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Episode Summary
This week Holly welcomes Alexis Walsko, Founder, CEO, and Visionary for Lola Red PR. Alexis has been in business for herself for almost 25 years now, which makes her our most experienced entrepreneur on the podcast to date!
Alexis shares the constant responsibility she feels being a solo-entrepreneur and business owner and how that continues to drive her forward in her work. She has built her business up to have sixteen additional team members that help create full marketing campaigns for their clients across the country.
Holly and Alexis talk through the self-doubt that inevitably creeps into all entrepreneur's minds and how they each work to overcome the self-doubt and continue to move forward. Alexis also shares her best advice for new entrepreneurs, including why you should lean on your support system to be the best cheerleaders for you and your business.
Finally, Alexis gives her best advice for how and to whom to pitch your business to get the best desired outcome and why "bragging" on yourself isn't cringey, but bold!
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:00 Holly introduces Alexis Walsko, Founder and CEO / Visionary at Lola Red PR
2:40 Alexis shares when she started Lola Red as a fresh college graduate in 2000
9:15 Alexis shares she's always had a passion for business and desire to be an entrepreneur, and how her support system and betting on herself helped Lola Red happen
13:20 The main challenge Alexis experiences as being an entrepreneur / solo business owner
21:25 How she faces challenges in her business and not only get through but continue to thrive
22:15 How she continues to overcome her own self-doubt and how her children have helped her see her own blind spots
25:40 The exercise she did at a recent CEO leadership conference that helped shift her perspective back to what she can control and change
30:22 Alexis provides us a breakdown of what PR is today
33:35 The two main types of PR that Alexis and her team help create, including an example of local business, Love Your Melon
38:02 The Guinness World Record Alexis and her team helped one of their clients achieve to promote their 100 year anniversary
42:25 The ideal client profile that Lola Red prefers to partner with in business
45:20 How Alexis and team stay relevant / on trend for their clients' messages to break through the constant noise
49:00 Alexis shares her experience getting clients on The Today Show and her best advice to promote your business
51:05 How to successfully pitch your business to the best audience
1:01:50 The impact AI has already had on PR, and what Alexis thinks the future will look like as it continues to evolve
1:06:35 How AI has created more value for in-person connection
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Episode Summary
This week Holly welcomes Shayla Owodunni, founder and Chief Biophilic Designer at The Plant Penthouse. Shayla walks Holly through her early career path and how her desire to "chase adventure" moved her out West and to the South, before settling back home in Minnesota.
With her background in accounting and corporate compliance, Shayla decided to take a calculated risk by starting The Plant Penthouse as a blog and creative outlet for herself. Shortly after, in the midst of the pandemic, Shayla had a viral "Sofa-Gate" moment that was the ultimate online community builder for her and The Plant Penthouse.
That viral moment led to an HGTV home tour and several other media appearances. Shayla shares how even though she was getting dream opportunities, it was vital that she remembered her own worth, and the cost of an opportunity and knowing your worth.
Finally, Shayla shares the life-changing health scare in her family that inspired her to give back to her own community. What started as a volunteer activity with the Minneapolis Public Schools, has now led Shayla to running for a MPS school board.
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:00 Holly introduces Shayla on the podcast
2:10 Shayla shares her story and her early desire to "chase adventure"
6:40 The hike that changed her life and inspired her to make a huge life change
8:14 The "career palette cleanser" that Shayla needed at that time in her life
13:40 How Shayla figured out what kind of entrepreneurial business she wanted to start
20:02 Shayla starts her consulting business, Corporate Carpentry, and shares how she won her first client
29:10 Plant Penthouse is started as a blog and creative outlet
33:20 SOFA-GATE! Shayla breaks down her viral moment during the pandemic and how it was the ultimate community builder
39:05 The importance of knowing the cost to an opportunity and your own worth
42:35 Shayla's HGTV home tour
44:10 How Shayla sourced her event space for The Plant Penthouse and the dream collaborations that came together
52:45 What Shayla did to take The Plant Penthouse to the next level and truly define the vision for the business and space
1:00:25 What excites Shayla about the near future for The Plant Penthouse (hint, exciting things to come this holiday season!)
1:01:45 Why Shayla decided to implement a CRM tool (HoneyBook) into her business at this point
1:03:05 How a sister trip to Miami ended up inspiring Shayla to volunteer with Minneapolis Public Schools, and eventually decide to run for a school board position
1:07:15 Shayla's advice to anyone considering entrepreneurship
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Episode Summary
This week Holly welcomes Shannon Flanagan to the podcast! Shannon has been retailing it since college. She’s worked in-stores and as a merchant, consultant, sales leader, and general manager. Today, Shannon has taken the entrepreneurial leap and gone out on her own, creating the advisory firm, Retail Connected. Shannon shares her journey from Corporate America to her own boss and why every step in her journey put her where she is today.
In addition to her advisory firm, Shannon is the founder of Retail Women in Tech. Her goal for this group is to help create the conditions for people to thrive and love what they do everyday. Shannon is a passionate mental health advocate and wanted to create a community that brings women in tech and IT together to grow and support each other in their shared industries.
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:00 Miss 'Summer Fridays'?! Find out how to get your Fridays back HERE!
1:30 Shannon is introduced and joins the pod
3:11 Shannon shares what her first job was and how she saw the entrepreneurial spirit from a young age
5:10 How she started her career and how the various positions and companies she worked at influenced what she wanted, and didn't want, out of her next job
10:30 Holly and Shannon both share their experiences working at large predominantly-male led companies, and the typical shortcomings they've experienced in those environments
17:05 Shannon shares staggering statistics on the sexism and discrimination that women experience in today's workplace, read the entire Women @ Work 2024 report by Deloitte here!
20:05 The webinar topic that pushed Shannon to finally follow her entrepreneurial spirit and start her advising firm
24:00 Shannon shares how she landed her first consulting client while still working her full time Corporate America job
30:50 How Shannon defined her advisory firm business and the services she would provide
34:24 Where Retail Connect is today and the ongoing success with their initial client
36:50 Shannon reminds us that your 'job' may not be forever, but your skills and accomplishments are, you can always go back to Corporate America!
