Small Business, Big Engine Podcast (Ep.11)

From Freelancer to Studio Founder: How Austin Schulenburg Built Pen & 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 & 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 vision
• The slow, steady, and smart approach to going full-time
• How retainer clients became the backbone of his studio
• The challenges of letting go and scaling a creative team
• Why he’s not chasing explosive growth – and what he’s focused on instead

Whether 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.