In this episode, Joké closes out an incredible year with gratitude, reflection, and a clear vision for what’s ahead. She shares what she learned from creating 33 consistent episodes, the highs and lows behind the scenes, and why 2026 is her year of implementation, expansion, and soft strength.
She also announces the official launch of Business Therapy™, her one-on-one clarity and coaching sessions for creative entrepreneurs who need help separating the math from the drama, starting afraid, owning their story, using what they have, and leading with purpose.
Key Highlights
✓ Lessons from a full year of consistency
✓ What 2026 represents and why she feels unstoppable
✓ Why destiny leaves clues about your calling
✓ Creativity in every profession, not just design
✓ Personal challenges and the resilience that shaped this season
✓ Why she’s taking the rest of the year off to reset and return refreshed
✓ Introducing Business Therapy™ and the heart behind it
✓ A reminder that you already have the seeds of what you’re meant to build
Learn More
Discover Business Therapy™ sessions at www.jokeDurojaiye.me
Final Note
Thank you for a beautiful year. The podcast returns next year, bigger, bolder, softer and stronger.
Episode Summary
In this power-packed episode, Joké sits down with Lasada Pippen, a former computer engineer turned full-time keynote speaker and communication coach. From growing up in an underserved community to becoming the first in his family to graduate from college and work in corporate America, Lasada’s story is a blueprint for resilience and reinvention.
We explore what it really means to "unmute yourself," how confidence and communication go hand in hand, and why your unique voice is your greatest leadership tool. Whether you are in a boardroom, a classroom, or trying to find the courage to show up online, this episode is for you.
Lasada shares his C4 Communication Framework and offers tangible advice for anyone ready to speak up, show up, and own their space.
What You Will Learn
✔️ How to identify your unique value and voice
✔️ Why fear and faith can co-exist—and how to move forward anyway
✔️ The truth about walking away from a “safe” career to pursue purpose
✔️ What it takes to break generational patterns and be the first
✔️ How to turn your story into your strength
✔️ The C4 Communication Formula that will change how you speak
✔️ How to go from quiet to confident without pretending to be someone else
The C4 Communication Framework
This episode is not just for aspiring speakers. It is for anyone who knows there is more inside them, but needs the clarity, courage, and coaching to bring it to the surface.
Favorite Quotes from Lasada
"If you can solve a problem or bring a unique angle, you have value"
"You can have fear, but you cannot have doubt"
"It is hard to quit on something you are obsessed with"
"Most people talk. Some people speak. Few people communicate"
Connect with Lasada Pippen
Website: www.lasadapippen.com
Instagram: @lasadapippen
Episode Summary
What happens when a former tech executive at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald’s sets her sights on solving one of the most overlooked problems in fashion? You get TAELOR, the AI-powered menswear rental startup that is redefining style, laundry, and confidence for busy professionals.
In this inspiring episode, Anya Cheng, CEO and Founder of TAELOR, shares her powerful story. From arriving in the U.S. with no English to launching Facebook and Instagram shopping, and now building a company that solves a real problem for men who want to look sharp without the stress of shopping or laundry.
We talk about resilience, reinvention, and the real reason most startups fail. This episode is full of insight, energy, and practical business wisdom.
What You Will Learn
✔️ Why TAELOR is more than a fashion subscription. It is confidence on autopilot
✔️ The surprising way Anya landed her first job with zero connections
✔️ Why menswear rental is not just Rent the Runway for men
✔️ How AI helps clients feel ready to win in court, on dates, or in the boardroom
✔️ The biggest mindset challenge every first-time founder faces
✔️ How to build a business by solving a real problem
✔️ Why knowing your customer is more powerful than knowing your competition
Favorite Quotes from Anya
"People aren’t buying clothes. They are buying a chance to succeed."
"Use your superpower. When you are operating in your strength, fear cannot lead."
"Most failed fashion startups didn’t fail because of the idea. They failed because they were not scalable. That is where AI comes in."