40:20 Shannon shares how and why she started Retail Women in Tech, a networking community for women in the retail and AI industries
49:22 Why she did not initially form a board of directors, and instead met with 150+ people, one-on-one, to build the best community she could
55:10 Reminder to color outside the lines and find your own non-negotiables for your work life
58:10 Why women MUST be part of the AI revolution and the true cost to our world if they are not
1:05:10 Finally, Shannon shares with listeners to remember the value of your career looking like a "spider web" instead of just a straight line. Lean in and embrace your passions!
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Episode Summary
Holly welcomes Claire Johnson, CEO and owner of San Diego Magazine, on the podcast! Claire and her husband, Troy, acquired the magazine in 2021 - it has now been in print for 76 years. Originally from New York, Claire graduated from Loyola University with a journalism degree.
Claire shares all the details around why and how her and Troy decided to acquire SDM. As well as her motto of balancing the art and science of life. Claire and Troy signed the paperwork for SDM nine days before Claire had their first baby! The next few months Claire describes as a, "trial by fire" with several unforeseen challenges popping up during that time as well. Claire shares how her and Troy leaned on each other, and their amazing team to get through the transition and come out the other side together.
On top of her CEO responsibilities, Claire also is a co-founder of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, a love letter to all things San Diego! She also organizes (with SDM) the Celebrating Women Summit, an event to celebrate and inspire local San Diego women.
Finally, we get the inside scoop from Claire on all her favorite San Diego must-sees and dos for a weekend in town, you will definitely want to have a pen and notebook handy!
In this episode you’ll learn:
0:50 Holly's FREE Business Blueprint!
4:36 Holly introduces Claire to the podcast
6:35 Claire shares her journey leading up to becoming CEO and owner of San Diego Magazine
8:45 How the opportunity to purchase SDM came about for Claire and her husband
11:40 Trial by fire! Claire shares all the details on what the first few months owning and running SDM were like, including several unforeseen challenges
17:55 The life motto Claire follows that led to the decision to purchase and run SDM
21:55 Claire shares the media trend she saw while still at her corporate job that gave her confidence in going all-in with SDM
23:20 Breaking down the financials of purchasing a business like SDM with 70+ years of experience
29:45 All the details of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, a love letter to the San Diego community
35:30 Claire shares how SDM has been more than a financial investment, but an emotional one as well for her and her entire family, and their goal to make the SDM "house" a home
38:10 The most important contribution a good mentor can make to any entrepreneur
38:30 Claire breaks down her and Troy's leadership approach as they came into the business as the new owners, and what she feels has been the secret to their success so far
42:05 How Claire became CEO and the division of power and responsibility between her and her husband and partner, Troy
48:22 The similar skillsets that are required to be a successful Chief of Staff or CEO
51:26 The skillset Claire has been honing since childhood as the oldest of six children in her family, and how it has helped her lead and succeed
55:56 The importance of knowing your skillset and when to hire out or delegate tasks
58:05 Claire describes SDM's ideal reader, and it may surprise you!
1:03:06 The impact AI has already had on the media industry and how Claire leverages it within her daily work life
1:08:40 The Celebrating Women Summit that Claire and SDM put on to celebrate local San Diego women
1:13:00 Claire's top recommendations for food, hotel, and entertainment for your next trip to San Diego!
1:18:45 The Best Restaurants in San Diego 2024 by SDM
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Episode Summary
This week Holly sits down with owner and founder of Sloane's Beauty Bar + Med Spa, Erin Zosel. Erin began her career as a hair stylist and when she could not find the salon that had everything she was looking for, she decided to create it for herself!
Erin shares how she went from opening her first salon, to now growing the business to four locations! She also shares the keys to her success, including how to cultivate a culture of openness and fun across all locations.
Then Erin talks process and numbers when it comes to financing her business and each build-out since. Erin breaks down her strategy for funding and provides key advice to fellow entrepreneurs on how to get started themselves!
Finally, Erin shares what the latest hair style trends are today and this fall, along with some amazing product recommendations for anyone going through changes with their hair!
In this episode you’ll learn:
0:56 FREE Business Blueprint!
1:40 Holly introduces Erin Zosel, founder and owner of Sloane's Beauty Bar + Med Spa
3:22 Erin Zosel joins the podcast and introduces herself and business
3:58 Erin shares the high level process of what it looks like to open each of her salon locations
6:38 What additional education and steps were needed to open their new location in North Loop that includes their first Med Spa
9:20 The valuable experience Erin gained while opening her first business, a yoga studio with a friend
12:55 Erin's journey as a hair stylist and renting her own booth
15:05 What Erin was looking for in a hair salon as a place of work, and deciding to create what she wasn't finding for herself
19:20 The process of going from an idea to opening her first location
23:12 Why Erin views her stylists as her actual clients, and how she treats them accordingly
27:00 Cultivating and managing a culture of teamwork and inclusivity across all her locations
29:00 Erin's key to success on keeping the Sloane brand consistent across all locations
32:55 The average timeline to open a new location and why the newest location in North Loop took almost four times as long
34:15 How Erin funds each new location and why that strategy works best for her business
41:50 Erin shares what the latest hairstyle trends are today and why it is so important for a hair stylist to stay up to date to retain clients
46:20 Erin's hair advice (including products she uses!) for people whose hair is going through changes (less moisture, more shedding, etc.)
