The 5 to 9 Podcast

Brooke Ring

Am I ready to leave my 9 to 5? Is my side hustle really worth all of the time and effort? How do I market my small business? Is it even possible to grow on Instagram nowadays? Join a community of creative entrepreneurs connecting through common goals, learning from real life stories and sharing practical advice, approachable art and business education, inspiring others to chase after their dreams and turn them into actual goals rather than just someday maybes… take the first step today! And move toward your goals with a mentor and art coach that has been there done that and figured out what works to run an online art business.

  1. Ep 33 - Unlocking Passive Income Using Amazon With Kathleen Kobel

    05/07/2025

    Ep 33 - Unlocking Passive Income Using Amazon With Kathleen Kobel

    In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Kobel, an Amazon expert and passive income strategist, for a practical and eye-opening conversation on building revenue streams beyond your art or services. From flipping textbooks to becoming a successful Amazon influencer, Kathleen walks us through how creators—yes, even without a huge following—can start earning commissions through Amazon's Influencer Program and create content that keeps working for them in the background. If you've been looking for ways to diversify your income, monetize the products you already use, or add something scalable to your creative business, this episode is full of insights you can take action on today. We talk about: How Kathleen got started by reselling textbooks—and why simplicity is key when beginning What the Amazon Influencer Program is and how it actually works Why you don't need a big following to earn commissions on Amazon How to create UGC (user-generated content) that Amazon loves The types of product videos that perform well (and how to start with what you already own) How much time it really takes to see results—and why it's still worth it Product selection strategies that can make or break your earnings Why Amazon does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing How this can be a truly passive income stream with upfront effort Creative ways to repurpose content and save time This is a must-listen for anyone looking to add passive income streams to their creative business without burning out or starting from scratch. Tools and takeaways: You can earn commissions even with a small or no audience UGC sells—real content from real people builds trust Repurpose what you're already using and loving Time investment up front can lead to long-term income Diversifying income creates more freedom and stability Amazon's built-in audience means less pressure on you to "sell" Passive income = more space to be creative elsewhere Start messy—it doesn't have to be perfect to work Connect with Kathleen Kobel Website: https://kathleenkobel.com YouTube: Kathleen Kobel Book: The Unconventional Business Model

    56 min
  2. #032: Money Talk for Creatives: Building Financial Confidence with Samantha Eck

    04/16/2025

    #032: Money Talk for Creatives: Building Financial Confidence with Samantha Eck

    In this episode, I sit down with Samantha Eck—a former creative turned fractional CFO—for a candid conversation about something we don't talk about enough in the art world: money. Whether you're just starting your creative business or working to grow it full-time, this episode is here to help you ditch the shame, understand your numbers, and feel more confident managing your finances. We talk about: How Samantha's creative background led her to become a fractional CFO for artists and entrepreneurs Why financial literacy is a game-changer for growing a creative business How to reframe budgeting as a tool for freedom, not restriction The emotional side of spending—and how to navigate it with compassion Setting financial goals that actually support your big dreams Why "money dates" should be on your calendar How to know when it's time to bring a financial professional onto your team The power of celebrating financial milestones (no matter how small!) What every side hustler should know before going full-time This is a must-listen for creatives who want to build a sustainable business and a healthy relationship with money—without feeling overwhelmed or behind. Tools and takeaways: Tracking your numbers helps you make empowered decisions You deserve to be paid for your work Start with monthly money check-ins—even if it's just you Awareness around emotional spending can change everything Budgeting doesn't have to feel heavy—it can actually feel freeing Connect with Samantha Eck Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: @firestormfinance Podcast: Creative Minds, Smart Money

