The Unschool by Andi Alleman cover image

The Unschool by Andi Alleman

Latest episodes

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May 17, 2025 • 21min

Proof You Don’t Need to Go Viral—You Just Need to Resonate: Specificity, Slow Branding, and the Founder Mindset That Builds Cult Brands

In this walk-and-talk style solo episode (literally), we’re diving into the real behind-the-scenes of building a beauty brand and running a strategy house at the same time. You’ll hear what it actually looks like to show up in the messy middle — pitching investors for the first time, navigating unfamiliar beauty standards, and learning the difference between stability testing and (what Andi lovingly calls) mold stuff. It’s giving: radical transparency meets cult brand strategy. This one is your weekly brand clarity download — the truth behind what makes an obsession-worthy brand today. Andi shares: The difference between inspired action and confrontational action — and why you don’t need to wait for perfect clarity to begin What she’s learning in real time while building Casa Noon (ingredient sourcing, packaging, compliance, fundraising, and more) How to curate your brand like a magazine — and why it works better than chasing viral trends The 5 major patterns from the online zeitgeist around cult branding: Content prompts for this week: founder-led storytelling, weekend life reels, identity-based carousels, and ‘this feels like a private club’ vibes 💡 Takeaways: This season is about stepping into the unknown and showing up anyway — with systems, flow, and a POV that sticks. The brands that win aren’t the ones that perform best… they’re the ones that resonate most. Tools & Mentions: The Co-CEO GPT Toolkit: Your creative director + AI assistant in one. Caption starters, visual planning, Human Design alignment, and more. Free Visual Style Masterclass Take the Brand Archetype Quiz RSVP to the Cult Brand Blueprint Workshop – May 27th Smart Girls Summer Camp in Venice, CA: July 11–13. ✨ IRL content creation, strategy circles, cold plunges + the ultimate biz bestie reset. DM @ouiwegirl to grab a spot before prices go up. 📲 DM Andi on Instagram @ouiwegirl to chat about the Smart Girls Mastermind opening at the end of this month — doors are about to open.  Want to go deeper? Get in the room with us this summer — online and in real life.
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May 9, 2025 • 25min

The 7-Day Shift That Rewired My Business (Step-by-Step In 23 Minute, Plus How You Can Join the CEO Reset Challenge)

Discover how to recalibrate your business without starting from scratch. Andi breaks down her recent speaking experiences and what they reveal about the future of entrepreneurship. She shares essential steps for founders, including auditing revenue flows and realigning strategies with personal 'whys'. The 7 Day CEO Reset Challenge is introduced, offering daily prompts for clarity and focused action. It’s a transformative opportunity for entrepreneurs eager to gain momentum and make meaningful changes in their businesses.
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May 3, 2025 • 24min

90 Days to Cult Status (Plus: The CEO Reset Challenge You Didn’t Know You Needed)

Andi pulls back the curtain on what she’d do to build a cult-status brand in just 90 days — the kind of brand people brag about discovering first, screenshot for their vision boards, and obsessively share with their group chats. Spoiler: it’s exactly what she’s doing with Casa Noon right now. Before diving into the 3-part roadmap, Andi also shares what’s happening behind the scenes — from buying her dream home in LA (fingers crossed!) to signing off on her first beauty product — and introduces the 7 Day CEO Reset Challenge, starting May 12 inside OOO Club. ✨ This episode is for the founder who’s ready to: - Build a magnetic brand that sells on vibe as much as value - Stop guessing what your audience wants and start creating for her actual life - Reset your energy, systems, and strategy before summer hits Andi shares: 🌿 A behind-the-scenes life update (spoiler: big shifts, dream house vibes, and cosmic alignment with ChatGPT clients) 🧠 The exact 3-month roadmap to build an obsession-worthy brand: Month 1: Obsess over the person, not the product — emotional clarity > demographics Month 2: Build the product and the world around it — vibe, tone, packaging, and rituals matter Month 3: Launch loud, then listen louder — feedback is data, screenshots are gold Plus — all the juicy details on the 7 Day CEO Reset Challenge kicking off May 12 inside OOO Club   Links & Mentions: Join the 7 Day CEO Reset Challenge in OOO Club Visual Brand Style Masterclass (free!) Apply for a Strategy Day or Obsession-Worthy Mastermind Vision Board for Her Instagram Post 🎧 Takeaways: You can’t build a cult brand if you don’t know your perfect person. Identity > aesthetics. Cult brands sell belonging. The “this is it” screenshot moment is your cue to double down. If your brand doesn’t feel aligned anymore, you don’t need to quit — you need to reset. 👯‍♀️ Want in on the summer mastermind? Smart Girls: Obsession-Worthy Edition is opening again at the end of May. 💌 As always, slide into Andi’s DMs with your ahas, questions, or just to say hi.
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Apr 24, 2025 • 49min

