Introducing the Unbreakable Business podcast

Akua: Welcome to the very first episode of the unbreakable business podcast. I am so excited that you are here. I’m so excited that the unbreakable business podcast is finally out into the world. And so we are changing it up a little bit today. Uh, Tyler Harrington, who is a videographer and YouTube strategist is joining me on the show to interview.

So we just had a really amazing and fun conversation. I talked a little bit about my story, talk about what you can expect from the show and what the unbreakable business podcast is all about and what you have to look forward to for the show. So I just want to say before we hop in to everybody that has been listening since the independent business podcast, I just thank you all so much for just being such a major support on the show.

And I’m just really excited for this new venture and to take you along with me. So. Without further ado, let’s get into the episode. Welcome to Unbreakable Business, the podcast where we uncover the untold stories behind entrepreneurship. This isn’t about polished success stories. It’s about the sleepless nights, unexpected roadblocks, and unshakable grit that builds businesses that last.

Every week we sit down with entrepreneurs who faced it all sharing raw, honest conversations about challenges, growth, and the moments that made them unbreakable. Whether you’re just starting out or chasing your next breakthrough. This podcast is your reminder that you have the strength to keep going.

Tyler. So excited to have you here. This is the first episode of unbreakable business. And y’all, if you do not know Tyler, he is a freaking phenomenal editor. He. Is a huge reason of the success behind the independent business podcast. No lie. He is the one that created all of our amazing videos, all of our short form videos.

So I have to give you your flowers because like the work that you did for us was just fantastic. And so I’m just so excited to have you here. interviewing me. Well, honestly, it’s more of a conversation, but I am not in the driver’s seat. I’m just, I’m just hanging back.

Tyler: That’s right. I’m excited to be here.

I’m excited for this new podcast to finally be here. The new name, the new rebrand, all that stuff. We’ve been talking about it for, I don’t know how long, a long time.

Akua: It’s, oh yeah, it’s been a long time. I think it’s been like nine, 10 months. And so like to finally have it here and I feel like it’s kind of an awakening point for me.

I’m like, Oh my gosh, yay. Like I’m excited and almost in a way of like, I finally arrived. And so I’m really stoked that it’s here and I’m happy and thankful. And it’s been such an incredible, incredible journey.

Tyler: Yeah. So anybody who doesn’t know me, or if you have seen me on the YouTube channel, that’s where I kind of live these days.

I’m more in YouTube land, but I did used to have my own podcast. It’s been a while since I’ve done a podcast interview, but I am excited to be here on the podcast for the first time after editing so many of the episodes to finally get to have a little bit of limelight is very exciting. Um, I do spend more time these days behind the camera than in front of the camera, but you know what?

Here we go. We’re going to, we’re going to be just fine. So, um, so

Akua: I just want to inject here and just say so many times Tyler loves to be behind the camera. And I was like, psych, that sucks for you. You’re going to come over. He’s so great on camera. I

Tyler: do love being on camera. Yeah. It’s kind of like this.

Yeah. I enjoy both. I do enjoy both, but I do spend more time these days behind the camera. It’s where I feel a little bit more comfortable, but there’s sometimes, you know, when you’re, you’re editing things and you’re like, ah, I could just do this better myself. So here we are. We’re just gonna, we’re going to go for it.

So, okay. Akua, I want to tell you a story. We are all about storytelling here. I’ll tell you a story. The first time that I remember. about you. I was at the show at United Conference in Arizona and I was there filming, um, doing like a recap video for the conference. And so I was kind of popping in and out of the different rooms and the different stages and things like that.

And I popped in and you were, I think you were just starting your keynote and you were, you had a picture on the, on the screen of, you know, miss Minnesota and you’re telling all this whole story about being this Minnesota and all these things. And I was like, There is a celebrity among us. Like I had no idea that Miss Minnesota was here.

What in the world? And then that was, and I was like, I have no idea who this girl is, but she’s this Minnesota, that’s pretty cool. And then I didn’t really hear the whole talk. I just sort of was popped in for a second, got some B roll shots and I left. Right. I was like. I just remember leaving being like, wow, Miss Minnesota was here.

That’s awesome. And then when we started doing this podcast and Natalie brought me in and the whole thing and I met you again. And then I didn’t realize I didn’t like put two and two together until after the fact, I was like, wait, that’s the girl who’s Miss Minnesota. And I honestly, I missed the rest of the keynote.

All I saw was the Miss Minnesota. And then I met you after the fact in this like podcast host role or whatever. So I just want to know, and I’m sure the audience would love to How do we go from Miss Minnesota to Hosting this podcast. Like what is, I need to know, I need to know some more of the story because I missed the rest of the keynote.

Akua: Yeah. Oh, that’s so funny. Yeah, no, that was, um, I was Miss Minnesota 2015. Uh, and so. Yeah, I’m just, I’m a little caught off guard that you brought that up. I’m like, oh damn, we’re going way back. It’s not

Tyler: on your website. It’s not. I don’t know if it’s like something you’re not proud of or whatever. No, I’m very proud of it.

Very interesting and intriguing. So like, I just want to know. Like, I’m

Akua: very, I’m very proud of it. Honestly. Like if it wasn’t for pageantry, I truly would not be here. So really fun fact. Okay, so I was in college at the time, you know, I was in school, I wanted originally to go to either med school, dentistry, or nurse anesthetist, either way, I was hopping between these three careers.

And I was in my junior year of college, studying biology with a minor in chemistry. And I was like, I really hate this. I really genuinely hate this. And so, and for me growing up, like I’ve mentioned this several times in the show, you know, I’m first generation. My parents immigrated from, um, Ghana to the U S over 30 years ago.

And so, you know, when you have your parents that have given like their whole life to make a better life for you, it’s kind of, you get kind of get a lot of pressure to be either, you know, there was only three options, like a doctor lawyer, like, or similarly in the medical field, like my mom, like a nurse or like an engineer.

