Business from Scratch

Abbye McGee

Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    From a Bedroom to a Warehouse w/ Allie Mitrovich | Ep 15

    In this episode, I sit down with Allie Mitrovich to unpack how a bored quarantine hobby turned into a viral business shipping 1,300 orders in a single night. We dig into the raw reality of moving fulfillment out of an apartment to save your sanity and why building a real community pays off more than chasing viral trends. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (02:37) - How a viral TikTok launched Allie Rose Co. (06:42) - Why community drives sales better than viral hits (13:51) - The breaking point: Moving to a fulfillment center (19:02) - Creating products based on customer feedback (27:51) - Handling a major holiday product disaster (33:51) - The reality of being a solo founder (39:15) - Why you shouldn't quit during the slow seasons About the Show Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy. Connect with Abbye: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Show Here: YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Allie Mitrovich Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allieroseco/

    43 min
  2. 3 FEB

    Building a Business That Fits Your Life w/ Lindsey Cheek | Ep 14

    In this episode, I sit down with my very first client, Lindsey Cheek of Gathered, to discuss why she radically scaled down her interior design firm. We explore how she went from a large staff and retail store back to a lean team of two, and why that decision actually increased her profitability. This conversation proves that you don't have to be "big" to be successful—you just have to be intentional. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (05:27) - Reality of opening a retail store (09:42) - The catalyst for scaling down (14:33) - The "Three Ps": Profitable, Publishable, Pleasurable (18:28) - Separating ego from business growth (26:17) - How to cultivate strong vendor partnerships (31:17) - Building client relationships that last years (43:20) - Final thoughts About the Show Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy. Connect with Abbye: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Show Here: YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Lindsey Cheek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatheredgroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-cheek-55434416/ Website: ⁠https://gatheredgroup.com/

    44 min
  3. 27 JAN

    Why Perfectionism is Killing Your Business w/ Stephanie Lanier | Ep 13

    In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Lanier to talk about the reality of building a business while raising a family. We dig into why asking for help is actually a leadership skill and how to build deep, genuine connections without feeling fake. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect, this conversation will give you permission to let that go. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (02:30) - Networking for introverts (03:28) - Why you should join a nonprofit board (11:24) - The origin of the Inspiration Lab (13:00) - Uncovering the "hidden labor" of success (24:00) - Why "B-plus" work moves you forward faster (40:22) - Viewing business as an intellectual sport (51:00) - Learning to trust your gut over bad advice About the Show Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy. Connect with Abbye: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Show Here: YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Stephanie Lanier Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephlanier/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanierpropertygroup/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinspirationlab/?hl=en Website: https://www.theinspirationlab.co/

    1 hr
  4. 20 JAN

    Turning Your Craft into a Career w/ Alyssa Ait | Ep 12

    In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and industry leader Alyssa Ait to unpack the messy reality of running a floral business while raising three kids. We have an honest conversation about how she navigates working alongside her husband, Jordan, and the boundaries they set to keep their marriage and business afloat. Alyssa opens up about a terrifying trademark mistake that forced her to change her name, a lesson that proves why you need to cross your t's from day one. We also dig into the struggle of pricing your art and why she willingly invests her own money into projects to attract her ideal high-end clients. Finally, we discuss managing the mental load of motherhood and why physically taking care of yourself is a non-negotiable part of business success. This episode is for anyone trying to build a business they love without losing their sanity along the way. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:27) - How Alyssa started in the floral industry at 15 (10:02) - Starting a business out of necessity (14:09) - The reality of working with your husband (21:40) - Setting boundaries for family time and kids (24:59) - How to attract high-end clients by investing upfront (37:28) - One business lesson Alyssa learned the hard way (38:55) - The trademark horror story you need to hear About the Show Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy. Connect with Abbye: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Show Here: YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠⁠ Connect with Alyssa Ait⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherofwildnc/⁠

