Creatives On Fire® Podcast | Audience Growth & Business Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs

Created to Create with Colette Barron of Blessings Craft Therapy

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a thriving online craft business while raising six kids and staying grounded in faith, today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by the inspiring Colette Barron, the heart and hands behind Blessings Craft Therapy. Colette has built a beautiful community of nearly a million followers across platforms by showing up with consistency, creativity, and compassion. From humble beginnings with Facebook Lives to viral videos on YouTube, her story will both encourage and challenge you to step boldly into your calling. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode215 From MLM to DIY CEO Colette didn’t start out with plans to be a content creator. In fact, she was working in the medical field before stepping back to raise her family. But with creative energy bubbling over, she began sharing easy, Dollar Tree-inspired crafts online. At first, she joined an MLM company, but it wasn’t long before she realized it wasn’t the right fit. She felt the nudge to create something of her own—and she did. What began as 3–4 minute Facebook videos turned into a full-time business built on creativity and consistency. Her secret? Showing up every day, sharing something doable, and focusing on quick wins for her audience. A Mindset Shift That Changed Everything One of the biggest turning points in Colette’s journey was shifting her mindset from “What can you do for me?” to “What can I do for you?” That simple, powerful change—focusing on serving her audience—transformed how she created content. Rather than selling or pushing products, she focused on making people smile, giving them a pause in their day, and building confidence through crafting. And it worked. The Power of a Tagline and a Smile If you’ve seen Colette’s videos, you already know her signature signoff: “Now it’s your turn. Go make something pretty.” It’s more than a phrase—it’s a mission. It invites creativity, encourages action, and reminds her audience they’re capable of creating beauty, too. How She Gets It All Done Colette is a mom of six and a homeschooler, but she still manages to create consistent content across multiple platforms. Her secret? Batching. Mondays are for planning and prepping content Tuesdays are for shopping for DIY supplies Wednesdays are for filming all of her crafts The rest of the week is spent editing, homeschooling, and managing her home She also repurposes her long-form YouTube videos into short videos for Facebook, allowing her to multiply her content without recreating it. And her best tip? Record voiceovers in the car—it’s quiet, soundproof, and distraction-free! The Platform She Loves the Most While she started on Facebook, Colette says YouTube is her favorite platform. Why? It’s easier to manage and schedule The monetization is stronger and more consistent You don’t have to feed the algorithm as often She compares it to feeding someone a good meal once a week vs. feeding them fast food all day every day (hello, Facebook). The Secret to Staying Consistent It’s not always easy, but Colette says obedience keeps her going. She feels a calling to do this work—not just for her family or her audience, but because she believes God asked her to. That motivation helps her keep showing up, especially when things get hard. She also mentioned that people are watching—her kids, her followers—and she wants to lead by example. Faith at the Core Colette’s faith weaves through everything she does. At first, she wasn’t sure how to bring it into her business. But after a powerful moment of prayer in her car, she knew it was time to share more openly. Now, she shares morning devotionals in her Instagram Stories and plans to launch a podcast called Created to Create that will blend faith, business, and creativity. One Post Away Colette reminded us that growth often comes from one post that resonates deeply. A Dollar Tree plunger project and a single YouTube video both went viral and changed everything. But neither would have happened without the daily commitment to show up and serve. “You’re just one post away,” she says—and it’s a reminder we all need. Where to Find Colette You can follow Colette at Blessings Craft Therapy on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. On TikTok, she’s @blessedcolette. Stay tuned for her upcoming podcast, Created to Create. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Colette with Blessings Craft Therapy on Facebook Colette with Blessings Craft Therapy on YouTube Facebook FUEL Order the Book & Get Bonuses FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new episode of Creatives on Fire each week to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")👇👇 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatives-on-fire/id1561241559  

