The Unfiltered CEO

IlluminEssence Creations
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Unfiltered CEO, where we share real stories of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Your host, Abby Bradetich of IlluminEssence Creations, is a business owner, brand & web designer, visibility strategist, and embodiment mentor always down for a dance party. In this podcast, we’ll dive into the authentic experiences of owning a business that you don’t always see online - the highs, the lows, and every spicy bit in-between. We’ll cover mindset, online presence, business, embodiment, social media, brand, and so much more as we turn our unfiltered stories into inspiring, actionable takeaways. In my corner of the internet, we say f**k the rules, aren’t afraid to make moves, and care more about things feeling good than comparing to what else you see online. No matter what stage of business you’re in, you’re welcome here! So grab a glass of wine or get out for your daily walk, and let’s get into it, girl!

  1. 3D AGO

    Home Buying, Interest Rates, Big Life Decisions, & Building a Business You Love with Morgan Fitzke

    If you’ve been thinking about buying a home - or just want a real, honest look at what that process actually looks like - this episode is for you 🏡 This week I’m joined by Morgan Fitzke, a Colorado-based realtor (and one of my clients inside Magnetic By Nature!) who helps people navigate buying and selling homes with clarity, trust, and support. This episode is a mix of practical guidance, real-life experiences, and behind-the-scenes conversations about both real estate and business - so you can feel more informed, supported, and confident in whatever next step you’re considering. In this episode, we talk about: Morgan’s journey into real estate and how her past experiences led her here Her upcoming wedding (!!) and what that planning process has been like What’s actually going on with interest rates this year, especially in Colorado My own experience working with realtor clients and what I’ve learned from that Morgan’s perspective on buying and selling vs. renting out a property My mom’s experience buying and selling as she prepares to move to Colorado this summer What it’s like working with first-time home buyers and what to expect in the process Why having a realtor you trust makes such a huge difference The importance of feeling safe and supported during the home buying process The reality of real estate being a 24/7 industry and how Morgan navigates boundaries Balancing business ownership, relationships, and big life events Taking time off as a business owner (and how Morgan is approaching her wedding + honeymoon) Helpful tips for getting started if you want to buy a home but don’t know where to begin Why planning ahead matters for big investments like real estate (and business) How different realtors approach contracts, onboarding, and working with clients The power of choosing who you want to work with - in real estate and beyond Why loving what you do matters so much in your career The importance of building systems and processes early in business Connect with Morgan on: Instagram and her website   Get on the waitlist for The Embodied Expansion Retreat: Where you don’t have to choose between yourself and your business ⛰️✨ A 4-day immersive retreat designed to support both - through strategy, identity work, visibility coaching, and real connection so you can reset, expand, and actually enjoy how you show up in your business. July 30 - August 2. Breckenridge, CO. More details to come!   WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER Join the new evolution of Magnetic By Nature: my Visibility Expansion Space for visionary women ready to fully inhabit who they already are - with 3 levels of support so your visibility can evolve as you do 🦋 Inquire about brand & web design: 3 Q2 start dates left! Payment plans available through me and with Affirm (for even more extended options) 🪻 Grab a Design & Marketing Power Sprint to knock out your "I've been wanting to do this" business growth tasks that have been on your list for foreverrr in just 3 days! (2 spots available in Q2) ⚡ Grab a copy of The Home Page Blueprint - a step-by-step guide to writing and structuring a home page that actually converts — complete with strategic prompts, real examples, and design flow tips 💻   → Check out my website for more ways to work and connect!   FREE RESOURCES You know I’m here for YOU and your success. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there! Website Hero Copy Prompts - Your no-BS guide to writing a website header that hooks in less than 7 seconds — complete with fill-in-the-blank prompts, click-worthy CTA ideas, and a quick vibe check so your home page feels like you (not some cookie-cutter template). The Bold Expression Toolkit - Your no-fluff, full-body yes to showing up online like the powerhouse you are. Think: scroll-stopping Canva templates, juicy content prompts, mindset + embodiment practices, and personalized feedback from a pro — all wrapped in a Notion dashboard designed to help you stop holding back and start saying what you really want to say. Sign up for my Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with me, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.   Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻   → Connect with me on Insta: @abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things @illuminessencecreations for brand & web @theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

