Consider the Wildflowers
Consider the Wildflowers
112. Business, Life, and the Power of a Money Plan: Building Success without Sacrificing Your Sanity
Today, we’re doing something totally new: a roundtable discussion with three small business owners, just like you, who are navigating the rollercoaster of growing a business while balancing the rest of life’s demands.
These three women come from different industries, different seasons of life, and different business models. But they all have one thing in common: they are on a mission to build businesses that not only support their dreams but also align with their life values.
In today’s conversation, we’re diving deep into their journeys—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how they’ve transformed financial fears into financial freedom.
Whether you're deep in the hustle or just starting to dream, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways that will help you build a business that works for you—without losing sight of the things that matter most.
WILDFLOWER SHOWNOTES : shannaskidmore.com/student-rountable-2025/
📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The Blueprint Model
Nicole Watford
Shelby Thayne
Tania P. Brown
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This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.
When I'm doing the vision casting exercises at the beginning of blueprint model, it's like, okay, you know, what do you want your life to look like in 20 years? You know, life and business. And it just suddenly hit me that, like, in 20 years, my husband and I are gonna have two adult children. We're gonna be looking at like, you know, I'm in the throes of it right now with an eight and almost five year old. And I'm like, in 20 years, I will have adult children, and I had this moment of like, these are the years right now where we are laying the foundation for the relationship that we want to have with our adult children, with our teenagers, with our pre teens, with our older elementary kids. And I don't want to be giving them from the scraps right now, because I know what I want in the future, and if I only give them what's left over right now, and I'm Go, go, go, go, my business. And, oh, what? Mommy has to work. Mommy has to do this. Mommy has to answer. You know, I just had that sudden moment of like, I can always grow my business, but I cannot always have this this time right now. You
Shanna Skidmore:You're listening to consider the wildflowers the podcast episode 112 today, we're doing something totally new, a round table discussion with three small business owners, just like you, who are navigating the roller coaster of growing a business while balancing the rest of life's demands. These three women come from different industries, different seasons of life and different business models, but they all have one thing in common. They are on a mission to build businesses that not only support their dreams but also align with their life values. In today's conversation, we're diving deep into their journeys, what worked, what hasn't, and how they've transformed financial fears into financial freedom, whether you're deep in the hustle or just starting to dream. This episode is packed with insights, inspiration and actionable takeaways that will help you build a business that works for you without losing sight of the things that matter most. Welcome Tonya, Shelby and Nicole. Let's dive in. Hey, it's Shanna, and this is consider the wildflowers. The podcast. For the past 15 plus years, I've had the honor to hear 1000s of stories from entrepreneurs around the world. As a former fortune 100 financial advisor turned business consultant, I have a unique opportunity to see the reel behind the highlight reel. I'm talking profit and loss statements, unpaid taxes, moments of burnout and those of utter victory, or, as my husband says, the content everyone is wondering But not many are talking about. And now I'm bringing these private conversations to you, hear the untold stories of how industry leaders, founders and up and coming entrepreneurs got their start, the experiences that shaped them, and the journey to building the brands they have today, stories that will inspire and reignite, encourage to redefine success and build a life and business on your own terms. Welcome Wildflower. I'm so glad you're here.
tanya:Hello everybody. Welcome to the show. Today's are very special because this is the first time I've had more than one person, and I get to talk to three incredible students who've gone through the blueprint model, but also just really amazing humans. So thank you all for your time and being here and sharing your story. I think it's really this conversation I'm really excited about, because the whole show, we talk about one entrepreneur's journey of growing their business. This show is so special because we're gonna pinpoint and I think dial in on maybe some like struggles you were having in business, how you found a solution to that, what you're still maybe working through. So we're talking a little more like money, nitty gritty business stuff, while also hearing your story. So this is brand new to all of us. This is guinea pig session. Hi. Okay, I just want us to round table style. So, Tanya Shelby Nicole, just tell us a little bit about yourself and what business you run today. Tanya Shelby Nicole, okay, so I am a financial coach, and the business I run is I help aspiring business owners create a financial plan so they can quit their jobs and launch a coaching business full time. Okay, that's Tanya. Tell us the name of your business, and I love how you have specifically honed in on giving people confidence to quit their job. Well, thanks to you, but we can probably talk about more of that. It's Tanya P Brown, services, I love it, okay, we're circling back to how you came to this. These services, I love it, okay. Shelby, Hi, I am Shelby Thain. I am a watercolor artist and educator and a product designer. So and I create, usually very colorful, vibrant, abstract mountain scapes are my specialty. And then I design products such as I have fine art prints, I have calendars and greeting cards and stickers, and I just kind of experiment with things, and I love to share art that helps people feel the beauty of the mountains like in their own spaces on a daily basis. I love it. You.
shelby:This. I just laughed because something we do in the blueprint models coming up with their 32nd commercial, because I think it's really important, not that it's a copywriting course by any means, but to say what you do, how you do it, who it's for, and like, I'm putting y'all on the spot, like 32nd commercial. Let's go. I love it. Shelby, thanks for sharing. Nicole. Last but not least, I
nicole:am Nicole lotford. And as far as my business name, I think right now I'm just Nicole lotford, because this whole year has been my pivot era. So I started, I was a teacher back at the very beginning of my professional career, and then after I left the classroom, as my husband and I were planning to start our family, I launched, and I say that very loosely, because 2015 Nicole just did not know what she did not know. But I launched a photography business, and that was always kind of supposed to be my like Mom, job, side hustle, creative outlet, and then the further I got into it, the more I wanted to learn all the things about running a business. And so have done that. And over this last year, I went through kind of a mid 30s identity crisis, and re evaluated hashtag all the things. And now I am pivoting into my systems and workflow strategist era. And so I help creative small business owners, photographers and other creative small business owners get clarity on their systems, and I get to nerd out over workflows and help people get all those things set up. And it is just been the wildest ride. Nothing I ever pictured for myself back when I was, you know, like five, I'm like, I want to be a teacher, but it has been the best journey, and I love it. I
Shanna Skidmore:feel like, though, isn't like coaching consulting so much like teaching. I mean, you're, you're taking something that's hard for someone else and simplifying it. And I feel like so much of this pivot in your offers was tied to what you went through, like in the curriculum of the blue model, and what you're learning. I love it so good. Welcome. Everyone. Also, did anyone feel kind of, like, really sweaty knowing that your turn was next? Because that's me. When I feel like I'm at like, a gathering, and people are like, oh, let's go around and introduce ourselves. I'm like, can we not Oh, my God. It's like, until it comes to me, I'm stressed out. So we're here for it. Tell everybody what you were feeling kind of before taking the blueprint model, or just, you know, naming one or two struggles, pain points that you were having in business, whether it was struggling with an offer, not sure if your pricing was right, or even like, you know, it'd be interesting if what you were struggling with, what You thought you would learn from the blueprint model changed, like, as you went through it, like, oh, I took it because I wanted to learn about pricing, but actually I've revamped my whole offer system. So that's a whole, probably a different question. So tell us what you were kind of like wrestling with, and why you even consider taking a business and finance course like the blueprint model. Let's do the same circle.
