Advertise on podcast: The Creative Business Community Podcast

This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin sits down with Perth powerhouse Ezereve — a Perth based musician who is not only a solo musician but also one half of the award-winning Champagne Duo, founder of Champagne Agency, a celebrant, wedding coordinator and mum of four!  Ez shares how a childhood spent singing in church led to her first wedding gigs at 16, and how a simple “say yes and figure it out” mindset grew into a multi-hyphenate career spanning live performance (including a performance with Perth Symphony Orchestra), DJing, MCing, florals and all‑inclusive midweek wedding packages. We talk about why sometimes reliability beats raw talent, how a tight, values-led agency can outperform a bigger roster, and the systems that keep it all humming — from using a VA through to having clear boundaries and a home life where everyone pulls their weight. Ez also opens up about navigating industry rumours and gatekeeping, and how she turned a brutal setback into rocket fuel by stacking skills, raising prices with the help of a mentor, and focusing on solving real client problems. Plus: smart tips on social proof (awards vs reviews), booking etiquette, and so much more.  Connect with our guest! Find Ezereve: Website: https://www.champagneduo.com.au/ Instagram: @champagneweddingduo or @ezereve Facebook: Champagne Duo Creative Business Spotlight: C+Co Website: https://candcoperth.com.au/ Instagram: @candco_perth Facebook: C + Co

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

This week on the Creative Business Community pod, Erin and Ronnie are chatting all things creative voice — what it is, how to find it, and why it shifts as you do. Think of it as your creative fingerprint: the style, tone and vibes that make people go, “yep, that’s yours.” They talk inspiration vs straight-up copying (and why credit matters), plus simple ways to sharpen your style — revisit old work, follow your curiosity, have a play in low-pressure mediums, and come back to your why. You’ll also hear how to navigate creative ruts, step away from the algorithm to protect your spark, and even build an “analogue bag” to reset when screens or sales pressure start to stifle your flow. Plus, the power of community feedback when friends and family don’t quite get it. And of course, our Creative Business Spotlight! Creative Business Spotlight: Master and Dame Website: https://www.masteranddame.com.au/  Instagram: @masteranddame Facebook: Master and Dame

This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin sits down with Perth tattoo icon Fizz of Fizz Ink — the artist behind most of Erin’s own ink and a well known name for colourful work, big heart and making clients feel safe in a vulnerable process. Fizz traces her path from sketching designs and selling on Facebook as a teen to landing an apprenticeship in 2010, and unpacks how social media has reshaped portfolios, apprenticeships and the people skills needed to thrive. We dive into the real cost of running a creative studio: navigating councils and health regs, commercial leases, tax, hiring friends, setting boundaries and protecting quality — plus the COVID surge of tattoo artists, today’s saturated market and skyrocketing insurance. Fizz gets candid about the physical toll of tattooing, the tough call to close her much-loved Midland studio in 2025, and how stepping back to focus on art at Hood Royals in Gosnells has rekindled her creativity. You’ll hear grounded advice for aspiring tattooists — build a brand, nurture your socials and your soft skills, look after your body, and don’t put all your eggs in one basket — along with a playful quickfire round and our Creative Business Spotlight. Connect with our guest! Find Fizz Ink: Website: https://fizzinktattoo.bigcartel.com/  TikTok: @fizzinktattoo Instagram: @fizzink Hood Royals Tattoo Studio Creative Business Spotlight: Ella Mobbs Website: https://ellamobbsart.com/  Instagram: @ella_mobbs_art TikTok: @ella_mobbs_art Facebook: Ella Mobbs Art Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/ella_mobbs_art/

This week we’re chatting AI — what it actually looks like for creatives in 2026, beyond just ChatGPT. Renee’s back to talk about on where it’s popping up (Canva, Adobe, your inbox, schedulers, even Meta ads) and how to use it without losing your voice or your values. We swap easy, time-saving wins — turning brain-dumps into clean copy, brainstorming post ideas, softening tone, proofreading, planning content, and setting up auto-replies so you can actually have a weekend. We also call out the traps: dodgy “facts” and made-up quotes, US vs AU spelling, AI images that misrepresent your product, ad “enhancements” that burn budget, and those uncanny celeb-style voiceovers. Big picture: keep your creative muscles working — AI’s a tool, not the whole process. Be transparent when it helps, and flick off default AI settings that don’t serve you. Your ideal customers still want the real, human-made stuff (they can spot the AI ick a mile away). Plus, super simple, ethical prompt tips to get started today, and of course, our Creative Business Spotlight! Creative Business Spotlight: Earthbound Website: https://earthboundstudio.org/  Instagram: @earthbound_studio Facebook: Earthbound Studio

