Unpolished Empire

About Unpolished Empire

Unpolished Empire is a podcast for women in business who are building, scaling, and sometimes just surviving ...one imperfect day at a time. Hosted by Sara Bjornson, each episode peels back the glossy surface of entrepreneurship to talk about what it really takes to grow a business in today’s world, from burnout and boundaries to branding and big wins. Through honest conversations, actionable strategies, and the occasional well-timed rant, Unpolished Empire is here to remind you that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, purpose, and a little bit of chaos along the way.

Publisher

Sara Bjornson

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Dec 2025

Latest episode

16 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Oct 2026

   You Matter: Scarlett Feltrin on Healing, Purpose and Real Human Connection

   The day before this conversation was recorded, Scarlett Feltrin celebrated seven years of sobriety. In this episode, she tells Sara how that choice on October 5, 2019, started her healing journey: a moment visiting her mom in the hospital that felt like looking in a mirror, the overwhelm of feeling her feelings for the first time in years, and the tools (breathwork, somatics, meditation, journaling and movement) that helped her release emotions she had been pushing down since she was a highly sensitive kid. From there, Scarlett shares how she started holding space during COVID by creating the women's circle and sober circle she wished existed, and why she coaches from curiosity instead of handing out advice. She gets honest about the behind-the-scenes side of business (the emails, the Instagram, the insurance and the banking), why she chooses to outsource the work that pulls her out of her creative flow, and the belief she had to unlearn: that work always has to be hard. She also reflects on her late father, who moved through multiple careers with ease, and what she hopes to model for her two daughters. Sara and Scarlett then take on the advice that drives Scarlett nuts: "calm down," "don't cry," and "be strong." Scarlett explains why listening works better than calming someone down, why she is a big advocate for a good cry, and what happens when people have had to be strong for far too long. She defines success as acceptance, the ripple effect of modelling change for others, watching her daughters grow in confidence, and finding joy in the day. Her recent win: staying sober through the loss of both of her parents in the last three and a half years. The episode closes with the message on Scarlett's heart. Every person matters and has a story worth hearing, so have the deeper conversation, and tell the people you admire what they mean to you now instead of waiting until they are gone. About Scarlett Scarlett Feltrin is a holistic coach who helps overwhelmed, stressed, and disconnected individuals release trauma, stuck energy and limiting beliefs from the body so they can make space for a joyful and authentic life. Her training includes life coaching, Reiki energy healing, an eight-month breathwork facilitation course and trauma-informed education. She offers one-on-one transformational journey sessions, leads group circles, co-runs a wellness studio with a partner, and teaches an 8-week live online facilitation training for those feeling the call to hold space themselves. Website: scarlettcoaching.com (https://scarlettcoaching.com) Instagram: @scarlettcoaching Resources Mentioned Scarlett's 8-Week Online Facilitation Training: a live online training for anyone feeling called to hold space for others. scarlettcoaching.com (https://scarlettcoaching.com) One-on-one transformational journey sessions and group circles: Scarlett's core offerings for people ready to reconnect with themselves

2. 

   12 Jun 2026

   Whole and Complete: Busting Business Myths with Life Coach Sheila Leclerc

   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" thinking and why your brain might be making it a self-fulfilling prophecy. From there, the conversation gets real: redefining success as a life that includes grief, mess, and hard emotions (not just the highlight reel), questioning whether cold plunges and 4 am wake-ups are actually working for you, and why a typo in a professional email can be a good thing. Sheila and Sara also celebrate a big milestone, the one-year anniversary of the Cowichan Women's Business Network, and reflect on what it takes to build a community rooted in genuine human connection over transactions. The episode wraps with a reminder that the comparison game is a joy-killer, and that the grace you'd offer a good friend? You deserve it too. You can connect with Sheila on Instagram here: instagram.com/coachwithsheila/ (instagram.com/coachwithsheila/) Or you can learn more on her website here: coachsheila.ca (http://coachsheila.ca)

3. 

   8 May 2026

   Open heart, open mind with Koren Palmer

   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 business ownership to building a collaborative remote team, Koren shares the real story of what it takes to grow a business with integrity. Connect with Koren[Instagram (instagram.com/hostbookkeeping) / LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/korenpalmer/) / Website (https://www.hostbookkeeping.com/)]

4. 

