Best Calligraphers Podcasts (2025)

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151: Will AI Replace Calligraphers? 20:15

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21d ago20:15

20:15

Is AI about to put calligraphers out of business? I put it to the test…and what I found might surprise you. In this episode of Creative Business Real Talk, I share my honest reaction after testing a “calligraphy generator” inside ChatGPT, and why it shook me… initially. I have a lot of students who send me questions about AI replacing calligraphy j…

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153: Reddit called me trash... and I’m still here (how I got over my fear of criticism) 19:37

7d ago19:37

19:37

Have you ever been too afraid to put yourself out there for fear of what people might say? Yeah…me too. Especially when I searched my own business on Reddit and found a thread calling me a snake (Word of advice - DON’T do what I did, unless you have thick skin).... In this episode of Creative Business Real Talk, I’m getting honest about the fear of…

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152: Your First Client Is Closer Than You Think 14:58

14d ago14:58

14:58

Think building a calligraphy business means you need a full-blown plan, a perfect brand portfolio, and a social media master? Think again. In this video, I share two real stories—of students who started scared, took action, and booked their first gigs within weeks. I’ll tell you exactly what to focus on in order to get your business going with your…

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150: From corporate to “artist”? How shifting identities unlocks growth. 13:45

28d ago13:45

13:45

If calling yourself an "artist" makes you cringe... I get you, and it doesn't always have to feel that way. In this warm n’ fuzzy episode, I’m taking you back to the exact moment one tiny click on Instagram changed the entire trajectory of my life. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “creative enough,” “artistic enough,” or whether calligraphy i…

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149: Profitable Calligraphy Pathways 15:55

1M ago15:55

15:55

Are you trying to turn your love for calligraphy into real income - but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you need to go viral to make it work? Good news: You don’t. In this video, I’m sharing two proven calligraphy business pathways that can help you start earning - no huge audience required - and breaking them down step-by-step so it actually feel…

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148: $1 Million with One Thing - What Most Creatives Get Wrong About Growth 20:19

1M ago20:19

20:19

What’s the secret to building a million-dollar creative business? It’s not hustle…it’s focus. In this episode of Creative Business Real Talk, I break down the real numbers behind my million-dollar course sales - and the sneaky way I kept sabotaging my own success. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a million directions, this is your permission to simpli…

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147: Building A $900K Calligraphy Business 10:50

2M ago10:50

10:50

In this episode, I share how I was able to scale my small calligraphy business... because I had a mentor who believed I could do it. You’ll hear: (1:30) The three things that allowed me to scale my business successfully (5:30) The pandemic - being prepared at the right time for your moment of opportunity (6:50) Why believing it’s possible is a MAND…

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146: Burnt-Out Lawyer to Full-Time Calligraphy Business 18:09

2M ago18:09

18:09

From Corporate to Creative: a 10-Year Journey What if the career you worked so hard to build… turned out to be a giant soul-suck? In this episode, I share my real journey from miserable Ivy League lawyer to building a wildly successful $900K/year calligraphy business to scaling down to a leaner "enough" business. I’m breaking down my revenue, year …

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Summer Memories: The Movie, Celebrating Happy Moments Together in Lebanon 16:03

3M ago16:03

16:03

ذكريات الصيف: الفيلم، فلنحتفل بالصيف معًا في لبنان Video Playlist of Lebanon:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdtvQKJL0GYemMMcnlj9N-PaThYSTZt3u&si=bGqyM9yQWL8zQSIA Interviews with Anthony Rahayelhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdtvQKJL0GYeC0uXgipARZWYzhFbdjoVB "Welcome to those who believe in spreading happiness, to those who believe in th…

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Portraits of Life: Episode 7| Life Lessons from a Dedicated School Director, Nohad Al Hamra 55:55

3M ago55:55

55:55

من الناس :الحلقة 7| دروس حياتية من مدير مدرسة عصامي متفاني، نهاد الحمراء Nohad's School:https://m.facebook.com/100004971077262/ Nohad's Book:https://booksgardenstore.com/ar/shop/متى-تشرق-الشّمس/ Portraits of Life Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdtvQKJL0GYcQ-dwpKIIF1-WgqKHZh09S Video Playlist of Lebanon:https://youtube.com/playlist…