50:15 The details and process behind the latest expansion, Sloane Beauty Bar + Med Spa endeavor
54:35 The management team Erin has assembled and the 'playbook' they have been able to create together
1:03:02 Erin's advice to anyone looking to start their own business
1:04:33 The importance of making your business about your team and customers and NOT you
1:07:05 How important it is to know your 'why' and Erin shares the 'why' behind her business
1:09:50 Why real world experience is just as valuable as a college degree
1:12:25 How Erin coincidentally named her business after her daughter
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Sloane's Beauty Bar + Med Spa -
Episode Summary
This week Holly sits down with Larissa Loden, founder and CEO of Larissa Loden jewelry! Larissa shares how she has always been around entrepreneurship, but wasn't interested in it herself at first. After teaching art in the Minnesota public schools system for eight years, Larissa decided to finally embrace her entrepreneurial spirit and go all-in on her then side hustle, and now multi-million dollar business, Larissa Loden.
Larissa shares her overall goal for the business, and even teaches Holly the EOS process that her business is structured on. Larissa also shares the revelation she had with her business coach that completely changed her style of leadership moving forward.
Finally, Larissa gives an exciting sneak peak of what to expect from the next two collections at Larissa Loden, as well as where to find the brand soon!
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:30 Holly shares the difference between "one day" and "day-one" for an entrepreneur
3:36 FREE Business Blueprint
4:06 Holly introduces Larissa Loden on the podcast
7:44 Larissa's history with entrepreneurship growing up
8:55 The advice given to her that pushed her to finally go all in on her jewelry business, Larissa Loden
10:40 Larissa shares what brought her to Minnesota and her early career
13:00 How dealing with red tape brought out her inner entrepreneurial spirit
17:55 Where her business stood when she decided to commit full time to the business
20:20 The Kolbe test Larissa references her and her team taking
21:32 The design and procurement process for Larissa Loden and how it changed as the business grew
23:55 Larissa shares her overall goal for the business and growth
24:50 How she defines her typical customer and why she believes resonating with Gen X and Millennials is key to her continued success
26:50 Larissa breaks down her motto of "living in the gray" and how she wants her jewelry to help spark conversations with people of all backgrounds
29:00 Heather Boschke episode referenced!
30:30 Why it is so important to get clear on your goals and stay true to them through growth
31:02 The EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Process that Larissa and her business use
32:52 The core values for Larissa Loden
34:10 How Larissa has grown into her leadership position
35:12 The difference of working in the business vs. working on the business
36:14 The best leadership advice Larissa's business coach gave her
41:00 Larissa breaks down the Larissa Loden team's dynamics and structure under the EOS process
44:30 How Larissa and her team approach the interviewing potential new employees
46:15 The Conscious Leadership Group website Larissa references
50:15 How Larissa named her business, and if she was ever concerned naming it after herself
53:02 What it means to Larissa to put the customer and her employees first
58:14 Larissa shares how she is pursing goals outside of her business, and how it ultimately always benefits the business in the long run
1:06:26 What's next for Larissa Loden, exciting details on new collections that are about to drop!! And where to look for the brand next... coming soon, possibly near you!
1:11:35 The two financial books Larissa says are must-reads for entrepreneurs:
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Episode Summary
This week Holly virtually sits down with Paula Orezi. Paula is an author, business coach, and speaker as well as the founder of the Paula O! Store! Holly and Paula discuss how Paula surrounds herself with her own accomplishments to stay motivated and keep dreaming for her business and personal life. Paula shares the impact of watching her mom and best friend battle cancer and how that has only motivated her to keep growing and learning herself.
As a recovering "people pleaser" and recipient of the "Most Shy Award" in middle school, Paula shares how she outgrew those traits and found her own path in business and life. Her mantra of "Be the Change Agent" has seeped into every aspect of her life, and she sees the ripple effect it has had not only in her life, but the lives of those around her as well.
Paula also shares the importance of paying attention to yourself; what gives you energy each day and using that as a guide to find your passion and chase it! As she will tell you herself, she's not afraid to try something, and that includes authoring her own poetry book "From Me to You" as well as her own chapter in the co-authored book "Experts & Influencers: The Women's Empowerment Edition."
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:25 Holly shares her "why" behind her own business
2:50 Download Holly's FREE Business Blueprint
3:18 Holly introduces the listener to Paula and recommends you grab a notebook and pen for this one!
4:40 Paula joins the podcast and shares how her and Holly met
9:15 A breakdown of the inspiration and motivation that Paula surrounds herself with in her office
11:00 The importance of daily intentions and openness to opportunities
14:05 Paula shares her "dream post-its" and how she believes you NEVER fully arrive in your business
18:30 The impact on Paula of watching her best friend and mother battle cancer
21:40 How Paula broke free from her "people pleaser" tendencies
24:00 After following the traditional career track, Paula shares what woke her up to pursue her dreams
25:10 How she became a published author for the FIRST time with her poetry book "From Me to You"
29:00 What she learned from her first book signing event
31:20 How she was able to contribute and be a part of the book "Experts & Influencers: Women's Empowerment Edition"
35:40 The importance of writing down your goals and keeping them close until you're ready
45:05 ACTION: Study yourself! Create a daily list of what brings you energy
48:45 Why you need to surround yourself with a nurturing support system
53:15 How Paula defines what "Be a Change Agent" means and how it drives her through every aspect of her life
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Episode Summary
This week Holly sits down with season one Golden Bachelor contestant, Leslie Fhima! Before Leslie became a household name from the Golden Bachelor, she had and continues to accomplish amazing things in her life.
One theme you will hear from this episode is Leslie's constant drive to work and achieve throughout her entire life. She was a professional figure skater for three years, won a national aerobics championship, and owned her own fitness studio for eight years, Leslie's Shape Shop. She also continues to to be a personal trainer and fitness instructor in the Minneapolis area.
Outside of her professional life, Leslie's family keeps her busy as well. With three children and three grandchildren, she loves being able to spend so much time with her family. She shares with us how important family is to her, and how that impacts all aspects of her life.
Finally, Leslie shares the importance of learning to choose yourself. Why being open to people and the world is so important to her. And why you should always strive to show up as the most genuine version of yourself if you want to surround yourself with people you truly connect with.
In this episode you’ll learn:
0:55 Holly shares how she manifested meeting and getting Leslie on the podcast
3:05 Megan Tamte episode referenced!
