Shows
The Solo Grind5 Signs You’re Ready for the Next StepSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:Today I want to talk about the mindset hurdle that keeps so many solo entrepreneurs stuck... waiting to feel “ready.” I am sharing five clear signs that it’s time to take that next step, even if your confidence hasn’t caught up yet, and what it means to uplevel on your terms.We will also be talking about why fear will always tag along for the ride (and why that’s okay), and how to move forward in your business even when things aren’t perfectly line...2025-07-2913 min
The Solo GrindYour Best Clients Are Already in Front of YouSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m talking about something we don’t talk about enough. Nurturing the people who are already here. It’s so easy to get caught up chasing new leads, new followers, new subscribers… but the real magic happens when you take care of the ones who already said yes. I’m sharing why focusing on those existing relationships can actually grow your business faster (and feel better, too), plus simple ways to keep your clients and audience engaged, happy, and exc...2025-07-2218 min
The Solo GrindWhat I learned from the “Real Life Wizard of Oz”Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m honoring someone who made a big impact on my entrepreneurial journey: Steve Sims.Steve was an author, coach, creative disruptor, a fellow lover of a really god old fashion, and one of the most unapologetically real people I’ve ever had the privilege to learn from. His books and his speakeasy event shaped the way I approach my business, my clients, and even myself.Today, I’m sharing three of the most powerful lessons I learned...2025-07-1520 min
The Solo GrindIt’s Not You, It’s ThemSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m sharing some real talk about something every solo entrepreneur faces: rejection. It’s never fun, but it’s also not always personal. Sometimes it’s truly not about you at all.I’m walking you through the reasons clients might say no (or disappear altogether), how to handle it with confidence, and why staying rooted in a long-game mindset matters more than any quick win. You’ll hear how I navigate ghosting, stalled timelines, and those “not right now” re...2025-07-0818 min
The Solo GrindMarketing SoloSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m talking about the reality of marketing as a solo entrepreneur—when it’s just you wearing all the hats and trying to figure out what actually works. I share why so much of the advice out there doesn’t fit when you don’t have a full team or unlimited time, and how to start building a marketing plan that feels doable and aligned with how you naturally communicate. We’ll also look at why those “overnight success” promises usually fa...2025-07-0122 min
The Solo GrindWhat to Do When Writing Isn't Your Thing (But Your Business Needs It)Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:Not sure whether to DIY your website copy, use AI, buy a template, or hire a pro? In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each option—from affordable tools to done-for-you services—and sharing how I’ve personally used them in my business. This isn’t about what’s “right” or “wrong.” It’s about helping you find what works best for you and where you’re at in your solo journey.What I hope you take away from this epi...2025-06-2431 min
The Solo GrindMore isn’t always better. Sometimes it’s just more!Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m talking about something I know all too well: going completely over the top when you’re excited about something you love. From over-the-top kid lunches and 3D Swiss Macarons, to launching Season 3 of this podcast with BIG ideas—I ALWAYS HAVE something big in the works!But somewhere between new gear, video mishaps, and the pressure to be spectacular, I realized I was chasing perfection instead of staying true to what this podcast is really about: honest, e...2025-06-1821 min
The Solo GrindKnowledge Is Power—Until It Isn'tSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:We’re told knowledge is power—but when does it stop helping and start holding us back?In this final episode of Season 2, I’m talking about how easy it is to let metrics, data, and outside opinions override our own inner wisdom. Whether it’s business numbers, expert advice, or progress trackers—we can get so caught up in trying to prove our success that we stop trusting what we already know.This one’s a real talk moment for every solo entrepreneur wh...2025-05-0621 min
The Solo GrindBefore You Bring in an Expert, Ask Yourself This…Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:Have you ever hired someone for your business because you felt behind, stuck, or scared of failing? Yeah... me too.Today, we’re having a real conversation about why hiring from fear never leads where you hope it will—and how to know when you're making decisions from clarity instead.We’ll talk about what it really means to collaborate with the experts you hire, why trust matters from day one, and how to shift back into confidence when uncertainty creeps in.If you're...2025-04-2924 min
