Le Chéile Blog

Meredith Fennessy 11/18/24 Meredith Fennessy 11/18/24

Why Giving Your Clients Choices Is a Winning Strategy: Lessons from Goldilocks

By giving clients choices, you:

Enhance Perceived Value: The high-ticket option highlights your premium capabilities, making the mid-tier option seem like a great deal in comparison.
Empower Decision-Making: Clients feel more control and satisfaction when they can choose between different levels of service or products.
Increase Engagement: Clients are more likely to engage with your offerings when they see a range of options that cater to different needs and budgets.

As consumers, we love having choices. Think about it: when online shopping, if you see a sweater in only one color, you might glance at it briefly. But if that sweater comes in multiple colors, you’ll probably spend more time considering which one to buy—and you might even choose to purchase more than one to compare.

The power of choice gives us a sense of authority and control in the decision-making process. We weigh our options, envision the potential, and make a decision that feels just right for us.

As small business owners, we can leverage this consumer insight to our advantage. By presenting multiple options to your clients, you not only cater to their preferences but also make them feel valued and understood. Here’s how to effectively implement this strategy in your business:

1️⃣ Offer a High-Ticket Option

Showcase a premium version of your service or product. This high-ticket option demonstrates the full value of what you can offer. Even if this option feels out of reach for some clients, it sets a benchmark and creates an aspirational goal. Clients may dream of reaching that level someday and appreciate the opportunity to see what’s possible.

2️⃣ Provide a Mid-Tier Option

This is where most clients will likely land. The mid-tier option should be well-aligned with their needs and budget. It’s not as extravagant as the high-ticket option, but it offers significant value and addresses their core requirements. This is often the sweet spot where clients feel they’re getting the best of both worlds: great value at a manageable price.

3️⃣ Include a Low-Tier Option

Offer a basic version or introductory service. This tier provides clients with a taste of what you offer without a large financial commitment. It’s a way to let them experience your product or service and understand its value. Often, clients start here but may upgrade to higher tiers once they see the benefits.

Why This Approach Works

By giving clients choices, you:

Enhance Perceived Value: The high-ticket option highlights your premium capabilities, making the mid-tier option seem like a great deal in comparison.
Empower Decision-Making: Clients feel more control and satisfaction when they can choose between different levels of service or products.
Increase Engagement: Clients are more likely to engage with your offerings when they see a range of options that cater to different needs and budgets.

In essence, you’re not just offering a product or service—you’re providing a tailored experience that resonates with their needs and aspirations. And, in doing so, you’ve unwittingly taken a page from a 19th-century fairytale. Just like Goldilocks found the porridge that was “just right,” your clients will appreciate having options that fit their unique preferences and circumstances.

So, next time you’re planning your offers, remember: a choice is a powerful thing. Give your clients the options they crave, and watch how it enhances their satisfaction and loyalty.

About the Author
Meredith Fennessy Witts,
Founder & Strategic Growth Advisor at Le Chéile
and Co-Host of Agency Darlings

With a background in financial and operational consulting and a successful track record of founding and scaling her own agency, Meredith brings deep expertise in strategic growth for indie creative and digital agencies.

Her company, Le Chéile, helps agencies scaling toward and beyond 1M+ in revenue to rightsize teams and payroll, increase founder pay, scale offers and packages and more. She helps clients to achieve their goals while clarifying their business strategy and finances.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 11/4/24 Meredith Fennessy 11/4/24

4 End-of-Year Tips to Set Up Your Business for Success in 2025

As the year winds down, it's easy to get caught up in the festivities and end-of-year rush. But now is a critical time to prepare for the new year and set yourself up for success. Here are four essential end-of-year tips to help you hit the ground running in 2025.

1️⃣ Calculate (and Forecast) Expenses

Understanding your expenses is crucial for making informed decisions, pricing your offers accurately, and managing your cash flow. Take the time to review and forecast your expenses for the coming year.

Le Chéile can help: We offer accounting software clean-ups, audits, and custom-built P&L and forecasting tools that are visually friendly and tailored to your needs. Let us help you get your finances in order so you can focus on growing your business.

2️⃣ Contract Extensions

Now is a great time to review and negotiate contract terms with your clients. Whether you're looking to discuss upsells, extensions, or continuations, use the end of the year as an opportunity to secure your revenue for Q1.

Timing is key: Early to mid-November is perfect for these conversations. Your clients will likely be more receptive before the holiday rush, and you'll have a clearer picture of your revenue for the upcoming year. If clients want to add services or need to scale back, you'll have time to adjust your staffing and payroll accordingly.

