Consider the Wildflowers (Shanna Skidmore)

What is Enough? It’s a question Shanna Skidmore has become known for, but to Shanna’s surprise knowing what you need to fund the life you want and keep the business lights on wasn’t a question many in the finance world felt was important to ask. In fact, she once had a mentor tell her “if you don’t want more money you’re just lying to yourself.” Redefining Success. Defining Enough. Building a business on your own terms. Sounds good in theory, but what does it look like to actually build a business that serves your life and your bank account?

Today I’m handing over the mic and scooting over to the hotseat! You’ll hear my own story of leaving the world of corporate finance to start my own consulting firm. Why I tend to walk in the opposite direction as most business “gurus” and financial guys. And how simply sharing my own money philosophy of “defining enough” revolutionized an entire industry.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/shanna-skidmore

While starry-eyed and hopeful may describe 21-year old Nancy Ray fresh off her photography degree, equipped to run a business, price her services, and navigate the “business side of running a business” … well, I guess even photography school doesn’t teach you how to do that!

In today’s interview Nancy shares her 12 year journey in the photography business, how she built a 5 person team, and brought in multiple-six figures of revenue per year; navigating massive growth all while becoming a mama of 4! Her story will inspire all of us to sit down and define what success looks like to us in this season and give us the courage to pivot as needed to make sure the business we are building aligns with the life we want to live.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/nancy-ray

For Ashlyn Carter, the sounds of stilettos echoing off the floors of an Atlanta high-rise were music to her ears. Life in the fast lane felt like the career she’d always dreamed of, until partial hospitalization for an eating disorder brought her face to face with some hard life and career decisions. Just months after saying “I do” she found herself turning in her 2-weeks notice and knocking on the door of entrepreneurship.

In today’s interview Ashlyn shares her story of building a 7-figure copywriting business and how she navigates working from a place of rest not hustle in a world that so often whispers that success is doing more, more, more.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/ashlyn-carter

From zero job prospects living in a country where she didn’t speak the same language to a multi-six figure business within just a few years, Paige Brunton’s story is fascinating! 

In today’s interview, Paige is sharing in nuts and bolts detail how she created her business from idea formation to scalable products, how she grew from her first $500 paid client project to getting an inquiry a day (read again: an INQUIRY A DAY!!) and charging nearly $10k per project less than two years later. But hands down my favorite part of our conversation is hearing her talk about how she intentionally builds FUN and JOY into her business.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/paige-brunton

“The money… thats not my thing”. On the brink of broke and about to lose her business, how an unexpected bill from the IRS became the wake up call this Louis Vuitton loving entrepreneur needed to completely transform her mindset about money. If you’ve ever found yourself burying your head in the sand so to speak when it comes to money, today’s interview is a MUST LISTEN! 

Candice shares openly and honestly about almost losing her business, borrowing money from Grandma Vera to pay payroll, and avoiding the IRS, all due to her complete lack of understanding about her business finances. You’ll learn the cloud-parting moment when she finally  figured out that money didn’t have to be a source of shame or fear, and how this former “non-money” person became obsessed with knowing her numbers. 

The best part? Now she is empowered to make decisions based on facts and not fears. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/candice-coppola

I guess Kelly Clarkson got it right: What doesn’t kill you does in fact make you stronger. In today’s interview, you’ll learn why Emily credits the mountains she had to overcome in her personal and professional life with building the resiliency she needed to grow not just one, but two very successful brands. 

While you may not know her name, if you are in the wedding industry, it is nearly impossible to not know the iconic brands she has built: Once Wed for starters, and If I Made today. Meet Emily Newman.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/emily-newman

Making money while you sleep, it’s everyone’s dream, right?! But for Chad & Becca Campbell, the passive income dream they were living soon led to a financial nightmare. Making the leap from sleep consulting to online education completely changed the trajectory of their home and business finances, but the tax bill that came next caught them off guard. Left with no other choice than to sell their home to pay off debts, Chad & Becca set out on a mission to figure out their money once and for all. 

“We were putting baby formula and a Little Z’s sale all in the same bank account. We had no idea we were doing it all wrong.” 

How to turn your passion into profit, Quit your day job, Work with your significant other….

Today’s episode with Becca & Chad Campbell founders of Little Z’s sleep -  is all that and more! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/becca-campbell

How this self-proclaimed “accidental entrepreneur” built a multi-million dollar business in less than ten years and what she did after realizing the successful business she’d created no longer aligned with how she wanted to live her everyday life. 

“Don’t let anyone trick you into chasing a dream that isn’t yours. It’s important to constantly reevaluate what you need, what you want, and how you can show up in your business. The reality is, the business doesn’t decide what kind of life and work we want for ourselves; we decide. We get to determine the why, and there’s so much freedom in that.”

✓ A permission slip to design a business on your own terms, I’m here for it! 

✓ A reminder that if something feels off, we can stop and course correct at any time.

✓ A rallying cry to get back to the basics, put energy where it counts, and show up in a way that only you can! 

I laughed. I cried. I nodded in agreement.  This episode is pure gold!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/jen-olmstead/

Ever wondered how to pivot your offers, diversify revenue streams, or be both a present mom AND a great CEO?! If so, today’s interview with Abby Grace is a must listen! Real talk Abby showed up and delivered an in depth look at how she pivoted her successful (but all encompassing) wedding photography business into a business model that better aligned with  a new season of life and motherhood.

If talking about money makes you want to bury your head in the sand (or cry into your pinot noir), don’t tune out today! Abby is right there with you, as a self-confessed “I hate money” person, she sweated it out and dropped some incredible gems on how she learned to divorce the finances from the feelings and gain financial literacy, in order to make more strategic moves in her business that allowed more time with her family without sacrificing the income her family relied upon.

“My business has to serve my clients, but it also has to serve my family.” 

How to step into abundance, sift the good from the great, and let go of fear … all in today’s interview! Press play to hear the incredible conversation with Abby.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/abby-springmann

Have you ever felt you were so busy working in your business, there was no time to work on your business. And all God’s children say, Amen! 

“It takes a village” isn’t just true when it comes to parenting. If you’ve ever said to yourself ‘but, I can do it better than anyone else” (ahem, guilty as charged), today’s interview was the kick in the pants I needed to really think about how building a team can not only accelerate a companies growth but also give the business owner more time outside of work. 

As someone who has had a team of six and breaks out in a cold sweat at the thought of managing people EVER AGAIN, Brenna’s story was so inspiring and truly eased my anxiety around the thought of hiring help. 

Learn how this self-proclaimed workaholic learned to let go of her micromanaging ways, built a team around her, and grew her ecommerce company to 300xs her original goal…. All in today’s interview! 

From humble beginnings in the spare room of her home to products being sold in every Buc-ees franchise across the country, listen in as Brenna shares how her christian apparel company became a nationally recognized brand in less than ten years. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/brenna-milleville

As entrepreneurs it’s easy for life to become Eat. Sleep. Breathe. your business. We wake up to the sounds of “you’ve got mail” (not in the romantic Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks) kind of way but more in the Dolly Parton working 9-5 kind of way. Without even realizing it, our identities become wrapped up in the work we do, leaving no room for identity (or hobbies) outside of work! 

In today’s interview, Hope opens up about what it’s like to literally grow up with her business. Starting her photography career as a 16 year high school student, it’s taken years for her to learn how to create healthy boundaries for work and life.

As I’m sure most of us can attest: working is a habit that can be hard to break. And while “work” isn’t to be vilified, not being able to turn off work is a fast pass to burnout. I am so grateful for the insights Hope shared in today’s conversation about protecting her mental wellness and practical ways she promotes healthy work/life balance. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/hope-taylor

“That’s not a real job”. 

