Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with copywriter Evie Tavares to unpack what ethical, emotion-led copywriting really looks like and why trust matters more than tactics in today’s marketing landscape. From ditching false urgency to navigating AI without losing your voice, this conversation is a refreshing reminder that selling doesn’t have to feel manipulative to be effective. If you’ve ever struggled with “selling with confidence,” this episode ...

As 2025 comes to a close, this final solo episode of Small Business School is a heartfelt reminder that leadership isn’t always about pushing forward, sometimes it’s about knowing when to pause. In this short but powerful solo episode, Staci shares why she’s intentionally stepping back for the final weeks of the year and invites listeners to do the same. With calendars already overflowing and expectations piling up, this conversation reframes rest as a strategic, thoughtful decision…not a fai...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Monika and Robyn, the brilliant (and hilarious) founders of Mint Cleaning. What started as two moms walking together in a small town quickly evolved into a booming cleaning business and eventually a multi-million-dollar product line. The duo shares how they navigated unexpected growth, overcame health scares, built a devoted online community, and embraced entrepreneurship with equal parts grit and humour. Key topi...

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci kicks off a four-week reflection journey designed to help small business owners assess their year with honesty and clarity. She dives into what truly mattered in your CEO role, where your time created value, and why busyness isn’t the same as leadership. This conversation sets the foundation for stepping into a more intentional, spacious, and empowered CEO identity in the year ahead. Key topics covered: Why end-of-year planning doesn’t wor...

In today’s episode of Small Business School, Staci sits down with Jen Szpigiel, founder of Becoming Iconic and editor-in-chief of Iconic Magazine, to explore her 20-year entrepreneurial journey. Jen shares how motherhood shaped her path, how she built a thriving personal brand across industries, and why reputation and relationships became the driving forces behind her lasting success. This conversation brings both strategy and heart, opening a powerful window into what it truly takes to...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this solo episode, Staci opens up about the emotional and mental pressure that often shows up at the end of the year, especially with nonstop promotions, Black Friday offers, and all the “start next year strong” messaging. She shares how she personally navigates that overwhelm and what it looks like to stay grounded, intentional, and confident instead of reactive or comparison-filled. Key topics covered: Why year-end sales and “start your year right” ...

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci explores the mindset shift every founder must make in order to scale: letting go of the “hero” role. She reveals why jumping in to fix every problem feels productive, but ultimately turns you into the bottleneck that slows your business down. Staci walks through how to empower your team to think, make decisions, and take ownership, so your business can grow beyond your capacity. This short episode is packed with practical mindset shifts, l...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with marketing expert Kelsey Reidl to unpack why marketing feels so confusing right now, and why so many business owners feel stretched thin trying to keep up. Kelsey breaks down what’s really happening in the industry, what’s actually working, and how small business owners can stop the scatterbrain approach and start making intentional, aligned marketing. Key topics covered: Why marketing feels harder than ever—and wh...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci opens up about an eye-opening conversation she had with her makeup artist—one that inspired an important reminder for every entrepreneur: there is no single “right” way to build a business. She breaks down the pressures of comparison, the myths glamorized on social media, and why success metrics must be personal, not inherited from other people’s goals. Staci explores the realities of both solo and team-based business models, em...

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci explores a common challenge many small business owners face as they grow: the desire to be liked by their team so deeply that it gets in the way of actual leadership. She breaks down what it looks like to step into the role of a true coach, why clarity matters more than being the “nice boss,” and how avoiding discomfort can quietly limit a business’s growth. Key topics covered: Why early hires often feel like family and how that impacts le...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this episode, I get real about one of the biggest traps service-based business owners fall into: competing on price and service. It might work when you’re just starting out, but it becomes a fast track to burnout, razor-thin margins, and a business that can’t scale. I walk through why this model stops working, what really happens behind the scenes, and how to shift into pricing and delivery that actually support long-term growth. Key topics covered: W...

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci gets real about what it looks like to lead well when you’re stuck in the “messy middle” of business, beyond the fun startup phase but not yet in a smooth, scalable rhythm. She shares how leadership in chaos doesn’t require perfect systems or a cleared calendar… just intention, clarity, and small but powerful shifts in how you show up every day. Key topics covered: Why waiting “until things calm down” keeps you stuck in chaosThe power of mi...

Welcome back to Small Business School! Let’s talk about something that confuses almost every entrepreneur at some point — tax installments. In this episode, I’m breaking down what they are, when you owe them, and how to handle them without stress or surprise bills from the CRA. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re being asked to pay tax before year-end, or what happens if you skip an installment, this episode is for you. Key topics covered: What tax installments actually are (and why they’re no...

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I’m diving into one of the biggest growth milestones for any small business owner — making your first or next leadership hire. If you’ve been wearing all the hats (COO, CMO, CFO…and maybe even floor sweeper), this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how to recognize it’s time to expand your leadership team, what roles make the biggest impact, and how to set those hires up for success, even if you’re starting small. Key topics covered: How ...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Shae Invidiata, a passionate advocate for women’s financial sovereignty and holistic wealth. Together, they dive into how women can break free from shame around money, embrace confidence in financial conversations, and build legacies that last generations. Shae shares how money isn’t just about numbers, it’s about energy, self-worth, and the freedom to design your life with intention. This conversation will leave ...

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, I’m diving into what it actually means to have a financially healthy year-end — not just filing taxes and hoping for the best. I share how to go beyond the “pray there’s no big tax bill” mindset and use your numbers as a leadership tool. This one’s part mindset, part strategy, and 100% about setting yourself up for confidence instead of chaos when year-end hits. Key topics covered: The difference between a compliant year-end and a healthy ...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Anna Lozano — entrepreneur, mentor, and host of The Prosperity Playground podcast. Anna shares her inspiring journey of creating, growing, and selling her first company (Love Powered Co.) and how she’s now redefining success through alignment, intuition, and energetics. We talk about what it really looks like to build a business that feels as good as it performs — one that sup...

Welcome back to Small Business School! Ever wondered if EI maternity leave is worth it as an entrepreneur? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what EI looks like for self-employed business owners; when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to make the best decision for your unique business and lifestyle. Key topics covered: The difference between traditional EI and the special benefits program for self-employed individualsWhy you need to opt in at least 12 months before taking leave, and...

Welcome back to Small Business School! Stepping away from your business for maternity leave isn’t something that just happens, it has to be built with intention. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I’d plan for maternity leave as a business owner. From the financial foundation to the emotional reality, so you can take time off feeling prepared, confident, and supported. Key topics covered: How to plan your pay while you’re off, from saving ahead to building a business that pays you ...

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this episode, I dive into a question I get all the time: “How do small businesses survive against Amazon?” Spoiler alert — some don’t, but many thrive. And the difference? It’s not what you think. I’m breaking down the truth about competing in a world where giants exist, and why your mindset and innovation matter more than your price tag. Key topics covered: Why Amazon isn’t the “small business killer” people think it isHow shaming customers for shopp...