The Creative Bodega | Content Marketing and Instagram Growth for Solopreneurs

Em Connors
  • 5.0 (99)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Creative Bodega, a podcast about content marketing, Instagram growth, and personal branding designed specifically for female service-based solopreneurs.  Here, we believe you can confidently create engaging content, connect authentically with your audience, and convert followers into loyal customers — all without the burnout. Each week, host Em Connors shares actionable tips and expert advice to help YOU grow your business without letting it take over your life.  From how to spend less time on content creation and more time being strategic to overcoming the overwhelm of navigating tech updates and ever-changing trends, Em answers your toughest questions so you can serve your clients and show up as your best self. Life happens, so Em doesn’t hold back from sharing the unfiltered truth of what it’s like to run a multi-six-figure business and raise a family. In addition to sharing proven strategies straight from her own business, Em spotlights other successful female service providers to find out how they balance family and run a business while staying sane and prioritizing themselves in this crazy season of life.  If you’re ready to turn your content into clients alongside a community of women who understand the struggle, you’re in the right place. 

  1. 1D AGO

    58: The Simple Reel Series Strategy That Generated 150K+ Followers and $32K

    What happens when you commit to showing up on Instagram for 30 days straight...and accidentally gain 140K+ followers in the process? In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm sitting down with Amanda Jefferson, a Coven member who went from 5,000 to over 150,000 followers (and counting!) using a simple jar of tech tips and a whole lot of authenticity. We're breaking down exactly what worked, what broke (literally—her checkout page couldn't handle the traffic), and how she turned viral momentum into $32K in revenue in just one month. If you've been overthinking your content or feeling frozen about showing up on video, this conversation is your permission slip to just start. Check out the full show notes for this episode, CLICK HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: How Amanda created a 30-day content series using a simple jar system—and why "being weird" is actually your competitive advantageThe exact tech setup she used to batch content efficiently (spoiler: it's simpler than you think)What to do when your systems break during a viral moment—including the genius "duplicate your checkout page" hackWhy showing up imperfectly on video actually performs better than polished, scripted contentHow to turn viral growth into sustainable revenue with the right foundation (low-ticket offers, email list, and clear frameworks)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: Amanda Jefferson's Instagram account, go follower her ASAP!Maria Wendt - The creator Amanda follows for Instagram strategy and the "five ones" philosophyDescript - The video editing tool Amanda uses to edit videos like a Word documentRode Wireless Mini Microphone - my favorite wireless mic for recording reels! Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

    30 min

  2. MAR 2

    57: 6 Bio Mistakes That Quietly Cost You Instagram Followers (And Sales)

    Is your Instagram worth a follow? That's the question I want you to ask yourself today—and I know it might sting a little. But here's the thing: if a stranger clicks on your profile right now, do they immediately think "Oh, this is for me"? Or are they clicking away in three seconds flat? In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm walking you through the six bio mistakes that are quietly costing you followers, clicks, and sales—plus exactly how to fix them. Think of your Instagram profile like a storefront window on a busy street. People aren't stopping because they're nice—they stop because something made them feel seen. Let's make your profile an easy yes. Check out the full show notes for this episode, CLICK HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: The 5-second storefront test—what people are actually scanning when they land on your profile (and why highlights don't matter as much as you think)The six bio mistakes that make people scroll past—from vague language to missing CTAs to trying to sound too impressiveHow to write a bio that instantly says "this is for me" using the simple formula I teach inside The Content CovenWhy your grid matters just as much as your bio—and how to make it scannable, trustworthy, and easy to consume in secondsThe quick yes profile checklist you can use today to audit your own Instagram and stop leaking potential followersResources & Links mentioned in the episode: My 5-Day Social Refresh Challenge—the free resource I mention in my bio that helps you build repeatable posting systems without the overwhelm Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

    20 min

  3. FEB 23

    56: My 30-Day Show Up Strategy That Ended My Camera Fear (For Solopreneurs)