About TAELOR
TAELOR is an AI-powered menswear rental subscription that makes style effortless. For a monthly fee, busy men receive a curated wardrobe without shopping, laundry, or decision fatigue. Think of it as Netflix for clothes. No commitment, just confidence.
Use code PODCAST25 to receive 25 percent off your first month
Use code PODCASTGIFT for 10 percent off any gift card
Visit www.taelor.style
Connect with Anya Cheng
anya@taelor.ai
www.taelor.style
In this episode, I am sharing a powerful shift that transformed how I work and why I work. I call it the Workation—a blend of focused creation and intentional rest that has become a non-negotiable part of my business rhythm.
Born out of the chaos of the pandemic and refined through practice, the Workation started as an escape from distraction and became a strategy for clarity, creativity, and meaningful productivity. I’m pulling back the curtain on how stepping away has helped me build better offers, design new ideas, and come back more aligned every single time.
If you are feeling tired, stuck, or disconnected from your work, this episode is your invitation to pause on purpose and hear what your next level might be saying in the silence.
What You’ll Learn
This Episode is For
Take Action
Episode Summary
When you buy a business, are you really getting a company—or are you just buying yourself a job? In this conversation with Grant Findlay-Shirras, we explore the often-overlooked difference and why sometimes buying a job can actually be the right move if it aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
Grant’s story is one of resilience and reinvention:
This episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to acquire, grow, and enjoy running a business—or a job you choose on purpose.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Connect with Grant
The 5 Stages of the Creative Business Journey
Every creative entrepreneur hits that moment where the fun fades and business feels heavier than it looks on Instagram. But here’s the truth: you’re not failing—you’re evolving.
In this episode, Joké breaks down the five stages of the creative business journey:
Whether you’re just starting with an idea or you’re tired of carrying your business alone, this conversation will help you recognize your stage, prepare for what’s next, and move with intention.
Learn more at businessofhomestaging.com
Are you overlooking your wins?
In this episode of the Creative Business Mindset Podcast, Joké breaks down a powerful lesson inspired by a coaching client. Too often, creative entrepreneurs normalize their breakthroughs so quickly that they forget to celebrate them. Instead of honoring progress, we skip straight to the next problem—and in doing so, rob ourselves of joy, clarity, and confidence.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
✔ Why your brain downplays progress and jumps to “what’s wrong”
✔ The hidden danger of always chasing the next milestone
✔ How gratitude and celebration fuel momentum in your business
✔ A simple practice you can use daily (and in team meetings) to acknowledge wins
✔ Why acknowledging growth—even the small stuff—changes how you move forward
If you’ve signed a client, launched a service, hit a milestone, or simply showed up again today, this episode is your reminder to pause, pinch yourself, and recognize: you’re doing better than you think, and you’re just getting started.
Whether you’re growing a home staging business, leading a creative venture, or balancing the grind of entrepreneurship, this mindset shift will help you celebrate progress and sustain success without burnout.
Creatives Under Pressure— A Spoken Word Tribute
Episode Summary
In this powerful spoken word episode, Joké Durojaiye delivers a relatable, funny, and emotional tribute to every home stager who ever undercharged, overworked, and still made it look effortless.
This is not just poetry. It is real talk with rhythm.
You’ll find yourself nodding along, laughing out loud, and maybe even tearing up as Joké shares the real behind the reel. From loading your own truck to fielding drive-by staging requests, this piece will hit home in more ways than one.
If you’ve ever
• staged with secondhand pieces
• dealt with impossible budgets
• been asked to "just throw in" furniture like it's sprinkles on a sundae
This one is for you.
What You’ll Hear
• Why that spray-painted table still mattered
• The mental math of quoting jobs while trying to stay sane
• The infamous "Can you stage tomorrow" call
• A moment to honor your journey and the business you built
• A straight-up reminder to raise your prices and stand in your worth
This Episode Is For
• New and aspiring stagers trying to make sense of the chaos
• Seasoned stagers who need a reminder of how far they’ve come
• Creatives building something meaningful with limited resources
• Anyone who wants to feel seen, heard, and respected in their work
More From Joké
Website: businessofhomestaging.com
Instagram: @businessofhomestaging
Workshops and offers: businessofhomestaging.com/workshop
Want to Work With Joké
If you’re ready to build a staging business that is both beautiful and bankable, explore coaching, courses, and resources created for stagers who are done playing small.
