Leverage the Power of Email & Community to Grow Your Business
An Interview with Paul Gowder
If you’ve ever wondered whether slow, steady growth really works…
If you’ve questioned whether building community is worth the effort…
Or if you’ve been putting off email marketing because it feels overwhelming…
This episode is for you.
In Episode 248 of the Purpose & Pixie Dust Podcast, I sat down with Paul Gowder to talk about what it actually takes to build a sustainable business while working full-time, raising a family, and staying aligned with your values.
Paul’s story is proof that success doesn’t have to be fast or flashy to be powerful.
https://pod.co/the-social-selling-sisterhood/paul-episode
Meet Paul Gowder
Paul Gowder is an entrepreneur, community builder, and email marketing expert based in South Carolina. He’s the founder of PowWows.com, a platform he started back in 1996 with the mission of helping people learn about, appreciate, and connect with Native American culture.
What started as a way to teach himself web design eventually turned into a thriving online community, multiple revenue streams, and—after more than 25 years—his full-time career.
Yes. Twenty-five years.
And that’s exactly why this conversation matters.
There Is No Such Thing as an Overnight Success
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that most successful businesses don’t happen quickly.
Paul openly shared that just a few years ago, he was questioning whether his business would ever replace his full-time income. Traffic dropped. Revenue dipped. Google algorithm changes nearly wiped out his ad income.
But instead of quitting, he adapted.
He diversified his revenue.
He leaned into community.
And he kept going.
That persistence is what eventually allowed both Paul and his wife to work full-time in their business.
Why Community Is the Real Asset
Paul made a powerful distinction that I loved:
Community is not a Facebook group.
Community is a shared sense of belonging.
Community can live in:
- Your email list
- Your content
- Your live streams
- The way you speak to your audience
Paul built his business by intentionally creating connection everywhere—not just on social media.
And that’s why his audience stayed with him through ups, downs, and pivots.
Email Marketing: The One Thing You Truly Own
If you take one thing from this episode, let it be this:
Your email list is the most important asset in your business.
Social platforms change. Algorithms shift. Accounts disappear.
But your email list?
That’s yours.
Paul recommends starting before you worry about websites, funnels, or fancy software. Just start collecting emails. You can refine the tech later.
From there, he suggests:
- A simple welcome/nurture sequence (3–5 emails is perfect)
- Clear messaging about who you are and how you help
- Consistent communication that feels personal—not corporate
Paul shared how switching from polished, graphic-heavy emails to simple, story-based emails dramatically increased engagement.
Connection beats perfection every time.
How Paul Built This While Working Full-Time
This is the part I know so many of you needed to hear.
Paul built his business:
- In early mornings before work
- During lunch breaks in his car
- On state holidays at coworking spaces
- By focusing on one priority at a time
No glam. No hustle culture nonsense. Just intentional use of small pockets of time.
He also emphasized the power of:
- Delegating early (even small tasks)
- Hiring virtual assistants
- Letting go of what you’re not great at
You don’t need more time. You need better focus.
Multiple Revenue Streams = Stability
Another big lesson from Paul’s journey was diversification.
Over time, his business grew to include:
- Display ads through premium ad networks
- Direct sponsorships
- Patreon
- Merchandise
- YouTube & Facebook monetization
- Live streaming services
- Courses and consulting
Nothing happened all at once. Each layer was added intentionally—after the foundation was built.
Business, Family, and Creating a Life You Love
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was learning how Paul and his family prioritized experiences.
They chose travel.
They chose memories.
They chose freedom.
That meant saying no to certain expenses and yes to others—but it was all aligned with their values.
Your business should support your life—not compete with it.
Final Thoughts
Paul’s story is a reminder that:
- Slow growth is still growth
- Community compounds over time
- Email is not optional
- Consistency beats intensity
- You are probably closer than you think
If you’re in a season of wondering “Will this ever work?”—this episode is your sign to keep going.
Connect with Paul
- Website: PaulGowder.com
- Community & resources: PowWows.com
🎧 You can listen to the full episode using the player on this page or wherever you get your podcasts.
And as always—if this episode resonated with you, screenshot it, share it, and tag me. I’d love to see what landed for you.
Let’s go create, own, and spread some magic. ✨
