🎙 Episode 30: Born Feet First & Still Doing It My Way: A Mid-Year Biz Ramble

An unfiltered birthday-week download about things I’m proud of, things I’m avoiding, and why this year’s been a weird one... recorded with flabby arms out, zero plan, and too many browser tabs open in my brain.

This episode had no script—just me (overheated and freshly 43), talking through what’s been working, what’s felt hard, and where I’m at as we pass the halfway mark of 2025. If you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, uncertain, or like your brain is a pinball machine full of untouched Trello cards… this one's for you.

In this very real birthday-week ramble, I spiral about:

• What’s been lighting me up (and what’s been draining me) in business lately

• Why “done is better than perfect” is still my north star

• Navigating low energy, weird revenue months, and the unpredictability of post-2020 biz life

• Getting visible even when engagement is down and motivation is wobbly

• The lessons of launching a workshop, flopping a flash sale, and growing a podcast

• The never-ending tug-of-war between simplifying your offers and doing all the things

• Why follow-up matters, what a value ladder really looks like, and how to sell without rushing

• Thoughts on starting a membership someday and what I’m still figuring out

• The joy of starting a “good things log,” inspired by a recent podcast guest

• A new feature I’ll be rolling out soon so YOU can submit listener questions for future episodes!

Plus: nacho metaphors, potato-day permission slips, and why I’m pledging not to give up on my business—no matter how weird this year’s been. Wanna join me?

🔖 Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 25 with artist, Kay Potter
• Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership
• Zach Spuckler’s Facebook Ads Membership
• The freebies page of my website
• The Bear (yes, the TV show 🍕)
• My Trello obsession
• My first paid workshop + upcoming one about email marketing
• My 4th of July sidewalk sale and $1K cash injection from extending it
• The magic of Google reviews
• And how I’m constantly fighting the urge to retire everything and relaunch everything... at the same time

Let’s chat: Did anything from this episode spark something for you? DM me or tag us on social to share your biggest takeaway and let's continue the conversation! 🖤✨

🎧 Listen now: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, YouTube, and more!

✨ Loved this episode? Screenshot & ⁠⁠tag me on Instagram @alyciayervescreative so I can share it! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Mind Your Own Biz—your support means the world! 🎙💖

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on Mind Your Own Biz are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The content shared in this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, legal, or financial advice. Always do your own research and consult with a qualified professional when needed.

Still putting off email marketing because it feels confusing, techy, or like one more thing on your list? I get it. And in this solo episode, I’m giving you both the pep talk and the game plan to finally get started (or restarted) with your email list.

We’re talking real world, no-fluff strategies you can actually use—plus the mindset shifts, lead magnet tips, and platform tools that will make this feel so much more doable.

Got zero subscribers? Or just an account that’s been gathering dust? I made this episode for you.

I’ll walk you through:

• Why email still matters in 2025 (yes, REALLY)
• How to pick the right platform (I’m team Flodesk all the way)
• What makes a good lead magnet (and what doesn’t)
• How to write welcome emails + templates that save your sanity
• Tips for writing emails that actually get opened + clicked
• How to use your data without spiraling
• What to do about unsubscribes (spoiler: don’t panic!)
• Why persistency > consistency—and why done is better than perfect

You’ll also hear how I grew my email list from basically zero to 1,000+ in under 18 months, and why building your list NOW (even before you’re ready to send) is one of the smartest moves you can make.

The best time to start email marketing was yesterday, but the second-best time is today.

🛠️ Resources + Links Mentioned:

➡️ Grab my Free Email Marketing Quickstart Guide: https://www.alyciayerves.com/emailquickstart

➡️ Get the DIY Lead Magnet Magic Kit: https://www.alyciayerves.com/leadmagnetmagic

➡️ Want me to do it all for you? Check out my Done-For-You Lead Magnet Design & Setup Service: https://alyciayerves.myflodesk.com/leadmagnetsetup/checkout

➡️ Try Flodesk free for 14 days + get 50% off your first year with my affiliate link: https://partners.flodesk.com/alycia

Let’s chat: Did anything from this episode spark something for you? DM me or tag us on social to share your biggest takeaway and let's continue the conversation! 🖤✨

🎧 Listen now: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, YouTube, and more!

✨ Loved this episode? Screenshot & ⁠⁠tag me on Instagram @alyciayervescreative so I can share it! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Mind Your Own Biz—your support means the world! 🎙💖

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on Mind Your Own Biz are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The content shared in this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, legal, or financial advice. Always do your own research and consult with a qualified professional when needed.

When you think of a coffee shop, you probably picture espresso, pastries, maybe some lo-fi music in the background. But for today’s guest, Ellen Bodnovich, coffee is just the beginning.

In this episode of Mind Your Own Biz, we’re talking about what it really takes to build a community-centered business — the kind people return to not just for the caffeine, but for the connection.

Ellen is the founder of Ocean Brew Co, a microroastery and vibrant café in Ocean Township, NJ that’s grown from backyard pop-ups to a full-fledged local hub with coffee, waffles, events, equipment sales, wholesale roasting, and collabs galore. It’s part coffee biz, part maker space, part market, part mission — and all heart.

We talk about her journey of building something different, letting it grow organically, and staying true to the vibe she wanted to create — one that makes people feel welcome, seen, and part of something bigger.

Whether you’re dreaming of a storefront or just want to be reminded that business can be built on relationships, this one will fill your cup. ☕💫

💬 In this episode, we chat about:

• How Ocean Brew Co started with backyard events and a dream

• Doing business differently on purpose (and why it works)

• The power of building a brand around vibe and intention

• What it really takes to build community as a business value

• Her philosophy on collaboration and supporting local makers

• What she learned from changing locations and trusting her gut

• Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood (real talk!)

• • Advice for building a business with heart first

  
  

  🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• • Join my Facebook group, The HELP! Desk
  • ⁠Join the waitlist for Alycia’s Social Media Content Strategy Course⁠
  • Ocean Brew Co website
  • Ellen on Instagram
  • Ocean Brew Co on Instagram

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  Let’s chat: Did anything from this episode spark something for you? DM me or tag us on social to share your biggest takeaway and let’s keep the convo going! 🖤✨

  
  

  🎧 Listen now: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, YouTube, and more!
  

  ✨ Loved this episode? Screenshot & ⁠⁠tag me on Instagram @alyciayervescreative so I can share it! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Mind Your Own Biz — your support means the world! 🎙💖

  
  

  Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on Mind Your Own Biz are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The content shared in this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, legal, or financial advice. Always do your own research and consult with a qualified professional when needed.