In this episode of the Creative Business Community podcast, Erin chats with artist and workshop leader Emilie Otto, owner of Perth’s House of Hobby. Emilie shares how she went from graphic design to illustration to lounge-room workshops — and then took she the leap to buy an existing business during COVID.

Emilie unpacks the pros and cons of stepping into someone else’s setup, why she moved from a mobile model to a dedicated studio to control the customer experience, and how she balances subcontracted creatives with in-house staff. You’ll hear candid lessons on innovating at the pace of social media, testing new offers (including flops), leading with clear, visual training, and handling feedback without taking it to heart.

Emilie also reveals the power of a razor-sharp customer persona, the realities of rising costs, what to outsource first (hello, insurance broker), and the joy of building creative community. Tune in for practical, heartfelt insights you can apply to your own creative business.

Connect with our guest! Find House of Hobby: Website: https://www.houseofhobby.net/ Instagram: @houseofhobbyau Facebook: House of Hobby TikTok: @houseofhobby

Connect with our guest! Find Emilie Otto Art: Website: https://emilieotto.com.au/ Instagram: @emilieottoart Facebook: Emilie Otto Art YouTube: Emilie Otto Art Creative Business Spotlight:

The Potters Market Website: https://thepottersmarket.com.au/ Instagram: @the.potters.market Facebook: The Potters Market

Erin, Renee and Kyah break down how Gen Z behaves online and what that means for creative businesses. Get practical tactics to reach younger audiences while staying authentic.

This week on the Creative Business Community podcast, Erin is joined by Renee and our resident Gen Z voice, Kyah, to unpack how younger audiences actually show up online—and what that means for your creative business. We dive into platform habits (why Gen Z often prefers Instagram Reels over TikTok, how Facebook fits, and where YouTube sits), why short‑form video and fast hooks matter, and how to reach Gen Z without chasing every trend. Expect practical tips on storytelling that feels human, building trust through in‑person community, and why email marketing still punches well above its weight. We talk owning mistakes (and why that grows loyalty), what the algorithm really rewards, and where AI can help—or hurt—your brand’s authenticity. Plus, we explore generational differences in creative practice and how to keep your content fresh without losing your voice.

Creative Business Spotlight: Common Ground Collective. You can find them on:

Instagram: @cmmngrnd Facebook: @cmmngrnd Website: https://commongroundcollective.com.au/

Work–life balance is a myth for many creative small business owners; here’s how to build a realistic work–life blend. Erin and Ronnie share straightforward tactics for boundaries, time, support and mental health.

This week on the Creative Business Community podcast, Erin and Ronnie unpack the myth of work–life balance and lean into a healthier work–life blend for creatives, parents and anyone juggling a small business with, well, life. Erin shares how her routine has evolved over a decade in business—from late-night office stints and firm school-hours boundaries to bringing in help, weathering COVID, then navigating burnout and chronic illness. They speak candidly about privilege and support networks, and offer practical strategies if you’re flying solo: get clear on your why, set boundaries clients respect, track and audit your time, create simple switch-off rituals, and build a personal support crew. You’ll hear how to communicate at home (do you need solutions or space to vent?), involve your kids in decisions, and why you truly can’t pour from an empty cup.

Creative Business Spotlight: Suk Workwear. You can find them on:

Instagram: @sukworksear Facebook: @sukworkwear Website: https://sukworkwear.com.au/