale your business like a CEO. Comment with your biggest takeaway, like if you got value, and subscribe for more creative entrepreneur tips!