    46 min
  5. 13 JAN

    Why Rest Is a Leadership Skill | Ep 11

    In this episode, I talk honestly about one of the hardest leadership lessons I’ve had to learn as a founder: how to take time off without feeling guilty. I share why so many business owners—especially women—struggle with rest, how guilt gets tied to productivity, and why our teams often mirror the behavior we model. Through my own experiences of burnout and exhaustion, I explain how refusing to rest doesn’t make us noble leaders—it quietly teaches our teams to ignore their own needs too. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (02:07) — Founder Burnout Reality (04:18) — Rest As Leadership (06:31) — Building Rest Rhythms (08:57) — Stop Glamorizing Burnout (10:24) — Releasing Founder Guilt (12:58) — Modeling Sustainable Leadership About the Show Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy. Connect with Abbye: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠ Find the Show Here: YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠

    14 min
  6. 6 JAN

    Scaling a Business Without Losing Your Values w/ Meredith Cook | Ep 10

    In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Meredith Cook, founder of Green Compass Global, to talk about what it really looks like to lead with heart while building a fast-growing business. We dive into the hardest decisions she’s had to make as a founder, especially when it comes to leading people you deeply care about and navigating seasons that feel overwhelming. Meredith shares how compassion, transparency, and tough conversations have shaped her leadership style and helped her build a people-powered brand rooted in trust. This conversation is an honest look at what it takes to stay grounded when the stakes are high and the responsibility is heavy. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (05:52) — Letting people go with heart (11:18) — Founding Green Compass (16:44) — Purpose over quick profit (22:07) — Family inside the business (27:36) — Marriage and entrepreneurship (32:58) — Staying in your strengths (38:12) — Running into hard seasons About the Show Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy. Connect with Abbye: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠⁠ Find the Show Here: YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠ Connect with Meredith Cook Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.greencompassglobal.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greencompassglobal/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredithcookgc/?hl=en

    45 min
  7. 30/12/2025

    How to Plan Like a CEO | Ep 9

    In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest look at how my relationship with planning has changed and why this year feels different than any before it. I talk about letting go of chaotic growth, admitting where burnout has shown up for me and my team, and choosing to step into leadership with more intention instead of constant reaction. This episode isn’t about having a perfect system — it’s about becoming the kind of CEO who plans slowly, thoughtfully, and with real life in mind. I walk through how I’m defining my season, choosing how I want the year to feel, and setting goals that actually support my business, my team, and my life. From redefining KPIs to intentionally planning for rest, I’m sharing the mindset shifts helping me build something sustainable instead of sprinting toward burnout. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just trying to get through the week, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin leading from a more grounded place. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (02:01) — Kitchen realization moment (04:03) — Defining your season (06:12) — Team-centered planning shift (08:07) — KPIs without burnout (10:59) — Scheduling rest intentionally (12:01) — Choosing clarity and alignment About the Show Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy. Connect with Abbye: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠⁠ Find the Show Here: YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠

    13 min
  8. 23/12/2025

    Financial Mistakes That Sink Small Businesses w/ Chris Capone | Ep 8

    In this episode, I sit down with Chris Capone to talk through the financial mistakes that quietly derail small businesses and how to avoid them early. We unpack why growing too fast can be just as dangerous as not growing at all, and how focusing on your core competency can protect both your cash and your sanity. Chris breaks down why knowing your numbers isn’t just about bookkeeping—it’s about creating clarity, confidence, and better decision-making as a founder. This conversation is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by financial terms or unsure how to plan ahead. Timestamps (00:00) – Intro (05:55) – Growing too fast risks (11:30) – Cash flow explained simply (17:05) – Planning for seasonal revenue (22:45) – Hiring and cash reserves (28:20) – Cutting unprofitable business lines (33:50) – CPA vs CFO roles (38:15) – Fixing messy finances About the Show Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy. Connect with Abbye: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbye-mcgee-ba2514121⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bizfromscratchpod/⁠ Find the Show Here: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BizFromScratchPod Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/business-from-scratch/id1852203243 ⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/46DB7MLO9fIMaHQID1EKaN?si=77ab7d85bdcc4b65⁠ Connect with Chris Capone Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://caponeandassociates.biz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-capone-287b2521

    42 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Business From Scratch with Abbye McGee is for people who are building a business while rebuilding their life. Abbye, a single mom and three-time founder, shares clear and honest talk about the real work behind mindset, money, identity, and daily life when you start from zero. The show gives you steady guidance, simple steps you can use right away, and real conversations with founders, creatives, and friends who built their own way. Each week helps you focus, test ideas, and keep moving even when the process feels messy.