Taking Five

Luz Perez Brown
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Taking Five is the podcast for warm-hearted founders navigating the messy middle of business—where things are working, but you know they could work better. Hosted by Luz Perez Brown, operations strategist, designer, and founder of Willow and Jax, each episode features honest conversations with creative service providers who've made brave pivots, set boundaries, grown their businesses slow and steady, and learned to trust themselves along the way. You'll hear real stories about reinvention, sustainable growth, choosing the uncomfortable path, and what it really takes to build a business that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If you're ready to rethink the rules, slow down to speed up, and build with more intention, this is your invitation to take five.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 2: Leading with Stillness, How Dalia Soles Prioritizes Family, Mental Health, and Team Autonomy

    In this episode, I'm sitting down with Dalia Soles of Design Assisted, an interior design operations expert who's experienced some serious personal and professional transformation over the past year. Dalia gets real about what it's been like to navigate the shifts in her business while prioritizing her mental health, strengthening her marriage, and learning to create more space for stillness and patience. We talk about transitioning into a family business with her husband, and how that's changed the way she shows up as a leader. We also get into: How understanding your nervous system can change the way you manage stressWhy patience and stillness are essential for sustainable growthWhat it looks like to transition into a family business (and make sure your marriage stays strong)Rethinking marketing as connection, not just visibilityHow travel can shift your perspective and open new doors If you've ever felt stuck between who you were and who you're becoming, this conversation will remind you that change doesn't have to be rushed—it can be intentional, grounded, and deeply meaningful. Connect with Dalia Soles: Website: https://designassisted.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designassisted/ Mentioned on the podcast:  Intuition Coach Emily Judice: https://www.instagram.com/thatgirlemilyjudice/ Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/takingfive

    1 hr

  2. 2D AGO

    Ep 1: Built in Seasons: Finishing, Pausing, and Starting Again for Steady Momentum

    Welcome to Season Two of Taking Five! In this solo episode, I'm getting into why I structure this podcast, and honestly, most of my goals in seasons instead of committing to something open-ended and indefinite. If you've ever started something with excitement only to watch it fizzle out halfway through, I'm sharing why having a finish line changes everything, what I did during the pause between Season One and Season Two, and how you can use this same strategy to finally finish what you start. We also get into: Why projects with no end date tend to lose momentum (and how seasons fix that)The power of public accountability and picking a dateHow to know when something is "done" and why that mattersThe difference between back-pocket offers and full-time commitmentsWhy thinking in sprints might be the key to sustainable growth If you're a project-based person like me, or if you've been putting off a goal because it feels too big, this episode will show you how to break it down, commit to a season, and actually follow through. What's coming this season: Season Two is packed with honest conversations about stepping away from long-term careers, pivoting without being emotionally tied to money, how visibility affects your life, and learning to trust your intuition even when the path forward isn't clear. Mentioned in the podcast:  Start With Clarity Workshop → willowandjax.com/startwithclarity Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/takingfive

    9 min

  3. 11/17/2025

    Ep 7: Season Reflections, Following Courage, Curiosity, and the Decisions That Shape Us

    Hi friends! In this season finale, I'm taking a moment to pause and reflect on the journey we've shared inside Taking Five. What began as a small creative project has grown into something so meaningful, thanks to the conversations I've had with each guest and the stories you've shared with me along the way. In this episode, I'm revisiting some of my favorite takeaways from the season—from the quiet bravery behind making aligned decisions (even when they feel scary) to continuously working from a place of intention. These conversations reminded me that there is always more (or sometimes less) waiting on the other side of a choice, and that ambition is more about commitment than it is about desire. I also share what's coming next for the show as we move into Season Two. Follow all of this season's amazing guests:Kaitlyn Parker // Copy Uncorked: https://www.instagram.com/copyuncorked/Samantha MacKinnon: https://www.instagram.com/strategybysam/Maggie Reina // Viola Hill Studio: https://www.instagram.com/violahillstudio/Brooke Stoll: https://www.instagram.com/brooke__stoll_/Xanthe Appleyard // Oh Sierra: https://www.instagram.com/xanthe.appleyard/ Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/takingfive Thank you for tuning in, sharing your messages, and being part of this little corner of the internet. I'm so grateful you're here. Here's to more clarity, more alignment, and more courage in the next season!

    8 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    Ep 6: Soft Strategy in a Noisy World, How Xanthe Appleyard Creates from Capacity & Connection

    In this episode of Taking Five, I'm joined by Xanthe Appleyard of Oh Sierra, a social media strategist, content creator, and writer who's made it her mission to bring more ease and authenticity into the digital space. We chat about what it really looks like to build an intentional, sustainable rhythm in your creation practice. Xanthe shares how she balances structure with spontaneity, makes space for reflection before planning, and finds joy in showing up online without the pressure to constantly perform. Our conversation touches on: Building systems that support your creative flow (without stifling it)Staying honest about your capacity and energy in each seasonThe role of reflection in sustainable growthFinding ease and connection in how you share your workLetting simplicity be your strategy in a noisy online world This episode is an invitation to rethink how you approach strategy—as something soft, flexible, and rooted in self-awareness. Because sometimes the best way to grow is to slow down, reflect, and create from a place that just feels good. Connect with Xanthe Appleyard from Oh Sierra:Web: https://ohsierra.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xanthe.appleyardIn this episode: https://ohsierra.ca/life-of-the-party Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/takingfive

