Financial and business coaching for creative minds
Money mentoring, business planning and life planning for artists, makers, healers and other creative people. Get on top of your money and build a business, and a life, that it properly supports.
You're great at what you do. The money side is harder.
Most of the people I work with didn't start a business to do bookkeeping. They started it to make things, teach things or help people. Then the tax returns pile up, prices stay too low, and money becomes something to avoid.
I'm here to change that, gently and practically, in a way that fits how you think and what you care about.
Your money, your business and your life, joined up
This isn't just accounts and tax. We look at the whole picture: how you earn, how you live, and what you want your money to make possible.
Money mentoring
Regular one-to-one sessions to build your confidence with money. We untangle old habits, make sense of the numbers and turn money into something you feel in control of.
Life planning around money
Taking time off to create, buying a home, starting a family, moving country. We map out what you want your life to look like and build a money plan that gets you there.
Setting up your business
Sole trader or company, separate bank accounts, what to register and where, contracts and record keeping. We set things up properly from the start, or tidy up what you already have.
Pricing and growth
Charging what your work is worth, building offers people want to buy, and planning new income streams like teaching, products or workshops.
Cash flow and budgeting
Simple systems for irregular income: what to pay yourself, how to build a safety net, and how to stop quiet months turning into stressful ones.
Bookkeeping and tax planning
I review your bookkeeping, tell you what needs fixing and help you plan for tax, so you always know what to set aside. I can work alongside your accountant, wherever you're based.
Three ways to work together
Every package includes one-to-one mentoring and practical support with your money and your business. Sessions are 60 minutes, online.
Foundations
For getting steady and building good habits.
- 1 mentoring session a month
- Money goals and a simple spending plan
- Bookkeeping check each quarter
- A simple plan for setting money aside for tax
- Email support
Core
For hands-on support and steady progress.
- 2 mentoring sessions a month
- Life and money plan, reviewed as you go
- Monthly bookkeeping review
- Budget and cash flow plan
- Tax planning and deadline reminders
- Message me between sessions
Growth
For when you're ready to scale or make a big move.
- Everything in Core
- Cash flow forecast each quarter
- Pricing review each quarter
- Business structure and set-up advice
- Planning for new markets, big purchases or a move abroad
- Priority support
I share pricing on our intro call, once I understand where you are. Book a call to find out more.
Let's get you back on track
If your records have slipped or you're behind with your tax, you're not alone. I rebuild your records, work out where you stand and make a clear plan to get you up to date, working with your local accountant where needed. No judgement, just a plan.
Hi, I'm Zai Joud
My career has sat right where creativity and money meet. I've worked in the creative industry with fashion houses, coaches and writers, so I know how creative businesses actually run, and how often the money side gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
I built a successful marketing and web design agency of my own, which taught me first-hand what it takes to price creative work, win clients and keep the cash coming in. Today I'm also managing partner at an accounting and tax firm, so the technical side, from bookkeeping to tax planning, is what I do every day.
Creative Coach Studio brings those two worlds together. You get someone who understands your work and speaks your language, with the know-how of an accountant behind every conversation.
I work online with creative clients around the world.
Things people often ask
Who is this for?
Creative and independent people who run their own business: artists, designers, makers, musicians, writers, photographers, therapists, healers and small studios. Whether you're full time or just getting going, if money feels like the part of the business you'd rather not look at, this is for you.
Is this coaching or accounting?
Both. The coaching helps you make better decisions about pricing, spending and growth. The accounting side makes sure your bookkeeping is right and your tax returns are filed. Having both with one person means the advice and the numbers always match.
What is money mentoring?
It's ongoing, one-to-one support with how you think about and manage money. Less about spreadsheets, more about understanding your patterns, setting goals that matter to you and building habits that stick. The numbers come along with it.
Can you help me plan for big life goals?
Yes. Whether it's a sabbatical to focus on your art, buying a home, having children or moving to another country, we work out what it will cost, when it's realistic and what needs to change to get there.
Can you help me set up my business properly?
Yes. We look at whether to work as a sole trader or set up a company, how to separate your business and personal money, what you need to register, and how to keep records from day one. Where local rules matter, I'll work with an accountant or lawyer in your country.
I'm just starting out. Is it too early?
Not at all. Getting the basics right early is much easier than fixing things later. We can look at what you need to register where you live, how to keep simple records from day one, and how to price your work so it's sustainable.
My income goes up and down. Can you help me plan around that?
Yes, this is one of the most common things I work on. We build a simple system for setting money aside for tax, smoothing out quiet months and knowing what you can really afford to pay yourself.
Can you help me work out what to charge?
Yes. Pricing is often where creative people lose the most money. We look at your costs, your time and what your work is worth, and set prices you feel confident saying out loud.
I find money stressful and tend to avoid it. Will you judge me?
Never. Avoiding money is completely normal, especially when it's never been explained in a way that makes sense to you. We go at your pace and start with whatever feels most pressing.
Do I need to be organised before we start?
No. Most people come to me with a messy spreadsheet, a pile of receipts or a bank account that mixes everything together. Sorting that out is part of the work.
I'm behind with my tax. Can you help?
Yes. We'll get your records up to date, work out where you stand and make a plan for anything you owe. I'll work with your local accountant to get any missing returns filed.
Should I set up a company?
It depends on where you live, how much you earn, how you want to pay yourself and where your business is heading. We can weigh it up together and, if it makes sense, plan the switch with your local accountant.
Do you prepare my tax return?
Tax rules are different in every country, so I focus on coaching, your bookkeeping and tax planning. Your return is filed by a local accountant, and I work alongside them so nothing gets missed. If you don't have one, I can help you find one.
What bookkeeping software do I need?
I can work with what you already use. If you don't have anything yet, I'll help you choose something simple that fits how you work.
How do sessions work?
Sessions are 60 minutes on video call. Between sessions you can get in touch by email or message, depending on your package.
Do you work with clients outside the UK?
Yes. Everything is online, so I work with creative people all over the world. We'll find session times that suit your time zone, and if you're planning a move to another country, we can plan for that too.
How long do I need to sign up for?
Packages start with a six-month minimum, which gives us time to make real progress. After that it's month to month, and you can change package as your needs change.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the package and on where you are right now. I'll talk you through pricing on a free intro call, with no pressure to sign up.
What happens on the intro call?
We spend 30 minutes talking about your work, where things are with your money and what you'd like to change. I'll tell you honestly whether I can help and which package would suit you.
Do you give investment or pension advice?
No. Coaching covers how you manage and plan your money, but I don't recommend specific investments or pensions. If you need that, I can point you to a regulated financial adviser.
Let's have a chat
Book a free 30-minute intro call. Tell me where you are and where you want to be, and I'll tell you honestly whether I can help.
Email me to book