And so I was like, Hey, like, I want to be. In the medical field, definitely making a lot of money, but I was miserable, miserable. And so I got a letter in the mail, um, randomly that was made out to me and it was for Miss Minnesota USA. And so I was like, you know what? I have no joy in my life right now. So I am just going to give this a shot and do it.

Now I’m the type of person. Now, if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it right. So I was out here researching all that. So I found a pageant and I practiced for nine months. learning about Pat. Like it just it was like quickly, you know, so had like I had to get a pageant gown. I had to train. I’m working out every day, all of that stuff.

And, um, so then the pageant came, which was amazing. Such an amazing experience to be with so many people Powerful women who were doing some really exciting things in their life. And so I made top 15 with that pageant. And so if you don’t know pageants, they have different systems. And so, I know nothing about

Tyler: pageants.

I’m very, very interested to hear.

Akua: Yes, so pageants have different systems. There’s like the USA system, which is our new president, Donald Trump, is We used to own. And then we have America, which is like, that’s the one that’s with talent. And then, you know, the one that I won is international. So I will get to how I ended up there, but I did miss USA.

Made top 15. It was incredible experience. I was like, you know what? I think I want to like do this again, but found out I had aged out by three days. So for USA and, you know, USA is one like USA and America are like the, the, the bigger ones. And so I was really bummed about that, but I was like, you know what?

It just was meant to be, and this was a great experience. And so, but my patching coach was like, you know what? I think you’d be a better fit for international. It’s in three months. I think like, let’s see, let’s try it out. And I was like, you know what? Okay, sure. Like, let’s do it. And I ended up winning, which was so funny.

Cause I had, I literally did not think in my mind that I would win. And it was so funny. Cause my. My mom, my sister to like my family were kind of like, okay, you know, we’ll entertain this pageant thing that she’s doing. And so when I won and they called my name, my whole family was like, Oh, and they just started, I just heard them all bust out laughing.

I was like, y’all are just so ridiculous. So anyways, that is how I became Miss Minnesota, which was such an incredible, incredible experience. Um, and. That’s where I learned a lot about storytelling, because you are in a room of judges and, you know, pageants, they see a lot of, you know, the beauty, the glamour and stuff, which is really fun, but the key to winning a pageant is the interview, like, truly, like, usually the interview is where they know who the winner is, and then like, you’re on stage question, right?

Because of course you can look beautiful, but obviously too, you need to really know how to make an impact with your words. And so I learned kind of a crash course on storytelling through my pageant coach, because again, I had to, you only have like be with judges for three minutes. There’s several women and you have to be able to stand out and you only having a lot of time with them.

So that was kind of where I had to learn, um, how to share my story in a very impactful way that would make me engaging and memorable. So that, and really just driving that emotion to where they’re like, That’s our girl. And so, that’s kind of where I learned a lot of that whole spiel from. And so, after my reign was over, you know, I’m sitting in a coffee shop because, you know, it’s, I had a great year.

Is that what

Tyler: they call it? Your reign?

Akua: Yes. Yes. Yep. Yep. So, when your reign is coming to an end. Yeah.

Tyler: Which is a whole, you know, a whole year that you’re missing. Yes. A whole year. So, a whole year. What kind of responsibilities and other things come with? Being Miss Minnesota, like a lot. Oh yeah.

Akua: So like I had to do a whole bunch of speaking events.

Yeah. Cause so when you, any pageant let you compete and you have what’s called a platform. And so it is usually a cause or something that you’re really passionate about that you’re really connected to. And so I originally wanted to do STEM science, technology, engineering, and math, cause you know, my degree.

So I was like, this makes sense, but I wasn’t having the most, I was having a harder time with that because I was kind of going through the motions and my coach was just like. I feel like there’s more to you and I, like, didn’t want to share with her any more about my life. I was very closed off. But anyways, all I have to say is my platform was NoMore, which aims to end, um, domestic violence and sexual assault against women and children.

And so, I ended up in a really unfortunate situation, I mean, in my early 20s, with a very, uh, uh, physically abusive partner. So, that was something I kind of, which I obviously, too, want to give a trigger warning. You guys, it’s just my, my story, a little bit more raw and unfiltered. But, that was kind of, that whole experience, is what, you know.

Led to me obviously using now no more as my platform So and it was a really incredible what I used to be really ashamed of my my coach like told me like Akua You know like your story is a gift And there’s people who need to hear what you have been through because there’s somebody that’s in that same Situation and how they they need to know that they can get themselves out of it as well So I was like, all right, cool.

Let’s just I did not say, all right, cool. I was like, all right, we’re going to do it, you know, just sharing about my story. And so anyways, the platform no more. And so I had the opportunity to work with, um, incredible organizations all throughout Minnesota to number one, drive awareness, but also to help raise money.

Right. And so like, that was something too, like a lot of places needed funding. I got to speak in front of hundreds of people throughout the year. So that’s also where I learned a lot about being a speaker was through that whole process. I got to like MC events and stuff like that, which was so much fun.

And again, like, I just did it to do it. Like, I didn’t think about it. I just was like, this is incredible. And so my reign is coming up. I’m getting ready to crown the next girl. And I’m sitting in a coffee shop because I’m like, I don’t know what I’m going to do after this because I, you know, I’m going to finish, I’m going to graduate because, you know, I’ve come too far and I’m in too much debt.

So my mom was like, whatever you do, please just get the degree. And I was like, all right, deal. So I’m like, you know, and I’m almost to the finish line. So I’m like, okay, I have to like, But I have no clue what I’m going to do after this because I, most of my peers are sitting for the MCAT, the D8, like the DAT, like all these other tests.

And I’m like, I don’t want to do any of this. And so I’m sitting in a coffee shop. I’m just Googling stuff. And I come across, uh, this person’s website and this girl, she looks like she’s living her best life on California beach. Her, her website was just so clean and beachy. And she had these beautiful waves.

And I was like, Oh my God, you know what? And I read like her website. I read a blog and then I kept reading other stuff and I was like, okay, I think that’s what I want to do. And so I had actually reached out to her and she responded right, like within an hour, I’m pretty sure. And we’re chatting and come to find out she literally lived in Minnesota, like lives in Minnesota.