How Carolin Helff Saved Big, Quit Her Job, and Took a Sabbatical — Without Going Broke (And Built Wealth Doing It)

Andi sits down with financial educator and digital nomad Carolin to talk all things personal finance, freedom, and finding community on the road. Carolin shares how she transitioned from a high-earning corporate job to designing a life rooted in flexibility, aligned spending, and unapologetic self-investment. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts required to build wealth (even on the go), how to let go of financial fears, and what it really means to invest in yourself as a woman entrepreneur. Whether you're dreaming of a sabbatical, building a business from Bali, or just trying to get your savings strategy straight—this one is packed with tangible steps and soulful perspective. The conversation ends with a lightning round on money tips.. Takeaways: Community is essential for personal growth and emotional support. Financial literacy is foundational to female empowerment. A home base can help ground you while living a nomadic lifestyle. A high savings rate creates financial flexibility—and freedom. Traditional education leaves major gaps when it comes to money. Robo-advisors can be powerful tools for beginner investors. Investing doesn’t have to be intimidating when broken down. WhatsApp groups and digital communities help travelers stay connected. Mindset shifts are just as important as strategy. Self-investment is the most important wealth-building habit. Aligning your spending with your values is the real flex. Chapters: Personal finance journeys and financial awakening Preparing financially for a sabbatical or career shift Letting go of traditional career expectations Demystifying investing and using robo-advisors The importance of community while living nomadically Building confidence and literacy around money Creating flexible and joyful lifestyles with intention Breaking free from financial fear and scarcity Self-investment as a form of empowerment Reframing wealth as a tool for values-based living   🔗 Links & Mentions: Follow Carolin on Instagram here Learn more about Carolin's work 👯‍♀️ Want to go deeper? 💻 Join the Oui, We Roll Visual Content Course 🎤 Book Andi to Speak 📥 Explore the Obsession-Worthy Framework inside the Mastermind 🧳 Come hang inside Out of Office Club
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Apr 23, 2025 • 28min

Why I’m Closing a $100K Program & Quitting Million-View Reels (On Purpose)

Andi pulls back the curtain on some of the biggest shifts happening inside Oui, We Studio. From launching a blog that turned into a multi-six-figure business, to building a best-selling course now headed back into the vault, she shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind what’s working — and what’s no longer aligned. You’ll hear the evolution of Oui, We Studio, the behind-the-scenes of The Unschool Intuitive Biz Academy, and why she’s stepping away from clickbait content and viral metrics in favor of resonance and real connection. Plus, Andi gives a peek into what’s next: including her new beauty brand Casa Noon and the deeper role Human Design is playing in everything from offers to content creation. This episode is a must-listen if you’re navigating your next evolution as a founder — or wondering how to pivot with clarity and conviction. Takeaways: Oui, We Studio began in 2017 as a single digital course. The blog Oui, We Girl was an early (and major) source of revenue. The Conscious Creatives Business School was Andi’s first program rooted in sustainable strategy. The Unschool focused on intuitive, Human Design-led business growth. Andi shares how she’s rethinking success beyond vanity metrics. Creating ad-free, calm learning spaces has become a top priority. A $10K investment in a speaking coach led to booking a $10K speaking gig. The Unschool is going into the vault — not forever, but for now. Expect more tools like the Co-CEO Toolkit. Andi is shifting her energy toward building Casa Noon, a brand that meets real skincare needs with a storytelling-first approach.   Episode Chapters: – Introduction to Major Shifts at Oui, We Studio – The Evolution of the Business (From Blog to Brand) – The Rise of The UnSchool + Social Strategy – Why Andi is Shifting Toward Speaking and Consulting – What’s Next: Vaulting Programs & Launching Casa Noon   🔗 Links & Mentions: 💻 Join the Oui, We Roll Visual Content Course  🌞 Follow Casa Noon on Instagram 🎤 Book Andi to Speak 👯‍♀️ Join OOO Club Reach out if you're interested in Strategy or Consulting
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Apr 17, 2025 • 24min

