The Creative Business Community Podcast

Creative Business Community
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The Creative Business Community Podcast, hosted by Erin Madeley, is all about giving creative business owners a platform to share their stories, insights, and lessons learned. Each episode dives into the realities of running a creative business, uncovering both the inspiring successes and the challenges behind the scenes. Alongside guest interviews, the podcast tackles common misconceptions in business—breaking them down with practical advice and clear answers to help creative entrepreneurs make informed decisions. The goal is to provide listeners with both relatable experiences and actionable takeaways they can apply in their own businesses. At its heart, the podcast reflects the Creative Business Community’s mission: to empower and support creative entrepreneurs by fostering collaboration, learning, and growth. It’s a space to nurture creativity, encourage business excellence, and build a sustainable community where business owners feel equipped, inspired, and connected.

  1. 16H AGO

    The Unsexy Essential: Protecting Your Small Business

    In this episode, Erin and Ronnie kick off from their new studio — our first video episode on YouTube — and tackle a decidedly unsexy but critical topic: insurance for creative businesses. We demystify what you actually need depending on how you work — whether you’re a market stallholder, maker, workshop host, hairdresser or service provider. We chat about why insurance is about peace of mind, not fear. You’ll hear how to run a quick risk assessment, what public liability typically covers (and why $10m is standard at Aussie markets), when product liability matters (especially for food, children’s toys and skincare), and the role of contents/equipment cover, workers’ compensation, income protection and professional indemnity. We unpack one‑off event cover vs getting your own policy, why sole traders can be personally liable, how an insurance broker can save time, and the importance of updating cover as your business evolves. Plus, a nudge to review your policy today and a heartfelt shout‑out for this weeks Creative Business Spotlight. Creative Business Spotlight: Elia Balms and Blends Website: https://eliabalmsandblends.com.au/  Instagram: @eliabalmsandblends Facebook: Elia Balms and Blends

    29 min

  2. 3D AGO

    In Conversation with Sally Victoria Couture

    This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin chats with Perth-based bridal designer Sally of Sally Victoria Couture. From market stalls to her first custom wedding gown, Sally shares how a love of beading, corsetry and craftsmanship evolved into a couture brand built for modern brides—and a business designed to flex around life as a mum. We cover her rebrand to a more scalable, sale-ready identity, why she keeps production in-house for quality and uniqueness, and how she’s expanding with virtual appointments for East Coast brides. Sally lifts the veil on her process—sketch-to-toile-to-final with six to seven fittings and total transparency—plus the systems that keep creativity and business in balance, from time-blocking to carving out protected “play” time. She talks pricing and worth, defining her ideal client avatar, finding the right mentors, and the pinch-me moment of seeing her gowns on the Brownlow red carpet.   Connect with our guest! Find Sally Victoria Couture: Website: https://www.sallyvictoriacouture.com/  Instagram: @sallyvictoriacouture Facebook: @sallyvictoriacouture Creative Business Spotlight: Curated by Georgie Portfolio: Curated by Georgie Instagram: @curated.by.georgie TikTok:  @curated.by.georgie

    39 min

  3. FEB 9

    Setting Up Your Market Stall for Success

    This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, we’re getting real about market stalls. Erin and Ronnie share what actually works — from telling your own audience you’ll be there (don’t just rely on the organiser) to packing smart with a labelled setup and a trusty Market Go Box. Think battery pack and cables, your card reader plus bank details if tap-and-go fails, a mini first-aid kit and weather gear. They even suggest a full test run at home: tape out your stall size, build it once, and pack in the order you’ll set up. Then it’s all about making your stall do the selling. Add height so people can see over the crowd, keep it clutter-free, style to your brand and make pricing obvious. Sort your lighting — aim for consistent daylight-style and watch those blue gazebos — and plan a layout that flows. Set a clear point of sale, group products sensibly, and keep small high-value items (like jewellery) close and secure. And remember, you’re part of the display. Dress on-brand, stand up, smile and say hi — don’t hide on your phone! Pack a change of clothes, deodorant and comfy, supportive shoes. Look after yourself: water, sunscreen, snack breaks, and tag in a mate or stall neighbour when you need five. Jot quick notes throughout the day so you know what to tweak next time. Don't forget to share your stall pics and tips with our community on social media!   Download our Market Go Box Checklist here.   Creative Business Spotlight: Zeezbeez Website: https://www.zeezbeez.com/   Instagram: @zeezbeez.honey Facebook:  @zeezbeezroleystone