    1 hr
  3. #031: The Art & Business of Fine Art Printing with Studio Giclée

    04/02/2025

    #031: The Art & Business of Fine Art Printing with Studio Giclée

    In this episode, I sit down with Daisy and Chad, the husband-and-wife duo behind Studio Giclée, to dive deep into the world of fine art printing. Whether you're thinking of offering prints for the first time or looking to refine your current process, this conversation is packed with insights, practical tips, and a whole lot of encouragement. We talk about: How Daisy and Chad started Studio Giclée and what inspired them to serve artists with high-quality prints What a giclée print actually is—and why it matters How to educate your collectors on the value of fine art prints Pricing strategies for prints and how to create perceived value The biggest mistakes artists make when it comes to image capture and file prep Tips for photographing your artwork at home (including why lighting, DPI, and file type matter) Why building a digital archive of your work is essential How Studio Giclée works with both local and out-of-state artists How to know if your art is ready to become a print—and what sells best This is a must-listen for any artist looking to expand their income streams and build a sustainable art business without compromising quality. Tools and takeaways: Start small with your print offerings and grow as you gain confidence Choose common sizes to keep things easy for your collectors Capture images of your artwork before varnishing Build your print library early—you'll thank yourself later! Download the FREE Printmaker's Guide ➡️ HERE Connect with Studio Giclée Website: https://www.studiogiclee.com Email: studiogicleeprint@gmail.com Instagram: @studiogiclee Upload your artwork for a free file check: studiogiclee.com → Upload Art

    1h 7m
  4. #030: Art Business Coaching Session - Art & Marketing with Barrie Noel

    03/19/2025

    #030: Art Business Coaching Session - Art & Marketing with Barrie Noel

    In this special episode, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at a one-on-one coaching session with emerging artist Barrie Noel. Barrie, who's based in Greenville, shares her journey from childhood art lessons to building her creative business while juggling a full-time job. We dive into practical strategies for growing an online art business—covering everything from email marketing and Pinterest strategies to Instagram content creation and overcoming the struggles of social media algorithms. If you've ever felt stuck trying to market your work while balancing life, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How Barrie turned her childhood love for painting into a business ✔️ The power of using Etsy for evergreen products while building a fine art brand ✔️ Why Pinterest is an underutilized goldmine for artists and how to leverage it ✔️ How to create an email marketing system that actually grows your audience ✔️ The mindset shift every artist needs to make to thrive in online sales ✔️ Practical content ideas to repurpose and maximize the reach of every painting ✔️ Tips on building SEO for your website without feeling overwhelmed Links & Resources: 📌 Shopify – Get started for just $1/month 📌 Barrie Noel's Website 📌 Barrie's Instagram 📌 My Free Painting Lesson 📌 Studio B Art Club Waitlist 💬 If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps bring more inspiring content to The 5 to 9 Podcast!

    1h 20m
  5. #028: Email Marketing For Beginners

    02/19/2025

    #028: Email Marketing For Beginners

    Episode #28: Email Marketing for Creatives In this episode of The 5 to 9 Podcast, I dive into the world of email marketing and share how it's been a game-changer for my creative business. Whether you're just getting started or already have an email list, but aren't sure what to send, this episode is packed with tips and actionable advice to help you grow your business through email marketing! Key Takeaways: Why Email Marketing Matters: I share why email marketing has a 36x ROI—meaning for every dollar spent, you could see $36 in return! It's a powerful tool for building and growing your business, especially for creatives. Start Simple: My advice is to start with a simple strategy and build your way up. Trying to do everything at once can feel overwhelming, so don't worry about getting fancy right away! Your Email List Is an Asset: While social media is great for growing your audience, it doesn't guarantee direct communication with your followers. Email marketing gives you control over your customer relationships and ensures you own that communication channel. How to Start: I walk you through the first steps of email marketing—from choosing an email service provider (like Flodesk, Mailchimp, or ConvertKit) to creating a lead magnet and nurturing your list. Creating Value: I discuss how to craft emails that provide real value to your audience, whether it's behind-the-scenes updates, helpful tips, or special offers. Sales Sequences: Serving your audience first, building trust, and then selling to them—these steps are key to successfully selling through email campaigns. Episode Breakdown: Why Email Marketing Is Important for Creatives (2:30) Steps to Getting Started with Your Email List (9:57) Choosing Your Email Service Provider (12:50) How to Create Lead Magnets and Forms (16:00) Nurturing Your Email List (20:22) The Importance of Subject Lines and Selling (28:44) Action Steps: Start collecting emails today—even if it's just on a piece of paper or in a Google Doc! Choose an email service provider and set up a simple opt-in form. Offer a valuable freebie or discount to encourage sign-ups. Nurture your list with content they'll value, and when the time is right, offer your products or services. If you're ready to take your email marketing to the next level, don't forget to check out the 50% off offer for Flodesk HERE! Thank you for listening! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow creative entrepreneur. Keep dreaming big and taking action—because action creates clarity! I'll catch you in the next episode!