As entrepreneurs it’s a thought that simmers underneath the surface that many of us have to battle against. When “replace corporate salary” becomes the goal less out of financial need and more to prove to ourselves (or a family member) that it's “ok” to pursue our dreams. It’s far too easy to find our identity in our resume and believe we have to do something important, social proof our way to Forbes magazine, and have a list of metrics a mile long before others will take us seriously—let alone take our own selves seriously.

Owning our story, believing our worth, pursuing dreams and overcoming limiting beliefs. Well. That’s a storyline today’s guest, Mary Marantz, knows all too well. From a trailer in rural West Virginia to graduating from Yale Law School, her story is captivating and will help us all find more comfort in our own skin. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/mary-marantz

“We don’t get more than one lifetime to create these big visionary ideas. We have to take the years that we’re given and just go for it.” 

As an art student she was given the expectation that a career in art would be a constant struggle. “Struggling artist” is a social norm that Emily Jeffords just doesn’t believe. And though she set out on her art career journey with a tenacious attitude and audacious dream to beat the odds, at the height of success she was met with a mental battle she didn’t expect. 

I’m not worthy of this. Am I worthy of this? A need to constantly prove her worth. 

We are taught to hustle. We are taught to expect to struggle. But we aren’t often taught what to do when we succeed! 

If you’ve ever felt you were not old enough or mature enough to accomplish some of your big, audacious dreams. Today’s interview with Emily Jeffords will challenge you to dream even bigger even before you feel quite ready or qualified.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/emily-jeffords

According to many sources, most businesses fail within the first 5-10 years. How do you beat the odds and build a business that withstands the test of time? Through the economic recession of 2008 to the global pandemic of 2020, KT Merry has seen a lot during her 20 years in the photography industry. From the introduction of digital photography, the start of Instagram and rise of social media, to life before fancy website platforms. She remembers the days when business was built on making phone calls and knocking on doors. 

Early in her career, she learned the power of perseverance, persistence, and good ole’ fashioned hard work. Through everything the past two decades have thrown her way, she has learned to roll with the evolving landscape and continue to push the boundaries toward excellence.

How to build a business that withstands the test of time? An inside look in today’s interview with world renowned photographer, KT Merry.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/kt-merry

“If you’re not growing, you’re dying” In the business world, “success” is often directly or indirectly tied to this idea of “more”. More sales, more profit, more growth, a bigger team, or more franchises. Translation? Success = more MONEY.

But what if “bigger” isn’t always better. In fact, what if small is actually the business model that keeps you thriving, happy, being creative, and having fun. Is that not success as well?

From stay at home mom to bakery owner with two brick-and-mortar stores in less than 2 years… In today’s interview with Sarah Blackburn, founder of Free Reign Bakery, get a behind the curtain look at how unexpected quick growth taught this entrepreneur what she did and didn’t want. And why she’s giving herself the permission to stay small.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/sarah-blackburn

While money may be a hurdle most entrepreneurs have to overcome when growing a business, confidence ranks right up there with it. In the midst of learning to understand profit & loss statements and price for profit, it feels a little unfair to also battle the mental hurdles of confidence, self-doubt, and talking truth to our own inner critic.

From helping high school students feel comfortable and confident dancing on stage to helping educators know their worth and overcome imposter syndrome, Laylee Emadi is passionate about helping others find confidence, seeing themselves as capable and amazing.

We dive deep in today’s interview, unpacking money mindsets, cultural influences, confidence, insecurities, and becoming comfortable in your own skin.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/laylee-emadi

I believe most of us set out on the path to entrepreneurship with a lot of hope, energy, and excitement but it doesn’t take long on the journey to realize we’re not just expected to be great at our craft, there’s a lot of other tricks we have to add to our bag. Marketing, sales, pitching, PR, bookkeeping to name a few. Not to mention the tough skin needed to overcome obstacles, comparison, hurt feelings, and setbacks. 

It’s a bumpy road we’re traveling and with time it can be hard to hang on to the hope, the excitement, the fun, and most of all —the creativity.

In a black and white business world that says success is … Money, achievement, power. Do it this way! Follow this formula.

How do you hang on to the wonder and creativity?

In today’s interview, Anita shares a compelling story of starting, pivoting, and starting again. Even though the path may look like wrong turns and failures, how each part of her journey taught lessons she would need for the next part.

If you’ve ever felt you were losing your creativity, stuck in a role that no longer seems to fit, or just a creative robot for hire…  I hope Anita’s story of bravery and courage to start again is just what you need to hear today.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/anita-cheung

Just four years into her floral design business, Amy knew it was up to her to make money for her family. Newly divorced, single-mom with three young boys, the financial pressure was on her to make this thing work. She turned to a financial advisor for help…

“It was a disaster. He told me my business was bankrupt and I should shut the doors.”

Back against the wall, Amy’s story is one of perseverance, triumph, and beating the odds. From the brink of bankruptcy to building a 7-figure world renowned floral design business in just ten years, how she turned it all around in today’s interview.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/amy-osaba

From marketing director for a real estate company, to wedding photography, to fine art, to a dream job working as a photographer for Magnolia, Kelli Kroneberger has dabbled with many mediums in many creative industries. As someone who has always been a little embarrassed by the twists and turns in her own career path, Kelli shares how she is learning to embrace the journey and give up her natural tendency for people-pleasing and seeking the validation of others. 

I think as entrepreneurs we can all fall prey to striving out of the need for approval and today’s conversation is a permission slip to do what makes sense for you even if no one else understands. Embrace the journey, though it will likely not be a straight path, and have fun along the way! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/kelli-kroneberger

Whether it’s fear of rejection, not booking the client, or mental barriers to know your worth; as business owners it can be hard to charge others for the work you provide. But as a single mom of three, today’s guest had a lot riding on each client and every paycheck. For years she would take on more work without ever raising her rates out of the fear of losing a client.

Casey Norfolk runs a bookkeeping practice serving small business owners. She has a passion for helping business owners succeed and loves unlocking the power that knowing the numbers in your business provides. Today’s episode is for anyone who has ever struggled to know the value of the work they provide and battled to overcome the fear of raising your prices.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/casey-norfolk

While Brynn Casey didn’t author the Blue Ocean Strategy she sure does embody it. A coastal artist known for painting oceans. Oceans yall. For years. 

Don’t you ever get bored?

Don’t you ever want to branch out? 

These are questions Brynn is more than accustomed to hearing. Her answer floored me, “I’m a big believer in not going super wide, I want to go deep”. Alright Georgia O’Keefe. I hear ya. 

“Stay in your lane” may be a phrase we hear often but it’s not something I see often. 

Permission to go deep, to get really good at what you are already doing, stay true to yourself and keep the main thing the main thing. Today’s interview with coastal artist Brynn Casey is unique and special and I cannot wait for you to hear it!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/brynn-casey

Newlyweds, $100k in student loan debt, and entry-level jobs, how this couple used their side hustle to get debt free and gave themselves the gift of time freedom. Now, more than ten years later they share all the ups and downs of working together, and how two people with very different money mindsets learned to find common ground in their finances. Meet Davey & Krista. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/davey-and-krista

“It’s going to take time” ... something Hillary Butler wishes she could go back and tell herself on day one of her business. Now eleven years into being a professional artist, Hillary has a thing or two to say about staying in the game, pivoting with the times, and being innovative while keeping true to yourself. She can remember the days of making connections over handshakes and selling art to friends, the rise and fall and rise again of social platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and the not so glamorous reality of putting your head down and doing the work. 

If you want to stay in business for the long haul, take note from those who have done it! Over a decade of painting and selling things, Hillary Butler shares insights on sticking it out through the ebbs and flows of recessions, marketing strategies, slow seasons and pinch me moments. Today's guest is a client turned lifelong friend, the incredible artist Hillary Butler!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/hillary-butler

So often we start a business out of passion or a desire to have more flexibility with our time—and money is a good and often necessary by-product of our hard and fun work. But seeing ourselves as a CEO, for many (myself included), wasn't a role I fully understood I was signing up for when I first registered for that LLC and launched my website. 