3️⃣ Pay Quarterly Taxes

Avoid future headaches by staying on top of your tax obligations. Paying quarterly taxes not only helps you avoid penalties but also makes your end-of-year tax filing smoother.

- Upcoming deadline: The next estimated quarterly tax payment is due on January 16, 2025. Plan ahead to ensure you're in good standing with the IRS and avoid any last-minute stress.

4️⃣ Identify 2025 Goals

This step is arguably the most important. Setting clear, specific goals for 2025 will guide your short-term strategy and help you measure progress throughout the year.

Be specific:

Instead of vague goals like "I want to 2X revenue," set actionable targets such as "We will onboard 3 new clients in Q1 with a total contract value of $X." Specific goals will give you a clear direction and make it easier to track your success.

Ready to get started?

If you need help with any of these steps or want to discuss how to set your business up for success in 2024, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let's make sure you're well-prepared to tackle the new year with confidence and clarity.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 10/28/24 Meredith Fennessy 10/28/24

The Power of Choice: How Offering Multiple Tiers Can Transform Your Client Relationships

By narrowing your offerings, you give your clients a choice. You show them the potential in working with you. You demonstrate your value and worth by sharing higher level support than they may need in the moment. You eliminate scope creep. You provide options. You pave a path for success with differing levels of support for your clients.

People love having choices. When given the power to decide between options, clients feel empowered and valued. If you're only offering a single option, the decision is binary: "yes" or "no." But when you provide multiple choices, you give clients the ability to choose what fits their needs and budget best, creating a more engaging and dynamic decision-making process.

Leverage this strategy in your business by offering three distinct tiers:

1️⃣ The Foundational Tier

This is your entry-level offering. It provides a taste of what you can deliver, staying just under the client’s budget.

Example: Offer foundational work like initial strategy or market research. This tier might be a starting point that allows clients to experience your services while staying within their budget.

Why? Worst case, you start here and lay the groundwork for future, more comprehensive work. Best case, clients are intrigued and decide to opt for a higher tier.

2️⃣ Foundational + 1 Service/Offer

This tier includes everything from the Foundational Tier, plus one or two additional services that align closely with the client's needs.

Example: Combine your core offering with the foundational work. For instance, if your core service is strategic planning, include that along with initial market research.

Why? This is where clients are likely to land, as it balances their budget with additional value. It’s often the sweet spot where both you and the client find mutual benefit.

3️⃣ Foundational + 2-3 Services/Offers

This is your premium tier, showcasing a comprehensive package of services. It’s the aspirational option, demonstrating the full extent of what you can offer.

Example: Offer a full suite of services such as fractional CMO support, interim marketing department, or a complete rebrand including website redesign, logo, and marketing assets.

Why? This tier shows clients what’s possible and the value of higher-level support. It also helps prevent scope creep by making it clear that certain deliverables are reserved for this tier. Clients understand that to access this level of service, they must first engage with the foundational work.

⚡ Why is this approach effective?

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 10/23/24 Meredith Fennessy 10/23/24

Leverage these Tips to Increase Profit and Founder Take Home Pay

Today, we’re discussing ways to increase profit & have more freedom with your money.

By focusing on increasing revenue, reducing unnecessary costs, and optimizing both tax strategy and payment structure, creative agency founders can significantly boost their take-home pay.

Motivations:

Everyone is in it for different reasons and has different versions of success.

Some want to ensure they have enough to support their lifestyle.
Others want to pay themselves the salary they were paid in their last corporate job.
Others have sufficient funds but want to save the money for their kids college education or in a retirement fund.

Where to start: figure out what that reason is, what the reason behind the goal is. From there, you can form goals and targets to get there.

Increase Prices
Regularly reassess your pricing structure and raise rates to reflect the value you provide, especially for long-term clients. Value-based pricing can help capture higher profits.
Streamline Expenses
Review and cut unnecessary costs, such as software subscriptions, office space, or underutilized services. Trim your budget without compromising quality to increase your margins.
Move to Retainers
Shift from one-off projects to retainer agreements. This provides consistent, recurring revenue, allowing for better financial planning and smoother cash flow.
Optimize Team Structure
Outsource tasks that don’t need full-time attention, such as admin or bookkeeping, and use contractors for project-based work. This keeps your fixed payroll lower while scaling up as needed.
Take Dividends or Profit Distributions
If structured as a corporation or LLC, explore taking dividends or profit distributions instead of a salary. These can be taxed at a lower rate than regular income, depending on your country’s tax laws.
Pay Yourself First
Set a fixed percentage of monthly revenue as your salary or owner’s draw. Prioritize paying yourself early to ensure you're not leaving personal income as an afterthought.
Increase Client Retention
Focus on retaining high-value clients with strong relationships and upsell opportunities. Retaining existing clients is more profitable than constantly acquiring new ones.
Optimize Tax Strategy
Work with an accountant to maximize deductions and optimize your tax strategy. Look for tax credits, retirement contributions, and business write-offs that can reduce your tax burden and increase take-home pay.

