The Flourish Foundry Podcast

Abigail Johansson | Women Entrepreneurship Advocate

A podcast where women in business share their journeys, celebrating entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience. Hosted by a passionate web designer and entrepreneur, this show connects like-minded women to inspire, collaborate, and grow together. Each episode dives into the stories behind successful businesses, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and strategies that empower women to thrive. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about the paths to success, this podcast fosters community and meaningful conversations with extraordinary women who are shaping their industries. 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list  View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. S2 E06: How to Refresh Your Website in 2026 (Without a Full Redesign)

    Jan 20

    S2 E06: How to Refresh Your Website in 2026 (Without a Full Redesign)

    I juuuuust finished my first-ever Website Support Days for two clients from about a year and a half ago. I wanted to share how they chose to use their days, the results, and what to expect. This service is new, but based on how it went, I think it's here to stay! 3 ways to use a Website Support Day to refresh your site in 2026: 1. Update images and service descriptions I recommend doing this quarterly. If you're a client of mine, you have access to tutorials on how to do this. But as entrepreneurs, we know it's not always about capability—it's about time. Even if you can do it, it might take you hours of frustration. You have to decide if swapping images is worth your personal time or if it works better to hire it out. 2. Add new service pages After a year and a half, both clients had major business changes and needed their websites to catch up. While it feels scary to spend the money, an outdated website confuses potential customers and costs you WAY more in lost leads than it costs to fix and improve. 3. Update the backend for platform updates This isn't super sexy to put in sales copy, but it is important! Since launching these sites, Showit added new button and navigation features. I updated the backend to ensure everything works smoothly with the latest tech, even though it wasn't on their wishlist. This client got her hair and eyelashes done while I was working. Arguably, a better way to spend 4 hours. Now, I can't leave you without something practical to take away. Your website doesn’t always need a full redesign; sometimes it just needs thoughtful updates to bring it back into alignment. Here are 6 high-impact updates you can make today in under an hour: 1. Refresh your FAQ section Add three new questions reflecting what customers ask now. Write them the way people actually speak ("How do I…") rather than stiff corporate phrasing. This builds trust and removes friction. Example: Instead of generic pricing questions, a photographer might answer questions about their favorite romantic spots or best lighting times. 2. Fix any “Click Here” links Scan your site for vague links like “Read more” and rename them to be specific. Example: Change it to “Download the 2026 Pricing Guide” or “View current offerings.” This improves clarity and accessibility. 3. Update your copyright year It’s tiny, but it matters. Make sure your footer reflects © 2026 so your site feels current and cared for. 4. Check your welcome email Open the automated email someone receives when they join your list. Does it still sound like you? Does it reflect what you offer today? A warm, relevant welcome sets the tone for everything that follows. 5. Update or rotate testimonials If you’ve had recent wins, let them shine. Swap in one or two testimonials that reflect your current work, pricing, or audience. Social proof should evolve as your business evolves. 6. Replace one stock photo with a real one Just one. A behind-the-scenes shot, a workspace photo, a headshot—anything real. It instantly makes your site feel more human and trustworthy. None of these take long. But together, they make your website feel aligned, intentional, and supportive of the season you’re in. I hope this gives you a gentle, supportive nudge. As always, press reply if you have any feedback. I'd love to hear from you! 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram View our website   Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min
  2. S2 E05: Intentionality and Surrender: A Discipleship-First Approach to Business Growth with Dusty Hegge

    Jan 13

    S2 E05: Intentionality and Surrender: A Discipleship-First Approach to Business Growth with Dusty Hegge