5:48 Holly introduces Leslie's bio before welcoming her on the podcast
7:12 Leslie joins the podcast!
8:45 Leslie shares her background as a professional figure skater
10:55 The former Olympic skater who started Leslie's career as a fitness instructor and dance choreographer
11:32 The famous celebrity that Leslie met and took classes from that inspired her to open her own fitness studio, Leslie's Shape Shop in Minneapolis
15:25 Leslie shares her life as a single mom and the daily hustle and grind it took to raise her three children
19:55 Living for her children and consciously putting them first in her life
24:20 Why she wants to be more present with her grandchildren when reflecting on her own kids' childhoods
25:45 What's next for Leslie professionally and personally
27:12 Leslie's Soul 612 retreat in Costa Rica in 2025, sign up before the last few spots are taken!
29:40 Leslie's thought process when deciding to go on The Golden Bachelor and how she was motivated by those who doubted her decision
32:38 What she learned from the show about herself
37:30 How what is important to her in a partner has changed, and what it is today
40:12 The importance of finding your people (professionally and personally) through being your genuine self
46:05 Why Leslie is looking to be more open-minded in her life while still honoring her boundaries
48:55 Leslie's take on the dating apps
49:35 Holly's manifestation course she's taking, Mindvalley
50:15 What releasing "the how" in life means
53:05 Where Holly met Leslie
54:20 Where to find, work with, and connect with Leslie
56:40 Leslie's final words of advice and encouragement for listeners!
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Episode Summary
Holly is joined by Jennifer Mackey-Mary in-studio this week to discuss her business, Everyday Style! As a seasoned retail professional, she left corporate life behind when she had her first daughter, and hasn't looked back since! What started as an individual wardrobe consultancy business has grown to a massive online styling membership that includes customers on SIX continents around the world.
Jennifer says she's an open book, and she could not be more correct! She shares some of the toughest lessons learned throughout her 12+ years of business, including her biggest regret and what she would do differently today. She also walks us through how she scaled her service-based business and how she converted her business from in-person workshops to an online membership empire.
The Everyday Style goal is to help women feel comfortable and confident in what they're wearing without breaking the bank or taking too much time in the morning! Every woman can be stylish, no matter her age, shape, size, or life stage, especially with the help from Jennifer and Everyday Style!
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:08 Holly shares her insights from 50+ episodes talking with entrepreneurs, as well as her own experience as a business owner
3:40 Holly previews Jennifer Mackey-Mary's background and business before welcoming her on the podcast
4:55 Jennifer Mackey-Mary joins the podcast and shares the purpose behind her business, Everyday Style
7:50 The "f-word" that is NOT allowed in the Everyday Style community, and the "s-word" that is!
9:05 Jennifer jokingly refers to herself as "the idiot who tried" and how that has carried her through starting her business to today
9:40 The start of Jennifer's business as an individual wardrobe stylist to help contribute to her family income while still having the flexibility to take care of her kids
11:15 Spent $100 dollars on a logo and website, it wasn't pretty, BUT it was functional!
12:50 The importance of finding a pain point and solving it for your ideal client
14:40 Jennifer's goal of becoming "5-mile famous"
15:40 How she spent ZERO dollars on marketing her first 3-4 years but still continued to grow her business
16:45 Jennifer shares the biggest mistake she made as an early business owner, and what she learned from that experience
23:50 The importance of trusting your gut for the bad AND the good, it works both ways!
24:55 How to scale a service business
26:15 What is a capsule wardrobe and how that became an integral part of Jennifer's business
28:00 The biggest pivot Jennifer made in her business when she moved from Washington D.C. to Minneapolis, MN
29:24 Rebranding her business and finally creating a professionally made website
31:35 Jennifer's biggest REGRET she has with her business and her advice on how to avoid it
33:50 The major difference between in-person business interactions and virtual-only and how to bring your personality to an online community
34:52 Corrine Crabtree episode mentioned!
35:18 Jennifer's quarterly customer feedback process that is KEY to her success
37:05 Jennifer breaks down why she created a membership-based business and all she has learned after starting one
42:40 Membership business model does NOT equal passive income
45:50 The average email list to membership conversion rate
47:05 Jennifer's biggest lesson learned during COVID, hint: feelings are NOT data!
49:45 How memberships allow you to stop reselling to the same customer, and instead evolve with your ideal customer
51:05 What's next for Jennifer and Everyday Style and her focus to make sure her core business is running smoothly before looking to grow or launch something new
58:11 Fashion sustainability, how Jennifer was impacted by the documentary "Brandy Hellville &...
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Episode Summary
Whitney Bonds joins the podcast this week as our very first YouTube channel creator! Whitney is the creator of the award-winning website Tried and True Mom Jobs and the YouTube channel bearing her name, boasting over 100K subscribers. Whitney's expertise and knowledge of SEO has been a huge part of her success online, and she shares her best advice with us!
Through her platforms she shares valuable insights and resources on remote work, entrepreneurship, and personal finance. What started as a way to empower herself and fellow moms, has grown to empowering anyone looking to make additional income from home. Helping anyone who finds her channel to find fulfilling careers and achieve financial freedom!
Whitney breaks down what her process is behind each of her videos, where she finds inspiration, and how she keeps her "why" top of mind in order to try and achieve a work / life balance. Finally, she shares her advice for any entrepreneurs out there to find their passion and do something with it.
In this episode you’ll learn:
0:55 Holly introduces Whitney and her background
2:31 Get your day one DONE with the help of The Business Blueprint
4:50 Whitney introduces herself as a wife, mom, and business owner
7:08 Whitney shares how she went from $5K in her first year of business to $200K in her second year
7:31 In 2020 she created her YouTube channel
9:50 Whitney shares how she was able to educate herself on her business for free, and her mindset that business is a long game
13:12 The importance of finding a business coach or mentor to help you see your blind spots
13:40 The most important timeline for your business!