    46 min

  2. MAR 31

    Self-Trust, Spirituality, & Being Fully Yourself with Julia Phoenix

    If you’ve been feeling the pull to trust yourself more, connect more deeply with who you are, and stop looking outside of yourself for all the answers - this episode is for you ✨ This week I’m joined by Julia Phoenix, a spiritual mentor, teacher, and DNA activator who supports intuitive women in returning home to their innate power and fully owning who they are - in life, business, and the way they show up in the world. In this episode, we talk about: Julia’s journey into spirituality and how she fully stepped into sharing her gifts through her work How Julia supports women in feeling safe and confident being their authentic selves The power of allowing who you are right now to be enough How social media and comparison can pull you away from that truth Moving through comparison and fear of judgment Asking yourself why you’re afraid to be fully seen or share what you want The DNA activation work Julia developed and the transformations she sees in her clients Processing trauma, shadow work, and past experiences through the body and energetics The importance of connecting with yourself instead of constantly seeking answers externally Why the answers you’re looking for are often simpler than you think Learning to trust yourself and understand resistance and fear Giving yourself permission to play, make mistakes, and take action without perfectionism Why having support helps you see yourself and your gifts more clearly How being fully yourself impacts your business and attracts aligned clients Understanding cycles in business and honoring your natural energy Letting go of the constant pressure to always be producing or doing more Navigating business through intuition, support, and flow Honoring your body, your energy, and your way of working as a woman Connect with Julia on: Instagram, Facebook, and her website   Inquire about brand & web design: 3 Q2 start dates left! Payment plans available through me and with Affirm (for even more extended options) 🪻 Grab a Design & Marketing Power Sprint to knock out your "I've been wanting to do this" business growth tasks that have been on your list for foreverrr in just 3 days! (4 spots available in Q2) ⚡   OTHER WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER Join the new evolution of Magnetic By Nature: my Visibility Expansion Space for visionary women ready to fully inhabit who they already are - with 3 levels of support so your visibility can evolve as you do 🦋 Grab a copy of The Home Page Blueprint - a step-by-step guide to writing and structuring a home page that actually converts — complete with strategic prompts, real examples, and design flow tips 💻 → Check out my website for more ways to work and connect!   FREE RESOURCES You know I’m here for YOU and your success. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there! Website Hero Copy Prompts - Your no-BS guide to writing a website header that hooks in less than 7 seconds — complete with fill-in-the-blank prompts, click-worthy CTA ideas, and a quick vibe check so your home page feels like you (not some cookie-cutter template). The Bold Expression Toolkit - Your no-fluff, full-body yes to showing up online like the powerhouse you are. Think: scroll-stopping Canva templates, juicy content prompts, mindset + embodiment practices, and personalized feedback from a pro — all wrapped in a Notion dashboard designed to help you stop holding back and start saying what you really want to say. Sign up for my Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with me, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.   Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻   → Connect with me on Insta: @abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things @illuminessencecreations for brand & web @theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

    52 min

  3. MAR 24

    Real-Time Reflections: Choosing What’s Aligned (Not What’s Expected)

