The Unfiltered CEO

Going First, Being REAL, & What Nobody Wants in 2025

I've been rewatching the show Nobody Wants This on Netflix (soooo fucking good if you haven't seen it!) and it reminded me, yet again, of the importance of being vulnerable, having uncomfortable conversations, and sharing the realness from your life. And this (of course!) relates to business, this podcast, and your online presence. So, in today's episode, we cover:
the importance of going first with your authenticity & vulnerability
peeling back the layers to share more of your true self as a business owner
my personal experiences that pushed me to say "fuck it" and finally step into my fullest self & power
the breaking point in my personal life that not many people in the biz world know about me (I doubt you can guess what it is!)
my commitment to going first, leading the conversations, and being vulnerable - especially through this podcast
using your online presence as a tool for setting the standard and being real without holding back
the collective revolution we're seeing this year to be authentic & unapologetic and own your power AND allow that to come through your online presence more
why I'm so passionate about helping my clients share their real selves in their brand and website (and copy!)
how 2025 is not the year to hold back or be "professional" or do what you think you "should" (and what to do instead)
Book your brand & web design project with us (2 spots open in FEB & 3 in MARCH): Inquire
 
FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there!
Selling on Stories Guide - Learn our easy 4-part method for selling on stories in a feel-good (non-ick!) way that connects with your audience AND helps convert!
5-Day Spark Reset Challenge - To reset your energy & mindset, refocus on your goals, & reignite your spark to show up on socials. Each day, you’ll receive an email with 3 tasks to do that can be done in 30 min or less!
Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with us, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.
Check out our website for more ways to work and connect with us!
 
Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻
→ Connect with me on Insta: @illuminessencecreations and @abbybradetich

Empowering Your Business through Finances, Outsourcing, & More! with Cara Martinez

I am soooo excited to welcome our first guest to the podcast today - my very good friend and bookkeeper, Cara Martinez of Peach Sky Bookkeeping 🥰 We have known each other for two and a half years now and have supported each other as our businesses have grown and evolved over time, so this episode is JUICY with so much goodness! We chat about:
how we know each other & have worked together in multiple ways
how Cara went from a 9-5 job to full-time business owner (+ being a mom!)
the switch from working with anybody to choosing only dream clients
why you need bookkeeping (it's more than just taxes) & when to outsource it as a biz owner
creating a safe space to talk about money & empower yourself with your finances
the journey through a rebrand & redesign, truly understanding your ideal client, and digging into what you really want to say
the power of outsourcing in your business & our fav investments
the journey of hiring, learning to trust & let go
our biggest lessons learned in business about boundaries, mindset, selling, leaning into support, & celebrating your wins
Connect with Cara & Peach Sky Bookkeeping: on Instagram & her website
 
FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there!
Selling on Stories Guide (mentioned in this episode!) - Learn our easy 4-part method for selling on stories in a feel-good (non-ick!) way that connects with your audience AND helps convert!
5-Day Spark Reset Challenge - To reset your energy & mindset, refocus on your goals, & reignite your spark to show up on socials. Each day, you’ll receive an email with 3 tasks to do that can be done in 30 min or less!
Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with us, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.
Check out our website for more ways to work and connect with us!
 
Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻
→ Connect with me on Insta: @illuminessencecreations and @abbybradetich

2025 Vibes: More than just a word of the year

In my world, it’s about more than just a “word of the year”. It’s intentions. It’s desire for impact. It’s energy & embodiment. It’s straight VIBES 🔥 I like to think bigger picture for the year before diving into the specifics of what that means for my goals, plans, habits, etc. - for both my business and personal life. So, in today’s episode, I share:
my intentions & vibes for 2025
the idea of being & doing vs. overthinking & trying
choosing NOT to rush or force or put pressure on yourself
leaning into trust and support and MAGIC this year
inviting more desire & fun into your life as a biz owner
creating empowering connections & community
Check out Nina and @youralignedspace on InstagramLearn more about my coach Kaitlin @kaitlinskessler on Instagram
 
Grab our FREE 5-Day Spark Reset Challenge - To reset your energy & mindset, refocus on your goals, & reignite your spark to show up on socials. Each day, you’ll receive an email with 3 tasks to do that can be done in 30 min or less! The perfect way to start the new year! ✨
 
FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there!
Yearly Recap Canva Template - Grab our customizable social post template in Canva to celebrate all that you’ve done this year! 10 pages of beautiful designs for you to make your own.
Selling on Stories Guide - Learn our easy 4-part method for selling on stories in a feel-good (non-ick!) way that connects with your audience AND helps convert!
Light Up Your Content Workshop - Watch the replay of our workshop from the fall that covers social strategies, ****methods for connecting & converting, mindset around socials, understanding your ideal client, how to plan easily, and a whole lot more!
Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with us, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.
Check out our website for more ways to work and connect with us!
 
Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻
→ Connect with me on Insta: @illuminessencecreations and @abbybradetich

Easing into the New Year: You Don’t Have to Rush

Happy New Year!! 🥂 We officially made it to 2025 and that usuallyyy means people are leaning into hustle culture by trying out 35612974 new habits, setting alllll the goals, and rushing to plan the whole year. BUT that’s not how we roll around here, boo! In today’s episode, we talk about:
you’re NOT behind if you haven’t planned the year yet!
how to ease into the year throughout ALL of January
two methods for separating out your planning, goal setting, habit creation, etc.
setting aside time on your calendar for doing the damn thing
why you should reflect back on the previous year if you haven’t yet (and not just on what you DIDN’T do)
the importance of addressing your mindset while setting goals
my fav trick for keeping my energy & mindset at a high level
how to shorten the time between thought & action
 
Grab our FREE 5-Day Spark Reset Challenge - To reset your energy & mindset, refocus on your goals, & reignite your spark to show up on socials. Each day, you’ll receive an email with 3 tasks to do that can be done in 30 min or less! The perfect way to start the new year! ✨
 
FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there!
Yearly Recap Canva Template - Grab our customizable social post template in Canva to celebrate all that you’ve done this year! 10 pages of beautiful designs for you to make your own.
Selling on Stories Guide - Learn our easy 4-part method for selling on stories in a feel-good (non-ick!) way that connects with your audience AND helps convert!
Light Up Your Content Workshop - Watch the replay of our workshop from the fall that covers social strategies, ****methods for connecting & converting, mindset around socials, understanding your ideal client, how to plan easily, and a whole lot more!
Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with us, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.
Check out our website for more ways to work and connect with us!
 
Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻
→ Connect with me on Insta: @illuminessencecreations and @abbybradetich

Bringing magic & trust back to your social media

Merry Christmas & happy holidays!! 🎄✨ Seeing my precious baby niece enjoy this time of year for the first real time has made me reflect on my own childhood experiences from the holidays - and especially the magic, belief, trust, and innocence that comes so naturally as a kid.
Similar to showing up on social media, this delusional faith and openness to FUN in what you’re doing online changes from when you first start your business to several years in. So, in today’s episode, we cover:
the magic of the holidays as a kid vs. adult
things to do to make socials more FUN
it’s okay to NOT do the things you don’t like to do
how to balance external results/goals & doing what feels good for YOU
having the right energy & mindset around socials
whatever you’re doing in this season is ENOUGH 🫶🏻
 
FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there!
Yearly Recap Canva Template - Grab our customizable social post template in Canva to celebrate all that you’ve done this year! 10 pages of beautiful designs for you to make your own.
Selling on Stories Guide - Learn our easy 4-part method for selling on stories in a feel-good (non-ick!) way that connects with your audience AND helps convert!
5-Day Spark Reset Challenge - To reset your energy & mindset, refocus on your goals, & reignite your spark to show up on socials. Each day, you’ll receive an email with 3 tasks to do that can be done in 30 min or less!
Light Up Your Content Workshop - Watch the replay of our workshop from the fall that covers social strategies, ****methods for connecting & converting, mindset around socials, understanding your ideal client, how to plan easily, and a whole lot more!
Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with us, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.
Check out our website for more ways to work and connect with us!
 
Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻
→ Connect with me on Insta: @illuminessencecreations and @abbybradetich

Your business is more than just a highlight reel

This time of year, most business owners are reflecting on what we accomplished, the lessons we learned, and the goals we still have to work toward. This is extra emphasized for me by my business anniversary in December each year. We just celebrated 3 years and this was - quite honestly - the hardest year yet, no matter how "successful" it looked from the outside.
In this episode, I dive into:
The highs & lows of this year for me & my business (because you already knowww we keep it REAL around here)
The lessons learned that are helpful in continuing this business-owning journey
The reality of feeling stuck, uninspired, and wanting to give up
The takeaways for what's really important (hint: it's about staying true to you)
Why it's important we take time to reflect like this
If you want to join me in sharing the highlights, lessons, and more from your year, grab our FREE yearly recap Canva template here! And tag me in your posts when you share it 🥂
 
FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there!
Selling on Stories Guide - Learn our easy 4-part method for selling on stories in a feel-good (non-ick!) way that connects with your audience AND helps convert!
5-Day Spark Reset Challenge - To reset your energy & mindset, refocus on your goals, & reignite your spark to show up on socials. Each day, you’ll receive an email with 3 tasks to do that can be done in 30 min or less!
Light Up Your Content Workshop - Watch the replay of our workshop from the fall that covers social strategies, ****methods for connecting & converting, mindset around socials, understanding your ideal client, how to plan easily, and a whole lot more!
Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with us, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.
 
Check out our website for more ways to work and connect with us!
Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻
→ Connect with me on Insta: @illuminessencecreations and @abbybradetich

Comparisonitis: the good, the bad, the ugly

No matter how long you’ve been showing up on socials as a business owner, you’ve probably been stung by comparisonitis (more than once if we’re really honest!). And the funny thing about this entrepreneurship journey is how seeing other’s success impacts you depending on your own experiences or mindset at that time - from inspiring you to take action to wanting to hide under a rock.
This first episode covers alllll that comes with comparisonitis, including:
how social media is a highlight reel
my own journey with comparing myself to what I see online
how seeing other’s success stories impacts you differently as a newbie compared to someone in business for multiple years
the end of year can be a triggering time for this with everyone sharing their wins & results from the year
it’s okay to mute or unfollow people if it protects your peace!
tips & things to try to help you reduce comparisonitis & make showing up on socials more enjoyable
 
Special Offer: GET 10% OFF ANY BRAND & WEB PROJECT booked by Friday, 12/13 (signed contract & paid deposit required to book). Inquire about your project here!
 
FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there!
Selling on Stories Guide - Learn our easy 4-part method for selling on stories in a feel-good (non-ick!) way that connects with your audience AND helps convert!
5-Day Spark Reset Challenge - To reset your energy & mindset, refocus on your goals, & reignite your spark to show up on socials. Each day, you’ll receive an email with 3 tasks to do that can be done in 30 min or less!
Light Up Your Content Workshop - Watch the replay of our workshop from the fall that covers social strategies, ****methods for connecting & converting, mindset around socials, understanding your ideal client, how to plan easily, and a whole lot more!
Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with us, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.
 
Check out our website for more ways to work and connect with us!
Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻
→ Connect with me on Insta: @illuminessencecreations and @abbybradetich

Welcome to the Unfiltered CEO!

WELCOME!! I’m so excited you’re joining me on this BTS journey through entrepreneurship. In this trailer, you’ll learn more about me (your host, Abby!) and my company (IlluminEssence Creations), my personal journey to owning a business, the vibes to expect from this podcast, a spicy opinion or two, and what we’re here to do together.
Social media is often just a highlight reel - and we’re here to prove that you CAN be your authentic self, share the vulnerable REALNESS behind entrepreneurship, and connect with others in a meaningful way. You aren’t alone in this and we’re here to help you see that, hype you up, and empower you to DO YOU 🔥🔥
 
FREE RESOURCES: You know I’m here for YOU and your success, boo. And that includes offering a few different free resources to help you get there!
Selling on Stories Guide - Learn our easy 4-part method for selling on stories in a feel-good (non-ick!) way that connects with your audience AND helps convert!
5-Day Spark Reset Challenge - To reset your energy & mindset, refocus on your goals, & reignite your spark to show up on socials. Each day, you’ll receive an email with 3 tasks to do that can be done in 30 min or less!
Light Up Your Content Workshop - Watch the replay of our workshop from the fall that covers social strategies, ****methods for connecting & converting, mindset around socials, understanding your ideal client, how to plan easily, and a whole lot more!
Sign up for our Newsletter - Where you’ll get first access to any other new resources and opportunities to work with us, PLUS tips, strategies, and stories for how to navigate the online space in a way that feels good.
 
Check out our website for more ways to work and connect with us!
Support my show! I would love you foreverrr if you subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! 🫶🏻
→ Connect with me on Insta: @illuminessencecreations and @abbybradetich