17:15 Whitney shares her process and strategy for her YouTube channel
18:40 What affiliate links are and how they earn you money
22:40 TikTok dropship video link "I Found the Best Remote Job You Can Do At Night in 2024"
26:45 How to title your YouTube video and draw people in
28:10 The importance of constant research and inspiration from others
30:40 Her video creation process and the key elements to a successful video
36:45 Remembering WHY you started your business, the importance of work / life balance as an entrepreneur
40:55 Whitney's best advice for anyone looking to start their own YouTube channel
43:30 Expenses, what are the upfront costs of starting a YouTube channel?
46:35 Whitney's encouragement for all entrepreneurs out there
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Episode Summary
Welcome to our 50th episode!! This week we have a VERY special guest to celebrate, Megan Tamte! Megan is the Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and Chief Brand Officer for Evereve. Together with her husband, Mike, they have built what started as a single store in Edina, MN to over 100 stores nationwide!
Megan shares with us how the idea for Evereve first came to her through a horrible dressing room experience she had 26 years ago. She walks us through the seven year process of dreaming and brainstorming before they officially opened their first store in 2004.
We also dive into the culture of Evereve and how Megan intentionally created a culture of HEART (Humility, Empathy, Authenticity, Relationships, and Tenacity) values. She also shares how a VERY special expert helped her take these values and scale them to her growing business, you definitely do not want to miss this pop-out!
Finally, Megan shares what exciting trends we can expect for fall and where to find an Evereve near you to stock up!
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:00 Our 50th episode is here!
2:20 FREE Business Blueprint!
3:00 Holly introduces how she knew of Evereve and Megan and how she met her one day in an Evereve store
6:22 A brief breakdown of HEART values before we learn the whole story from Megan herself
7:25 Welcome Megan to the podcast
8:15 Evereve's origin story, Megan's horrible dressing room experience 26 years ago
10:00 Holly's experience shopping at Evereve and how it makes her feel
11:45 Megan's fashion philosophy for Evereve, making fashion warm and approachable for all women
14:05 The importance of talking about your dreams and goals in life with fellow supporters and dreamers
17:20 After 7 years of brainstorming, Megan is feeling unhappy in her professional life and looking to make a change
19:00 Committing to herself to start every morning alone in quiet time to reflect and brainstorm
20:10 How asking herself, "What did you do in 5th grade on the playground for fun?" pointed her back to the idea for Evereve
21:30 Wrestling with the fear and self doubt of going after her dream
22:30 Spending three months writing down her dreams for the business
24:36 Her husband and Co-CEO, Mike Tamte, reviews what she has put together and makes a formal business plan
25:15 The magic $1,500 / day number that had to be met
26:45 Officially opened their flagship store in Edina, MN in 2004 - 7 years after she had the idea
28:30 Megan and Mike's vision since day one for an Evereve brand versus single store
30:40 What they learned after opening their first store and how they had to work outside their natural strengths while they grew the business
33:00 Megan shares how her "Founding Leaders" have and continue to be an integral part of Evereve's culture and success
35:25 Megan breaks down Evereve's HEART values culture and how she intentionally went about scaling the culture along with the business itself
38:30 How the amazing Brené Brown helped Megan better define and refine her HEART values culture
42:35 The importance of accepting help from others
46:00 The one key strategy Megan believes always leads to success
48:45 A day in the life of Megan, how she builds her days and more
53:10 The inspiration she gets from traveling to stores and abroad
54:35 How Evereve handled COVID with the help of their HEART values culture and the ability to work together and quickly pivot
56:15 How Mike's financial transparency with the company builds trust
57:58 Megan breaks down the boards she sits on, how she decides who to work with and how she can provide them value
60:55 How her Warners' Stellian board seat has pushed her outside of her comfort...
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Episode Summary
Karina Muller and Lana Gendlin from HeartCentric Divinations join us on the podcast this week to share their exciting mission to bring pendulums to as many people as they can! Karina and Lana share how their careers in consulting and art curating, respectively, led them to where they are today, founding their joint business, HeartCentric Divinations and Coaching.
Together Karina and Lana break down the basics of pendulums; what they are, how they work, and how they can help you listen to yourself for the big and small questions we face in life. Karina and Lana share how pendulums are a tool that we can use to help guide us through decisions and strengthen our ability to trust ourselves.
These women are so passionate about spreading the message of pendulums that they even wrote a book about it! Pendulums & Intuition: Practical Advice for Trusting Your Inner Wisdom, launching June 6th, available for pre-orders on Amazon now!
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:00 Holly briefly introduces the basics of pendulums
1:45 Jill Loftis episode referenced!
6:10 Holly introduces Karina and Lana and shares how they originally met
6:42 Heather Boschke episode referenced!
7:55 Lana shares her background as an art curator and what brought her back to Minnesota
10:05 Karina shares her background in tech and eventually product marketing and consulting
12:00 How Karina and Lana met during COVID and eventually started HeartCentric
13:00 Figuring out their business during the tail end of the pandemic
14:08 Lana explains what "creative wellness" is and why it is so important
15:20 What is a pendulum? Karina and Lana break it down!
18:30 The kinds of questions you can ask your pendulum
20:05 What a pendulum looks like and how to use it
22:15 Holly shares her hands on experience finding her pendulum with Karina and Lana's help
26:40 The importance of listening to your pendulum and not "over-riding" it
29:00 Learning to build trust within yourself through your pendulum
32:45 How to not bias your pendulum and the optimal state of mind to be in
38:36 Pendulums are NOT crystal balls, they are one data point in time
43:00 How Karina and Lana use their pendulums to help organize their schedules as entrepreneurs
44:30 Marrying the data WITH intuition
48:13 Learning to use a pendulum to sharpen your intuition muscle
54:45 Karina and Lana's book: Pendulums & Intuition: Practical Advice for Trusting Your Inner Wisdom, launching June 8th, preorder now!
59:00 What to expect from their book including the history and science of pendulums, how to incorporate pendulums into your life, and how to sharpen your intuition and more!
