Creative Business Mindset™

Episode Summary

What happens when a former tech executive at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald’s sets her sights on solving one of the most overlooked problems in fashion? You get TAELOR, the AI-powered menswear rental startup that is redefining style, laundry, and confidence for busy professionals.

In this inspiring episode, Anya Cheng, CEO and Founder of TAELOR, shares her powerful story. From arriving in the U.S. with no English to launching Facebook and Instagram shopping, and now building a company that solves a real problem for men who want to look sharp wi...

Duration: 00:32:29

In this episode, I am sharing a powerful shift that transformed how I work and why I work. I call it the Workation—a blend of focused creation and intentional rest that has become a non-negotiable part of my business rhythm.

Born out of the chaos of the pandemic and refined through practice, the Workation started as an escape from distraction and became a strategy for clarity, creativity, and meaningful productivity. I’m pulling back the curtain on how stepping away has helped me build better offers, design new ideas, and come back more aligned every single time...

Duration: 00:10:53

Episode Summary

When you buy a business, are you really getting a company—or are you just buying yourself a job? In this conversation with Grant Findlay-Shirras, we explore the often-overlooked difference and why sometimes buying a job can actually be the right move if it aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

Grant’s story is one of resilience and reinvention:

Launching Canada’s largest mobile fitness franchise.Scaling a $37M real estate marketing technology company from scratch, without investors.Hitting rock bottom multiple times and discovering the power of systems.Acquiring Dekora, a 20+ year-o...

Duration: 00:49:31

The 5 Stages of the Creative Business Journey

Every creative entrepreneur hits that moment where the fun fades and business feels heavier than it looks on Instagram. But here’s the truth: you’re not failing—you’re evolving.

In this episode, Joké breaks down the five stages of the creative business journey:

The Spark – when excitement and possibility are at their peak.The High and the Heat – your first wins and your first reality checks.The Hustle Trap – booked, busy, and burned out.The Shift – when you stop being the bottleneck and start building systems.The Sweet...

Duration: 00:09:18

Are you overlooking your wins?
 In this episode of the Creative Business Mindset Podcast, Joké breaks down a powerful lesson inspired by a coaching client. Too often, creative entrepreneurs normalize their breakthroughs so quickly that they forget to celebrate them. Instead of honoring progress, we skip straight to the next problem—and in doing so, rob ourselves of joy, clarity, and confidence.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
 ✔ Why your brain downplays progress and jumps to “what’s wrong”
 ✔ The hidden danger of always chasing the next milestone
 ✔ How gratitude and celebration fuel mo...

Duration: 00:07:10

Creatives Under Pressure— A Spoken Word Tribute 

Episode Summary

In this powerful spoken word episode, Joké Durojaiye delivers a relatable, funny, and emotional tribute to every home stager who ever undercharged, overworked, and still made it look effortless.

This is not just poetry. It is real talk with rhythm.

You’ll find yourself nodding along, laughing out loud, and maybe even tearing up as Joké shares the real behind the reel. From loading your own truck to fielding drive-by staging requests, this piece will hit home in more ways than on...

Duration: 00:07:54

In this episode of Creative Business Mindset, I’m pulling back the curtain and telling the truth behind what really hit home at a recent business event where I was invited to speak.

Spoiler: It wasn’t the strategy, the automation tips, or even the tech stack breakdown that had the biggest impact.

It was one vulnerable slide.
 One raw story.
 One real moment that reminded everyone in the room—and me—that we don’t just need systems.
 We need soul.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re building alone… Duration: 00:07:19

Originality Is Overrated: Make It Yours Instead

Description:
In this episode of Creative Business Mindset, we’re flipping the script on originality. You’ve been told to stand out by being 100% original — but what if that’s holding you back? Joké Durojaiye breaks down why the pressure to be "the first" is keeping creatives, coaches, stagers, and entrepreneurs stuck. You’ll learn how to stop overthinking, start creating, and build something that resonates — even if it's already been done before.

Because the truth is, nothing is new under the sun — but everything can be done your way.<...

Duration: 00:06:25

In this episode, Joké gets real about what it means to be visible online without losing yourself in the process. With everyone shouting “be authentic!” from the rooftops, it’s easy to feel pressured into sharing every moment of your life for the algorithm. But where’s the line between real connection and oversharing?

From lessons learned on her own journey as a business owner, mother, and creative entrepreneur, Joké breaks down how to show up online your way. If you’ve ever felt torn between protecting your privacy and promoting your personal brand, this one’s for you.

Duration: 00:13:29

If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who you know you’re meant to be, this episode will shift something in you.

In this unfiltered conversation, I sit down with my coach, my friend, and one of Africa’s most trusted voices in personal and business transformation—Steve Harris. From helping entrepreneurs generate $17 million in six weeks to showing everyday people how to exceed their “perceived impossible,” Steve doesn’t just teach. He activates.

We unpack what it really means to position yourself for premium clients, why your pricing should follow your perceptio...