By taking a hard look at your expenses, raising your rates, and prioritizing financial and tax strategy, agency founders can significantly increase take-home pay and profit.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 10/21/24 Meredith Fennessy 10/21/24

Pricing: The Art and Science Behind Setting the Right Value

A big thanks to BlogHer and Dreamers & Doers® for featuring this article and including me among fantastic female business owners who’ve mastered the pricing game. If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur looking for inspiration, check out the article for gems and wisdom from those who’ve successfully scaled their businesses.

Pricing is just one piece of a big puzzle.

It is an art.

Your price transparently shares the value YOU believe it is worth. Your aligned client will find you. There are a lot of factors to consider: market rate, cost of service, ROI provided, supply & demand, experience or quality, competition, etc.

💰 You need to know your customer. You need to determine WHO your customer is — what their pain points and true needs are. Once you know your niche customer and offer/product, the pricing game begins.

💰 If you price too high too early, you yourself will not believe the value and thus, neither will your desired client.

💰 Do not double or triple rates overnight. Do it gradually; test the market, ensure you’re confident sharing the price, feel it out a bit.

💰 Do not offer discounts. Ever. Instead, you can offer a flexible payment plan or something off the shelf at a lower rate.

💰 There will inevitably be an offering/product that is valuable to others that drains you/doesn’t bring you joy. Eliminate it or triple that price. They will still come, and you will now feel valued when providing it.

My advice — niche down enough in a specific market and provide several price points that cater to different needs.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 10/14/24 Meredith Fennessy 10/14/24

"What Should I Price This At?"—Your Guide to Setting Prices with Confidence

1. Start with Your Expenses. Begin by calculating your business expenses. Include everything necessary to run your business and pay yourself a salary.

2. Include Owner’s Compensation/Salary. Your pricing should account for your own compensation. After all, you’re building a business to support yourself as well.

3. Set Your Bottom Line as Your Baseline. If you base your pricing on your bottom line, you’re starting from a place of reality. This method removes the guesswork and aligns your pricing with your financial needs.

One question I get almost weekly is, “What should I price this at?” If you’re just getting started, determining the right price can feel incredibly daunting. You’re often left trying to figure out market rates, which can be elusive.

So, do you base your pricing on your old salary? Or is there a magic formula? The answer isn’t so straightforward, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of imposter syndrome: “They’ll never go for that price” or “That company has been around for five years longer, I can’t charge the same as them.”

Here’s a more grounded approach:

1. Start with Your Expenses. Begin by calculating your business expenses. Include everything necessary to run your business and pay yourself a salary.

2. Include Owner’s Compensation/Salary. Your pricing should account for your own compensation. After all, you’re building a business to support yourself as well.

3. Set Your Bottom Line as Your Baseline. If you base your pricing on your bottom line, you’re starting from a place of reality. This method removes the guesswork and aligns your pricing with your financial needs.

Once you have your expenses and salary figured out, pricing becomes less nebulous and more grounded in reality. You’ll be better equipped to set prices that are fair to both you and your clients, without relying on guesswork or outdated benchmarks.

Remember, the game begins when you start from a solid financial foundation. This approach allows you to set prices confidently and focus on growing your business with a clear understanding of your financial needs.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 10/13/24 Meredith Fennessy 10/13/24

Strategies To Increase Profitability in Your Creative Agency

Maximizing profit for creative agencies requires a strategic approach that addresses both revenue generation and cost management.

When we’re talking about money, especially in business, profit (and savings) is paramount. It gives you wings – freedom to save, invest back in the business, pay yourself a substantial salary and bonus, bring your team on retreats, and more.

There is also a fine line – you don’t want TOO much profit, but you of course want to be profitable.

Depending on the industry, and the type of agency, aiming for 10-20% profit is ideal with 20% as your goal. I’ve worked with agencies who were previously deep in the red and within 6 months, we turn their margin around to 20% or higher.

Here are key strategies tailored to creative agencies:

1. Optimize Pricing Models

Value-Based Pricing: Instead of charging hourly, base pricing on the value you deliver to clients. This allows you to capture the real impact of your services.

Tiered Service Offerings: Create different packages (basic, premium, VIP) to cater to varying client budgets. This allows you to upsell and cross-sell more easily.