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Episode Summary
This week we have Lee Funke, founder and CEO of Fit Foodie FInds! Lee comes in the podcast studio to share a VERY exciting new business venture for her and her team at Fit Foodie Finds!
Lee also shares why she started Fit Foodie Finds in college, and what inspired her to build the community that is still growing with her today! Throughout our conversation you will quickly notice the key ingredient to Lee's success... listen on to hear for yourself!
Finally, Lee shares advice that she has for other entrepreneurs out there wanting to take the plunge into their own business. As well as how her work / life balance and mental health journey has grown and changed through the years. With the help of her team members she is able to follow her passions and continue to grow her successful, $1M dollar business!
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:00 Holly introduces this week's guest, Lee Funke!
5:02 Lee shares when she first started Fit Foodie Finds and why she wanted to create a community in college
8:42 After several side hustles (including Fit Foodie Finds) Lee shares when and why she finally decided to go full time with her business, Fit Foodie Finds
10:20 The importance of team work and collaboration that Lee integrated into the business when it was time to take on team members
11:05 Why an entrepreneur needs to identify areas to outsource and the investment that takes
13:24 How collaboration and team work can help you identify and follow your passions within the business
16:05 Lee's approach to being a CEO and how she fosters an environment of transparency for mutual success
18:00 Rosie's Dill Pickle Martini recipe we referenced!
18:50 Lee announces her next business venture, HodgePodge! A unique food truck collaboration with Forgotten Star Brewery in Fridley, MN!
19:58 A break down of the initial conversations that inspired this new venture and what the process was like as they collaborated to build the menu, infrastructure, and marketing
25:00 The biggest challenges Lee faced when creating this new business and how her and her team overcame them together
31:30 How Lee's relationship with work / life balance has developed through the years
34:50 Gaby Dalkin podcast episode!
35:28 Why Lee and her team feel compelled to use their platform for mental health and women's health issues
37:40 The impact recent Google SEO changes have made on Lee's business
40:26 The time Gwyneth Paltrow made Fit Foodie Find's recipe for Sweet Potato Crust Quiche AND tagged her!
42:28 What's next for Fit Foodie FInds, including taking a deserved break for summer and family time!
43:45 Lee's advice to any entrepreneurs on the fence out there, including her original blog post, A Leap of Faith, when she first decided to make Fit Foodie Finds a full-time career and business
45:05 Lee's husband, Mark Funke's new business Little Ember Co. get saunas delivered to your home today!
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Episode Summary
This week I sit down with Haley Westfall, founder and owner of The West Collective and co-founder of Collab Culture. Haley shares how she started working in corporate America in high school, which led to almost twenty years within the corporate healthcare industry. It wasn't until she was laid off... twice within six months that she knew something had to change.
That was when Haley, through the help of her friends and community, found herself with a social media strategy and content business. One client turned to two, to three, and so on before she was running her own successful business. She was officially her boss and no longer had to worry about getting laid off... until she laid off herself!
Haley realized with the help from her tight-knit women's entrepreneurial community and self-reflection that even though her business was succeeding, she wasn't happy. Instead of feeling defeated, she decided to go back to square one and create a business again, this time with the utmost intention in her purpose and strengths.
In this episode you’ll learn:
2:43 Haley's intro and background
3:45 Haley started her healthcare corporate career in high school, stayed in that industry for 20 years
4:10 Sharing her experience getting laid off from her corporate job
6:14 She quickly found another corporate job, but after six months in she was laid off AGAIN, this time two weeks before Christmas
8:30 Taking the time to process and figure out her next move
15:00 Learning to shed her corporate "polished" image in lieu of an image that is more authentic to her and the business she is creating
19:04 The importance of releasing the "shame" of getting laid off and sharing your story is therapeutic and brings you more credibility as an entrepreneur
21:55 Leaning on entrepreneurial friends and started her business of social media management and strategy for small businesses
23:05 Business is successful, but Haley didn't feel completely fulfilled or aligned
24:45 Her decision to end that business and start over AGAIN, this time with more intention and purpose
27:36 Inbal Claudio episode referenced!
28:08 Connected with three other entrepreneur women and created their own community to build each other up and help with each other's businesses
29:30 Community is NOT just all rainbow and sunshine, it is showing up and holding people accountable to be the best version of themselves
30:30 Learning to shed the corporate habits and behaviors we all learn that no longer serve us as an entrepreneur
31:40 Officially launched her new business, The West Collective, in 2023 with the help of her own community and the self-reflection she had done for herself
32:15 Haley started her own podcast, The Table Podcast
34:30 The impact of creating a business with purpose can have on your entire life, your joy and happiness will radiate for all to see
35:50 Giving yourself the permission to pivot and trusting yourself are keys to success
38:47 Identify your strengths! 70% of individuals are not able to see what their own strengths are in the world
39:12 Asking people around you what they think your strengths are and journaling the feedback to better identify your strengths and how you can find your purpose
43:20 Haley's desire to ditch the mold of networking and create spaces and events where people feel seen and heard
47:19 Link to Haley's FREE monthly community calls that you can join!
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Episode Summary
This week I sit down with my personal business coach, Lisa LeBlanc. Lisa is a wife, mother, and grandmother as well as a certified life coach and weight loss specialist with No BS Weightloss. I share how I naturally met Lisa, and how our coaching relationship evolved from personal weight loss to business.
Lisa shares how her entrepreneurship story started when she was a young wife and mom with three kids under five. Out of necessity, Lisa decided to start her own daycare business, but it wasn't long before her own kids were in school and she had a waitlist of parents and kids. After over twenty years in that business, Lisa had reached burnout and was ready for a change.
Lisa began to prioritize herself again and reflect on how she has always been coaching those around her through the years. She decided to invest in herself and get her life coach certification and become part of a coaching team at No BS Weightloss. Throughout this episode you will hear the coaching techniques Lisa uses with clients (and herself) to help them overcome their own negative thoughts. Lisa and I role-play two common scenarios Lisa runs into with new and existing clients, as a glimpse into what a coaching session with her looks like!