    Hiding from the camera while trying to grow your business? I've been there—and I'm calling you out with love. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm sharing the exact show-up strategy I used to go from absolutely dreading video (like, worst nightmare level) to posting daily stories without a second thought. You'll learn how to get comfortable on camera through strategic repetition, what to share (and what to keep private), and my 30-day rep plan that actually works. If you've been waiting for confidence to magically appear before you hit record, this episode is your reality check and your roadmap. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why showing your face isn't about oversharing your life—it's about helping strangers decide if they trust you with their problemThe one rule I created for myself that changed everything when watching my videos back (and stopped the negative self-talk spiral)My 30 Story Challenge: the exact system I used to get over my fear of video in just one monthThe "share scars, not wounds" boundary that keeps you authentic without regretting what you postTangible story ideas that get engagement (spoiler: my top-viewed stories have nothing to do with my business)The Buddy Method: how to accidentally get in tons of video reps by going off-platform with a friendResources & Links mentioned in the episode: Ep 2: My previous episode on showing up easier in Instagram Stories and what actually gets views and engagementOlive & June Mani System I'm obsessed with!Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

    20 min

  4. FEB 16

    55: Don’t Make It Weird: Selling Like a Human with Colleen Nichols (@noshamesalesgame)

    In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm sitting down with Colleen Nichols (@noshamessalesgame) to talk about the messy, beautiful reality of building a business when life forces your hand. We're diving into what it really takes to grow on Instagram without ads, how to trust your gut when everyone's telling you to charge more, and why showing up authentically (cursing and all) might be your biggest competitive advantage. If you've ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs actually got started—or if you're drowning in advice from too many gurus—this conversation is for you. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: How desperation became our greatest motivator—and why we didn't have the luxury to choose our discomfort when building our businessesThe real reason people struggle to trust themselves (hint: you're consuming way too much conflicting advice from too many voices)Why showing up authentically—messy hair, car selfies, and all—performs better than perfectly curated content in 2025The comparison trap that even successful entrepreneurs can't escape—and how it kills your energy and performanceThe truth about Instagram engagement right now—and why starting a new account might not be as crazy as it soundsResources & Links mentioned in the episode: Follow Colleen Nichols on Instagram: @noshamessalesgameColleen's book: Don't Make It Weird: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Being Human on the Internet (Amazon #1 bestseller)Engagement rate calculator tool mentioned in the episodeConnect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

    44 min

  5. FEB 9

    54: Algorithm Fatigue? What ACTUALLY Makes People Follow & Unfollow (For Solopreneurs)

    Tired of feeling like the algorithm is punishing you for showing up? Same. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm sharing the data-backed truth about what actually makes people follow, unfollow, and stop watching your content—and honestly, it's not what you think. Spoiler alert: it's not about posting more or having a perfectly polished feed. I'm breaking down five major myths that are keeping you stuck in the content creation hamster wheel, and I'm giving you the real numbers (from ManyChat's 2025 Creator Report) that prove useful, authentic content wins every single time. If you're exhausted from chasing trends and playing the algorithm games, this episode is your permission slip to stop performing and start connecting. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why long intros are killing your engagement—and the exact way to lead with the answer insteadThe real reason people hit follow (hint: it's not your aesthetic, and 73% of people agree)What actually makes people unfollow you—and why posting frequency didn't even make the listWhy trends aren't the only growth strategy (and what 53% of people wish you'd do instead)How to choose content formats that give you energy instead of draining the life out of youResources & Links mentioned in the episode: ManyChat "Algorithm Fatigue: A 2025 Creator Report" - the full data-backed report I reference throughout this episode, with all the juicy stats on what makes people follow, unfollow, and engageConnect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

    17 min

  6. FEB 2

    53: “Online Courses Are Dead”? What’s Actually Dying—And What’s Next (Doors Open)

    Amy Porterfield just discontinued Digital Course Academy—and the internet has thoughts. But here's what I think: online courses aren't dead. What's dying is the low-touch, "here's your login, good luck" model. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm pulling back the curtain on why I think DCA closed, what the future of online education actually looks like, and how I've built my own programs (like The Visual Edit) to prioritize real support, accountability, and results. If you've ever felt burned by a course you bought or you're wondering how to create offers that actually help people succeed, this one's for you. *Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why Amy Porterfield really discontinued DCA—and the transparency piece that was missing from her announcementThe difference between low-touch courses that flop and high-touch programs that get results (hint: it's all about support and accountability)How I structure The Visual Edit for a 70%+ completion rate—including weekly calls, personalized feedback, and community accountabilityWhy my Black Friday course sale brought in $22,500 with zero built-in support (and what that says about trust and community)The exact elements that make online programs work in 2026: capped enrollment, hands-on coaching, and leadership (not just lectures)Resources & Links mentioned in the episode: Episode 49: Interview with The Visual Edit alumni, Emily—hear exactly how hands-on support transformed her business and confidenceThe Visual Edit DOORS ARE OPEN—my 6-week high-touch experience for creating a cohesive visual identity (doors open now with $300 off extended. Capped at 30 women! Doors close Friday, Feb 6th.MISSED This Round of TVE? Hop on the waitlist for the next round!Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

