Hustle + Scale, an ActivateNM Podcast

In this episode, Devin and Xavier welcome special guests Shane and Sasha, winners of the Activate New Mexico Pitch Competition. They discuss their experiences competing, share advice for future entrepreneurs, and talk about how the competition helped promote and grow their business.Shane and New Mexico Pack Burros:nmpackburros.com@nmpackburros on InstagramNewMexicoPackBurros on YoutubeNew Mexico Pack Burros on FacebookSasha and Guide Theory:guidetheory.com@guidetheory on InstagramCHAPTERS:Introductions: 00:00-02:32What is a "Pitch Competiton" 02:33-07:35New Mexico Pack Burros 07:40-10:45Guide Theory 10:46-14:16Guests Take on Pitch Competitons 15:02-23:07AD Space 21:40How Pitch Compettion Boost Your Business 25:03-32:31Suggestions to Future Particpants 32:32-37:49Upcoming for Guide Theory 37:52-39:12Upcoming for New Mexico Pack Burros 39:13-42:45Outros + Plugs 42:45

The episode focuses on the business of being an artist in today's digital and decentralized economy. It aims to dismantle the "starving artist" trope by exploring how creators (painters, designers, sculptors, etc.) can bridge the gap between raw creativity and sustainable commercial success. Key discussion areas include pricing, brand building, systems management, and shifting the mindset around "selling out."