The Solo Grind

Teresa Schlup, The Original Caffeine Creative
  • 5.0 (8)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the solo grind. Your weekly coffee break with a fellow solo entrepreneur who's right there in it with you. I am Teresa Schlup the original caffeine creative and this is where real business meets real life. No hype just honest conversations about building a business on your own terms. We talk mindset, strategy, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between because going solo doesn't mean doing it alone.Grab a cup of coffee, find your favorite spot, and let's talk about what it really takes to do this thing solo. 

  1. The "Fairy Tale" Business Mindset

    6D AGO

    The "Fairy Tale" Business Mindset

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever caught yourself waiting for a "magic bean" or a "glass slipper" moment to finally catapult your business to the next level? I've been there, and even when it does happen it is never as great as we think it will be. Today, I’m taking a trip down fairytale lane to look at how the stories we loved as kids, and the ones we still tell ourselves today, that might be messing with our business mindset. ​ I am sharing why I actually think Jack and the Beanstalk is really a story about a lazy thief how Cinderella is actually one incredibly empowered woman who didn't need saving.  We’re diving into: The Integrity Filter: Why popular opinion shouldn't dictate your business ethics.The "Ever After" Shift: Lessons from my favorite movie, Ever After, on why you don’t need a fairy godmother (or a viral video) to save you.Strategic Hard Work vs. Busy Work: Shifting the narrative from waiting for "the big break" to creating your own luck through resilience.Dealing with the "Stepmothers": How to protect your energy from people who try to diminish your worth.What I hope you take away from today's episode...  Don't be afraid to let your ideas and perceptions be challenged.  Embrace the good in life... ALWAYS! You don't need to be saved or rescued. You create your own dream... your own success. Only you can shift the narrative playing out in your mind. Links to the cool stuff mentioned in this episode...  Movie: Ever After: A Cinderella Story Links to connect with me... Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/) Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

    22 min
  2. The Power of Design with Angela Cunningham

    MAR 31

    The Power of Design with Angela Cunningham

    Send us Fan Mail One of the things I hear the most from new potential clients is, "I just don't know that I... have enough... am enough... to have a good website." And from my seat at the computer looking in I see how much modesty is getting in the way of letting them shine!  Most of us are way better at what we do than we give ourselves credit for, and yet we sometimes still play small and hide waiting for "one day" when we are ready. Today I am chatting with my client, Angela Cunningham of Hemstitch Interior Design who decided not to wait, and who's new website has helped her shine for the world to see in new and unexpected ways.  We talk about about websites, copywriting, the process of getting to launch and what it really looks like to be an interior designer.  What I hope you take away from today's episode...  The importance of strategic content, including words and images, for SEO and client attractionHow a well-crafted website acts as a digital handshake and confidence boosterThe process behind capturing a client’s personality and business essenceOvercoming modesty and self-doubt to confidently promote your expertiseDesigning with purpose: reflecting processes, values, and personalityLinks to the cool stuff mentioned in this episode... Checkout Angela's website at https://hemstitchdesign.net/ Meet our copywriter Emily Aborn at https://emilyaborn.com/ Links to connect with me... Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/) Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

    31 min
  3. The Down & Dirty Truth of Transformation with Rachel Burr

    MAR 24

    The Down & Dirty Truth of Transformation with Rachel Burr

    Send us Fan Mail We often think of transformation as this magical moment when everything beautifully falls into place, but for me transformation is far from beautiful. It is messy, ugly and comes with lots of doubts and tears, and yet, I continue to seek out change because on the other side of that ugly transformation is always something better. If you are going through your own transformation or just thinking about it, today’s episode is for you…  What I hope you take away from today's episode...  The myth of quick transformation and the reality of messy, gooey growthHow to get comfortable with discomfort and lean into it for personal growthThe importance of self-awareness, clarity, and ownership in decision-makingThe role of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership and entrepreneurshipRecognizing that safety is an illusion, and true growth requires riskBuilding your path based on your unique strengths, passions, and valuesThe butterfly analogy: transformation as a process of breaking down to build up anewPractical tools: journaling, coaching, and combining logic with emotionThe significance of small steps and celebrating efforts along the journey Challenging the societal myth of overnight success and magical formulasConnect with Rachel  Website: https://rachelmburr.comBook: "Butterfly Goo: The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation" : https://rachelmburr.com/butterfly-goo-book LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmburr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.m.burr.1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.m.burr Links to connect with me...  Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/) Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

    45 min
  4. Do You Have What It Takes to Make The “Dream” Happen?

    MAR 17

    Do You Have What It Takes to Make The “Dream” Happen?

