When you feel restless in your career, do you listen—or do you push through?

Rachel Kerr listened. Even when she didn’t have a clear plan. That inner restlessness led her to create The Beauty Boost, a women's empowerment and wellness community that now operates in over 30 cities across the U.S.

In this episode Rachel shares how she went from burned-out employee to full-time entrepreneur, how she built community before she had an audience, and how she scaled her business slowly, intentionally, and without losing her values. If you’ve ever felt unsure of your next step, this conversation will remind you that clarity often comes after the leap, not before it.

In this episode:

• Why Rachel left the corporate world before she even knew what she wanted
• How she tested and evolved her business model over time (spoiler: it didn’t involve a brick-and-mortar)
• The biggest lessons from scaling to 30 cities and managing a team of local leaders
• Why mindset matters more than business skills when you're just starting out
• The role of community, mentorship, and coaching in building something that lasts

Action Steps:

1. Define your ideal day. Before focusing on what business to start, get clear on how you want to live.
2. Surround yourself with expanders. Seek out people who are already doing what you want to do—even if it’s just through podcasts or books.
3. Invest in your self-growth. Choose a few voices to go deep with this year and prioritize consistent development over passive consumption.

Connect with Beauty Boost:

Learn more about The Beauty Boost: thebeautyboost.net

Bring The Beauty Boost to your city: https://www.thebeautyboost.net/start-a-city

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

Today’s episode is a little different—because we’re celebrating a major milestone… Espresso Podcast Production turns 5 years old!

What started as a college podcast project (shoutout Wrestling Winedown) turned into a full-time business that’s helped hundreds of creators launch, grow, and amplify their voices through podcasting. And today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my journey—from being a shy student to a top 3% podcaster and founder.

In this honest, unscripted solo episode, I’m reflecting on:

• How I accidentally started my business

• The evolution from VA to podcast strategist

• The mindset and mentorship that made it possible

• Why community and connection are the realROI

• The power of investing in yourself

• Why we need to celebrate our wins more often

• How podcasting is one of the best networking tools

🎂 Here’s to 5 years—and many more to come.
Thanks for being a part of it.

People & Coaches Mentioned:

• Azalee Maslow: https://www.instagram.com/azaleemaslow

• Keyera Patrick: https://www.instagram.com/keyerapatrick/

• Kate Perkovic: https://www.instagram.com/kateperkovic/

• Karina Baldwin: https://www.instagram.com/trueadventureco/

• Kelly Adams: https://www.instagram.com/kellyadamscoaching/

• 
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

This week on Employee to Boss, I’m joined by Brandilyn Hallcroft, a powerhouse creative with 25+ years of experience in marketing, branding, and design. She’s the founder of Metro Designs, Metro Events, the creator behind digital shops on Etsy and Zazzle, and the heart behind Journals to Healing—a CBT-based journal collection for personal growth.

In this episode, Brandilyn shares her journey from working in early internet billing tech (yes—before Amazon!) to launching a portfolio of purpose-driven creative businesses. We talk about how she stays organized, overcomes setbacks, and leads with intention in both branding and life.

You’ll learn:

• Why she calls herself “professionally unemployed”—and how gig work changed her life

• How she uses the psychology of design to create emotional brand connection

• The difference between ethical and fear-based marketing (and why it matters)

• Why your mindset is your strongest business tool

• How her journals help people rewire their thinking to reduce anxiety and increase joy

Whether you’re a designer, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, or just trying to find your path—this conversation is filled with practical insights and refreshing honesty.

Brandilyn’s Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Write it down – Your goals, your passions, your ideas. Get it out of your head and onto paper.

2. Watch your mindset – Your thoughts shape your experience. Avoid spiraling into “the sky is falling” thinking.

3. Learn to spot manipulation – Once you understand it, you’ll never unsee it—and you’ll protect your peace and power.

Connect with Brandilyn:

Metro Designs – MetroDesigns.com

Metro Events – MetroEvents.com

Journals to Healing – JournalsToHealing.com

• 
  

• Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

  Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

  Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@espressopodproduction

  Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

  Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

  Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.