The Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 144 - Courage in Creativity: Thriving in the World of Entrepreneurship with Elizabeth McCravy Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

Take a deep dive into a meaningful conversation with the amazingly talented designer, podcaster, and template shop owner, Elizabeth McCravy.

In this episode of the Bloom & Grow Show, Elizabeth opens up about her current focus on developing an educational course during her pregnancy, and her excitement for expanding her range of educational content in the future. Elizabeth shares her passion for course creation and website template design, expressing how these creative outlets bring her joy and fulfillment.

During our chat, Elizabeth also touches upon a past venture, sharing her experience with creating a membership product, a project she eventually decided to close. This part of our discussion sheds light on the vital aspects of adaptability and the bravery required to make difficult decisions in the world of entrepreneurship. So, if you're intrigued by course creation, template design, or navigating the challenges of product offerings, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights for a unique perspective on creative entrepreneurship and building resilience in your business journey!

Connect with Elizabeth:

Instagram: @elizabethmccravy

Elizabeth McCravy Template Shop: http://amberhousley.com/emshop

Use code "AMBER" to save at checkout!

Breakthrough Brand Podcast: https://podcast.elizabethmccravy.com/

Links:

Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind

Join me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat

Ep. 143 - People Before Pitches: Crafting a Friendly Marketing Space with Sara Dunn Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

Step inside the world of wedding SEO with expert, Sara Dunn, in this insightful episode of the Bloom & Grow Show! 🎤 Sara opens up about her unique approach to hosting Lunch and Learn sessions, skillfully rotating core topics while introducing fresh, captivating content to keep her audience engaged and connected. Discover how she's turned these sessions into a welcoming community space, offering invaluable advice and subtly showcasing her services in a manner that feels more like a friendly chat than a sales pitch.

But the learning doesn't stop there—Sara takes us through her monthly marketing routines, shedding light on her content creation process, SEO strategies, and the art of crafting emails that truly resonate. 🌟 She shares how answering recurring questions has led to impactful blog posts, driving traffic and inquiries her way through top Google rankings. And as we dive deeper, Sara generously shares her journey in growing a team, creating innovative products, and building a business that truly fits her lifestyle. Ready for a dose of marketing wisdom and a friendly nudge in the right direction? Press play and join us for a fun conversation that feels just like catching up with two friends on all things business and marketing.

Connect with Sara:

Instagram: @saradoesseo

https://saradoesseo.com/

Links:

Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind

Join Me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat

Ep. 142 - Business Rewind: A 2014 Flashback and 2023 Hindsight Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

Come take a journey with me in this episode as we step back in time to explore the early years of my business. It all began with a simple Facebook Memory post from 9 years ago that triggered a cascade of memories. Back then, I was not only managing the business as a side hustle but also navigating the challenges of raising a baby and a kindergartener.

I'll walk you through the products and services I was passionately creating and offering to the world during those days. We'll delve into the surprising sales I was making, with actual numbers from my P/L statement in 2014.

Now, with the gift of hindsight, I'll share wisdom that has emerged over the course of nine years. What may have seemed like small steps back then were actually building the foundation for the business I have today. This episode isn't just a stroll down memory lane; it's a journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurial evolution.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, engaged in a side hustle, or someone contemplating the leap into the world of business, this episode provides a candid glimpse into the past, filled with valuable lessons and the resilience that propels us forward. Tune in, and together, let's rewind the clock to uncover the treasures hidden in the early chapters of my business story.

Links:

Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind Join Me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat

Ep. 141 - Sales Funnels Unveiled: How to Strategically Work Smarter Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

In this solo episode, I'm excited to take a deep dive into the world of strategic online sales funnels. Drawing from my recent experience at the successful Bloom and Grow Live event, I share how having a strategic foundation in place allowed me to work smarter, not harder, in creating and executing sales funnels, offer pages, and email campaigns quickly. I'll walk you through the essential elements that make up a sales funnel and explain how to get started with the necessary assets.

