The Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 154 - 10 Ways Your Retreat Budget Gets Blown: A Guide to Staying on Track and Profitable Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, I dive into the top 10 budget busters that retreat hosts face and how to avoid them. From choosing the right location to managing food and swag costs, I share practical tips to help you stay profitable while delivering an amazing retreat experience. Whether you're a seasoned host or planning your first event, these insights will set you up for success.

Key Takeaways:

Location Selection: Opt for budget-friendly destinations that align with your retreat's theme.
Room Blocks: Approach room blocks cautiously to avoid unnecessary costs.
Budgeting: Know your break-even number and track expenses closely.
Food Costs: Be strategic with meal planning to minimize waste and expenses.
Hotel Expenses: Understand all potential costs associated with your venue.
Team Expenses: Budget for your support staff's travel and accommodation.
Swag: Choose meaningful and cost-effective swag items.
Alcohol: Use drink tickets to control alcohol consumption and costs.
Event Size: Start small to manage costs and gain experience.
Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being to ensure a successful event.

Links:

Join my Free Mastering Retreats Workshop Series: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop

Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight

Ep. 153 - Stitching Success: Building Community and Creativity with Christen Phillips Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Dive into the power of retreats in building community and creativity. On today's episode I welcome Christen Phillips, the creative force behind I See Stars Quilting, to share her journey from starting a modern quilting blog to hosting sold-out retreats that bring women together in creativity and connection. Discover how Christen's retreats have transformed her business, deepened her community, and inspired attendees to embrace their quilting passion.

Key Takeaways:

From Blog to Business: Christen's evolution from starting a quilting blog to creating a thriving community.

Retreat Inspiration: How attending Amber's retreats influenced Christen's approach to her own events.

Overcoming Challenges: Lessons learned from hosting the first retreat and the importance of personal touches.

Community Impact: The role of retreats in fostering connections and confidence among attendees.

Links

Connect with Christen: iseestarsquilting.com

YouTube: I See Stars Quilting

Instagram: @iseestarsquilting

Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop

Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight

Ep. 152 - Retreat Realities: Unpacking the Highs and Lows of Creating Events Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the realities of planning and hosting retreats. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes, sharing my personal stories, including the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned from over a decade of event planning experience.

Combined with a bit of humor, the insights I provide in this episode offer a valuable look into the complexities and rewards of retreat planning. My emphasis on authenticity, community, and self-care offers inspiration for anyone looking to create impactful and memorable events.

Highlights:

• My extensive background in event planning, from college days to working in the wedding industry to hosting my own retreats

• The importance of managing attendee expectations and logistics, including accommodation challenges and the impact of swag size

• The significance of retreats in my business strategy, highlighting their role in my value ladder and the potential for generating revenue

• Creating a cohesive experience for all attendees, regardless of their investment level, and the power of community in my events

• Personal stories of challenges I faced, such as managing swag orders, vendor issues, and accommodation logistics at Inspired Retreat

• The importance of self-care and setting boundaries as an event host to maintain energy and focus

Key Takeaways:

• Retreat planning involves a delicate balance of logistics, attendee expectations, and creating a memorable experience.

• Swag size matters: consider the practicality of gifts for attendees who have to travel.

• Music sets the tone: invest in a good DJ or carefully curate your playlist to enhance the event atmosphere.

• Accommodation choices can significantly impact attendee experience; consider options carefully.

• Retreats are not one-off events but part of a larger business strategy that can lead to significant revenue and deeper connections with your audience.

• Self-care is crucial for event hosts to maintain their energy and provide the best experience for attendees.

Links:

Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop

Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight

Discover the Blooming Business Inner Circle: amberhousley.com/innercircle

Start Your Coaching Journey With Me: amberhousley.com/mastermind

Ep. 151 - Crafting Community: Building Authenticity Through Live Events with Cathy Olson Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Today I had the extreme pleasure of chatting with my good friend, Cathy Olson, of Funnel Gorgeous. Join me as we follow her journey from a design business start-up to co-founding a multi-million dollar company.

We discuss the importance of authenticity and building a community of like-minded individuals, and our experiences hosting retreats and conferences.

Cathy shares the details of the recent Funnel Gorgeous Retreat, a small, intimate event that focuses on deep connections and valuable content. We also touch on the logistics and challenges of organizing events, including shipping swag and managing attendee expectations. Cathy emphasizes the importance of adapting to unexpected changes and finding creative solutions.