The Superpower Every Founder That Hits It Big Has (And How to Cultivate It) in 20 Minutes

Andi breaks down the concept of Proof-Optional Vision — the inner knowing that drives founders and creatives to move before the path is paved. She shares powerful real-world stories from her early fashion incubator days, the creation of her beauty brand Casa Noon, and the behind-the-scenes moments with multi-passionate founders who went on to land CFDA Awards, make the 30 Under 30 list, and scale six & seven figure brands — all before they had the following, funding, or press. In this episode, you’ll walk away with tangible strategies to cultivate your own Proof-Optional Vision, reframe how you show up in your business, and begin building a magnetic brand that feels inevitable — even before the results start rolling in. Takeaways: - Proof-Optional Vision is the superpower every obsession-worthy founder shares. - You don’t need a massive following, investor backing, or perfect strategy to get started. - Clarity comes after commitment — not before. - Delusional clarity is often required to move forward. - You can cultivate vision with intentional practices and community. - Done is better than perfect — create before you're ready. - Build an archive of “future memories” to train your mind to spot success. - Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision before the results show up. - You become the proof by trusting the vision before it's validated. Chapters: What Every Obsession-Worthy Brand Has in Common The Early Days: Building a Fashion Incubator with No Budget From Bike Cart to Beyoncé  Helping Designers Get Seen Before the Creator Economy Starting a Brand Without a Clear Path The Birth of Casa Noon Navigating Setbacks + Still Holding the Vision You Need People Who See Your Brilliance Before the Proof 3 Ways to Cultivate Proof-Optional Vision Strategy Day Invitations + Closing Reflections Want to Go Deeper? If you’re holding a big vision for your next chapter — and need support mapping it out, refining your positioning, and building obsession-worthy momentum — Andi is opening two spots this summer for her Obsession-Worthy Strategy Days in Los Angeles. These are high-touch, 1:1 days designed for visionary founders ready to launch their next-level offer, brand, or product with clarity, confidence, and scroll-stopping content. 📝 Reach out via email at team@ouiwestudio.com. Spots are extremely limited and not listed publicly. 🎧 Listen now and share this episode with the founder or creative in your life who needs a little reminder: You don’t need more proof. You are the proof.
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Apr 11, 2025 • 51min

This Founder Left a High-Profile Career to Create a Business That Feels Like a Love Letter: Melissa Shelton on How To Own Your Story