This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin chats with El from Maple and Wren — the Perth floral studio renowned for intentional, timeless floral moments — and the brains behind the Maple and Wren Floral Art Academy. El talks with us about her move swapping her government comms and corporate events job to running her own business, going from market‑stall flower crowns to luxe weddings, big‑deal installs and a buzzing education arm. We get into how she niched down and proved that what you show is what you attract, how she builds and trusts a team with clear briefs and mood boards (and lets go of the “my way” stuff when it doesn’t matter), and how she juggles being both creative and CEO — finding fresh spark in marketing, shop curation and new products. She also shares the real‑life rhythms keeping burnout at bay: crack‑of‑dawn walks, calendar blocking, Friday family movie night and the whole glass‑vs‑plastic balls mindset. Plus, she’s scaling with intention — acquiring Zest Flowers in Dunsborough and opening a new Beaufort Street store in Perth — and teaching the modern, on‑trend wedding design she wished existed when she started. It’s a fun, practical, heart‑led chat about building a luxury creative brand without losing the joy of making.    Connect with our guest! Find Maple and Wren: Website: https://mapleandwren.com.au/  Instagram: @mapleandwren Facebook: Maple and Wren Find Maple and Wren Floral Art Academy: Website: https://www.mwfloralartacademy.com.au/  Instagram: @mapleandwren_floralartacademy Facebook: Maple and Wren Floral Art Academy Find Zest Flowers: Website: https://www.zestflowers.com.au/  Instagram: @zestflowers Facebook: Zest Flowers   Creative Business Spotlight: The Dainty Co Website: https://www.thedaintyco.com.au/  Instagram: @thedainty_co Facebook: The Dainty Co YouTube: Coralie Carosin

This week we’re talking social media scheduling software — what it is, whether you really need it, and how to use it without losing the human touch. We’ll cover batching and auto‑publishing, planning with calendars and feed previews, and why scheduling is a tool (not a strategy). You’ll hear why you still need to keep showing up (think engagement), how platform nuances matter, and which metrics actually count now — think watch time, saves, shares and carousel swipes over likes. We touch on analytics, from native insights in Meta to when paid tools like Loomly make sense for multi‑brand workflows. You’ll learn how to align content to business goals with clear calls to action, write SEO‑friendly captions that can surface on Google, and free up headspace by setting a realistic posting rhythm. Plus, practical ways to start: use free options and trials, lean on tutorials, ask the community—and choose the platform you’ll actually use.  Creative Business Spotlight: Modern Homewares Instagram: @modernhomewares  Facebook: Modern Homewares

This week, Erin sits down with Lucy, founder of Not Yet Perfect — a boutique pottery studio in Applecross known for soul‑soothing workshops and masterclasses — to explore how letting go can unlock your best creative and business work. Born in Norway, raised in WA’s southwest and forged in a decade of fashion, Lucy shares how a surprise stint teaching at‑risk teens led her to pottery as a grounding practice, first in her lounge room with wine and clay, then via Gumtree classes, and eventually into a thriving studio space of their own. We dive into separating creativity from business identity, building resilience by self‑educating (yes, even through boring books), growing organically, and getting radically honest — about money, motives and the mundane daily habits that actually move the wheel. You’ll hear how community shaped her systems during COVID, why becoming your own cheerleader matters, and Lucy’s beautiful “vessel” metaphor for holding space, creativity and business without losing yourself. Plus a quick‑fire round: weekly Ghost references, meditation as a must, green juice, sewing comebacks and big clay vessels. If you’re a creative wrestling with perfectionism, this conversation is a breath of fresh air. Connect with our guest! Find Not Yet Perfect: Website: https://www.notyetperfect.com/  Instagram: @nyperfect Facebook: Not Yet Perfect Creative Business Spotlight: Coralie Carosin of Coco Studio Website: https://www.cocostudio.com.au/  Instagram: @coralie.carosin YouTube: Coralie Carosin