[Trigger Warning: This episode contains honest discussions regarding mental health, hitting rock bottom and online harassment.]

When everything seems to be stacked against your business, how do you find the momentum to keep going?

Lisa sits down with Jared Walker (That Butcher Shop in Lockhart) to unpack what it really took to survive taking over a business just months before COVID, learning the hard truth about pricing and profit, and rebuilding the business while facing serious health and mental health challenges.

From a town of 900 people to producing award winning products recognised internationally, Jared shares how community, leadership, resilience and honest conversations about mental health shaped the business and the life he wanted to build.

What you’ll take away:

• Why many small businesses struggle with pricing and how understanding real costs can completely change your future.
• What nearly broke the business in the early years and the advice that helped turn the numbers around.
• How building a brand and moving online helped shift the trajectory of the business.
• The leadership approach that builds loyal staff and creates a team culture that people actually want to be part of.
• Why personal health and mental health cannot be separated from running a business.
• What success can look like when you build a business that supports your life, not the other way around.

Links:

Guest Website: That Butcher Shop Mint Agency newsletter sign up: Podcast Newsletter Xero accounting program: Use our affiliate link to access an exclusive discount

Credits:

Host: Lisa Morey, Founder of Mint Agency Guest: Jared Walker, Founder of That Butcher Shop (Lockhart) Production: Podcast Expert Lab Music: “Country Western On” — moodmode (Pixabay) Studio partner: The Streaming Guys — thanks to their team for partnering with us and providing the soundproof podcast pod and pro recording setup

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to these services:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

When your industry feels saturated, how do you become the obvious choice people recommend?

Lisa sits down with Christina Guthrie (The Guthrie Collective) to unpack the reputation led moves that make a service stand out and spread, without louder marketing.

What you’ll take away:

• How to create a point of difference people can feel so referrals become your growth engine.

• Why service design beats “more marketing”. Everyday experiences delivered with intention and dignity.

• The word of mouth system: relationships, trust and consistency that keep enquiries coming.

• How to build independence/capacity into your model.

• Why team culture is the moat and what Christina hires for to protect the experience.

Links:

Guest website: The Guthrie Collective

The Guthrie Collective Instagram: Follow on Instagram

Mint Agency newsletter sign up: Podcast Newsletter

Credits:

Host: Lisa Morey, Founder of Mint Agency

Guest: Christina Guthrie, Founder of The Guthrie Collective

Production: Podcast Expert Lab

Music: “Country Western On” — moodmode (Pixabay)

Studio partner: The Streaming Guys — thanks to their team for partnering with us and providing the soundproof podcast pod and pro recording setup.

When you’re a young business owner, how do you get taken seriously, especially when you’re still building confidence, cash flow and credibility at the same time?

Lisa sits down with Rachel Fowler (The Press café in Wagga Wagga) to unpack what it really took to open the doors, the two year lead up, the brutal first 18 months and the choices that built a loyal community and a strong team culture.

What you’ll take away:

• Why “taken seriously” usually comes from consistency and decisions, not age.

• What the early years actually cost: sleep, health, money and social pressure and what makes it worth it anyway.

• The hiring lesson that protects everything: making a backup plan beats hiring the wrong person.

• How to think about outsourcing when you hate admin and love the work you’re actually meant to be doing.

• What success can look like when it’s based on workplace happiness and life outside work.

• Why Rachel’s Instagram engagement works: community as a two way relationship, not constant selling.

Links:

Guest Instagram: The Press Mint Agency newsletter sign up: Podcast Newsletter

Credits:

Host: Lisa Morey, Founder of Mint Agency Guest: Rachel Fowler, Founder of The Press Café (Wagga Wagga) Production: Podcast Expert Lab Music: “Country Western On” — moodmode (Pixabay) Studio partner: The Streaming Guys — thanks to their team for partnering with us and providing the soundproof podcast pod and pro recording setup