Confessions of a Conscious CEO

How to Make Consistent, Record-Breaking Sales (Without Burning Out)

If you’re riding the feast-and-famine rollercoaster (one month making bank, the next barely scraping by), this episode is for you. I’m breaking down how I built a sustainable sales system that allowed me to generate $20K while vacationing in the French Riviera with my sister (yes, really!!)
 
I used to burn myself out doing all the things: non-stop sales calls, masterclasses, and launches... until I hit a breaking point. I realized I couldn’t grow like that anymore. In this episode, I share how I pivoted from burnout to building a sales system that works even when I’m offline.
 
You’ll learn:
Why intention-setting is the first step to sustainable sales
The 3-part system I use (Sustained Traffic, Nurturing, and Conversion)
How to attract your ideal customers consistently
Ways to automate sales without losing the personal touch
Tips for layering manual strategies like sales calls and live events without burning out
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:32 Setting an Intention for Sustainable Sales
00:47 The Unsustainable Sales Approach
01:14 The Burnout Cycle
01:49 Your Sustainable Sales Strategy
02:27 Improving Your Relationship with Sales
02:52 Creating Products People Want
03:26 Building a Sustainable Sales Funnel
03:40 Understanding the Sales Funnel
04:15 Automating Your Sales Process
04:44 The Journey to Sustainable Success
05:05 My Existential Crisis and Business Pivot
05:28 Developing the Sustain Your Success Series
06:01 Making $20,000 on Vacation
06:12 Building a Business Around Your Life
07:36 Sustained Traffic
09:19 Organic Traffic Strategies
09:27 SEO Optimization
10:10 Collaborations and Partnerships
11:51 Press Features and Podcast Interviews
12:40 Content Creators and Influencers
13:07 Paid Advertising Strategies
14:09 Sustained Nurturing
15:21 Email Opt-Ins and Lead Magnets
16:57 Sustained Conversion
19:40 Final Thoughts
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED
→ Sustain Your Sales: https://selinaho.com/sales
→ The Complete Sustain Your Success Ecosystem: https://selinaho.com/sys
→ Your Success Roadmap (Free Course): https://selinaho.com/roadmap
 
SUPPORT TO SUCCEED
→ Confessions of a Conscious CEO newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com
→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb
→ Grow your business with the Sustain Your Success course suite — start with the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
→ Secure me as your business advisor to sustainably scale your business: https://selinaho.com/btl
 
LET’S CONNECT
→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com 
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho 
→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_

How to Create Profitable Products & Services That ACTUALLY Sell

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most foundational (but often skipped) parts of building a business: your products, services, and offers!
 
Whether you’re selling physical products, digital services, or anything in between — this is the episode you need to ensure what you're creating actually sells, creates real impact, and sustains you and your business. I get candid about the mistake I made early in my business when I skipped validation, wasted 6 months, and launched something no one wanted (yikes).
 
I’m sharing exactly what I wish I had done instead and now teach all of my clients to do through a 3-step framework:1️⃣ VALIDATE the problem you're solving2️⃣ Ensure it's VIABLE to create and profitable to sell3️⃣ TEST DEMAND before you commit
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:11 The Foundation of Your Business 
00:58 The Importance of Strategic Product Planning 
01:53 Solving Problems for Your Ideal Customer 
02:47 Standing Out in a Saturated Market 
03:23 Real-World Examples of Successful Products 
05:04 Service Providers: Differentiating Your Offerings 
07:51 Primary and Secondary Research 
08:34 Conducting Effective Surveys 
11:31 Diving Deeper into Customer Needs 
12:36 Analyzing Competitors 
12:49 Matcha Business Example 
14:30 The Importance of Validation 
15:35 The Pitfalls of Skipping Validation 
20:09 Viability Check: Can You Bring It to Life? 
23:54 Testing Demand: Pre-Sales and Wait Lists 
24:42 Executing Pre-Sales 
26:39 Executing Waitlists 
27:22 Steps to Create Successful Products 
28:37 The Benefits of Doing the Work Upfront 
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED
→ Sustain Your Products: https://selinaho.com/products
→ The Complete Sustain Your Success Ecosystem: https://selinaho.com/sys
→ Launch Your Brand Course: https://selinaho.com/lyb
→ Built to Last Consulting Services: https://selinaho.com/btl
 
