The Creative Business Community Podcast

Creative Business Community
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  • Entrepreneurship

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. 4d ago

    Designer vs Maker - Which One Are You?

    This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin and Ronnie unpack one of the questions they get asked most: what counts as handmade versus locally designed. They break down how these definitions apply across the two flagship events run by MarketLife — Perth Makers Market (strictly handmade by you in WA) and Perth Upmarket (original, locally designed, high‑end). They talk about why clarity matters for fairness, brand integrity and a great customer experience. Expect plenty of nuance and real-world examples: 3D printing (when it flies and when it doesn’t), upcycling vintage clothing, fine art and prints versus mass produced merch, crochet from patterns, embellishing store-bought pieces, machine embroidery, and a their firm stance on AI‑generated art. They also share how applications are assessed via the MarketLife Stallholder Portal, why strong images and transparent process notes are essential, and why exclusivity and balance across categories matter — plus a heads-up on “product creep” as businesses grow. Thinking of adding a new product after acceptance? Make sure to ask first. They finish with a call to keep the conversation open and as always, our Creative Business Spotlight. Creative Business Spotlight: Prismatic Brush Website: https://prismaticbrush.com/ Instagram: @prismaticbrush Facebook: Prismatic Brush YouTube: Prismatic Brush

  2. 4d ago

    In Conversation with Ms Fancy Pants Laser

    This week on the Creative Business Community, Erin chats with Janice, founder of Miss Fancy Pants Laser Engraving in Bunbury, WA. Janice started out making wooden jewellery and outsourcing the engraving to Perth, until long drives and lost-in-translation design notes pushed her to bring a laser in-house. That single laser has since grown into a four-laser studio known for nature-inspired designs and a breakout range of textured rolling pins loved by bakers and ceramicists. Janice shares the dream that sparked her engraved cheese boards, how a pottery hobby became a real focus for the business side of things, and why keeping things mostly in-house (including 3D printing with her engineer son's help) helps them stay nimble. We also get real about the juggle: splitting time between workshop, design and admin, backing a hero range, knowing when to say no to custom work, and using big markets and pop-ups shops to get seen. Along the way there are plenty of practical takeaways, from planning early for the silly season (and calling in grandma!) to staying true to your style and guarding quality like a hawk. Janice also opens up about choosing to adapt when competition spiked post-COVID, and talks straight about costs, pricing and reinvesting through the first 18–24 months. Connect with our guest! Find Ms Fancy Pants Laser: Website: https://www.msfancypantslaser.com.au/  Instagram: @msfancypantslasercutting Facebook: Ms Fancy Pants Laser Engraving Creative Business Spotlight: Tree of Life Saramics Website: https://www.treeoflifesaramics.au/ Instagram: @treeoflifesaramics Facebook: Tree of Life Saramics

  3. Sep 21

    Scam Watch - What to Look For as a Stallholder

    Scams are getting more prevalent in the market community. Not only that, they are unfortunately getting smarter — and stallholders are paying the price. This week, we talk scams targeted at the market stallholder community. We unpack the latest cons targeting makers and market traders, from Facebook impersonation and “DM me for details” comments to dodgy emails selling databases and fake event invites. We're chatting about what some of the key red flags to look out for are, how to verify if a market is real (think official channels, council permits and event listings), what legitimate comms and invoicing should look like, and the three things we at the MarketLife team will never do. We’ll talk about how to spot AI-heavy promos, keep payments safe, and exactly what to do if you suspect a scam — so you can protect your money and your fellow stallholders. Share this episode with your creative business community so they can know what to look out for too! Creative Business Spotlight: Crochet by Brewer Website: https://www.crochetbybrewer.com.au/  Instagram: @crochetbybrewer Facebook: Crochet by Brewer

  4. Sep 14

    In Conversation with Stephanie White

    This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin sit's down with Perth-based branding photographer and videographer Steph White, founder of Stef Spills Ink - our very first guest of season two! We chat about how a life changing injury helped spark Steph's creative career, how she scaled by thinking like an operator, and why her next chapter blends creative with strategy through high-performing Meta ads. In this conversation, Steph unpacks what brand photography really is (and why it’s not just pretty pictures), the questions a real brand photographer should ask before a shoot, and the strategic imagery every business needs across websites, socials and ads. We talk common mistakes — from having no photos to leaning too hard on AI — the current trust recession, why showing your face matters, and how to stand out in a red ocean. If you want imagery that converts and a business you love running, this one’s for you. Connect with our guest! Find Stef Spills Ink: Website: https://www.stefspillsink.com.au Instagram: @stefspillsink Facebook: Stephanie White Pinerest: Stef Spills Ink Creative Business Spotlight: Sol Tank Studio Website: https://www.soltankstudio.com.au/  Instagram: @soltankstudio Facebook: Sol Tank Studio