   24 Apr 2026

   From Network Marketing to Authentic Entrepreneurship

   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 actually means. What started as a search for community turned into an unexpected entrepreneurial path, one that required her to make bold pivots, trust her instincts, and let go of what no longer aligned. This conversation dives into the realities of burnout, the pressure of trying to “do it all,” and the moment when a business that once felt exciting starts to feel heavy. Madii opens up about stepping back, reshaping her business to fit her life, and choosing authenticity, even when it comes with financial trade-offs. You’ll also hear how she’s shifting her product line toward more sustainable, toxin-free ingredients, and the challenges that come with making values-based decisions in business. If you’ve ever felt like your business no longer fits the version of you today—or you’re craving more flexibility, alignment, and honesty in how you work—this episode will hit home. Connect with Madii on social media: www.instagram.com/luxesalts (www.instagram.com/luxesalts) and www.instagram.com/madlyfunevents (www.instagram.com/madlyfunevents)

5. 

   17 Apr 2026

   From Screenwriter to Storyteller (and Redefining Success Along the Way)

   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 often go unspoken, including burnout, identity shifts, and the pressure to define success by external milestones. Together, they unpack what it means to redefine success as a feeling rather than a destination, and why building a business that supports your life—not consumes it—is essential for long-term sustainability. This episode also highlights the power of community in navigating creative and entrepreneurial transitions. From finding the right people to embracing radical honesty about what success truly requires, Kate offers grounded insight for anyone forging their own path. If you’ve ever questioned whether the version of success you’re chasing is actually yours, this conversation will challenge you to think differently. Join Kate's Substack here: https://joyfulcreating.substack.com/ (https://joyfulcreating.substack.com/ ) Want to connect with Kate on Instagram? https://www.instagram.com/katetremillsauthor/ (https://www.instagram.com/katetremillsauthor/) https://www.instagram.com/joyful.creating (https://www.instagram.com/joyful.creating)

6. 

   10 Apr 2026

   Burnout Built It. Mindfulness Rebuilt It.

   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 a moment at home that made her realize something had to change. Together, they unpack: The hidden cost of saying yes to everything What burnout actually looks like in real life Redefining success on your own terms Why emotional regulation is a leadership skill The loneliness of entrepreneurship and the power of community Jillian also shares how she rebuilt her business around mindfulness, stepped away from scale, and created the Cowichan Women’s Business Network to support other entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges. If you’ve ever wondered why success doesn’t always feel the way you thought it would, this conversation is for you. You can learn more about Jill from her website: https://www.mindfulnesswithjill.com/ (https://www.mindfulnesswithjill.com/) You can also connect with her through InsightTimer here: https://insighttimer.com/mindfulnesswithjill (https://insighttimer.com/mindfulnesswithjill)

7. 

   3 Apr 2026

   Solo with Sara

   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/ (https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/)

8. 

   27 Mar 2026

   You don't have to say yes to everything - with Laura Forsythe

   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 Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ljwcreative.photography/ (https://www.instagram.com/ljwcreative.photography/) Connect with Sara and the podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/ (https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/) Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss out on future episodes.

9. 

   13 Mar 2026

   Lavender, Livestock, and the Reality of Farm Life with Syd Heron

   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 challenges of farming in harsh winters, balancing entrepreneurship with family life and a full-time job, and the importance of reconnecting people with where their food comes from. They also discuss sustainable growth, learning from mistakes, and why kindness and collaboration matter so much in business. If you have ever been curious about homesteading, rural entrepreneurship, or building a life aligned with your values, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes. Connect with Syd here: Heron Hill Farm on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/heronhillfarm/) Connect with Sara and Unpolished Empire here: Unpolished Empire on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/)

10. 

    6 Mar 2026

    Being True to Yourself with Jenny Higgins

    This was such a fun conversation! Jenny Higgins is the face of @its.jenny.fit (https://www.instagram.com/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.

11. 

    24 Feb 2026

    Opinions! Everyone has one and they all...

    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/ (https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire/) Follow Sara on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/timeinthevalley/ (https://www.instagram.com/timeinthevalley/)

12. 

    19 Feb 2026

    The messy middle

    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/

13. 

    20 Dec 2025

    Introducing: Unpolished Empire

    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 space between the polished success stories we see online and the objective, often messy, day-to-day reality of building something meaningful. What’s coming next: In Episode 2, we dive into the messy middle — that uncomfortable stage where you’re putting in the work, following the advice, and still wondering why it hasn’t clicked yet. (And yes, it’s as common as it is uncomfortable.) Thanks for being here at the very beginning. This empire may be unpolished — but it’s real. New episodes drop regularly. Follow, subscribe, and join us in the messy middle. https://www.instagram.com/unpolished_empire?igsh=d2huZ2c2cjVsdHRs&utm_source=qr

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.