SUPPORT TO SUCCEED
→ Confessions of a Conscious CEO newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com
→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb
→ Grow your business with the Sustain Your Success course suite — start with the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
→ Secure me as your business advisor to sustainably scale your business: https://selinaho.com/btl
 
LET’S CONNECT
→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com 
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho 
→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_

Walking Away From a Shady Factory & The Rollercoaster of Starting a Sustainable Brand | Valerie from Val Eves

In this episode, I’m joined by Valerie, the founder of Val Eves — a sustainable accessories brand redefining what it means to be both stylish and conscious. Valerie is not only one of my amazing clients, but also someone I deeply admire for her resilience, vision, and integrity as a founder.
 
Together, we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a sustainable brand from the ground up. Valerie shares her journey of discovering sustainable fashion, why she chose to start with artisan-made hand fans (trust me, you’ll want one after this), and how she’s making sustainability aspirational — not just granola.
 
We also get real about the behind-the-scenes moments most people don’t talk about — like walking away from a shady production partner days before signing, navigating non-traditional career paths, and building a conscious business while juggling a full-time job. Valerie opens up about the highs, the lows, and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.
 
If you’re a purpose-driven entrepreneur or simply someone who wants to create beautiful things without compromising your values, this one’s for you.
 
We discuss:
How Valerie launched Val Eves from an idea to an artisan-crafted brand
Why fans are more than a stylish accessory — and a symbol for change
What really happened on our first sourcing trip to Spain (we spill ALL the tea)
Tips for juggling a 9–5 and building a brand
The role of intuition in sustainable entrepreneurship
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Launching Your Own Sustainable Brand
02:33 Valerie's Inspiration Behind Val Eves
03:15 The Gap in the Market
04:05 Why Hand Fans?
05:10 Cultural Significance of Hand Fans
05:58 Redefining Sustainable Fashion
07:32 Craftsmanship Behind Val Eves Fans
07:54 The Artisanal Process in Spain
10:48 Sourcing and Production Challenges
13:37 Starting a Fashion Brand Without a Fashion Background
15:21 Finding the Right Partners
18:44 Spain Sourcing Trip
20:04 Decision to Pause and Reevaluate
20:25 Finding a New Atelier
20:43 Reflecting on the Right Decision
21:12 Production Partner Red Flags
23:41 Choosing to Walk Away
24:18 Overcoming Disappointment
26:42 Balancing a 9-to-5 and a Passion Project
27:30 Importance of Good Habits
28:39 Working Together and Building a Brand
31:36 Valuable Advice and Lessons Learned
33:59 Fashion Accessories and Future Plans
34:46 Hopes for the Fashion Industry
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED
→ Launch Your Brand Course: https://selinaho.com/lyb - use code “PODCAST” for $100 off
→ Sustainable Fashion Consulting: www.recloseted.com/consulting
 
CONNECT WITH VALERIE
→ Website: https://valeves.com
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valevesfashion
 
SUPPORT TO SUCCEED
→ Confessions of a Conscious CEO newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com
→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb
→ Grow your business with the Sustain Your Success course suite — start with the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
→ Secure me as your business advisor to sustainably scale your business: https://selinaho.com/btl
 
LET’S CONNECT
→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com 
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho 
→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_

The Truth About Starting Your First Business That No One Talks About…

Starting a business is one of the most rewarding (and hardest) things I’ve ever done. I launched Recloseted over six years ago and scaled it to multiple six figures, worked with incredible clients, and built something I’m deeply proud of. But looking back, there’s so much I wish I had known that could’ve saved me time, money, and stress.
 
In this episode, I’m sharing the unfiltered truth behind the mistakes I made and the key sustainable strategies I wish I had when I started. Whether you’re launching your first business or looking to grow more intentionally, I hope this gives you a head start and helps you avoid the painful lessons I had to learn the hard way!
 
