The Solo Grind

Create Your Vision and Make it Happen!

🎧 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 down your dreams is a game-changer.
• How to balance action with trust in the universe.
• Steve Harvey Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=DlMAIYd7-J4&t=80s 

If you’re ready to embrace your dreams and start shaping your vision for 2025, this episode is the perfect way to close out the year. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. See you in 2025—each year is getting better, and I know it can for you too!

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Book a Consult HERE!
Book a Coffee Chat HERE!
Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

Pricing, Confidence, and Building a Sustainable Business with Nancy Ganzekaufer

In 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 setting clear boundaries with clients. You’ll learn practical strategies for handling pricing objections, avoiding the pitfalls of over-explaining, and staying firm in your value.

We also discuss how body language, confidence, and preparation can transform your client interactions, helping you command respect and close sales with ease. Whether you’re struggling to price your services, attract ideal clients, or balance the demands of running a business, this episode is packed with actionable tips and empowering advice to help you take your business to the next level.

Nancy's Bio: 

Nancy Ganzekaufer is a sought-after Business and Life Coach, Body Language Trainer, Speaker, and Author. Named one of New York's top coaches, Nancy specializes in coaching interior designers with a focus on marketing and sales strategies, helping them maximize their profitability while identifying and serving their ideal clients with confidence.  

Through 1:1 coaching and her signature group coaching program, Profit Insiders Academy, Nancy guides her clients to develop the most straightforward path to higher profitability, visibility, and scalability through confident decision making, efficient systems development, and effective communication.

With her no-nonsense coaching style, Nancy has empowered thousands to know and charge their worth and position themselves in their market with authority and authenticity. She enjoys rolling up her sleeves and helping her interior design clients tackle the tough challenges in life and work, transforming them into happier, healthier, more focused professionals. 

• Pricing Tool for Interior Designers - https://nancyganzekaufer.com/the-key-pricing-tool/
• Group Coaching - https://nancyganzekaufer.com/profit-insiders-academy-quick-apply/
• 1:1 Coaching - https://nancyganzekaufer.com/business-strategy-session/
• Free Resources - https://nancyganzekaufer.com/free-resources-for-interior-designers/
• Interior Design Business Forum - https://www.facebook.com/groups/interiordesignbusinessforum

Follow Nancy on Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyGanzekaufer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyganzekaufer/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyganzekaufer/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nancyganzekauferinteriordesignbusinesscoach?sub_confirmation=1
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/InteriorDesignBusinessCoach/

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

Stop trying to fit in and build a business that feels like you!

Have 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 for me, and I learned that the hard way.

We’ll explore:

• Why it’s so important to follow your own advice (and not just anyone’s).
• What to do when your business stops feeling aligned.
• How to attract the right clients and opportunities by staying true to yourself.

If you’ve ever felt out of place in your own business or wondered how to connect with your dream clients, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t come from fitting into someone else’s mold—it comes from showing up as you.

Tune in for real talk, key takeaways, and a big announcement about the future of The Solo Grind.

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Book a Consult HERE!
Book a Coffee Chat HERE!
Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

Creating an EXPERIENCE on your website with Robyn White

In 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, on paper, Robyn and I are technically competitors. We’ve even bid on some of the same projects in the past! We however, don’t see it that way. Instead of competition, we’ve built an amazing friendship and a supportive professional relationship.

Today, we’re diving into the topic of creating an experience with your website—something Robyn and I are both incredibly passionate about. Whether you’re designing a website for your business or looking for ways to elevate your online presence, this episode is packed with insights to help you stand out.

To connect with Robyn directly visit her website at https://rdwdesignstudio.com/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rdwdesignstudio/. 

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

Using Naysayers, Copycats & Haters to Propel Your Success

As 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 or discouraged by someone doubting your abilities, copying your hard work, or criticizing your every move, this episode is here to help you rise above it all and succeed—no matter what anyone says!

Grab your coffee, tune in, and let’s face these negative Nelly's together!

