Episodes
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In our final episode of the series we feature De J. Lozada, founder of Soul Popped Gourmet Popcorn, who tells the story of how the coronavirus forced her to reimagine her Soul Food-inspired popcorn brand while staying true to her company’s core values.
De J. openly shares the unique challenges she has encountered while shifting from in-person experiences to online sales, and how she's been able to stay connected to her fiercely loyal and active customers through authenticity and vulnerability.
Along with her online success, De. J has been able to keep her team (which includes her father, a senior citizen) as safe as possible throughout the pandemic, and found charitable ways to help other businesses stay afloat during times of need.
Links / Resources:
Soul Popped websitePopcorn with Purpose websiteSoul Popped on InstagramOn Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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When coronavirus lockdowns forced farmers markets and festivals to shut their operations, Jennifer Chan’s new and thriving pop-up sorbet business, Banato, was on the verge of collapse. Instead of wallowing in despair, Jennifer chose to lead with love and serve her Chicago community hope (and sweet treats) during hard times.
Jen discusses how she has channeled positivity and enthusiasm, how that optimism gave her and her team a new purpose to survive, and how fellow small businesses have generously rallied around Banato. She also shares how Banato is making customers feel extra love and comfort during troubling times, and how the business is supporting often-overlooked essential workers and standing in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters.
Links / Resources:
Banato websiteBanato on InstagramOn Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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When the global events industry dramatically collapsed in the wake of Covid-related shutdowns, Jeremy Fleming and his close-knit team at Sydney-based Stagekings faced a disastrous outlook. As a company that specializes in building state-of-the-art stages (think Formula 1 and a Shakespeare’s Globe replica), they had to think fast — and look to a whole new industry — after suffering mass cancellations.
In this episode, Jeremy recounts the importance of keeping his team employed, and how a fear of having to let staff go motivated nimble action.
He shares the fantastic story of how an idea from a friend inspired the team to use their existing skills and technology to quickly meet a new market need (for everyone all of a sudden working from home), and how his staff came together to launch a beautiful new product, IsoKing, within just days.
Listen to the full episode for wonderful entrepreneurial inspiration!
Links / Resources:
Stagekings websiteStagekings on FacebookStagekings on InstagramSupport Act
On Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis.If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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Dr. Michelle Dickinson is a nanotechnologist and founder of Nanogirl Labs, an educational company committed to helping kids around the world find their passion in STEM fields. When New Zealand went into lockdown to combat Covid-19, her in-person science theater events were all canceled, forcing Michelle to get creative at warp speed.
In this episode, Michelle tells the story of the pivotal Monday that changed everything — from losing the business' entire annual income, to juggling live interviews with national press and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern — and the inspiring week of teamwork (and tears) that followed to launch a new digital platform.
It’s impossible not to be inspired by Michelle’s story of resilience, which includes building a professional TV studio in two days, and camping out there throughout the lockdown with her husband and co-founder to produce daily content using everyday objects for a global audience.
Michelle also discusses how their team tripled in size during a time of mass unemployment, the brilliant way they are partnering with charities, and the importance of designing kids’ products with parents at the forefront (hint: parent cheat sheets included!).
Links / Resources:
Dr. Michelle DickinsonNanogirl's LabThe Kitchen Science Cookbook
On Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis.If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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2020 has been a pivotal year of growth and change for Jasmine Tiara, founder of The Black Wallet. From coronavirus throwing a wrench in her work and family routine, to the Black Lives Matter movement surging her business to new heights (and audiences), Jasmine has boldly faced each challenge head on.
In this episode, she shares how a T-shirt led her to build an app for Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses, and how the business has evolved. She also discusses the role of compassion in navigating challenges, the importance of keeping momentum going during a moment of awakening, and why supporting Black-owned businesses is important both to changing perceptions and to our collective success.