Duration: 00:38:51

Mommy Dearest: The Legacy of Woman Who Fed Strangers And Raised Generations

This special Mother’s Day episode is unlike any I’ve ever recorded.

Today, I honor my mother, our beloved Sisi Mi.
A phenomenal woman who made everyone feel seen, safe, and full—whether through a hot meal, a warm bed, or a listening ear.

She didn’t leave behind a business, but she built a legacy.
 Not with strategies, but with a hot plate. Not with titles, but with tenderness.

If you knew her, you called her Sisi...

Duration: 00:06:54

Baking Big Dreams: The Cookie Empire That Became a Delta Airlines Favorite

What do farm-to-table culinary roots, a love story in Bogotá, and a cookie served on Delta Airlines all have in common? They’re all part of Brooke Perez’s journey as the co-founder of Seattle-based Bell’s Cookies. In this episode, Brooke shares how she went from studying at the Culinary Institute of America to launching a bakery in Colombia, and eventually building a cookie brand that’s now enjoyed by thousands of airline passengers mid-flight.

We discuss the real-life hustle behind turning a homegro...

Duration: 00:26:44

Are you multi-talented but stuck in analysis paralysis, trying to pick the “right” path? In this episode, Joké Durojaiye shares a powerful, practical approach to help multi-passionate creatives, students, and entrepreneurs overcome the overwhelm and move forward with clarity.

From the advice she gave her college-bound daughter to the lessons she’s learned from her own entrepreneurial journey, Joké breaks down how to identify your “moneymaker talent,” create financial stability, and still leave room to explore your creative passions—without going broke or burning out.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why being multi-talented i...

Duration: 00:12:04

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the not so sexy side of business that will keep you in business.  A conversation most creative entrepreneurs avoid—but NEED to knwo. Yep, we’re talking money, profitability, and the messy side of business finance. And if the numbers make your head spin, you are in good company.

To walk us through it all, I’m joined by Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting, where she helps small business owners increase profitability, reduce taxes, and scale smarter using simple financial strategies.

We unpack why so many small busin...

Duration: 00:45:21

summary
In this inspiring conversation, Anne Alexander shares her journey of reinvention and resilience as she relaunches her acting career at 47 after a long hiatus. She discusses the challenges she faced, including overcoming obstacles, imposter syndrome, and ageism in the creative industry. Anne emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, embracing a beginner's mindset, and the power of community and mentorship in achieving one's dreams. Her passion project, 'Passion Project to Pro,' aims to help others navigate their own journeys of transformation and success.

takeaways
Anne moved to Germany for love and had to...

Duration: 00:35:39

Have you ever adjusted to something inconvenient without realizing it? In today’s episode, I share a story about a lightbulb in my closet that went out—and how I walked in the dark for a whole year before finally fixing it. It seemed like a small thing, but it became a powerful reminder of how often we settle for less, simply because we’ve gotten used to it.

We do this in our careers, relationships, and personal growth. We tell ourselves it’s not a big deal, but over-time, settling for “good enough” keeps us stuck. Today, we ar...

Duration: 00:07:27

Keywords
resilience, entrepreneurship, motherhood, skills, adaptability, personal growth, career transition, stay-at-home mom, leadership, empowerment

Summary
In this conversation, Joké Durojaiye shares her personal journey of resilience and adaptability as she transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to an entrepreneur. She emphasizes the valuable skills that motherhood imparts, which are transferable to the workplace and entrepreneurship. Through her experiences, she encourages other mothers to recognize their strengths and embrace their journeys as they pursue new opportunities.

Takeaways
Motherhood equips you with invaluable leadership skills.

Every experience as a mom prepares you f...

Duration: 00:17:39

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Rebecca Hay, a Toronto-based interior designer, business coach, and host of the Resilient by Design podcast. We discuss how she transitioned from working with budget clients to running a multi-million-dollar design firm, the challenges of hiring and team-building, and why systems and processes are the key to success in business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Rebecca broke free from the budget client loop and started attracting high-paying clients.The biggest lessons from her "lemon project" and how it transformed her business.Why hiring based on...

Duration: 00:37:16

In this engaging conversation, Joké Durojaiye interviews Kishah Langham, a prominent figure in the home staging and design industry. Kishah shares her journey from being the first African-American woman to own a bed and breakfast in Wisconsin to founding Texas Stages. The discussion covers her transition into home staging, the challenges she faced as a woman of color in the industry, and the importance of mentorship and networking. Kishah emphasizes the need for diversity in design and shares her philosophy on creating spaces that promote well-being. The conversation concludes with practical advice for aspiring stagers and the significance of b...

Duration: 00:27:25

In this episode, I reflect on the past year, expressing gratitude for the support received and sharing significant milestones achieved. I discusse the importance of embracing change, the power of mindset, and the courage to overcome fear and judgment. Also, I emphasize the value of solitude for deep reflection and strategic thinking, and I encourage you to set intentions for the new year focused on experiences rather than more goals. The episode concludes with a call to take small, sustainable steps towards personal and professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on the Past Year

03:09 Embracing...