How Kara Ward Monetizes YouTube, Amazon & Brand Deals Like a Pro

This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome back a fan favorite—Kara Ward of Lemons to Lemonade Home. If you missed her first appearance, you’ll definitely want to check out Episode 180, where she shared her incredible journey from working with Dave Ramsey to launching a successful YouTube channel all about furniture flipping. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode214 In this new conversation, Kara walks us through the massive shifts she’s made in her business—from rebranding her channel to expanding income streams, embracing Amazon's newest tools, and even how she automates her brand partnerships. Let’s just say: if you’ve been looking for real-talk insight on how creators are actually earning online today (without doing all the things), this episode is packed with gold. From Furniture Flipping to Full-Time Creator Kara originally built her channel under the name Lemons to Lemonade Furniture, but recently made the shift to Lemons to Lemonade Home—a change that reflects not only her evolving content, but also a realistic pivot as she shares: “I’m 47 now and flipping furniture in 100° Texas heat just isn’t sustainable forever.” This rebrand gives her the flexibility to show more sides of her life—motherhood, homeschooling, DIY projects, and everyday home inspiration—while still staying true to her roots in creative content. Takeaway: Your brand name can grow with you. You don’t have to stay stuck in a box you outgrew years ago. YouTube: Her #1 Income Source Kara doesn’t just dabble in YouTube—she’s built a full-time income from her channel. In fact, YouTube ad revenue and sponsorships make up 80% of her monthly income. She shared how she landed a consistent stream of monthly sponsors through a talent manager and how just one viral video landed her a spot on the roster of her dream brand agency. But Kara was clear: you don’t need 100K subscribers to get brand deals. Engagement matters more than numbers. “I only had around 60K when they reached out,” she says, “but my videos had consistent views and hundreds of comments.” What’s New on YouTube? YouTube’s latest game-changer? YouTube Shopping—a feature that allows creators to tag products directly in their videos. While Amazon links aren’t supported yet, other platforms like Walmart and Lowe’s are fair game. Kara uses this tool to highlight everything from her go-to sprayer to the pink toolbox in her background. Even her subscribers watching on a smart TV can now shop directly from the screen. Pro tip: YouTube is making it easier than ever to earn while you create. If you’re already making videos, this is worth exploring. Amazon: Doubling (and Tripling) Her Income Kara’s also crushing it on Amazon with both affiliate and influencer programs. She uses Creator Connections (Amazon’s brand-driven bonus campaign system) to bump her commissions up to 20–30%—instead of the usual 2–4%. But digging through campaigns manually was a hassle… until she found Oink. "In my first week using the Oink extension, I made back the $29.99 subscription and then some." – Kara Ward Oink is a Chrome extension that scans your Amazon storefront, identifies what products qualify for bonuses, and accepts the campaigns for you—automatically. Total game-changer. The Truth About Niching Down There was a time when sticking to one niche was the golden rule. But Kara believes those days are behind us. “I don’t think you have to stay in a tiny content box anymore,” she says. “Once you pull people in, they want to know more about you—your home, your family, your life.” While her content still centers around furniture and DIY, she sprinkles in real-life moments—like homeschooling updates and behind-the-scenes snippets—that build connection and trust. How Kara Promotes Her Content Even without a website or email list (yet!), Kara has found success promoting her content using: Instagram Stories – with countdowns and teaser clips Facebook – where she’s nearing 100K followers YouTube Community tab – polls, video reminders, and feedback requests Bottom line: you don’t need every platform, but you do need to consistently invite people into your world. Kara’s Advice for Creators: Monetize what you're already doing. If you're using Amazon products, why not earn on them? Stay focused. Build one stream of income until it’s nearly on autopilot before adding another. Don’t wait for perfect numbers. One engaged community is more powerful than vanity metrics. Automate what you can. From Oink to brand management, systems make growth sustainable. Where to Find Kara Ward Online You can follow Kara everywhere under her new name: ➡️ YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: Lemons to Lemonade Home And if you want to try out the Oink extension, you can click here to check it out and use her discount code "LEMONS" for 10% off. Whether you’re already earning on YouTube or just now exploring Amazon’s creator tools, Kara’s story is proof that with consistency, community, and a few smart systems, you can turn content into a career. Be sure to listen to the full episode—you won’t want to miss the practical tips (and honest encouragement) Kara brings to the table. Stay creative. Links Mentioned in the Episode: OINK Amazon Solution (use Kara's Code: LEMONS or KARA for a discount on the paid version) Kara's Original Podcast Episode 180 Facebook FUEL Order the Book & Get Bonuses FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new episode of Creatives on Fire each week to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")👇👇 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatives-on-fire/id1561241559

