Podcast
Taking Five
Hosted by Luz Perez Brown · EN
Taking Five is the podcast for warm-hearted founders navigating the messy middle of business—where things are working, but you know they could work better.
Hosted by Luz Perez Brown, operations strategist, designer, and founder of Willow and Jax, each episode features honest conversations with creative service providers who've made brave pivots, set boundaries, grown their businesses slow and steady, and learned to trust themselves along the way.
You'll hear real stories about reinvention, sustainable growth, choosing the uncomfortable path, and what it really takes to build a business that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
If you're ready to rethink the rules, slow down to speed up, and build with more intention, this is your invitation to take five.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep: 7 Finale: Letting Go of the Plan and Entering the Chat
Apr 2800:16:15Tap to summarizeStarting a podcast wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done, but here we are, wrapping up Season 2, and I'm so proud of what Taking Five is becoming!In this episode, I'm sharing some behind-the-scenes moments of what it was like to start, fine-tune, and eventually trust what was happening naturally. I talk about what it looked like to loosen my grip, and why the messy, fumbling parts are necessary to get to the other side.If you can see what's waiting on the other side for you but haven't quite stuck the landing yet, pull up a chair. This one's for us.In this episode, we talk about:Why overpreparing almost got in the way of the podcast I actually wanted to makeWhy I had to go back to Kaitlyn Parker with my tail between my legsWhat "Life of Leisure" means to me this season and how it shows up in the way we buildThis season wouldn't have been what it was without some really incredible guests. Go show them some love:Dalia Soles at Design AssistedIntuition Coach Kaileen Elise SuesKrista at Krista Reynolds PhotographyHaley David Wilson at Money RebelNicole Hart at The Nicole HartThank you for being here this season, truly. Now go take five, boo. You've earned it.In this episode:In the Margins: Private Sessions. An exclusive seasonal audio series to anchor into where you are right now and who you are becoming.👉 Sign up to listen to Life of Leisure
Transcribe →Ep 6: Claiming Your Seat, How Nicole Hart Helps Women Build a Personal Brand Worth Being Known For
Apr 1500:51:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I'm chatting with Nicole Hart, the founder and personal brand advisor behind Heart Brand Studio. Nicole helps women get crystal-clear on their mission, claim the seat only they can claim, and show up in the world in a way that feels true to them.We talk about what it really means to build a personal brand from the inside out, why hiding behind your business brand is costing you more than you think, and the difference between visibility and performance.We also get into:The $20 moment in the back of an Uber that changed everything for her businessWhy barrel jeans and talking head videos belong on the same list of things to stop forcingHer approach with personality tests to reveal more than just your strengthsPutting her ranty pants on at 11 pm to post a story about something that wouldn't leave her aloneIf you've ever felt like you're shouting into the void or wondered what it would look like to finally let people know who you actually are, this one's for you.Connect with Nicole Hart:Website: nicolehart.comInstagram: @thenicolehartNever miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.🎧 Come take five with us
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Ep 5: Decentering Money, How Hayley David Wilson Left a Thriving Business and Started Over
Mar 3100:49:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I'm joined by Hayley David Wilson, founder of Money Rebel, a business development and education hub for women entrepreneurs. Hayley spent nearly a decade scaling a customized cleaning company from a college dorm room in Iowa before walking away at its peak to build something that checked more than just the money box.We talk about what it really looks like to leave something that's working, the slow realization that a business can be profitable and still feel completely wrong, and what she calls "decentering money" — and why it's not as scary as it sounds.We also get into:The Liquid Death rabbit hole and why the dumbest idea is sometimes the best oneHow a commercial client bailing a week before their contract changed everythingStaring out the window with coffee in silence as the ultimate flex of a toddler momWhy Frozen 3 is basically a masterclass in patience, trust, and long-game thinkingIf you've ever opened a check, felt nothing, and quietly wondered what that means, this one's for you.Connect with Hayley David Wilson:Website: moneyrebelco.comInstagram: @themoneyrebel Podcast: Bad for BusinessNever miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.🎧 Come take five with us
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Ep 4: Starting Fresh, How Krista Reynolds Moved Cross-Country and Reset Her Business
