Welcome to the Blog

Lessons in systems and business strategy for creative entrepreneurs

PingPongOffersISwearIHaveAnActualPlanForMyBusiness
Podcast

Hello, hello! In today’s episode of the Business-First Creatives podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on a big pivot in my own business. Two years ago, I shifted my offers in a way I thought would buy me more time — but instead, I ended up building a business that didn’t feel aligned. That’s the […]

Ping Pong Offers… I swear I have an actual plan for my business

Podcast

Ready to finally hit publish on that Facebook ad you’ve been scared to run? Facebook Ad strategist Jana Bishop joins us to make paid ads feel accessible. We explore how creatives and online business owners can start testing ads for just $1 a day, why warm audiences should be your first target, and how to […]

How to Start Running Meta Ads for Just $1 a Day (and Actually Get Results) with Jana Bishop

The 3 Red Flags in Your Inquiry Emails That Might Be Costing You Clients
Podcast

When someone fills out your contact form, they’re not just asking for pricing — they’re saying, “I think you might be the one.” And that first email you send back? It’s either building momentum or slowing everything down. Today we’re digging into the automated inquiry response email — the fast follow-up that should bridge the […]

The 3 Red Flags in Your Inquiry Emails That Might Be Costing You Clients

Podcast

If you’ve ever wondered why you do what you do, the Enneagram might just hold the answers. In this episode, Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober of Enneagram Ashton joins us to talk about how this ancient typing system can transform your business, relationships, and self-awareness. Ashton breaks down how to go beyond the test results by understanding motivation, […]

How the Enneagram Can Supercharge Your Self-Awareness with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober

Podcast

Fall family photography season is almost here, and if you’re already bracing for the wave of inquiries, back-to-back sessions, and late-night editing marathons — this episode is your survival guide. I’m walking you through the three biggest bottlenecks that leave photographers overwhelmed every single fall… and exactly how to fix them before you hit burnout. […]

3 Bottlenecks That Burn Photographers Out Every Fall (And How to Fix Them)

Podcast

What if your brain’s unique wiring isn’t a flaw… but your secret advantage? That’s exactly what we explore in my conversation with Molly McCauley. Molly’s neurodivergent diagnosis became the lens through which she redesigned her business, team, and teaching. Growing up in a family of educators and artists, she used art and design to navigate […]

Embracing Creativity as a Neurodivergent Business Owner with Molly McCauley

Podcast

It’s my birthday month, and I’m in full systems realignment mode. In this solo episode, I’m walking you through why I decided to retire some longtime products from the System Shop, and how that decision led to one of my favorite new offers yet. Whether you’ve been eyeing my templates or wondering what’s next for […]

Simplifying My Shop: What’s Out, What’s Next, and Why It Matters

Podcast

Do you find yourself dreading content creation and waiting for the algorithm to feature your posts? In this episode, I sat down with Andréa Jones, mindful marketing strategist extraordinaire, to talk about why email might need to become your primary marketing channel. No more chasing social media algorithms: we’re building connection, conversions, and clarity in […]

Ditching the Algorithm: Shifting the Priority from Social Media to Email Marketing with Andréa Jones

Podcast

Let me tell you what sparked this episode. I was sitting in an offer hot seat, listening to brilliant feedback on my work, and as soon as my turn wrapped… I grabbed a pen. Because something finally clicked. For years, I’ve been the go-to systems strategist for creative business owners — the person you call […]

The Five Layers of a High-Converting Client Experience

I'm a Disney-loving family photographer, and filmmaker turned Workflow and Automations Guru who helps creative service providers automate their sh*t, reclaim their time and get back to living!

With 10+ years in the creative space, Colie believes every creative deserves to build a business that is sustainable and profitable, and no one should quit their 9 to 5 only to work 24/7 [in their business].

The truth—automated systems can save us all from being overworked and overwhelmed.

I believe every creative deserves to turn their craft into a business that brings them joy and profit.

Hi, I'm Colie. 

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© 2022 Colie James