The Unfiltered CEO

Unfiltered truth about business & marketing with Polly Pollock

Today, we're taking unfiltered to a whole new level in this honest and spicy interview with Polly Pollock - Marketing Mentor for ADHD & Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs. She helps coaches, service providers, mentors take the overwhelm out of marketing to make it sustainable and authentic, and she's a newly published author too!
In this episode, we chat all about what we don’t like about the online business space, social media, and marketing - and calling that shit out - plus other topics like:
her new book & becoming an author
inner work & mindset vs. strategy & marketing (and balancing both)
how to navigate the overwhelm of input & ideas as a business owner
niche vs. brand vs. ideal client
allowing yourself to evolve as a business owner
not being so “strict” about the rules/what other people say
marketing is engrained in connecting on a human level (what that means & how to do it)
how social media shouldn’t be your main marketing strategy (and what should be instead)
changing your expectations around social media & business
shifting the perspective of online marketing & building for the longterm
the normal side of building a business in ALL kinds of times
processing your emotions & letting your anger out
Connect with Polly on Instagram and her website!
Get Polly's FREE Neuro-Friendly Content Kit
Learn more about her Mentorship Intensives
Order Polly's book Shadow Work for the Soul Searcher
 
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!
FREE Website Reviews - Ever wonder how your brand & website is doing? How it compares to others? Or what could make it better? Sign up for a free review that answers these questions and provides design & copy suggestions to increase conversions & connect with your ideal clients more effectively, plus show you how to be more authentic in your online presence.
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:
@abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things
@illuminessencecreations for brand & web
@theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

Getting featured in the media and knowing your "why" with Mercedes Barba

Can't wait for y'all to get allll the goodness from our next guest: Mercedes Barba. She is a former journalist, professional editorial leader, senior video producer, and all-around media expert helping small businesses get featured in the media.
In this episode, we cover:
the power of the media, especially for small businesses
experiencing a big loss and how that impacted Mercedes' biz journey & life
the importance of knowing your “why” & staying connected to that
what it looks like to get featured in the media, how Mercedes does that for her clients, & the results from their success stories
how to take understanding your ideal client one step further
why you need an automatic opt-in on your website & built-out funnels before a media presence
the importance of investing in marketing & platforms outside of social media
outsourcing as a business owner and staying true to what you’re best at
Mercedes’ journey to building her business along her 9-5 job and her goals for this year + the future
the importance of taking time for yourself as you grow your business
Connect with Merecedes on Instagram and 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!
FREE Website Reviews - Ever wonder how your brand & website is doing? How it compares to others? Or what could make it better? Sign up for a free review that answers these questions and provides design & copy suggestions to increase conversions & connect with your ideal clients more effectively, plus show you how to be more authentic in your online presence.
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:
@abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things
@illuminessencecreations for brand & web
@theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!
 

Starting messy, brand marketing, & genuine connections with Abby Anderson of Lupine Design Co.

Today, we're excited to be joined by Abby Anderson, co-owner of Lupine Design Co! 🎨 Abby and business partner Julie are an experienced creative duo based in Colorado, using their art skills to create bold murals for schools, shops, restaurants, homes, offices, public spaces & more.
We chat about:
Starting messy, imperfect action, & having a co-owner in business
Being multi-passionate as an entrepreneur
Using murals as marketing & an extension of your brand
Types of murals, businesses who could benefit from them
Creating content & the importance of being personally involved in your socials in 2025
Finding new ways to bring in leads, market your biz & add passive income streams
Our experience with local networking & pros/cons
Creating genuine connections & sharing your authentic energy through your online presence
Lessons learned about boundaries, clients, & taking action
Connect with Lupine Design Co. on Instagram and their 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 - 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:
@abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things
@illuminessencecreations for brand & web
@theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

How I confidently gave a $3k refund to an unaligned client

Last year, I gave a $3k refund to an unaligned client. And even though it was anxiety-inducing and hard and challenged me, I learned a LOT from that experience that empowered me, taught me about trust and standing up for what you believe in, and helps me run my business to this day.
In today's episode, we chat about:
The story of what happened with this client & refund
How to know if a client is unaligned + the importance of trust
The lessons learned about mindset and support system
The importance of saying no to clients who don’t light you up
Why optimizing your online presence helps you work with who YOU want
How to align with dreamy clients in your brand, web & socials
Why you shouldn’t actually have to “sell” on inquiry calls (and how to make that happen for your biz)
Book a brand & web design project with us! 3 spots left in Q1; payment plans available.
 