Retainer Agreements: Secure ongoing revenue by moving clients to retainer models rather than one-off projects. Predictable cash flow enables better financial planning.

2. Focus on Profit-Driven Clients

Ideal Client Identification: Identify and focus on clients who value your work and are willing to pay premium rates. Avoid clients who require disproportionate resources or are not aligned with your agency’s core strengths.

Diversify Client Base: Avoid over-reliance on a few large clients. A balanced client portfolio reduces risk and ensures steady revenue.

3. Increase Operational Efficiency

Streamline Processes: Standardize project workflows, onboarding, and delivery processes to reduce inefficiencies. Automation tools (project management, time tracking, etc.) can help in reducing administrative overhead.

Outsource Non-Core Tasks: Offload repetitive tasks (e.g., bookkeeping, data entry, low-level design) to freelancers or third-party services, allowing your core team to focus on high-value, creative work.

4. Invest in Talent and Team Structure

Right-Sizing the Team: Ensure you have the right mix of full-time employees, freelancers, and contractors. Avoid overstaffing during slow periods, and scale resources up or down based on project demands.

Train for Efficiency: Invest in upskilling your team to improve their efficiency and creativity. Better-trained staff can handle more work, reduce errors, and increase overall profitability.

5. Monitor Key Metrics

Profit Margins by Project: Track the profitability of each project to ensure pricing and costs are aligned. Regularly review project costs (time, labor, materials) against revenue.

Client Lifetime Value (CLV): Focus on increasing the lifetime value of existing clients through upsells, cross-sells, and stronger client relationships, rather than constantly chasing new clients.

Utilization Rates: Measure how effectively your team is utilized. Low utilization means more overhead, while higher utilization means you're billing more for the available time.

6. Productize Services

Create Scalable Products: Package your most popular or high-impact services into products that can be sold more easily and repeated. This could include design templates, brand kits, or strategy packages that can be sold at scale.

Passive Income Streams: Create and sell digital products, such as online courses, templates, or toolkits, which can be sold with minimal ongoing effort.

7. Leverage Technology for Efficiency

Use Financial Management Tools: Implement advanced forecasting and profit tracking tools, like visual P&L and dashboards, to monitor the financial health of the agency in real-time.

Automation: Use technology to automate repetitive tasks, such as client reporting, marketing automation, and client follow-ups, freeing up team members to focus on creative work.

8. Monitor Financials Often

Cash Flow Management: Regularly review cash flow and maintain a healthy cash reserve to cover unexpected expenses and slow periods.

Cost Control: Evaluate all expenses regularly, including subscriptions, tools, and vendor contracts, to ensure you're not overspending on non-essential items.

Fractional CFO Services: If you lack the internal financial expertise, consider bringing in a Fractional CFO to develop a financial strategy, optimize costs, and improve profitability.

9. Enhance Client Experience

Build Strong Relationships: Invest in client relationships to increase retention and referrals. High client satisfaction leads to repeat business, positive word-of-mouth, and the ability to charge premium rates.

Deliver Exceptional Results: Consistently exceed client expectations, positioning your agency as a trusted partner. This opens doors for long-term engagements and larger, more profitable projects.

By applying these strategies, creative agencies can maximize their profitability while maintaining a strong client base and delivering high-quality work.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 10/7/24 Meredith Fennessy 10/7/24

Are You Trying to Double Your Revenue This Year? Let's Talk About Why

Grow in alignment with your values, goals, and lifestyle. Scale, but do so sustainably and profitably—so you can actually enjoy your life as you build your business. Start small, stay focused and lean, and let your growth be organic and true to your personal and professional vision.

If your goal this year is to double or even quintuple your revenue, I’m here to support that too! Just make sure your growth strategy aligns with what truly matters to you and supports your long-term vision.

Let’s make sure your business growth doesn’t come at the expense of your happiness and well-being.

I often hop on calls with founders to discuss their goals for the year. Without fail, the response is: “Ideally, we’d double our revenue in the next twelve months.” My next question is always, “Why?”

It’s in this moment that the true goal often comes to light:

✨ I want to spend more time with family/kids

✨ I want to pay myself more

✨ I want to make a greater impact

✨ I hope to be acquired one day

Sometimes, it’s just that “doubling revenue” feels like the right answer in a culture obsessed with the ‘go-go-go’ hustle mentality. We’re constantly pushed to scale, grow, and double everything.

But let’s take a step back.

Grow in alignment with your values, goals, and lifestyle. Scale, but do so sustainably and profitably—so you can actually enjoy your life as you build your business. Start small, stay focused and lean, and let your growth be organic and true to your personal and professional vision.

