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Welcome to episode two of Backbone! The four-part mini series where we discuss the financial side of building a business. Today, we get into the structures that sit underneath your business and the tax impacts of each! Whether you’re just starting out, running a side hustle, or transitioning into something more complex, the way your business is set up has real implications for tax, cash flow, and risk. And yet, this is one of the least openly discussed parts of being a founder. So, this week, we have the candid tax conversation that no one seems to be having. In this episode, we cover: • The common business structures available to new and growing business owners • How and when structures tend to change as your business becomes more complex • The tax realities founders often avoid (and why that’s risky) • Our perspective on when to bring in an accountant, bookkeeper, or advisor and what to look for. This episode is brought to you by Notion - and by far one of our favourite tools, Notion Agent. Notion Agent is fundamentally different from typical AI tools. Instead of just suggesting or chatting, it completes tasks end-to-end, turning days of manual work into minutes. It acts like a Notion super user that understands your workspace, your working style, and how you like things done - helping you stay organised, clear, and accountable as you build. Let Notion Agent do the heavy lifting for you at ⁠Notion.⁠

Legendary fashion and celebrity photographer Ben Watts joins Process for a conversation about longevity, instinct, and building a career in one of the most competitive creative industries in the world. From photographing icons like Heath Ledger to navigating the shift from film to digital, Ben opens up about the mindset that has sustained his decades-long career. Why being a great photographer starts with being a good people person, how to develop a recognisable style, and what it really takes to earn trust with world-famous talent. Host Arielle Thomas and Ben dive into the realities of hustling early on, the impact of social media on modern creatives, and why dignity, curiosity, and enjoyment remain at the core of meaningful work. It’s an honest, insightful look at how to stay creatively fulfilled while operating at the highest level. Why being a people person is as important as technical skill How Ben built trust with A-list talent The difference between chasing trends and developing a signature style What the transition from film to digital changed forever How social media reshaped the photography industry The role of hustle and adaptability in long creative careers Why dignity and professionalism still set people apart Staying authentic in a competitive field Finding joy in the process—not just the outcomes Becoming the person people want to hire again and again Find Ben on Instagram here. Find Ben's extensive portfolio of work on Art Dept. Find Process the Podcast for the visuals of Ben's work and this episode here. Find your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram here.

Welcome to Backbone: a four-part mini series all about the financial backbone of building a business, side hustle, or freelance career. We talk endlessly about the exciting parts of building something - the idea, the creativity, the passion, the momentum. But behind the scenes, it’s often the money side that feels confusing, intimidating, or easy to avoid. And more often than not, businesses fail because the financials were ignored. There’s a huge gap in how openly we talk about money as founders. The messy bits. The avoidance. The “I’ll deal with it later” moments. This series is about closing that gap and helping you build confidence with your numbers. Episode one starts with the foundation: accountability. Not outsourcing responsibility, but learning to work alongside experts and developing the mindset that you need to understand what’s happening with the money in your business. In this episode, we cover: What an accountability mindset really meansThe common barriers that stop founders from taking control of their financesHow to shift from pure creativity into commercialPractical, realistic ways to build money check-ins into your routineIf you hear us mention the Money Type Quiz, you can find it here: Money Type Quiz And if you hear us yapping about finding new communities that support you, we recommend Butter App This episode is brought to you by Notion - and by far one of our favourite tools, Notion Agent. Notion Agent is fundamentally different from typical AI tools. Instead of just suggesting or chatting, it completes tasks end-to-end, turning days of manual work into minutes. It acts like a Notion super user that understands your workspace, your working style, and how you like things done - helping you stay organised, clear, and accountable as you build. Let Notion Agent do the heavy lifting for you at ⁠Notion.⁠ Find Process the Podcast on Instagram here. Find So Invested on Instagram here. See you next Thursday!

In this episode of Process, host Arielle Thomas sits down with American mindset and confidence coach Brian Siegal to unpack how creatives and entrepreneurs can break free from limiting beliefs, perfectionism, and procrastination, and build a mindset that actually supports growth. Brian shares his deeply personal journey from struggling with obesity and self-doubt to becoming a sought-after coach for creatives, founders, and high performers. Together, Arielle and Brian explore how identity, self-talk, and unconscious narratives shape the way we show up, and how to actively rewrite them. This conversation is both practical and perspective-shifting, offering tools you can apply immediately if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in cycles of overthinking and inaction. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, founder, or someone craving more confidence and clarity, this episode is a masterclass in mindset coaching, personal growth, and creative self-leadership. How limiting beliefs silently sabotage creative confidence and momentum Why procrastination is often rooted in fear, not laziness The role of self-awareness in personal and professional growth How Brian reframes mindset challenges with creatives and entrepreneurs The Wheel of Life exercise and how to use it to assess balance and direction Why accountability and community accelerate creative success How perfectionism blocks progress — and how to move forward anyway What to look for when choosing the right mindset or confidence coach Mindset coaching for creatives Confidence-building for entrepreneurs Overcoming procrastination and perfectionism Personal growth and self-belief Reframing limiting beliefs Accountability in the creative process Growth mindset tools and exercises This episode is for: Creative entrepreneurs feeling stuck or self-doubting Founders navigating fear, burnout, or indecision Anyone struggling with confidence, procrastination, or perfectionism Creatives looking to build a sustainable, growth-oriented mindset “Why do I know what to do, but still don’t do it?” “How do I stop overthinking and start taking action?” “How can I build confidence without waiting to feel ready?” About Brian Brian Siegal is an American mindset and confidence coach who works with creatives and entrepreneurs to dismantle limiting beliefs, strengthen self-trust, and build clarity-driven momentum. Drawing from his own lived experience of personal transformation, Brian helps high-performing individuals align their inner narrative with the life and work they want to create. About Arielle Process is hosted by Arielle Thomas, exploring the behind-the-scenes thinking, habits, and systems that shape creative success. Each episode breaks down the inner and outer work required to build meaningful careers and lives.

