Unpolished Empire

What does it actually mean to be a life coach, and how is it different from a consultant, a mentor, or a therapist? In this episode, Sara sits down with certified life coach Sheila Leclerc to untangle those distinctions and talk about why they matter if you're thinking about hiring support for your business or life. Sheila also breaks down the sneaky science behind "slow season" thin...

About This Episode In this episode, Sara sits down with Koren Palmer, founder of Host Bookkeeping Systems Incorporated, a remote bookkeeping firm based on Vancouver Island. With 20 years of experience helping business owners get a handle on their finances, Koren brings a refreshingly direct and human-centered approach to an industry that can feel intimidating. From their family roots in small busi...

In this episode of Unpolished Empire , Sara sits down with Madii Carruthers, mom of three and founder of both Luxe Salts and Madly Fun Events, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really looks like to build a business that evolves with you. Madii shares her journey from network marketing into creating two businesses of her own, and how that path helped her redefine what success act...

In this episode, Sara sits down with writer, speaker, and creative entrepreneur Kate Tremills to explore what it really looks like to build a career—and a life—on your own terms. From leaving the film industry to becoming a bestselling author, Kate shares how reclaiming creative control led to a more aligned and fulfilling path. The conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship that of...

In this episode of Unpolished Empire , Sara sits down with Jillian Lawrence to talk about the side of entrepreneurship we don’t see on Instagram. Jillian shares how she became an accidental entrepreneur, built a thriving marketing business with a growing team, and hit a breaking point that forced her to rethink everything. What looked like success from the outside came with burnout, overwhelm, and...

This episode is a solo episode with Sara, where she shares early lessons she has learned in business. Want to connect with the show on Instagram? Come join in on the fun here: https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/

Laura Forsythe is the owner of LJW Creative Photography, a lifestyle photography business focused on families, couples, and intimate weddings. Her work centers on natural connection, honest storytelling, and creating images that feel true to real life. In this episode, we talk about success, body image, knowing when it is time for a change, and finding your supportive group! Connect with Laura on...

In this episode, Sara sits down with Syd Heron of Heron Hill Farm to talk about the realities of homesteading, farming, and building a small business rooted in the land. Syd shares the story behind their 150-acre farm in western Quebec, where they grow lavender, raise livestock, and create natural bath and body products using ingredients grown directly on the farm. The conversation explores the ch...

This was such a fun conversation! Jenny Higgins is the face of @its.jenny.fit , where she helps women build strength AND confidence. Sara and Jenny talk about success, current trends in the fitness industry, and showing up authentically.

Sara goes on a bit of a rant this episode about opinions and how they can prevent growth. Follow the show on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/ Follow Sara on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/timeinthevalley/

This episode helps lay the foundation for the first season of Unpolished Empire. In this episode, Sara discusses her perspective on the messy middle in business. Connect with the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/ Connect with Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timeinthevalley/

Welcome to the very first episode of Unpolished Empire . In this opening episode, host Sara Bjornson shares why this podcast exists — and why she was done waiting for someone else to create the business conversations she was craving. If you’ve ever looked at your business and thought, “I should feel more confident than this by now,” you’re in precisely the right place. This episode is about the sp...