I Dare You to Stop Overthinking Your Content and Just Post It

Overthinking might be the biggest thing holding you back from growing online. If you've ever stared at a blank screen or spent hours reworking a single caption only to not post at all—this one's for you. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly why overthinking kills your consistency, how to break the cycle, and how to finally start showing up online in a way that’s simple, sustainable, and—most of all—effective. Let’s simplify your content strategy together. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode213 Why Overthinking Kills Consistency Here’s the truth: consistent posting is what algorithms love. But it’s hard to stay consistent when every post feels like it needs to be perfect. Maybe you’ve: Spent days crafting a single post Torn apart your own captions before hitting publish Ended up never posting at all That’s the overthinking trap. And the only way out is to start taking action—even if it’s not perfect. Remember: done is better than perfect, and most of your audience missed your last 10 posts anyway. Reuse What’s Already Worked Think back—what post got the most engagement in the past? Instead of reinventing the wheel, lean into what’s proven. Reposting successful content every 90 days (or more often!) is a smart strategy. Your new followers have never seen it, and your current followers probably don’t remember it. This is your permission slip to repurpose boldly. Pro tip: I’ve never had someone comment “you already posted this.” And even if they did… who cares? You’re showing up. Create an Album System on Your Phone One of the best ways to eliminate overthinking is to create a visual content vault right on your phone. Start organizing images and ideas into albums: B-Roll Amazon Stories Quotes Memes Logos Pinterest Inspiration These folders become your grab-and-go toolkit—no more starting from scratch or spiraling into analysis paralysis. And if you're a member of Facebook Fuel, you're already a step ahead. Save those templates and meme packs into albums so they’re always on hand when you need them. Accountability Helps You Hit Publish Still finding it hard to post? Try these two mindset shifts: 1. Get a content buddy. Ask someone to check your page at specific times to see if you posted. Their accountability (even a quick “I see it!” text) can make a huge difference. 2. Hire yourself. If someone paid you to post, you’d do it, right? So show up for yourself like you would for someone else. No excuses. Create a Weekly Content Rhythm Another great way to beat overthinking is to set a loose structure: Monday – Ask a question Wednesday – Share a tip or how-to Friday – Behind-the-scenes or throwback Rotate these or create your own. The key is to remove daily decision fatigue and simplify your posting routine. Action Beats Inaction Your audience doesn't expect every post to go viral. They just want to hear from you. Let go of the pressure to be perfect. Here’s what to remember: Most of your followers missed your last few posts. Reposting is smart strategy, not laziness. Having content organized and ready removes the stress. Showing up imperfectly is better than not showing up at all. So I dare you—stop overthinking your content and start creating with clarity and confidence. Until next time, Stay creative. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Facebook FUEL Order the Book & Get Bonuses FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new episode of Creatives on Fire each week to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review"

3 Ways to Make Passive Income from Your Blog in Q4

the holiday season has you dreaming of more blog income with less hustle, you’re not alone. Q4 is the busiest (and most profitable) time of year for content creators—but it can also be the most overwhelming. In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m walking you through three smart, simple ways you can start making passive income from your blog right now—so you can spend more time with your family and less time stressing about sales. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode212 Each strategy is set-it-and-forget-it, designed to help your blog work for you while you sip hot cocoa and watch Christmas movies. 1. Update and Republish Your Seasonal Blog Posts with Affiliate Links If you already have holiday blog posts on your site, this is the easiest passive win. Here’s what to do: Head to your WordPress dashboard and search for posts that include “2024” or are clearly seasonal. Update or add affiliate links where it makes sense (Amazon, LTK, Walmart, etc.). Refresh your intro paragraph and schedule the post to republish this season. Pin the post now so it has time to gain traction on Pinterest. And don’t worry—this doesn’t have to be a huge job. Just focus on your top 5 to 10 seasonal performers. If you notice a strong traffic post that doesn’t yet have affiliate links, now is the perfect time to add them. Want to take it further? Create a new holiday gift guide and publish it now. It can be niche-specific like “Gifts for Teen Girls” or broader like “My Favorite Amazon Finds for the Holidays.” Then remember: pin it now so it’s already circulating when people start searching in October and November. 2. Add a Low-Ticket Digital Product to Your Blog Digital products are one of the most underrated sources of passive blog income. Start simple: Create a printable checklist, holiday planner, cookie cookbook, or gift tag bundle. Upload it to Flodesk (or your email platform) and set up a simple opt-in and thank-you page with payment. No fancy funnel needed. Just a link to the product and automatic delivery upon purchase. Design a basic promo graphic and pin it now so it has time to gain reach before the holidays hit full swing. You could start with one seasonal product—or create several (one for fall, one for Black Friday, and one for Christmas). Just keep it simple, useful, and focused on solving a seasonal problem your audience has. 3. Increase Blog Traffic to Boost Ad Revenue Sometimes the most passive money-maker of all is right under your nose—your ad revenue. If you’re with an ad network like Mediavine, Raptive, Journey, SHE Media, or Ezoic, then Q4 is when RPMs are at their highest. That means more money per pageview. Here’s how to maximize that traffic: Make a list of your top-performing holiday posts. Save the direct links in your Notes app so they’re easy to access on the go. Share those posts regularly across your social media (especially in Stories and Facebook). Create new pins or fresh Facebook captions for each post to drive traffic in different ways. Bonus Tip: Use tools like Facebook Fuel to simplify this process. Inside Facebook Fuel, I provide ready-made Amazon collages and high-converting product roundup graphics that can be uploaded to your blog sidebar or embedded within posts to increase both traffic and affiliate conversions. Your Weekly Action Plan To make this totally doable, break the steps into weeks: Week 1: Update and pin your best seasonal posts with fresh affiliate links. Week 2: Create one low-ticket digital product and pin it with a simple promo image. Week 3: Build your traffic plan by organizing your top post links and promoting them weekly. By the time October rolls around, you’ll already have the systems in place for your blog to generate income on autopilot through Q4—freeing you up to actually enjoy the holidays. You don’t need a complicated strategy to make your blog profitable this season. You just need to take action now. Choose one of the three methods above—affiliate links, digital products, or ad revenue—and take 30 minutes this week to set it in motion. Your future self (and your holiday calendar) will thank you. If this episode inspired you to take action, I’d love to hear what you’re implementing first. Send me a DM or tag me in your pin so I can cheer you on. Stay creative and keep planting those income seeds, friend. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Facebook FUEL Order the Book & Get Bonuses FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new episode of Creatives on Fire each week to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")👇👇 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatives-on-fire/id1561241559

