First-Generation Insights: Building a Business from Scratch with Agatha Brewer

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Agatha Brewer—Atlanta-based business and marketing coach—to unravel the real-life journey from climbing the corporate ladder to launching a purpose-driven solo business. Agatha opens up about her family’s immigrant roots, how repeated layoffs and health challenges inspired her entrepreneurial leap, and the mindset shifts that made it all possible.About the Guest:Agatha Brewer is the CEO and founder of Agatha Brewer Coaching, where she helps new entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality. She combines 19 years of corporate marketing experience with her coach training to help clients build intentional and impactful businesses. She also hosts The Intentional Solopreneur podcast, sharing marketing and mindset tips for new entrepreneurs.Main Topics Covered:The pressures of following the “traditional” career path—and how family and cultural expectations influence those choicesNavigating repeated layoffs and what they reveal about real stability versus riskThe role of self-care, meditation, and gardening in sustaining wellbeing during turbulent timesOvercoming limiting beliefs and making space for new career possibilitiesThe practical steps (and mindset shifts) to moving from employee to entrepreneurBuilding a business rooted in personal values and joy—not just business strategyAgatha’s approach to supporting women solopreneurs with both business foundations and marketing intuitionQuote from the Episode:"I learned what a limiting belief was, and I really understood the power of changing your beliefs, changing your story. And I was doing it around my health. But it also opened doors for, okay, what. What is the story I'm telling about myself, about my career? What is the story I'm telling about myself, about what is possible for me?" - Agatha BrewerTimestamps:[00:00:06] Meet Agatha: Meditation, gardening, and life in Atlanta[00:04:39] Pressure to climb the “corporate ladder” and immigrant family expectations[00:08:08] Seeing entrepreneurship up close—the good, the hard, and the contradictions[00:13:55] The checklist: education, career, family—and when it doesn’t lead to happiness[00:18:07] The creative spark in marketing and what kept Agatha excited for two decades[00:22:20] When layoffs, health, and burnout start whispering “try something different”[00:30:53] Realizing limits, shifting beliefs, and choosing business ownership[00:34:35] From reluctant job-seeker to certified business coach: Launching with ease[00:39:28] Focusing on marketing that fits YOU, not just “best practices”[00:42:49] Fun lightning round: morning routines, screen time, and learning PolishGuest Contact Information:Website: https://www.agathabrewer.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/agatha_brewerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agathabrewerSpecial Offer from the Guest:Special offer: If you sign on as a new client for my LAUNCH WITH EASE program by Feb. 7, 2026, I will throw in an extra 60-minute coaching session free of charge. ($300 value)Collect offer: https://agathabrewer.com/launch-with-ease/ Please write "Imperfect Adulting" when you fill out your application form to redeem your complimentary coaching session.Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer, please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.Why subscribe?Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIf you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guestHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofjFor Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stonebefore that I used Kit. 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