Welcome to a special episode of the Minding My Creative Business

podcast, where we’re celebrating the end of an incredible Season 4 with a

live recap! Join your hosts, ShySpeaks and Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr., as

they reflect on four seasons and over 33 episodes of inspiring

conversations, candid challenges, and major wins in the world of

creative entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments and insights

from a diverse lineup of creative trailblazers—including salon owners,

DJs, media moguls, choreographers, PR pros, and more. Whether you’re a

veteran creativepreneur or just starting on your business journey,

discover the gems our guests dropped about niching down, scaling with

systems, finding mentorship, building teams, leveraging associations,

collaborating across industries, and embracing self-development.

Tune in for key takeaways, practical strategies, and a whole lot of love

for this thriving community of movers, makers, and visionaries. Plus,

if you’re joining us live, you’ll have a chance to interact, ask

questions, and become part of the creative conversation. Let’s recap,

grow, and get ready to level up for Season 5—because all it takes is

laser focus, consistency, and intention to mind your creative business!

Time Stamped Overview:

00:00 Perseverance Through Podcast Seasons

09:07 Streamlining Business Processes Efficiently

13:38 The Importance of a CPA

18:01 Michigan Black Business Association Shoutout

22:30 Empowering Teams: Scaling Success

29:59 "Passion and Career Alignment"

32:19 Magazine Sales Strategy Revealed

38:33 Media Growth through Collaboration

42:38 Boost Sales with Social Media Management

49:30 Job Form Features Mini Podcast

54:23 Stay Connected with Simple Gestures

01:00:53 "Boosting Restaurant Sales Tactics"

01:05:48 Join Our Creative Entrepreneur Community

01:08:23 "Locate My Creative Business"

Links & Resources:

[Business Funding] (https://www.creditsavnt.com) - Get your creative

business funded through Credit Savant.

[Creativepreneur Gear] (https://www.whatstheirony.com) - Get your

creative entrepreneur apparel from What's the Irony.

If you want to connect with Faith or explore her services, check out The

Divine Creators Co. on Instagram.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Minding My Creative

Business Podcast! We hope you found valuable insights and strategies to

apply to your own creative journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please

rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Stay tuned for more

enriching discussions and expert advice in our upcoming episodes. Keep

creating and stay inspired!

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ABOUT US We’re Ron & ShySpeaks, two music industry creators marching

to the tune of entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help our creative peers

keep in step by taking them behind the brands of some of wildly

successful creative entrepreneurs. Our interview-styled podcast

EPISODE SUMMARY:

Welcome back to Minding My Creative Business, the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs ready to level up their strategy, structure, and self-development. In this episode, hosts Ron “iRonic” Lee Jr. and ShySpeaks shine a spotlight on a side of creative business that doesn’t get nearly enough love: event curation—with a twist of culinary arts.

We’re joined by Eric Grayson, Dallas native, event promoter-turned-creative-director, and co-owner of The Five Bistro, a thriving hub known not just for its delicious Southern comfort cuisine, but for curating unique, immersive experiences every night of the week. Eric shares the secrets behind transforming a local bistro into a creative powerhouse, where great food meets great vibes and every night tells a different story.

From building a diverse, loyal audience and leveraging data for strategic marketing, to the financial realities and team dynamics of successful event curation, you’ll hear real-world insights on profit-sharing, scaling niche events, and creating revenue streams beyond ticket sales. Eric drops actionable gems for anyone in the restaurant, arts, or event world—plus, he reveals how creative collaboration and evolving with technology (hello, AI and POV marketing!) are changing the game for entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re a fellow creative, aspiring event curator, or just trying to mind your own creative business, this episode is packed with strategies, inspiration, and a few laughs you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

Timestamped overview:

00:00 Creative Southern Dining Experience

05:10 High-Energy DJ Orchestrates Entertainment

08:07 Empowering Future Leaders

10:58 "Creating a Captivating Vibe"

12:48 Creative Strategies for Customer Spending

17:05 After-Hours Spin Minimum Pricing

21:58 Revamping Business Through Influential Promotion

23:04 Director of Marketing and Management

26:20 Grassroots Festival Promotion in Dallas

31:43 Embrace AI for Marketing Innovation

33:29 "Niche Storytelling with Posh"

37:39 Successful Business Partnerships & Ownership

39:36 Profit Through Creative Collaboration

43:27 Dynamic Ticket Pricing Strategy

47:57 Creative Marketing and Event Experience

51:46 "Embrace Profit Sharing Mentality"

54:45 "Join the Creative Scoring Community"

55:49 "Speak Up and Repeat"