    Send us Fan Mail Do you have what it takes to make your dreams happen? This is a question a lot of us struggle with, when building our business, especially building a business solo. And we often hear well intentioned encouragement that says something like... "You can do anything you put your mind to." That is sweet and kind of true, but it takes a lot more than will power to make this dream of running a business come true, and today I am sharing with you the 8 character strengths that all solopreneurs need to find the success they are chasing What I am talking about in today's episode...  The doubts we all face at some point A flip of the script to the well intentioned encouragementWhy have a "will" doesn't always mean finding the right way The 8 character strengths you need Links to the cool stuff mentioned in this episode...  Ep. 72. Can I Really Get Paid to Do This? Succeeding as a Solopreneur Links to connect with me...  Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/) Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

    36 min
  5. Can I Really Get Paid to Do This?

    MAR 3

    Can I Really Get Paid to Do This?

    Send us Fan Mail  I recently had a fascinating conversation about the Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell? It has been years since I really did anything with this, but I admit it is one of those concepts that has stuck with me. Just in case you haven’t heard about it, or need a refresher, it is a journey of struggle, triumph and transformation that we all go through. One where the hero overcomes incredible obstacles to become this amazing and inspirational person. It is a beautifully simplistic romantic story and one we all can relate to, especially on this entrepreneurial journey,  Simplicity IS unrealistic when building a life and business of your dreams, and yet it is a path we all still follow. What I hope you take away from today's episode...  There is no "one right way" to explore the dream Sometimes taking the route of strategy and exploration is what you need Sometimes you may want to dive in and learn by doing Both paths can lead to success or disaster, so it really comes down to choosing what's right for you. And most importantly... No one can choose the right path for you. Only YOU know what will work best! Links to the cool stuff mentioned in this episode...  The Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell Things Our Tired Brains Do That Sabotage Success Links to connect with me...  Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/) Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

    40 min
  6. A Little Tough Love About AI

    FEB 27

    A Little Tough Love About AI

    Send us Fan Mail AI is not your employee, it is not your friend. It's the suck up ass kisser who will tell you whatever you want to hear, without ever looking at the real you.  Today I am here to encourage you to recognize that you are so much more amazing than your AI counterpart.  Only you can…  Show the world the real you… that your dream clients love working with. Bring your knowledge, experience and intelligence into what you are building. Create the life you are dreaming of. Links to connect with me...  Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/) Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

    10 min
  7. Things Our Tired Brains Do That Sabotage Success

    FEB 24

    Things Our Tired Brains Do That Sabotage Success

    Send us Fan Mail How often do you stop to appreciate your brain? I know this wasn’t something I always thought of, but our brains are pretty remarkable. They help shape the people we become, store our knowledge and expertise, and come up with creative solutions when we are stuck. With all the things our brains do, why do we keep pushing them to deliver even more? Today we are going to give a little love to our overworked brains and learn how to read the signs of when enough is enough!  What I hope you take away from today's episode...  A tired brain cannot find success That "sabotage" is really your brain asking for help You can't take care of anyone else if you don't take care of yourselfLinks to the cool stuff mentioned in this episode...  3 Business Rules I Decided to Break that Paved the Way For My Success Looking at the Competition Without Losing Your Confidence How to Ditch the Busy Work In 8 Steps The Tapping Solution Links to connect with me...  Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/) Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

    35 min
  8. 8 Tips to Ditch the Busy Work & Be Productive

    FEB 17

    8 Tips to Ditch the Busy Work & Be Productive

    Send us Fan Mail Boredom for me is a very dangerous thing! During times of boredom I have said yes to opportunities I regret, made commitments I dread, and started and invested tons of money into hobbies that were only mildly interesting. And as a solo business owner I have spent hours upon hours on busy work that did nothing… and I mean nothing… to actually build my business.  Just this morning I was feeling a little bored and rather than getting this podcast recorded as planned I found myself shifting my attention to a whole lot of other things that really have no value or purpose for what I am here to create.  So today we are going to hop off the hamster wheel of busy-ness and focus our attention on doing things that actually drive success. What I hope you take away from today's episode...  How to recognize what is busy work versus what is actually being productive Learn to trust yourself to know when to refocus your time and energy Recognize that avoidance is keeping you from getting things done, and what avoidance feels likeOne well documented decision can save you countless hours of busy work in the future The value of time limits on tasks and knowing what the "finish line" looks like Clearing up the clutter you've created will save you time, as well as protect your sanity and profits! Links to the cool stuff mentioned in this episode...  Episode 64: Streamlining for Sanity with my special guest Tori Chasse Connect with Tori Chassé for automation support Episode 47. The Tools I don’t use in Business  –– Any more. Links to connect with me...  Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/) Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

    31 min
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About

Welcome to the solo grind. Your weekly coffee break with a fellow solo entrepreneur who's right there in it with you. I am Teresa Schlup the original caffeine creative and this is where real business meets real life. No hype just honest conversations about building a business on your own terms. We talk mindset, strategy, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between because going solo doesn't mean doing it alone.Grab a cup of coffee, find your favorite spot, and let's talk about what it really takes to do this thing solo. 

Information

  • Creator
    Teresa Schlup, The Original Caffeine Creative
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Teresa Schlup, The Solo Grind
  • Show Website
    The Solo Grind