Let’s make sure your business growth doesn’t come at the expense of your happiness and well-being.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 9/30/24 Meredith Fennessy 9/30/24

Why Profit Matters: How Le Chéile Helps You Master Your Finances

At Le Chéile, we believe that mastering your finances should lead to greater peace of mind and a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey. Let us help you turn financial clarity into business success and personal satisfaction.

At Le Chéile, we’re all about profit. While it might not be the sexiest topic, let’s face it—without profit, you’re in trouble.

Here’s how we work to make finances less daunting and more empowering:

🔥 We unravel finances in a way that makes sense to you. We break down complex data and financial jargon into clear, actionable insights.

🔥 We bring you peace of mind and awareness. Understanding your financial situation brings clarity and reduces stress.

🔥 We provide clarity around cash flow and murky financial terms. No more confusion or guesswork—just straightforward information.

🔥 We help you set actionable and data-backed goals. With a solid financial foundation, you can set realistic, achievable targets for growth.

🔥 We re-align your offerings, rates, and payroll. We ensure that your services and pricing make sense and that your team is compensated fairly and sustainably.

🔥 We make sure you’re profitable and focused on what you love. By streamlining your financials, you can spend more time on the aspects of your business that truly excite you.

Our approach combines strategic and operational consulting with a strong focus on you as a founder. We’re here to improve not just your financial health but your overall well-being, confidence, and mindset.

At Le Chéile, we believe that mastering your finances should lead to greater peace of mind and a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey. Let us help you turn financial clarity into business success and personal satisfaction.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 9/23/24 Meredith Fennessy 9/23/24

Joining Madeline Reeves on Finding Fearless Podcast

At Le Chéile, we are deeply passionate about supporting those who need it most: women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. You are not alone. If money, finances, or the business side of things has you feeling sick, guilt-ridden, or lacking confidence—let’s chat.

I had an absolute blast joining Madeline Reeves on her podcast Finding Fearless! It was my very first time podcasting, and let me tell you—I’m hooked. 🎙️

We dove deep into topics that matter to entrepreneurs and business owners, and it was such a refreshing conversation. If you’re a founder, a creative, or just someone who loves stories of overcoming fear and embracing boldness, give the episode a listen!

And while you’re at it, I highly recommend downloading a few other episodes for your next road trip or morning commute. Madeline always brings insightful guests, and there’s so much value in each conversation.

Check it out—I’d love to hear what you think!

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 9/18/24 Meredith Fennessy 9/18/24

5 Years Later: How a Layoff Led Me to My Own Six-Figure Business

Like many entrepreneurs, my journey started with a layoff. Five years ago to the day, I left my corporate job, feeling completely lost and unsure of what was next.

Like many other entrepreneurs, a layoff landed me where I am today.

5 years ago (to the day!) I left corporate. I felt so lost.

I went to a psychic and she told me I was about to start my own company. I laughed — there was no chance; I had no intention to do so.

BUT given my (terrible) experience at my previous job, I decided I wouldn't join a company unless I was all-in.

As I interviewed, I consulted with bootstrapped startups and companies & badass entrepreneurial friends.

I turned down several offers. A few months in, without a true business plan, I filed for an LLC, opened a biz bank account and...

5 years later…

I run my own six-figure business. We've (survived a pandemic) and grown annually. I have a nimble but mighty team that offers much-needed Strategic FinOps Consulting + bookkeeping services to creative entrepreneurs and service-based businesses. We've stayed true to our mission while restructuring offerings to align with client need & preferences.

The TL;DR:

Le Chéile helps creative studios and agencies scale toward and beyond 1M.
We've worked with over 35 companies & entrepreneurs.
Our clients tend to be female, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or a beautiful combo of all three :)
Our client relationships are strong - 75% engagements are 9+ months long.
93% of clients have DOUBLED their profit within six months together.
67% of clients have TRIPLED their profit within six months together.
100% of clients have built strong financial clarity & founder confidence.
For those early on in this journey - it is not for the faint of heart but well worth it. The freedom to focus your time and brain on what drives you is incredibly gratifying. The ability to shift focus and be nimble to better serve clients is freeing. You'll get asked if you need help finding a job - even if you're making 3x more than when working 9-5 on 8hrs of calls on mute. You'll need to be polite while yelling internally (last week, my uncle asked if I have a job 😂 ). If it feels like it is right - keep grinding. There will also be times when you want to throw in the towel and you don't know where your next invoice will come from. It's part of the ride. Keep going.

I never thought this was my path but I'd never go back. I'm working with people I love, supporting myself and my family while making a difference & having a blast.

