Episode 222

full
Published on:

3rd Jul 2025

Embracing Creativity as a Neurodivergent Business Owner with Molly McCauley

What if your brain’s unique wiring isn’t a flaw… but your secret advantage? That’s exactly what we explore in my conversation with Molly McCauley. Molly’s neurodivergent diagnosis became the lens through which she redesigned her business, team, and teaching.

Growing up in a family of educators and artists, she used art and design to navigate a traditional education system that didn’t always support her learning needs. That same creativity eventually turned into a thriving photography and education business. Listen in as we discuss what it really looks like to build a successful business as a neurodivergent entrepreneur.

Find It Quickly

00:28 - Meet Molly McCauley

00:58 - Molly's Journey into Photography

05:28 - The Stigma of Creative Businesses

06:41 - Molly's Talk at Creative Educator Conference

07:32 - Understanding Neurodivergence in Business

09:28 - Reflections on Teaching and Learning

17:16 - Molly's Business Systems and Outsourcing

25:14 - The Importance of Outsourcing

27:02 - Finding the Right Virtual Assistant

29:29 - Challenges in Early Business Years

31:57 - Embracing Systems and Specialists

36:39 - The Evolution of Make Pretty Workshops

44:19 - The Value of Styled Shoots and Workshops

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode 25: Sarah Potts: BTS of Hiring My VA

Creative Educator Conference


Connect with Molly

mollymccauley.com

instagram.com/mollymccauley_photo

instagram.com/makeprettyworkshop

makeprettyworkshop.com/the-vault

Show artwork for Business-First Creatives

About the Podcast

Business-First Creatives

Every creative deserves to turn their craft into a business that brings them joy and profit. Here you'll find a no-BS approach to what it takes to put the business first, prioritizing the systems and strategies that will actually move the needle and ensure your creative business is profitable rather than an expensive side-hustle. Your host is Colie James, a Disney-loving family photographer, and filmmaker turned Workflow and Automations Guru who helps creative service providers automate their sh*t, reclaim their time and get back to living!