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:
@abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things
@illuminessencecreations for brand & web
@theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

Protecting Your Brand & Building Community with Taylor Williams

I couldn't be more excited to welcome my friend and incredible lawyer Taylor Williams of Williams Law to the show! ✨ She is a Trademark and Business Attorney helping small businesses protect their brands with trademarks and contracts. Over the past two years, we've grown as friends, business owners, and collaborators - creating a community of our own in Denver through happy hours (and a retreat coming soon!).
This episode covers allll kinds of business goodness, including:
why you need a trademark & the importance of getting it done earlier in your business journey
the consequences of not getting a trademark (and a couple horror stories from Taylor’s clients!)
investing in a trademark isn’t as expensive as you think
outsourcing for your business - what to look for, what we value in working with others, & what to avoid (including scams)
supporting your clients with communication, effective systems, & kindness
custom vs. templated contracts - costs, pros & cons, state requirements
why you should truly understand what’s in your contracts
Taylor’s journey to starting her business and going full time
the biggest lesson that’s benefited Taylor growing her business
Connect with Taylor on Instagram and her website! Find out more about her Contract Template Shop.
 
Join our next business happy hour in Denver by DMing either of us on Instagram 🥂
Sign up for our Retreat Waitlist to be the first to get all the details 🗻
 
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:
@abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things
@illuminessencecreations for brand & web
@theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

Why you need a website NOW more than ever

GO BIRDS BABYYYY 🦅🦅 In honor of the Eagles winning the Super Bowl this weekend, we are offering 18% OFF all brand & web projects booked by 2/14! Signed contract & paid deposit required (payment plans available!). Inquire HERE.
 
In today’s episode we talk allll things websites, including:
the tangible & intangible results of launching a new website
how our clients transform during our work together
getting more inquiries & sales from your website
setting up your online presence for longterm success
why you need a website NOW more than ever (and not just a social presence)
the importance of women-owned & diverse businesses having representation in the online space (and why I’m so passionate about working with them!)
things to assess in your website/online presence to serve you in the longterm
renting vs. owning marketing platforms in your business
GET 18% OFF YOUR BRAND & WEBSITE PROJECT
 
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:
@abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things
@illuminessencecreations for brand & web
@theunfilteredceopod for the podcast!

From hating socials to having FUN planning & (quickly) creating

Social media is something we all love to hate. BUT we also know it's a necessary evil as a business owner - cue allll kinds of feelings about that (I've heard and felt them all too!). I'm a big believer that just because it's something we "have" to do doesn't mean it can't also be fun and intuitive and easy! So, in today's episode, we cover:
the changes in my social media accounts (from one to two, back to one again) & the reasons behind those moves
why I’m focusing on a personal brand account (and why a lot of other biz owners are this year too)
how to show up as your fullest self on socials, even when running a business
the freedom in creating content as a personal brand
journal reflection prompts for assessing your socials
shortening the space between thought and action (as a biz owner & in content creation)
how to plan a full month of content & the systems needed in place
the content pillars I like to use for my content (and how you can use them too!)
how to make content creation faster, easier, and actually FUN (and intuitive)
Learn all about the LIT Content Collective (and don't forget to DM me for your discount!)
 
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:
@abbybradetich for alllll the juicy things
@illuminessencecreations for brand & web
@theunfilteredceopod for the podcast

Unfiltered BTS of a 6-Figure Business in 2025

We're doing things a little different this week and truly giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what's going on in my 6-figure business so far in 2025 - from booking struggles and finance thoughts to mindset questions and personal happenings. I get vulnerable, reallll REAL, and unfiltered AF; and want you to know that if you relate, you're not alone 🫶🏻 In this episode, we cover things like:
Ways I cope with anxiety & worries - physically & mentally, personally & in business
Importance of releasing negative emotions from your body & taking care of yourself (especially during luteal phase)
Being impatient in waiting for results as a business owner
The difficulties of relying on yourself for income & how that impacts your self-worth, decisions, etc.
Feeling tested by the universe with uncomfortable situations & leaning into trust
You’re not the only one if things feel hard or people aren’t booking right now
How to know things are working & you're getting better at handling tough situations
(and also GO BIRDS!! 🦅)
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

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