    43 min

  4. FEB 1

    From Studio to Community: House of Hobby’s Journey

    In this episode of the Creative Business Community podcast, Erin chats with artist and workshop leader Emilie Otto, owner of Perth’s House of Hobby. Emilie shares how she went from graphic design to illustration to lounge-room workshops — and then took she the leap to buy an existing business during COVID. Emilie unpacks the pros and cons of stepping into someone else’s setup, why she moved from a mobile model to a dedicated studio to control the customer experience, and how she balances subcontracted creatives with in-house staff. You’ll hear candid lessons on innovating at the pace of social media, testing new offers (including flops), leading with clear, visual training, and handling feedback without taking it to heart. Emilie also reveals the power of a razor-sharp customer persona, the realities of rising costs, what to outsource first (hello, insurance broker), and the joy of building creative community. Tune in for practical, heartfelt insights you can apply to your own creative business. Connect with our guest! Find House of Hobby: Website: https://www.houseofhobby.net/  Instagram: @houseofhobbyau Facebook: House of Hobby TikTok: @houseofhobby Connect with our guest! Find Emilie Otto Art: Website: https://emilieotto.com.au/ Instagram: @emilieottoart Facebook: Emilie Otto Art YouTube: Emilie Otto Art Creative Business Spotlight: The Potters Market Website: https://thepottersmarket.com.au/  Instagram: @the.potters.market Facebook:  The Potters Market

    35 min

  5. JAN 26

    From Markets to TikTok: Reaching the Next Gen

    Erin, Renee and Kyah break down how Gen Z behaves online and what that means for creative businesses. Get practical tactics to reach younger audiences while staying authentic.   This week on the Creative Business Community podcast, Erin is joined by Renee and our resident Gen Z voice, Kyah, to unpack how younger audiences actually show up online—and what that means for your creative business. We dive into platform habits (why Gen Z often prefers Instagram Reels over TikTok, how Facebook fits, and where YouTube sits), why short‑form video and fast hooks matter, and how to reach Gen Z without chasing every trend. Expect practical tips on storytelling that feels human, building trust through in‑person community, and why email marketing still punches well above its weight. We talk owning mistakes (and why that grows loyalty), what the algorithm really rewards, and where AI can help—or hurt—your brand’s authenticity. Plus, we explore generational differences in creative practice and how to keep your content fresh without losing your voice.  Creative Business Spotlight: Common Ground Collective. You can find them on: Instagram: @cmmngrnd Facebook: @cmmngrnd Website: https://commongroundcollective.com.au/

    39 min

  6. JAN 20

    Beyond Balance: Building a Work - Life Blend

    Work–life balance is a myth for many creative small business owners; here’s how to build a realistic work–life blend. Erin and Ronnie share straightforward tactics for boundaries, time, support and mental health. This week on the Creative Business Community podcast, Erin and Ronnie unpack the myth of work–life balance and lean into a healthier work–life blend for creatives, parents and anyone juggling a small business with, well, life. Erin shares how her routine has evolved over a decade in business—from late-night office stints and firm school-hours boundaries to bringing in help, weathering COVID, then navigating burnout and chronic illness. They speak candidly about privilege and support networks, and offer practical strategies if you’re flying solo: get clear on your why, set boundaries clients respect, track and audit your time, create simple switch-off rituals, and build a personal support crew. You’ll hear how to communicate at home (do you need solutions or space to vent?), involve your kids in decisions, and why you truly can’t pour from an empty cup.    Creative Business Spotlight: Suk Workwear. You can find them on: Instagram: @sukworksear Facebook: @sukworkwear Website: https://sukworkwear.com.au/