    21 min

  7. JAN 26

    52: What's Happening Is Too Big to Ignore: Speaking Out & Still Launching Amid a Crisis

    Sometimes the hardest thing is to keep showing up when the world feels like it's falling apart. In this unedited (literally) episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm processing in real time what it means to stay visible in your business when everything outside your door feels completely wrong. I'm talking about the Minneapolis ICE raids, the fear people are experiencing, and why I'm moving forward with the launch of The Visual Edit even though it feels weird and uncomfortable. If you've ever struggled with whether to speak up, stay silent, or keep working when the world is heavy—this one's for you. Check out the full show notes for this episode HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why I've historically stayed silent on social media and how being an Enneagram 9 has shaped my need to avoid conflictThe moment I decided I couldn't stay quiet anymore—even knowing I'd lose followers and face criticismHow to hold space for heartbreak AND still show up for your business when you're the main providerWhat it means to find your people by saying the hard stuff, even when your voice shakesWhy launching during difficult times doesn't mean you don't care—and how to navigate that tension with integrityResources & Links mentioned in the episode: The Visual Edit DOORS ARE OPEN—my 6-week high-touch experience for creating a cohesive visual identity (doors open now with $300 off for the first 48 hours ONLY - soooo until Wednesday, Jan 28th @ 6 am EST). Only 30 spots available!Episode 49: Interview with The Visual Edit alumni, Emily—hear exactly how hands-on support transformed her business and confidenceConnect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

    13 min

  8. JAN 19

    51: 6 Instagram Post Musts for 2026 That Actually Work (For Solopreneurs)

    Drowning in "new algorithm" posts and conflicting advice about what you must do in 2026? Let's be real: you don't need a total content overhaul. In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I'm breaking down the six things that actually matter for service-based solopreneurs this year—and spoiler alert, it's not about posting more or buying fancy equipment. I'm sharing what's worked for me since 2020 (yes, the same strategy), why fewer high-intent posts beat constant posting, and how to stay visible without burning out. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the content noise out there, this episode will help you breathe easier and focus on what actually moves the needle. Check out the full show notes for this episode CLICK HERE. Things I cover inside this episode: Why people over information is the real strategy—and how to make your content defensible in a world where anyone can Google the "what"The truth about AI in content creation: how I use it for speed without sacrificing personality (and why I almost bought a $1,200 camera but didn't)How fewer, high-intent posts consistently outperform constant posting—plus my exact carousel strategy that reached 58K peopleWhy recurring series are your secret weapon for building momentum and inside jokes with your audience (with a low-effort tip jar method you'll love)The visibility micro-actions that prevent your business from fading slowly—because invisibility is expensive, my friendResources & Links mentioned in the episode: Get on the VIP waitlist for The Visual Edit (doors open January 25th) - where we make your visuals do the heavy lifting through brand systems and templates you can actually maintainJoin the waitlist for The Messaging Edit (returning late September) - my signature program for deep-diving into your messaging clarity and offer languageFollow Amanda's Tech Reel Series (tech and productivity coach mentioned in the episode)Connect with me: 🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights 🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips 🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!

    26 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
99 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Creative Bodega, a podcast about content marketing, Instagram growth, and personal branding designed specifically for female service-based solopreneurs.  Here, we believe you can confidently create engaging content, connect authentically with your audience, and convert followers into loyal customers — all without the burnout. Each week, host Em Connors shares actionable tips and expert advice to help YOU grow your business without letting it take over your life.  From how to spend less time on content creation and more time being strategic to overcoming the overwhelm of navigating tech updates and ever-changing trends, Em answers your toughest questions so you can serve your clients and show up as your best self. Life happens, so Em doesn’t hold back from sharing the unfiltered truth of what it’s like to run a multi-six-figure business and raise a family. In addition to sharing proven strategies straight from her own business, Em spotlights other successful female service providers to find out how they balance family and run a business while staying sane and prioritizing themselves in this crazy season of life.  If you’re ready to turn your content into clients alongside a community of women who understand the struggle, you’re in the right place. 

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