Moral of the story? 🔮 Listen to the psychic. 🔮

PS. Happy 5th Birthday to Le Chéile. I can't wait for the next 5

About the Author
Meredith Fennessy Witts,
Founder & Strategic Growth Advisor at Le Chéile
and Co-Host of Agency Darlings

With a background in financial and operational consulting and a successful track record of founding and scaling her own agency, Meredith brings deep expertise in strategic growth for indie creative and digital agencies.
Her company, Le Chéile, helps agencies scaling toward and beyond 1M+ in revenue to rightsize teams and payroll, increase founder pay, scale offers and packages and more. She helps clients to achieve their goals while clarifying their business strategy and finances.
She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.
View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 9/16/24 Meredith Fennessy 9/16/24

Post-Tax Season Blues? Le Chéile Is Here to Help with Financial Clean-Up and Strategy

With tax season behind us (hopefully!), it often brings up a lot of feelings—especially around finances. Many business owners find themselves feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, or simply exhausted by the financial side of things. That’s exactly why I started Le Chéile in 2019—to help entrepreneurs feel empowered and in control of their finances.

We offer two core services: bookkeeping and Strategic FinOps consulting.

Bookkeeping Services:

Pricing starts at $750

🎯 We work with any type of small business—whether you’re product-based, service-based, or even a non-profit.

🎯 Our services include audits, cleanups, and ongoing support, and we’re accredited on platforms like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Wave.

🎯 If you just went through a hellish tax season and need to clean up your books, we can help.

Strategic FinOps Consulting:

Pricing starts at $500

🎯 We primarily work with creative, service-based entrepreneurs and agencies generating between $250K and $2M in annual revenue.

🎯 We also have offerings for solopreneurs and freelancers, so no matter what stage you're at, we’ve got you covered.

🎯 What do we solve for? We tackle questions like:

- What should I pay myself?

- How should I price this offering?

- How can I streamline my services, pricing, and team to feel more in control?

- How can I double my revenue in the next 12 months?

Our clients walk away with a clear plan. They feel confident, empowered, and most importantly—more profitable.

At Le Chéile, we are deeply passionate about supporting those who need it most: women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs**. You are not alone. If money, finances, or the business side of things has you feeling sick, guilt-ridden, or lacking confidence—let’s chat.

You’ll be in good hands, and I promise we’ll get you on the right track.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

View full bio on Linkedin

Meredith Fennessy 9/12/24 Meredith Fennessy 9/12/24

My "No-Spend Weeks" Experiment: Cutting Monthly Spending in Half

No Spend Weeks: Cutting spending in half with simple strategies.

In February, I decided to run a little experiment with my personal finances—no-spend weeks. Every other week, I’m only allowed to purchase true necessities like groceries. Anything else? Off the table.

The results have been fascinating.

For starters, Instagram continues to hit me with perfectly targeted ads, tempting me to buy things I absolutely think I need (and would probably return a week later). But now, during my no-spend weeks, I browse knowing I cannot purchase. If something really catches my eye, I delay-send myself an email with the link for the next week. If I’m in a store, I simply make a mental note to return next week if I’m still thinking about it.

Here’s what I’ve discovered:

😊 My monthly spending has been cut in half (at least)—and that’s no exaggeration.

😊 When I receive those delay-sent emails on “spend” weeks, I often just laugh and delete them. Turns out, most of those purchases weren’t necessary after all.

😊 I’m far more intentional about my spending, especially when it comes to shopping. This experiment has taught me how much of my spending was impulse-driven.

This simple shift has been a game-changer for me, and it’s been both fun and eye-opening. If you’ve been looking for a way to be more mindful with your spending, I highly recommend giving this a try.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

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Meredith Fennessy 9/10/24 Meredith Fennessy 9/10/24

The Emotional Side of Finance: How Le Chéile Builds Profitable, Aligned Businesses

At Le Chéile, most of what we do is rooted in profitability and finance. But here’s the thing—finance touches every part of a business. And while the numbers are data-driven, they’re also deeply emotional.

For our creative clients, we custom-build visual and easy-to-use P&L and forecasting tools that give them a clear picture of their financial health. But we don’t stop at the numbers. We use those insights to tell a story about the business—one that shapes decisions and helps founders feel more aligned and empowered.

At Le Chéile, most of what we do is rooted in profitability and finance. But here’s the thing—finance touches every part of a business. And while the numbers are data-driven, they’re also deeply emotional.

For our creative clients, we custom-build visual and easy-to-use P&L and forecasting tools that give them a clear picture of their financial health. But we don’t stop at the numbers. We use those insights to tell a story about the business—one that shapes decisions and helps founders feel more aligned and empowered.

Some of the key questions we explore together:

🔥 What are we overspending on?