In this episode you’ll learn:
2:14 Holly introduces Lisa LeBlanc, her personal business coach
2:58 Corinne Crabtree episode that is referenced in this episode!
5:55 Lisa shares how she started her first business as a daycare provider, out of necessity
6:47 Her old mindset of "If you build it they will come" and how that gave her success, but never gave her the opportunity to celebrate any of that success
7:50 Five years ago Lisa felt burned out from the daycare business she had built and was looking to make a change
8:25 Lisa joins Corinne's No BS Weight Loss program and starts prioritizing herself again
11:25 What led Lisa to pursue her life coach certification and the financial investment that goes into that decision - it was time for her to invest in herself!
14:02 Through coaching and self-reflection, Lisa learns how she is in control of her thoughts
15:50 Her journey to becoming a coach at No BS Weightloss and the extensive interview process she went through
22:50 How to stop getting in your own way and the coaching to help you
24:49 The importance of listening back to your own thoughts and reflecting and editing them
25:30 Mock Coaching Session Example #1 Corporate woman who wants to start her own business but can't quit her job AKA steady income and insurance
29:20 Why you need to look forward in life and NOT backward if you want to make changes in your life
33:07 Lisa shares her approach to getting out of her own head and why it is important to "get quiet" or "get in your body" in order to reflect
36:43 Why Lisa thinks journaling is so important to reflect and filter your thoughts and experiences
44:15 Mock Coaching Session Example #2 A corporate woman who has a horrible boss who does not treat her well or appreciate her work and feels a loss of control over her work environment
48:30 How taking action, any action, reminds you that you are in control
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Episode Summary
This week we sit down with Angel Holmes, the Founder and CEO of Sipindipity, LLC. Sipindipity is your one-stop shop for all social media marketing and branding for small businesses. Holly shares how she and Angel met, and how Angel blew her away with the branding and social media posts that Angel and her team created for her.
Angel shares with us how entrepreneurship is something she knew she wanted to pursue since childhood. As a Charleston, South Carolina native, she has created a community and network for herself that has helped her grow personally and professionally through the years.
We get to hear about Angel's philosophy of "over-deliver", and her goal of helping as many people as she can to find and chase their passions. She shares the importance of social media for a small business today and the most common mistakes business owners make when it comes to their social media strategy. Finally, she shares some best practices on how to create a conversation with your ideal customer via social media.
In this episode you’ll learn:
4:07 How Holly and Angel met, hint... it was through a fellow podcast guest!
7:00 Angel's background and the role her father had in her pursuit of entrepreneurship
10:09 When she lost her business in 2020 due to the pandemic, and how she pivoted and overcame that setback
12:36 Angel shares her deep desire to empower fellow entrepreneurs and the importance of perseverance to succeed
22:30 The importance of time blocking and how it sets Angel up daily for success and the balanced life she wants
28:05 Why social media is an important tool for your business and Angel's best practices for business owners
33:45 How to create a conversation with your audience that fosters a relationship instead of constantly selling
39:12 The MOST common mistake Angel sees business owners make when posting on social media and how to avoid it!
45:45 How offering free products or advice is the best way to authentically and organically grow your business and personal brand
46:36 The importance of sharing the love on socials, you need to engage and support others, especially if they support you
53:26 Angel's "over-deliver" philosophy when it comes to business... and life!
59:00 Sign up for Angel's FREE social media guide and templates
1:03:00 Holly shares her personal experience working with Angel
1:04:36 Angel's PDF bio not only outlines her professional accomplishments but allows you to get to know her as a person too. As she says, "The good, the not great at the time, and the funny"
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Episode Summary
This week I sit down with Yusra Mohamud live and in person! Yusra shares her story growing up in Minneapolis, how she got her start in community outreach, and what led her to start her own consultancy business, Yuspire Consulting, to help small businesses succeed. Yusra is also a member of the Lake Street Council in Minneapolis and was an integral part of helping with the rebuilding of the community after the events of June 2020.
Yusra's commitment to our community is also shown through her podcast and YouTube channel, Eat & Talk MN. She and her co-founder, Gilbert, wanted to create a space to share local stories from "unsung heroes".
When she isn't helping grow and build her local community, Yusra also loves to travel and spend time with her son. She shares with us her recent experience traveling to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and why traveling and experiencing the world for yourself is so important.
In this episode you’ll learn:
0:52 Ready to finally take that idea and turn it into a business? Let me help you for FREE!
1:43 Yusra's background and story growing up in South Minneapolis
5:28 Becoming a boy mom and how that impacted her career path
6:00 While working at a bank Yusra gets the opportunity to help with community outreach and join the Lake Street Council as an advisor in 2018
7:52 Pursuing her passion for helping people and her community while leveraging the tools and resources the large bank she worked for had to grow her own skills
9:30 Why Lake Street is a vital cultural corridor to the Twin City community and how it feels like home to Yusra
13:16 Yusra describes her first-hand experience on the ground following the murder of George Floyd in June 2020
15:22 Leaving the corporate world behind to work full time for Lake Street Council following the events of June 2020, where she was able to help the community raise $12 million dollars to rebuild
18:21 Yusra shares her experiences since June of 2020 and how we as a community, nation, and even world have made improvements but also what work still needs to be done
21:43 The importance of putting yourself in different spaces than you normally occupy and why it is GOOD to feel uncomfortable
28:26 Yusra shares her recent experience traveling to Turkey and Saudi Arabia
32:14 Yusra shares what surprised her most about women in Saudi Arabia and why it reinforced the importance of travel and experiencing the world for yourself
37:00 What it was like experiencing Mecca and the thriving community surrounding it
40:33 Eat & Talk podcast and Youtube channel was born in 2020 to highlight the community's "unsung heroes" with the goal of "good conversation feeds starvation"
43:05 The surprising international singer who got her start on Eat & Talk years ago
45:29 Yuspire Consulting and the importance of helping small business owners know their strengths
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Episode Summary
Today we chat with Martha Bitar, CEO of Flodesk! Martha got her start in the tech industry in Silicon Valley. It wasn't long before she took the skills she learned from Silicon Valley and put them to work for herself by starting Flodesk. Flodesk is an email design and marketing tech company that helps small businesses build community with their customers through on-brand and beautiful emails. Martha shares what inspired her and her business partner, Rebecca Shostak, to start Flodesk, what it's like to be a disruptor in an established industry, and why an email list is so important to transform the relationship you have with your new and existing customers!