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Abou Salim: 96 Years of Age with a Shocking Memory and Unique Intelligence. The 65 Years Journey (Part2) 53:40

3M ago53:40

53:40

أبو سليم: 96 عاماً بذاكرة صادمة وذكاء فريد مناقشة مفتوحة (الجزء الثاني) PART 1: https://youtu.be/1ljTirk6A60 PART 2: https://youtu.be/XwTRrs9Q8a0 https://elcinema.com/en/work/1747600/cast https://french.sawtbeirut.com/program_name/abou-salim-online/ https://icibeyrouth.com/culture/198125 Salah Tizani (in Arabic صلاح تيزاني), full name Salaheddine M…

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Abou Salim: 96 Years of Age with a Shocking Memory and Unique Intelligence. The 65 Years Journey . 43:43

3M ago43:43

43:43

أبو سليم: 96 عاماً بذاكرة صادمة وذكاء فريد مناقشة مفتوحة (الجزء الأول) PART 1: https://youtu.be/1ljTirk6A60 PART 2: https://youtu.be/XwTRrs9Q8a0. https://elcinema.com/en/work/1747600/cast https://french.sawtbeirut.com/program_name/abou-salim-online/ https://icibeyrouth.com/culture/198125 Salah Tizani (in Arabic صلاح تيزاني), full name Salaheddine M…

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145: End of Season 3 and What's Next 21:05

7M ago21:05

21:05

Direct links to the most popular, valuable and impactful episodes of the show right here: crookedcalligraphy.com/bestof -- Why I'm taking a little break from the weekly podcast and how it might be changing next season! Including: A quick business lesson on lead, nurture & sales content (and which one Podcasts are best for) Why I started this podcas…

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144: Ask for Trash to Get Hired (with Biz Student Lisa Doty) 30:51

7M ago30:51

30:51

This inspiring interview with student Lisa Doty will fire you up! Lisa didn’t learn calligraphy from me (she studied under a traditional master calligrapher) but she still found herself stuck and scared to start her business. Then she joined our Calligraphy Biz Starter Course, and in under a year, everything shifted. She went from hiding her callig…

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143: Your Counterintuitive Next Step Towards Pro Calligrapher 19:33

7M ago19:33

19:33

Rome wasn’t built in a day – and neither was any (decent) business. It was built over thousands of tiny micro-decisions, leading to compounding effects that eventually became BIG. Gorgeous buildings, architecture that has inspired masses, and historical significance spanning centuries. Likewise, when you’re establishing a business, you can’t just c…

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142: How Calligraphy Creates Confidence 26:54

7M ago26:54

26:54

Looking for a confidence boost or wondering how creative hobbies like calligraphy can change your life? Elisha took one of my very first in-person workshops back in 2016… and walked away with her entire life turned upside down. She joined that workshop in her early 20s, feeling like there was something wrong with her. But now, 8 years later, pursui…

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141: Stop Moving the Goal Posts in your Creative Business 19:26

8M ago19:26

19:26

You finally hit the goal. You should feel proud, satisfied, even a little celebratory. But instead? Your brain whispers, “Okay, cool… what’s next?” In this episode, I unpack the arrival fallacy and why it keeps creative business owners stuck in a cycle of never-enough, even when we’re living the life we once dreamed of: What “arrival fallacy” is an…

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140: Profitable Brand Partnerships 28:50

8M ago28:50

28:50

Think a brand partnership is just a one-time gig? Think again! When you find the right brand partnership, it can be a win-win(win) for everyone involved! Early in my career, Apolis, a national retail brand, brought me in to customize their jute tote bags. When I started working with them, never could I have known the multi-beneficial aspects of our…

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139: Boost Sales without Finding New Clients (with Strategic Upsells) 26:24

8M ago26:24

26:24

Advanced Calligraphy Skills Studio - 50% off sale ends May 5, 2025! -- Struggling to find enough clients for your calligraphy business? What if you didn’t need more clients—just better ways to serve the ones you already have? In this episode, we explore how to increase your revenue without constantly hunting for new leads. Learn to think of each cu…