Cause that’s where I was at the time. And we grew up 20 minutes apart from each other. So, uh, yes, so it’s because of her and her name’s Kayla Holitz. She was on the show, uh, last season and she truly helped me build my business. Like I would not have the business I have today if it wasn’t for her. And so that’s kind of like where everything kind of started.

And then obviously. Like, she told me, there’s a group that meets on the second Tuesdays of every month, and I think you should go to it, I think it’d be really good for you. And I was like, okay, sure. She couldn’t attend last minute, and I was like, you know what, I waited a whole month for this. I’m gonna go.

So, it is in summer in Minneapolis, and if you know Minnesota, cause we have all four seasons, like, everybody’s out. So, the lake is packed, right? It’s at Lake Harriet. And I’m like, walking around by myself. I do not even know the name of this group, I don’t know. Anybody and I’m just looking around and I just see a table of people and I don’t know what it was.

I just went up to them and I was like, um, is this like the group of business owners that meet like once a month? And they were like, Oh yeah, that’s us. And I was like, Oh my gosh, this is so cool. So I sat down and I just was like a sponge and absorbed all, but that’s kind of how I first got connected to like rising tide and then obviously being introduced to honey book and yeah, the rest has been.

History, because I feel like I’ve had so many full circle moments with HoneyBook, which has been like incredible and then obviously to now sitting in this chair. So that’s like the, there’s so many more things to unpack, but that’s like, I’ll, I’ll cap it there.

Tyler: Yeah, that’s awesome. Yeah. I mean, it’s so cool that something so random, like Pat getting into pageants, which I’d imagine getting into pageants and how old were you like 20?

Akua: 27. Yes. Yep. 27.

Tyler: I would imagine that’s pretty late to get into pageantry. Yeah. Yeah. Most people get into it when they’re little or whatever they’ve been doing their whole lives. So that not only to get into it super late, but then to go on and like figure out how to master it, get a coach, do all the different things which you didn’t realize at the time was training you almost perfectly to starting your own business and doing like all the things that all the skills that you need to have.

And then the public speaking, all those things that came along with it.

Akua: Yeah. Um.

Tyler: You obviously probably never imagined that and had you not had that experience, probably more than likely would have gone until you said whatever you were getting your degree in some sort of a medical thing or whatever and been super unhappy and yeah, this thing.

So it is pretty cool how you were wired to do that. When you didn’t even realize it until you kind of went down this other route. Was, so when you made the transition from you finished your reign, were you getting paid for any of that by the way?

Akua: No.

Tyler: You just do it all volunteer. So you’re doing school.

Akua: Yep. And there are some like cash prizes depending on the system. So like, right? Like USA, America, those are like the bigger ones that they have more funding. So you get like cash prizes. You can like, you meet with like. Because you’re getting ready for nationals, right? No matter what, uh, title, no matter what system you’re in, you’re getting ready for nationals.

And so depending on the system, you have cash prizes and stuff like that, that helps you prepare. Uh, but a lot of it is volunteer. Yes.

Tyler: Yes. You’re just kind of volunteering your time, trying to finish your degree because you’re so far in debt, you have to, you know, I

Akua: was like, and

Tyler: then when you decided to sort of like, you found this girl’s website, sort of pursue your business.

What. specifically, what, what business was it that you were looking at? Like, what was the business that you were looking into? And so how did you land on that specific focus? Like, have you always done it? Cause right now, now you do the storytelling and the strategy. Was that where you started from the beginning or where did you sort of get started with?

No, I

Akua: kind of started more so into like Instagram marketing, like social media management. Um, and that’s kind of where, you know, I just kind of leaned into and I think it was a good starting point, but as time went on, I didn’t like it. And also I wasn’t, my clients like weren’t getting the results. Like I wasn’t getting the results as a social media manager, but then I started switching.

Okay. Like from social media manager to them, like. strategy. And my clients still weren’t getting the results. And I was like, something just doesn’t feel right to me. And so I took a pause, which, um, I think I’ve shared that a couple of times. Like, I absolutely have taken a pause from my business and was like, okay, like, oh, cool.

What do you actually want to do? Like what? Actually makes you passionate because I felt like within my business, you know, I would see what other people are doing and I was like, okay, well, like this is a service that they offer. So I’m going to offer something similar to that. And like, I didn’t have a full, clear understanding of like pricing and all that stuff.

And so I was pretty frustrated. Uh, from the job, uh, you know, but, but it was awesome because I also had this community of people who were guiding me as I’m trying to like figure it out. And I think that’s the thing about entrepreneurship. Like you’re, you’re always trying to figure it out. So I had that space to really kind of explore and see what works and what doesn’t work.

And so, yeah, I took that break just to figure out what I, it was that I, what I truly wanted, kept absorbing like a sponge from other business owners. And then I just, then I thought of my pageantry journey and I was like, wait, like, why don’t you just lean into storytelling? Like, that’s what you love. And that’s what you were passionate about when you were Miss Minnesota.

So let’s bring that back. And so I did. And so that’s kind of where it really changed things a lot for me and my business is when I just leaned more into the thing that brought me a lot of joy. And so then I was able from that to create a service that. Nobody offers, but me and be able to now finally have clients is up to like see the results that I’ve been wanting them to like, that I’ve been wanting them to experience.

And so that’s kind of how I fell into it is like, yeah, I took a break. I didn’t take clients for a full year cause I had retainer clients. So that worked out really well. I didn’t take any one on one clients. I just did my retainer, uh, worked, did all of my retainer work. And then I took that time to really just explore and learn more about me as an entrepreneur, learn more about the type of success I wanted to experience and, and all that jazz.

Tyler: So the new podcast is called, you know, the unbreakable business. So it sounds to me like in that sort of like break area, you, I don’t want to put words in your mouth. Was there a time in that break time where you took a little pause from pursuing, pursuing your business or kind of, you know, took a little step back that you feel you reached, you reached your like unbreakable moment where you were like, all right, I’m either going to give this whole thing up and go back and get a nine to five or do whatever, or I’m going to press forward.