5 Conversations with 5 Smart Girls. Meet Melissa Shelton — a powerhouse creative, hospitality entrepreneur, and founder of Dear Valentine. This convo is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to go from corporate leader to intentional founder. Melissa shares the raw truth about walking away from a high-profile career in the global design industry (hello, Vitra and Design Within Reach) to build something entirely her own — a hospitality brand rooted in travel, design, and unforgettable experiences. Inside this conversation, you’ll hear: How Melissa navigated imposter syndrome and the mindset shifts that helped her trust herself as a founder. The business plan essentials she swears by before making a leap — yes, money matters. Why collaboration and your network are the non-negotiables of sustainable success. What social media really looks like behind the scenes for a multi-hyphenate business owner. The power of investing in personal growth and the belief that you don’t get what you don’t ask for. This episode is a masterclass in owning your story, leading with vision, and creating environments (and businesses) that people feel — long after they leave. ✨ Takeaways: → Imposter syndrome happens — even at the top. Keep going. → Plan for your leap — evaluate the financial and lifestyle shifts required. → Your network is your business. Collaboration unlocks growth. → Authentic storytelling is your superpower on social. → Entrepreneurship is a forever experiment — stay curious. 🎧 Chapters: — Introduction + Melissa’s Background — Climbing the Corporate Ladder in Global Design — Imposter Syndrome + How to Navigate Doubt — Launching Dear Valentine: From Idea to Reality — Making the Leap: Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship — The Power of Partnerships + Collaboration — How to Build Meaningful Relationships in Business — Navigating Social Media with Authenticity — Why Investing in Yourself is Always Worth It — Lightning Round: Melissa’s Inspirations, Mindset Practices + What’s Next 🔗 Links & Mentions: Follow Dear Valentine: @dearvalentine Learn more about Melissa’s work: dearvalentine.co 👯‍♀️ Want to go deeper? 💻 Join the Oui, We Roll Visual Content Course 🎤 Book Andi to Speak 📥 Explore the Obsession-Worthy Framework inside the Mastermind 🧳 Come hang inside Out of Office Club
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Apr 10, 2025 • 45min

From Law to Spiritual Entrepreneurship: Trusting Your Intuition in a Major Career Pivot with Kirsten Stockton

5 Conversations with 5 Smart Girls. In this episode Andi sits down with intuitive guide and energy reader Kirsten Stockton for a conversation that feels like the best kind of girl talk — honest, reflective, and deeply transformative. Together, they explore Kirsten’s powerful journey of moving from a high-achieving career in law to stepping fully into her spiritual gifts — a transition sparked during the quiet, reflective moments of the pandemic. Kirsten shares how accessing the Akashic Records opened a new world of energy work and intuition, offering profound insights on self-trust, spiritual hygiene, and navigating life as a sensitive soul. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: → How to honor pivotal life moments as catalysts for transformation → Why the Akashic Records are often called the energetic library of your soul → Simple ways to practice spiritual hygiene and protect your energy → How to nurture your intuitive gifts (yes, we all have them!) → The role of self-compassion in healing and growth → Why investing in yourself and finding community is the ultimate expansion portal Takeaways: This conversation is a beautiful reminder that the journey inward is often the most life-changing of all. Kirsten’s story proves that it’s never too late to pivot, trust your inner wisdom, and step into a life aligned with your soul. Meditation, spiritual hygiene, and self-reflection aren’t just buzzwords — they’re practical tools for grounding and growth. Investing in yourself is the first step to unlocking your own inner magic. Chapters: — Introduction & Finding Connection — Pivotal Life Moments & Career Reflections — Transitioning from Law to Spirituality — Coming Out of the Spiritual Closet — Trusting Intuition & The Power of Self-Reflection — What Are the Akashic Records? — Spiritual Hygiene & Protecting Your Energy — Navigating Sensitivity in an Energetic World — Embracing Intuition & Practicing Self-Compassion — Investing in Yourself & Finding Aligned Community 🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone who's standing at the edge of their next evolution. 🔗 Links & Mentions: Follow Kirsten on Instagram 👯‍♀️ Want to go deeper? 💻 Join the Oui, We Roll Visual Content Course 🎤 Book Andi to Speak 📥 Explore the Obsession-Worthy Framework inside the Mastermind 🧳 Come hang inside Out of Office Club
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Apr 9, 2025 • 34min

Lazy Hustler Energy, Projector Hacks, NLP, and the Truth About Productivity with Meredith DeSantos