  5. Sep 7

    What to Actually Post When you Run a Creative Business

    This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, we’re digging into what to actually post on social media as a small creative business. We break down reels vs carousels — when to use each — and why authenticity and showing the real human behind the work beats AI every time. You’ll get niche-specific tips for food trucks (mouth‑watering video, share locations in Stories), clothing (show movement on real bodies, style with intention), jewellery (close-ups, strong branding, educate on care), workshops (sell the experience and community), and ceramics (why simple image carousels still win). We share an easy posting rhythm, how to choose growth vs depth, and quick wins you can action today: film your process, create a pinned “about me” carousel, and try a “facts that’ll make you follow/unfollow” post. Plus, our Creative Business Spotlight! Creative Business Spotlight: Just Dumplings Website: https://www.justdumplings.com.au/  Instagram: @justdumplingswa Facebook: Just Dumplings

  6. Aug 31

    Welcome Back to Creative Business Community

    Welcome back to the Creative Business Community podcast!   After a longer-than-planned break, we are kicking off Season 2 with a fresh, sharper focus: expect deep dives into marketing and social media for creative small businesses as well as our conversation with creative business owners. In this short welcome-back episode, we reflect on how fast everything’s shifting — from the economy to ever-changing social platforms and the creeping presence of AI in our tools. This season, expect practical, nitty-gritty guidance across: Social media PR, promotion and in-person marketing Real-world strategies that suit creatives working solo or in small studios Great chats with fellow creative entrepreneurs You’ll still hear candid stories from fellow creatives, plus plans for a roundtable episode featuring multiple voices. If you’d like to share your journey (whether you’re in Perth or anywhere in the world) we would love to hear from you. Grab a cuppa and settle in. We’re here to help you feel less isolated, more informed, and ready to market the business you love. Follow/subscribe and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or via our website—just search Creative Business Community.

  7. May 4

    Season One Wrap Up!

    It’s our Season One finale and 30th episode! In this episode, Erin and Ronnie look back at the moments that mattered most, from the unexpectedly powerful chat on creativity and mental health to the lessons learned from an incredible line-up of guests. They distil five big takeaways — why simple social media is worth it, how branding sets your foundation, the non‑negotiable admin, business plans that actually guide you, and why community always beats competition. You’ll also hear how structure creates space for creative play, why balance is a shared struggle, and how past life experience can supercharge your creative business. Go behind the scenes with honest confessions about batching, editing mishaps, tech hiccups and those days when the vibes just aren’t vibing (plus the eternal studio debate: coffee vs Diet Coke). Then, a sneak peek at Season Two: deeper dives into the Instagram algorithm, influencers and AI, working with friends and family, real talk on money and accounting with expert guests, and fresh voices from across creative industries—yes, even a spicy romance author (well, a girl can dream anyway!). We want your input to shape what’s next. Share your thoughts via the feedback form in the show notes for the chance to snag a free mini social media audit (or setup basics if you’re just starting out). Join the Creative Business Community Hub on Facebook and connect with us on socials.  Let us know your thoughts about the Creative Business Community Podcast! We are busy planning season 2 and want to make sure we are hitting the mark. As an added incentive, if you fill in the feedback form, you go in the draw to win a FREE social media audit! Don't have your social media set up? No worries, instead we can offer you a FREE consult to get them set up!   Let Us Know Your Thoughts Here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/6f29a91726408721cb7f4963f9731789?r=use1

  8. Apr 27

    Going Viral - The Dream, The Myth, The Reality

    This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin is joined by our PR and marketing whiz, Renee, to unpack the hype around “going viral” — why it shouldn’t be your north star and what to focus on instead.   We dig into what viral really means across platforms (including the surprise rise of Facebook Reels), the metrics that matter most (views vs viewers, watch time and location), and the hidden downsides — trolls, admin blowouts and audiences that won’t convert. Renee shares a real-world case study from our client Women on the Tools, whose 1.6M-view reel delivered sold-out workshops, media attention and global enquiries — along with serious operational overwhelm. You’ll come away with practical ways to prepare and profit: set up auto-responses and funnels, balance awareness and sales content, write emotion-led hooks, caption for sound-off viewing, and know when to boost or back off.   Plus, our Creative Business Spotlight! Creative Business Spotlight: Seed Station Website: https://www.seedstation.com.au/  Instagram: @seed.station Facebook: Seed Station

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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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