tanya:So the best way I can put it, if the bright shiny object disease was a club, I would be chairman of the board. I was pivoting and my head was spinning like that girl from The Exorcist, and I was just everything because I had no model. I had no at some point, I realized there was something off with the business, and honestly, I had pivoted. And I just say, by the grace of God, I'd managed to achieve some success, but I built something I didn't even like, because you start off with something that you're not crazy about, but then those people refer you, and then all of a sudden, you've built this business. And I knew something was off. So every time I would hear something new, like squirrel, and I would go in that direction. And I knew I needed to understand the business side. Even though I am a financial coach, I've been on a personal financial side, but I didn't there was something missing with the business side, and I also needed an outside looking in approach. So I knew I needed something outside of myself and frustration and exhaustion. I decided to do it also. I wanted to hear something other than if you don't have an eight figure business, if you don't have a team, you're a failure. I wanted something. I wanted a life. I wanted a life to volunteer, a life to be part of my church, and you seem to be one of the very few that gave that messaging. So I felt like she is my people. That was really got me to Brooklyn. Motto.
Shanna Skidmore:Were you still working full time. Tanya, when you started taking on clients in the beginning, what were you offering in the beginning?
tanya:Okay, remember that head, that pivot thing I was not working in the beginning. And then when I got so discombobulated, actually, I fake. Really remember hearing about how you took a break from your business and decided to do the same. And in that process, I lucked out, and one of my contractors offered me a full time role. And then I think I told you this, because it's really all your fault. And then, and when I enrolled in a blueprint model, there was a free opportunity. You gave us an opportunity to talk to you. And I remember my goal was I enjoyed my job, was to work full time and have the business part time. And it was just interesting when you asked me about it, when I said it, when a words came out, I could hear the lie in my own tone, like it's almost like you believe a lie so much, and I knew this wasn't what I wanted. Yeah, you wanted to be full time. Yeah, I knew what this I knew I was not cut out for w2 life at that moment, because I could feel it wasn't the there wasn't truth in my words. So just saying it out loud made a difference. At
Shanna Skidmore:what time, at what point were you like? This is what I'm offering. What When did you land on your offers that you have now and confidence, and, like you said in the beginning, you didn't have a model, which means, like, you didn't have a plan. You just were kind of trying all the things. Like, at what point were you like, this is what I'm doing. These are the offers. As to where that when did that clarity come for you? It was
tanya:really an evolution. Yeah, after talking to you and realizing I wanted to do this full time, I thought, You know what, I'll try this my way. It didn't work. I think I'm gonna try this God's way, and I'm just gonna take the very next step, the people that seem to just come to me, I'm going to start there. And at the same time, I was feeling frustration because I wanted to quit my job, and there was no real plan out there as to how to navigate that. So in trying to solve my problem, I had other people, ironically in that same point, saying, Can you help me? So I think that's where it started. So initially it was, Can you help me quit my job because I wanted to go into ministry, or I wanted to do something different, and so that's where I just started. It was, let me just help you get to where God wants you to be. It very quickly evolved from that to I want to start my business, and very quickly to coaching. I just found coaches, again, not to say other professions or not, but I found coaches very compassionate and courageous, because they were sharing some of the worst parts of themselves to help make an impact for others. That was an automatic connection. And I just realized coaches were coming to me, and everything was happening at once, and I was going through your program, and you were really, really pushing us to define what kind of life we wanted, and I want a life where I can be an impact so other people can make an impact somehow. In the process of all of that, everything just clicked.
Shanna Skidmore:Yeah, yeah. Oh, I love it. Okay. So good. Thanks for sharing. Shelby, will you share what you were kind of wrestling with why you even consider taking a business finance program like the blueprint model.
