71. Building Community & Scaling Authentically With Golden Brands Founder, Lisa Macale

Intro:

In this episode of The Self-Makers Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lisa Macale, founder of Golden Brands—a thriving membership and community for creative, service-led business owners. Lisa’s story is a powerful example of resilience, quick action, and the value of authenticity. Together, we dove into her journey, talking about everything from the real struggles behind entrepreneurship, actionable strategies for building a sustainable and supportive community.

Here’s a peek into our conversation and some key takeaways for anyone looking to build a business fueled by purpose and connection.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation

1. Building Community Through Authenticity

Lisa’s approach to business is rooted in transparency. She’s open about both her wins and challenges, and that’s something we both agreed is a game-changer for fostering connection. In our chat, Lisa shared, “I’ve always been real with my members—sharing my ups and downs as a business owner. It helps normalize the challenges and builds a stronger, more resilient community.”

We discussed how so many entrepreneurs feel isolated, especially when they don’t have a community that “gets it.” We discussed the importance of being able to show up as our true selves—and even share the messy parts—doesn’t just help us connect with clients but actually strengthens the loyalty and engagement within our communities.

2. Constant Learning and Growth

One of the most empowering things an entrepreneur can do is invest in themselves. Lisa shared that, even in the early days of her business, she prioritized professional growth, finding ways to invest in courses, mentorship, and coaching. We both agreed that those who embrace lifelong learning tend to see more consistent success.

3. Fast, Messy Action Over Perfection

One of the things Lisa and I clicked on immediately was our mutual love for “messy action.” In her words, “If you can get something 80% there, just put it out and adapt as you go.” This is something I see time and time again with my clients too—the fear of needing everything to be perfect can be paralyzing, and it often holds people back from real progress.

We talked about how our best growth moments often come from just putting things out there and learning as we go. I shared a recent TikTok I came across that talked about how the most successful people are often the ones who act the fastest—they think it, they do it. Lisa and I agreed that by taking quick action, you’re not only moving your business forward but gathering data and learning from it faster. For anyone reading this, the takeaway is clear: action beats perfection every time.

4. Retaining and Engaging Your Community

We also got into the nitty-gritty of running a membership business, especially one as community-focused as Golden Brands. Lisa explained how she keeps members engaged and coming back by blending online and in-person experiences. “Since day one, I’ve put in the effort to truly connect with my members,” she said. “That’s meant replying to every message, showing up consistently, and creating in-person events that foster real connections.”

We both agreed that people want to feel seen and valued, and this is key for building retention and engagement. Whether you’re running a membership or working one-on-one with clients, creating a personal touch and showing up for your people keeps them coming back.

If you’re a business owner or community builder, remember that sometimes fast, messy action and a commitment to genuine connection can be your most powerful tools. Here’s to building businesses that truly resonate with those we serve! Hope you love the episode.

HAZAL’S LINKS:

The Self-Makers Mastermind Waitlist
Join The Self-Maker Community Facebook Group Here
Instagram: @Hey.Hazal
Website: https://heyhazal.com/

LISA’S LINKS:

Website: https://goldenbrandsco.com/

Business Plan Template: Here

Lead Magnet Ebook Template: Here