Do you have a specific memory or something in mind that you remembered during that time? That was sort of like your unbreakable moment.

Akua: That’s a really good question. So I wouldn’t, I’m trying to think of a specific moment, but I do, I can’t think of a specific moment, but I can think of, remember the feeling that I felt about what it was like, because I did attempt the nine to five.

I did try that. And I just kept thinking more about that feeling that I just did not like. It was very exhausting for me. I wasn’t. There was no joy. I definitely was depressed. I had anxiety and I was like, look, I don’t know what’s going to happen here, but I know that what I’m experiencing now is a lot better than what I used to, what I was experiencing before.

So I have, I’m just going to lean in. Like, that’s just kind of how I viewed it. And I think to your point, I think that’s kind of where that unbreakable piece kind of came in, is like, my therapist always says to me, like, choose your hard. And I was like, all right, this is going to be the hard that I choose.

Um, because the other hard that I tried to do really almost took me out. So I was like, you know, this is hard and this is difficult and this sucks, but it’s a different kind of suck. And I’m like, I can, I can do this. So I just looked at it as like, I, I didn’t look at his own breakup. I just looked at him like, okay, cool.

We’re just gonna lean in and like, let’s see where this, this goes.

Tyler: Yeah. And I think that that so many people have that sort of moment in that, or that feeling where you’re like, man, this is hard. Like entrepreneurship is hard. It’s hard to run your own business. There’s so many stresses and so many things, so many uncertainties, but.

You also, then you sit down and you realize you’re like, man, but the alternative isn’t great either. So like, this is where I like, I can either the bend, but don’t break kind of moment is just like, man, I I’ve got to figure something out because I know that the upside of this, the positive side of this entrepreneurship thing is so great and so high and the possibilities are limitless, but if I, but I’m at the point where I need to, I need to do something, something’s got to change.

I’ve got to really like buckle down and really hunker down and just really go for it. Because I know that the alternative is, is not worth it. It’s not great. And I think, um, a lot of people reach that point. So I’m excited for this podcast because I know that there’s so many people. And everybody’s entrepreneurship journey is different.

And on this podcast, I’m excited to hear you explore with other people what that moment looks like for them, what those stories look like for them, and hear the resilience that entrepreneurs have to have, even at the highest level, because I think it’s so easy to look at somebody who’s doing super well, who seems super successful, but everybody has that moment where you’re like, I’m just going to get a nine to five, you know, it’s not worth it.

I can’t figure it out. I, I, I’ve got to do it. And everybody has that moment or some, something similar. But everyone’s also a little bit different. So I’m excited for this podcast to explore those stories and hear what those, those different journeys look like for all these different entrepreneurs. So I do want to talk about the new podcast a little bit, because obviously it’s a big change, rebranding the whole thing, kind of a new direction from, you know, the independent business podcast, which has been great.

And we know as was, I think a great direction for the podcast, but I want to hear a little bit from you as to why are we changing the name? What is sort of the new direction and what is your sort of. Hope for this new podcast.

Akua: Yeah. No, that’s a really good question. You know, the independent business podcast absolutely has a special place in my heart, but fully transparent.

I. did not create that show. And so as we obviously know, previous host, Natalie Frank, we love her. Um, you know, this was her baby, you know, when she, I remember we were in Tel Aviv and she told me about the concept of the show and, you know, and all of that. And I was like, Oh my God, this sounds amazing. Like, do you want any help?

And she was like, yeah. And it just, we had an incredible, incredible first season. And then obviously with me taking over season two and beyond, uh, It was a lot of fun. It was incredible. But I felt when I, I remember when I first became the host, that was a hard time for me, which a lot of people don’t. I mean, I think I’ve mentioned it throughout the show, but I think it’s the most, I’m like talking about it more in depth because there was a lot of change happening in my life.

Like I had just literally up and moved from Minneapolis to Chicago. I didn’t know a single soul. I decided to like just take the leap and I’m like, you know, I want to move. And then I’m like, Boxes are still in my apartment and I get a call from Natalie. That’s like, Hey girl, I’m like, Hey, how’s it going?

And she’s like, I have some news to share. And I was like, you know, and so she told me, um, you know, that she was leaving in her, you know, her reasoning and all that stuff. And, um, you know, and then she, she said to me, like, you know, like who I think, you know, I would love, I would love. I want to put your name in the hat to, you know, take over the show and I was like, no, I initially like said no immediately.

Um, and not because I didn’t think it was a cool opportunity. I just was like, I didn’t think I was equipped to do it. You know what I mean? I was kind of like, Oh my gosh. And you know, I had just this limiting belief and mindset that there was no way that I could be. Like Natalie, you know what I mean? And so, and you know,

Tyler: yes,

Akua: I know, right?

Like, and I’m not, I can’t be. And so, but it was, it was kind of like you, again, like, I just felt like I was so small and I was like, there’s just no way, like the lack of confidence within that. And then I remember, you know, obviously I had interviewed her. for her book Gutsy that came out. And, you know, we had been talking about through that to like several conversations about what it means to be gutsy, just, you know, personally.

And then I find just like, okay, like, you know, you’re being gutsy and your journey. And so I deserve to give myself a chance I’m worth it. And so I’m going to do it. And so that’s where like things boom, like I said, yes. And like within a week, I’m in Annapolis recording, like my first round of episodes. And so that was fantastic, but it was a lot.

It was a lot of transitioning, a lot of growing pains. I mean, trying to find a studio, uh, trying to learn about myself as like how I interview and how I want to show up and I’m starting and it was hard. And it was a lot of questioning, a lot of doubts. Like, can I even do this? I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself.

It was just so unnecessary. Um, now that I go back and think of it, but I was being stretched. in so many different ways that was so uncomfortable. And I definitely took a hit. Like my mental health took a hit. I had lost weight and some of that. And so I realized. Throughout that time where I just was like Akua, like what do you want and what do you want this to be like?