Visit businessofhomestaging.com/resources
In this episode of Creative Business Mindset, I’m pulling back the curtain and telling the truth behind what really hit home at a recent business event where I was invited to speak.
Spoiler: It wasn’t the strategy, the automation tips, or even the tech stack breakdown that had the biggest impact.
It was one vulnerable slide.
One raw story.
One real moment that reminded everyone in the room—and me—that we don’t just need systems.
We need soul.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re building alone…
If you’ve ever been praised for holding it all together while quietly falling apart…
If you’re tired of only hearing success stories without the struggle behind them…
This episode is for you.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✅ The moment my breakout session shifted—and why one vulnerable story meant more than all the strategies I shared
✅ A powerful conversation with a fellow special needs mom that made me feel seen
✅ Why burnout, fear, and isolation are silently shaping your business—and what to do about it
✅ How to build a business that works for your life, not against it
✅ The real reason people stay loyal to you: your story, not your stats
Keywords for Search & Discovery:
entrepreneur burnout, building a business with balance, creative entrepreneurship, mompreneur stories, vulnerable business stories, business strategy with soul, how to avoid burnout in business, behind the scenes of success, the messy middle, how to stay human in business, systems and soul, podcast for creative entrepreneurs, home stager podcast, business mindset podcast for women, authenticity in business
Mentioned in This Episode:
– The slide that changed everything: The Story Behind the Glory
– My own story of building systems as a special needs mom
– Real convos that matter more than perfect business plans
Love what you heard?
Here’s how to go deeper:
Join the Home Staging Startup Workshop
DM me on Instagram: @businessofhomestaging
Need systems that work for your life? Visit: businessofhomestaging.com/resources
Rate + Review + Share
If this episode spoke to you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Leave a review, rate the podcast, and tag me when you post—it means the world and helps more people find the real side of business we rarely get to talk about.
Originality Is Overrated: Make It Yours Instead
Description:
In this episode of Creative Business Mindset, we’re flipping the script on originality. You’ve been told to stand out by being 100% original — but what if that’s holding you back? Joké Durojaiye breaks down why the pressure to be "the first" is keeping creatives, coaches, stagers, and entrepreneurs stuck. You’ll learn how to stop overthinking, start creating, and build something that resonates — even if it's already been done before.
Because the truth is, nothing is new under the sun — but everything can be done your way.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
creative business podcast, originality in business, how to start creating, stop overthinking ideas, remix your business, Canva inspiration, business mindset for creatives, starting a creative business, entrepreneurship tips, home staging business advice, stager marketing ideas, Joké Durojaiye podcast, faith-based creative business
Resources & Links:
Ready to stop chasing originality and start chasing resonance?
Take one small step after this episode — post, record, launch, or pitch.
Create your version. Make it honest. Make it yours.
In this episode, Joké gets real about what it means to be visible online without losing yourself in the process. With everyone shouting “be authentic!” from the rooftops, it’s easy to feel pressured into sharing every moment of your life for the algorithm. But where’s the line between real connection and oversharing?
From lessons learned on her own journey as a business owner, mother, and creative entrepreneur, Joké breaks down how to show up online your way. If you’ve ever felt torn between protecting your privacy and promoting your personal brand, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Joké’s Challenge to You:
Take one intentional step toward visibility this week. Whether it’s sharing a personal insight, creating a voiceover video, or finally saying yes to that podcast interview—show up in a way that feels right for you.
Mentioned in This Episode:
If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who you know you’re meant to be, this episode will shift something in you.
In this unfiltered conversation, I sit down with my coach, my friend, and one of Africa’s most trusted voices in personal and business transformation—Steve Harris. From helping entrepreneurs generate $17 million in six weeks to showing everyday people how to exceed their “perceived impossible,” Steve doesn’t just teach. He activates.