This year, after nearly a decade in business, I’m  recognizing my own limiting beliefs and working hard to step up to the plate as CEO. That’s why I was beyond thrilled to meet today's guest!

After building a successful business in the health and wellness industry, surpassing 7-figures of annual revenue and leading more than 10k people, Liz launched the Luminary leadership Company to help other entrepreneurs feel equipped to step into their roles as leaders.

Today we are talking all about why becoming a great leader is so important to a company's growth, how to integrate life and business well, and the positive impact involving your kids in business can have on their lives.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/elizabeth-hartke

Today is our final episode of 2022 and I wanted to end the year with something special. A little best of the best 2022 Podcast Recap. 

Twenty-five episodes! Yall! I am truly floored that we have been at this for five straight months. Almost half a year of weekly episodes. I’ve had the honor to interview 24 incredible entrepreneurs and friends, we are just getting started!

But before we count this thing down Ryan Seacrest style. I can not end the year without saying “thank you”. Whether this is the first episode you’ve tuned into, or you haven’t missed an episode yet… Thank you for pressing play each week.

To send off 2022 and celebrate the year we launched the podcast, I am passing out Consider the Wildflowers superlatives to five of my favorite episodes thus far.

And while picking a favorite episode was what I would imagine picking a favorite child to be like, impossible! These are five episodes that have been so impactful to me (in no particular order) and I want to make sure you didn’t miss them!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/top-five-podcasts-2022

Flexibility and Freedom.
Success without Sacrificing what matters most.
A business aligned with our life values.
Hustle without Burnout. 

While “Business on your own terms” may be thrown around a little too often these days, it’s why I’m so passionate about what I do every day. 

And today’s guest. Well, she’s modeled it for the past 18 years.

I was first introduced to Fiona Humberstone back in 2016 when I was approached about being featured in her book Brand Brilliance, a true honor. But it wasn’t until this conversation, that I got to see how incredibly wise, intentional, and brilliant she really is.

If you long to build a business on your own terms, truly, like not just on paper. This episode is a must listen!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/fiona-humberstone

In a world that seems to scream, faster is better, bigger is better, more is better. It is so refreshing to hear a master craftsman talk about being motivated by getting better at his craft. Today we have the honor of hearing from one the world’s most celebrated photographers, Erich McVey. But you may be surprised that this master of his craft, started his photography career having never picked up a camera and at a job interview his mom signed him up for! 

Erich is a business owner I have looked up to for years and I am beyond thrilled he is sharing his business journey with us today! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/erich-mcvey

After 10 years of owning her own branding agency, designing products and packaging for others— she took an old concept (magnetic alphabet letters), repackaged it and improved the design. Now this self-proclaimed “word nerd” is shifting an industry with an old idea turned new! 

I’m beyond excited to chat with Ashley Jankowski, founder of The Type Set Co, about the world of R&D, product development, manufacturing and all the good things that come with taking an idea from concept to store shelves. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/ashley-jankowski

From being denied a job at Big Lots to having her work featured in Magnolia Journal, Kaitie Bryant embodies what it means to be a serial entrepreneur. Fueled by gumption and the belief that she could do anything, she unapologetically took the ideas in her head and went for them! While Fickle flops didn’t make it big on her watch, Kaitie’s unapologetic pursuit of joy, excitement, and curiosity has brought many of her ideas to life. Something she hopes to inspire in others, especially her own children, to use your gifts, interests, and curiosity to be a maker not just a consumer. 

If you’ve ever pursued an idea that didn’t pan out, unsure of your path, or found yourself easily bored looking for new ways to find excitement, today’s episode with Kaitie Bryant is a must listen!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/kaitie-bryant

When a day spent bored at home turned into a scroll on Pinterest turned into buying soy wax and teaching herself how to make candles, I doubt today’s guest could have imagined that ten years later candle making would be how she spends her days and pays her bills!

Did you know that out of all five senses, scent is the one most closely tied to memories? Something I’m sure Katy Daly Weiss, founder of Big White Yeti Candle Company, thinks about as she formulates new scents in her candle studio aka test kitchen. And while making candles may not come with a fancy title, creating lasting memories in the homes of families all around the world… well, that’s pretty cool for a day’s work.

From the power of saying “yes” to handling supply chain issues, and all the ebbs and flows a decade of business brings, today we are stepping into the shop of Big White Yeti.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/katie-daly-weiss

As a sixteen year old with camera in hand, Rylee Hitchner set out on her creative journey. It’s not often one turns art into a career so young, but there’s a quiet confidence in Rylee. From college dropout to pursuing photography full time, becoming a wife, becoming an adult, and becoming a mom all in the span of ten years, hear Rylee share more on what keeping creativity alive means to her.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/rylee-hitchner

From living on food stamps to building a multi-six figure photography business all in just sixteen hours a week, Shay has perfected the art of working smarter not harder. She has spent the past sixteen years modeling what it truly means to build a business that supports the life you want instead of the all too common bending all of life to build the business you want. From designing your offer ladder to pricing to money management, Shay’s has so much wisdom to share for anyone looking to build a sustainable and profitable business aka all of us!  

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/shay-cochrane

From gorgeous watercolor crests and custom invitations to Holiday themed coffee mugs and Ginger Jars, there is no denying that watercolor artist Jessica Peddicord, Founder of Simply Jessica Marie, creates heirloom quality art. While many artists find themselves stuck in a cycle of trading time for money, Jessica figured out how to deliver heirloom quality products in a scalable way. In today’s episode, we get a behind the scenes look at how she pairs her love for art with data and analytics to strategically grow her business, consistently creating goods she enjoys making and that her audience will love! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/jessica-peddicord

Today we have the queen of podcasting, Emily Thompson on the show! You may know her as the co-host of the super popular podcast,  Being Boss. I had the luck to live near this sweet lady during our short stint in Chattanooga back in 2018. I love her energy and excitement, her willingness and curiosity to try new things. She’s kind and genuine and a total boss! 

Hear how Being Boss came to be and how her winding path of entrepreneurship, beginning at the ripe age of 18 when she bought a tanning salon, has all played a part in who she is today.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/emily-thompson

From working at the church tinkering with the idea of being a photographer full time, to six months later handing in his two weeks notice, Rob Greene’s philosophy of strategic and radical generosity propelled his business forward faster than he ever could have imagined.

Finding your niche, vision casting your finances, money mindset work, and pivoting when life throws you curveballs, today’s conversation with photographer Rob Greene, founder of Square 8 Studio is a good one!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/rob-greene

One client, one wedding, one new offer at a time. Catherine’s story of grass-rooting her photography business growth may not look flashy or instagram worthy but slow, steady, incremental growth often goes hand in hand with longevity in business. From launching her photography career right out of college with no past experience or blueprint to follow, to becoming the main income earner for her family and now a new mom, today’s guest, Catherine Guidry, shares how she has pivoted and shifted her business along the way to continually support the life she wants to live and the work she loves doing. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/catherine-guidry

Other than my way around a spreadsheet and my love of Dolly Parton, I’m finding that these days I’m equally known for my decision to build a business without relying on Instagram or social media for sales. After five years of being off a platform many believe to be a “non-negotiable” for business, I’m asked about my exit from Instagram equally as much as anything to do with pricing, financial planning, or business strategy. So naturally when I discovered that today’s guest, Sarah of Sarah Ann Designs, has also been growing her business without relying on Instagram for sales for the past two years, I was intrigued! 

Curious if your business can survive without Instagram? 