    36 min
  6. #027: Combating Burnout: Practical Strategies to Implement Today

    01/22/2025

    #027: Combating Burnout: Practical Strategies to Implement Today

    Episode 27: Combating Burnout Description: In this episode of The 5 to 9 Podcast, I'm sharing my personal journey with burnout and how my word for the year, reverence, is shaping the way I approach life and business in 2025. I'll walk you through how to recognize the signs of burnout, why rest is essential, and how observing a Sabbath has been transformative for my mental health, creativity, and overall well-being. If you're feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for ways to realign your priorities, I hope this episode gives you the encouragement and actionable tips you need to move forward with intention. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to recognize the signs of burnout, like physical exhaustion, emotional detachment, and procrastination. Why burnout isn't a badge of honor—it's a signal that something needs to change. How I'm implementing a Sabbath to combat burnout and recharge. Practical strategies to overcome burnout, like setting boundaries, reconnecting with joy, and simplifying your schedule. Why I choose a word for the year and how reverence is guiding my mindset and goals this year. Links I Mentioned: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Start your Shopify trial HERE for just $1/month for three months! Your Action Step: If you're feeling burnt out, take a moment to reflect on this question: What would it look like to live with reverence this year? Write down your thoughts and see how it can guide your next steps. If you found this episode helpful, I'd love it if you'd leave a review or share it with a creative friend. Let's combat burnout and embrace intentional living together!

    40 min
  7. #026: Highs and Lows of 2024, and What I'm Doing In 2025

    01/08/2025

    #026: Highs and Lows of 2024, and What I'm Doing In 2025

    Welcome to The 5 to 9 Podcast! In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes for an honest look at my 2024—what worked, what didn't, and how I'm planning to create a more intentional and fulfilling 2025. I'll share the lessons I learned as a creative entrepreneur, the personal milestones I'm celebrating, and how I'm setting myself up for success in the new year. What You'll Hear in This Episode: The Wins: From launching Art Club to running my first marathon, I'm celebrating the growth and resilience that defined my year. The Challenges: I'll share how chaos, burnout, and unrealistic expectations took a toll—and the steps I'm taking to move forward. Key Takeaways: How I've learned to recognize my limits and embrace delegation. The importance of setting realistic goals and planning with intention. Why protecting my creative time is essential for keeping the heart of my business alive. My 2025 Vision: I'm breaking down how I'm planning my year with realistic goals, buffers for flexibility, and a focus on what truly matters. Resources I Mentioned: Books That Made an Impact in 2024: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins My daily "Big Three" planning system that helped me stay focused and track my wins. My Action Steps for You: Take time to reflect on your wins and lessons from 2024—there's so much value in looking back. Set your goals and intentions for 2025, even if you're starting late. It's never too late to plan for a fresh start. Protect your time for what truly matters to you, whether it's your creativity, family, or personal passions. Let's Connect: Visit my website: the5to9pod.com Follow me on Instagram: @_the5to9podcast I'd Love Your Support! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Your support means the world to me and helps more creative entrepreneurs discover the podcast. Here's to a year of growth, creativity, and hitting those big goals. Thanks for listening, and I'll see you next time!

    38 min
4.9
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Am I ready to leave my 9 to 5? Is my side hustle really worth all of the time and effort? How do I market my small business? Is it even possible to grow on Instagram nowadays? Join a community of creative entrepreneurs connecting through common goals, learning from real life stories and sharing practical advice, approachable art and business education, inspiring others to chase after their dreams and turn them into actual goals rather than just someday maybes… take the first step today! And move toward your goals with a mentor and art coach that has been there done that and figured out what works to run an online art business.