We unpack what it really means to position yourself for premium clients, why your pricing should follow your perception, not the other way around—and the truth about serving everyone (spoiler: you’re not for everybody). Steve breaks down how to own your message, find your people, and stop majoring in the minors.
In this episode, we cover:
This episode is your wake-up call to stop playing small, start failing forward, and build the brand your legacy deserves.
Connect with Steve Harris:
Instagram: @iamsteveharris
Liked this episode?
Subscribe, rate, and review the show—and share it with someone who’s ready to stop being everyone’s backup plan and start being someone’s only choice.
Mommy Dearest: The Legacy of Woman Who Fed Strangers And Raised Generations
This special Mother’s Day episode is unlike any I’ve ever recorded.
Today, I honor my mother, our beloved Sisi Mi.
A phenomenal woman who made everyone feel seen, safe, and full—whether through a hot meal, a warm bed, or a listening ear.
She didn’t leave behind a business, but she built a legacy.
Not with strategies, but with a hot plate. Not with titles, but with tenderness.
If you knew her, you called her Sisi Mi. And even if you didn’t—you’ll feel her in this episode.
She was the neighborhood mother, the quiet force, the kitchen therapist, and the woman who believed that as long as someone is in need, you always have enough to share.
This is a tribute to her life.
A love letter to all the women who mother without fanfare.
And a reminder that legacy lives in how we make others feel.
To every woman who’s ever poured into others—this episode is for you.
Baking Big Dreams: The Cookie Empire That Became a Delta Airlines Favorite
What do farm-to-table culinary roots, a love story in Bogotá, and a cookie served on Delta Airlines all have in common? They’re all part of Brooke Perez’s journey as the co-founder of Seattle-based Bell’s Cookies. In this episode, Brooke shares how she went from studying at the Culinary Institute of America to launching a bakery in Colombia, and eventually building a cookie brand that’s now enjoyed by thousands of airline passengers mid-flight.
We discuss the real-life hustle behind turning a homegrown dream into a cookie business featured on Delta Airlines, growing a team, navigating setbacks, and staying true to your vision, even when it feels impossible. Whether you’re a foodie, a founder, or flying soon, this episode is a masterclass in turning your passion into a brand with staying power.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
This episode is perfect for:
Hungry for inspiration (and maybe a cookie)? Tune in now and visit www.bellscookies.com to get a taste of the story for yourself.
Are you multi-talented but stuck in analysis paralysis, trying to pick the “right” path? In this episode, Joké Durojaiye shares a powerful, practical approach to help multi-passionate creatives, students, and entrepreneurs overcome the overwhelm and move forward with clarity.
From the advice she gave her college-bound daughter to the lessons she’s learned from her own entrepreneurial journey, Joké breaks down how to identify your “moneymaker talent,” create financial stability, and still leave room to explore your creative passions—without going broke or burning out.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Joké’s Action Steps for You:
This Episode Is Perfect For You If:
Keywords:
multi-talented entrepreneur, analysis paralysis, how to pick a career path, monetizing your talents, income over passion, creative entrepreneurs, choosing a niche, build financial stability, side hustle strategy, multi-passionate advice
Connect with Joké:
Have questions or need help choosing your path?
Email Joké at info@businessofhomestaging.com
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear this!
And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to the Creative Business Mindset Podcast for more real talk on building a profitable, passion-fueled business.
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the not so sexy side of business that will keep you in business. A conversation most creative entrepreneurs avoid—but NEED to knwo. Yep, we’re talking money, profitability, and the messy side of business finance. And if the numbers make your head spin, you are in good company.
To walk us through it all, I’m joined by Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting, where she helps small business owners increase profitability, reduce taxes, and scale smarter using simple financial strategies.
We unpack why so many small businesses—especially in creative industries like home staging—struggle with cash flow and what it really means to run a profitable business.
