The Art of Small

Hosted by Sophie Fleetwood, Ashton Brye

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Feb 2024

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About the show

Welcome to the Art of Small Podcast! We're your hosts, Ashton + Sophie, and we couldn't be more excited that you're here. This podcast is made for small business owners and creative entrepreneurs of all kinds. Whether you're an artist, a photographer, a social media manager, a web designer, a shop owner, or maybe you have a business idea brewing in your mind, our show exists to educate, inspire and grow female entrepreneurs with fun-filled episodes that will pull back the curtain of small business ownership and spur you on towards your own success. Disclaimer: the views and opinions of our guests and their platforms are not a reflection of the views of the Art of Small.

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33 recent

February 12, 2024Episode 3345 min

Ep. 33 The Art of Shooting Your Shot as a Small Business Owner with Nicole Goldfarb

Welcome back to another episode of The Art of Small! In this episode Sophie and Ashton sit down with Nicole Goldfarb, a color enthusiast, illustrator, and designer, and discuss her journey and experiences as a small business owner. She talks about her background, including her time working in corporate for Oprah and how she made the decision to focus soley on her own small business, Nixie, a lifestyle brand that adds delight to daily life through color and art. She shares insights on finding clients and networking, as well as her recent move to Los Angeles. She emphasises the importance of being authentic on social media, building a community, knowing which brands you want to work with, and shooting your shot to get the most out of life. Moments you won't want to miss: (03:24) An introduction to Nicole (09:26) A timeline of Nicole's journey as a small business owner (17:52) Finding clients and networking (21:28) More about Nicole's move to LA (27:48) A day in the life of Nicole (34:40) Stiving for authenticity on social media (35:32) Reaching out to big brands (41:13) Expanding into wholesale with Nixie and new products Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

January 29, 2024Episode 3242 min

Ep. 32 The Art of 2024 Goals + Getting Real About the January Blues

Welcome back to The Art of Small! In this episode, Sophie and Ashton catch up and discuss their experiences in the new year. They talk about feeling exhausted and busy in January, and the importance of prioritizing rest and balance. They also share their goals for 2024 and some hot takes that they have about the small business / entrepreneurship world. Moments to tune in for: (01:49) Sophie and Ashton catch up and share how they've been dealing with business in January (05:37) Goals for the new year (07:25) Prioritizing rest and mental health in 2024 (20:03) Focusing on more intentional projects (23:15) Sophie's opinion on trading time for dollars (31:18) Ashton's frustrations with exessive consumerism Mentioned in this Episode: Subscribe to Sophie's YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx_hU_K_xPlF5uAZzdbQmjg Learn more about the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/creative-entrepreneur-accelerator Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

January 22, 2024Episode 350 min

Ep. 31 The Art of Growing a Business from the Ground Up Feat. Camino & Company

Welcome to another episode of The Art of Small! This week, Sophie and Ashton are joined by Karly Elbrecht the owner behind Camino & Co, a mobile flower shop based in Noblesville, Indiana. Karly shares a little about her background and how she started her business, the decision to go full-time, and the importance of partnerships and collaborations within the small business communitu. Karly's has capture a unique, community-focused approach to entrepreneurship and has so much passion for supporting other small businesses! The impact it has had on her own success is evident. If you are a small business owner who needs some encouragement to believe in yourself and your abilities, this episode is for you! Moments to tune in for: (02:18) An introduction to Karly and her business, Camino & Co. (15:13) How Karly found the courage to take her business full-time and the value of a good support system (18:48) Taking a leap of faith for your dreams (22:37) Serving others with creating partnerships and collaborations (29:58) Karly's biggest take away from balancing corporate life and small business life (40:12) Celebrating the small wins and appreciating the journey (44:21) Karly's advice to her past self when she was first starting her business (46:23) What is next for Camino & Co. Stay up-to-date with Karly and Camino & Co.: https://www.camino-and-company.com/ https://www.instagram.com/caminoandcompany/ Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

January 15, 2024Episode 3046 min

Ep. 30 The Art of Legal Protection for Small Business Owners with Sam Vander Wielen

Welcome back to The Art of Small! In this episode, Sophie and Ashton talk to Sam Vander Wielen, an attorney turned entrepreneur. Sam takes us through her journey as a business owner and shares her expertise on the legal side of business. She provides amazing tips for enforcing contracts and dealing with legal issues, and she emphasizes the importance of registering your business and obtaining business insurance. If you're an entrepreneur looking to navigate the legal aspects of their businesses, this episode is for you and be sure to check out Sam's links below! Moments you won't want to miss: (06:15) An introduction to Sam and her journey from attorney to entrepreneur (11:34) The importance of SEO in building a business (16:33) The legal side of business: registering, contracts, and insurance (19:23) Key elements to include in service-based contracts (21:54) Enforcing contracts (27:36) When to take legal action (33:22) Sam's tips for getting started with legal protection regardless of where you are in your business journey (35:34) Investing in your business (40:45) What's next for Sam and her thoughts on writing a book LINKS, LINKS, LINKS: Sam's Website: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/ Sam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvanderwielen/ Sam's Podcast: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/podcast/ Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