Today’s episode is a real look behind the highlight reel with two business owners who are currently doing just that. We’re talking all things—marketing, mental health, and money mindsets. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/sarah-erickson

What do Nike, Chick-fil-A, and John Maxwell all have in common?! Her name is Brittany Thoms. She’s the co-founder of PR agency See. Spark. Go and today’s guest on the show! From big brand PR to launching her own outsourced marketing firm, today’s guest has been helping companies tell great stories since 2007. From shifts in the marketing landscaping, the rise of social media, and building a team of 30+ employees, today’s interview is full of incredible insights not only into the marketing landscape of 2023 but building an incredible team. With too many takeaways to pick just one, it was Brittany’s reminder that the core of great marketing is about telling a great story—that truly stuck with me.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/brittany-thoms

Whether sitting together over coffee or catching up in DMs, community can come in so many forms. Long gone are the days of catching up in the break room. For many of us, our days are spent behind the computer screen with little human interaction. Or maybe, like today’s guest, it looked like spending her days alone painting in her home studio. So much of entrepreneurship can be solitary. 

Yet community, better yet relationships, is the secret weapon behind my own business growth, and the growth of so many of the big name entrepreneurs I’ve worked with. And it was no different for today’s guest, artist Katherine Corden. In our conversation, she shares how seeing other artists on instagram was the initial spark that helped her believe she could actually make a career out of doing art. She goes on to share the impact education and community has had for the continued growth of her company. 

Meet my friend and my student, Katherine Corden. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/katherine-corden

From coding MySpace websites in middle school to launching a web design and template shop post-graduation, today’s guest Elizabeth McCravy has had entrepreneurship in her blood from an early age. Though she may have been born with a natural inclination toward owning a business, she would characterize herself as an accidental entrepreneur. Hear how Elizabeth was somewhat reluctantly pushed onto the path of entrepreneurship and grew a business in just a few short years that supports her family and provides her time to be the wife, mom and business owner she wants to be. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/elizabeth-mccravy

It’s time to take the leap! 

This husband and wife photography team spent almost a decade working as full time music teachers while also building up their photography business. Even with years of experience, today we dive into the hesitations, mindset shifts, challenges and triumphs that come with letting go of your intended profession to pursue a dream career, and this husband and wife team both made the leap. While we are only hearing from Courtney today, anyone who has left the comfort and security of a full time job to pursue entrepreneurship knows, taking the leap is not for the faint of heart! Hear how they did it, how it’s going, and what they envision for the future, all in today’s episode!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/courtney-cannon

From starting a mommy blog called Naptime Diaries, helping co-found She Reads Truth, to authoring nine traditionally published books all while raising four children, launching a successful business, and starting a church with her husband, Jess Connolly is redefining what work/life balance looks like. Living wide open, she finds harmony in pursuing the things that light her up and make a bigger impact in the world. From living just slightly above poverty level to dreaming of a legacy property for her family, today’s interview with Jess Connolly will encourage anyone willing to chase their dreams. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/jess-connolly

If anyone knows how to bounce back from unexpected (and unwanted) seasons of waiting, it’s today’s guest, Kat Schmoyer. From a global pandemic shutting down her entire source of business revenue, conferences, to waiting on starting her family, to waiting on a dream home years in the making, Kat has learned to pivot, adjust, hope, and dream even in the midst of life and business circumstances she didn’t foresee. She’ll be the first to admit that waiting isn’t easy or ideal and as a planner at heart she’d rather be in control, but in today’s conversation she shares all the incredible ways she has navigated her own entrepreneurial journey through the ups, downs, twists, and turns it’s brought along the way. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/kat-schmoyer

As entrepreneurs I think we all dream of that BIG pinch me moment. Achieving a certain revenue milestone, working with an ideal client, receiving an accolade or award. What isn’t talked about often is what comes after the big win— do we stop and celebrate or just move on? Today’s guest has a pinch me list a mile long, working with clients like HGTV, Magnolia Journal and tv personalities like B. Patrick Flynn. Yet our conversation today centered around learning to enjoy the journey, celebrating small wins, and how to manage stress as an entrepreneur. It was refreshing for sure and I cannot wait for you to listen in on my conversation with Robert Peterson, interior photographer and co-founder of Rustic White Photography.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/robert-peterson

Can you really have it all? Today’s guest, Tiffany Sauder, believes you can. 

With four kids, three businesses, and two careers, Tiffany is a firm believer in living a life of “and”. She is a mom and entrepreneur, a wife and CEO, all building toward one abundant life. 

Since Tiffany founded Element Three marketing agency 17 years ago, she and her husband have been building their companies alongside their family. She’s here to not only share how she grew her marketing company to the Inc 5000 list (6 years in a row), but how she lives out a life of AND each day. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/tiffany-sauder

It’s been one year of Consider the Wildflowers and what an incredible journey it has been so far! As we kick off season two of the podcast, I am joined by my friend Jana and scooting back to the hot seat. Go behind the scenes of my own business this past year. We are talking life, business and podcast updates since the show launched one year ago! Welcome to season two: it’s good to be back! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/season-two-kickoff

Overcoming Poverty to build a Million Dollar business. Today’s guest almost doesn’t need an introduction. I’ve admired her photography work from afar for years and had to pinch myself when she agreed to come on the show. She is a force to be reckoned with who’d rather play it brave than play it safe. Our conversation is nothing short of inspirational and will leave you lifting your eyes to the stars … It's an honor to have D’Arcy Benincosa sharing her story on the podcast today! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/darcy-benincosa

Finding your niche in business isn’t always smooth sailing. Our latest podcast guest, Sara Dunn of Sara Does SEO, spent years exploring different areas of digital marketing before she landed on a niche she loves.

As an SEO specialist, Sara helps wedding professionals rise above the noise and get found on Google. Her framework has helped over one million searchers find the wedding advice they were looking for.

Sara shares some surprising ways her business has changed since niching down, as well as her best tips for navigating the transition from generalist to specialist.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/sara-dunn

Have you ever found yourself so full of ideas you weren’t sure which one to pursue first? 

Many entrepreneurs would describe themselves as “multi-passionate”, meaning they have many different interests, hobbies, and business ideas they want to try. If that’s you, you may struggle with the traditional advice to niche down or find one career and stick with it.

Today’s guest, Nicole Begley has not only found a way to follow her many different passions, but to combine them into one dream business. Her love of animals, travel, and business education has led Nicole to host pet photography retreats around the world.

Nicole is proof that having multiple passions isn’t a weakness – in fact, it may be your greatest strength.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/nicole-begley

When was the last time you made it through an entire evening without checking your phone? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. 

According to research from Zippia, the average American spends upwards of five hours a day on their phone – a habit most of us wish we could break. Our latest podcast guest has created a solution to help us disconnect to reconnect.

Heath Wilson is the Co-Founder of Aro, a technology company that leverages the science of habit formation to help families put down their phones and focus on what matters most. As a veteran founder and father of four, Heath has so much wisdom to share on being a present parent, setting boundaries as an entrepreneur, and how to define your own version of success.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/health-wilson

From a camera purchased off QVC to being named one of the Best Wedding photographers in America in just five years, Sacia Matthew’s story of leaving her “safe career” in education to pursuing a new dream is inspiring for anyone who has ever wanted just a little bit more out of life. Our latest podcast guest is here to remind us why it’s important to get clear on what you want and how she learned to trust her entrepreneurial instinct.

Since starting her business, Sacia has gone from overworked and underpaid to running a luxury business and working just 10 weddings per year. Now she’s pulling back the curtain to share how you can do the same!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/sacia-matthews

From being an au pair in Switzerland to opening her own floral design business, Mary Love Richardson, founder of Rosemary & Finch floral design based in Nashville Tennessee, is proof that you can build a life and business you love at a pace that feels good. For the past 11 years she has taken it one step at a time and now is on track to achieve her first 7-figures ($1Million plus) sales year.

In a world that feels like fast and flashy is the only way to achieve success, Mary Love’s slow growth philosophy speaks right to my own heart.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/mary-love-richardson

Julie Paisley has always felt the pressure to “do it all”. After more than a decade in the fast-paced world of destination wedding photography, it took a pandemic and a life-altering diagnosis to change her relationship with rest. 