Why I’m Counting Down to Achieve 2025! Will I see you there?

If you’ve ever felt that nudge—that quiet stirring that you’re ready for more in your business—more visibility, more clarity, more confidence… then this is the event to circle on your calendar. Achieve Conference 2025 is happening October 6–8 in Waco, Texas (yes, home to Chip and Joanna!). And whether you’re a content creator, blogger, influencer, or online business owner, this three-day experience is built to fuel your growth in powerful and practical ways. In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m chatting with my friend and Achieve founder Corey Hudson of Hudson Farmhouse, and we’re pulling back the curtain on everything you can expect at this year’s event—from keynote speakers and panels to meetups and must-see sessions. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode211 What Is Achieve Conference? Achieve is not your typical business conference. It’s designed specifically for online entrepreneurs and creators who want to leave with actionable strategies—not just inspiration. You’ll find: Classes on content creation, blogging, affiliate marketing, video, email, and more Panels featuring talent managers, social media experts, and monetization pros In-person networking with people in your exact niche (hello new biz bestie!) Real-time workshops so you can take action during the event A companion workbook with slide decks from every session—so you don’t miss a thing What Makes This Year Extra Special? This is Achieve’s fourth year, and it just keeps getting better. Here are a few things that have me especially excited: Brand Manager Panel – Meet reps who manage top creators in the DIY and home niche. Blogging Sessions – Led by Gillian of Gillian Sarah, who brings both design and blogging brilliance to the stage. Content Creation & Viral Growth Workshops – If you’re ready to up your social media game, these sessions will be full of tools, templates, and strategies you can use immediately. Affiliate Marketing Panels – Learn from experts on Amazon Influencer Program, LTK, and off-site affiliate strategies that convert. Networking Mixer & Roundtables – Get real answers to your burning questions in small-group settings. Don’t Miss the Pre-Conference Meetup Coming in early? You’ll definitely want to join the casual pre-conference meetup on October 5th. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow attendees before the main event kicks off. Be sure you're subscribed to my email list to get the details! This relaxed, come-as-you-are gathering sets the tone for the next three days—and it’s the secret to building genuine connections that can carry your business forward all year long. Location Details Waco Convention Center Connected Hilton Hotel (link provided after ticket purchase) Nearby Airbnbs and hotels available Dress code: Layers! Texas weather can be unpredictable And yes… there will be photo ops, a fun farewell party, and even a craft session to personalize your conference workbook! Who Is It For? Achieve is for any creative entrepreneur who wants to: Get unstuck and finally take action Meet other like-minded creators in real life Learn exactly what’s working in 2025 and beyond Start or grow a blog, Instagram, YouTube channel, or email list Work with brands, build passive income, or scale a product shop Whether you’re just starting or already established, there’s something here for you. How to Get Tickets Tickets are still available and will be sold up until the event! Click here to grab yours now → https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/achieve After you register, you’ll receive hotel links, session details, and everything you need to plan your trip. Want a sneak peek? Follow @achieveconference on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes videos, previous event highlights, speaker lineups, and more. If you’re craving breakthrough growth and real connection with other women who get it—Achieve Conference is for you. I’ll be there, and I would love nothing more than to hug your neck, hear your story, and cheer you on. Let’s grow together, friend. See you in Waco! Ready to Make Facebook Work for You? If you’re ready to simplify your content strategy and grow your reach without the stress, join Facebook Fuel. It’s like a lazy girl’s dream team—complete with done-for-you templates, a library of viral-ready posts, and weekly training to keep you on track. No more overthinking. No more burnout. Just simple systems that work. 👉 Join now at CreativesOnFirePodcast.com/Facebook If This Episode Helped You… Please leave a review! Yes—you can leave more than one ❤️ I read and appreciate every single one. Until next time, Stay creative. You’ve got this. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Achieve Conference Facebook FUEL Order the Book & Get Bonuses FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new episode of Creatives on Fire each week to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")👇👇 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatives-on-fire/id1561241559