2025 changed me. Not because everything went perfectly, but because it forced me to confront where I was avoiding discomfort, overcomplicating decisions, and staying too close to what felt familiar. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the lessons that shaped my business and personal growth over the past year, and how I’m intentionally designing 2026 to be bigger, steadier, and more aligned. I share what it really takes to move from project-based chaos to retainer stability, why accountability is non-negotiable in business relationships, and how building systems (even imperfect ones) can radically reduce decision fatigue and burnout. We talk hiring before you feel “ready,” expanding your thinking globally, and why embarrassment is often the entry price for your next level. This episode is for founders, creatives, and operators who know they’re capable of more, but also know that growth rarely arrives without friction. If you’re standing at the edge of your next chapter, this conversation is an invitation to step forward anyway. If you loved this episode, please leave us a review! You can find us on Instagram: @processthepodcast Find your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram: @arielle.thomas See you next Tuesday!

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Somebody — the Melbourne-born art director and still-life photographer creating world-class imagery for brands like Goop, Aesop, and the most coveted names in beauty, lifestyle and luxury. But her story didn’t start in glossy studios or global campaigns. Stephanie shares the unexpected, unglamorous chapters of her early career, the moments that shaped her creative instincts, and how she carved out a niche so distinctive it now takes her around the world. We go deep on the evolution of her eye, the discipline behind building a visual signature, and what it really takes to make work that stops people in their tracks. Whether you’re in the creative industry, building a brand, or dreaming of a more artistic life, this conversation is a masterclass in vision, reinvention, and backing yourself long before the world does. Find Stephanie on Instagram here. Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here. Follow Process the Podcast on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday x

In this episode of Process the Podcast, Arielle Thomas sits down with Eleanor Pendleton, founder of Gritty Pretty and now the visionary behind her new brand, Haleau. The girls unpack a thoughtful and open conversation about the evolution of media, the courage to start again, and what it means to create from a place of authenticity. Eleanor reflects on her journey from digital publishing to brand ownership, how building Gritty Pretty shaped her understanding of storytelling, and how that experience inspired a more intentional, skin-first approach to beauty with Haleau. Together, Arielle and Eleanor explore the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and purpose, and the ongoing process of balancing motherhood, business, and self. Eleanor Pendleton articulates what it takes to do what's truely right for you even when others are depending on you.  This is a conversation about reinvention, community, and creating beauty that means something, both inside and out. Follow Haleau Beauty on Instagram here. Follow Eleanor on Instagram ⁠here.⁠ Check Haleau Beauty’s website here. Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here. Follow Process the Podcast on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday x

I sat down with Rebecca from Fine Form a few months ago to share my story, and a little more about how I got here. Tune in to listen to this episode of Fine Form! --- This week's guest is Arielle Thomas - filmmaker, social strategist, founder of Cinema Thom, and host of Process: The Podcast. Arielle is electric - in the way she creates, the way she speaks and the way she shows up for her work. She’s built a career on backing herself and carving her own lane: founding Cinema Thom, directing films and campaigns that cut through, and building a podcast that lifts the curtain on creative process with real honesty and heart. In this episode, she shares the values that anchor her, the mindset that keeps her momentum, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Arielle’s confidence and conviction are inspiring - but what makes her stand out is how she pairs ambition with real vulnerability. It’s rare to hear someone talk about their work with this much joy and conviction - it’s contagious. I fist-bumped my way through the whole conversation, and I think you’ll leave this episode feeling the same spark. And if you’re looking for more of Arielle’s perspective, make sure you check out @arielle.thomas and @processthepodcast You can follow FINE FORM @thisisfineform and Rebecca Jarvie-Gibbs at @rebeccajarviegibbs  www.thisisfineform.com 