The Solo GrindLegacy Isn’t Something You Leave Behind—It’s What You’re Doing Right NowSend us a text 🎧 Episode Summary:We often think of legacy as something people talk about after we're gone—like it’s only visible in the rearview mirror. But what if your legacy isn’t about the grand finale? What if it’s being shaped every single day by how you show up, how you treat people, and the values you live out?In this episode, I’m talking about the real impact you’re making as a solo entrepreneur—whether you realize it or not. Inspired by a recent episode of Content with Ch...2025-04-2214 min
The Solo GrindWhat Would You Do When All Doors Feel Closed?Send us a text 🎧 Episode Summary:This week on The Solo Grind, I’m digging into a tough question: What would you do if it felt like every door was closed and success was nowhere in sight? This conversation was inspired by a real-life moment where someone asked for my opinion—and what they really wanted was permission to compromise their growth and take the easy way out.Instead, I was honest. I shared exactly what I would do when it feels like the odds are stacked and the setbacks keep piling u...2025-04-1517 min
The Solo GrindI’ll Just Be Over Here Doing What You Said I Couldn’t DoSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m sharing a little truth talk about all the times I’ve been told, “You can’t.” From standing up to bullies on a concrete bench as a kid to launching a business people thought I wasn’t “qualified” to run, I’ve heard it all—and guess what? I did it anyway.These limitations weren’t always meant to hurt. Most of the time, they came from people who loved me, but were stuck in their own fear. Still, I’ve spe...2025-04-0816 min
The Solo GrindBe a Good Girl and Don't Make Waves!Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m getting real about what it means to be a woman in business—especially for those of us who grew up being told to follow the rules, stay in line, and not make waves. Spoiler alert: The hell I won’t.I’m reflecting on my journey as a solo entrepreneur, the unique challenges we face, and the ridiculous limitations society tries to place on us. We’re talking about the power of showing up as your full, unapologetic self, celebrating h...2025-04-0119 min
The Solo GrindFrom Overwhelmed to Organized- How Systems & Processes Create More Time and ProfitSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode, I’m hanging out with my good friend and business coach, Nancy Quinn (formerly Nancy Ganzekaufer), and we’re getting into something every solo entrepreneur needs but doesn’t always want to deal with—systems and processes.We’re take a look at the difference between selling products vs. selling services––they are wildly different! And why setting clear boundaries with clients can actually make your life (and theirs) so much easier.Nancy and I also get into the nitty-gritty of reclaiming you...2025-03-2545 min
The Solo GrindAre You Chasing Sales or Building a Business?Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode, we’re talking about the two big approaches to marketing—transactional and relationship-driven—and how both can actually work together in your business. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each, why finding the right balance matters, and how to create a customer experience that keeps people coming back.And let’s not forget the importance of stepping away from the grind. Taking a break isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. Burnout is real, and if you’re constantly chasing the next sale...2025-03-1826 min
The Solo GrindWhen All Hell Breaks Loose (And You Have a Plane Ticket in Hand)Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:Ever had one of those days where everything seems to go off the rails—right before you’re supposed to go on vacation? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I’m keeping it real and talking about what to do when chaos hits and you’ve got a plane ticket in hand.I’m diving into why it’s so important to step away, reset, and shut out the noise so you can focus on what actually matters in your business (and life). We’re talking about the...2025-03-1112 min
The Solo GrindYou Are Your Best Marketing StrategySend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:Personal branding isn’t just about logos, colors, and fonts—it’s about you. In this episode, I’m breaking down what personal branding really means for solo entrepreneurs and why it’s the key to standing out in a crowded market. We’re talking about how to define what makes you unique, why authenticity is everything, and the biggest mistakes people make when building their brand (so you can avoid them). I’ll also challenge you to take a closer look at your digital presence and ask yourself: Am...2025-03-0433 min
The Solo GrindLove is in the Details! Creating an Unforgettable Client ExperienceSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m diving into something that can make or break your business—loving your clients and creating a stellar client experience. First impressions matter, but the client experience goes way beyond just delivering a service. It’s about the little details, clear and consistent communication, and adding that wow factor that makes people rave about working with you. I’ll share how you can create a client journey that not only feels good but also fuels business growth and referrals. Because at the end of...2025-02-2538 min