    We’re baaaack with another episode of Real-Time Reflections 🔥 These are honest, in-the-moment solo episodes where I pull back the curtain on what’s actually happening in my life and business — the mindset shifts, identity work, lessons, and real-life experiences unfolding in real time. And the past couple of weeks? Felt really full in the best way. I had family in town for 9 days, got to step away from work and be fully present, and at the same time… had one of my biggest revenue months in a while. Which feels like such a powerful reminder that business gets to support your life — not take you away from it. This episode is a mix of life, business, identity, and the in-between — what I’m navigating, what I’m choosing, and what’s coming up as I continue stepping more fully into who I am and how I want to live ✨   In this episode, I chat about: Having family in town — who visited, what we did, and the relationships within our family Spending special time with my baby niece and nephew and noticing their different personalities and development How much I truly love being an auntie 🥹 What’s coming up this week — including my content event in Denver! One of the best parts of owning a business: the freedom and flexibility to take time off, be present, or work how you want Why this has been my biggest revenue month in a while — and how it happened while I was living my life, not glued to my business The relaunch and revamp of Magnetic By Nature and how it came from the identity shift I’ve been moving through this year Expanding beyond the “content box” I had put myself in — and owning that my work goes deeper than just content How your identity, energy, and online presence all work together to attract aligned, dreamy clients My personal experience this month with owning my power and how that directly impacted my business Why external support is essential when doing identity and mindset work — and how MBN is now designed to support that How the evolution of MBN reflects the evolution I’ve gone through personally The reality that identity work is ongoing — not something you “complete” once and move on from My journey with planning a retreat, letting go of a co-host, and what that taught me about stepping more fully into my power Retreat details dropping in early April (and how to get first dibs 👀) Navigating the “when are you having kids?” question and the pressure that can come with it My and my husband’s honest conversations around having kids and what we actually want How seeing my sister become a mom has shaped our perspective The parallel between choosing motherhood and choosing your life/business path The difference between “not being ready” and simply not wanting something right now Making decisions based on what feels aligned for you — not what’s expected of you   Join the new evolution of Magnetic By Nature: my Visibility Expansion Space for visionary women ready to fully inhabit who they already are - with 3 levels of support so your visibility can evolve as you do 🦋   Inquire about brand & web design: 4 Q2 start dates left! Payment plans available through me and with Affirm now too (for even more extended payment options) 🪻 Grab a Design & Marketing Power Sprint to knock out your "I've been wanting to do this" business growth tasks that have been on your list for foreverrr in just 3 days! ⚡   Grab a copy of The Home Page Blueprint - a step-by-step guide to writing and structuring a home page that actually converts — complete with strategic prompts, real examples, and design flow tips 💻   FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there! Website Hero Copy Prompts - Your no-BS guide to writing a website header that hooks in less than 7 seconds — complete with fill-in-the-blank prompts, click-worthy CTA ideas, and a quick vibe check so your home page feels like you (not some cookie-cutter template). The Bold Expression Toolkit - Your no-fluff, full-body yes to showing up online like the powerhouse you are. Think: scroll-stopping Canva templates, juicy content prompts, mindset + embodiment practices, and personalized feedback from a pro — all wrapped in a Notion dashboard designed to help you stop holding back and start saying what you really want to say. Sign up for my Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with me, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good. Check out my website for more ways to work and connect!   Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻   → Connect with me on Insta: @abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things @illuminessencecreations for brand & web @theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

    29 min

  4. MAR 17

    Motherhood, Identity Shifts, & Choosing Yourself with Genevieve Kreindel

    If you’ve ever navigated a big identity shift — like becoming a parent, starting a business, or stepping into a new version of yourself — this episode will resonate. This week I’m joined by Genevieve Kreindel, founder of Off Duty Mom’s Club, where she creates spaces and events that help moms reconnect with themselves through community, self-care, and real-life connection. In this episode, we talk about: Genevieve’s journey from being single to becoming a mom during Covid — and eventually starting her own business What it was like to be pregnant and give birth during the pandemic and how isolating that experience was for Genevieve as a new mom The identity shift that happens when you become a parent Feeling safe and supported when stepping into personal growth or big life changes Choosing yourself and what that has looked like for both of us The practices that helped Genevieve reconnect with herself — honesty, support systems, health, and movement Our shared love of dance and doing things simply because they’re fun Why Genevieve created Off Duty Mom’s Club and her vision for building community for moms The desire for more in-person connection and events, especially after Covid Showing up authentically online and giving yourself permission to try things instead of overthinking them Why you’re not actually being “too repetitive” in your content The umbrella approach to content creation and how everything you share can work together Finding time for yourself as a mom — and giving yourself permission to take it Growing a business intentionally instead of rushing ahead Checking in with yourself and your audience as your business evolves The importance of loving and trusting yourself through every stage of growth Connect with Genevieve on: Instagram and her website (where you'll find all upcoming events!)   Inquire about brand & web design: booking Q2 start dates! Payment plans available through me and with Affirm now too (for even more extended payment options) Want to try DIYing your site yourself? Grab a copy of The Home Page Blueprint - a step-by-step guide to writing and structuring a home page that actually converts — complete with strategic prompts, real examples, and design flow tips so your site feels aligned, clear, and built to book.   FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there! Website Hero Copy Prompts - Your no-BS guide to writing a website header that hooks in less than 7 seconds — complete with fill-in-the-blank prompts, click-worthy CTA ideas, and a quick vibe check so your home page feels like you (not some cookie-cutter template). The Bold Expression Toolkit - Your no-fluff, full-body yes to showing up online like the powerhouse you are. Think: scroll-stopping Canva templates, juicy content prompts, mindset + embodiment practices, and personalized feedback from a pro — all wrapped in a Notion dashboard designed to help you stop holding back and start saying what you really want to say. Sign up for my Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with me, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good. Check out my website for more ways to work and connect!   Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻   → Connect with me on Insta: @abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things @illuminessencecreations for brand & web @theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