shelby:Yeah, I'm gonna go back in time a little bit here. I am pretty sure I've watched your blueprint model launch for like, two or three years before I jumped on myself, but I so before I started my own business, before I started doing art, I have a master's degree in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, like it was, I was on a completely different track, and then I had my kids, and I just didn't I found that I didn't have emotional energy to give to teaching and to young people in my life, and I felt inspired to start a creative practice. And there's a story of how I got to watercolor, but I ended up on watercolor, fell in love with it, and started painting, and about a year later, people were like, I like your style, like you could sell this. And I was like, Oh, okay. And, you know? And then I wrestled with, Do I even want to start a business? Will that take away from my creativity? And I decided I could try, and if I hated it, I didn't have to do it anymore, right? And so I started, and I tell you this, because basically my art and my business are they were not intentional. I didn't go in with a business plan. I was kind of like, it's a creative process. Let's see what happens. Let's see what works. Let's see what I like. I knew from the beginning that I had to price things in a way that was profitable, because if I if I couldn't do that, if I couldn't make money on things, then I would just do it as a hobby and give it away as gifts kind of a thing. And so that was about, I started painting almost six years ago, launched my business about five years ago approximately, and it's been a hodgepodge, like, I've kind of, like, I've pieced it together. I've taken I took one art business class at one point, but it was focused on art overall, and it was just a little bit of as a business component. So I knew some basics of, like, I need to know my costs, and I need to double it and things anyway. But so it's grown over time, and I get to this point where, like, at the end of last year, I was like, if I'm going to keep doing this business, I have it has to be sustainable for my family, right? My business was covering its expenses. It was allowing me to. Neat things, which I loved, but it was take, you know, at this point, it's taking time from my family and my home, and it needs to be able to pay us as a family, not just give me something, you know, fun to do, which is valuable itself. And so I was really at a point where I was like, I have got to make this sustainable as a whole, as a system I and my biggest goal was to to know my numbers, like, that's what I've said for probably over a year. And I ended up jumping in on your blueprint year course at the end of last year, and that was helpful. And then I was like, You know what? I'm just going to go for it, like, I've wanted to do the blueprint model like, I love the idea of it, and I'm at this point where I'm not going to be able to keep running my business if I don't get more sustainable systems in place. And that's kind of when I jumped in, when I was like, You know what I can do this? My business can cover the expense, and I want to see what I can get out of this. And I think I'd followed you for, like, I said, a while. I really respected that you weren't on social media. I'm debating getting off next year, you know. And I knew, like, I think it was like, I maybe found you through Nancy Ray Ashlyn, you know, and that you this kind of group of women who were mothers and entrepreneurs. And I was like, I had to be very selective about where, who I what voices I listen to, and I really loved what I was seeing from you, and so I was like, I can do this like I can anyway. That's how I ended up in the model. I
Shanna Skidmore:love all of this. Shelby, it's so helpful. Thank you for sharing. I love hearing more of your story, and I think so many people probably will resonate. I feel like people join or work with me in general, at various stages, like some people, right? When they start, they want to get things in place, you know, they want to know that they're building those foundations, creating a business model pricing, right? Like, but a lot of people get to a place where it's like, yeah, it's not paying them, and they're taking time from their family, and let's figure this out. Or they're like, still not getting paid and not making money, bleeding money, and like, want to figure it out. So it's just always interesting, Shelby, thank you for sharing Nicole same question. What do you feel like for you you were working through in the business and when you decided to join? Yes.
nicole:So it's funny, because I've heard, you know, a lot of the same I have a lot of the same threads as Shelby, just in a different way. So I did not come in feeling clueless about my numbers. I did start photography as an unintentional business owner, as I mentioned. And so at a certain point, I was like, okay, if I'm going to be a legitimate business owner, as Gru says in one of the despicable if I'm gonna do this legitimately, like, I need to have a financial like, I need to know my numbers. Like, I can't just be like, Oh, it all. Like, spending money making money, it's fine. So I spent, you know, probably the last two to three years really getting intentional about, like, nerding out over spreadsheets, like, figuring, like, Okay, how much is going in, how much is going out? What are my known expenses, all that. And then the after the first year of that, it was kind of a turning point, because, like, I had this Google Doc and all these numbers are staring at me, and I'm like, Okay, I'm putting a lot of time and a lot of money into this business, and I'm getting no return on this, like, I'm breaking even, not really paying myself. What's the point? You know, I love this, but I'm not, like, there's no point in doing this for free, you know, if I'm gonna do it for free, I'll just, like Shelby had said, you know, do this for friends and like it, you know, not make it a business. So it was kind of an ultimatum of, like, I have to change the way I do things, or I have to close my business. And I had, you know, as I was growing my photography business, and, you know, learning more about the actual business side of things, I also became really, really passionate about having an excellent client experience. And, you know, making that kind of a core piece of my, of my thing, you know, it's not just photography, but it's like, I'm, you're a busy mom. I'm a busy mom. Like, you need to have that this can't just be like, you show up and you think, you know which photographer is standing here in this place where everybody goes to this coming to take your pictures. Like, I don't want that. I want to have a relationship with people, you know, working with these people, with young families. I mean, like, you know what? It's okay if your kids are, you know, having a meltdown, because it happens, my kids do this too. So anyway, creating that client experience, I had started adding on albums to my new worm packages to try to provide more value to my clients, and kind of try to, like, slowly increase my prices. Because I had always heard about like perceived value as I was doing education, but it was like, based on like, your consistency and your like, the consistency of the work, the consistency of the work, the consistency of the experience. And nobody ever really talked about pricing the way that you do. So it was just kind of, I was just kind of figuring things out and like, you know, what feels good, what everybody else is doing, what am I offering? How can I justify this price and have people not be disappointed? And I paid that, and this is what I got. Yeah, but coming to the end of 2023 I was like, Okay, I feel this kind of natural shift. I need to make more money, and I feel like kind of shifting into this full service photography and adding in products feels just with kind of my business that feels kind of like the natural way to go. But I did not know how to price, how to market, like, all of these things. And I did not want to fumble through figuring it out on my own, as I had done with a lot of things in my business. Because I was like, Okay, again, I'm facing this. Need to make money all of the things. I was like, I'm a busy mom. I don't have time to fumble through. I don't want to close my business, you know? I need to find some kind of course or a program to learn this. So this before blueprint again. So in 2023 I worked with a coach, implemented this whole new system, did some great things and so, but at like, the end of the year, like, I'm sitting in my office right now, but like, picture me, like, on the floor in my office with, like, my spreadsheets and my giant wall calendar and, like, you know, color coded, you know, markers and sticky notes and all these things. And I'm like, Okay, I've got it all figured out. Like, like, I've got the numbers. I know my average I've increased, like, it's gonna be great. And I'm looking at the numbers, and you know, it shows me on the surface, like, at face value, okay, you worked with seven or eight fewer clients than you did previous year, and you tripled your revenue. That's great, right? So I'm, like, trying to set sales goals for the next year. I'm like, Okay, I know all these things, and like, trying to plug them in and make all the things go, you know, like, okay, like, this is, you know, just the spreadsheets gonna tell me what I need. And, you know, I'm just looking at all these numbers and like, Okay, this is my bandwidth in the season that I'm in, I cannot work with more clients. This is what my revenue is. But what I was realizing is that, like, how the number of clients that I could serve, well at this revenue, like trying to bring in money and be profitable and all the things and have time for my family, it was just kind of like I was just kind of stuck in this, like math wasn't nothing. And so I was like, Okay, I'm stuck. Like, what do I do? I'm
Shanna Skidmore:so glad you brought this up, because I wrestle so much with being like the numbers girl, right? Which now funny enough jokes on me in 2024 2025 you need to know. Like, people need to know. Like, numbers is my thing. But I think, I hope what's special about the believer model, about me, about my approach, is like you were looking at the numbers, you had the spreadsheets, but then you had to look at okay, Season of Life, time. But how does this make me feel? Do I even like this offer? That's the things that I feel like it's so special. I'm so glad you brought this up, Nicole, because you had the spreadsheets you were you had figured out numbers and looking at the data. But then it goes a step further and like, how do we create offers that align with the season of life, with the impact I want to have with the so Nicole, will you just kind of, let's bump to the next question. Talk about the aha moment you had taking the blueprint model.