    Host Abi Johansson sits down with Dusty Hegge, a discipleship-first business consultant, operations strategist, and the founder of the "The Percolator" mastermind program. They dive into the essential balance of intentionality (strategic planning and systems) and surrender (trusting God's plan) for Christian entrepreneurs. Dusty shares her hard decision to postpone a dream event to prioritize current clients, outlines the four foundational essentials for business success, and gives practical advice on building simple, repeatable systems and avoiding the pressure of perfectionistic automation.   Key Takeaways Intentionality vs. Surrender: Strategic planning and wise resource stewardship are vital (intentionality), but plans must be held loosely, trusting in God's support and guidance (surrender).The Postponement of a Dream: Dusty shared the difficult but necessary decision to postpone her in-person "Company Retreat" to maintain focus and capacity for established clients and mastermind participants.Foundational Elements: Dusty emphasizes four key business foundations: a website, strategic planning, brand messaging, and brand visuals.Four Growth Essentials: For business growth, focus on these four items:A Visibility PlatformA Nurture Platform (like a podcast)An "Easy Yes" low-ticket offerA Primary or "Bread and Butter" offerAction Over Perfection: Entrepreneurs should avoid the "paralyzing effect of perfectionism" and the pressure to automate everything from day one. Much is learned by taking action and beginning the work.Simple Systems: Systems are simply "the way you get the thing done." They don't always require complicated automation; they can be simple, repeatable rhythms implemented to reduce the biggest friction points in a business.Early Automation Priority: The first automation should be focused on gathering testimonials and reviews. Dusty also recommends a follow-up check-in 2.5 to 3 months post-offboarding for rebooking and long-term feedback.  🫶🏻 Connect with Dusty: Follow on Instagram View her website   🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram View our website   Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  3. S2 E04: How to Customize a Showit Website Template (And Finally Launch Your Site Without Overwhelm)

    12/16/2025

    S2 E04: How to Customize a Showit Website Template (And Finally Launch Your Site Without Overwhelm)

    So you bought a website template on Black Friday. It was beautiful. It felt doable. And now… weeks later… your Instagram bio still says “website coming soon.” First of all—take a breath. This is so completely normal. In this episode of The Flourish Foundry Podcast, I’m walking you through exactly how to customize a Showit website template strategically, not just aesthetically—so you can stop feeling stuck and finally move toward launching with confidence. As women and business owners, we often feel the pressure to do it all ourselves—to prove we’re capable, committed, and serious about our business. If that’s you, this episode is here to come alongside you with clarity, structure, and encouragement. Take the quiz 📣 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the Email List Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min
  4. S2 E02: How I Lowered My Screen Time by 31%

    09/09/2025

    S2 E02: How I Lowered My Screen Time by 31%

    If you find yourself constantly opening Instagram moments after closing it, especially when trying to focus, this episode is for you. I’m sharing how I finally gained control over my worst digital distractions with compassion and understanding, not more self-discipline. The solution isn't willpower; it’s building a better system. This is for the creative business owner who is ready to stop fighting the endless scroll and reclaim their focus. In this episode, we get real about: The automated system I used to decrease my screen time by 31%.My exact settings in the Freedom app for “Focused Work” and a digital Sabbath.Why willpower is a limited resource If you’re ready to trade distraction for deep focus by relying on automation, this episode is for you. 🤍 Explore the Resources Mentioned: Freedom App Free Trail Here (Not Sponsored): https://freedom.to/guest-pass?code=4A951HN Sign up for my email list for more tips on building an intentional business! 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min
  5. S2 E01: ManyChat, Flodesk, Canva: What’s Actually Working in My Business

    09/02/2025

    S2 E01: ManyChat, Flodesk, Canva: What’s Actually Working in My Business

    Ever feel like you’re doing all the “right” things in your business, but they just feel… wrong? You bought the tool everyone raved about, you’re sticking to a traditional schedule, but instead of thriving, you just feel drained. You’re in the right place. In our first episode of Season 2, I’m pulling back the curtain on the systems that were supposed to revolutionize my business but ended up feeling totally out of sync with who I am. Consider this your official permission slip to go against the grain and build a business that truly works for you. In this episode, we get real about: The Manychat Myth: Why I finally canceled my subscription to the popular automation tool and what I’m doing instead to create genuine human connection. Redefining the Work Week: How a wonderful change in my personal life led me to realize the traditional 5-day work week was crushing my creativity and why I’m reclaiming my Fridays for rest. Systems That Actually Spark Joy: A look at the simple, effective tools that are working right now, like the seamless Flodesk + Canva integration for beautiful emails. The Power of Imperfect Action: How a fun, low-stakes social media challenge helped me break free from perfectionism and just create. This conversation is for the solopreneurs, the creatives, and the visionaries who are tired of chasing trends and ready to build a business that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If you’re ready to trade burnout for balance and authenticity, this episode is for you. 🤍 Explore the Resources Mentioned: Sign up for my email list for details on the free fall challenge! 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  6. 012: The Website Platform That Finally Made My Brand Feel Like Me