    45 min

  5. MAR 10

    Grief, Life Transitions, & Letting Yourself Feel It All with Nichole Lee

    If you’re someone who’s used to being the strong one — the positive one, the ambitious girly who keeps things moving no matter what — this episode is for you 🫶🏻 I’m joined by Nichole Lee, a loss and life transition coach who supports high performers navigating grief, major life changes, and the identity shifts that often come with them. This conversation is honest, grounding, and such an important reminder that you don’t have to carry everything on your own — and that allowing yourself to feel, process, and evolve is part of stepping into the next chapter of your life. In this episode, we talk about: Nichole’s journey from losing her mother to leaving her job and building a business supporting people through loss and life transitions The signs from the universe that helped her step into the work she’s truly meant to do Why grief isn’t limited to losing a loved one — and how it can show up in identity shifts, changing relationships, and life transitions The unique challenges high performers face when navigating loss and emotional change Why the people who “have it together” still need support and safe spaces too Finding the people in your life who can hold space for you without trying to immediately fix things Allowing yourself to feel your emotions instead of suppressing them or comparing your struggles to others The importance of moving emotions out of your body and the mind-body connection in healing Practices we both love that help release stored emotions and reconnect with yourself Questioning belief systems and expectations that were never actually yours to carry Grieving the loss of friendships, identities, and old versions of yourself as you grow How outside perspectives and coaching can help you find clarity and move forward Looking at the root of what’s happening, rather than just trying to fix the symptoms How unprocessed emotions can show up as anxiety, panic attacks, or depression (and our personal experiences with that) Learning to listen to what your body is telling you and trusting your intuition Giving yourself permission to be all of you — and why life is both/and, not either/or Allowing yourself to dream bigger than what you might believe is possible Connect with Nichole on: Instagram, LinkedIn, and her website Schedule a complimentary confidential call with Nichole   Inquire about brand & web design: booking Q2 start dates! Payment plans available through me and with Affirm now too (for even more extended payment options)   FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there! Website Hero Copy Prompts - Your no-BS guide to writing a website header that hooks in less than 7 seconds — complete with fill-in-the-blank prompts, click-worthy CTA ideas, and a quick vibe check so your home page feels like you (not some cookie-cutter template). The Bold Expression Toolkit - Your no-fluff, full-body yes to showing up online like the powerhouse you are. Think: scroll-stopping Canva templates, juicy content prompts, mindset + embodiment practices, and personalized feedback from a pro — all wrapped in a Notion dashboard designed to help you stop holding back and start saying what you really want to say. Sign up for my Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with me, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good. Check out my website for more ways to work and connect!   Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻   → Connect with me on Insta: @abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things @illuminessencecreations for brand & web @theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

    55 min

  6. MAR 3

    Accidental CEOs, Boundaries, & Building a Profitable Business with Shauna Lynn Simon