I share:
Why understanding your market size is non-negotiable
How to nail your USP and solve a real, unique problem
Why a strong product or service is your best growth tool
The power of community-first marketing (and how to actually build one)
The importance of strategic partnerships for visibility and growth
Why you should invest in your learning early and wisely
The need to know your numbers and make data-driven decisions
How to build systems that actually serve you (not just look pretty)
What I’ve learned about hiring before you’re desperate
The game-changing habit of quarterly founder reviews
How your mindset can make or break your success as a conscious entrepreneur
 
TIMESTAMPS
01:03 The Importance of Market Size
03:39 Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition
05:57 Creating a Great Product
07:26 Building a Community
11:50 Gaining Visibility Through Partnerships
13:34 Investing in Learning and Development
16:23 Knowing Your Numbers
17:31 Setting Up Effective Systems
19:19 Hiring Strategically
21:33 Quarterly Board Meetings
23:11 Mindset and Self-Development
24:29 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
25:42 Grow-at-All-Cost Strategies
 
SUPPORT TO SUCCEED
→ Confessions of a Conscious CEO newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com
→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb
→ Grow your business with the Sustain Your Success course suite — start with the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
→ Secure me as your business advisor to sustainably scale your business: https://selinaho.com/btl
 
LET’S CONNECT
→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com 
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho 
→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_

My Burnout Story: Why I Walked Away and Rebuilt a Sustainable Business

In this honest and unfiltered episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really looked like to build my first business, Recloseted. From the outside, it looked like a dream—working with fashion brands I admired, traveling the world, and scaling to multiple six figures. But behind the scenes, I was constantly burning out, feeling depleted, and running on fumes.
 
I share how I got to that point, the mistakes I made (like blindly following mentors and not defining my version of success), and what finally caused me to pivot. I also talk about how I’ve rebuilt my business in a way that actually supports my health, lifestyle, and happiness—and how you can too.
 
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still feel unfulfilled or on the edge of burnout, I hope this episode gives you permission to pause, reassess, and build a business that truly works for you.
 
I discuss:
How my dream business slowly turned into a nightmare
The danger of following "grow at all costs" strategies
Why it’s crucial to define your own version of success (instead of copying someone else's)
The importance of working with values-aligned mentors
What to do when your business constantly feels like an uphill battle
Why I stopped reinvesting every dollar and started paying myself
How I finally feel healthy, happy, and excited about my business again
Proof that you can sustainably grow your business and support yourself
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 The Dream Business Turned Nightmare
00:29 The Birth of Recloseted
00:49 The Hustle and Learning Phase
01:26 Investing in Knowledge and Mentors
01:48 Misaligned Mentorship and Values
02:33 Defining Personal Success
04:26 The Importance of Sustainable Growth
05:22 Chasing Personal Fulfillment
07:05 Recognizing the Breaking Point
08:29 Paying Yourself Properly
09:52 Finding Health and Happiness
11:49 Future Strategies and Tactics
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED
→ Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
 
SUPPORT TO SUCCEED
→ Confessions of a Conscious CEO newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com
→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb
→ Grow your business with the Sustain Your Success course suite — start with the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
→ Secure me as your business advisor to sustainably scale your business: https://selinaho.com/btl
 
LET’S CONNECT
→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com 
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho 
→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_

How I Pivoted My Career & Business (And What You Can Learn from It)

Pivoting your business or career can feel like letting go of everything you've built — but sometimes it's the most aligned and powerful decision you can make. In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, real behind-the-scenes of my biggest pivot to date: leaving behind my identity as a sustainable fashion consultant to start a brand new chapter.
 
Last year, when I turned 30, I hit a full-on existential crisis. I questioned everything — my work, my purpose, and my future. So many of you asked how I knew it was time to pivot, how I found the courage to do it, and how I figured out what to do next. That’s exactly what I’m breaking down for you today. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just curious about what else is possible for your next chapter, this episode is for you. I hope it gives you support, clarity, and some practical tools to move forward!
 
