Deck the Halls, Declutter the Business 🎄

Hi friend,

It’s December, and we’re officially in the season of reflection, reevaluation, and (if you’re me) frantically trying to get the last of your Amazon gifts delivered on time.

But inside The Making Of this week, we hit pause on the hustle to get really honest about what this time of year actually brings up for practice owners.

🎙️ Episode 9 — “Deck the Halls, Declutter the Business” Collin and I sat down to talk about everything from 2025 Christmas decor and tree debates… to practice culture, team transitions, and letting go of what no longer serves us.

 APPLE PODCASTS OR SPOTIFY PODCASTS

We covered:

• Decluttering our homes and our businesses

• Releasing misplaced guilt when team members don’t align

• How Ashley showed up before Smile & Co ever opened to build her VIP list (yes, the OG grassroots way)

• Why patient trust starts long before opening day

• Why being “brutal in business” isn’t mean—it’s necessary

• Enneagrams, personality tests, and the emotional labor of leadership

If that resonates… this episode is for you.

🧡 As we wrap up 2025, here’s your reminder that you don’t need to do it all. You just need to keep choosing what aligns.

🎧 Listen to the episode → Spotify / Apple

📺 Watch on YouTube → The Making Of Youtube Channel

💬 Join the FB convo → The Making Of a Dental Startup Facebook Group

✨ Holiday Extras from Me to You:

🍊 Make your home smell like magic with this: 👉 EASY instructions here

🎄 Cozy Christmas vibes for your office or living room: 👉 2025 Christmas Decor Ideas

🧠 Want to know your Enneagram? 👉 TEST WEBSITE

Quote of the Week: "You have to give yourself permission to be brutal in business. That doesn’t mean you’re not a good person. It just means you’re the owner. And nobody else is going to lose sleep over this like you will.”

With love, gratitude, and a decluttered heart, Ashley 💛

Find me @ashleyjovesdds / @themaking.of / www.themakingofpodcast.com