If you've ever thought "I want to make my dog famous" or "my cat should be an influencer," this episode is for you. Seriously!

I'm sitting down with Ashley, the owner of Petfluencer Secrets, and we're talking all about how she turned her cat into a full-time business. Her cat Chip the Manx has over 486,000 YouTube subscribers and 122,000 Instagram followers. And before you think this is just a fun hobby, let me be clear: this is a six-figure business. Multiple six figures.

If you've ever wondered how to make money with your pet's Instagram account, how pet influencers get brand deals, or what it actually takes to grow a pet account on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, this is your episode.

In this episode:

• Why she started a cat Instagram account while drowning in physical therapy school debt
• The side hustle that changed everything: blogging in the mid-2010s
• How she went from posting cute cat videos to realizing "wait, I can teach this"
• Her transition from full-time physical therapist to part-time to full-time entrepreneur

Connect with Ashley, Chip and

Petfuencer Secrets: https://www.instagram.com/petfluencersecrets/

Chip the Manx: https://www.instagram.com/chipthemanx/

Biskit the Calico: https://www.instagram.com/biskitthecalico/

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/

Subscribe to my email newsletter for weekly podcast news and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

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.

Marketing your business doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, we're diving into sustainable, approachable marketing strategies that actually work for small business owners—without the burnout.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to create a marketing strategy that fits your life (not the other way around)
• Why playing to your natural strengths makes all the difference
• The truth about which marketing channels actually convert for small businesses
• How to get comfortable being visible online—even if you hate being on camera
• Why consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to content creation
• How to shift from inspiration-driven marketing to sustainable systems

About Prassède:

Prassède is the founder of Numinous Creative, a marketing agency that helps CEOs and small business owners build realistic marketing strategies that get results. After being fired from her project management job eight years ago, she discovered her passion for helping entrepreneurs get out of the "default marketing position" and create systems that work without constant manual effort. With a background in conflict resolution and a love for creative storytelling, Prassède specializes in social media, email marketing, and blog strategies that are both high-level and approachable.

Connect with Prassede: https://www.instagram.com/numinous.creative/

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/

Subscribe to my email newsletter for weekly podcast news and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

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 saying "no" could actually strengthen your relationships—and your business?

In this episode, Hayleigh sits down with Dr. Jen Fry—former college volleyball coach turned professional speaker, PhD, and tech entrepreneur—to discuss the art of setting boundaries, navigating conflict, and building a business with backbone.

Jen shares her journey from coaching for 15 years to becoming a sought-after speaker on conflict and culture, launching a tech startup (Cordal), and writing her book I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• Why people-pleasing is actually being unreliable
• How to practice "micro advocacy" to build your no muscle
• The real cost of resentment in business decisions
• Why validation of your idea doesn't guarantee revenue
• The humbling truth about starting a tech company
• How to know when you "hate it enough" to make the leap

Whether you're struggling to set boundaries with clients, contemplating your next business pivot, or just need permission to stop people-pleasing, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to advocate for yourself—without the guilt.

About Jen Fry:

Dr. Jen Fry is a professional speaker, author, PhD in sport geography, and founder of Cordal, a group travel coordination tech platform. After 15 years as a college volleyball coach, Jen pivoted to professional speaking in 2019, focusing on conflict navigation and cultural transformation. Her book I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk is available now. Jen is known for her direct, compassionate approach to helping people—especially women—advocate for themselves fearlessly.

Connect with Jen:

• Website: JenFryTalks.com
• Book: I Said No (available on her website with stickers and swag, or on Amazon/Barnes & Noble)
• Social Media: @JenFryTalks on all platforms

3 Action Steps from This Episode:

1. Know your relationships are worth conflict. Conflict shows us the depth of our relationships—avoiding it keeps you surface-level.

2. Your first "no" is the easiest. When you say no to someone, prepare for others to try to change your mind. Have a plan and hold your boundary.

3. You're always healed until you go home. Practice leaving situations where people make you uncomfortable—you don't owe anyone your presence when they're unkind.

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/

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

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.