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

No Excuses: Owning Your Success, No Matter What Life Brings

In 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 success I was working toward—even if the path looked nothing like I’d planned.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I kept going when life threw everything at me and what helped me stay focused on what mattered most. So if you’re feeling the weight of life’s obstacles and challenges or wondering how to keep your dreams alive, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about showing up for yourself, finding strength in the chaos, and staying on course—even when life has other ideas.

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

Not According to Plan with special Guest Emily Aborn

🎧 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 aligns with your true self, and why sometimes a “no” opens doors to new possibilities. Emily brings insightful perspectives on resilience, authenticity, and the hidden power in re-evaluating our plans, so you really don't want to miss this episode.

This episode is for any entrepreneur who finds themselves questioning their path, feeling the pressure to “just keep going,” or looking for permission to pivot. 

Key Highlights

☕ Embracing the Pivot: Emily and I discuss the art of pivoting when things don’t go as expected, sharing insights on why sometimes it’s okay to step back or move in a new direction.

☕ The Power of a Well-Timed “No”: We highlight how saying no to one opportunity can create space for something better aligned with your goals and energy.

☕ Prioritizing Personal and Professional Alignment: Emily shares her approach to making decisions based on how aligned she feels in each role and project, a strategy she calls her “life audit.”

☕ Redefining ROI Beyond the Numbers: We talk about how Return on Investment (ROI) isn’t just about financial metrics, but also mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

☕ Navigating Obligations and Letting Go: Both of us share stories of when we held onto obligations that no longer served us, and how letting go can lead to personal and professional growth.

☕ Learning from Failures: Emily shares her approach of “failing forward”—viewing each setback as a lesson and opportunity to fine-tune and grow.

☕ Staying Authentic: The conversation touches on how to show up as your true self in all areas of life and business, letting go of “role selves” and embracing authenticity.

 

More about Emily 

Emily Aborn is a Copywriter who specializes in working with interior designers and home trade professionals as well as coaches and consultants. She helps relationship-based, small businesses refine their message and grow their impact. Emily takes the mission, vision, and ideas in your head and weaves them into a creative, compelling, copy that connects to your ideal clients and reflects YOU. 

She’s also the host of the Content with Character podcast and speaks on marketing-related topics for organizations and groups. 

She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Clyde. She enjoys hiking, reading, all the word and nerdy brain games, and even in her free time… you guessed it, writing. 

Links to Contact/Connect

Website: emilyaborn.com

Email: emily@emilyaborn.com

Instagram: instagram.com/emilyaborn

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilyaborn

Substack: substack.com/@emilyaborn

Resources Mentioned: 

• Content With Character Podcast
• "Failing Forward" by John C. Maxwell – A book on transforming failures into stepping stones for success.

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

Are You Productive or Just Busy? Identifying and Eliminating Time-Wasting Habits

I’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 learned to prioritize the tasks that really matter, focusing on building relationships and staying aligned with long-term goals. We all struggle with perfectionism, procrastination in disguise, and distractions from trends, but by recognizing these patterns, we can start to make more intentional choices about how we spend our time. If you’re ready to cut through the noise, stop wasting time, and get back to what really matters, this episode is for you!

🎙️ Highlights: 

☕ Busy vs. Productive: Learn to differentiate between staying busy and being truly productive.
☕ Common Time Wasters: Identify time-wasting tasks like perfecting social media posts, endlessly tweaking your website, and over-researching.
☕ Perfectionism vs. Mastery: Understand the difference between striving for perfection and focusing on mastery through action and improvement.
☕ Procrastination in Disguise: Spot tasks that feel productive but are actually delaying important work.
☕ Building Relationships: Prioritize real connections with clients over relying solely on tech and automation.
☕ Time-Wasting Habits: Assess whether you're falling into common time traps like chasing trends or constantly planning.
☕ Action Steps: Focus on high-impact tasks that align with your goals and drive real business growth.

Resources Mentioned: 

• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
• Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
• First Things First by Stephen R. Covey, Roger Merrill, and Rebecca Merrill
• Stephen Covey Put First Things First Big Rocks Coach
• Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
• Content with Character Podcast by Emily Aborn

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!