Episode 114: Finding Contentment While Running Your Business Your Way with Brigida Swanson of Yardia

Many of us build businesses based on what we think we should want. We see others scaling rapidly, hiring teams, or chasing big-name partnerships, and we assume that’s the natural next step. But what happens when you pause and ask yourself, Is this actually what I want?

In this episode, I talk with artist and business owner, Brigida Swanson, who made a major shift by quitting social media, prioritizing intentional growth, and redefining success in a way that felt truly aligned. She opens up about the fear of stepping away from traditional business strategies, the unexpected benefits that came from doing things differently, and how trusting herself led to greater clarity and sustainability. If you've ever questioned whether the way you’re running your business is right for you, this conversation will give you the insight—and the permission—to create a business that fits your values and energy.

Letting Go of What You “Should” Want
It’s easy to get caught up in external expectations—chasing growth for the sake of it, staying on social media out of fear, or saying yes to things that don’t actually align with your vision. We often assume that success is measured by expansion, visibility, or revenue milestones, but what if it’s really about something deeper?

In this conversation, Brigida explores what it means to redefine success in a way that prioritizes fulfillment, ease, and long-term sustainability. Instead of following an industry standard, what if you built a business that truly supported your creative energy, personal needs, and the life you want? Learning to let go of “shoulds” and tune into what feels right for you is one of the most powerful shifts you can make.

Quitting Social Media (and Thriving Without It)
For many creatives, the idea of leaving social media feels impossible. We’re told that it’s essential for visibility, connection, and growth. But what if that’s not actually true? What if stepping away from the constant content cycle could make your business stronger rather than weaker?

Brigida talks about what it looks like to run a creative business without social media—how to maintain customer relationships, market effectively, and still attract new opportunities. She also dives into the emotional side of leaving, from the initial fear of being forgotten to the surprising relief and clarity that can come from stepping away.

Trusting Yourself and Making Bold Moves
Letting go of traditional business strategies can feel risky, especially when the world tells you there's a right way to do things. But the truth is, some of the biggest breakthroughs come from curiosity and experimentation. Instead of forcing yourself into a model that doesn’t fit, what if you gave yourself permission to create something that does?When you stop operating out of obligation and start making choices from a place of alignment, work becomes more fulfilling and sustainable. If you've been struggling with doubt about changing course, this episode will encourage you to trust yourself and move forward with confidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Success is personal and should be defined on your own terms. Instead of chasing external markers of success, focus on what truly aligns with your values, priorities, and lifestyle.

• Stepping away from something can bring clarity. Taking a break from certain tasks, platforms, or expectations can help you refocus your energy and make more intentional, aligned decisions.

• Curiosity and experimentation lead to growth. Asking Is this right for me? and exploring new approaches allows you to build a business that fits your strengths instead of simply following trends.

• There is no single right way to run a business. If a certain strategy or method doesn’t feel aligned or fulfilling, trust yourself to explore different paths and create a model that truly works for you.

• You may already have what you’re searching for. Instead of constantly chasing the next milestone or goal, take a step back, appreciate what you’ve built, and ask yourself if it’s already enough.
  

  Brigida Swanson (brigg-EE-duh swan-sun) is a queer CHamoru (chah-MORE-oh) botanical artist from Seattle and the founder of Yardia, where she creates nature-inspired watercolor stationery, home goods and gifts that help folks to express their identities and love the place they live. Brigida’s values of nature, creativity, empathy, belonging and harmony connect to the sacredness of the island that her ancestors protected. Brigida was formally trained in painting at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), taught middle school art and leadership for thirteen years, and she now works from the painting studio she built in her backyard garden. She received the inaugural Indigenous Maker of Note Award at the Greeting Card Association’s 2024 Louie Awards and was named one of Stationery Trends Magazine's Ten Makers To Watch In 2025.

  Website: https://yardia.co/

  Contentment Over Content Workshop: https://contentmentovercontent.com/

  Newsletter: https://yardia.co/signup
  

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