In today’s episode I sat down with Nicki Farrell, the co-founder of Wildlings Forest School. Wildlings isn't just a forest school; it's a mission driven business offering education programs, an online store, and courses for educators and aspiring forest school educators. We chatted how Nicki balances these different aspects while growing the business and juggling motherhood.

We get into the challenges of balancing motherhood with building a business that inspires change in the next generation. Nicki shares great tips on creating flexible work, and why she loves hiring moms. She also talks about how she builds her team and makes remote work, work. So, if you're juggling kids and a business, this episode is for you!

Nicki opens up about getting her business off the ground, marketing, and how she grows Wildlings. Her advice is gold for anyone starting out.

We also chat about the future of business here on the Sunshine Coast, and the tough stuff like rising costs and competition. Nicki's passion for doing good and making things better is so inspiring.

This chat is all about how purpose, vision and hard work can build amazing businesses that give back to our community. Nicki's story shows just how important women are in our business world.

WHERE TO FIND NICKI

https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wildlings_forestschool/

ABOUT MAKING WAVES

This podcast alternates between marketing and brand education and inspiring interviews with female change makers on the Sunshine Coast. As our region evolves from a holiday destination to a thriving business hub, we're excited to bring you stories of local leaders shaping this transformation.

In this episode, Soojee explores the potential of AI for service-based businesses, discussing its history, current applications, and future possibilities. She shares practical examples of AI tools and their uses across various industries, from marketing and design to healthcare and logistics. Soojee also offers insights into her own AI experimentation at The Good Studio, providing valuable tips for integrating AI into business processes while also taking into account ethical considerations and potential challenges associated with AI adoption. Listeners will come away with a better understanding of how to leverage AI to innovate and grow their own businesses.

Analyse your brand like a pro with my FREE 60-point Brand Strategy Checklist https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/checklist

ABOUT SOOJEE

I’ve spent over 16 years in the branding world, working from design to brand strategist, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a strategic brand. I've seen how it can elevate businesses, attract better leads, and inspire teams to do their best work. I've also experienced this firsthand, building The Good Studio through rebrands, pivots, and even an ownership change.

But I've also seen the flip side: businesses struggling to connect with their audience, and missed opportunities due to a lack of differentiation and direction. I'm all about to helping service-based firms transform their businesses into brands.

I want you to experience the same transformation I've seen time and again—the kind that leads to not just success but a lasting legacy. When I'm not praising the power of a brand, you'll find me soaking up the chaos of raising two young kids and enjoying the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

ABOUT THE GOOD STUDIO

We'll work alongside you to uncover the hidden stories, values, and aspirations that differentiate your business and matter to your clients. Together, we'll transform your business into a brand that reflects your excellence and drives growth.

Our Methodology: The InsideOut Method We've developed a proven framework for building brands for leading service-based businesses. The InsideOut Method ensures your brand is strategically aligned with your business goals, resonates with your ideal clients, and leaves a lasting impression across every touchpoint. The result? A cohesive brand experience that drives meaningful, sustainable growth for your business and establishes your legacy in the market.

Visit our webiste to find out more: https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/about

FOLLOW the podcast wherever you are listening & SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel here:

https://youtube.com/@thegoodstudiobrand

If you like these episodes, leave me a review, tell your friends, or tag me on social media!

This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio.

www.ontrackstudio.com.au

@sophie.on.track.studio

Today Soojee is bringing back a throwback from the podcast's second-ever episode; the five step inside-out method. Updated for 2024, this method has been used by small business owners and marketing professionals of large companies alike. These foundational elements; Business, Brand, Identity, Website, and Marketing, can often get overlooked in favour of issues that appear more pressing. Getting these groundwork components right will ensure your business and your brand is on the right track for all your future endeavours, and that all these elements are aligned in a synchronised and complimentary manner. So get out your notepad, and dive into this episode to discover the tools you need to get your business on track for success.

