263. Co-founders Secrets To Keeping Friendships Strong While Bootstapping a Business Festival with Mia and Fi

Have you ever dreamed about about launching a new venture with a business bestie, only to wonder if you could actually pull it off without losing your friendship (or your mind)?

This week’s episode of She’s The Business Podcast is all about what really happened when two friends decided step up and create a big, bold business event in public - sharing the process with their community - mishaps and all.

Today, I’m joined by Mia Fileman and Fi Johnston - the creative powerhouses behind Ripple Family Festival, Australia’s fresh new “non-conferency” business event.

These two are doing things very differently: they’re breaking away from the same old conference model, focusing on community, creativity, and human connection, while bootstrapping it all from their own pockets… and making every part of the process public.

I just had to bring them on and get the inside scoop on what it takes to launch something so ambitious, while still juggling their own businesses and keeping their friendship strong.

Here’s a peek at what we covered:

1. Why did Mia and Fi feel small business owners needs something beyond the typical conference - and how did they land on throwing a festival?

2. What’s really involved in planning a major event from scratch, especially when you’re funding it all yourselves?

3. How do you pick speakers who truly add value (spoiler: it’s not about big names or generic pitches)?

4. What’s the real story behind building “in public” - the wins, the awkward lessons, and why they believe it’s a game-changer for honest connection?

5. How do you make the business partnership work when your co-founder is also your friend and both of you are clear on serving your audience first?

If you’ve ever dreamt of launching something that leaves a lasting impact - or just want a refreshingly honest look behind the scenes of a gutsy business adventure - this episode is for you. Don’t miss it!

About Our Guests:

Fi Johnston is a small business expert with 24 years of experience advising, coaching, and consulting small brands on money and business strategy. She is the founder of Peach Business, which helps small businesses run profitable and sustainable brands. A Chartered Accountant, Fi has the credentials and experience to help small businesses become long term success stories.

Mia Fileman is a marketing and campaign strategist and Campaign Del Mar founder. Mia has spent the last 13 years mentoring and training smaller brands to create successful marketing brands. She is a widely published small business marketing expert and the host of Got Marketing? podcast.

Connect with Mia and Fi at the Ripple Festival:

Ripple Festival https://www.ripplefestival.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripple_festival/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RippleFestivalAU/

Ripple Festival tickets: https://www.ripplefestival.au/tickets

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