I discuss:
- How to know when it’s time to pivot vs. when you need to stick it out
- The mindset shifts that helped me finally quit what wasn’t working
- Tactical tips for financially and emotionally planning your pivot
- How to communicate your pivot (if you want to) without spiraling
- Lessons I’ve learned after changing my business and identity
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:11 The Challenge of Pivoting
01:29 Recognizing the Need for Change
01:50 Knowing When to Pivot
02:44 The Mindset Shift Around Quitting
05:02 Setting Checkpoints and Metrics
07:45 Dealing with Burnout
09:16 Examples of Successful Pivots
10:34 Making a Plan for Your Pivot
14:52 Communicating Your Pivot
17:50 Financial Planning for Your Pivot
18:34 Testing Before Committing
19:48 Lessons Learned from Pivoting
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED
→ Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
→ Quit by Annie Duke
→ https://youtu.be/3xCbTC0Jqm0
 
SUPPORT TO SUCCEED
→ Confessions of a Conscious CEO newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com
→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb
→ Grow your business with the Sustain Your Success course suite — start with the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
→ Secure me as your business advisor to sustainably scale your business: https://selinaho.com/btl
 
LET’S CONNECT
→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com 
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho 
→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_

Welcome to Confessions of a Conscious CEO 🤍

Confessions of a Conscious CEO pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a purpose-driven business that aligns with your values, sustains your lifestyle, and actually makes money. I'm sharing unfiltered insights, behind-the-scenes lessons, and honest conversations with visionary founders who are redefining success.
From profitable product development to intentional scaling and funding — it’s the real talk every conscious entrepreneur needs. Tune in weekly to get inspired, sustainably grow, and achieve your version of success!
 
SUPPORT TO SUCCEED
→ Confessions of a Conscious CEO newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com
→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb
→ Grow your business with the Sustain Your Success course suite — start with the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
 
LET’S CONNECT
→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho
→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_

229: The Future of Recloseted...

I share what’s happening with Recloseted in this podcast episode…
Thank you for joining this journey with me 💚
 
FREE RESOURCES
For Sustainable Fashion Brands:
→ How to Fund Your Fashion Line Training: https://www.recloseted.com/budget
→ How to Launch a Profitable Sustainable Fashion Brand Training: https://www.recloseted.com/masterclass
→ Your Success Roadmap Program: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
 
For Fashion Service Providers:
→ Build a Sustaining Business Program: https://selinaho.com/basb
→ Your Success Roadmap Program: https://selinaho.com/roadmap
 
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
For Sustainable Fashion Brands:
→ Launch Your Brand Course: https://www.recloseted.com/lyb - use code “FIGHTTHEGOODFIGHT” for 50% off
→ 1:1 Consulting: https://recloseted.com/consultation - only three spots available for 2025
 
For Fashion Service Providers:
→ Sustain Your Success Private Podcast: https://selinaho.com/sys - use code “TOYOURSUCCESS” for $50 off
→ Uncork Your Potential 1:1 Consulting: https://selinaho.com/consulting - now booking for 2025
→ Transform Your Sales Group program: https://selinaho.com/tys - accepting clients for 2025
 
LET’S CONNECT
→ My Personal YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@selinajho
→ Sustainable Success Series Newsletter: https://sustainable-success.beehiiv.com
→ Instagram @selinajho https://www.instagram.com/selinajho
→ TikTok @selinaho_ https://www.tiktok.com/@selinaho_

228: Your Launch Strategy to Sellout Your First Collection

Sellout your first collection with these launch strategies from Selina!
 
Links Mentioned:
Free Fund Your Fashion Line Training
Free How to Launch a Profitable Sustainable Fashion Brand Masterclass
Launch Your Brand Course
Recloseted's YouTube Channel

227: Price Your Products to Maximize Profits — And Still Make Sales!

Maximizing your profits is crucial for a fashion brand! In this episode, Selina breaks down how you should price your products and ways to guarantee you’ll make sales — even with premium price points.
 
Links Mentioned:
Free Fund Your Fashion Line Training
Free How to Launch a Profitable Sustainable Fashion Brand Masterclass
Launch Your Brand Course
Recloseted's YouTube Channel