nicole:Yes. So it's kind of like a two parter, because I have, I feel like I had a business Aha, and then I had, like a personal Aha. Both were tied to each other, but very important in their own ways. So the biggest takeaway, because I just came into blueprint model. Like, I just need to figure out my enough number, because I knew that was, like, your thing. Like, Ashley talked about Shelby mentioned Ashley, and, like, the enough number, and I'm like, Okay, this is the missing piece. I need to know my enough number, and then I'm gonna plug it into the spreadsheet. And Shannon's got spreadsheets I've heard, and they're probably better than my spreadsheets. So like, you know, all the things I'm showing, all pretty colors, all the pretty colors, but I'm like, okay, but as I'm going through the blueprint model, it's like, it suddenly occurred to me that I had not calculated the value of my time. Like I knew that it took time, but I, when I was figuring out how much do I need to charge, I was not putting time into that equation. It was almost like you pay yourself out of what's left over, or like you pay yourself when they're, you know, just all the things. And so once we got there and I started doing like an art, like looking at my packages for this new, you know, I was fully committed to doing this new product sales and in person sales and office with photography and full service. But as I'm, like, running the numbers and like, I'm like, That can't be right. Like, I broke this spreadsheet, this can't be right, because I was really, I was either like, barely profitable or not profitable, depending on what the once you
Shanna Skidmore:added in your time, once I added in my time, and I
nicole:think that was when I finally realized it was like you, yes, you tripled your revenue. Yes, you serve fewer clients, but you also tripled the amount of time that you're spending with each client. So really, it doesn't matter if you're doing it this. Why you're this one, like, it's all cut like you're, you're doing the same thing in a different way. I
Shanna Skidmore:noticed Nicole like, yeah, the bigger mu, the bigger number, yes, of a service feels like, Yeah, this is right. But actually it might not be, because of the amount of time invested in that offer. Interesting. Yeah, right.
nicole:So that was just kind of the moment of like, well, shoot, I have to rethink everything. Like I thought I had it, you know, so that that was, that was the big aha moment with just the pricing, but alongside that and this, this comes back to the beginning of the program, because I had already had this moment at the beginning of the program. So 2023, was very full throttle. I was like, Okay, I'm gonna do this. Like, you know, I'm gonna, I'm gonna figure this out, you know, all the things. And I just was really tired, you know, I was kind of, I was feeling uncertainty, and I was tired. I was like, um, you know, Shelby mentioned and I know, you know, Shannon, you always talk about social media. I was just like, I just really, the nor the world is so noisy. I just, I really just need to step back. I want to turn down the noise. I want to like, I always, I have made a practice of unintentionally unplugging from social media about this time every year, like mid December through January, just because I'm like, I just need that, that space of quiet at the end of the year. And I was like, I'm going to continue that. Because there's just so many people telling me, like, this is available to you, or this is a thing that you could want, and you just don't realize how much it psychologically affects you, or at least it didn't for me, until you turn it off. And then when I'm doing the vision casting exercises at the beginning of blueprint model, it's like, okay, you know, what do you want your life to look like in 20 years? You know, life and business. But you know, I started with life, and I have, you know, have this journal, and I'm sitting there writing, and it just suddenly hit me that, like, in 20 years, my husband and I are gonna have two adult children. We're gonna be looking at like, you know, I'm in the throes of it right now with an eight and almost five year old, and I'm like, in 20 years, I will have adult children. And I had this moment of like, these are the years right now where we are laying the foundation for the relationship that we want to have with our adult children, with our teenagers, with our pre teens, with our older elementary kids. And like, I don't want to be giving them from the scraps right now, because, like, I know what I want in the future, and if I only give them what's left over right now. And I'm, you know, irritated and frustrated, because I'm like, go, go, go, go, my business, and, Oh, Mommy has to work. Mommy has to do this. Mommy has to, you know, all those things. It's like I just had that sudden moment of, like, I can always grow my business, but I cannot always have this this time right now I'm gonna cry. Um, so that really just that part. It just kind of really changed the whole perspective of how I was looking at my business, my numbers, my offers. Like, I want to have a business. I love being a business owner, but like, not at the expense of my family. And so how can I arc? How can I have the life that I want and architect my business to fit inside of that and have, like, be fulfilling in that way, rather than I have to be all in on my business and the my you know, my family gets the leftovers. And these two things don't have to be at, you know, I can't. It's not all one thing or the other. You know, they, they can be. You just have to prioritize. And that really, that was, that was, that was the biggest takeaway for me,
Shanna Skidmore:Nicole, you got us all teary eyed every year. I thank you for sharing that. And I just, every time I hear someone share, you know, I feel like, again, the numbers is so important, and understanding your numbers is so important, but it's the heart stuff and the life stuff that I feel like is so transformative. And because, like, he's I love how he used the word architect. Like we get to architect a business, but if we don't first sit down and define the life we want, then it's hard to architect a business to do that. Nicole, I love it. Thanks for sharing. Tanya, tell me your big aha moment.