January 8, 2024Episode 2954 min

Ep. 29 The Art of Website Copy with Sara of Between the Lines Copywriting

Welcome back to The Art of Small! In this episode, Sophie and Ashton chat with Sara, the business owner behind Between the Lines Copywriting and pick her brain about the art of website copy, finding clients, being a new business owner, and a whole lot of other amazing actionable tips that are going to help you grow in your business TODAY. Sara also shares with us her experiences of dealing with content theft and offers advice on how to handle it. She also takes us through her strategies for overcoming writer's block and provides tips for writing effective email newsletters. If you want to keep learning from Sara, she has lots of FREE content available on her website to help you get moving on your goals for your small business, so don't forget to check out the links below! Moments you won't want to miss: (04:27) An introduction to Sara (06:378) How Sara started her business (13:10) The value of a website vs. social media (17:04) Mistakes small business owners make with their websites (19:54) Handling content theft and copying (29:09) Overcoming writer's block (34:22) Free resources for small business owners (40:18) Underated vs. overated way to get clients (47:06) What's next for Sara LINKS, LINKS, LINKS: Website: www.betweenthelinescopy.com Newsletter (free copywriting tips): www.betweenthelinescopy.com/subscribe Website copy course: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/site-series Email marketing course: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/email-chapter Freebies: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/free-stuff Website copy template: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/web-copy-guide Instagram: www.instagram.com/btlcopy Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

January 1, 2024Episode 2839 min

Ep. 28 The Art of Season Three

IMPORTANT DEETS/LINKS! Welcome to season three of The Art of Small!! In this episode, Sophie and Ashton kick off the third season and celebrate the first birthday of the podcast. Sophie shares updates on her business, including her transition to more brand and web design projects. Ashton talks about her continued success with product sales and her recent foster placement. We can't wait to take on 2024 with you! Join Sophie's LIVE course for small business owners! https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/creative-entrepreneur-accelerator Moments to tune in for: (00:23) Official season 3 kickoff (11:24) Business update from Sophie (17:02) Learning to rest and embracing remote work (23:36) Business update from Ashton and foster placement news (27:09) Generosity and blessings (29:20) Struggles with prioritization (37:22) Season 3 sneak peek Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

December 8, 2023Episode 2748 min

Ep. 27 The Art of Christmas Specials

In this holiday special episode, Sophie and Ashton catch up with each other and discuss Christmas traditions, the importance of setting boundaries, and challenges faced by small business owners during the holidays. They provide tips for successful product launches during the holidays and emphasize the importance of listening to your audience. Ashton shares her experience with art theft and the impact it has had on her. Sophie talks about her upcoming Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program and the impact it can have on small business owners. They wrap up the episode by wishing everyone happy holidays and teasing the upcoming season 3 of the podcast. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Sophie's Walking Pad: https://amzn.to/4ah7cA0 Sophie's Live Course for Small Business Owners: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/creative-entrepreneur-accelerator Time Stamps: (00:23) A Christmas catch up with Sophie and Ashton (22:40) The Impact of Art Theft on Artists (32:15) Listening to Your Audience and Providing What They Want (33:00) Tips for Successful Product Launches During the Holidays (34:53) Taking Care of Yourself During the Holiday Season (40:16) Closing Remarks and Wishing Happy Holidays Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

October 23, 2023Episode 2650 min

Ep. 26 The Art of Spicy Opinions

Welcome to the FINALE of Season 2 of the Art of Small! This episode gets spicy as Ashton and Sophie go over Spicy opinions that were submitted by all of YOU! We give our business tips, tricks, and even a few spicy opinions of our own! This episode should keep you laughing as you wrap Season 2 with us! We can't wait to see you in Season 3 soon! Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

October 16, 2023Episode 2535 min

Ep. 25 The Art of Collaboration

Welcome to The Art of Small Podcast! In this episode Ashton and Sophie discuss the ins and outs of collaborating as a small business owner. They share tips they've learned from their own personal collaborations, and even some cringy moments they have experienced working (or not working) with brands along the way. If you're a small business owner looking for tips on how to approach a collaboration, this episode is for you! Moments to tune in for: (2:33) Using ✨Delulu✨ energy to your advantage in your business (7:46) A tip to keep in mind when pitching yourself to potential collaborators (18:19) Collaborating with brands that don't align with your personal beliefs (28:16) When to step away from a collaboration and believing that your work is valuable Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/

October 9, 2023Episode 2459 min

Ep. 24 The Art of Connecting on Social Media with Erin Roach of Cathartic Word

This week Sophie and Ashton are sitting down with Erin Roach of the Viral and Wonderful Cathartic Word! Ashton and Erin have been friends since the beginning of their accounts (and the pandemic) so we dive into a little bit of everything and also reminisce! Erin openly shares her experience with going viral and growing by over 100k within weeks. She talks about starting a shop while working full time and then stepping away from it all to prioritize her own health. Erin graciously shares about her newest venture - Cathartic Library - and how her love for books has opened up new business opportunities, partnerships and more. We talk about wedding planning, what is next for Erin, and how she is stepping back into the Cathartic Word space and what's next. We had so much fun with Erin and this is truly an episode that everyone should hear! Moments you won't want to miss: (1:26) An introduction to Erin from Cathartic Word (12:43) Building a loyal and engaged social media community (19:19) What Erin has learned through running a successful Instagram page (27:19) Being consistent on social media while balancing a full time job (32:38) The evolution of Cathartic Word and Cathartic Library (41:02) Erin's plans for the future after quitting her job! (51:55) A word to Erin's younger self Get Social With the Art of Small! Email: artofsmallpod@gmail.com The Art of Small on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofsmallpod/?hl=en Sophie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysophiedesigns/?hl=en Sophie's Website: https://www.simplysophiedesigns.com/ Ashton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/?hl=en Ashton's Website: https://shopashtoncreates.com/