37 | Andrea Cole | How to Scale Your Creative Business Without Losing Soul
What does it take to scale a creative business without losing the soul that made it special in the first place? In this episode of Fingerprints on Success, host Bill Barrett sits down with Andrea Cole, founder of a thriving custom art business, to explore the journey from solo creator to successful entrepreneur. Andrea shares how she built a business rooted in emotional connection and craftsmanship—and how learning to let go was the key to exponential growth.
From building a trustworthy team to navigating the challenges of delegation and brand consistency, Andrea opens up about the mindset shifts that allowed her to scale her impact while preserving the magic that makes her work meaningful. She also emphasizes the value of mentorship, personal accountability, and customer experience as pillars of long-term success.
Whether you're an artist, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers a powerful look at what it means to grow without compromising your core values.
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Enjoy!
Key takeaways:
- Why hiring team members who can deliver 80% of your quality is a game-changer
- How Andrea transitioned from doing it all to leading a trusted team
- The importance of building a brand that reflects reliability and emotional connection
- Why mentorship is essential—whether paid or personal
- How to provide a consistent client experience, even during internal challenges
- What scaling up really looks like in a creative business
- How competition can push you out of your comfort zone and fuel growth
- And much more…
Guest Bio:
Andrea Cole is the founder and lead visionary behind dbandrea, a flower preservation company that transforms sentimental bouquets into lasting works of art. Her journey began in 2016 with a Valentine’s Day bouquet from her now-husband, sparking a passion that blossomed into a thriving business. Today, Andrea leads the DBA team in delivering world-class preservation services and an exceptional client experience. She also serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the WIPA Dallas-Fort Worth chapter, actively supporting and connecting professionals in the wedding industry.
Resources:
Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn
Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Fingerprints on Success podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.
