The Rulebook I Threw Out to Build My Six-Figure Design Studio

The Rulebook I Threw Out to Build My Six-Figure Design Studio

Part storytime, part masterclass! In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I went from charging $1,500 for two-week websites to running a six-figure design studio within a year and a half. Even if you’re not a designer, the framework behind this pivot is the same process I’ve used in every iteration of my business — and it’s what I teach inside the HEART Method. This episode covers: The real numbers and frustrations from my early designer days (and why more leads weren’t the fix) What happened when I threw out someone else’s rulebook and built offers around my actual strengths The positioning shift that made me stand out in a very crowded industry How restructuring my offers changed my income, my capacity, and my satisfaction overnight The messaging and audience growth strategy that brought in aligned clients without the scramble Why this framework works for any industry — not just design Work Together Samara’s filling 6-month coaching and mentorship containers for July and August kickoffs. DM to chat [https://www.instagram.com/samara.bortz/] or apply here [https://samarabortz.com/private-mentorship]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samarabortz.substack.com [https://samarabortz.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ask These Questions Before Hiring a Mentor or Coach

Not every coach is the right coach for you, and finding a good fit matters way more than finding the most impressive sales page. In this episode, I’m breaking down the most important things to look for when you’re hiring a mentor or coach, including a checklist of questions to bring to the discovery call. You’ll learn: Why safety is the non-negotiable foundation of any coaching relationship How to tell the difference between coaching, strategy, and consulting (and which one you actually need right now) What to look for beyond the money wins The personality, communication, and container structure questions most people skip Exact questions to ask on a discovery call to find out if it’s truly a fit Save this one for whenever you’re ready to invest in support! Work together Most of my long-term mentorship clients start with a 1:1 Intensive [https://samarabortz.com/heart-hour] to make sure the fit is right. Or, apply for 1:1 mentorship [https://samarabortz.com/heart-hour] if you’re ready to go all in. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samarabortz.substack.com [https://samarabortz.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How I'm Prepping My Coaching and Design Business for Maternity Leave

I’m pregnant with baby number two, and this time, I’m prepping my business for maternity leave very differently. In this episode, I’m walking you through the full compare-and-contrast: what I did before my first son was born, what worked, what left me scrambling, and exactly what’s changing for round two: Why wrapping up all client work before leave created a tough financial and momentum gap The longer-term containers and design partnerships I’ve set up for a smoother return How a four-month marketing ghost left me rusty and talking to a cold audience The batching, VA support, and content systems I’m building to keep things flowing while I’m off The identity shift that completely rebuilt my business after my first baby, and why I’m open to it happening again If you’re heading into a big life change (maternity leave or not!), this is your permission slip to let your business shift with you. Work Together Samara’s filling 6-month coaching containers for July and August kickoffs. Join before the end of March for big savings! DM to chat [https://www.instagram.com/samara.bortz/] or apply here [https://samarabortz.com/private-mentorship]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samarabortz.substack.com [https://samarabortz.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

You've Been Fixing Everything But Your Offer

You’re posting, showing up, talking about your work — and it still feels heavy. Most people assume the fix is external: better messaging, more visibility, a bigger audience. But there’s something I always look at first, and it’s almost always the thing people skip. It’s the offer. In this episode, I’m sharing my own two-week website era story and a client story that shows what shifts when your offer ecosystem is actually connected to you – not just what makes strategic sense, but what fits your energy, your lifestyle, and how you want to operate. What You’ll Learn Why “I just need more eyes on my content” is not the complete story How selling an offer you’re not fully behind translates to your audience — even when you don’t realize it What it really means for your offer to fit you The reflection question to sit with before you change a single piece of your marketing plan Resources Mentioned The Shifts — Samara’s private five-day FREE private podcast audio series. Get access here! [https://samarabortz.myflodesk.com/the-shifts] Work Together 2 coaching intensive spots for March. Claim one! [https://samarabortz.com/heart-hour] Samara’s filling 6-month coaching containers for July and August kickoffs. Join before the end of March for big savings! DM to chat [https://www.instagram.com/samara.bortz/] or apply here [https://samarabortz.com/private-mentorship]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samarabortz.substack.com [https://samarabortz.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Podcast Guesting as a Feel-Good Marketing Strategy with Candace Dudley

In this episode, I’m sitting down with podcast guesting coach Candace Dudley to talk about a marketing approach that actually feels sustainable — sharing your work on other people’s podcasts. Candace did 50 guest interviews in 2025 and she’s sharing exactly how to find the right shows, pitch yourself, and turn those conversations into lasting growth. What You’ll Learn How to know if podcast guesting is the right visibility strategy for you (and when to wait) The two things every pitch needs: proof you’ve done your homework + niche speaking topics framed as episode titles Why DMs and voice notes get way more responses than email pitches How to align your speaking topics, freebie, and paid offer so the whole thing actually converts Real podcast recommendations for three different types of business owners Resources Mentioned: Candace’s website [https://www.candacedudley.com/] Her free podcast matchmaking community [https://stan.store/CandaceDudley/p/match-making?utm_source=Stan%20Store&utm_medium=emails,%20social%20media,%20Stan%20community&utm_campaign=sale,%20promotion] The Podcasting Mentor podcast [https://www.candacedudley.com/betterbravepodcast] Work With Samara Ready to figure out what marketing strategies actually work for you? Book a coaching and mentorship intensive [https://samarabortz.com/heart-hour] — price increases April 1st. If this episode resonated, it would mean so much if you shared it with a friend and left a quick rating or review—it helps the show reach more creative business owners who want to build feel-good, profitable businesses with heart.♥️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samarabortz.substack.com [https://samarabortz.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]