The Solo GrindLove Your Dream More Than ExcusesSend us a textThis month, we’ve been talking all about LOVE—loving our businesses, our boundaries, our homes, and most importantly, the lives we’re creating. But let’s be real... living a life you love isn’t just about dream jobs, bubble baths, and champagne. Sometimes, it’s about loving your dreams more than your excuses.Last week, I got hit with Influenza A (yep, the full fever, body aches, miserable experience). And let me tell you—everyone around me had solid reasons why I should hit pause and take it easy. And while I di...2025-02-1825 min
The Solo GrindLetting Go of Struggle & Embracing Life's JourneySend us a textIn this special birthday episode of The Solo Grind, I am celebrating with my best friend Crystal Loveless Nerpel, who has just launched her book 'Loving Your Home'. We will be sharing more about love, self-care, and the importance of creating a nurturing environment both at home and in business.There is so much goodness in this episode including the significance of letting go of struggles, embracing the journey of life, and the power of perspective in shaping one's experiences.Plus, Crystal shares insights from her book, emphasizing the...2025-02-1432 min
The Solo GrindFalling back IN LOVE with your BusinessSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode, I’m getting real about something we don’t talk about enough—falling out of love with your business. We all start with passion and excitement, but somewhere along the way, things can start feeling more like a grind than a joy. So, what happened? And more importantly, how do we fix it?I’m diving into the big reasons business owners lose their spark—feeling stuck with no growth, battling imposter syndrome, and dealing with clients who drain the life out of you. But d...2025-02-1140 min
The Solo GrindBoundaries, Balance, and Breaks: Time Management for CreativesSend us a textIn this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Lesley Myrick, Associate Coach with Nancy Ganzekaufer and Interior Designer, and we’re diving into time management with a twist—tailoring it to your personality type! Lesley shares how understanding your unique strengths (yes, even the quirks) can help you manage your time more effectively, reduce stress, and get more done without the overwhelm.We talk about setting boundaries, the importance of carving out time to reflect and recharge, and practical tips for handling your schedule in a way that actually works for YO...2025-02-0434 min
The Solo GrindThe Mess Behind SuccessSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the often unseen struggles behind success. Let’s be real—the journey is messy, full of challenges, and rarely a straight line. I’m sharing some of my own experiences, along with insights from two incredible women who inspire me every day. Together, we’re diving into the power of persistence, the importance of self-acceptance, and how to move through even when life sucks. My hope is that this conversation reminds you that your journey is uniquely yours, and you’re never alone...2025-01-2837 min
The Solo GrindStaying focused on your dreams when things get messy!Send us a textIn this episode, I am sharing the importance of creating a life with intention and maintaining momentum in goal setting, especially as the initial excitement of the new year fades. I will be telling you more about the 'Three Rs of Momentum'—Reflect, Reprioritize, and Recharge—and how essential each of these are for sustaining momentum and achieving goals. Not only in times of chaos, but also as a consistent habit. I will also be sharing how necessary it is to protect your energy to keep the momentum going and how I do it i...2025-01-2121 min
The Solo GrindTime to Set your Dream BIG Goals!Send us a textIn this episode, I’m talking all about setting 'dream big goals' for 2025 and why having a clear personal vision can make all the difference. I’m sharing some of my own stories—about big goals, small changes that had a huge impact, and how to handle life’s curveballs along the way. My goal? To encourage you to go after what you truly want, guilt-free, and live with intention so you can create a life you absolutely love.P.S. Starting this week we are adding video to the podcast so be su...2025-01-1432 min
The Solo GrindYour Dream, Your Business, Your RulesSend us a textHey there, my friends! It’s a brand-new year, and I’m so excited to kick off Season Two of The Solo Grind with you. This episode is all about getting clear on what YOU want—your dream, your business, your rules. I truly believe with all my heart: you don’t have to settle for a life that happens to you. You get to choose. You have the power to create the life and business you want, in a way that fits you. And this month, I’m sharing how to connect...2025-01-0722 min
The Solo GrindCreate Your Vision and Make it Happen!Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode, I’m sharing something close to my heart—how I create my vision each year to shape the life I want. Whether you’re a dreamer with your head in the clouds, a planner with lists for everything, or someone who waits until the last minute (guilty!), this episode is for you. I’m diving into three tools that have completely transformed my life.Takeaways from this Episode:The steps I take to create my vision each year.Why writing dow...2024-12-1729 min