Analyse your brand like a pro with my FREE 60-point Brand Strategy Checklist https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/checklist

ABOUT SOOJEE

I’ve spent over 16 years in the branding world, working from design to brand strategist, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a strategic brand. I've seen how it can elevate businesses, attract better leads, and inspire teams to do their best work. I've also experienced this firsthand, building The Good Studio through rebrands, pivots, and even an ownership change.

But I've also seen the flip side: businesses struggling to connect with their audience, and missed opportunities due to a lack of differentiation and direction. I'm all about helping service-based firms transform their businesses into brands.

I want you to experience the same transformation I've seen time and again—the kind that leads to not just success but a lasting legacy. When I'm not praising the power of a brand, you'll find me soaking up the chaos of raising two young kids and enjoying the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

ABOUT THE GOOD STUDIO

We'll work alongside you to uncover the hidden stories, values, and aspirations that differentiate your business and matter to your clients. Together, we'll transform your business into a brand that reflects your excellence and drives growth.

Our Methodology: The InsideOut Method We've developed a proven framework for building brands for leading service-based businesses. The InsideOut Method ensures your brand is strategically aligned with your business goals, resonates with your ideal clients, and leaves a lasting impression across every touchpoint. The result? A cohesive brand experience that drives meaningful, sustainable growth for your business and establishes your legacy in the market.

Visit our webiste to find out more: https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/about

FOLLOW the podcast wherever you are listening & SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel here:

https://youtube.com/@thegoodstudiobrand

If you like these episodes, leave me a review, tell your friends, or tag me on social media!

This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio.

www.ontrackstudio.com.au

@sophie.on.track.studio

In this episode, I’m joined by Karina Seljak—an artist, designer, entrepreneur, and circular economy expert. At the time of our conversation, Karina was running Seljak Brand, working with mills to transform factory offcuts, deadstock yarn, and post-consumer textile waste into beautiful, award-winning blankets.

Karina shares how the Sunshine Coast is increasingly embracing the circular economy, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to environmental preservation. She highlights the future of sustainable textiles, guiding brands to take full responsibility for their products’ life cycles and invest in recycling and remanufacturing infrastructure. With the upcoming Olympics, the rise of innovation hubs and new companies establishing themselves in the region, the Sunshine Coast has a unique opportunity to participate in this space.

Since our chat, Karina and her business partner, Samantha Seljak, decided to close Seljak Brand in mid-2024 to share their learnings more widely. Karina now consults, advises, and teaches on circular economy, sustainable design, and branding and marketing for purpose-driven businesses. She’s also pursuing her art practice, having recently concluded her first solo exhibition, Light Speaks, at CA Gallery in Coolum, which explored the sentience of land through colour and form.

WHERE TO FIND KARINA https://www.instagram.com/karinaseljak

https://coolartgallery.com.au/light-speaks-karina-seljak/

ABOUT MAKING WAVES

This podcast alternates between marketing and brand education and inspiring interviews with female change makers on the Sunshine Coast. As our region evolves from a holiday destination to a thriving business hub, we're excited to bring you stories of local leaders shaping this transformation.

Today Soojee jumps head first into the world of digital advertising with guest expert Tenai from Ads House. They explore the intricacies of Meta (Facebook) and Spotify advertising, offering valuable insights for service-based businesses looking to elevate their marketing strategies. Tenai emphasises the importance of understanding the customer journey, aligning ad objectives with business goals, and the power of organic social media in supporting paid campaigns. The discussion covers common mistakes in ad management, the potential of Spotify as an emerging advertising platform, and the crucial role of branding in creating a cohesive marketing strategy. Listeners will gain practical tips on budgeting, scaling ads, and leveraging psychological triggers to enhance their marketing efforts, making this episode a must-listen for business owners and marketers alike.

Analyse your brand like a pro with my FREE 60-point Brand Strategy Checklist ⁠https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/checklist⁠

ABOUT SOOJEE

I’ve spent over 16 years in the branding world, working from design to brand strategist, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a strategic brand. I've seen how it can elevate businesses, attract better leads, and inspire teams to do their best work. I've also experienced this firsthand, building The Good Studio through rebrands, pivots, and even an ownership change.