Takeaways:

• Eric Grayson elucidates the significance of food as a mere entry point into an immersive experiential atmosphere, emphasizing culinary excellence as merely the bait for a deeper engagement with patrons.
• The essence of event curation lies in the ability to craft distinct experiences each night, thereby fostering a diverse clientele that returns regularly for varied programming.
• Leveraging data and analytics is pivotal in understanding audience demographics, which can then be utilized for targeted marketing strategies and enhancing customer engagement.
• Creative collaboration amongst team members is essential; however, it is crucial to establish boundaries to prevent depletion of personal resources while nurturing professional relationships.
• Profit-sharing arrangements with collaborators can mitigate upfront costs, allowing for a more sustainable approach to event management and execution.
• Adapting to technological advancements, such as utilizing AI and social media for marketing, is essential for staying competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of event promotion.

Links & Resources:

[Business Funding](https://www.creditsavnt.com) - Get your creative

business funded through Credit Savant.

[Creativepreneur Gear](https://www.whatstheirony.com) - Get your

creative entrepreneur apparel from What's the...

The episode presents a profound exploration of the intricacies of public relations, underscoring the necessity for a nuanced understanding of various psychological and sociological principles to effectively connect with target audiences. The speaker elucidates their personal journey, initially marked by apprehension regarding pricing strategies, stemming from a fear of deterring potential clients. However, a pivotal realization emerged: to cultivate authentic connections with the right clientele, one must be prepared to exclude those who do not align with the brand's core values. This insight reinforces the adage, 'If you market to everyone, you market to no one,' thereby emphasizing the importance of a focused marketing approach.

The conversation transitions to the operational realities faced by a public relations firm, detailing the speaker's evolution from a solo practitioner to a leader of a team. The organic growth of their clientele necessitated the recruitment of skilled individuals to manage increasing demands, illustrating the dynamic nature of the public relations landscape. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the art of media pitching, where tailored pitches, informed by thorough research, significantly enhance the likelihood of securing media placements. The speaker's experiences underscore the importance of developing and maintaining strong relationships within the industry, advocating for a commitment to excellence and strategic networking.

Concluding with a powerful reminder of the significance of community and personal connections within the creative industry, the episode emphasizes that success in public relations transcends mere financial gain. By fostering meaningful relationships and engaging with the community, practitioners can create a lasting impact that extends beyond their professional endeavors. The insights shared throughout the episode offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in public relations, equipping them with practical strategies to navigate their own creative journeys.

Timestamped overview

00:00 "Interviewing the Versatile Writer"

10:07 Delegation in Freelancing Business

10:44 "Building and Maintaining Relationships"

16:17 Event Sponsorship and Bartering Strategies

23:13 Contract Setup for Team Management

28:39 Bartering Social Media for PR

31:41 "Marketing, PR, Advertising Interconnected"

37:21 Title: Building Media Relationships

Pitch: Strengthening media relationships is essential in today's dynamic

landscape, requiring patience and persistence. While relying on

established contacts is beneficial, forging new connections daily with

journalists is crucial. This involves consistent outreach through emails

and DMs, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

Embrace these modern avenues to connect and cultivate meaningful

relationships within the media industry.

45:21 Freelance Writing for Various Outlets

47:59 "AI's Limitations and Human Necessity"

53:07 Event Planning Essentials

01:00:59 "Join Creative Entrepreneurs Community"

Takeaways:

• The pursuit of wealth is secondary to achieving a comfortable lifestyle and aiding others.
• Understanding the nuances of public relations is essential for successful marketing strategies.
• Turning away unsuitable clients is crucial to finding the right audience for one's services.
• Effective communication requires a mastery of both creative and psychological principles to engage with clients.
• The importance of building and maintaining relationships in public relations cannot be overstated.
• Crisis management in public relations necessitates the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to negative situations.

Links & Resources:

[Business...

Welcome to another episode of Minding My Creative Business, the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs who want to master strategy, structure, and self-development. In this episode, hosts ShySpeaks and Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr. sit down with Jonathan Speaks Jones—an accomplished author, coach, and podcast host—to unpack the real business of creativity. Jonathan shares his journey from paying his own father $5,000 to write his first book, to building a thriving brand through writing, speaking, and of course, podcasting.

You'll hear candid reflections on the belief and investment required to turn creative ideas into profitable ventures. Jonathan dives into the evolution of his business, breaking down how he leveraged his books to kickstart a speaking career, the power of bundling products and services, and the nuts-and-bolts of launching and monetizing a successful podcast. From finding your authority voice to practical advice for structuring your workflow, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

Whether you’re an author, a speaker, or someone looking to build a brand through podcasting, this episode has something just for you. Plus, discover why charging family for your expertise could be the best lesson in valuing your time, and get inspired to move from sitting on your “dope ideas” to actually doing the work.