Julie is a photographer, author, retreat host, and coach, helping more female creatives give themselves permission to rest and recharge.

From photographing $30,000 celebrity weddings to losing it all during the pandemic and rebuilding from scratch, Julie’s story is one of incredible resilience – and one that so many of us need to hear.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/julie-paisley

Today is a special day! We are kicking off a month-long student series! You’ll be hearing from four of my past students sharing their journeys from money fears, insecurities, and uncertainties to financial empowerment, freedom, and joy! Whether you consider yourself a lover of spreadsheets like today’s guest, Corine, or terrible with numbers I hope this series sheds light on how simple but transformative knowing a few key numbers in your business can be! 

When Corine took my business finance course, The Blueprint Model, she actually didn’t feel lost when it came to her numbers. An engineer by trade, she knew her way around a spreadsheet! Yet even with her savvy numbers skills, when it came to paying herself consistently, she was fearful of running out of money and overdrafting her account. She took The Blueprint Model in hopes of putting some great financial systems in place, and I’m excited for you to hear more of her story and how things have changed for her financially in today’s interview. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/corine-pettit/

For many entrepreneurs, reaching 6-figures seems like the pinnacle of success. But sometimes the numbers can be misleading – is that revenue or profit? How much did that business owner really take home at the end of the day? Our latest podcast guest is here to set the record straight.

Sarah Rafferty is a fine artist and the owner of Atwater Designs, a cyanotype art studio. In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from photography teacher to full-time cyanotype artist, including a year-by-year breakdown of her revenue and profits.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/sarah-rafferty/

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED :

Snag 3 Free Phone Backgrounds from Sarah

The Blueprint Model by Shanna Skidmore

Silobration at Magnolia

Wonder: A Mastermind for Artists

As a designer and stylist, Katherine helps small business owners simplify their wardrobe and gain back their confidence.

In this episode, she shares how she designed her career around spending time with family, what it was like building a business with five kids at home, and why she chose to leave behind her lifelong dream of designing custom wedding dresses to pursue something new.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/katherine-bignon

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The Blueprint Model by Shanna Skidmore

Every entrepreneur has experienced the panic that comes with a slow sales month. After 10 years in business, our latest podcast guest has learned to deal with the ebbs and flows to make the most out of every season.

Evelyn Henson is a watercolor artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She creates whimsical art designed to brighten people’s homes and bring them a little sunshine. Catching the eye of celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Evelyn’s work has been featured by People Magazine, Southern Living, and Martha Stewart to name a few!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/evelyn-henson

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Free Monthly Art Downloads from Evelyn

Evelyn Henson Featured on Draper James

The Blueprint Model by Shanna Skidmore

From quitting her job and starting a motherhood photography business to taking over her father’s farm, moving cross country, and starting over with a completely new client base – Alex Smith, photographer behind love daphne mae photography, is no stranger to leaps of faith.

Our conversation today was the reminder I needed to continually seek the life I want to live, and make sure my business is supporting that life.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES :  shannaskidmore.com/alexandria-smith

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Ox Cart Man (Children's Book)

The Blueprint Model by Shanna Skidmore

What began as a bespoke wedding gift service has now grown into a multi-million dollar business in the gifting industry hitting the Inc 5000 list in 2022. 

Veteran-owned, women-led, and 100% bootstrapped— a true rags to riches story. With an eye for curating beautiful goods to supporting other small businesses and now leading a team of 75+ “teakettes”, today on the show we have someone I believe we can all look up to, Torrance Hart, founder of Teak & Twine Gift Boxes.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/torrance-hart

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Teak & Twine Kitting and Fulfillment Services

The Blueprint Model

Traction by Gino Wickham

Teak & Twine Inc 5000

How a news story on a chupacabra in Picayune, MS (featured on SNL) led this entrepreneur to building a full-service media agency. This week's podcast episode is one you can't miss.

Emily Moore is the Founder of Moore Media Group, a marketing agency in Jackson, Mississippi. Passionate about the power of storytelling, she and her team help their clients through public relations, advertising, branding, social media, and marketing.

From solopreneur to CEO, listen in as Emily shares how she's grown a team & built a company culture that supports work-life balance.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/emily -moore

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Midnight Library

Words are Like Magic (Emily’s Book!)

Emily on Good Morning America

Grab a customizable phone case from Case Canvas!

Transition periods are never easy. Whether you’re moving from side hustle to full-time, growing a team, or streamlining your operations, change can be hard – but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Megan Gonzalez is an expert at navigating transitions. From wedding stationery to branding and photo styling, to consulting work, a full-time corporate role, and back to working with small businesses…she’s the founder of MaeMae & Co., a creative studio celebrating more than 15 years of bringing client daydreams to life.

In this interview, Megan shares how she’s embraced major changes in her life, business, and finances, and how you can, too.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/megan-gonzalez

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Blueprint Model

From teaching children to starting a non-profit and launching a small business development program, Jessica Hotz has always had one goal in life: to elevate people.

​​Jessica is the co-founder of Elevate, a social enterprise focused on empowering families through small business development and expanding the reach of the gospel through high-quality leather goods.

In this episode, ​​Jessica shares a behind-the-scenes look at her journey – including a life-altering trip to India, the ins and outs of product design, navigating shifts in the market post-pandemic, and secrets to building a successful non-profit.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/jessica-hotz

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Use Code JESSHOTZ15 for 15% off all Elevate leather items.

Shop Elevate Leather Products that make a difference

Pacha Soap Company

Profit First Book

What do you do when you’ve built a successful business, working with clients you love and making a great income...but something still feels like it’s missing?

Michelle Boyd found herself in that position a few years ago. She spent years building her wedding photography business, only to find that when she finally “made it”, she had a new dream inside of her.

If you’re in the middle of a transition or thinking of pivoting your business, you won’t want to miss this episode!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/michelle-boyd

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Blueprint Model

Emily Jeffords Retreat

Michelle Boyd Tapestry Collection

After marrying her high school sweetheart turned Air Force husband, Monica realized that the military community was ripe with entrepreneurs, but there was no central place to shop for their products and services – so she created one!

Monica’s lack of experience in the tech space hasn’t held her back from building a successful e-commerce marketplace. Her story is a powerful reminder that with hard work and determination, you can figure anything out.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/monica-fullerton

Annie Jones is the owner of The Bookshelf, an independent indie bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. The store has been a local staple in the southern town for almost 40 years, while Annie is celebrating the 10th anniversary of taking over ownership of the store.

In this episode, Annie shares how she took over ownership of a 30-year old established business through sweat equity, the trials and tribulations of her early days as owner, and how focusing on her community has created a steady stream of loyal customers – even in the age of Amazon.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/annie-jones

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Annie’s Podcast, From the Front Porch

Annie’s personal website

The Bookshelf Book-of-the-month club! 

Book Req: How to stay Married

Book Req: Hello Beautiful (an Oprah pick!)

This year we celebrated one decade in business! I cannot believe it’s been 10 years since I pressed “publish” on our very first website announcing the official start of Skidmore Consulting!

For our final podcast episode of 2024, I wanted to pop in solo show style and share Ten Unexpected Lessons learned in the past decade of business. A slight twist on the traditional “10 Lessons Learned in 10 Years of Business” and instead share the 10 things I didn’t see coming, the unexpected lessons that have shaped so much of the past decade.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/10-unexpected-lessons-learned-in-10-years-of-business

📌 Snag you FREE End of Year Checklist here: shannaskidmore.com/yearend

When Chloe Mackintosh was growing up in Reno, Nevada, she never imagined living in the country. But halfway through college, her boyfriend (now husband) moved to a cattle ranch in northern California and after graduating, she decided to follow him.