    If you’re incredible at what you do… but avoid looking too closely at the actual business side of your business — this episode is going to hit 🔥 This week, I’m joined by Shauna Lynn Simon — CEO of Shauna Lynn Coaching, founder of SLS Academy, business strategist, author, and host of The Real Women Real Business Podcast (where I recently had the honor of being a guest!). In this episode, we talk about what it means to be an “accidental CEO” and how to stop operating like one. This conversation is strategic, direct, and empowering — a reminder that you’re not just the talent… you’re the CEO. And that role deserves your attention too! We dive into: What being an “accidental CEO” actually means — and how so many women fall into it The importance of facing the BUSINESS side of owning a business (not just doing client work) Why women undervalue and underprice themselves — both strategically and emotionally Reframing “client loyalty” and recognizing the true value you bring Profit leaks: where you might be unintentionally losing money in your business Why discounting before anyone even asks is costing you more than you think Setting boundaries, avoiding scope creep, and creating “yes opportunities” when you say no Taking full ownership of what happens in your business — the empowering and uncomfortable sides of that Not settling for “just enough” income when you deserve more How to build genuine relationships with past, current, and potential clients Do’s and don’ts of lead engagement — welcome messages, auto-responses, and keeping things human Shauna’s “matchmaker” approach to community building The power of niching down (and why it actually makes everything easier — from messaging to content to offers) How to monetize your passion without sacrificing income The two questions you need to ask yourself to ensure your joy and your revenue can coexist Connect with Shauna on: Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and her website Take her free Accidental CEO Assessment   Buy your copy of The Home Page Blueprint for $47! Your step-by-step guide to writing and structuring a home page that actually converts — complete with strategic prompts, real examples, and design flow tips so your site feels aligned, clear, and built to book (not just look pretty). Inquire about brand & web design: booking Q2 start dates! Payment plans up to 8 months available.   FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there! Website Hero Copy Prompts - Your no-BS guide to writing a website header that hooks in less than 7 seconds — complete with fill-in-the-blank prompts, click-worthy CTA ideas, and a quick vibe check so your home page feels like you (not some cookie-cutter template). The Bold Expression Toolkit - Your no-fluff, full-body yes to showing up online like the powerhouse you are. Think: scroll-stopping Canva templates, juicy content prompts, mindset + embodiment practices, and personalized feedback from a pro — all wrapped in a Notion dashboard designed to help you stop holding back and start saying what you really want to say. Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with me, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good. Check out my website for more ways to work and connect!   Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻   → Connect with me on Insta: @abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things @illuminessencecreations for brand & web @theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

    58 min

  7. FEB 24

    Real-Time Reflections: Astrology, Embodiment, & Identity Shifts

    We're baaaack with a second episode of my new monthly series Real-Time Reflections! 🔥 These are honest, in-the-moment solo episodes where I pull back the curtain on what’s actually happening in my life and business — the mindset shifts, experiments, lessons, and evolutions unfolding in real time. And honestly. February felt… expansive and uncomfortable all at once. In this episode, I share what this past month really looked like BTS — the learning edges, the identity shifts, the limiting beliefs that popped up, and the intentional ways I chose to move through them. This month’s theme? Learning. In new ways. For no “productive” reason. Simply because I want to. And letting that expand who I am — inside and outside of business.   In this episode, I chat about: Why my husband and I started learning Croatian together, what inspired that choice, and how it’s brought us closer The app we’re using (and why we genuinely love it) The importance of trying new things that have nothing to do with business or productivity Getting uncomfortable in ways that aren’t tied to success or income My deep dive into astrology (inspired by Chani Nicholas’ book You Were Born For This) and what I’ve learned about myself How astrology and human design have given me permission to be my fullest self Using myself and my twin sister as examples of how signs and energy show up differently in different people How these tools have helped me understand relationships more deeply — personally and professionally My future vision for weaving human design and astrology more intentionally into my work The support my coach and friend Nina Chin has given me as I shed old identities and limiting stories Releasing the past 9-year cycle / year of the snake energy and stepping more fully into who I am now The shedding activation created by Nina that my husband and I did before Lunar New Year — and how powerful that felt The identity shifts that are directly impacting how I show up in my business, how I describe what I do, and the power I’m owning Why you don’t have to take action immediately on every realization — and the importance of embodiment before execution The limiting beliefs and mental wobbles that surfaced this month My favorite embodiment practices that helped me move through it (linked below) If you’re in a season of learning, shedding, evolving, or quietly becoming more of yourself — this one’s for you 🫶🏻   ✨ Guided Movement Practice for getting the shit out ✨ Guided Movement Practice for embracing more self-love   Grab a ticket to our Denver event on March 26th: Pour Into Your Content 🍷 A relaxed afternoon of content planning, legal clarity, and connecting with other women over a glass of wine. Thursday, 3/26. 4-7pm. Littleton, CO.   How we can work together: Get visibility & content help in Magnetic By Nature: my online presence support system with 3 tiers to meet you where you're at 🦋 Inquire about brand & web design: booking Q2 start dates 🪻 Grab a Design & Marketing Power Sprint to knock out your "I've been wanting to do this" business growth tasks that have been on your list for foreverrr in just 3 days! ⚡   FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there! Instagram Audit: This free audit is your chance to get personalized feedback on your profile + content — so you can stop guessing and start showing up in a way that actually feels like YOU and connects with the right people. The Bold Expression Toolkit - Your no-fluff, full-body yes to showing up online like the powerhouse you are. Think: scroll-stopping Canva templates, juicy content prompts, mindset + embodiment practices, and personalized feedback from a pro — all wrapped in a Notion dashboard designed to help you stop holding back and start saying what you really want to say. Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with me, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good. Check out my website for more ways to work and connect!   Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻   → Connect with me on Insta: @abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things @illuminessencecreations for brand & web @theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