But I've also seen the flip side: businesses struggling to connect with their audience, and missed opportunities due to a lack of differentiation and direction. I'm all about helping service-based firms transform their businesses into brands.

I want you to experience the same transformation I've seen time and again—the kind that leads to not just success but a lasting legacy. When I'm not praising the power of a brand, you'll find me soaking up the chaos of raising two young kids and enjoying the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

ABOUT TENAI

Tenai is a multi-award winning digital marketing specialist, mother, partner, and a seriously focused small business owner who knows that social media advertising and behavioural science go hand in hand – whether you believe it or not.

“I am a data nerd at heart and get a secret kick out of building a well-planned strategic campaign – I love knowing the reason why people want to buy, how they think and feel and how to connect – and how we can churn your analytics to create the most powerful, profitable campaign on the market.” Tenai, Ads Haus

Tenai’s business Ads Haus - https://adshaus.com.au/

ABOUT THE GOOD STUDIO

We'll work alongside you to uncover the hidden stories, values, and aspirations that differentiate your business and matter to your clients. Together, we'll transform your business into a brand that reflects your excellence and drives growth.

Our Methodology: The InsideOut Method We've developed a proven framework for building brands for leading service-based businesses. The InsideOut Method ensures your brand is strategically aligned with your business goals, resonates with your ideal clients, and leaves a lasting impression across every touchpoint. The result? A cohesive brand experience that drives meaningful, sustainable growth for your business and establishes your legacy in the market.

Visit our website to find out more:⁠ https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/about⁠

FOLLOW the podcast wherever you are listening & SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel here:

⁠https://youtube.com/@thegoodstudiobrand⁠

If you like these episodes, leave me a review, tell your friends, or tag me on social media!

This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio.

⁠www.ontrackstudio.com.au⁠

⁠@sophie.on.track.studio⁠

In this episode, Soojee is joined by Tenai of Ads House to unravel the complexities of Meta Ads for service-based businesses. Tenai explains the key differences between product and service business advertising, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer journeys and decision-making processes. They discuss how businesses can test their messaging affordably, with budgets as low as $20 per day, and outline the essential elements needed before launching a successful ad campaign. Tenai divulges invaluable insights on crafting effective ad copy, choosing the right visuals, and understanding the anatomy of a high-performing ad. Tenai also shares her practical advice on deciding whether to manage ads in-house or outsource, along with critical questions to ask potential advertising partners.

Analyse your brand like a pro with my FREE 60-point Brand Strategy Checklist https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/checklist

ABOUT SOOJEE

I’ve spent over 16 years in the branding world, working from design to brand strategist, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a strategic brand. I've seen how it can elevate businesses, attract better leads, and inspire teams to do their best work. I've also experienced this firsthand, building The Good Studio through rebrands, pivots, and even an ownership change.

But I've also seen the flip side: businesses struggling to connect with their audience, and missed opportunities due to a lack of differentiation and direction. I'm all about to helping service-based firms transform their businesses into brands.

I want you to experience the same transformation I've seen time and again—the kind that leads to not just success but a lasting legacy. When I'm not praising the power of a brand, you'll find me soaking up the chaos of raising two young kids and enjoying the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

ABOUT TENAI

Tenai is a multi-award winning digital marketing specialist, mother, partner, and a seriously focused small business owner who knows that social media advertising and behavioural science go hand in hand – whether you believe it or not.

“I am a data nerd at heart and get a secret kick out of building a well-planned strategic campaign – I love knowing the reason why people want to buy, how they think and feel and how to connect – and how we can churn your analytics to create the most powerful, profitable campaign on the market.” Tenai, Ads Haus

Tenai’s business Ads Haus - https://adshaus.com.au/

ABOUT THE GOOD STUDIO

We'll work alongside you to uncover the hidden stories, values, and aspirations that differentiate your business and matter to your clients. Together, we'll transform your business into a brand that reflects your excellence and drives growth.