The Solo GrindPricing, Confidence, and Building a Sustainable Business with Nancy GanzekauferSend us a textIn this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m joined by my trusted business coach and mentor, Nancy Ganzekaufer. Nancy is a no-nonsense, powerhouse business coach specializing in guiding interior designers and service-based entrepreneurs to build profitable, sustainable businesses. Together, we dive into one of the most critical aspects of running a successful business: pricing.Nancy shares her expert insights into why underpricing and undervaluing yourself can undermine your success. We explore the mindset shifts needed to confidently charge what you’re worth, the psychology behind pricing, and the importance of sett...2024-12-0948 min
The Solo GrindStop trying to fit in and build a business that feels like you!Send us a textHave you ever tried to follow someone else’s blueprint for success, only to realize it just doesn’t feel like you? In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m diving into what happens when you try to fit your business into a mold that isn’t truly yours—and how to pivot back to authenticity.I share my own story of attending a high-profile business retreat, receiving a step-by-step plan from an industry leader, and taking what seemed like the perfect next step. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t the right fit fo...2024-12-0328 min
The Solo GrindCreating an EXPERIENCE on your website with Robyn WhiteSend us a textIn this episode of The Solo Grind, I am have a very special guest with me—Robyn White from RDW Design Studio. Robyn is an incredible web designer and SEO expert. She’s the owner and founder of RDW Design Studio, a strategy-first design studio celebrated for its sophisticated approach to website design. Robyn specializes in providing design and search solutions for interior designers, helping them transform how visitors engage with their websites and step into their next level of success.One of the fun things about today’s episode is that...2024-11-2637 min
The Solo GrindUsing Naysayers, Copycats & Haters to Propel Your SuccessSend us a textAs entrepreneurs, we’ve all had those moments when doubt and negativity block our path. it’s a naysayer questioning your dreams, a copycat mimicking your work, or a hater throwing shade your way, these challenges can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing—they don’t have to hold you back. The good news is they don’t have to derail your success. In fact, they can actually help you reach new levels of success and it all comes down to how you respond the them. If you’ve ever felt frustrated...2024-11-1931 min
The Solo GrindNo Excuses: Owning Your Success, No Matter What Life BringsSend us a textIn this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m sharing one of the hardest years of my life—a year that came with challenge after challenge, after challenge! I faced a life threatening diagnosis then a heartbreaking family crisis, and that was just my January and February. It was one of those years with built in excuses to step back, throw in the towel, and say, “I tried, but life had other plans.”But I didn’t give up! Instead, I chose to take charge of my journey and stay committed to the succ...2024-11-1224 min
The Solo GrindNot According to Plan with special Guest Emily AbornSend us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, I sit down with Emily Aborn—an incredible copywriter, speaker, and host of the podcast Content with Character. Emily and I share an up close and personal look at the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship and explore what happens when life doesn’t go according to plan.We share personal stories of pivoting, facing big decisions, and finding clarity in unexpected places. We also chat about the importance of knowing when to push forward and when to let go, how to evaluate if something...2024-11-0531 min
The Solo GrindAre You Productive or Just Busy? Identifying and Eliminating Time-Wasting HabitsSend us a textI’m diving deep into a topic that hits home for every solo entrepreneur—how to tell the difference between being busy and being truly productive. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if we’re constantly working, we’re making progress, but not all activity actually moves the needle forward in our businesses. I break down common time-wasters like obsessing over social media posts, endlessly tweaking your website, or getting lost in busywork that doesn't contribute to your goals.I also share some personal insights on how I’ve l...2024-10-2929 min
The Solo GrindThe Metrics That Matter: How to Measure Real Business GrowthSend us a textIn this episode of The Solo Grind, we take a deep dive into the world of metrics and why focusing on vanity numbers like social media followers, website views, and email open rates can steer us away from real success. Host Teresa Schlup shares her insights on why these popular metrics don’t always paint the full picture of a thriving business and discusses what truly matters when it comes to measuring success as a solo entrepreneur. 2024-10-2229 min
The Solo GrindThe Power of Pivoting with Special Guest Crystal NerpelSend us a textWe have all heard about the power of the pivot, but what exactly does that look like, and what does it mean in this episode with my very first guest, my best friend, Crystal Nerpel. We dive deep into the power of pivoting in life and business—what it means, why it’s necessary, and how to overcome the fear and resistance that often comes with big changes. Crystal shares her own personal journey of navigating multiple pivots, from teaching and professional organizing to becoming an aspiring author, and Teresa reflects on her own...2024-10-1537 min