It sounds like the beginning of a Hallmark movie: a city girl moves to a ranch in a town of only 99 people.

Today’s guest shares how she went from city girl to loving the ranch life, the unexpected lessons she learned along the way, and how she’s turned her passion for slow living into a profitable business.

Through her writing, retreats, and online shop, she helps people live each day with more meaning.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/chloe-mackintosh

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Julie Blanner Six Figure Blog Course

Ahrefs SEO Tool

Creative Workshops hosted by Chloe

Shop Curated Goods from Boxwood Avenue Online

Interior Design Services

Every so often, you come across a product and instantly know it will be a new staple in your life. The annual prayer journal from Val Marie Paper is one of those products for me. Every year, it’s at the top of my holiday wish list!

That’s why I was so excited to sit down with founder Valerie Woerner. Since 2013, Val Marie Paper has sold nearly 100,000 journals and collected an overflowing folder of thank you’s from happy customers – myself included!

In this interview, you’ll get to hear how Val came up with the idea for her bestselling product and why she intentionally slowed down at the height of her business success.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/valerie-woerner

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Yearly Prayer Journal (Shanna’s Pick!)
Val’s Book “Led not Driven”
Pray Confidently and Consistently Book

With an estimated 5 billion copies sold and distributed, the Bible is the bestselling book of all time…yet over thousands of years, there have been surprisingly few cover variations. Enter Hosanna Revival: a paper goods company that designs beautiful, artistic Bible covers and other faith-based products.

I sat down with founder Katie Guiliano to hear where this idea came from and how she’s grown the business to 7-figures and a team of 15 full-time employees.

This was such a powerful conversation on the intersection of faith, art, and entrepreneurship!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/katie-guiliano

Life as a small business owner is anything but predictable. Clients come and go, markets shift, seasons of life happen, and plans change.

Olivia Herrick is a graphic designer and owner of Olivia Herrick Design, specializing in logo, golf, print, and packaging design. In this interview, she shares how staying open to change allowed her to grow in unexpected ways and why choosing to keep her small business small made the most sense for her.

While the business world associates growth with success, Olivia shares how growing her business with a different vision of success has made all the difference. 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/olivia-herrick

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Olivia’s Childrens Book “Good Morning, World”
Shop fun Merch!

Did you know the global number of podcast listeners is expected to reach over 504 million this year? 

More and more small business owners are jumping on the podcast bandwagon (myself included!) but our latest guest has been at this since 2018 – and she’s got so many great insights to share.

Rachel Awtrey is a mom of two, lifestyle blogger, and host of the Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey podcast. In this interview, Rachel shares how she turned her summer project into a full-time business and creative ways she’s learned to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

2 Million Downloads and counting? Let’s Go! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/rachel-awtrey

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey
Join Rachel's February Friendship Challenge
Shop fun Merch!

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your business featured in major media outlets like Forbes or NBC, that dream may be closer than you think!

Dr. Tiffany Eurich is a communications strategist and educator for passion-driven entrepreneurs. A former professor and TV personality, she’s helped her clients land features in places like Real Simple and Better Homes and Gardens – and now she’s sharing how you can do the same.

In our conversation, you’ll hear about Tiffany’s genius marketing framework, tips for pitching your business to the media, and how you can turn a crowded industry into your secret weapon.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/tiffany-eurich

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Get Tiffany’s “Press Kit in a Day” Checklist— Free gift for Wildflowers like you!

What is Your Enough Number? (blog)

Ashlyn Writes: Copywriting Resources for Small Business Owners

PR Bootcamp with Tiffany

Bonnie Christine always knew she would own a business one day – she just wasn’t sure what kind of business she wanted to run. Not until she started working in her mom’s quilt shop.

Bonnie is an internationally renowned Surface Pattern Designer, entrepreneur, and award-winning online educator. She’s been creating delicate and ethereal artwork for brands around the world since 2009.

In this interview, she shares the behind-the-scenes of her business journey: from $12,000 in revenue and working multiple jobs to making $350,000 on her first course launch. There are so many great takeaways from this episode on money mindset, hiring, and so much more!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/bonnie-christine

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Bonnie’s Podcast “The Professional Creative”
Bonnie's Free Resource "Sustainable Success to Sale" (including the Freedom Figure Formula)
Learn the Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design | Bonnie’s 8-Week Course “Immersion” is open for enrollment! *Affiliate Link

Running a product shop comes with its own learning curves from purchasing inventory to managing cash flow. In this episode Rachel Heckmann owner of the Rachel Allene Shop joins us to discuss her own ups and downs in learning to navigate online shop ownership.

It was such a joy to hear Rachel’s story and we covered a lot of ground in this conversation: from quitting her day job without a plan to staying profitable in an economic downturn to navigating different seasons of business and motherhood.

For all of you who want to do work you love while also showing up as the wife and mom you want to be, Rachel’s story is a must-listen!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/rachel-heckmann

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Text RACHELALLENE to 844-551-8745 for 12% off your first purchase!
Be the first to know when new products launch— Join Rachel’s Email List!

Katie Gatti Tassin, better known as Money with Katie, is the face and voice behind one of the top personal finance media brands for women. Her mission is to close the gender wealth gap by creating content about money that women actually want to consume.

In this conversation, Katie shares how she took her blog from a side hustle to a million-dollar business in just a few short years, the hidden stress behind that astronomical growth, and what she learned from being acquired by Morning Brew.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/katie-gatti

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Katie’s Wealth Planner
Morning Brew
Personal Finance 101 Free Email Series
Bossy Podcast

Brittany’s original plan after college was to climb the corporate ladder. When she bought her first candle-making kit online, she never planned to turn it into a business. But when her corporate job led to burnout, she started looking at alternative careers. Brittany decided to make a bold move – she quit her job and went all in on candle-making.

In her first year, Brittany made $16,000 in revenue. By year four, Antique Candle Co brought in over $300,000. Almost a decade later, Antique Candle Co has grown to over 50 employees and $8 million in annual revenue.

From craft fairs to millions in revenue, how Brittany Whitenack turned her love of candle-making into a multi-million dollar business in less than 10 years.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/brittany-whitenack

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Join Brittany’s newsletter for business tips + tricks

Brittany + Hobnob Market: A course for product-based businesses

Natalie’s story began when she dropped out of college. Feeling lost and searching for a purpose, she ordered a jewelry-making kit on Amazon and stamped words of encouragement on each piece as a reminder to herself to keep going.

Never believing she could pursue a creative career full time, Natalie eventually went back to college while also running an Etsy shop on the side. Although she loved her side hustle, leaving her day job as a school counselor to pursue jewelry-making felt like a major risk. Until the pandemic hit – and she realized her stable career wasn’t so stable after all.

When is the right time to take your side hustle full time?! Natalie’s story will give you the extra courage you may be needing!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/natalie-browning

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Permanent Jewelry Collection

Teak & Twine Gift Boxes Podcast Episode

New Approach School for Jewelers

Jim Carrey Commencement Speech - Highlights only (a must watch!)

Katie Williams, owner of Mississippi Stitches, took up sewing while she was in nursing school. She started a small side business, but quickly realized it wasn’t sustainable on top of her studies believing she couldn’t charge enough for each pillow to make a sustainable income.

So Katie set sewing aside and worked as a pediatric nurse for 10 years. When she bought her first house, it inspired her to start sewing again. She re-opened her shop, this time as a ready-to-ship business instead of taking custom orders.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a successful business selling handcrafted products, this episode is for you! You’ll learn how Katie finds customers for her high-end luxury products, the one shift she made that had the biggest impact on sales, and the key to making $100,000 her first year in business.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/katie-williams

Melissa Oholendt found her passion for interior design in her youth; buying shelter magazines with her allowance from picking strawberries in the backyard and painting her bedroom that perfect shade of navy blue. However, after beginning her interior design college education in 2001, that passion came to a standstill after a conversation with her college professor about the realities of the interior design industry. For the first time, Melissa started to doubt her purpose.