Our Methodology: The InsideOut Method We've developed a proven framework for building brands for leading service-based businesses. The InsideOut Method ensures your brand is strategically aligned with your business goals, resonates with your ideal clients, and leaves a lasting impression across every touchpoint. The result? A cohesive brand experience that drives meaningful, sustainable growth for your business and establishes your legacy in the market.

Visit our webiste to find out more: https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/about

FOLLOW the podcast wherever you are listening & SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel here:

https://youtube.com/@thegoodstudiobrand

How can service based businesses market intangible services? Today Sojee talks about the marketing challenges that face service-based businesses, particularly the hurdle of demonstrating value to existing and prospective clients in a world when many of your deliverables are invisible. We will be taking a look at company structuring, advertising techniques, and concrete examples of how you can demonstrate value in a way that will keep your client coming back for more, and keep new clients coming in the door. Firsthand anecdotes and concrete examples abound, ensuring you'll be able to discover various methods to make meaningful changes in the way you market yourself today.

Analyse your brand like a pro with my FREE 60-point Brand Strategy Checklist https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/checklist

ABOUT SOOJEE

I’ve spent over 16 years in the branding world, working from design to brand strategist, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a strategic brand. I've seen how it can elevate businesses, attract better leads, and inspire teams to do their best work. I've also experienced this firsthand, building The Good Studio through rebrands, pivots, and even an ownership change.

But I've also seen the flip side: businesses struggling to connect with their audience, and missed opportunities due to a lack of differentiation and direction. I'm all about helping service-based firms transform their businesses into brands.

I want you to experience the same transformation I've seen time and again—the kind that leads to not just success but a lasting legacy. When I'm not praising the power of a brand, you'll find me soaking up the chaos of raising two young kids and enjoying the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

ABOUT THE GOOD STUDIO

We'll work alongside you to uncover the hidden stories, values, and aspirations that differentiate your business and matter to your clients. Together, we'll transform your business into a brand that reflects your excellence and drives growth.

Our Methodology: The InsideOut Method We've developed a proven framework for building brands for leading service-based businesses. The InsideOut Method ensures your brand is strategically aligned with your business goals, resonates with your ideal clients, and leaves a lasting impression across every touchpoint. The result? A cohesive brand experience that drives meaningful, sustainable growth for your business and establishes your legacy in the market.

Visit our website to find out more: https://www.thegoodstudio.com.au/about

FOLLOW the podcast wherever you are listening & SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel here:

If you like these episodes, leave me a review, tell your friends, or tag me on social media!

This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio.

www.ontrackstudio.com.au

@sophie.on.track.studio

This podcast alternates between marketing and brand education and inspiring interviews with female change makers on the Sunshine Coast.

As our region evolves from a holiday destination to a thriving business hub, we're excited to bring you stories of local leaders shaping this transformation.

In this episode, we're joined by Sophia Conley, founder of Renegade Design Studio—a multi-disciplinary design firm based in Noosa. Sophia shares her business story, offering a candid look behind the scenes of starting and running a successful business on the Sunshine Coast.

She touches on combining motherhood with business and shares her design philosophy that drives Renegade’s iconic projects. Sophia also offers her unique perspective on the coast's burgeoning business landscape. We'll discuss the region's transformation, the opportunities it presents for entrepreneurs, and her vision for its future.

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or considering taking the plunge, Sophia's story and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to make waves in their professional life. Join us for an engaging conversation about business growth, work-life balance, and the exciting future of the Sunshine Coast business community.

ABOUT SOPHIA CONLEY

Sophia Conley is the founder and creative force behind Renegade Design Studio. With a passion for innovative design and a keen business acumen, Sophia has quickly established herself as a rising star in the Sunshine Coast's creative industry. Her journey of building a successful business while embracing motherhood offers a relatable and inspiring narrative for aspiring entrepreneurs.

www.renegadedesignstudio.com.au

www.instagram.com/renegade_design_studio