#18: Messy Isn’t a Business Plan: Why You Need Systems as a Creative

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Ever feel like your business is running you, instead of the other way around?

You’re ticking things off the to-do list, showing up online, keeping the orders going out the door… but everything still feels a bit chaotic. Like you’re always reacting rather than building with intention.

If that’s you…you probably just need systems that actually support your business with your life.

In this episode of Flourish: The Creative Business Podcast, we’re talking about how to build a business that works with your real life — whether you’re juggling parenting, a full-time job, chronic illness, or simply don’t have hours and hours to dedicate every week.

This isn’t about rigid schedules or doing more, it’s actually about doing less, but better. I’m sharing how systems helped me build a sustainable creative business while raising young children, and how you can start creating structure in a way that gives you back your time, energy and creativity.

Whether you’re an illustrator, designer, maker, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you reframe how you think about systems, and why they’re the quiet backbone of a business that lasts.

What We Cover in This Episode:

  • Why winging it in your business is keeping you stuck

  • How becoming a parent changed the way I work (and why that might resonate with you too)

  • What systems really are, and why they’re not just for “Type A” people

  • The power of time blocking and batching when you’ve got limited energy

  • How a simple launch debrief system can make your next product release so much easier

  • Why systems aren’t about perfection…they’re about protecting your peace

  • A little teaser about a new offer I’ve been quietly working on 👀

  1. You feel like you’re always scrambling to keep up with your business

  2. You want your business to support your life, not take over it

  3. You’ve tried planning, scheduling, or batching before but it didn’t quite stick

  4. You need a way to show up consistently without burning out

  5. You’re curious about how to build a creative business that grows sustainably, even when life is full

Today’s Takeaways:


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