Duration: 00:22:39

Our podcast has a new name: The Creative Business Mindset! This change comes straight from your feedback, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the direction we’re heading.

While home staging has been a big part of our journey, I wanted to broaden the scope to include a variety of entrepreneurial topics. Don’t worry—the heart of the podcast isn’t changing. You can still expect practical advice and inspiring stories, but now we’ll be bringing on a wider range of guests and diving into different industries. My goal is to provide even more actiona...

Duration: 00:04:16

Home Staging Business Tips And Real Estate Marketing

Guest: Lew Corcoran
Host: Joké Durojaiye

In this conversation, I sit down with Lew Corcoran, a multifaceted home staging expert with a background in real estate and photography. Lew shares his journey from real estate to home staging and photography, emphasizing the importance of technology such as drones and virtual tours in enhancing property listings. He discusses the significance of floor plans in staging and how they aid in visualizing space. 

The conversation also covers key elements for effective staging and photography, common mistakes in...

Duration: 00:33:27

In this engaging conversation, Joké Durojaiye and Marianne Cherico explore the world of home staging, discussing Marianne's extensive background in real estate and staging, the importance of mindset in overcoming barriers, and strategies for building relationships with real estate agents. They emphasize the significance of visibility, networking, and the mindset required for success in the home staging business. In this conversation, Joké Durojaiye discusses the challenges faced by real estate agents, the importance of building sustainable business models, and the need to understand profitability and pricing in the home staging industry. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration over competition an...

Duration: 00:37:36

Host: Joké Durojaiye
Guest: Ellen Mann, President of Chrysalis Creative Home Staging

In this episode I am joined by the insightful Ellen Mann, President of Chrysalis Creative Home Staging, to dive into the nuances of building a successful home staging business. We kick things off with a discussion on the importance of selling oneself in the world of real estate, emphasizing the necessity of speaking the "business language" to attract potential clients. Ellen also shares her journey of transitioning from change management to home staging, offering invaluable tips on starting and sustaining a boutique business, including s...

Duration: 00:39:53

Collaboration Over Competition 
Real Estate And Home Staging with Chan Davies

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend and creative partner, Chan Davis, who is a licensed real estate agent and the CEO of Stellar Interiors. We talk about how choosing collaboration over competition has helped us grow in the home staging business. From starting out as warehouse neighbors to becoming close business partners, we share how working together and blending our unique styles has made both of us better at what we do.

This episode is full of personal stori...

Duration: 00:26:26

 How to Start and Scale Your Home Staging Business

Host: Joké Durojaiye
Guest: Tanya Nazaria, Founder of Brilliant Staging and Home Design

Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Tanya’s Journey

Tanya shares her unexpected path from law enforcement to home staging, starting Brilliant Staging in Seattle, and recently selling it after eight years.Background in business, marketing, and accounting set Tanya up for success, helping her transition into a new industry.The Unexpected Start in StagingTanya’s passion for design was discovered as she staged her own home for sale, receiving overwhelming positi...

Duration: 00:34:39

Seasonal challenges in home staging and how to plan for them
Introduction

Overview of the challenges home stagers face with the seasonal slowdown.Real estate activity decreases after September as families focus on school routines and holiday preparations.Home staging and real estate businesses often experience feast-or-famine cycles.

The Seasonal Struggle

Expenses continue despite the slowdown, including high warehouse costs.Seasonal cycle stress and financial challenges without proactive planning.

Five Key Strategies for Managing Seasonal Flow

Diversify Your ServicesAvoid relying solely on staging; explore complementary services.Clients are often interested in...

Duration: 00:20:39

 What They Don’t Tell You About Starting a Business: 6 Powerful Lessons from My Home Staging Journey 

In this special episode, I’m celebrating the 6th anniversary of my home staging business by sharing six powerful lessons that have shaped my entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're just starting out, thinking about launching your own business, or are already a seasoned pro, these insights will help you fast-track your growth, avoid common mistakes, and set your business up for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

Don’t Be a Superhero – Delegate to Grow
When you're starting as a solop...

Duration: 00:18:19

Starting Your Home Staging Business – Overcoming Fear, Building Confidence, and Setting Up for Success

Welcome to the Business of Home Staging Podcast! In Episode 1, host Joké Durojaiye, a real estate expert and founder of Genesis Home Staging in Seattle, shares her journey from real estate to running a thriving home staging business. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of launching your business even when things aren’t perfect.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Starting Your Home Staging Journey: How Joké’s experience as a real estate agent and...

Duration: 00:21:11

How to start a home staging business

Business of Home Staging is the podcast for aspiring home stagers and entrepreneurs in any field looking to grow and scale their businesses. Hosted by Joké Durojaiye, a Small Business Consultant, Business Coach, and Mentor with extensive experience as a Real Estate Broker. Joké is an award-winning home staging expert, a Director on the National Board of the Real Estate Staging Association, a Licensed Real Estate Instructor, and a three-time nominee for the Most Influential People in Real Estate Staging.

Whether you're in the industry or just curious ab...

Duration: 00:01:18