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138: Deciding When To Take The Leap (When To Leave Your Job) 30:23

8M ago30:23

30:23

One of the biggest and scariest questions I get from those around me is, “How did you know when it was time to leave? How did you choose the unknown over security?” Ooof, that’s a tough one. If you aren’t familiar with my story, about 10 years ago I was an unhappy, overtired, pent up corporate lawyer who had reached the end of my rope and decided I…

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137: Get More Clients Now (How to Pitch Yourself) 33:55

9M ago33:55

33:55

One of the most common headaches for new business owners is figuring out where to find clients. I promise you, there is no “secret club” filled to the brim with potential clients just waiting for you to find it. The real truth? You don’t find clients, you grow them - through consistent, intentional outreach. In this episode of The Shinah Show, I’m …

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136: Selling at Craft Fairs - Essential Advice (With Updates!) 41:48

9M ago41:48

41:48

“The point of this isn’t actually to bring in a lot of money… the point is to get your name out there!” - Shinah We're back with an oldie but goodie - with even MORE advice packed into this episode! We’re entering into the Spring and Summer, and you know what that means! It’s time for craft fairs and outdoor markets! For creative entrepreneurs, thi…

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135: The Trap of Constant Self-Improvement 15:57

9M ago15:57

15:57

It’s OK to Stop Growing Once in Awhile This is a short, light-hearted episode about a new podcast that's delighting me and a new creative endeavor (completely unrelated to calligraphy) that's really fueling me right now. 💁🏻‍♀️Listen in to hear: How I'm thinking about "self-improvement" now that I'm in my mid-40s What the wealthiest, oldest people a…

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134: Lucrative Calligraphy Events (With LaTache Tindale) 36:41

9M ago36:41

36:41

LaTache began her calligraphy journey just a few short months ago – after dusting off a 4 – year old gifted calligraphy kit that had been sitting in the back of her closet. Now, she’s almost made her full course investment back off of one referral from a friend, that just happened to be for a high end brand needing place cards for a Michelin Star d…

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133: A "Right Now" Personal Update 31:21

10M ago31:21

31:21

It’s been 10 years since I started Crooked Calligraphy – and I’m finally where my 2015 self always dreamed I’d be. I have a steady $200K a year business, 3-day workweek, and I’m more at peace than I ever have been. But the truth is, that peace has come from a lot of resilience, faith in myself, and ability to ride the waves (and it’s been *quite* a…

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132: Calligraphy Biz In Korea (With Lisa MacIntyre) 31:22

10M ago31:22

31:22

What if you wanted to start a calligraphy business… but you lived in the “wrong” place? Like a country where nobody speaks English (the one and only language you speak)?? That’s exactly what happened to Lisa MacIntyre, who has lived in a small town in Korea for the past 20 years. She found our MC201 course and, despite not being able to find ANY su…

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131: Digital Calligraphy Essentials (Vectorizing, Revenue Streams & Pricing) 37:26

10M ago37:26

37:26

When a single corporate client paid me over $10K for one project — and $6K of that was digital calligraphy — I knew I had to pull back the curtain on this game-changing skill! While I would describe myself as a pen-and-paper calligrapher, digitized calligraphy has become a necessary add-on to most of my commissions. Of course, most of my clients in…

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Life Lessons from a Dedicated Self-Made School Director, Nohad Al Hamra 55:55

10M ago55:55

55:55

Nohad Al Hamra’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to education. As a self-made school director, she has spent years shaping young minds, overcoming challenges, and building a learning environment that fosters growth and opportunity. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the impact of …

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130: "No Ones Buying My Calligraphy!" (What To Do Instead Of Giving Up) 27:17

10M ago27:17

27:17

You’ve FINALLY booked a spot at your local craft fair to sell your calligraphy. You pay the deposit, create your inventory, follow all the tips to set up the *perfect* booth, and… *crickets*. 🦗 Hundreds of people walk by, only TWO stop to peruse—and suddenly your brain goes, “This will NEVER work. I’m not cut out for this. No one’s interested in ca…

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The Calligrapher Abdo Ziadeh, 50 Years of Mastery 38:37