Mar 1800:56:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I'm joined by Krista Reynolds, a photographer of 19 years who recently uprooted her entire life—her business, her family, and her rhythms—to move from Minnesota to Arizona.Krista shares what it's like to run a business while raising three kids (plus fostering four more), teaching nine fitness classes a week, and juggling every client request that came her way. We talk about the slow burn of burnout, the guilt that comes with saying no, and how moving across the country forced her to finally ask: what do I actually want my business to feel like?We also get into:Why hiring an editor was the first step toward reclaiming her time (and why it took two years to do it)The difference between reacting to your business and intentionally building oneWhy fitness became her non-negotiable (and how waking up at 4:15 a.m. made it work)Navigating the mental and logistical challenges of moving with kids while running a businessFinding community in a new city without forcing itIf you've ever felt like you're just keeping your head above water, or wondered what it would take to start fresh without burning it all down, this conversation will remind you that you can rebuild on your own terms.Connect with Krista Reynolds:Instagram: @kristareynolds.photographyWebsite: Krista Reynolds PhotographyNever miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.🎧 Come take five with us
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Ep 3: Writing Your Own Rules, How Kaileen Elise Sues Leads Through Self-Trust & Evolution
Mar 501:03:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I'm joined by Kaileen Elise Sues, a podcast host, mother, and intuition coach who's redefining what success looks like on her own terms.Kaileen shares her journey of self-discovery through motherhood, and how becoming a stay-at-home mom challenged her to question everything she thought she knew about achievement, creativity, and purpose. We talk about what it's like to carve out your own path when it doesn't look like what you expected, and why trusting your intuition matters more than following someone else's blueprint.We also get into:Navigating motherhood when you don't fit the traditional moldWhy your definition of success should evolve as you doThe power of trusting your intuition and leading yourself firstHow repetition in your messaging builds trust (not boredom)Finding creativity in unexpected places, even when you don't see yourself as an artistIf you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough, or wondered what success really means for you, this conversation will remind you that you get to write your own definition—and it's allowed to change.Connect with Kaileen Elise Sues:Website: Kaileen EliseInstagram: @kaileenelisePodcast: Celebrate CultivateNever miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.🎧 Come take five with us
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Ep. 2: Leading with Stillness, How Dalia Soles Prioritizes Family, Mental Health, and Team Autonomy
Feb 1800:59:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I'm sitting down with Dalia Soles of Design Assisted, an interior design operations expert who's experienced some serious personal and professional transformation over the past year.Dalia gets real about what it's been like to navigate the shifts in her business while prioritizing her mental health, strengthening her marriage, and learning to create more space for stillness and patience. We talk about transitioning into a family business with her husband, and how that's changed the way she shows up as a leader.We also get into:How understanding your nervous system can change the way you manage stressWhy patience and stillness are essential for sustainable growthWhat it looks like to transition into a family business (and make sure your marriage stays strong)Rethinking marketing as connection, not just visibilityHow travel can shift your perspective and open new doorsIf you've ever felt stuck between who you were and who you're becoming, this conversation will remind you that change doesn't have to be rushed—it can be intentional, grounded, and deeply meaningful.Connect with Dalia Soles: Website: Design AssistedInstagram: @designassistedMentioned on the podcast: Intuition Coach Emily Judice: That Girl Emily JudiceNever miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.🎧 Come take five with us
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Ep 1: Built in Seasons: Finishing, Pausing, and Starting Again for Steady Momentum