This week on Process, we sat down with Steven John Clark of Den Holm. It's a conversation about patience, practice, and the quiet discipline of making things well before making them big. Steve reflects on the missteps that come from moving too fast, and the clarity that came from slowing down to solidify his creative foundation. We talk through the power of hands-on education, the importance of working directly with materials, and how craftsmanship, at its core, is about creative manipulation, not just precision. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the early stages of building a team, and the illusion of urgency that ambition can create.  Steve also shares his thoughts on community, and why real engagement, not just marketing, is essential to growing a meaningful brand. This week, Arielle and Mon visited Steve at the Den Holm studio in Melbourne and learned a few things. Keep your eyes peeled! Follow Den Holm on Instagram here. Follow Steve on Instagram ⁠here.⁠ Check Den Holm’s Site here. Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here. Follow Process the Podcast on Instagram here. See you next Tuesday xx

In this solo episode, Arielle pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to grow a business without burning out. From navigating ambition to learning the hard way why “slow and steady” isn’t just a cliche, it’s a strategy. She shares the behind-the-scenes of building a team, developing products, and staying aligned with what matters most. This conversation is part personal reflection, part pep talk for anyone trying to scale something meaningful without losing themselves in the process. Arielle also unpacks how podcasting has been more than just a marketing channel, it’s been a tool for connection, clarity, and helping others find their voice.  If you’re craving a real talk on what it means to grow with intention (and not just velocity), this one’s for you. Follow Process the Podcast on Instagram here: instagram.com/processthepodcast Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here: instagram.com/arielle.thomas See you next Tuesday x

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Algar, a seasoned voice in fashion and beauty media, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build (and rebuild) a creative career in an industry that’s always evolving. Emily is a stand out in the beauty creator space and we chat openly about the balance one strikes when crafting their own voice in the industry. Creators and creatives are facing a conflict of interest for their employer, when you essentially become a micro-publisher.  We trace her path from breaking into publishing to navigating layoffs, and what it means to find your footing again in a space where taste, trends, and team structures are constantly shifting. Emily unpacks the human side of beauty storytelling—from the psychology driving our product choices to how consumer behaviour bends with the economy. We also get into the tension between the security of corporate roles and the draw of creative freedom, why relationships are still the industry’s strongest currency, and what emerging beauty brands need to know to cut through the noise.  It’s a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and redefining success on your own terms. See you next Tuesday x

This week on Process: We sit down with Sophia Amoruso, OG Girlboss, Nasty Gal founder, and someone who’s navigated the full arc of startup stardom, burnout, reinvention, and everything in between. From selling vintage clothes on eBay to running a $100M+ fashion empire, Sophia’s story is as raw as it is iconic. We dig into the rise, the fall, and what it really takes to evolve when the brand you built starts to outgrow you. We talk about ambition, ego, hustle culture, and the myth of having it all, Plus what Sophia’s learned about rebuilding on her own terms. It’s a conversation about control, chaos, and carving a new path when the first one catches fire. You can now watch most episodes on our Youtube channel! Head over to watch your favourite episodes unfold on video now! See you next Tuesday x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m fresh off a whirlwind trip to Sydney, where I had the absolute pleasure of hosting events, connecting with incredible humans, and speaking at the Social Summit. I’m sharing some behind-the-scenes reflections on what it’s really like navigating these big industry moments, the power of networking, and the golden nuggets I picked up from some inspiring panel convos. We’re also diving into how my podcasting journey has evolved, what it means to build a true portfolio career, and why cash flow (yes, the unsexy stuff) matters more than you think. Plus, a little heart-to-heart on how engaging with you, this amazing community, is shaping the future of this pod. If you're building your own creative career or just curious about what goes on behind the curtain, this one’s for you. You can now watch most episodes on our Youtube channel! Head over to watch your favourite episodes unfold on video now! See you next Tuesday x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Process, creative entrepreneur Martina Calvi opens up about her evolution from a shy artist to a confident creator shaping her own path. She shares how journaling became a cornerstone of her practice, helping her carve out clarity, protect her creative space, and stay true to her artistic vision. Martina reflects on the power of self-expression and community, weaving in her experiences writing and publishing books, experimenting with zines, and building a business rooted in authenticity. She also talks about the challenges of making space for creativity in a fast-paced world and why protecting your time is non-negotiable for any artist or entrepreneur. If you’re curious about how to turn personal creative rituals into meaningful work, or you want to hear what it really takes to grow as a modern creative entrepreneur, this episode is for you. Find Martina's latest book on Amazon here. Follow Martina on Instagram here. Find her Tiny Store online here. Follow your host Arielle Thomas on Instagram here. Follow Process the podcast in Instagram here. Subscribe to the show and don't miss an episode! You can now watch most episodes on our Youtube channel! Head over to watch your favourite episodes unfold on video now! See you next Tuesday x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Process the Podcast, host Arielle Thomas reflects on the transformative and challenging past few months, discussing her journey in the creative agency space, the importance of consistency, and the support from her audience. She shares insights on navigating corporate challenges, managing a growing team, and the lessons learned from hiring mistakes. Arielle emphasises the need for recalibration in her goals and priorities, particularly with her brand Remy, while also celebrating new networking opportunities and the commitment to growth and consistency in her work. Follow along as we build in real time, in front of you all via Process the Podcast on Instagram. Find your host, Arielle on Instagram here. Subscribe to Process and don't miss an episode! See you next Tuesday x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.