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Welcome back to the Creative Minds, Smart Money podcast! I’m your host, Samantha Eck, and today, we’re diving into one of the most crucial yet often dreaded parts of running a business: invoicing. Whether you're a freelancer, small business owner, or creative entrepreneur, getting paid should be the smoothest part of your business.

In this episode, we’ll cover the key strategies to simplify your invoicing process, prevent late payments, and make sure you’re paid on time—every time. I’ll also introduce some of the best invoicing tools, like QuickBooks, HoneyBook, and Dubsado, that can take the stress out of chasing payments and help you stay organized.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The importance of setting clear payment terms from the start.
• How to customize your invoices for a professional, branded look.
• Why automation is your best friend when it comes to chasing payments.
• Tools for invoicing, from accounting software like QuickBooks and FreshBooks to payment processors like Stripe and PayPal.
• CRM systems like HoneyBook and Dubsado that streamline your entire client process, from contract to payment.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your business processes, this episode will help you create a seamless invoicing system that keeps your cash flow steady and your stress level low.

Resources Mentioned:

• QuickBooks: Website
• Xero: Website
• FreshBooks: Website
• Stripe: Website
• PayPal: Website
• Square: Website
• HoneyBook: Website
• Dubsado: Website

Connect with Samantha:

🔥 Website: Firestorm Finance
🔥 Instagram: @firestormfinance
🔥 Threads: @firestormfinance
🔥 Pinterest: Firestorm Finance
🔥 Newsletter: Join Here

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Welcome back to Creative Minds Smart Money! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the power of leadership and why blending creativity with strong management is the secret sauce for building a successful business. I’m thrilled to have Tomasha Suber, founder of T28 Consulting and a leadership coach, as our guest.

Together, we explore her journey from the corporate grind to coaching business leaders on how to lead with authenticity and inspire creativity within their teams. We unpack the essentials for cultivating your own leadership style, balancing creative innovation with operational efficiency, and why emotional intelligence is the key to running a high-performing, motivated team.

Whether you're managing a small creative team or running the show solo, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to lead with purpose, empower your team, and foster creativity without sacrificing productivity.

Connect with Samantha:

🔥 Website: Firestorm Finance
🔥 Instagram: @firestormfinance
🔥 Threads: @firestormfinance
🔥 Pinterest: Firestorm Finance
🔥 Newsletter: Sign up here

Connect with Tomasha:
🔥 Website: Tomasha Suber
🔥Instagram: @tomashasuber
🔥Threads: @tomashasuber
🔥LinkedIn: Tomasha Suber

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Welcome back to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast! I’m your host, Samantha Eck, and today’s episode is all about taking your creative business to the next level with smarter, more efficient operations. I’m joined by systems and operations consultant Lauren Glynn, who shares her insights on streamlining business processes to cut the chaos and boost your bottom line.

Lauren breaks down the importance of defining your core values, setting actionable goals, and utilizing tools like AI to help you work smarter, not harder. We dive into her transition from corporate agile coaching to helping creative entrepreneurs fine-tune their workflows for greater productivity and increased revenue.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind or just want to optimize your business for growth, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you run a well-oiled machine while keeping your creative spark alive. Tune in to learn how to take control of your operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and set your business up for long-term success!

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Connect with Lauren:

Website: https://laurenglynn.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ZDmg2afyZODtkmnPBNu6g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurengconsulting/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenglynn/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@laurengconsulting

Freebie: https://laurenglynn.com/streamline

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast

00:29 Meet Our Special Guest: Lauren Glynn

01:06 Lauren's Journey to Becoming a Systems and Operations Consultant

02:38 Defining Core Values and Vision

07:15 Creating and Prioritizing Goals

12:30 Strategies for Productivity and Task Management

15:06 The Importance of Task Audits and Delegation

16:57 Combining Vision, Goals, and Tasks into an Action Plan

27:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode of the Creative Minds, Smart Money Podcast, I’m chatting with trademark lawyer Kelly Jones, who’s here to drop some serious knowledge on how to protect your creative business legally (don’t worry, we’re keeping it jargon-free). From the basics of trademarks vs. copyrights to the importance of securing your intellectual property before it’s too late, Kelly walks us through the essential legal protections every entrepreneur needs to know. We’ll cover the full trademark process, why proactive legal steps matter, and how to avoid those nightmare-worthy legal mistakes that could cost you big-time. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this episode will help you protect your business like the pro you are!

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Connect with Kelli:

Website: www.kellijoneslaw.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyerkelli_

LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/kellianne-jones

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawyerkelli

Free Legal Cheat Sheet: https://www.yourlegalera.com/legal-cheat-sheet

00:00 Introduction to Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast

00:31 Meet Our Guest: Kelly Jones, Trademark Lawyer

00:47 Kelly's Journey to Becoming a Trademark Lawyer

02:12 Understanding Trademarks vs. Copyrights

03:15 The Importance of Being Proactive with Legal Matters

04:35 When to Consider Getting a Trademark

07:33 Common Legal Issues for Business Owners

10:43 Real-Life Examples of Legal Interventions

18:57 The Trademark Process Explained

21:59 Common Trademark Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

23:19 Actionable Legal Steps for Business Owners

25:10 Conclusion and Where to Find Kelly Jones

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Welcome back to another episode of the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast! This time, we’re diving deep into the world of email marketing with special guest Shannon—an email marketing pro who turned her burnout as a wedding photographer into a thriving, profitable business. Shannon breaks down everything from choosing the right email platform to growing and nurturing your list, all while keeping your messaging authentic and true to your brand. She shares practical tips on how to craft content that connects, consistently deliver value to your subscribers, and convert those email reads into clients. If you’re ready to use email marketing to grow your creative business, this episode is packed with actionable steps to get you there!