10M ago38:37

38:37

For over 50 years, Abdo Ziadeh has dedicated his life to the art of calligraphy, transforming words into masterpieces with precision, passion, and an unyielding commitment to his craft. A true guardian of this timeless art, Abdo's journey is one of discipline, creativity, and the pursuit of perfection. Through his work, he has preserved tradition w…

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129: How To Get Over Criticism (And Sell Your Calligraphy Anyways) 21:55

10M ago21:55

21:55

If you’ve ever feared someone criticizing you for selling your creative product, listen up! If you’re new here – welcome! My name is Shinah, and I unabashedly sell premium level curse-word laced calligraphy courses on a very public scale – and over the past 8 years, I’ve gotten a lot of shit for that. But if you’re not new, you know those neigh say…

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Samir Riman: The Persistent Engineer Leading Workshops for Decades 24:10

11M ago24:10

24:10

Samir Riman is a dedicated engineer whose persistence and passion have defined his decades-long career. A true mentor, he has spent years leading workshops, shaping the minds of aspiring engineers, and sharing his vast knowledge. Through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Samir has not only mastered his craft but has…

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128: How to Manage Time in Your Art Biz 28:04

11M ago28:04

28:04

🎧 Are You Actually Growing Your Business—Or Just Keeping Busy? If your to-do list looks more like a laundry list, and you’re constantly posting on Instagram, answering emails, and juggling customer inquiries—but somehow, your big goals keep getting pushed aside—this episode is for you. Today, we’re breaking down the difference between working in yo…

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Life Lessons from a 95-Year-Old Gem from Hasbaya Mohamad Abou Dehn 37:44

11M ago37:44

37:44

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with 95-year-old Mohamad Abou Dehn, a true gem from Hasbaya, to uncover a lifetime of wisdom, resilience, and unforgettable stories. From his experiences growing up in Lebanon to the lessons he's gathered over nearly a century, Mohamad shares his perspective on family, perseverance, and the changing world arou…

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127: How to feel in control of your art biz 29:48

11M ago29:48

29:48

Feel Like Your Biz is Running You? Here’s How to Take Back Control You’re working your butt off, posting on IG, trying all the things… but the sales? Meh. 😩 It feels like your business has a mind of its own, and you’re just scrambling to keep up. I finally started feeling in control (and paying myself consistently!) when I did one thing: tracking m…

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Stories of a Locksmith from Batroun, Lebanon 0:35

11M ago0:35

0:35

In this episode, you could explore the life and experiences of a locksmith from the historic coastal town of Batroun. Dive into the daily life of a skilled tradesman, uncovering the personal stories that shape his craft, the significance of his work in the community, and how the rich history of Batroun has influenced his journey. You could also exp…

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Stories of a Potter from Bchetfine, Lebanon 0:20

11M ago0:20

0:20

Stories of a Potter from Bchetfine, Lebanon takes you into the heart of a timeless craft where clay meets storytelling. Step into the workshop of a skilled potter in the picturesque village of Bchetfine as he shapes not just pottery but tales of tradition, creativity, and perseverance. Each episode reveals the beauty of his craft, the challenges of…

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126: BONUS: Student Updates You'll Love 24:46

11M ago24:46

24:46

The Pro Calligrapher Bundle - open for enrollment through Tues, Jan 28, 2025! Five short stories from students who signed up for our calligraphy courses 2 - 5 years ago. How they’re doing (you won't believe some of them!) and what actions they've taken to continue to growing their businesses. Because an investment in our courses (and your creative …

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125: What it Really Takes to go Full-Time with Calligraphy 33:25

11M ago33:25

33:25

The most HONEST student conversation I’ve ever had Ever dreamed of leaving your job (where you feel seriously unappreciated) to build a business that truly lights you up? Sher did just that. She enrolled in our Pro Calligrapher Bundle with one goal in mind: to quit teaching and become a full-time creative. But -cough- calligraphy is definitely NOT …

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Stories of a Shoe Fixer from Saida, Lebanon 0:05