tanya:It's so interesting because I was going through a half a century crisis, because in the middle of doing this, this is like the I took it twice, I turned 50, and I'm on the other end where I have kind of done all the corporate things, and I felt like permission. I know it sounds kind of weird, but you gave me permission to say I don't want to strive. I don't want to have to hustle and kill myself. I can pick the pace at which I do this. I can pick the pace at which I grow this. And, you know, Nicole in 10 years, it's young adult for me. I was like, I want to be Meemaw. Like, hardcore Meemaw. Like, I want to be there for everything. And I thought, How do I design this business? So. With my children many years from now, not now, and get married and have kids. I want to be there for those things, and it's just the biggest I was surprised that I felt like I had to keep striving. I felt like I like I'm an Enneagram three. So I felt like I had to be achieving. And going through the vision casting, it was like You gave me permission to say, I can build a business around my values. I can build a business around what's important to me. And in doing that, as ironic as it is, it really shifted me as a business owner. So I started to think of, I always say, I was telling a friend about blueprint model, and I told her, I walked in as a financial coach and I walked out as a business owner, because on the other side, because I came in as a technical professional, but on the other end, I was a business owner. Who's the service I provided was this, and then how do I build this in a way that was profitable? Because I am a for profit business in a way that really serve the people I wanted to serve. I always feel like I am the holder of people's dreams, because sometimes I am the first person people tell that they want to quit their jobs. And I love being that safe space, especially for older women, who they've given up dreams long ago, and I get a chance to help them reignite that. So it's such an honor to be part of that journey. I just love it. And I thought I want to be there for that. And it may not look the way everyone looks. I love being there one to one, and I so much harder. You don't want to trade time for money and all this stuff. And I was like, You gave me permission to say, I want to be there one to one. I want to have flexibility. But you also made me think, I don't have to compromise a profitable business in order to do this. So you really gave me room to think of how do I make these three things work? So I think the biggest surprise to me was, because I am a numbers person, how none numbers it was for me, also, ironically, how the numbers showed I didn't need as much as I thought, even for my want number, by the way, I meant to tell you, I remember you told me my price was too low. I increased it didn't even miss a beat. That was just your advice, because I realized in order to have this number for the life I wanted, I had to increase my prices. And I just found this almost confidence and the value that I was providing. So it was all the none number of stuff that surprised me, that how much more confidence I had in my services once I saw my pricing, how much more confident I was in the vision. Also the motivational that was really big, because I thought I was impact motivated, and I remember you made this comment, well, if you're impact motivated, you don't, you don't care about how much I'm like, Oh yeah, I do care about time. Yeah, very quickly I realized I was time motivated, and I was able to restructure my offers to be much more systematized so I had the time. So I realized one to ones and efficiency, they can coexist peacefully. And I think you that helped me to be very efficient in my one to ones, very efficient. And how, if I'm going to do this, how can I do this in the most time efficient manner? And I feel like it's so funny. I thought I would get all this number stuff, which I did, but that was the biggest thing. It was the none numbers stuff. You, I felt like you helped me build a life. You helped me redefine my life, rebuild it, rethink about it, and really think about broader impact.
Shanna Skidmore:I love all of this. I also love how you said you had identified with the service you were providing, and just that, almost like identity shift of like, I own a business, this is the service that I'm providing in that business like it is just a different way to think about it. And I love so much. Isn't it cool, as my fellow numbers gal, isn't it cool, though? How you I'm gonna use that word again that Nicole used architect. You can architect and say, This is what I want. This is what I want it to look like, but and then the data comes in, the numbers come in, and back that up, and that's what I find. Obviously, I'm so obsessed with like, marrying those two things together. Thanks for sharing. Okay, Shelby, what was your big aha moment while taking the blooper model?
shelby:Okay, I will share two things, because I want to kind of tail off of Nicole and Tanya. And Nicole and I are in a very similar stage of life. My kids are nine and seven, and I think that I mean the hard work that the permission to build a build a business around my values and what is needed at this stage in life was super. Were helpful in the way you broke that down in the we see that in the blueprint model. And I think that one of the really big things about that is that it allows me as a business owner to not be trapped in the exhausting comparison loop, right, like because I can look at another, because I know why I'm doing what I'm doing, and I know why it's priced the way it is. And if someone comes and says, This is a ridiculous price, I can say it's not for you. It's not for everyone. But in order for me to run a business, this is what it has to be.