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Connect with Shannon:

Website: theemailclub.co

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mrs.vondy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrsvondy

Free Email Template: https://www.theemailclub.co/free-email-template

00:00 Welcome to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast

00:30 Meet Shannon: From Wedding Photographer to Email Marketing Queen

01:18 The Power of Email Marketing: Shannon's Success Story

02:37 Why Email Lists Matter for Business Owners

03:47 Getting Started with Email Marketing: Tools and Tips

07:57 Effective Strategies for Growing Your Email List

13:07 Creating Consistent and Engaging Email Content

18:17 Overcoming Writer's Block and Generating Content Ideas

28:34 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

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Welcome back to the Creative Minds, Smart Money Podcast, where we blend creativity and financial know-how to help you build a thriving business. Today, I’m excited to have Josie Dumont, a certified leadership and mindset coach, join me to talk all about building resilience and staying motivated on your entrepreneurial journey.

Josie’s story is truly inspiring—from facing corporate burnout and redundancy to now empowering women entrepreneurs around the globe. In this episode, she breaks down how you can overcome self-doubt, set realistic goals, and cultivate a resilient mindset that will help you navigate the ups and downs of creative entrepreneurship.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move, Josie offers practical steps to help you stay strong, focused, and aligned with your vision. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome or just need a boost of motivation, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay resilient as you grow your business.

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Connect with Josi:

Website: https://josidumont.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dumont-josi

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/josi_dumont

Threads:https://www.threads.net/@josi_dumont

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqDAhcp3fFZE45iYiHc9bxg

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast

00:30 Meet Our Special Guest: Josie Dumont

01:01 Josie's Journey to Becoming a Coach

04:35 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

06:15 Prioritizing Tasks and Managing Time Effectively

09:42 Setting Realistic Goals for Success

13:20 Maintaining Focus and Avoiding Distractions

16:22 Building Self-Trust and Confidence

19:14 The Role of Self-Awareness in Entrepreneurship

21:42 Developing Resilience for Long-Term Success

24:07 Creating a Fulfilling Entrepreneurial Journey

26:19 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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Welcome back to another episode of the Creative Minds, Smart Money Podcast! I’m your host, Samantha Eck, and today I’m joined by Melissa Nguyen, a mindset and embodiment coach who’s all about helping creative entrepreneurs break through their mental blocks—especially when it comes to money.

In this episode, Melissa opens up about her own journey with mental health and how it led her to a more holistic, mind-body approach to business and personal growth. We dig deep into the power of mindset and how those sneaky money blocks can seriously hold you back from reaching your full potential as an entrepreneur. But don’t worry, Melissa’s got your back with practical steps, success stories, and even a free Body Presence Meditation to help you shift your mindset and embrace financial success.

If you’re a creative entrepreneur feeling stuck or struggling with limiting beliefs around money, this episode is for you! Learn how to align your mindset, reprogram those mental barriers, and transform your relationship with money and business growth.

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Connect with Malisa:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@malisatnguyen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malisatnguyen/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/394EMtro2NdIYgkii8duyM

FLOW: https://malisanguyen.com/flow

Meditation Freebie: https://delightful-sound-863.myflodesk.com/gm1xdxex2z

Shift Masterclass: https://delightful-sound-863.myflodesk.com/th11w5dl7q

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast

00:33 Meet Melissa: Mindset and Embodiment Coach

01:12 Melissa's Journey to Mindset Coaching

04:02 Understanding Embodiment in Personal and Professional Growth

05:36 Impact of Money Habits on Business Success

09:48 Signs You Need to Work on Your Money Mindset

14:55 Practical Steps for Incorporating Embodiment Practices

16:35 Guided Embodiment Meditation

23:20 Melissa's Personal Success Story

29:40 Final Advice and Ways to Connect with Melissa

32:44 Conclusion and Farewell

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Welcome back to the Creative Minds, Smart Money Podcast! I’m your host, Samantha Eck, and in today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Ambrosia Carey—business consultant, speaker, and a seven-figure salon owner. Together, we’re diving into the must-know strategies for creative entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their businesses and achieve long-term success.

Ambrosia shares her secrets for sustainable business growth, from building a solid marketing plan to defining clear, actionable business goals. We also talk about the critical role of knowing your target audience and why identifying the right market can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your financial and creative goals.

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro looking to take things to the next level, Ambrosia’s insights will help you create a growth plan that aligns with your vision, helps you attract the right clients, and leads to consistent business growth.

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/

Newsletter: https://firestorm-finance.ck.page/8194316ed3

Connect with Ambrosia:

Website: https://www.ambrosiacarey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiacarey

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambrosiacarey?xmt=AQGzHwHN_ilkmT7NKbp0GHjZhDIsBBLLDKvqkAenjVbqX5o

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

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Minds Smart Money Podcast

00:32 Meet Our Special Guest: Ambrosia Carey

01:15 Ambrosia's Journey to Becoming a Success Coach

02:46 The Importance of a Marketing Plan

04:03 Identifying and Understanding Your Target Audience

05:36 Steps to Building an Effective Marketing Plan

08:55 Key Elements of a Successful Marketing Plan

21:47 Common Mistakes in Building a Marketing Team

24:01 Reviewing and Updating Your Marketing Plan

30:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Have a suggestion for something or someone you'd like to see on this podcast? Fill out this form here.