Feb 1800:08:42Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season Two of Taking Five! In this solo episode, I'm getting into why I structure this podcast, and honestly, most of my goals in seasons instead of committing to something open-ended and indefinite.If you've ever started something with excitement only to watch it fizzle out halfway through, I'm sharing why having a finish line changes everything, what I did during the pause between Season One and Season Two, and how you can use this same strategy to finally finish what you start.We also get into:Why projects with no end date tend to lose momentum (and how seasons fix that)The power of public accountability and picking a dateHow to know when something is "done" and why that mattersThe difference between back-pocket offers and full-time commitmentsWhy thinking in sprints might be the key to sustainable growthIf you're a project-based person like me, or if you've been putting off a goal because it feels too big, this episode will show you how to break it down, commit to a season, and actually follow through.What's coming this season: Season Two is packed with honest conversations about stepping away from long-term careers, pivoting without being emotionally tied to money, how visibility affects your life, and learning to trust your intuition even when the path forward isn't clear.Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.👉 Come take five with us
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Ep 7: Season Reflections, Following Courage, Curiosity, and the Decisions That Shape Us
Nov 1800:07:58Tap to summarizeHi friends! In this season finale, I'm taking a moment to pause and reflect on the journey we've shared inside Taking Five. What began as a small creative project has grown into something so meaningful, thanks to the conversations I've had with each guest and the stories you've shared with me along the way.In this episode, I'm revisiting some of my favorite takeaways from the season—from the quiet bravery behind making aligned decisions (even when they feel scary) to continuously working from a place of intention. These conversations reminded me that there is always more (or sometimes less) waiting on the other side of a choice, and that ambition is more about commitment than it is about desire.I also share what's coming next for the show as we move into Season Two.Follow all of this season's amazing guests:Kaitlyn Parker // Copy Uncorked: @copyuncorkedSamantha MacKinnon: @strategybysamMaggie Reina // Viola Hill Studio: @violahillstudioBrooke Stoll: brooke__stoll_Xanthe Appleyard // Oh Sierra: @xanthe.appleyardNever miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.👉 Come take five with usThank you for tuning in, sharing your messages, and being part of this little corner of the internet. I'm so grateful you're here. Here's to more clarity, more alignment, and more courage in the next season!
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Ep 6: Soft Strategy in a Noisy World, How Xanthe Appleyard Creates from Capacity & Connection
Oct 3100:45:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Taking Five, I'm joined by Xanthe Appleyard of Oh Sierra, a social media strategist, content creator, and writer who's made it her mission to bring more ease and authenticity into the digital space.We chat about what it really looks like to build an intentional, sustainable rhythm in your creation practice. Xanthe shares how she balances structure with spontaneity, makes space for reflection before planning, and finds joy in showing up online without the pressure to constantly perform.Our conversation touches on:Building systems that support your creative flow (without stifling it)Staying honest about your capacity and energy in each seasonThe role of reflection in sustainable growthFinding ease and connection in how you share your workLetting simplicity be your strategy in a noisy online worldThis episode is an invitation to rethink how you approach strategy—as something soft, flexible, and rooted in self-awareness. Because sometimes the best way to grow is to slow down, reflect, and create from a place that just feels good.Connect with Xanthe Appleyard from Oh Sierra:Web: Oh SierraInstagram: @xanthe.appleyardIn this episode: Life of the PartyNever miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.🎧 Come take five with us
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Ep 5: The Power of Saying No, How Brooke Stoll Niches Down, Raises Rates, and Grows Sustainably
Oct 2200:53:52Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, I sit down with Brooke Stoll, a strategic consultant for interior designers who's built her business around clarity, community, and intentional growth.Brooke shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, and how learning to say no to misaligned work, outdated pricing, and unnecessary pressure opened the door to more aligned opportunities and impact.We also get into:How community really is the heartbeat of sustainable growthWhy focusing on less can actually help your business grow moreThe emotional leap behind raising your ratesHow a little data goes a long way when making decisionsWhy saying no is an act of trust, and often the first step to more freedomIf you've ever felt stagnant and wondered how to step into the next version of yourself and your business, this episode is for you.Connect with Brooke Stoll:Website: Brooke StollInstagram: @brooke__stoll_Never miss an episode: New episodes drop regularly and the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing below. You'll get episodes delivered straight to your inbox, plus occasional resources and behind-the-scenes insights.🎧 Come take five with us
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