The Solo GrindIs It Risk or Just Fear Holding You Back?Send us a text🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Solo Grind, we’re diving deep into a common struggle for entrepreneurs—indecision and the fear of making a mistake. Are you frozen, stuck in perfectionism, and afraid to take the next step? What if the step you fear isn’t really a risk at all? What if it has little to no impact on the outcome of your business? Today, we’ll unpack how to assess what’s truly at stake and how to move forward with confidence.What You Will Get From This Episode:☕...2024-10-0823 min
The Solo GrindWhere To Go When You Really Need AdviceSend us a textBeing a solo entrepreneur can be a wild ride—especially when it comes to making those big decisions. You’re wearing all the hats, juggling CEO duties with admin work, marketing, and everything in between. But when it’s time to make a tough call, who do you turn to for advice?In this episode, we’ll explore the importance of having the right people in your corner. We’ll talk about whose advice you should probably avoid (hello, unsolicited Facebook advice), and more importantly, how to build your own personal Board of Di...2024-10-0115 min
The Solo GrindDefining Success in a New WaySend us a textIn this episode of The Solo Grind, we’re diving deep into the concept of success. What does success look like for you? How has your definition of success evolved over time? And more importantly, are you chasing success based on what you truly desire, or are you following external pressures and expectations?I share my personal journey of hustling hard, burning out, and realizing that success wasn’t about having 10,000 followers or working 24/7. It took an unexpected diagnosis and a complete shift in my life to redefine what success meant to me...2024-09-2422 min
Content with CharacterThe Perfect Blend: Art & Science in Your Business and WebsiteText Emily! I often say, "Great copy is a blend of art and science!" Today, I want to show how this concept applies to our business as a whole, and how we often weave art and science together for a successful business and website. A little creativity and artistic sprinkle over here, a beaker, and some chemical explosions over there, and voila - you’ve got yourself an entrepreneur. In this episode, we cover specifics on the art and science of websites and show you how it applies throughout your business. You'll have all...2024-09-2431 min
The Solo GrindWelcome to The Solo GrindSend us a textWelcome to The Solo Grind, with me, your host, Teresa Schlup, The Caffeine Creative. Our first full episode will broadcast bright and early Tuesday, September 24th! In this welcome episode, I’m excited to share a little bit about myself, the dream that started this podcast, and what you can expect from the show. Being a busy, doin’-it-all solo entrepreneur myself, I know what it feels like to have a dream so big those around me can’t see it. I know what it means to keep push...2024-09-1805 min
Marketing for Designers with Masha Koyen#10: Maximize your design portfolio’s impact on your marketing with Teresa SchlupIf your interior design portfolio currently feels like nothing more than a beautifully curated collection of images, you are not alone. Most interior designers out there under-utilize their portfolio in their marketing.
And many designers are struggling to come up with what to post in their marketing.
But what if I told you, that your project portfolio can become the magnet that not only showcases your work, style, and creative skill but also can pull in your ideal clients? And…it can become the foundation of your marketing. Meaning…it’ll give you content, lots of it, t...2024-04-1034 min
She Built This®Not Every Website Needs a Blog: tips and strategies to ensure your website is working to make your life easier with Teresa SchlupYour website should make your life EASIER, not harder!
There are so many rules around what a website should and shouldn't include, should and shouldn't be... my guest in this week's episode, Teresa Schlup shares how it's OK to break the rules and design a website and the systems behind it that work to support YOU and the life you want to create with your business.
We get into:
What Teresa is doing differently as a website designer and what her unpopular opinion is
How less is more when it comes to web design
Why...2022-11-0234 min
Talk Copy to Me | Content + Copywriting PodcastSet Your Own Website Rules with Teresa SchlupIf there's one thing that drives me bananas about the online business world...it's how people think there are "rules" they must follow in order to be successful.Okay, so maybe you wouldn't call them rules, but if you're unsure of what I'm talking about here, I'll explain. It drives me bananas when experts proclaim that there is one true way to accomplish something. You know what I mean, stuff like: "If you want to grow an audience, you must do XYZ" "You need XYZ if you want your reel to go viral""This is exactly wh...2022-09-0746 min
Marketing Monday with Adam and ShellyMarketing Monday 2.1.21 Teresa Schlup with Web Designs by TeresaMost of us SUCK at marketing. So join us in a podcast with people who suck slightly less at marketing and we will answer your questions about marketing.2021-02-011h 05