Things are continuing their upward trajectory here at Sleepy Dog Creative. We're set with a larger amount of money in the account than we've had before, but we are also faced with a surplus of projects to get done. With a bunch of new challenges, I'm learning there are some problems in my current business model, and these problems would push me into the hardest season I had ever walked through.

Some themes to ponder:

-Margin is critical. When you don't plan for margin, you will find yourself pushed to your limit.

-Build your business by thinking about plateaus; there are seasons of climbing and seasons of camping.

-How do you handle stress when you don't see the other side of your hardship?

If you enjoyed this show, leave a review, or like the episode or share it with your friends. With your help, this show is just getting started.

Special thanks to Matthew Shumaker, Ryan Chevrier, Cody Lindbloom, Dan Redmond, John Maxwell, and Annie Bell.

Featured Music:

"Cloudy Days" by Tim Laskowski

https://open.spotify.com/track/6EB0rI4ud961RMAp7QgTv8?si=89e1840044d844e2

Our Theme Song is "ok" by quinn from space

https://open.spotify.com/track/4BXDGt7eVH18ex2DoVNSAO?si=77078d1629214bcb

TW: This episode contains themes that may be sensitive for those who have experienced trauma in spiritual or religious spaces and contain some conversation around SA.

In this episode, we're getting into some complicated waters, particularly around the idea of the ethics of storytelling; in other words, what do you do when you find yourself creating something that you don't think that you should. Little did I know that the events that play out in this story would serve to bring the team together in a way I did not expect.

Some themes to ponder:

-What do you do when you realize your creating something for someone that you think could hurt someone?

-How do you hold to your moral convictions when you have bills to pay?

-Don't run from challenges, because hard situations can bring out some of life’s most beautiful moments.

Special thanks to Cody Lindbloom, Eric Kinsey, Annie Bell, Cuahutli Alvarado, Kristen Finney, Josh Shumaker, John Maxwell, and my therapist.

Check out Eric Kinsey's web design company, Strategic Design: https://strategic.design/

If you've been inspired by this story, help us bring it to more people! Leave us a comment, give us a review, and share it with your friends. With your help, this show is just getting started.

Featured Music:

"Grow Something Beautiful" by Micah Lother

https://open.spotify.com/track/4jHNZ4EeMBE0wg2RLW3ICl?si=6831020cc7964bdc

Our Theme Some is "ok" by quinn from space

https://open.spotify.com/track/4BXDGt7eVH18ex2DoVNSAO?si=4063fc23f4574e83

As business continues to ramp up, I begin to survey the landscape of Sleepy Dog and make a decision: I will take on as much work as I can to build a buffer in the business so I can hire my first employee. John challenged this idea, worrying that was taking on too much, but despite his advice, I pushed forward, working longer and longer hours. Little did I know that I was building a debt on my body, and my mind was about to collect.

Some themes to ponder:

-How do you create healthy work/life boundaries when you're responsible for the whole company?

-When you've officially burnt out, how do you recover?

Special thanks to Lucas Hibdon, Cuahutli Alvarado, John Maxwell, Mike Boyack, and Kristen Finney

"The Meaning of Regret" written and performed by John Maxwell. Purchase his book "Hammering Nails" here:

https://a.co/d/dJl6ebs

If you've been inspired by this story, help us bring it to more people! Leave us comment, give us a review, and share it with your friends. With your help, this show is just getting started.

Featured Music:

"Movie" by John Michael Howell

https://open.spotify.com/track/0imAbV0rmmRI2yu0Q59DkH?si=1d04b8a0a0d04d00

Our Theme Song is "ok" by quinn from space

https://open.spotify.com/track/4BXDGt7eVH18ex2DoVNSAO?si=a175a76eab6b45f9