So grab your notepad, tune in, and learn what it really takes to mind your creative business.

00:00 Legacy Through Teaching and Sharing

04:15 "Using Loans to Fund Dreams"

08:28 Dad's Advice: Book Pay Rate

11:59 Maximizing Speaking Engagement Profits

15:33 Podcast Success and Expansion Journey

16:42 Model Success and Coaching Impact

19:29 Authority Stacking in Podcasting

25:08 "Inspirational Media Collaboration"

27:58 Shift to Media Business Coaching

31:13 Investing Time in Show Improvements

34:46 "Prioritize and Schedule Solo Podcast"

35:54 "Focus on High-Value Tasks"

41:20 Capacity: 5 Individuals or 30 Group

41:51 "Choosing Financial Paths Wisely"

47:16 "Learning by Observing Greatness"

48:38 "Mentorship Success and Testimonials"

53:00 Podcast & Funding Guidance

54:51 Join Our Community Network

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the transcript of "Minding My Creative Business" – Season 4 Episode 6 with sub-topic bullets for each major point:

• Introduction to the Mind in my Creative Business podcast
• Co-hosts ShySpeaks and Ron “iRonic” Lee Jr. introduce themselves
• Introduction of guest, Jonathan Speaks Jones
• Praise and feedback exchanged about the podcast and guest contributions

• Jonathan describes himself primarily as a teacher
• Belief in spreading knowledge to build a lasting legacy
• Personal details: man of faith, husband, father of two

• Jonathan as an author, coach, and podcast host
• Discussion of multi-faceted creative entrepreneurship (“drinking from three different creative pots”)
• Focus on current lean toward podcasting and coaching others in this space

• Origin story: Jonathan’s father encouraged (and charged) him to write his first book
• Motivations and mindset: investing in oneself and borrowing belief
• Financial investment: paying $5,000 to his father for guidance and services
• Process of leveraging a book for differentiation and entry into...

Welcome back to Minding My Creative Business, the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs ready to master strategy, structure, and self-development! In this episode, hosts Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr. and ShySpeaks are diving deep into the world of social media agencies and creative entrepreneurship with special guest Faith Williams—a dynamic serial entrepreneur, content agency founder, and thriving community builder in Dallas.

Faith shares her inspiring journey from real estate in New Orleans to launching her own content agency, The Divine Creators Company, and building a supportive community for creators called Content and Connections. With a passion for helping visionaries bring their brands to life through high-quality content and tailored strategies, Faith offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to elevate their business on social media. She discusses everything from structuring client experiences, pricing services, and building a specialized team, to maintaining a sense of gratitude and purpose as a creative entrepreneur.

Whether you’re considering launching your own agency, seeking effective ways to manage your online presence, or simply need a dose of creative encouragement, this episode is packed with strategies, practical advice, and a whole lot of inspiration. Plug in for a truly uplifting conversation that bridges faith, creativity, and business success!

00:00 "Faith: Serial Entrepreneur's Journey"

04:25 "Pivot to Divine Creators Agency"

08:37 "Balancing Automation with Human Touch"

09:33 Custom Creative Client Process

13:57 Monthly Brand Strategy Review

16:48 Content Creation Package Inquiry

20:05 Approval and Content Process

24:52 "Importance of a Social Media Manager"

28:45 Boost Business Credit for Creatives

30:02 "Linking Engagement to Financial Goals?"

35:35 Building a Women's Community

37:03 Creative Entrepreneurs Need Social Media

41:52 Project Management and Revenue Planning

43:27 Community Event Planning Discussion

47:39 "Driving Business Awareness through Creativity"

49:28 Embrace Contentment and Growth

53:41 "Support Creative Entrepreneurs' Growth"

56:02 "Enjoyment Expressed"

• Brief energy-filled intro from the hosts, Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr. and ShySpeaks
• Audience setup: Focus on those wanting to start agencies or master social media
• Introduction of guest Faith Williams, including personal welcome

• Faith’s personal introduction and value pillars (Faith, Child of God, Serial Entrepreneur)
• Background as a realtor in New Orleans, early content creation experiences
• Evolution from realtor-focused content management to broader agency work

Sub-topics:

• Early agency days (primarily focused on realtors)
• Discovery of her passion and “eye” for content
• Transition to Dallas and expansion into new markets
• Rebranding to “The Divine Creators Company”
• Shift in client focus: from just real estate to beauty, fitness, luxury, and faith-based brands