How do you like, how do you want to show up? And so that’s kind of when I just started letting go of the pressure And just being like I just want to be me like that’s just what it is. Like I just want to be myself I’m not Natalie. I’m never gonna be I’m Akua Kanadu and I’m gonna stand in that And that’s kind of what that looked like.

And so I actually had a listener. I went to a conference and I did not go to speak. I went there as an attendee and the person had recognized me from the show. And she was like, Oh my God, I love the independent business podcast. And, you know, and we’re just chatting. And she says to me, she goes, you know, I feel like you really hold back.

And I was like, she’s 1000 percent 10 percent right because I do, right. And I did. I felt like I was holding back in certain areas. I wouldn’t share fully my thoughts. And, um, and it was funny. I was like, oh my gosh, like other listeners can, can pick up on that. And then I also had a talk with Natalie Walters and.

She, we were just chatting and she, I’m sorry. Yes. And now he’s on the team. She, you know, she’s my boss and you know, her and I had, we’re having a conversation in our meeting and you know, she kind of said the same thing to you. Like, I feel like, you know, a cool, like you own this channel. Like this is yours.

Like you own it. And I think it’s time for you to really make it your own. And like, I trust you to do that. Like I trust you. And I kind of wasn’t, I didn’t need permission, but I think at that moment I just, You know, I wasn’t looking for it, but I’m like, okay, I think I kind of need this in this moment where I’m like, you know, I’m not Natalie, I’m Akua, you know, the science of self made success is her thing.

I’m a little bit more raw, unfiltered, like to shoot the shit. You know what I mean? Like that’s truly me. And there’s nothing wrong with it. There’s just, we’re just two totally different people. And so even within the independent business podcast, I started changing the direction of the conversations. Um, and that was more life giving for me.

That was more fun for me where we got to have, you know, the thing that brings me joy is being able to sit with people, break. Bread and just learn about their story and how they move in the world and operate like, because I feel like it’s such a beautiful thing when you get to connect with people that are so different from you and you just learn about them.

And so that’s kind of where I just took that direction and people are loving the conversations and it just feels good to stand in my own. And that’s kind of what unbreakable, that’s what that shift is, that unbreakable business where it’s like. This is me. This is Akua. And, you know, I’m so thankful for everybody that has been with me throughout this whole journey and have stayed with me through the Independent Business Podcast.

And I’m excited for us to be in this new chapter together as Unbreakable Business, as a community. So, um, yeah, if that podcast

Tyler: podcast are interesting because they’re so since they’re long format, you can’t really hide behind a format like with the YouTube channel, things like that. There’s more editing involved.

It’s more intentional, strategic. You can kind of morph and put on like a different mask maybe, but podcasts are difficult because they’re so long form that eventually if you’re pretending or you’re not really being in Living in, leaning into your authenticity on a podcast, it really can show up pretty apparently.

And I think for you, that transition from Natalie to you was sort of necessary for you to get your kind of your feet under you to figure out your voice and figure out what it is that you wanted to do from a podcasting host perspective. So sort of mimicking at the beginning was definitely, probably a necessary evil for you to have.

Yeah. But I can also, as a transition, like you said, as you’ve sort of transitioned and gotten more comfortable with just the logistics and the You know, what it looks like to host and all those different things. That’s where you can start seeing, okay, this is good and this is a good format, but it’s not, I’m not fully able to insert myself into these conversations.

And then transition into storytelling, which as you’ve said, goes all the way back to pageantry days is your sort of default mode and sort of your just. At your core. I think incorporating that into the podcast only just makes a ton of sense. So I think that this is a really great time at the beginning of the year.

Um, you know, after we’ve done, however, how many episodes are we on right now? It’s a lot, right? Uh,

Akua: I think we’re almost at a hundred. In a couple weeks we’ll be at a hundred episodes. Yeah. Yeah.

Tyler: Almost at a hundred episodes. Yeah. Um, but I, I think that the transition and the shift in the name and all that sort of stuff, I think it’s just a, like an official stamping of like, I’m here now.

I’m fully kind of in my podcast hosts. era and I’m ready to take this thing in any direction. So I guess my question would for you would be for people who did enjoy the independent business podcast format and they may be like, it’s pretty straightforward. Like you listen and you’re, you know, there’s practical things that you can learn.

You don’t, there’s not a whole lot of interpretation. Um, what would you say to somebody who’s me listening to the new show? That’s going to be a little bit more story driven, a little bit more inspiration focused. How can they still take those, these stories and these episodes and apply them to their own business so they can still get.

Some practical tactical things out of it.

Akua: Yeah. No, that’s a really, really good question. And, um, you know, I will be honest, like there still will be some tactical. Cause I think that’s, that’s important as a business owner, like you having the steps that you need, but similar to you, we all have business friends, right.

Where we have. Conversations that just don’t ever make it out. They don’t ever make it out the group chat. They don’t make it out. You know what I mean? We all have that. And I want to bring some of those conversations to light the conversation that I sit down and have with my business friends of like really being quite honest about what I’m seeing, what we’re experiencing.

Like I want that to be able to come forward. And so really just. We’re still have some tactical, but like really just going deeper as business owners and talking about the complexities of entrepreneurship, because it truly is not black and white. Um, and that’s even, I have something I have learned more in my journey, even just being the host of the show of like, not everything is black and white.

And how do we, you know, adjust and move and figure out so that we can make sure that our business is here tomorrow, because I do think I can give you tactical steps, which are helpful. And we’ll still talk about that. But. The key that was missing, I felt like, was like, okay, we can talk about these things, these steps, but what was really happening in your life so that you could accomplish those things, right?

Like, we don’t talk about how, like, we’ve had some guests where they’ve talked about they’ve had a crazy medical emergency, or like their family has, and they’ve had to completely stop their whole business. We don’t talk about how ego, can drive us in our business and the mistakes that we’ve made from that due to our ego.

We don’t, like, these are the conversations that I think are so necessary for us to have, um, because that’s what it takes to truly run a business. I can give you the steps, but if your mindset, your heart, your soul, your spirit is not there. then those steps don’t matter. And so that’s kind of the point of Unbreakable Business where we, I don’t want to hear about the highlight reel.