Takeaways

* Authenticity is key in building a community of like-minded individuals.

* Hosting retreats and conferences can create deep connections and valuable content.

* Logistics, such as shipping swag and managing attendee expectations, can be challenging but important to consider.

* Creating a balance between work and play during events can enhance the attendee experience.

* Embrace unexpected changes and find creative solutions to make the best of challenging situations.

* Join supportive communities to connect with like-minded individuals and receive valuable advice and assistance.

Links

Connect with Cathy on Instagram: instagram.com/loveinspired

Learn more about Funnel Gorgeous: funnelgorgeous.com

Try FG Funnels for your business: amberhousley.com/fgfunnels

Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop

Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight

Ep. 150 - My Retreat Learning Curve: From Event Attendee to Event Expert Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we're diving into the journey from being an attendee at retreats more than a decade ago to becoming an expert in hosting them. Join me as I share my personal growth and key lessons learned along the way in bringing my retreat dreams to life. You'll also get a peek at life right now - which feels very much like a transition season. With just finishing hosting a Coterie Mastermind retreat and preparing for Inspired Retreat, while also in the middle of an office refresh, everything feels a little imperfect right now.

Highlights:

- Reflecting on the recent Coterie Mastermind retreat in Florida.

- Sharing the excitement of office renovation and embracing imperfection.

- Celebrating the 12th birthday of the Inspired Retreat and its evolution.

- Discussing the early days of attending retreats and the inspiration to host her own.

- Emphasizing the importance of starting small and learning from each experience.

- Inviting listeners to the "Mastering Retreats" workshop series.

Key Takeaways:

- Embrace the journey of personal and professional growth, from attending events to hosting your own.

- Start small with your retreats and gradually build up to your dream event, learning and improving along the way.

- Hosting retreats can be a powerful way to make an impact on your clients and customers, as well as a significant revenue stream for your business.

Links:

Follow Amber on Instagram for more insights and join the Spring Clean Your Business Challenge at @amberhousley.

Ep. 149 - Stories of Transformation: The Power of a Purposeful Retreat with Pink Creatives Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode I chat with the creative duo behind Pink Creatives: Wendy Conklin & Sara McDaniel. They share their journey of creating a unique retreat experience for creative entrepreneurs, with insights into their individual businesses and the impact of the Invite & Delight retreat planning program.

Key Takeaways:

Sarah and Wendy's Creative Journeys: Learn about their backgrounds in content creation, chair design, and real estate investing.
Birth of Pink Creatives Retreat: Discover how the retreat was conceived to address the demand for creative business coaching.
Retreat Experience: Get a glimpse into the immersive experience at the Frenchie Boutique Hotel, covering marketing, publishing, and more.
Success Stories: Hear about the growth and achievements of past attendees.
lanning and Execution: Understand the importance of meticulous planning and providing a luxurious experience. The importance of having your next retreat ready for marketing while wrapping up the current one.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in starting or leveling up their creative business, seeking inspiration for hosting their own retreat, or simply curious about the power of community and creativity in business.

For those interested in starting their own retreat, I'm excited to share that doors will soon open for my Invite & Delight retreat planning program. Stay tuned for more details on how you can create and launch your own successful retreat.

Links

Learn more about Pink Creatives: pinkcreatives.com

Connect with Wendy, Sarah & Pink Creatives on Instagram: @simplysoutherncottage, @chairwhimsy, @pinkcreatives

Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop

Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight

Ep. 148 - Embracing the Spring Season in Your Business and Life Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Bloom and Grow Show, I dive into the spring season, both in terms of our menstrual cycles and the calendar year. I share how aligning with the energy of spring can help us plan, set goals, and be creative in our businesses. I also talk about my upcoming spring retreat, Craft and Create, and how it's designed to help women entrepreneurs connect with their creativity and set themselves up for success in the coming season.