Growth and Wisdom Highlights:

You're doing a disservice if you're not sharing how you can help people

The beauty of generating repeat business

Build something once and reap the benefits of it for years

Take-aways:

It's all about learning how to nurture people into your offer

Understanding the "buying mood"

The various assets you can create with sales funnel software

Additionally, I'll unveil the software tools I use for creating impactful sales pages, managing email campaigns, and handling course membership products. Whether you're new to the world of sales funnels or looking to optimize your existing approach, this episode provides practical insights and strategies to help you work more efficiently and effectively.

Links:

Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind

FG Funnels Special Offer: amberhousley.com/fgfunnels

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

Join Me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat

Ep. 140 - Behind the Mic: Mastering Speaking and Hosting Live Events with Laylee Emadi Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

Join us as we sit down with Laylee Emadi, a coach for speakers and educators in the creative industry and the host of the Creative Educator Conference. In this friendly conversation, we explore the art of effective speaking and hosting live events. Laylee shares valuable insights on aligning your speaking content with your business offers, ensuring that your presentations not only impact your audience but also benefit your bottom line.

Discover how to be of service to event hosts and attendees, leaving a memorable mark both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable tips to help you master the art of speaking and hosting.

Growth and Wisdom Highlights:

Take it easy, you don't have to do all the things, all the time.

Be on the host's team and focus on serving them and the audience.

Time is our most precious commodity, so make your presentations worth it.

Takeaways:

People remember how you made them feel above anything else and as a leader. What will their impression be?

Anyone who wants to teach what they know and make their industry a better place is welcomed to join Laylee's conferences.

When presenting or speaking slides are an absolute must.

Links:

Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind

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

Join Me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat

Laylee's Instagram: instagram.com/laylee_emadi

Creative Educators Conference: https://layleeemadi.com/conference

Ep. 139 - Retreat to Reality: Navigating Post-Retreat Self-Care Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, I take you on a personal journey into the world of business retreats and the often-overlooked phase that comes after the event - post-retreat self-care and reintegration. Join me as I share my own recent experience hosting my transformative "Bloom & Grow Live" event.

I'll open up about the raw emotions and insights I gained during the event and, more importantly, the practical strategies I employed afterward to ensure a smooth transition back into my business. From managing the post-retreat high to maintaining momentum in my business, you'll find valuable tips and actionable advice for business owners who create retreats.

Take-Aways:

Hydration is key throughout your live event.

Arrange for support the morning following the retreat to give yourself a break from decision making.

Allow a full week to catch up on business operations after your retreat.

Make time to engage on social media so you have an archive of all of the wonderful posts and shares your attendees tagged you in.

Links:

Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/mastermind

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

Join Me at Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/joininspiredretreat

Ep. 138 - Fall into Joy: Balancing Motherhood and Home with Eboni Creighton Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

In this insightful episode, we welcome guest, Eboni Creighton, the Mommy Teacher Expert from cr8joi.com. With a Master's degree in Elementary Education and over 15 years of experience as an Elementary School Teacher, Eboni brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion.

As the fall season ushers in a flurry of activities and responsibilities, Eboni shares her mission to infuse joy into the lives of moms and women, especially during this busy season when home, school, and business priorities often collide. She offers practical tips and a unique educational twist to help you create more joy in your everyday life, even amidst the chaos.

We also delve into a lively discussion around simple content creation and consistent marketing strategy, where Eboni excels. Discover the various methods and strategies she employs to spread joy and connect with her audience, making her business a beacon of inspiration for moms juggling a multitude of roles and responsibilities.