Shanna Skidmore:I feel like we need to release this video because we're over here having church. Because, yes, we are all like, yes, that permission, okay, Shelby, keep going, yeah. So, because
shelby:it's so exhausting, and, you know, and I think, I think to myself, you know, I I'm running a business in part time hours. It's a product based business with inventory, and I am doing 100% of it on my own right. Like, and I'm like, Okay, I don't have to be, you know, the six figure business owner, like, because I get to be there when my kids get home from school and we get to have a snack together, or bake cookies. Like, I get to see them out the door in the morning. I get to go to lunch with a friend. And those things are part of my life, so that, you know, the building of a business and what that looks like. It was so good, I will say on the financial side. I mean, I had a general sense, like I knew I needed, you know, my numbers and double it and then double it for wholesale, like, when I'm selling products. But I was really able, I think you laid out in a way, we know, when I went through the blueprint model, it was like, okay, but when we're talking about what it costs, we're not just talking about the actual physical like, good like the art print and the backing and the sticker and the bag, but also what it like your credit card transaction fee, like, these are the things. And then, really, 50% margin is not what you want. You want it more than that. And being able to understand that this was what the overhead was going to right? And it goes back to not feeling bad about my pricing right, like this is what it needs to be. And if I put it this way, you know, this is what it allows me to do. And I have this set of I do a variety pack of eight greeting cards, and I've been selling them for $20 with shipping included, which was, like, more. It was not really, it was making money, but not enough to be profitable, right? And I think that was the thing, like, I can be make, I can be covering those expenses, but not be profitable. And that was, you know, that's smart. And I, and I was terrified, because I know, I know the economy is hard. It's, you know, it's, it's hard to buy things that are maybe not like an essential, like everyday good. And I was like, but I think I need to like, I know that these numbers are not working. So I raised the price to $25 and added shipping on top of it. So essentially, they went up like $10 in price. And I think there's a number of factors that have gone into it, but like,
Shanna Skidmore:50% increase, 50% I just want to, like everybody, 50% increase. Yes, Shelby, keep going, and
shelby:I have sold more greeting cards this year than ever before. And I mean, I think there's a number of factors going into that, but I, you know, it was such a conference like, if I look at my Etsy numbers, and I don't only sell greeting cards, and I also sell wholesale, and I also sell on Squarespace. So there's, you know, there's numbers going on here, but my total sales this year, so I took blueprint model at the beginning of the year, and I am up. My orders and revenue are up 700% on Etsy this year
Shanna Skidmore:that so snap, you know, 50% increase, I think. But you know what I love about that, Shelby, there's a lot of people, and not so much because I'm off the socials. But I have seen people or heard people are I have a lot of students who is like, here's what I learned in another program. And people will say, you know, decide what you want to make and how long you want to work, and then make your price. And I'm like, okay, that'd be great. I want to work one hour a day. No, just Okay, y'all, I'm making a joke. I need to stop being sarcastic. But when you know exactly why you charge, what you charge, the reason why, the numbers behind it, there is a confidence boost there. There is a conversation and, and it's not about, like, you know, puff up for our chest, like, pay it or don't pay it. I don't care. It's more so, like, you know, the whole idea of like, know your worth, I'm like, that's a really hard way to tell somebody how to price. I mean, you just need to know your worth. And I'm like, Well, I know how much time is involved in this, and I know the cost, and that helps me put a data point behind it. So Shelby, congrats. 50% increase in price, 700 increase, 700% increase in sales. I. The next question is, one change or success you've had in your business, Shelby, would you say that's, like, the big thing that you were you want to share? Like, I doubled my price.
shelby:Yeah, I sold that. Sales are up in general for my business this year. And I do feel like I have the momentum to make it sustainable. I'm also, like, paying myself. I'm still working on, I'm still working out the details. A course like this is like, Okay, I've really got, like, I know how to price things now and stuff, but, yeah, I would say that those numbers are probably, I mean, the biggest, very practical success. And I'm thrilled.
Shanna Skidmore:And you were scared. You were scared to push your price. Oh, I remember. And you know, and I love how you said, Shelby, this time you worked on pricing. Next time you go through it with the community, okay, let's figure out how to pay myself, because that's dealing with an understanding cash flow and seasonal businesses and buying inventory. Like it's not something you learn all at once. It's something you take time you know one thing at a time, like, Okay, right now, it's my prices, or it's my offers, or it's, you know, now it's paying myself. So I love that. Nicole, what would you say is one success or one change you choose that you've had in your business since taking the blueprint model?
nicole:Yes. So I just want to say that that little I needed to hear what you just said, Shanna, about like you don't have to figure it all out at once. Because I just, I'm like, Okay, I'm gonna do it all at once. So thank you for that. But changes to access so the biggest, the biggest win of this year that I just every time I Okay, so I have paid myself every single month for the entirety of 2024 for the first time ever in my business. And it's still like, I'll see the little I've got the little transfer. It's, it is a I had it like, because I used to just be like, Okay, I'll transfer the money. But now it's set up as a recurring transfer, like I don't have to do anything. It just happens. And when I see that little email notification come through that, like, this money has been deposited into your checking account, I'm just like, Heck,
Shanna Skidmore:yeah, I did that. It feels different, doesn't it good? Yeah,
nicole:and that that has been amazing. And I have slightly increased, I think maybe I can't remember it was once or twice, but I have, I have increased my pay to myself at least once this year. I think twice. But the the other thing is now that I am pivoting into this new offer with systems and workflows, because of blueprint model and because of knowing like just having all of those pieces of the puzzle, I am also able to price myself confidently with this new offer, and being able to say, like, I know how, like, I maybe don't know exactly how much time this is going to take, but I'm going to, I'm I know myself and how I like to do things to make sure that people get, like, really good service. And so I don't think that, because I know how long it took me to get to pricing where I was with photography, and just how many years that took. And I don't think I would have had the, I don't know if I would have had the confidence to pivot, like, to recognize what I was doing, identify like, this is the passion. This is where I feel being led, and then price myself at an appropriate place as, like, with no, with no real like, receipts, I guess, like, I've never done this before, but I know I can do this for you. Um,
Shanna Skidmore:a new offer is very hard to price, yeah, because you have no data, right, yeah. But actually, a new service offer, because it's all time based, yes, yes. So
nicole:it has been that has been like, I just feel really proud of that and that I like what Shelby was saying, like, just knowing why I'm priced that way, I don't feel the need to hedge with people, but I'm just like, This is what this is what the offer is. This is what it includes. This is this. This is the price. Yeah.
Shanna Skidmore:And also, I feel like, Nicole, here's me, Shanna, coming in saying, when you're tracking your time with your current with your current clients, and you have, I hope you have the tools to adjust as you see fit. If you're like, you know what? I want to take this out of my package. Or I'm actually giving three times, you know, more time than I thought with this specific deliverable. So I'm going to change this part. Like, I feel like now you know how to track and like, even because you're right, it's not something you'll probably get exactly right the first time. It's really hard to create a new package, but you have the tools to continue analyzing it. I love it. Okay? Tanya, your turn one success or change
tanya:the two actually go hand in hand. So the shift to me seeing myself as the business owner, it gave me confidence in my pricing, confidence to say no to what was outside of my niche. I felt like this was a group. I felt I was called. To serve. This was the group I could serve well. So for the first time in forever, I did not pivot. I stuck to my guns. I increased the pricing, as you had said, with the contract, I had an opportunity came up, really, for me to leave, and I left like probably a few months ago. And because of that, what would have been my very first non paycheck, I was actually able to pay myself, which was insane. That was like, and it was almost like God was saying, if you can trust me, on the other side of this leap, can you see what's on the other side? Because it was insane that I had left immediately, had clients come in. It was like this group of clients almost a week later. So the two weeks of what would have been and it was to the day like the money got deposited on the exact same day that would have been my first non paycheck. And I have not yet had a cycle where I hadn't been able to pay myself something which was incredible, but seeing that shift as a business owner a year ago allowed me to approach this from the business. It allowed me to see the numbers from a business standpoint and make the changes in a pivot and not feeling as attached to everything like I would feel almost psychologically attached to, oh my gosh, this person said no. Now I'm like, well, they're just not the right person for my business, my business model, like, it just you. It's just this overall shift. So I would say that was that's been incredible for me.