• Types of clients currently served (wellness, luxury, real estate, faith-based)
• Core offering: Video-centric content creation

Sub-topics:

• Helping clients bring their vision and brand to life visually
• Importance of understanding each client’s desired brand perception
• Balancing custom strategy with templated frameworks for efficiency

Welcome back to the Minding My Creative Business podcast—the go-to show for creatives looking to master strategy, structure, and self-development! In today’s episode, hosts ShySpeaks and Ron “iRonic” Lee Jr. sit down with KG, the visionary founder behind Cosign Enterprises. KG takes us on an inspiring journey through the evolution of Cosign—from its beginnings as a magazine spotlighting untold stories in the creative and business space, to its growth into a multifaceted media enterprise with ventures in digital content, event production, and a foundation dedicated to empowering youth in media and storytelling.

Together, they dive deep into the reality behind building a sustaining multimedia brand, discuss the power of leveraging community, and break down how to monetize creativity—whether through print, digital, events, or partnerships. KG opens up about his transition from creative to business-minded entrepreneur and shares actionable advice for creatives ready to scale their impact and income.

If you’re aspiring to grow your creative hustle into a thriving business, or you’re looking for insights on building authentic community and legacy in the multimedia world, this episode is packed with gems you won’t want to miss!

00:00 Entrepreneur and Founder of Cosine

04:22 Expanding Programs and Partnerships

07:14 Community-Driven Nonprofit Collaboration

10:44 From Artist Spotlight to Multimedia

14:11 Advertising Pricing Strategy

19:03 Full-Service Branding Realization

21:49 "BET Experience: Networking with Artists"

25:17 Efficient Magazine Production Tips

28:42 Entrepreneurship Partnership Opportunity

31:43 "Vision Expansion Beyond Bootstrap"

33:38 Navigating Media Pricing Challenges

37:25 "Multimedia Events Strategy"

39:22 Community Engagement for Monetization

44:12 Emerging Artists and Brand Collaboration

47:59 Event Sponsorship Pricing Strategy

51:28 "Grateful for the Platform"

53:47 Volunteer Opportunities for Creators and Entrepreneurs

55:33 Engage with and Share Content

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the topics covered in the episode "MMCB Season 4 Episode 4" with main topics and related sub-topics:

• Overview of "Minding My Creative Business" podcast mission (strategy, structure, self-development for creative entrepreneurs)
• Introduction of hosts: ShySpeaks and Ron “iRonic” Lee Jr.
• Introduction of guest: KG, founder of Cosign Enterprises

• KG’s self-introduction (father, entrepreneur, former basketball player)
• Overview of Cosign Enterprises and its components:
• Cosign Magazine (print and digital)
• Cosign Media (content creation, marketing)
• Cosign Studios (creative space)
• La Vida Cosign (storytelling for Latinos)
• Cosign Foundation (non-profit arm for youth and students)

• Motivation for starting the foundation
• Already performing community service and education before formalizing the non-profit
• Importance of legal foundation for fundraising and impact
• Partners and support in Dallas (e.g., Behind Every Door, Let the Beat Build)
• Programs offered:
• Business programs and cohorts
• Media production education (podcasting, photography, videography, storytelling)
• Community collaboration and events

• Importance of not charging for student participation
• How partnerships and grants allow...

Welcome to another episode of Minding My Creative Business, the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs looking to level up with real strategies, structure, and self-development! In today’s episode, hosts ShySpeaks and Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr. sit down with the multi-talented Ms. Zabretta—choreographer extraordinaire, studio owner, non-profit director, talent developer, actor, and model.

Get ready to dive deep as Ms. Zabretta shares her journey of building multiple successful ventures in the entertainment industry, from running her family’s non-profit and founding Schooling Talents, to taking on creative projects with major names like Fred Hammond and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. She opens up about her game-changing approach to time management, the importance of building a reliable team, and how focusing on service and good business—not just talent—has kept her booked and expanding.

Whether you’re a dancer wanting to go from freelancer to business owner, or any creative dreaming of scaling their passion, this episode is full of actionable insights. Ms. Zabretta breaks down her strategies for launching a creative co-working space, pricing your services, providing value through community, and building a business model that markets itself. Plus, the episode wraps up with empowering advice for creatives determined to carve out their own unique paths.