🔥 What are the revenue trends?

🔥 Can and should the founder be paid more?

🔥 Are you charging enough? (Spoiler: Almost always, the answer is no.)

🔥 Are your offers profitable?

But beyond that, we dig deeper into the emotional side of entrepreneurship. Are you still offering services or products you LOVE? Are you aligned with your vision? Do you feel as passionate today as you did at the start of your journey?

Because honestly—if you’re not enjoying the ride, what’s the point?

Yes, it all starts with the numbers, but at Le Chéile, it’s about creating a business that’s not only profitable but also fulfilling. And that’s where the magic happens.

Let’s make sure your business isn’t just thriving financially but also aligned with what lights you up.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

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Meredith Fennessy 9/9/24 Meredith Fennessy 9/9/24

Is Your CPA or Bookkeeper Letting You Down? Let’s Talk About Why (And How to Fix It)

Your bookkeeper is providing you with a monthly report but...is it telling you a story? Is it giving you actionable insights? Are you able to leverage the information strategically?

Probably not.

In short, that is why I started Le Chéile. To help creative agency founders & entrepreneurs regain confidence and the ability to lead and scale their team & company with ease.

Often, I hear that a bookkeeper isn't advising enough or a CPA isn't strategic enough.

Why? Because that is not their job.

👉 A bookkeeper reconciles and organizes financial transactions to provide accurate data.
👉 A CPA helps individuals and businesses with their taxes, audits, and financial planning.

Neither is focused on advisement, thought partnership, or strategy.

Therefore, as a business owner, you generally feel lost with a lack of control and an inability to make strategic decisions.

Your bookkeeper is providing you with a monthly report but...is it telling you a story? Is it giving you actionable insights? Are you able to leverage the information strategically?

Probably not.

In short, that is why I started Le Chéile. To help creative agency founders & entrepreneurs regain confidence and the ability to lead and scale their team & company with ease.

We can help with your bookkeeping but we can also help make that bookkeeping come to life and ensure that you're having FUN running your successful business again.

We have short and longer-term strategic consulting containers depending on your need.

We often solve problems like: how much to pay yourself as a founder, how much you should charge for your services, which services to scrap, and which to keep, how to structure your team (subs, PT, FT) as you scale, and more.

We're here to give creative entrepreneurs the strategic + financial support you deserve - curated to the creative industry.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

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Meredith Fennessy 3/11/19 Meredith Fennessy 3/11/19

Why Losing a Client Can Be a Blessing in Disguise: Embracing the Magic of Alignment

When you're truly in alignment with your clients' needs, focusing on serving them rather than just your own bottom line, magic happens. Sometimes, deep down, you might even know that a partnership isn’t working. Perhaps the value you’re providing isn’t what they need anymore, or maybe the energy just isn’t right.

If you've ever received an email from a client asking to decrease scope or terminate a partnership, you know the gut-wrenching feeling that comes with it. Panic sets in. The immediate instinct is to go into scarcity mode—wondering how you'll replace that revenue or what went wrong.

It's natural. After all, running a service-based business means client relationships are the heart of your work. But here's the thing: after more than five years in this industry, I've learned one crucial lesson—**the universe always provides at the right moment.

In moments like these, it’s easy to let fear take over and cling to that relationship, even though it doesn’t serve either party. That’s scarcity mindset at work. Will continuing the partnership feel good? Probably not.

You might find yourself going through the motions, uninspired and not as "jazzed" by your work. And trust me, clients can feel that energy.

But here’s the most important part: when an unaligned client leaves, you create space for new, aligned opportunities to surface. It may not happen right away, but soon enough, you’ll find yourself energized by new clients who are a better fit for your talents. You’ll feel more fulfilled, more aligned, and ultimately, better equipped to do your best work.

So if you’ve recently experienced the unexpected loss of a client—take heart. It might just be the universe making room for something even better.

Remember: magic is just around the corner. ✨

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

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Meredith Fennessy 3/11/19 Meredith Fennessy 3/11/19

The Rise of Underserved Founders: Empowering Husbands to Join Their Wives' Businesses

Underserved founders are building businesses so successful that their husbands are leaving their corporate jobs to work for them.

I speak with more than 20 founders and business owners each month—some are clients, some are networking calls, and others are potential partnerships in the making. These conversations give me a unique vantage point, allowing me to spot not only market trends but also to understand how people are doing on a human level.

And recently, there's a recurring theme in many of these talks. Founders, particularly women from underserved communities, are telling me that they are bringing their husbands into their businesses. Not to run the business—they’ll still lead and steer the ship—but their husbands are leaving corporate careers to work for them in some capacity.