Shanna Skidmore:I literally got chill bumps when you said your first non pay, like leaving your full time job, yeah, what would have been your first time not getting that paycheck? You had the exact amount. I mean, that's really incredible. And also how, like, the irony. Irony is not the right word, but like, for the people you're serving to say, like, I did this, like you can do it, whatever that looks like. And that makes me feel so good. You are so incredible. Thank you for doing it is an honor. Like, I still pinch myself truly getting to work with incredible humans like you, and just getting to be a small piece of your your journey you all know, like I am right in the trenches with you. Like there's stuff I'm learning there's stuff, but what I hoped to share in the blueprint model are the things that I process myself like, what do you like? What makes you happy, what gives you joy? What season of life are you in? Is this offer working? Is it not working? Are these what numbers are we tracking? What does this data tell us like? And because I literally use these tools in my own life, in my own business all the time, to see other people using them as well. Like it still is such a cool moment, because I too, I mean, I'll get teary eyed about it was that person who was like, I don't want to do this job I'm doing anymore, and I don't know exactly what I want to do. I never saw myself being a business owner like I y'all know, I'm get introvert. I get talked out. I'm really happy with a beautiful spreadsheet. I mean, like behind the scenes. I never saw myself being CEO, and I still have a lot of mindset work I have to do around that so like, but to get to say, like, you can design a life and architect a business. That's the coolest it's the coolest job. It's not easy every day, but you all make it worth it. What would you tell your business bestie about as we wrap up about the blueprint model Nicole, you want to go first. So
nicole:I think it's one of those things where I have invested, and I know a lot of people who we invest a lot in education because for a lot of reasons, and there's a lot of people selling a lot of things that make a lot of promises, and as far as education goes, in the experience that I've had, I think that blueprint model is truly the best investment I've made in my business and myself, because It's, again, it just, it is truly a blueprint for figuring out the pieces, all of the pieces that go into running a business. Because if you don't know your numbers, then, like, what are you working towards? And it's one of those things where I personally wish, like, well, dang, I wish I had done this sooner, but also I don't know that I would have been ready for it sooner. And it's like it came at the right time. And as you have probably heard in this conversation, and we have all referenced it like, this is a very special community, because Shanna, you do, you do truly teach things in a way that other people don't like you're not saying, like, this is how to be a six figure. Like, you're like, What do you want? What do you need? How do you build your business for that? And that is very needed, and it's that's not something that everybody wants. But for those of us who do and who need that permission, like, we find our people in this group. And I love, I love the students in this group. I have loved working with Shannon. You have just like, this big sister energy of like, you know, you'll get, you'll give the gentle nudges of like, okay, Nicole, but like, I want you to be profitable and so, but again, it's, it's not about what's gonna make you look good, Shannon, it's about like, what works, what is gonna work? What do you need? What works for you in this season? And you know, I think that that is, you know, if that's what you need, or if you're you're feeling unsure, then like this, these, we're your people. Come Yeah,
Shanna Skidmore:come on, big sister. Energy makes me very happy, because I am Tanya. I know how you said you're a three. I am probably a nine on the Enneagram. My husband Kyle always says, You're not a number, you're just that person. Because I'm like, I don't know what I am. Maybe I'm a one, maybe I'm a nine. Maybe that's probably why I'm a nine. And so the how you said big sister energy, because I get really nervous inside sometimes, having to say, like, not quite sure that's what you're thinking. Like, it's a it's actually a harder place for me to come from, of like, let's dig a little deeper here. But I think because of my psychology background, I have the training of hopefully being able to say that in a way that doesn't give me hives. But I do have a lot of one of people say, like, word hangovers after all of our calls. I'm like, Oh my gosh, did I say that? Right? And, but big center, big sister Energy says it so well. Like, I do hope I'm not someone who and for anybody listening, like, some people really work well under like, harsh coaching. Um, like, you. Why didn't you show up for yourself? That's on you like, and I that makes me ill physically, and so I do hope to give like guidance, but like in a gentle, caring way, but also not shy away from like, because I know I'm not the expert, and that's why I love this community too, because we're all in it together. Anyways, that was so good. I want to just say something about my nine on the Enneagram. I kind of forgot, oh, I always test as if test as a three, and that's how everybody's like, you're three for sure. I'm like, I'm absolutely not like, I am an achiever for sure, success. Like, but my nine is very much in there. Like, let's all just be happy. And it's all great. Okay, Shelby, what would you tell your best friend about your business, bestie, about the blueprint model.
