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/

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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

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• 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.

What if you stopped waiting for the perfect time and just gave yourself permission to go for it—to pivot, to be seen, and to build a business that actually fits your life? In this episode, I chat with Kieryn Wang, founder of AlmostConsulting, about evolving in both business and life.

We talk about building a career in unconventional industries (cannabis, sex tech & alcohol)and learning to stop following the rules that no one actually wrote. Kieryn shares how networking, travel, and community helped reignite her spark—and why letting yourself play in business might be the smartest thing you can do.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure about your next step, or afraid to pivot—this one’s for you.

In this episode:

• Saying yes to unexpected opportunities (even when they’re unconventional)
• What happens when your business no longer fits your life
• How to reignite your creativity when you’ve been coasting
• Letting go of perfectionism and allowing space for play
• The power of community, coaching, and doing the inner work
• Why you don’t need anyone’s permission—but here’s some if you need it anyway

Action Steps:

1. Visualize Your Ideal Day: Start with your dream daily routine—what do you want life to feel like?
2. Explore Possibilities: Look at how others live and work. Get inspired by people doing things differently.
3. Give Yourself Permission: Write it down, say it out loud, believe it: You’re allowed to pivot, evolve, and create the business and life you truly want.

Connect with Kieryn:

Website: https://www.almostconsulting.com

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

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.

You know those conversations where you're like, “Wait—why isn’t everyone talking about this?” That’s exactly how I felt talking to Mike Shu.Mike is the founder of a super successful SEO agency, a digital nomad, and someone who’s mastered the art of direct response marketing (aka what actually moves the needle in business). And get this—he doesn’t even think most businesses under $1M/year should be doing SEO.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Mike went from burnout and cold calls to building an agency he loves
• The difference between brand marketing vs. direct response (and when to use each)
• The secret to making SEO actually work in today’s AI-driven world
• Why your offer matters way more than your Instagram content
• The rookie mistakes most entrepreneurs make (he made them too)

Action Steps:

1. Study the psychology behind buying decisions (start with Dan Kennedy).
2. Don’t obsess over going viral—focus on messaging that speaks to your ideal client’s pain points.
3. Build a product so good your clients do the marketing for you.

If you’re building your brand, selling online, or wondering how to scale smarter—this episode is for you.

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.

What do you do when the corporate ladder leaves you feeling unfulfilled—but you’re still craving structure, stability, and impact? For Carol, that answer was stepping away from a high-level advertising career, starting a jewelry brand born out of personal grief, and ultimately buying a successful subscription box business that now fuels thousands of women every month.

In this episode, Carol shares her winding path to owning Sparkle Hustle Grow, a subscription box and membership community for female entrepreneurs. We talk about the real story behind buying a business (spoiler: it’s not as glamorous as Instagram makes it seem), the role personal development plays in business success, and how masterminding and community support can help you grow faster than any online course.

Carol’s Action Steps for the Week:

1. Write down your dream life—what do you really want?

2. Choose 1–2 things from that dream to work toward in the next 6 months.

3. Break down one of those goals into 3 clear, actionable steps you can take this week.

Connect with Carol:

Website: https://www.sparklehustlegrow.com/

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

Join the membership: https://sparklehustlegrow.vipmembervault.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.

What does it take to grow a fitness business that stands the test of time? In this episode we are joined by Laura Mak Quist — a veteran in the wellness and fitness industry with over 30 years of experience coaching women through strength training, yoga, nutrition, and life transitions.

From training athletes and TV personalities to launching a fitness clothing line and now running an online studio, Laura shares how she's continued to evolve her business to match her life stages — from competing in professional fitness to becoming a mom in her 40s. This episode is packed with advice for aspiring fitness coaches, service-based entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in building a business with staying power.

In this episode:

• How Laura transitioned from gym employee to business owner
• What it takes to niche down and stand out in the crowded fitness space
• Why pivoting is the secret to long-term business success
• Her honest take on motherhood, Hashimoto’s, and the wellness industry
• The power of intuition, adaptability, and listening to your audience
• Why movement, strength, and mobility matter for business owners too

Action Steps:

1. Add more movement into your day — even just 10 extra minutes of walking.
2. Strength train regularly to maintain muscle and support longevity.
3. Incorporate mobility into your routine through yoga or stretching.

Connect with Laura:

Website: https://www.lauramakfitlife.com

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

Online Studio: theyogafitlife.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.

What does it take to turn a niche skill into a thriving local business? In this episode I sit down with Timothy Abadilla, founder of Masterpiece Chess Academy in Los Angeles, to talk about how he went from Uber driver and preschool assistant to running one of the most active chess programs in Southern California. And spoiler alert — it’s not just about loving chess.

Tim shares his full journey from employee to boss, the creative ways he attracted his first clients (hint: Pokémon was involved), and how his strategic thinking from chess carries over into how he grows his business. We also explore why the chess world has exploded post-pandemic and how Tim is hiring, scaling, and staying focused in a competitive industry most people overlook.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a hyper-local business that lasts, or how to make your niche offer sticky and profitable, this is a must-listen.

In this episode:

• Tim’s unexpected path from chess hustler to entrepreneur
• How he used Facebook groups, local meetups, and tournaments to grow
• Why quality beats marketing when it comes to retention
• What business owners can learn from chess (focus + strategy!)
• Why the post-pandemic hobby boom helped him scale fast
• His current bottlenecks and what he’s doing to fix them

Action Steps:

1. Follow through on what you say you’ll do — execution over ideas.
2. Don’t be afraid to aim high — just make sure you reverse engineer the steps.
3. Never give up — in chess and in business, perseverance wins.

Connect with Tim:

Website: masterpiecechessacademy.com

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

Facebook: Timothy Abeliahttps://masterpiecechessacademy.com/blogs/news/my-chess-story

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.