Growth and Wisdom Highlights:

We all need to return to being a beginner from time to time

Let's talk about some important YouTube and TikTok considerations

Take-Aways:

Tricks to help kids manage emotions and adjust when coming home from school

Tune in for some must-haves for your weekly organizational checklist

Simple ways to improve your newsletter writing skills

Links:

Join my Blooming Business Inner Circle Membership: amberhousley.com/innercircle

LMNT water electrolytes: https://amzn.to/3tam0jb

Eboni Creighton Website: www.cr8joi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.cr8/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cr8joi

Subscribe to the Joi Note: https://cr8joi.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe

Ep. 137 - Going From Wedding Planner to Expert Educator, Coach and Course Creator with Candice Coppola Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

Candice helps wedding pros build a profitable business with purpose; giving them the short cuts and secrets she's learned along the way. Amber and Candice talk about pricing, authenticity, over-delivering, content creation and the magic of turning 40!

Growth and Wisdom Highlights:

Going "live" for the first time as a shy content creator
You have to grow into being the unpolished version of yourself, but when you do, that's when you really start attracting likeminded clients. Let everyone around you self-select!
How to know how much to charge for your programs and products.
Spreadsheets are fun and other "Tales from the Clipboard." Learn about Candice's opt-in newsletter and her crazy-good organizational skills.

Take-Aways:

The biggest bang for your buck when it comes to content creation is blogging!
Gather feedback from your customers through "office hours" calls to uncover the voice of your customer and understance what they need/want next.
Discover what you are an expert in and confidently teach it!
Know this: "You're either here for me or you're not." 40 is the best age because you stop caring what people think, and you stop trying so hard to get people to like you.

Resources shared in this episode:

instagram.com/candice.coppola

candicecoppola.com/

Coterie Mastermind: amberhousley.com/matermind

Weekly Business & Marketing Planning Notepad: amberhousley.com/planner

Ep. 136 - Capturing Retreat Magic: How Photography Elevates Your Event with Jessica McIntosh Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

Jessica McIntosh is a branding, portrait and retreat photographer with 15 years of experience capturing the most beautiful moments when women finally invest in themselves!

Today we talk about the huge value that a photographer adds to your in-person retreat or live event. And how communication, collaboration, and encouragement are key to capturing images that best reflect you and your brand.

Growth and Wisdom Highlights:

How to build a retreat team, including a photographer, to best support you and your attendees

Infuse personality into your retreat! Bring in people who can model proactive behavior and help everyone feel comfortable.

Communication is key! Consider the best tools to communicate with your team and attendees throughout the event.

Take-Aways:

Take the time to set expectations so your photographer knows what is important to you and what is not.

Ask yourself, "Do I just need coverage for my event or do I also want to offer my attendees an experience like headshots or mini-branding sessions?"

Squeeze in a branding session for yourself during the retreat!

Resources we talked about:

https://www.instagram.com/jessicarai

https://www.jessicamcintosh.net/

Retreat Planning Roadmap: amberhousley.com/invite

Ep. 135 - Living in the Energy of the Seasons with Andrea Claassen Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

Meet today's guest, Andrea Claassen. Andrea is an expert in helping women align their minds and bodies with the seasons and cycles of life.

Today we're talking about applying Ayurveda and the wisdom of life to each day, practice by practice. In particular, how we can apply these practices for the coming fall season to benefit our lives and businesses. We also chat about publishing a book, coaching and producing a podcast while staying true to ourselves, and the cycles of life.

Growth and Wisdom Highlights:

Applying Ayurvedic practices to help us embrace the energy of the fall season.
Intuitive-lead marketing and creating a higher commitment from customers.
How to self publish a book and working with a writing coach and writing a book in all alone in a cabin with no internet.

Take-Aways:

Ideas to help you feel more grounded if you're feeling off balance in life or business.
Ways to serve different audiences in your business by offering a "choose your own adventure" type program.
How to stick with podcasting, or anything in online business for that matter, for 8 years!

The fall session of Andrea's Seasonal Living Collective kicks off this month.

Resources we mention:

https://www.instagram.com/seasonalandrea

https://andreaclaassen.com/links

Fall Virtual Retreat: amberhousley.com/fall