I want to hear about the truth and like, whether it’s, and I’m not saying that it’s like everything needs to be heavy in a sad story. No, I just want to know the truth. Like, is it like, whether it’s a lot of laughs or, you know, maybe some tears, like whatever it is, I just think that these conversations need to be brought up to the forefront.

And I’m excited because we have some like really amazing episodes coming up already, where it really just talks about these multiple layers to entrepreneurship, while also still giving you the lessons that you need to be successful.

Tyler: Yeah. I think the highlight reel, you know, Instagram feed sort of.

Interpretation of other people’s businesses is super tough to avoid. I, one of my favorite things about going to in person conferences is not the tactical, practical stuff that you learn on stage. For me, it’s the dinners afterwards. We’re all sitting down and we’re talking and you hear from people about their life and this, that, the other, and they look so.

Perfect and polished. And you’re like, Oh man, they’ve got it all figured out. Like, and I don’t, I’m the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out. But then you sit down and you talk to these people who are very successful, but you hear what’s actually happening in their life and you know, the different practical things and struggles and whatever, all those different things.

And I always leave feeling way more inspired. I’m like, all right, I’m, I’m, I’m not way behind. Like we’re all in this together. Like we’re all struggling a little bit. Um, but I’m not. Nearly as, you know, I’m not nearly as behind as I might think or whatever, cause you’re comparing your reality to their highlight reel.

And that’s never great. So I think that being able to unlock those things and have those conversations, I think that that can almost spark more inspiration and more productivity in somebody who’s running their own business. Cause you can have all the tactical practical things, but if you don’t have the motivation to go out and do it and you don’t have the belief that you can actually do it and that you don’t suck, then you’re never going to go out and do it.

So I always leave conferences feeling. You know, on top of the world, like ready to go tackle whatever’s next, really to go start this new thing or do that project or launch that course. I’ve always wanted to start cause I’m like, all right, if they can do it, I can do it. And the practical stuff, we’ll all kind of follow.

There’s plenty of places you can find that. So I think that that’s awesome. I think that if we’re able, if you’re able to get people into that mode and you can really unlock those stories, which I know you can, I think that that will be. So beneficial to so many small business owners, especially people who are maybe newer in those types of things who don’t have the opportunity to have those conversations with other people.

Cause there is a lot of isolation in small business as well. You know, it’s very isolating, it’s very lonely. And if you don’t have a great community or if you’ve never been able to find that and post COVID it’s like almost impossible. I think it’s going to be a really awesome resource in that way for people.

And then you said there is obviously. Still some tactical stuff that needs to happen. You can’t just have inspiration and no tactical, but I think being able to combine those two, I think is gonna be really, really awesome.

Akua: I want to add to that really quick because I want to, which don’t kill me because you’ll be like, I’m going to shoot a question back at you, but I just want to see if you’ve experienced this, but I feel like When I first started my business and a couple, you know, years have gone on, I feel like a lot of the times too, we’ve put very successful business owners on a pedestal.

And I love what you said when you pointed out, like, that’s why we, like a lot of us attend the conferences. Yes. The tactical is nice, but it truly is because it gives you the space to connect with people that you’ve looked up to or whatever. And like, you get to see. See them, you get to see yourselves in them.

And I think that’s something too, that I really want to continue to bring to the show when, you know, even on independent business podcast, that was also my goal. When we had these multi seven figure, we’ve had all the, you know, six, uh, six figure business owners who are killing it. And I wanted to remove that veil.

And that’s kind of something too, because again. And, like, if they can do it, you can do it. There’s no difference between you and them. Like, the only, like, the only, like, you are, we are all human. So if you have the heart and the drive, you can easily get to where they’re going. And I want to share these stories so people know that it is possible for them.

Tyler: I feel like I have a very interesting journey into entrepreneurship and then I sort of backed into it super young. Like I came out of college. I had one job. The job I worked at was a teeny tiny company where I was the 10th hire or something like that. So even that was pretty like that was basically a small business at that point.

Um, but then I, I just had a lot of. I made a lot of friends of people who are entrepreneurs and people who have gone on to now be very successful or whatever, but I’ve just sort of been friends with them from the beginning. So they’d never had that sort of like aura of, Oh my gosh, it’s so and so or this person or that person.

They’ve always just been my, my friend. Like Natalie is a good example. Like I’ve been friends with Natalie for over a decade. So to me it’s just like, Oh, that’s Natalie Frank. Like whatever, you know, like Natalie. And now I’m like, well, she’s an author in this and that and speaking all the conferences. But to me she’s always just been Natalie.

And I think having that perspective has. Definitely been helpful to be able to know be like wait, they’re just regular people just like, you know, yeah they’re just they’re just normal people and It’s easy on Instagram people like oh my gosh I can’t believe that you know this person or that person or whoever and it’s like At the end of the day, no matter who it is, like, no matter who’s on the podcast, whatever, you know, person, they all started somewhere.

They’re all just a regular person at the end of the day. And then everybody has a story. So I think that the more that you can kind of figure that out in the, because it’s one thing for me that I’ve noticed with some of these friends who are uber successful now that I just, I remember at the time when they were just getting started or this or that or the other.

One thing that has been consistent about all of them is when they just. Move the needle a little bit at a time, right? It’s not always this like meteoric rise or this or that. It’s just this constant whatever and I think about this Um with my own youtube channel is a good example I started my youtube channel in 2015 and I just started kind of casually uploading here and there But i’ve never been consistent with it.

Like I am all the other youtube channels that I manage for all my clients Yeah, but I always Look back now. I’m like, man, if I had just posted one video a month, and that was it starting in 2015, who knows how big my YouTube channel would be. But I would get into these in my own way of like, Oh, well, I don’t have time, or it’s not profitable, or this or that, or whatever.

And I would just stop. And that’s, like, I think a cool thing about the again, unbreakable podcast is like, Business owners, we can’t, you’ve got to bend, but you can’t break. And you’ve got to always be pushing forward, always pushing forward, no matter what, because if you just stop and you break and you give up, that’s when there’s no opportunity.