If you’re looking for inspiration and real-world business wisdom you can apply today, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

00:00 "Balancing Life with Meditation"

03:53 Collaborative Non-Profit Choreography Business

08:45 "Growth Through Learning and Listening"

12:01 Choreographing Shy's Musical Journey

13:49 Choreography's Proud Achievements

17:22 Fame Entertainment: Collaborative Ventures

20:12 "Passion for Community Arts Space"

24:18 "Subleasing Strategy and Budgeting"

26:43 Building Clientele and Financial Literacy

31:38 Creative Funding Solutions

32:51 Choreographer Branding Strategy

38:26 Setting Up Artist Training Model

39:32 Creative Collaboration and Respect

43:21 Mutual Conduct in Collaboration

45:40 Multi-Use Space Management Plan

49:57 Lamborghini: Value Beyond Cost

54:46 "Thanks for Watching: Like & Subscribe"

55:48 Join the Creators Corner Community

• Podcast mission: Strategies, structure, and self-development for creative entrepreneurs
• Introduction of Ms. Zabretta: Her roles and accomplishments
• Ms. Zabretta’s self-introduction as a “humble servant serving the entertaining community”

• Overview of multiple roles: choreography, studio owner, nonprofit director, talent development, actor, and model
• Family involvement in nonprofit
• The different business entities Ms. Zabretta is connected to

• Meditation, guidance, and planning ahead
• Importance of scheduling and project planning
• Delegation and team support
• Knowing when to step back and let the team handle things

• Building a team by understanding team members’ goals
• Leveraging collective strengths for mutual progress
• Strategic delegation according to specific interests and talents
• Applying the model to other creative enterprises (e.g., catering, baking)

• Selflessness and supporting others' growth
• Networking and humility as keys to longevity
• Learning through being a...

Welcome back to another episode of "Minding My Creative Business," the top podcast where creative entrepreneurs come to get real-world strategies, structure, and self-development tips for building businesses that last.

In today’s episode, hosts ShySpeaks and Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr. are joined by the multi-talented Sir J—a creative at heart, entrepreneur, and owner of not one, not two, but three thriving companies. From humble beginnings as "Sergey the DJ," Sir J takes us through his journey of scaling a freelance gig into a six-figure business, building value through smart add-ons, and ultimately making the leap to true entrepreneurship by launching separate entities and acquiring new brands. We’ll get the inside scoop on how Sir J turned music, events, and signage into a network of interconnected businesses, all while balancing faith, family, and the ever-present drive to help others level up.

You’ll hear essential lessons about moving from freelancer to business owner, the power of mentorship and networking, and the behind-the-scenes realities of legal hurdles, acquisitions, and building sustainable systems. Whether you’re a DJ, an artist, or just someone looking to monetize your creative skill set, this episode is packed with actionable insights—and a whole lot of inspiration.

So, lean in, get ready to take notes, and discover how intention, consistency, and laser focus can help you mind your creative business!

00:00 Creative Entrepreneur Spotlight

03:42 Balancing Family, Business, and Goals

09:21 "Expanding DJ Business with Add-Ons"

11:35 Increasing DJ Revenue Strategically

13:24 DJ Services Business Expansion

18:59 "Creative Shift: Freelance to Entrepreneur"

22:21 "Empowering Success Through Goal-Setting"

26:02 Collaborative Creativity and Impact

29:32 Trademark Conflict Challenges Business Name

30:47 Mentorship Beyond Technical Skills

33:43 "Understanding DFW360 Service Activation"

37:26 Monthly NACE Meetings and Networking

41:57 Rapid Fire Creative Business Tips

45:30 "Capital Access for Business Growth"

48:19 Negotiation Insight: ESPN Deal Experience

50:32 CRM Importance and Industry Specificity

53:28 Opportunities for DJs and Creatives

• Welcome and overview of the podcast’s focus (strategy, structure, self-development for creators)
• Introduction of Sir J as the episode’s guest
• Sir J’s personal introduction (faith, family, creativity)
• Establishing Sir J’s credibility (owns three companies, six-figure entrepreneur)

• Brief background of Sir J’s beginnings as a DJ
• University background and entry into DJing
• Transition from freelance DJ to establishing an LLC
• Comparing income: teaching vs. DJing and decision to go full-time entrepreneur

• Identifying value-adding opportunities within the business
• From $800 gigs to $1,600+ via add-ons (lighting, monograms, photo booths)
• Importance of investment in quality equipment
• Transition from freelancer to business owner
• Creating systems and entities (not just working a job)
• Building a separate photo booth company (DFW360 booth) as standalone

• Role of mentorship in Sir J’s growth
• Key mentor figures (e.g., DJ Bowtie, DJ Tagman)
• The importance of networking and collaborating
• Leveraging industry connections for learning and opportunities
• Membership and leadership roles in...