It took more than 15 years, a fast paced career in finance and a decade-long entrepreneurial career in photography, for Melissa to circle back to her true passion in 2019, when Oho Interiors began.

Hear Melissa’s story of rediscovering her passion, trusting the path, and how she’s built a sustainable business doing what she loves.

Today’s guest knows a thing or two about surviving hardship and coming out the other side. Today’s guest opened up about her journey founding multiple successful companies while navigating neurosurgery, infertility, and seasons of burnout – and how she maintained a perspective of gratitude through it all.

Natalie Franke is an author, community builder, neuroscience nerd and mama bear for small business.

As Head of Community at Flodesk, Co-Founder of the Rising Tide Society, former head of community for Honeybook, and USA Today bestselling author of Gutsy, she leads tens of thousands of small business owners while fostering a spirit of community over competition around the world.

If you’re going through a hard season and need some words of encouragement, press play on today’s episode.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/natalie-franke

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Natalie’s book, Gutsy

Flodesk

Rising Tide Society

Honeybook

Marketing Trends 2024 Edition

Heirloomed began as a way for Ashley to spend time with her grandmother back in 2006. Whenever Ashley visited home, the pair sewed aprons together at her kitchen table.

Ashley hosted brunch parties with other women where she would sell the aprons they made. Her day job working for a branding agency meant she knew how to market the events, and it wasn’t long before a young editor asked to pitch her story to Oprah magazine.

To Ashley’s surprise, Oprah not only picked up the story but ran a six-page spread. Unsurprisingly, they sold out of aprons within an hour!

Fast forward eighteen years, Ashley Schoenith is no stranger to change. Her company has gone through multiple iterations and even a name change, but one thing remains the same: her mission to keep family heirlooms around for the next generation.

Her goods have been featured in major media outlets such as Oprah, Martha Stewart, The Food Network and Southern Living Magazine.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/ashley-schoenith

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Grab a copy of Ashley’s Cookbook

Ashley’s feature on Oprah

Making financial decisions in your business doesn’t need to be stressful. I know that’s easy for me to say with my background in finance…but today’s guest has a fresh perspective on money that I think you’re going to really resonate with!

Courtney Wolf is the Principal Planner at Invision Events and co-founder of Educate.Empower.Encourage a membership for creative entrepreneurs. Her work has been featured in Martha Stewart and People, and named one of BRIDES Best Planners in America.

In this interview, Courtney shares her unusual path to entrepreneurship, how she was able to double her take-home pay (after becoming a mother and taking maternity leave!), and how your self-worth affects your finances.

If you feel like you’re making financial decisions from a place of fear, or you’re afraid to raise your prices, hit play on this episode!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/courtney-wolf

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Educate. Empower. Encourage Membership for Creative Entrepreneurs
Featured in People
Martha Stewart Magazine Feature

The story of Ramble and Co began in 2009, in Kathryn’s last semester of college, when her great-uncle offered her the chance to buy his screen printing business.

After working two jobs throughout college, Kathryn had maxed out her income and jumped at the opportunity to work for herself. From side-hustle to 7 figure business printing tshirts, a powerful reminder that saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/kathryn-hager

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Kathryn’s Podcast: The Ramble On Show
Silobration
Lindsay Letters
Storybrand by Donald Miller
🎙You’ll also love THIS episode
🛒Set great goals with me!

Despite the online noise telling her that 7-figures is the goal to aim for, Rhiannon is taking things at her own pace. “Once I understood taxes, net profit, pricing…it was easy to decide that the operations it would require to make a 7-figure salary didn’t align with the kind of life I wanted to live.”

Rhiannon Bosse is a wedding florist and designer with nearly 15 years of experience in the luxury and destination event industry. Her work has been recognized by BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Vogue Magazine.

In this episode, we talked about everything from niching down to financial goal setting, including why Rhiannon has chosen not to pursue a 7-figure business (chup, you heard that right!) and how she’s allowed herself to pursue what brings her joy in business—even if that means less revenue.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/rhiannon-bosse

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Floret Flower
Martha Stewart Feature
RB Soap Co
Be Sage Consulting
Amber Housley
Stoffer Homes Custom Soap

Almost every artist I’ve interviewed on this show has had some variation of the same story: I didn’t think it was possible to make a living doing what I love. Although today’s guest grew up in a creative home, she always viewed art as a hobby – partly because of an offhand comment from a teacher who told her that being an artist wasn’t a career.

Today, Jena Holliday is a full-time illustrator, author, and entrepreneur. She’s the visionary behind Spoonful of Faith, a creative haven specializing in illustration, hand-lettering, mural art, innovative marketing, and joyful design. Jena’s work has been featured in Good Morning America, Huffington Post, People, and the isles of Target.

Her success is helping rewrite the old “starving artist” narrative and proof that following your passion and building a profitable business is possible.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/jena-holliday

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Happy Planner X Jena Holliday
Jena on the Jamie Ivey Podcast
Jena on Good Morning America!
Spoonful of Faith Book
Sacred Creativity: Inspiration to Reclaim the Joy of Your God-Given Gifts
Wildly Loved - Coloring Book

Today’s guest is the wonderful Erin Loechner, author of one of my all-time favorite books, Chasing Slow. From blogging to creating content for HGTV, hear why Erin walked away from her TV career, and how she’s built a successful business without social media (or even a smartphone).

Erin is an author, NYT-bestselling editor, and founder of the global tech-free movement The Opt-Out Family. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Huffington Post, as well as on the Today Show.

Her new book “The Opt-Out Family” will have you rethinking your relationship with technology and how to build a life off-line that is more engaging than the algorithm.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/erin-loechner

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Order Erin’s New Book!
Chasing Slow (On Shanna’s must Read book list!) by Erin Loechner
The Renaissance Soul
Other Goose
Free workshop for anyone considering homeschooling their kids ages 2-7!
Join the Global Movement for Parents Doing Tech Differently

How did Christy Wright go from a 25-year-old with no experience to sharing the stage with A-List speakers around the country? It all started by saying yes to an opportunity she didn’t feel ready for…

In this episode, you’ll hear Christy’s story of working for Dave Ramsey, why she left to start her own business, and the surprising lessons she’s learned along the way.

Christy is the #1 bestselling author of Business Boutique, Take Back Your Time, and Living True. She’s a certified business coach, speaker, and personal development expert, as well as the host of two top-rated podcasts where she helps entrepreneurs grow in their faith and their business.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/christy-wright/

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Free Resources by Christy

Goal Getters Club Coaching Group

Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance

Christy’s Goal Setting Guide

Lindsey Bomgren started Nourish Move Love with a mission: to make quality workouts free and accessible to women around the world. Almost a decade later, not only has she succeeded, but she’s built a 7-figure business too!

Lindsey is a mom of three littles, fitness trainer, and founder of Nourish Move Love, where she shares free at-home workout videos.

In this interview, you’ll hear how she built a business that doesn’t rely on constant content creation, the key turning point in her journey, and how becoming a mom changed her business for the better.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/lindsey-bomgren/

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Sign-Up for Lindsey’s Newsletter (Free Weekly Workout Plans)

Nourish Move Love Youtube Channel

Blue Ocean Strategy

Goal Digger Podcast

Online Marketing Made Easy Podcast

Consider the Wildflowers the podcast is officially back for season three! Keeping tradition with our season kickoff episodes, we’re turning the tables a bit—Rhiannon Bosse is here to interview me about something that has profoundly shaped my personal and professional life: running a business without social media.