    37 min

  7. JAN 13

    Community, Craft, and Mental Health

    This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, hosts Erin Madeley and Ronnie Motroni chat about the powerful link between creativity and mental health. In a world of fast-paced living and doom scrolling, we explore how making with your hands slows you down, boosts dopamine, lowers stress, and helps you drop into that restorative “flow” state. From pottery, knitting and scrapbooking to makeup, gardening, cooking, Lego and even rearranging your furniture, they unpack why creativity is for everyone—not just “arty” types—and why the process matters far more than a perfect end result. You’ll hear: Practical ways to swap your phone for a short, creative moment How boredom and repetition build neuroplasticity and better problem-solving Gentle permission to start small, not finish every project, and keep some things just for you Tips on finding community—DIY craft clubs, workshops, online groups Budget-friendly supplies from op shops and Kmart Personal stories of burnout, recovery and using creativity as a genuine antidote to stress Tune in for science-backed insights, real talk and easy habits to help you feel calmer, more present and more inspired—one small creative act at a time.   TED Talk on How Boredom Can Lead to Your Most Brilliant Ideas with Manoush Zomorodi: https://youtu.be/c73Q8oQmwzo?si=lbkM-oGkois-w975  This week's Creative Business Spotlight: Fremantle Pottery Instagram: @fremantlepottery Stocked at Common Ground Collective in Fremantle

    38 min

  8. JAN 6

    Shampoo Bars With Heart: Building Margaret River Made

    This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin sits down with Tracey, founder of Margaret River Made — a natural skincare and haircare brand born in Margaret River and now based in Perth. Tracey shares how a love of plants, sustainability and wellness took her from soap-making to salon-quality shampoo and conditioner bars, including a chemo-friendly formula created for a friend, and an anti-dandruff bar that transformed her own scalp health. We dive into what it takes to build a values-led brand: choosing effective, nature-inspired ingredients, why pH matters for skin and scalp, proteins that protect colour (hello, quinoa), and the blend of botanicals and green chemistry behind her products. Tracey opens up about navigating her husband’s life-changing accident, scaling production without losing soul, and the moment she stepped away from wholesale to obsess over an exceptional direct-to-customer experience. Expect candid lessons on branding, markets, websites, team-building, and the number-one rule: don’t give up. By the end, you’ll have practical, no-fluff takeaways on choosing smarter ingredients, protecting coloured hair with bars, simplifying sustainable packaging, and crafting an unboxing experience that keeps customers coming back. If you’re keen to build a values-first brand without burning out, this one’s for you. Press play and let’s dive in. Tracey's Favourites: Anti Dandruff Shampoo Bar Maya Perfume Hyaluronic Acid & Kiwi Seed Face Cream Creative Business Spotlight: The Mulberry Pig. You can find them on: Instagram: @the_mulberry_pig Facebook: @mulberry_pig Website: https://themulberrypig.com/

    41 min
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About

The Creative Business Community Podcast, hosted by Erin Madeley, is all about giving creative business owners a platform to share their stories, insights, and lessons learned. Each episode dives into the realities of running a creative business, uncovering both the inspiring successes and the challenges behind the scenes. Alongside guest interviews, the podcast tackles common misconceptions in business—breaking them down with practical advice and clear answers to help creative entrepreneurs make informed decisions. The goal is to provide listeners with both relatable experiences and actionable takeaways they can apply in their own businesses. At its heart, the podcast reflects the Creative Business Community’s mission: to empower and support creative entrepreneurs by fostering collaboration, learning, and growth. It’s a space to nurture creativity, encourage business excellence, and build a sustainable community where business owners feel equipped, inspired, and connected.

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