Episode Details

In this episode of the Etsy Seller Success podcast, Dylan sits down with Laylee Emadi, educator-turned-entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of the Creative Educator Conference. Laylee shares how she transitioned from teaching in the classroom to building a thriving education business—replacing her teaching salary in less than six months.

This episode is for anyone wondering how to step into a new chapter, show up as an expert, and communicate their message with clarity—whether you’re speaking on stage, teaching online, or growing a personal brand alongside your product-based business.

Laylee gets real about building authority, embracing your natural speaking style, hiring the right support, and creating programs that actually serve your audience. If you're ready to lead, teach, or speak with confidence in your niche, this conversation will show you how to get started.

In this episode, we cover:
[01:16] Building a Business Through Photography and Mentoring
[03:08] Making the Leap from 9–5 to Self-Employment
[04:47] Replacing Her Salary in Under 6 Months
[06:00] Her First Business Model: Clients, Workshops & Mentorship
[07:01] What Makes You Qualified to Teach (And How to Know)
[08:32] Organically Creating Her Conference & Coaching Programs
[10:05] Realizing She’d Never Return to Traditional Teaching
[11:27] Hiring a Team: What Works, What Doesn’t
[13:12] Why Scaling Requires Support
[14:22] Creating the Sought After Speaker System
[16:14] Why Speaking Matters for Product-Based Businesses
[17:24] What Makes a Speaker Memorable
[19:03] Speaker Style: Embrace Who You Are, Don’t Copy Others
[21:03] How to Get Started with Speaking (Even if You’re Nervous)
[22:32] Getting Comfortable on Camera & Building Your Skills
[24:18] The Real ROI of Speaking Engagements
 

Connect with Laylee Emadi:
🌐 Website: layleeemadi.com
📸 Instagram: @laylee_emadi
🎤 Course: Sought After Speaker System

About Laylee Emadi:
Laylee is a former high school teacher turned multi-passionate entrepreneur. She’s the founder of the Creative Educator Conference, the host of the So, Here’s the Thing Podcast, and the creator of the Sought After Speaker System. She helps creatives and experts become confident, compelling educators—whether through speaking, coaching, or course creation.

With over a decade of experience in both education and entrepreneurship, Laylee brings a heart-centered and no-fluff approach to helping business owners teach with impact.

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