shelby:I gosh, I have so much to say. Let's try and hone it down. I would say that it is a fabulous financial class like and understand your business. Know your numbers like it. It gives you what it says it's going to give you in terms of outcome. But it is so much more than the numbers. And I think we've kind of all hit on that here. I would also say, you know, that as far as like, it is so valuable to have a community of creative people running businesses, and I find, especially for me, navigating the interesting. I don't like the word balance, but balance of motherhood and and doing other things with your life. And you know, I listen to your podcast, and you know, we we've got the community. And I'm like, these are my people. Like Nicole said, like, I just feel like I just want to, like, shout and cheer every time. And I'm like, these are the people that get it that understand what it is like to try and navigate this and do this. And this is a course that gives you tools to not only know your numbers, which is absolutely critical if you're going to run a business, but to really plan your whole business and end your life, to understand it within the context of of your life and your values and as great I love it. Shanna is a great voice to put in your head. Like, you know, you can't listen to everyone. You have to be selective about who you're going to listen to. And I will keep Shanna as my go to from now on. I love that I can come back to this course again and again and again, like I don't view it as I completed it, and it's done like I'm working on it, and I will continually work through it. So love the resources. Love it all. It's great. Thanks, Shannon. I
Shanna Skidmore:love that. Thanks, darling. I will, I will live in your head. Now, I know I'd say in some of my classes, I'm like, my goal truly is to ruin you, because I want to change the narrative that continues to run, because it's run in my head for what, since 2006 since I started in finance, it's almost 19 years. Oh, my goodness. Of like, counter culturally, like, what does success look like for you? What is success? And I hope I can be that voice if i. Me that voice. That's an honor for me to be like, what does it look like for you? Because the voices of the world are loud, even though so many of us are trying to like, it is hard to run away from like. Tanya, like you said, the eight the eight figure have a huge team YouTube Success stars like that's what we see. So Tanya, what would you tell your business bestie about the blueprint model? Okay,
tanya:this is easy because I've had the conversation and it's a lot of my besties are numbers people, and I'm like, having an aptitude for numbers does not translate into helping. How those numbers can help you build your life of meaning and purpose, and it is a different way. So even if you have the concepts like I did, retooling them through a perspective of, how are these numbers going to come together to build my version of a life and meaning and impact is not something you learn in accounting. It's not something you learn in finance school. So for those people who think they got their numbers, I would challenge that having the numbers and being able to apply it to build that life of meaning is something very different. And I think I told a friend, you're the business coach. Someone doesn't even know how badly they need just
Shanna Skidmore:I mean, like, I have no words, like, I'm speechless, yeah, then so like this, I love how you said, like, the strategy, then the story the numbers tell isn't something that is taught. It's like, did you do this? Right? XYZ accounting, it all matches like, debits, credits, yes, we're good, but it doesn't tell you the story in the book. I feel like, yeah, it's about how to read the numbers and translate them into the, oh, that's so good,
tanya:really, the perspective of translating it from the lens of building your life of impact. When you go to school for accounting or finance, it's translating it strictly for building the profits of the business, but at what expense? And that was the part that I struggled to get, because that was how I was trained. So I had to almost, you'll, you pretty much deprogram me. It was like a deprogramming program for former financial people. And you like re program me to think through it, through a greater lens.
Shanna Skidmore:You are so good with words always. I mean, I'm I have notes, like I'm taking notes from this call, because all of you have touched on your values and letting your values shine and architecting that business. I'm I keep coming back to that word you used, Nicole, about architect and like, like you said, reprogramming your thought process. It sounds like Nicole and Tanya. You came in feeling okay about your numbers, like, under Not, not being scared, necessarily, of a spreadsheet some people are, but like, how to translate. And I really do think that's the beauty of, like, my my background was psychology, and like, being, like, have an art degree as well. Like, just being a creative person in general. Not that a lot of people that take the blueprint model wouldn't say they're they would identify as a creative person, but I feel like being able to say, like, do work, you like that to me is a creative like, do work. You enjoy. My husband is one of the most creative people I know, and he's an engineer. Like, I see him as a creative and like reprogramming your thought processes. Of like, yes, these numbers are important, but let's make them matter for me. Thank you all so much for sharing. Let's send it off each of you with tell everybody how they can find you, maybe who, who you work with, and how they can if anybody would like to connect with you, amazing people how they can find you. So, Tanya, why don't you kick us off and just tell everybody how they can connect with you.
tanya:Okay, thank you so you can connect with me by going to Tanya P Brown, and the P is important because there's 1000 of us Out there.com. And I tell people, book a discovery call, because my the purpose of my discovery call is literally to discover your next step. And it sounds crazy, but I get as much joy helping you find the next step, even if it's not me, because, you know, I'm like a dinosaur in this industry. So I say, if I am not the right step, I can find it for you. So at least that frustration is gone, and if I am the right step, it is an honor to walk with you on this lake of your journey. I
Shanna Skidmore:love it, and we will link your URL and your website in the show notes. So if anyone is interested in working with any of these wonderful ladies, or seeing all the amazing things they're doing, they'll be in the show notes, Shelby, tell everybody how they can connect with you. You can
shelby:see my work, my products, what's available on my website, which is Shelby Thane art.com and I have a number of fun things. I do teach classes online, and I I offer wholesale so I've got a link there, and there was something else important. Oh, I do offer commissions. So if you have a specific if you like my art, and you have a specific scene or place that you want to meet a cat. Capture that style commissions are one of my favorite things. So and sign up for my newsletter, because that's where I keep things updated. And social media is a maybe for next year. So
Shanna Skidmore:that's exactly right. Thanks. Shelby, okay, Nicole, last but not least. How can everyone connect with you? So
nicole:my website is Nicole watford.com and if you're hearing systems and workflows, and you're thinking to yourself, Gosh, I really could use some help with that, as as Tanya said, I would love to chat with you on a discovery call, because I just want to hear you know, where what is working, what is not working, what's going on in your business, where are you struggling? And I might be able to help you, or I might be able to point you to somebody else, but my little systems workflow brain is very nerdy, and would love to kind of dig into yours with you. And I'm also working on getting some free resources up for people who are like, what what is the CRM? What is dubsado? What is the system? So that is all on the website, but I am not on the Instagram, so do not try to add me. It will just sit there in pending territory wherever seems
Shanna Skidmore:to be a theme on this call. You all are so amazing. Doing life and business with you is truly a joy. Thank you for your time today. It is so valuable, and I'm just grateful to know you. Hey, Wildflower. You just finished another episode of consider the wildflowers the podcast. Head over to consider the wildflowers podcast.com. For show notes, resource links and to learn how you can connect with Tonya Shelby and Nicole. One final thought for today from Vince Lombardi, the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. As always, thank you for listening. I'll see you next time. Consider the wildflowers. Podcast is produced and edited in partnership with the team at Palm Tree podco. Special thanks to our producers, Anthony Palmer, our audio mixologist of palm tree podco, and Lauren from Team Skidmore, without whom this podcast would never reach your earbuds each week you.