    46 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    Ep 5: The Power of Saying No, How Brooke Stoll Niches Down, Raises Rates, and Grows Sustainably

    In this conversation, I sit down with Brooke Stoll, a strategic consultant for interior designers who's built her business around clarity, community, and intentional growth. Brooke shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, and how learning to say no to misaligned work, outdated pricing, and unnecessary pressure opened the door to more aligned opportunities and impact. We also get into: How community really is the heartbeat of sustainable growthWhy focusing on less can actually help your business grow moreThe emotional leap behind raising your ratesHow a little data goes a long way when making decisionsWhy saying no is an act of trust, and often the first step to more freedom If you've ever felt stagnant and wondered how to step into the next version of yourself and your business, this episode is for you. Connect with Brooke Stoll:Website: https://www.brookestoll.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooke__stoll_/ Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/takingfive

    54 min

  6. 10/10/2025

    Ep 4: Whitespace by Design, How Maggie Reina Works 20 Hours a Week at Full-Time Income

    In this episode of Taking Five, I'm chatting with brand designer and creative business owner Maggie Reina of Viola Hill Studio about building a business that prioritizes space. Space to create, to think, and to live fully. Maggie shares her journey from corporate designer to studio owner, reflecting on how she built her business around systems that give her more time freedom. We explore what it looks like to work just 20 hours a week while maintaining (and even increasing) profitability, and how structure can create more room for creativity. We also get into: Making the leap from corporate life to creative entrepreneurshipHow freelancing built her confidence before launching her studioStreamlining project management with automation and structureThe art of working just 20 hours a week (and staying profitable!)Creating whitespace to overcome creative blocks and spark inspirationWhat it means to define success differently in each season of life This episode is a reminder that growth doesn't always mean doing bigger. Sometimes, it's about creating space to sustain what you've already built. Connect with Maggie Reina:Web: https://www.violahillstudio.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violahillstudioIn this episode: https://www.ptstudioframework.com/ Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/takingfive

    51 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Ep 3: Data Isn't a Dirty Word, How Samantha MacKinnon Uses Metrics to Make Smart Decisions

    In this episode, I'm joined by Samantha MacKinnon (aka Strategy by Sam), an operations strategist who wears many hats: fixer, planner, and big-picture thinker. We dive into the world of CEO Days and why they're so much more than vision boarding and big dreams. Sam makes the case for bringing data into the room and shows us how tracking the right numbers can unlock more clarity and time freedom. We also get into: The emotional labor that comes with supporting founders (and why it matters)Why data isn't about spreadsheets, but about making aligned decisionsThe 5 revenue gaps to watch for if you want to see quick winsSimple automations and micro-shifts that create more breathing roomHow time freedom really is possible when you pair strategy with systems If you've ever rolled your eyes at metrics or felt like data was too dry for your creative business, this episode will give you a fresh, human perspective. Connect with Samantha MacKinnon:Web: https://samanthamackinnon.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategybysam/In this episode: https://samanthamackinnon.com/fixr-series Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/takingfive

    50 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    Ep 2: The Mother of All Pivots, How Kaitlyn Parker Redefined Her Business After Maternity Leave

    In this episode, I'm joined by Kaitlyn Parker from Copy Uncorked, a copywriter and agency owner who's walked through maternity leave, scaled her team up (and back down), and leaned into new tools to support her work. We talk about how becoming a mom reshaped her vision of success, and why giving yourself permission to pivot is sometimes the smartest business move you can make. We also get into: The messy middle of running a business while raising little onesWhat it looks like to step away from a team and simplify your modelHow self-trust carries you through life and business seasonsWhy flexibility + alignment matter more than "hustle" If you've ever wondered how to blend motherhood and entrepreneurship without losing yourself, this conversation will remind you that business can evolve right alongside you. Connect with Kaitlyn Parker:Website: https://copyuncorked.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copyuncorked/In this episode: https://copyuncorked.myflodesk.com/dash-distilled Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops → https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/margins

    48 min

  9. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Ep 1: Permission to Pause, Taking Strategic Breaks For More Clarity, Focus, and Creativity

    Welcome to the first episode of Taking Five! I'm Luz, and I created this show as a place for creative entrepreneurs to exhale. Think of it as a coffee break with friends who get it. I started this podcast because I know how messy and overwhelming the middle of business can feel. We're wearing all the hats, juggling all the roles, and sometimes it feels like we can't come up for air. This is your reminder that it's okay to pause. Around here, we're talking about what it really looks like to build a sustainable business, navigating the ups and downs, and finding joy in the process. You'll hear honest conversations with women in the creative space who are redefining success on their own terms—and hopefully, you'll walk away feeling seen, supported, and ready to breathe a little deeper. Never miss an episode: Join my email list for behind-the-scenes notes and new episode drops → https://willowandjax.myflodesk.com/margins

    8 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Taking Five is the podcast for warm-hearted founders navigating the messy middle of business—where things are working, but you know they could work better. Hosted by Luz Perez Brown, operations strategist, designer, and founder of Willow and Jax, each episode features honest conversations with creative service providers who've made brave pivots, set boundaries, grown their businesses slow and steady, and learned to trust themselves along the way. You'll hear real stories about reinvention, sustainable growth, choosing the uncomfortable path, and what it really takes to build a business that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If you're ready to rethink the rules, slow down to speed up, and build with more intention, this is your invitation to take five.

Information

  • Creator
    Luz Perez Brown
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Luz Perez Brown