The Unfiltered CEO

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

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