Here’s what we covered:
✅ Why your bank balance is not your profit
✅ What numbers you need to track—and how to simplify it
✅ The truth about pricing your services for profit
✅ The power of a Fractional CFO (and why you don’t need to be a big business to get the benefits)
✅ How to know when you can afford to hire someone
✅ The difference between LLC vs S-Corp from a tax and cash flow perspective
✅ How to build a sellable business from day one (even if you're just starting out)
Whether you're just launching or scaling up, this episode will help you move from “I’m winging it” to “I’ve got this.”
Because here’s the thing: Creative doesn’t have to mean chaotic.
You can still love the work and run your business like a CEO.
So if you’ve been hiding from your numbers, this episode is your wake-up call. And the best part? We break it all down in plain English—no accounting degree required.
summary
In this inspiring conversation, Anne Alexander shares her journey of reinvention and resilience as she relaunches her acting career at 47 after a long hiatus. She discusses the challenges she faced, including overcoming obstacles, imposter syndrome, and ageism in the creative industry. Anne emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, embracing a beginner's mindset, and the power of community and mentorship in achieving one's dreams. Her passion project, 'Passion Project to Pro,' aims to help others navigate their own journeys of transformation and success.
takeaways
Anne moved to Germany for love and had to reinvent her career.
Titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
Dreams Without Expiration Dates
00:00
The Journey of Reinvention
00:00
Overcoming Obstacles in Pursuing Passion
00:41
Curating Your Path to Success
03:53
Building Community Through Shared Interests
09:51
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Starting Anew
11:25
Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Steps
13:36
Embracing Fear and Imposter Syndrome
17:31
Reinventing Yourself and Helping Others
22:35
Building a Thriving Career in Creative Industries
26:51
Navigating Ageism and Finding Your Voice
33:45
Taking Action and Building Confidence
Have you ever adjusted to something inconvenient without realizing it? In today’s episode, I share a story about a lightbulb in my closet that went out—and how I walked in the dark for a whole year before finally fixing it. It seemed like a small thing, but it became a powerful reminder of how often we settle for less, simply because we’ve gotten used to it.
We do this in our careers, relationships, and personal growth. We tell ourselves it’s not a big deal, but over-time, settling for “good enough” keeps us stuck. Today, we are flipping the switch—literally and figuratively—to uncover why it’s time to stop walking in the dark and step into the light.
In this episode, I’ll break down:
This episode will challenge you to take one simple action today that could change everything.
Key Takeaways:
Challenge for You:
What’s the “lightbulb” in your life that you’ve been avoiding? What’s one small thing you can do today to bring more light and clarity into your life?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Keywords for SEO & Searchability:
Keywords
resilience, entrepreneurship, motherhood, skills, adaptability, personal growth, career transition, stay-at-home mom, leadership, empowerment
Summary
In this conversation, Joké Durojaiye shares her personal journey of resilience and adaptability as she transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to an entrepreneur. She emphasizes the valuable skills that motherhood imparts, which are transferable to the workplace and entrepreneurship. Through her experiences, she encourages other mothers to recognize their strengths and embrace their journeys as they pursue new opportunities.
Takeaways
Motherhood equips you with invaluable leadership skills.
Chapters
00:00
Journey of Resilience and Adaptability
06:55
From Stay-at-Home Mom to Entrepreneur
14:01
Skills Moms Bring to the Workplace
21:02
Embracing Your Journey and Superpowers
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Rebecca Hay, a Toronto-based interior designer, business coach, and host of the Resilient by Design podcast. We discuss how she transitioned from working with budget clients to running a multi-million-dollar design firm, the challenges of hiring and team-building, and why systems and processes are the key to success in business.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Bonus: Rebecca is hosting a two-week Bootcamp for interior designers starting February 19th to help designers attract higher-paying clients. If you’re ready to elevate your business, sign up at rebeccahay.com/bootcamp.
Keywords:
Interior design business, attracting high-end clients, business processes, scaling a design firm, hiring for culture fit, time-blocking, work-life balance, interior designer success, pricing strategies, marketing for designers, client experience, home staging business, productivity for creatives, passive income, delegation in business, mindset shifts, resilient by design.
Connect with Rebecca
Tune in and let’s talk about building a business that works for YOU, not the other way around!