There’s no way that it’s ever going to move forward. Maybe you can just move forward just a teeny bit at a time with your business. Eventually over time, 10 years down the road, five years down the road, whatever, you’ll look back and you’ll see how far you made it. But if you get stuck in that mindset of like, Oh, well, I’m not moving fast enough or as fast as that person or this or that or whatever, then.

You can really you just slow your own progress and that’s like if I go back and tell myself in 2015 Like listen, don’t stop just keep making youtube videos every single week I would who know I mean Who knows what where my youtube channel would be at this point? And but I think that again the this like false narrative We tell ourselves is what gets us into those ruts of oh, I can’t do it or i’m not moving faster I gotta stop and that’s why i’m excited for this podcast because you can see from other people like okay This is where they struggle.

This is what’s hard for them. Even the most successful people don’t get it perfect. So if they’re not perfect, I don’t have to be perfect and we can move forward. So I think that this is gonna be really, really awesome from a podcast perspective. And from a tactical perspective, is there anything people can expect to be different in terms of, you know, when it’s going to be posted length?

format, all those types of things. I mean, pretty similar, just sort of a different direction, different intention.

Akua: No, I mean, I think, you know, we’re definitely going to be taking things, uh, a step further. Definitely. We are going to be, you know, really asking a lot more deeper questions. And you know what I mean?

And really just changing the way that we approach the show. And, and like, like how you even said you moved the needle a little bit. That’s, that’s been my whole journey from, you know, becoming the host to now. It’s like, I’m always moving the needle. So even you may not notice it, but you’re like right away, but those changes will come into play because I’m still learning.

That’s the thing. Like people assume that I have it all together sitting here. It’s like, no. Every step. single day. I’m still learning something new about podcasting. I’m still learning something new about how I interview, um, the changes I want to make. I learn about what I like, what I don’t like. I now I’m still learning.

I’m now getting better at like reading people’s body languages. Like I’m learning. So as I’m learning, the show will evolve and you’re going to evolve with me. And so even already some of the changes that we’re gonna make, like, yes, the length will probably be the same, but even we are trying to figure out more ways to.

Make sure this is a safe space for business owners to be able to share beyond that highlight reel, right? And so those are some things that you’re gonna see as the show goes, but also to like some fun I really want people to see these other business owners personality. Like it’s not anybody that knows me.

I Love to joke all the time. Like I You know, cause life is too short. Like I can be serious and I will, and I, I am serious, but there’s also something like, I love, I’m always cutting up. So, you know, that’s something too, that I definitely want to bring more on the show where there’s laughs shared and, you know, inspiration shared and just really good overall, well rounded conversations.

And so, um, for me, even as a host, letting go of my ego in certain areas and asking for help and you know, asking for different perspectives and stuff like that because I’m in it and sometimes it’s so helpful to have other people who with the outside perspective help, you know, and give that feedback. So I’m, yeah, I’m still going to be, we’re going to be changing it as time goes on as things continue to evolve.

But yeah, I’m excited. I’m excited to try new things and let’s see how they go.

Tyler: Yeah, I can’t wait. I think it’s going to be great. Um, one thing I’ve always noticed is that in order for, Um, and I think it’s important for other people to feel comfortable being vulnerable, you need to be vulnerable first. I think that Dax Shepard is great at this on Armchair Expert podcast.

Like, he is very vulnerable in sharing his own life and his own experiences and he’s very much an open book, so that the guests, in turn, feel comfortable and they open up and tell you know, say things that they probably have never said on a podcast before or whatever. So I’m excited for that for you. And that’s why I wanted to start by catching off guard a little bit by asking you about a little bit more about your story and things like that.

Cause I think that the more you’re able to infuse your own self and your own story and who you are, and obviously you said you have a very long and sort of like up and down and all over story as an entrepreneur. I think that the more that you can. infuse that into the conversations and your yourself into the podcast.

I think the new name will give you even more freedom to feel that you can do that and infuse yourself into it and all these different things. So I think that I’m excited to hear more about you and your story. And as you are open and sharing yourself with the guests to hear how they respond in return.

And obviously every guest can be a little bit different. Some will be more open than others and things like that. Not every episode is going to be a cry fest. Um, but again, those conversations where you’re sitting at, you know, a random, the corner of the table, there’s like 30 people there at this big dinner after a conference.

And you guys are in the corner talking about Instagram strategies, like going back and forth, like even that it doesn’t have to be, you’re not crying over this, but like, you’re just like that, that. Passion in the like, Oh yeah, well I did this and well, I know, but I love that though. Cause there’s like, there’s always

Akua: all these side conversations.

There’s always one that’s like talking about Instagram strategy. And then there’s the other one, the other, like on the other end of the table, there’s like a couple of people there, they’re like crying and talking about whatever. Then in the middle of the table, everybody’s laughing. Like that is truly what it’s like.

At conferences. And I want to bring a lot of these dynamic conversations to the show, um, because it’s true. Like, like I said before, it is not black and white. You find yourself a lot in the gray area and we’re all human and we are all just doing our best with what we have. And so that’s something that I just want people to always remember with every single episode.

Tyler: Yeah. I think it’s gonna be great. I’m very, very excited. So this is the first episode and so going forward, this is what you can expect. More conversations, a little bit more laid back, but still lots of super useful things for your business. Now, Akua, if they want to get a little bit more tactical, a little bit more of the like nitty gritty, the X’s and O’s, what would be the best place for them to go do that?

Akua: Yeah. So really excited because we are also kind of putting in a plan as well because there is just such a plethora of knowledge from not only like from the Independent Business Podcast, also Unbreakable Business. And so. We really want business owners to be successful. And I think I have seen, especially with like clients, um, execution is hard for a lot of people.

It really is. And execution is what’s truly going to, even if you can execute on one little thing, that’s again, to your point, I was like, that’s, what’s going to move the needle in your business. And so we are going to definitely take some of these topics on the show and put them on our YouTube channel, like where we.