Key Points:

Winter Recap: I recap the winter season of your cycle and how it influences your business and life.
Spring Energy: The spring season, or follicular phase, brings new energy, creativity, and optimism. It's a great time for planning, goal setting, and starting new projects.
Aligning with Nature: I discuss the importance of aligning your business and life with the natural seasons and cycles for better flow and productivity.
Spring Retreat - Craft and Create: I introduce my upcoming spring virtual retreat, which focuses on reconnecting with creativity and crafting a successful path for the next 90 days. The retreat includes a mix of mindset work, goal setting, and business strategies.
Invitation to Join: I invite listeners to join the spring retreat and consider the VIP upgrade option for additional benefits, including a free month in my Blooming Business Inner Circle membership.

Call to Action:

Listen to Episode 147 for a recap of the winter season.
Check out the spring retreat at amberhousley.com/spring and consider the VIP upgrade for extra perks.
Share this episode with a friend who might benefit from it.
Leave a rating or review on iTunes to help the podcast reach more people.

Ep. 147 - Embracing the Winter Season: A Guide to Empowerment and Productivity Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of the Bloom & Grow Show! Today, we're diving into a topic that might not be on everyone's radar but is incredibly important for female entrepreneurs: embracing the different seasons of your menstrual cycle.

Join me as we explore how understanding and honoring your cycle can lead to greater productivity, self-care, and empowerment in both your personal and professional life.

I review the four seasons of your cycle: winter, spring, summer and fall, and chat about the specifics of how each phase corresponds to different hormonal changes in the body and offers unique opportunities for self-care and productivity.

I share practical tips for tracking your cycle and how best to show up for yourself and your business during each phase.

I encourage you to honor your natural rhythms and make the most of each phase.

Links

Clue cycle tracker: https://helloclue.com/ Stardust cycle tracker: https://stardust.app/

In The Flo by Alisa Vitti: https://amzn.to/3SUpmB3

Learn more about the Blooming Business Inner Circle: amberhousley.com/innercircle

Get your free Vision Board Training: amberhousley.com/visionboard

Ep. 146 - Unveiling My 2024 Blueprint + Goals for Business and Life Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

In this inspiring episode, I warmly welcome listeners to the dawn of 2024, sharing my personal and professional goals for the year. The episode kicks off with my reflections on the much-needed break taken since December, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and aligning with the season's rhythm.

I delve into the unexpected 'Snowmageddon 2024' that blanketed Nashville, drawing parallels between this event and the quiet, introspective days of the pandemic. This natural pause allowed for family bonding and a reconnection with the essence of joy and simplicity in life. Exactly what the winter season is for!

Listeners will find this episode particularly engaging as I unveil my eight carefully thought-out goals for 2024 (with a few bonus business goals for the winter season!). These goals range from creating a serene and organized home environment, embracing a holistic health and wellness journey, and mindful financial planning, to nurturing creativity through reading and adventures, preserving family memories, leading my business with confidence and clarity, and fostering community through collaborations.

I share my reconnection with PowerSheets, a pivotal tool in my goal-setting journey, and how this tool, along with Asana, will guide me through the year. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to start their year with intention, seeking inspiration for setting personal and professional goals, or anyone interested in learning how to balance the demands of life and work with grace and joy.

Links

Spring Virtual Retreat Preview: amberhousley.com/revealparty

Blooming Business Inner Circle Membership: amberhousley.com/innercircle

Copy Club Ai: amberhousley.com/copyclub

Podcast Success Blueprint by Elizabeth McCravy: https://amberhousley.com/podcastcourse

Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind

Join Me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat

Ep. 145 - Financial Facelift: Why Your Business Goals Need a Monetary Makeover with Portia Jackson Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

Today, I had the ultimate pleasure of interviewing Portia Jackson, a certified financial planner and money coach for online entrepreneurs. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to grow their business while maintaining a balanced, satisfying personal life. Her approach to financial planning, emphasizing personal satisfaction over the hustle culture, is a breath of fresh air.

We dive into Portia's intriguing journey from engineering to financial planning, uncovering the steps and insights that led her to her current role.

Growth and Wisdom Highlights:

How best to track financial metrics & their importance in our entrepreneurial journey

Collaboration & understanding strengths in a relationship can significantly enhance financial management

Seek out alternative marketing methods to social media that more closely align with personal values

Takeaways:

Connect your business revenue goals with your personal financial aspirations to create your ideal lifestyle

Finding personal satisfaction and a balanced life is needed in today's fast-paces business world

Set meaningful, satisfying goals that resonate beyond just the numbers

Links

Portia Jackson: wealthyandfulfilled.com/

Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind

Join Me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat

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