    33 min

  8. FEB 17

    Growth, Intuition, & the Reality of Creative Entrepreneurship with Ariel Perry

    If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to build a creative business that lasts — through growth, pivots, family life, and a whole lot of learning — this episode is for you. This week, I’m joined by Ariel Perry, a Charlotte-based photographer specializing in senior portraits and branding, the owner of Legacy Studios in Durham, NC, and my wedding photographer. This conversation is honest, reflective, and full of behind-the-scenes insights into entrepreneurship, intuition, and choosing a life you actually love. In this episode, we chat about: What it was really like working together during my wedding — the good, the stressful, and why having the right photographer matters so much The importance of staying calm, grounded, and supportive when things don’t go as planned Ariel’s journey into photography and becoming a business owner and mentor to other photographers Her transition from primarily shooting weddings to focusing more on senior portraits and branding Why continuous learning — on your own and from others — is essential for growth What I’ve loved about content coaching and empowering other women, and how I got here Working with second photographers, mentorship, and watching others grow in their craft Founding a photography and event studio in Durham and the intention behind creating that space Lessons learned from owning a physical location and embracing it as an event space Trusting your intuition and listening to nudges from the universe — even when you feel hesitant Balancing owning multiple businesses while being a mom to two kids Growing up around entrepreneurs and how that shaped Ariel’s mindset Why being a business owner is both a gift and a challenge — and how you really do get to choose your life The one trait we believe every entrepreneur needs Learning how to rest, set boundaries, and not do the most all the time The importance of a supportive partner and village — in business and parenting Applying lessons from one business to another and what it feels like to rebuild community in a new place How reading and self-education have supported Ariel’s growth as an entrepreneur Connect with Ariel on: Instagram and her website Check out Legacy Studios (Ariel's photo and event studio in Durham, NC): Instagram and website   Grab a ticket to our Denver event on March 26th: Pour Into Your Content 🍷 A relaxed afternoon of content planning, legal clarity, and connecting with other women over a glass of wine. Thursday, 3/26. 4-7pm. Littleton, CO.   FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there! Instagram Audit: This free audit is your chance to get personalized feedback on your profile + content — so you can stop guessing and start showing up in a way that actually feels like YOU and connects with the right people. The Bold Expression Toolkit - Your no-fluff, full-body yes to showing up online like the powerhouse you are. Think: scroll-stopping Canva templates, juicy content prompts, mindset + embodiment practices, and personalized feedback from a pro — all wrapped in a Notion dashboard designed to help you stop holding back and start saying what you really want to say. Website Review - Ever wonder how your brand & website is doing? Or what could make it better? Sign up for a free review that answers these questions and provides design & copy suggestions to increase conversions & connect with your ideal clients more effectively, plus show you how to be more authentic in your online presence. Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with me, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good. Check out my website for more ways to work and connect!   Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻   → Connect with me on Insta: @abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things @illuminessencecreations for brand & web @theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

    55 min
See All (65)

Trailer

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Unfiltered CEO, where we share real stories of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Your host, Abby Bradetich of IlluminEssence Creations, is a business owner, brand & web designer, visibility strategist, and embodiment mentor always down for a dance party. In this podcast, we’ll dive into the authentic experiences of owning a business that you don’t always see online - the highs, the lows, and every spicy bit in-between. We’ll cover mindset, online presence, business, embodiment, social media, brand, and so much more as we turn our unfiltered stories into inspiring, actionable takeaways. In my corner of the internet, we say f**k the rules, aren’t afraid to make moves, and care more about things feeling good than comparing to what else you see online. No matter what stage of business you’re in, you’re welcome here! So grab a glass of wine or get out for your daily walk, and let’s get into it, girl!

Information

  • Creator
    IlluminEssence Creations
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Unfiltered CEO