Throughout this episode, you will hear the integrity and love that Martha and her teams pour into their work to ensure their customers have everything they need to be successful. This is especially apparent when Martha shares two unique challenges Flodesk faced and how they overcame them AND gained more trust with their customers in the process.
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:48 Holly's experience with being an OG Flodesk customer and how an email list can help you build your business
4:08 Martha shares how she and Holly first met, years ago - connections are everything!
5:48 The importance of feedback from customers, especially at the beginning
7:36 What inspired Martha and Rebecca to start Flodesk, despite the "nay-sayers" they originally encountered
9:30 Martha shares how an email list levels the playing field between small businesses and big companies
12:00 The importance of understanding and connecting with your ideal client
13:50 How being an "outsider" in the industry can bring a fresh perspective and disrupt the existing competitors, no matter how large they are!
15:50 Overcoming their first major company challenge and how it only STRENGTHENED their customer relationships and trust
19:50 The power behind "Made with love in Flodesk," what a product viral loop is, and how it benefits you, your customers, and your future customers
22:53 The difference between scaling hours to dollars and scaling digitally
27:32 Martha shares the amazing feat of being a tech company that has NEVER raised funding from outside investors, and how you can too!
30:48 The importance of listening to your customers for their "pain points" and not their "solutions"
34:42 The recent domain changes Google and Yahoo made and the impact that had on Martha and her team
37:02 Why it is important to look at the full picture when going through business challenges
41:50 The difference between social media and email lists and how they're both more powerful when used together strategically
45:15 How email lists level the playing field between small businesses and their large corporation competitors - email is connection
49:51 Flodesk is expanding their team with two exciting new roles!
51:57 Save 50% on your first year with Flodesk!
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Episode Summary
Today we have a special episode and guest! I am LIVE in the podcast studio with Heather Boschke. Heather is a marketing executive with over twenty years of corporate experience turned entrepreneur with her business, Vogel Venture. She shares how after getting fired twice and laid off once, she finally was ready to take the leap of faith to start her own marketing business. Using her experience with corporate she was able to take the lessons and processes learned and leverage them within her own business and to help her small business clients.
With no longer worrying about fitting the "corporate mold" Heather was even able to find her creative side again and started ANOTHER business, Buddha Birdie. Combining her love of birds and drawing, she was able to create two children's books.
Heather shares with us the importance of talking to people about your ideas / business and letting yourself get quiet enough to listen to your own voice. She shares what are the most important priorities and values in her life and how she lets those guide her to make the best business and personal decisions. In other words, what gives you energy versus what drains you of energy?
Finally Heather shares with us her most important message for listeners, "BET ON YOURSELF!" We are all born with purpose and passions in our lives, and it is our job to find them!
In this episode you’ll learn:
1:46 Heather's experience with climbing the ladder in Corporate America and still getting thrown off
3:11 Giving herself a six-month timeline to build her own business
4:00 Letting go of expectations and leaning into the ride
5:21 How being written up for "disobedience" helped her realize that she no longer wants to try and fit the "corporate mold"
10:06 Using Corporate America as a master class in processes, people, and business that you can leverage for your own business and clients
13:12 Defining what Vogel Venture is as a business
18:36 We are more than what we are paid to do, we are multi-passionate individuals
19:20 Normalizing getting fired or laid off, it happens to the best of us!
23:04 The Sunday Truth Gun: Are you looking forward to the next week?
25:25 Enough versus more; how chasing more for more's sake can keep you from your purpose and passions
27:57 Stumbling in your business is ok, and sometimes is what you need to accelerate faster than you ever could
28:38 Forcing versus flow; what gives you energy and what drains you of energy?
32:24 Get quiet and listen to yourself and learn to trust in yourself
37:30 Pushing through negative self-talk; notice the thought, normalize it, and then neutralize it
40:02 The power of writing down your dream and saying it OUT LOUD
42:25 When it feels too good to be true, that means you are in alignment!
43:00 Heather's experience on live television and what helped her prepare for that new experience
45:36 BET ON YOURSELF, we are all born with purpose and it is your job to find and follow it!
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Episode Summary
Have you been wanting to start your own business for a while now, but you have no idea where to start or how? Then this is the podcast episode for you! In this episode, I break down my FREE step-by-step guide, the Business Blueprint! Listen along with me as I walk you through each step to get you closer to your goal, starting your own business! As we discuss each of the six steps in the Business Blueprint I provide more context and examples to help guide you and get you started on your journey. Finally, if you still have any questions after listening, I would LOVE for you to reach out to me for help! Below you will find my calendar link to book a 30 minute FREE consultation to help get you started with your own business!
In this episode you’ll learn:
0:38 Download my FREE Business Blueprint guide to follow along in this episode with each step
2:15 Shifting your mindset from 'employee' to 'boss' and what does that look like for you
2:36 Step #1 Create your vision for your ideal workday, environment, and energy
6:28 Step #2 Your strengths, what inspires you, brings you energy, and makes you feel confident?
10:15 Step #3 Define your ideal client, who do you want to work with? Because YOU get to choose!
13:15 Step #4 Your offer, what strengths do you have that you can offer to your ideal client?
16:14 Step #5 Strategy, commit to five activities over the next five days that will immerse you in your industry and around your ideal clients
19:41 Step #6 Plan, once you have your five action item next steps, look at your week and see what could cause you to not complete these items and find ways to work around these obstacles
21:55 Book a consultation with me to discuss any questions or ideas you may want to bounce off someone, I am here to help!
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