11M ago0:05

0:05

Stories of a Shoe Fixer from Saida, Lebanon invites you into the humble workshop of a skilled craftsman preserving tradition one repair at a time. Step into the world of a local shoe fixer as he shares heartfelt stories from behind his workbench—tales of resilience, community, and personal encounters from the vibrant streets of Saida. Each episode …

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124: From Hobbyist to Paid Professional 36:27

12M ago36:27

36:27

Ever wondered if your creative hobby could become something more? Megan did too—she’s loved calligraphy since childhood but never in her wildest dreams imagined getting paid for it. After leaving her overwhelming teaching job, struggling to raise her first child, and trying a mom blog (that never really felt like her…) she finally took a leap last …

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Stories of a Taxi Driver from Beirut, Lebanon 0:07

12M ago0:07

0:07

Stories of a Taxi Driver from Beirut, Lebanon takes you on a ride through the bustling streets of Beirut, where every passenger brings a new story. Step into the life of a local taxi driver as he shares personal encounters, heartfelt conversations, and raw moments from behind the wheel. From late-night rides filled with laughter to thought-provokin…

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123: You ONE YEAR From Now 20:08

12M ago20:08

20:08

Have you ever tried to start something new, only to be paralyzed by the fear of failure and crippled with anxiety about adding one more thing to your plate? You are far from alone. Part of that fear & anxiety comes from a lack of confidence – in yourself, your knowledge, and your ability to succeed. And while society has deemed it necessary to have…

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Stories of a Delivery Man from Saida 0:06

12M ago0:06

0:06

Stories of a Delivery Man from Saida offers a glimpse into the everyday life of a local delivery man navigating the vibrant streets of Saida. Through each delivery, he encounters diverse people, heartfelt moments, and unexpected experiences that reveal the soul of the city. From navigating narrow alleyways to sharing personal reflections on life, c…

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Stories of a Taxi from Tripoli, Lebanon 0:10

12M ago0:10

0:10

Stories of a Taxi from Tripoli, Lebanon takes you on a ride through the heart of the city, where every passenger has a story to tell. Step into the life of a local taxi driver as he navigates the bustling streets of Tripoli, sharing unforgettable encounters, heartfelt conversations, and raw moments from behind the wheel. From tales of resilience an…

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Stories of a Mechanic from Lebanon 0:08

12M ago0:08

0:08

Step into the workshop of Lebanon’s unsung heroes—the mechanics who keep the nation moving. Dive deep into the heart and soul of this essential profession as we explore the life of a dedicated Lebanese mechanic. Join us for a hands-on experience, spending a full day capturing the grease, grit, and passion behind the craft. From the hum of engines t…

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122: How to GO FOR IT in 2025 25:29

12M ago25:29

25:29

Free “Newbie to Pro Calligrapher” Challenge - starts Jan 13, 2025! Sign up at crookedcalligraphy.com/challenge -- If you'd love to become a professional calligrapher and make money with a craft you adore, but you’re SCARED to make the commitment and actually go for it… You must listen to this episode where I give real-life business advice to my stu…

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121: Year in Review 2024 (damn you Dunning-Kruger) 35:34

1y ago35:34

35:34

A personal, off-the-cuff, HONEST look at how I did in my business in 2024. Including: How much REVENUE we made (and how I’m feeling about it) How I was able to take a whopping 81 paid days off - a completely different measure of success The truth about growth and self-healing - it’s not all peaceful meditation, in fact it can be incredibly tough em…

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120: Some Instagram drama (the cost of authenticity) 34:01

1y ago34:01

34:01

I posted this (kinda salty) Instagram Reel back in May… and boy did people have feelings about it. [Please please please be kind if you're going to comment there!] Everyone says they want more “authenticity” on social media. But what happens when you show up as your imperfect, un-polished self on social media… and people don’t like it? This is a SU…

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119: My Town Can't Afford Calligraphy 26:00

1y ago26:00

26:00

What if calligraphy is your “thing”, but not necessarily the “thing” that your towns all about? Kind of makes it hard to seek out customers, right? Wrong! Whether it’s, “There’s too MUCH competition in my area!”, or “There’s no demand in my area!”, your brain will ALWAYS find ways to cast doubt about being successful. On this episode of The Shinah …