5 Conversations with 5 Smart Girls. In this episode, Andi sits down with Meredith DeSantos — a powerhouse strategist with nearly two decades of experience in the entertainment, tech, and wellness worlds — to explore what it really means to be a Lazy Hustler in business and in life. Meredith has supported A-list writers, showrunners, and creatives in launching their projects with clarity and emotional intelligence — and now, she’s bringing those same transformational tools to high-achieving entrepreneurs. Her work blends Human Design, neuroscience, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) to help leaders release burnout patterns, rewire limiting beliefs, and align with their energetic blueprint. ✨ This episode is equal parts mindset shift and masterclass — for the creative visionary who’s done with pushing and ready to scale with strategy and soul. Meredith and Andi unpack: What it really means to embrace the Lazy Hustler mindset The truth about productivity vs. busyness (hint: they’re not the same) How Human Design reveals your unique blueprint for aligned business growth NLP tools for reprogramming limiting beliefs and building confidence Why 93% of communication is non-verbal — and how to embody your message Rituals for rest, nervous system regulation, and creativity Why investing in yourself is the most strategic move you can make How community connection fuels expansion (and ends the isolation loop) Reframing imposter syndrome and showing up when visibility feels hard 🧠 Meredith’s mission? To help you ditch the outdated systems that glorify burnout and step into your own success blueprint — without losing yourself in the process. 🔑 Takeaways - NLP is a powerful tool to reprogram your subconscious patterns. - Productivity is about alignment, not overextension. - Your aura is part of your brand — when you understand it, everything changes. - Emotional intelligence is the superpower behind creative longevity. - Rest is not a luxury — it’s a business strategy, especially for Projectors. - Investing in yourself isn’t extra. It’s essential. 🎧 Chapters Meredith's Journey to Lazy Hustler Mindset Strategies in Business Understanding Human Design & Celebrity Examples Imposter Syndrome & Visibility NLP + The Truth About Productivity Anchoring, Belief Shifts & Investing in Yourself Meredith is the behind-the-scenes genius for some of the most magnetic creators — and now she’s sharing her full toolkit with you. 💌 Listen now and share this one with your creative bestie who’s ready to build smarter, not harder. 🔗 Links & Mentions: Follow Meredith on Instagram 👯‍♀️ Want to go deeper? 💻 Join the Oui, We Roll Visual Content Course 🎤 Book Andi to Speak 📥 Explore the Obsession-Worthy Framework inside the Mastermind 🧳 Come hang inside Out of Office Club
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Apr 8, 2025 • 47min

From First Business at 15 to CEO: Vanessa Farino on Building Through Imposter Syndrome

5 conversations with 5 Smart Girls. Andi sits down with Vanessa Farino — award-winning Latina entrepreneur, Forbes-featured marketing expert, and founder of Creative CEO, a media and events company helping women build brands with intention, clarity, and power. From launching her first business at 15 to supporting a $25M fundraise and working with celebrity entrepreneurs, Vanessa’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention, purpose-driven leadership, and creating spaces where women truly thrive. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes of how Creative CEO came to life, the realities of navigating imposter syndrome (even after receiving major recognition), and how Vanessa uses Human Design to help women reconnect with their energy, values, and aligned business strategy. ✨ Vanessa shares: – Her entrepreneurial path from corporate to full-time CEO – The inspiration behind Creative CEO and why financial empowerment matters – What it really looks like to work with high-profile clients and navigate visibility – How Human Design is transforming her business and her relationships – Why creating safe, inclusive communities is key to long-term success – Her lightning round answers: from dream ventures to soulful travel and what she’s manifesting next 💡 Takeaways: Vanessa launched her first business at just 15. Creative CEO was born from a desire for financial control and community. Women are the primary drivers of the economy — and they deserve spaces that reflect that. Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away — even with success. Understanding your energy type is crucial to building a business that flows. Regulating your nervous system is an underrated business skill. Feedback builds inclusive, magnetic brands. Implementation > ideas. Every time. Investing in yourself is the first step to aligned success. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: – Introduction and Background – Vanessa's Entrepreneurial Journey – The Birth of Creative CEO – Empowering Women in Business – Creating Safe Spaces for Women – Recognition and Documentary Experience – Celebrity Business Insights – Integrating Human Design in Business – Human Design in Personal Relationships – Building Inclusive Communities 🎧 Listen now and tag the creative CEO in your life — this one’s for the women building their legacy with soul, strategy, and deep self-trust. Follow Vanessa on Instagram 👯‍♀️ Want to go deeper? 💻 Join the Oui, We Roll Visual Content Course 🎤 Book Andi to Speak 📥 Explore the Obsession-Worthy Framework inside the Mastermind 🧳 Come hang inside Out of Office Club

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