Lately, I've noticed a fascinating trend in my conversations with founders and entrepreneurs. TL;DR: Underserved founders are building businesses so successful that their husbands are leaving their corporate jobs to work for them.

And recently, there's a recurring theme. Female founders are telling me that they are bringing their husbands into their businesses. Not to run the business—they’ll still lead and steer the ship—but their husbands are leaving corporate careers to work for them in some capacity.

Let that sink in for a minute: These underserved founders have built businesses so successful and stable that they can fully support their families. Their husbands, who may have been working traditional 9-to-5 jobs, are opting to join their wives in their entrepreneurial journey.

There’s something incredibly powerful about this shift. Historically, the narrative has often been the opposite—men leaving corporate jobs to build businesses while women maintain the household or work a stable job. But now, these women are changing the game. They're not only building businesses—they're building legacies that can sustain their families and reshape traditional roles.

The businesses these women have built provide the financial stability and growth potential to give their families more freedom. More importantly, it’s a testament to the grit and determination of underserved founders who have faced countless barriers but still thrive.

This trend highlights a shift in the entrepreneurial landscape. Underserved founders, particularly women, are rewriting the rules and creating new norms, where their success is the foundation for a thriving family business.

I can’t wait to see where this goes next.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

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Meredith Fennessy 3/11/19 Meredith Fennessy 3/11/19

How Ashley Rector Scaled to a 7-Figure Business in Less Than a Year: The Quimby Digital Story

Last May, Ashley Rector came to me with a big, audacious goal: she wanted to scale her company, Quimby Digital, to seven figures within the year. We had less than eight months to make it happen.

In the back of my mind, I thought, "Damn—this is possible, but we’re going to have to hustle." Fast forward to January, and guess what? Quimby Digital officially became a seven-figure agency! We did it. Revenue tripled, profits skyrocketed, and Ashley’s decision-making became more confident and data-driven, all while leaving room for her creativity to shine.

After years of entrepreneurship, she finally paid herself the salary she had dreamed of—a 179% increase year-over-year. This wasn’t luck. It was the result of strategy, discipline, and transformation.

Here’s how we did it:

🤑 Streamlined and Organized Offerings: We refined Quimby’s services to be easy to understand, sell, and execute. Simplifying the offerings allowed the team to scale without confusion or overwhelm.

🤑 Ashley HUSTLED: She got creative with business development, finding unique ways to attract new clients while maintaining authenticity and staying true to Quimby’s core values.

🤑 Laser-Focused Client Niches: We got smart about targeting specific client niches that aligned with Quimby’s strengths and vision. This helped us zero in on high-value clients who were a perfect fit.

🤑 Saying No to Misaligned Opportunities: One of the hardest but most valuable decisions was turning away business that didn’t align with the company’s goals. By doing this, we freed up time and resources for opportunities that mattered most.

🤑 Reframing the Money Mindset: Ashley embraced a new way of thinking about money, recognizing the value of what she and her team offer. She stopped undercharging and started charging from a place of passion, heart, and profit.

🤑 Transforming the Team: We streamlined hiring, focusing on bringing in part-time and full-time employees who were thoughtfully chosen to align with Quimby’s culture and long-term vision.

Working with Ashley to refine her team, offerings, pricing, and overall approach was an incredibly rewarding process. The financial transformation was impressive, but what stands out most is the personal growth Ashley experienced. She now makes decisions rooted in confidence, profit, and purpose.

You don’t often meet people as badass and thoughtful as Ashley. When you do, hold on tight.

Here’s to more success stories like Ashley’s…

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

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Meredith Fennessy 3/11/19 Meredith Fennessy 3/11/19

Accidental Founders: Navigating the Journey of Growing a Team

I work with a lot of “accidental founders”—those who started as freelancers, doing what they love, only to find themselves leading a growing business with a team. It’s a common story: one project turns into several, clients start referring you to others, and before you know it, you’re managing not just your own workload, but an entire company.

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs struggle to organize their offerings, cobble together a team, and juggle the demands of scaling—all while barely paying themselves a salary they’re proud of.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way. We offer accessible options for entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage, from $150K to $2M in revenue.

Whether you’re looking to streamline your operations, structure your pricing, or finally pay yourself what you deserve, there’s a way forward.

If this work sounds inspiring and you’ve been grinding for years without seeing the reward, maybe it’s time for a change.

If your team and offers feel like they’ve been pieced together from years of saying “yes” to whatever clients needed, reach out. I’m happy to lend an ear, and together, we can map out the next steps to get you where you want to be.

She is a trusted authority on building mindful, profitable businesses—especially for underserved founders in the women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities.

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