    06/17/2025

    012: The Website Platform That Finally Made My Brand Feel Like Me

    Hey friends, welcome back to the Flourish Foundry Podcast! 🥂 Staring at your screen, stuck between Wix, Showit, and a dozen other options, wondering where your business's website should live? You’re in the right place. Choosing your website’s home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your brand, and the wrong choice can lead to months of frustration and a site that never quite feels like you. After seeing a new client struggle with this exact problem, I knew we needed to talk about it. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on two of the most popular platforms out there—the all-in-one builder, Wix, and the creative-favorite, Showit—to give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence. In this episode, we break down: Design Flexibility: The real difference between Wix’s templates and Showit’s "move-anything-anywhere" creative freedom.Ease of Use vs. Empowerment: Why a steeper learning curve can sometimes lead to a much better result for your brand.The Blogger's Dilemma: Unpacking the surprising power of the Showit + WordPress integration for SEO and creating beautiful blog content.E-commerce Capabilities: When Wix might actually be the better fit and how to sell products beautifully on Showit.The Final Verdict: How to know which platform truly aligns with your specific goals as a high-achieving, creative business owner. This conversation goes beyond a simple pros-and-cons list. We’re talking about what it means to build a digital home that doesn’t just work, but feels like a true extension of your brand’s heart and soul. 🤍 If you’re a creative entrepreneur, a service provider, or a visionary who’s tired of feeling boxed in by templates and ready to build a website that helps you flourish, this episode was made for you. Explore the Resources Mentioned: Shop our Showit Website Templates in the Corner StoreLearn about our Template Customization Services 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  7. 011: AI Tools vs. the Power of Personal Connection with Ari Hodges

    06/03/2025

    011: AI Tools vs. the Power of Personal Connection with Ari Hodges

    In a world where automation and AI tools are everywhere (yes, even in wedding planning!), there’s still nothing quite like the human touch—and that’s exactly what today’s guest, Ariana Hodges of West Coast Creatives SLC, brings to the table. Ari is a wedding planner, designer, and all-around creative force who’s known for turning bold, unconventional ideas into effortlessly beautiful events. With a background in graphic design and a passion for helping couples stay grounded during the wedding whirlwind, she knows how to balance logistics with heart—and creativity with calm. In this episode, we chat about: The real work wedding planners do behind the scenes (spoiler: it’s not all color palettes and checklists!)Trendy vs. timeless details—and how to make your wedding stand the test of timeWhy human connection will always matter more than automation in a celebration built on loveNavigating family dynamics, stress, and curveballs during wedding seasonHow to design a celebration that reflects your story, not someone else’s Pinterest board We also explore what it looks like to protect the personal, meaningful aspects of business and creativity in an age of instant answers, digital shortcuts, and AI-generated everything. Whether you're planning a wedding, building a creative business, or just craving a reminder that heart-centered work still matters—this one’s for you. Connect with Ari Instagram | Website (designed by me!) 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

About

A podcast where women in business share their journeys, celebrating entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience. Hosted by a passionate web designer and entrepreneur, this show connects like-minded women to inspire, collaborate, and grow together. Each episode dives into the stories behind successful businesses, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and strategies that empower women to thrive. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about the paths to success, this podcast fosters community and meaningful conversations with extraordinary women who are shaping their industries. 🫶🏻 Stay updated with all things Flourish Foundry: Follow on Instagram Join the email list  View our website  Music: "Great podcast intro (both short and long version included)" by Lundstroem. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lundstroem/songs-for-leona/great-podcast-intro-both-short-and-long-version-included/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.