Actually now implement how, like, what does it look like to actually implement some of these tactics that we’ve learned from the show? And so, because I do want people like, yes, this is a great list and I love it, but I want people to be successful. I want people to know that I’m in their corner. I want people to know that HoneyBook is in their corner.

And so, you know what I mean? That’s what I’m really excited for is for us to take some of these tips and tactics that business owners have seen success in, and let’s see what it actually looks like to implement it for your business.

Tyler: So up until now, we’ve had one YouTube channel that kind of hosts everything, podcasts, YouTube, all that good stuff.

But what we’re going to be doing going forward is something very exciting. We’re actually going to sort of be breaking these things out so that it’s easier for you guys to figure out where to find them, how to consume them, all that good stuff. So the Unbreakable podcast is going to have its own new YouTube channel.

So we need everybody to go over there and to subscribe to the new YouTube channel, where we’re going to put all the video versions of this podcast. If you’re watching right now, you can go over there right now and subscribe. We’re also going to be starting a brand new honey book. Education YouTube channel with a name to be determined.

That is going to be very intentional by taking different topics that are both from people who have been on the independent business podcast, who are on the new, on the unbreakable podcast, but also our community, the amazing HoneyBook community and. All those different things. We’re going to be taking very tactical, practical tips and making some, some videos that are more of the X’s and O’s, the nitty gritty, like how to get things done in your business.

And that is going to be on the new honey book education, YouTube channel. So we’re gonna have three YouTube channels in total, go subscribe to the new ones and. That’s why I’m here. Because that’s really exciting. I love YouTube. YouTube is like my favorite thing in the world. I think podcasts are great, but YouTube is really my baby.

So we’re going to be starting this up. It’s going to be, you’re going to see a big shift in the types of videos that we’re making and it’s going to be, I think you’re, you should be excited.

Akua: No, I’m really excited. I’m excited. Number one, for us to, I think that’s kind of one of my bigger goals for the Unbreakable Business Podcast is to create more of a community.

So that’s why we’re having a whole separate YouTube channel for it. And so that’s, That’s why I’m just super excited again. Like, so if you’re like somebody like I love watching YouTube videos, please subscribe to the Unbreakable Business Podcast, uh, YouTube channel because it’s where all the goodies are going to be.

Um, and I, like I said before, we’re going to be taking some of these tactical pieces and creating and putting in that new education channel, um, on YouTube. So I’m, I’m just, I’m, I’m excited for the changes that are coming and how the podcast can just really make an impact in all areas for business owners.

Um, it should be really good.

Tyler: Yeah. And a lot of the same sort of things we covered in independent business podcast basically over a whole episode, it was going to be kind of condensing them down to make them a little more, more digestible, more straightforward, more tactical. So if you like tactical stuff, the YouTube channel is going to be for you stay right here for all the good, you know, inspiration and storytelling and all those types of things.

And my hope is that this sort of like there’ll be this perfect meld of both the. Practical, which is very important to grow your business. But also like I was talking about that inspiration piece that you need that motivation in that belief that you can do it. And that is what I’m hoping that people will get from the podcast.

And if they are able to bring them both together, we’ll help them to grow as much as possible as a independent business owner. So thank you so much for having me on. I love a good podcast episode, but before we leave. Yeah. In the, uh, you know, carrying over the tradition from the independent business podcast

Akua: onto

Tyler: this podcast, I need to ask you the closing question.

Akua: Yep,

Tyler: we have a new question for the unbreakable business podcast, which is what does having an unbreakable business mean to you?

Akua: That is such a good question. And that’s a hard thing because you

Tyler: wrote it

Akua: I know but it’s so funny when I ask it to other people and I’m like damn I’m in that spot now and I’m like That’s a hard question to answer.

Okay, what having an unbreakable business means to me is Having the audacity to show up, having the audacity to go for what it is that you want, um, even if it doesn’t work out, right? Like again, to your point of, you, like, I wouldn’t be in this position I am. I wouldn’t have the business that I have today by sitting on the sidelines, by playing small.

And I think a lot of the times, We, and like I said, I, even when I shared my story earlier about how I instantly counted myself out when Natalie asked if I would like to take over the show, um, I instantly counted myself out. And I think a lot of us do that as business owners. And I think whether you, whether your business is exactly as you envisioned or not, Having the audacity to still show up every day because that’s what having an unbreakable business is about when that revenue is not where it’s Hidden right that’s having the audacity to still continue to show up When you just had had to fire your first client having the audacity to still continue to show up when you you know Applied for a speaking gig and you got rejected.

That’s the having the audacity to continue to show up that’s what it truly takes that’s what having an unbreakable business means to me is that when I feel awful and I don’t feel confident and I feel like what the hell am I doing? Um, and you know, nothing is working. I’m having the audacity to still be me because I see the vision and, um, to still show up.

Tyler: I love it.

Akua: Yeah.

Tyler: Great answer. Great first answer. I’m excited to hear the rest of the answers for the rest of the rest of the season, the rest of the, of the podcast. And, um, yeah, I think it’s going to be great. You’re going to crush it. I think this is perfect for you. And I’m excited to excited to hear.

Akua: Oh my gosh.

Thank you so much, Tyler. And honestly, like I said before, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for the Independent Business Podcast. Truly, we would not be here if it wasn’t for you, um, you and Haley and yeah, the team is just absolutely phenomenal. So I just at least want to say that before we part ways, but.

Tyler: I do appreciate it.

Akua: Yeah. for stopping by today. Thanks for hanging out with me.

Tyler: And lastly, I’m going to say everyone go subscribe to their YouTube channel because that’s where if you want to find me, that’s where I’m going to be hanging out over there. Me and Akua are going to kind of be going back and forth the videos, but if you want to see more YouTube goodness, head over to the YouTube channel, give both of them a little subscribe and yeah, thanks for having me.

Akua: Thank you everybody. And until next time, thanks for tuning into Unbreakable Business. If you loved today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with Someone who needs a little extra inspiration. Remember, no matter what life throws your way, you have the power to keep going and your business can be unbreakable too, until next time, keep building, keep growing and stay unbreakable.