60: Why Educators Need Their Own Spaces to Grow.
What if your side hustle was never meant to stay small? For Laylee Emadi, what began as a passion project in photography evolved into a full-fledged business, a personal mission, and a movement. In this episode of The Accidental CEO Podcast, host Nata Salvatori sits down with Laylee to explore how she transitioned from a high school teacher and dance coach into a business mentor for educators and speakers. Their conversation is filled with honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone walking the path of entrepreneurship.
A Love for Teaching That Refused to Fade Laylee didn’t leave teaching because she wanted to escape. In fact, she loved it. But as her photography side business grew and more creatives began turning to her for advice, a new chapter unfolded. Clients were no longer asking about camera settings—they were asking how to launch their own businesses, courses, and workshops. And Laylee, a natural educator, leaned in.
“I just love teaching,” Laylee says. “And I wanted to always leave impact, no matter what I did.”
The Ripple Effect of Coaching Today, Laylee is a sought-after speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Creative Educator Conference. Her mission is to help creatives become impactful educators—through courses, coaching, and her signature event.
“I don’t just coach one person,” she says. “I coach their clients, and their clients’ clients. That’s the ripple effect.”
This deep sense of purpose is what fuels Laylee’s business. But it’s not just about strategy—it’s about heart. She’s known for blending heartfelt encouragement with honest feedback, helping her clients grow not just in skill but in confidence and clarity.
Building a Conference Where Speakers Sit in the Audience One of the most unique aspects of Laylee’s journey is the creation of the Creative Educator Conference. Designed specifically for seasoned creatives and educators, it flips the typical conference model: instead of always speaking, leaders are invited to sit in the audience and learn from one another.
“We become experts, but we still need to learn,” she says. “That’s what this space is for.”
Coaching, Boundaries, and the Power of Honesty Laylee is candid about the challenges of coaching. From learning how to give feedback effectively, to refunding a client out of intuition rather than policy, she shares real-life examples of how leadership requires both compassion and boundaries.
“Most people who say ‘give it to me straight’… don’t actually mean it,” she laughs.
It’s these honest, down-to-earth reflections that make this episode so relatable. Laylee reminds us that being a good coach isn’t just about having the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, listening deeply, and knowing when to pivot.
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Final Thoughts: There’s No Race Whether you’re an educator stepping into entrepreneurship or an experienced leader questioning your next move, Laylee’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s no one right way to grow.
“You’re not in a race with anyone,” she says. “Not even with yourself.”
Tune In Want to hear more about Laylee’s journey and the wisdom she’s gained along the way? Listen to the full episode of The Accidental CEO Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. It might just be the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