If you've ever dreamed of escaping the endless scroll and reclaiming your time, this episode is for you.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : https://shannaskidmore.com/season-three-kickoff/

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

My 2017 Instagram Departure Video

Blog Posts About My Social Media Free Experiment

Toggl Time Tracking Tool

Heath Wilson: Create Healthy Habits with Technology 

Erin Loechner: From HGTV to Living Tech Free

Consider the Wildflowers the podcast is officially back for season three! Keeping tradition with our season kickoff episodes, we’re turning the tables a bit—Rhiannon Bosse is here to interview me about something that has profoundly shaped my personal and professional life: running a business without social media.

If you haven't listened to part one of this conversation (episode #88) make sure to catch up before pressing play on this one!

If you've ever dreamed of escaping the endless scroll and reclaiming your time, this conversation is for you.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : https://shannaskidmore.com/season-three-kickoff-part-two/

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

My 2017 Instagram Departure Video

Blog Posts About My Social Media Free Experiment

Toggl Time Tracking Tool

Heath Wilson: Create Healthy Habits with Technology 

Erin Loechner: From HGTV to Living Tech Free

Jenn Jett Barrett is a speaker, event host, and the founder of the Well Summit, a unique experience that creates space to unpack the things holding people back from peace, flourishing, and union with Jesus. 

In this episode, Jenn shares how she went from designing textiles in corporate America to being a full-time entrepreneur and how taking a month-long break from the internet changed the course of her business…


WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : https://shannaskidmore.com/jenn-jett-barrett/ 

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Well Summit

31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamers and Doers 

Fall 2024 Camp Well Retreat - use code WILDFLOWERS for $150 off registration

Amber Housley Conference 

Strengths Finder test

Upwork 

Zapier 

Thrivecart

Akua Konadu is a storytelling strategist, educator, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. As the host of the Independent Business podcast by HoneyBook, Akua is on a mission to inspire and educate business owners to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and build successful independent businesses.

In this episode, Akua opens up about her winding journey from pageants to entrepreneurship, the power of community in launching her business, and how money mindset has shaped her offers.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : https://shannaskidmore.com/akua-konadu/ 

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

No More Campaign - Join the movement to end domestic violence 

Rising Tide 

Bumble BFF

Independent Business Podcast by HoneyBook

Storytelling Intensive 

What’s Your Storytelling Style? Take the quiz!

Shay Cochrane: The 16 Hour CEO

In this episode Shanna chats with author Hannah Brencher on the upcoming release of her book The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World.

In this conversation they discuss the heart behind Hannah's 1000 Unplugged Hours Challenge, the impact of powering down on Hannah’s life and business plus the ins & outs of her entrepreneurial journey.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : https://shannaskidmore.com/hannah-brencher/ 

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Pre-Order Hannah’s New Book “The Unplugged Hours” Today!

Take the 1000 Unplugged Hours Challenge

What’s your why? You know… The thing that gets you up and out of the bed in the morning. The thing that pushes you to keep pressing on through early morning inbox sessions and late night working hours. The thing that inspired you to leave your 9-5 for the wild and beautiful world of entrepreneurship. 

Today’s guest discovered her why through the story of tragic personal losses. Kelly Kussman is the Founder & CEO of Cayla Gray Fine Fragrance. With over 25 years in corporate retail under her belt, Kelly launched Cayla Gray in 2020 on a mission to bring luxurious non-toxic fragrance collections to those looking to enrich their self care and beauty routines. 

In this interview Kelly opens up about the heart and mission behind Cayla Gray, bootstrapping her luxury brand on corporate bonuses, and navigating the money mindset shifts in transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship.

I hope our honest, raw conversation inspires you to remember why you started your journey in entrepreneurship. Press play for the full interview

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/kelly-kussman

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Cayla Gray Fine Fragrances

A 3-Step Plan to Replace Your Corporate Salary with Your Business Income

Kate Ahl is the owner and founder of Simple Pin Media, a Pinterest marketing agency. Their goal is to help business owners leverage Pinterest marketing to help them make sales, grow their email list, and expand their community. 

Founded almost ten years ago, Kate Ahl took the lessons she learned in assisting an extreme couponing blogger grow her reach by launching her very own Pinterest marketing agency. 

In this conversation, Kate opens up about the early days of Pinterest & SEO strategy, building a 7-figure pinterest marketing agency, and how the best business lesson wasn’t learned in making a million, but rather watching it slip away.

Marketing in today’s world, developing a team, & wondering if the IRS might come knocking, all in today’s episode.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : https://shannaskidmore.com/kate-ahl/

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

EOS (The Book Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business)

Entrepreneurs Organization 

Join the Simple Pin Media Newsletter!

The Simple Pin Podcast

In today’s episode Shanna chats with author Laura Wifler on seasons of business, stewarding your work well, and navigating burnout.

Laura is an author, poet, and co-founder of the nonprofit for moms, Risen Motherhood. She’s authored multiple bestselling, award-winning books for children and is the co-author of the bestselling Risen Motherhood book. Laura is also the founder of The KidLit Lab, where she guides writers in crafting captivating children’s books and navigating the publishing process. She lives in central Iowa with her husband and three children.

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/laura-wifler/

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Risen Motherhood Special Announcement Podcast Episode
Laura’s Favorite Children’s Books: Miss Rumphius + Tacky The Penguine
The Kidlit Lab by Laura Wifler
Petro’s Chili & Chips (yep, it’s real)
Risen Motherhood (Book)

*NEW* Gospel Mom: How to Make Biblical Decisions and Discover the Mom God Created You to Be (Book) + The Workbook

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This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

Have you ever had a moment in life or business when something just felt… off? It wasn’t too long into Rachael’s photography business that she realized the work she was doing wasn’t quite serving her or her clients in the way she imagined.  In the midst of a global pandemic is as good a time as any to start asking the hard (or should I say the right) questions… and today’s guest did just that.  

What began as a “becoming Rach” board on Pinterest turned into a business pivot, offer change, and new trajectory … 

Is a life and business you love possible? Here’s how this entrepreneur designed both and how she’s working to help others do the same. 

Today is a sweet treat as I have one of my past Blueprint Model students, Rachael Leigh, on the show! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES :
https://shannaskidmore.com/rachael-leigh/

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Rachael’s Storylines & Starters Mini Course
Rachael’s Brand Mining Pocket Guide

CONNECT WITH RACHAEL:
Website | Instagram

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This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

From hustling on the playground selling plastic lanyard string to selling her own Shanna Banana Jewelry line while working her way through PT school, Shanna Massey, owner of Vintage Rugs by the Bay, always carried the heart & soul of an entrepreneur. Why buy one thing when you could buy a few extra & sell the rest? If you’re an entrepreneur, I’m sure you can relate. 

While building her family’s dream home, Shanna jumped on the wild idea to order a few extra vintage turkish rugs. Fast forward to today, and she’s surpassed 6 figures in sales with a business that shows no signs of slowing down. In this conversation they discuss investing in inventory, manufacturing, leaving a full-time position, maintaining boundaries, & the financial freedom found in entrepreneurship. Hello disney trips & taking the camp kids out for ice cream. 

Buckle up for this Shanna squared episode, it’s a fun one!

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES: shannaskidmore.com/shanna-massey

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Stitchy Fish
Charles Philips Antiques
The 4 Money Personalities

CONNECT WITH SHANNA:
Website | Instagram

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This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

Can you believe it? 100 EPISODES of Consider the Wildflowers 🎊

Recently we asked our email crew to send in questions you’d like for me to weigh in on and boy did you deliver! Our team pulled five audience submitted questions that I will be answering on the show today. From how to pay yourself to saving for retirement, just me, the mic, and your burning questions. 

There’s a first time for everything—today is the day— an “ask me anything” coaching show! Happy 100th episode, here we go! 

WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/100thepisode

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Subscribe to my Finance Friday newsletter so you don’t miss our next Q&A submission!

FREE Pricing Strategy Training!

Cash Flow Planning Spreadsheet

Tonic Site Shop (CODE: SHANNASENTME)