We had the good fortune of connecting with Hayleigh Hayhurst and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hayleigh, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in December 2019. I knew I didn’t want to jump right into a corporate 9-5 but was not sure what to do, so I started the process to join the Peace Corps. After a through interview process, I was accepted and was set to leave for Cambodia in August 2020…. and we all know how this story plays out! The pandemic begun.

I was working as a freelance writer for Nevada Public Radio’s Desert Companion magazine the time, which kept me preoccupied, but I wanted more out of life – after all I had just spent 4 years in college!

Fast forward to June 2020, I moved to Seattle, WA with no definitive plan. This is where Espresso Podcast Production was born! In college I had a podcast with my friend so I had experience with editing, production and marketing. Around July, an opportunity to edit a business podcast was presented to me, and this is where it all started. Once I got my first client, referrals kept coming in, I started up an Instagram and built my own website.

Long story short and this is crazy to admit, but there was no long thought out process being starting my business. I knew I didn’t want to go into corporate life and just opened myself up to new opportunities, and 2 years later my business has supported me full time.

After I had 2 clients, that is where the strategy and thought process began. I knew I wanted to work with podcasters, but I wanted to do more than just editing. I wanted to help them grow their shows. With podcasts popping up left and right, it is now more important than ever to have a podcast that actually stands out, meaning you need to do more than publish episodes – marketing strategies are key.

Today, I work with entrepreneurs and business owners to use a podcast to gain traction and visibility to their business. Podcasting is an incredible way to gain clients and make more sales – when done correctly. I design a custom strategy to match my clients dreams and goals, and help them execute it!

I started my business on a whim, but now use it to empower others to use their voice, make money, and build the brand they have always dreamed of, and I am loving every second of it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the founder of Espresso Podcast Production, a full service podcast production agency specializing in editing, marketing and strategy! I started my business because even though there are so many podcasts out there, and it is relatively easy to start one, there are not a ton that stand out! To stand out as a podcaster, you must have a strategy and put in extra effort to reach your audience, and that is were I step in. I want my clients to succeed.

I work with entrepreneurs and business owners who want to use their podcast to grow their business. My clients include coaches, realtors, copy writers, course creators, and speakers. I am helping them position themselves as experts in the field, with the help of podcasting!

Imagine you are trying to decide between hiring 2 copy writers – one has an instagram where they post helpful graphics about the industry, and the other has an instagram where they post helpful graphics about the industry AND hosts a podcast about the topic where you can listen to them and learn more about them as a person. I am going to guess you would pick the one who you can learn more about before hiring!

I started by business at 23 and didn’t know a thing about business. I did research, I put in lots and lots of hours, I hired help, and now 2 years later at 25, my business supports me fully and I bring in new leads almost daily. It was not easy, but I would not say it was hard. I was willing to put in the work, willing to see what worked and didn’t work, willing to invest in my business, and was not willing to give up. I now host a podcast called “Employee To Boss” where I interview other entrepreneurs about just this – how they started their business, their journey, and how others can follow in their footsteps.

I started off as just an editor, but now have expanded to editing, strategy calls, my 6 month coaching program for podcasters who want to grow their podcast and monetize, and I have 2 courses: “Great Guesting: How to be an Unforgettable Podcast Guest” and “Great Hosting: How to Prepare for Your Guests and Get the Most out of Your Interview”. You can find more about these on my website espressopodcastproduction.com

The journey has been so fun, and it’s not even close to being over!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
100% I would recommend a weekend in Laguna. For the readers into astrology – I am a Taurus. I love relaxing when I am not working, and honestly one of my favorite parts of owning my own business is being able to take naps whenever!

Laguna is just such a relaxing place to be, and this is what I recommend!

First stop, Taco Loco. This little taco stand is SO incredible. It may not look like much on the outside, but wait until you try it. I dream about this honestly!

Next, walk down to the beach (picnic perhaps) and just listen to the waves – this trip is about relaxing! If water sports are your thing, I would also recommend taking a surf lesson.

If you are visiting during the right season, I would also recommend checking out the Sawdust Art Festival. Laguna artists are incredible. Bring your wallet and shop around, or just walk around and admire the art. Be sure to check out the glass blowing show in the center of the festival!

End your night (probably ever night) with Gelato Paradiso! The line gets crazy long – but I promise you it’s worth the wait!

Be sure not to miss the sunsets either, they are some of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in my whole life!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the people who have gotten me to where I am today with my business.

– My first client who started it all, Azalee Maslow
– My second client who I still work with 2 years later, Ati Grinspun
– My client who I have helped launch 3 podcasts, Ronit Plank
– My client who trusted me to help get her sponsorships, Liz Landeen
– All of my other clients who I have helped along the way
– All of the 100+ podcasts hosts I have coached on strategy calls
– The first business mindset coach that helped me get my business off the ground, Keyera Patrick

And in my personal life, my mother. After my sister and I were born, she jumped into entrepreneurialism so she could stay home with us more – and I know she instilled this entrepreneurial spirit into me. She’s incredible. She also helps me celebrate my wins, listens to me complain when things are going as smoothly as hoped (every entrepreneur knows how this one goes!) and supports me through thick and thin!

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleigh-hayhurst-b8885a13a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/espressogrowth/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7dJWaznDUX8PRpnqk1lxog

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