From Freelancer to Studio Founder: How Austin Schulenburg Built Pen and Mug One Client at a Time

In this episode of Small Business, Big Engine, host Grant Fisher sits down with Austin Schulenburg, founder of Pen and Mug, a Nashville-based creative studio that grew from a solo freelance practice into a thriving nine-person team.Austin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he made the leap from corporate designer to full-time entrepreneur... and why doing it slowly and intentionally was the best decision he ever made. We dive into the turning point that made his business feel “real,” the power of retainer clients, and how he balances creativity with the demands of business ownership.You’ll hear:Why Austin didn’t name his company after himself - and how that choice shaped his visionThe slow, steady, and smart approach to going full-timeHow retainer clients became the backbone of his studioThe challenges of letting go and scaling a creative teamWhy he’s not chasing explosive growth - and what he’s focused on insteadWhether you're a freelancer dreaming of building a team or a founder figuring out how to delegate without losing your edge, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical takeaways.👉 Learn more about Pen and Mug: penandmug.com📸 Follow them on Instagram: @penandmug