Links / Resources:
The Black Wallet websiteDownload The Black Wallet appThe Black Wallet on Instagram
On Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis.If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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When New York-based Scott’s Pizza Tours was forced to stop offering in-person tours thanks to Covid, pizza expert Scott Wiener got creative quickly to keep connecting with his pizza-obsessed audience around the world.
With pizzeria visits off the table, Scott shares how their unique virtual courses and cooking lessons keep both staff and customers engaged, with deep dives into pizza making, and pizza’s surprisingly fascinating history.
At a time of tragic food insecurity, Scott also introduces us to his non-profit, Slice Out Hunger, which has pivoted in an incredible way. Along the way, Scott provides insight on the ultimate freedom of times of stress, fearless trial and error, and defining success in this unique moment.
Fun Fact: Scott holds a Guinness World Record — tune in to find out which one!
Links / Resources:
Scott’s Pizza ToursSlice Out Hunger
On Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis.If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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When SXSW was canceled last-minute, Beth DiBaggio's Austin-based catering business faced imminent collapse. But instead of giving up, she and her partner Rafael Rodriguez looked to a family taco recipe as their life raft.
In this episode, Beth shares how a nostalgic "maybe someday" dream was revived as an in-the-shower spark of inspiration, and overnight became El Camaron, a seriously irresistible taco delivery business (if you love tacos, this episode will make you hungry!).
Beth and Rafael are passionate about nourishing people, and in our chat Beth also shares the critical importance of deciding to keep moving when faced with a sink-or-swim moment, and the perspective they have gained in the pivoting process.
Links / Resources:
El CamaronLa Pera CateringLa Dama Grazing Co.
On Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis.If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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When New York City went into lockdown, the iconic Nuyorican Poets Cafe creatively took their powerful spoken word events from in-person to online.
In this episode, Daniel Gallant, the Nuyorican's director, shares unique insights on the challenges and opportunities the crisis has created. Hear his thoughtful observations about the pros and cons of performing spoken word in virtual spaces, including the new layers of fluidity and interplay this new landscape offers, and the unprecedented breaking down of barriers to give more artists a place to share their work.
Daniel also discusses the importance of psychological and emotional relief during isolating times, and gives brilliant advice on what makes for an effective “ask” at a time when there is great tension between generosity and scarcity in an uncertain world.
Links / Resources:
Nuyorican Poets Cafe website Donate to Nuyorican Poets Cafe
On Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis.If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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When her flower shop, House of Lilac, ran out of fresh flowers because of Covid-related disruptions, founder Melanie Fernandez had to act quickly to keep her business flourishing.
In this episode, Melanie shares a huge risk she took just as things seemed to be taking a turn for the worse, and how looking locally to her Miami-based brick and mortar shop expanded her online sales to a whole new untapped market across the country.
Melanie also discusses three key ways to listen to customers, and the importance of an engaging online presence in her business of making people happy.
Links / Resources:
House of LilacHouse of Lilac on Instagram
On Change of Plans, we feature innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis.If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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For comedian and filmmaker Toni Nagy, performing live stand-up is an integral way to energetically connect with people and the cultural pulse. When the coronavirus wiped out Toni's in-person gigs, she found herself transitioning more fully to online work to continue engaging with her audience in meaningful ways.
In this episode, Toni opens up about how the pandemic and concurrent racial justice movement have influenced her work, and how she toes the line of provoking people during sensitive times to dive deep into uncomfortable issues and inspire surprising conversations.
We also discuss the advent of global inside jokes, a refreshing lack of FOMO, the appeal of imperfection, and tapping into the power of the scrappy underdog.
Links / Resources:
Toni Nagy’s websiteToni Nagy on InstagramCavelight Productions
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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When his pet-focused travel gear company started to see the stagnating impact of Covid-19, Jamie Knowles knew he had to get creative with Roverlund.
In this episode, Jamie shares how he tapped into his art background to partner with international illustrators on stylish custom pet portraits, a move which in turn brought him a whole new set of pet-loving customers who were seeking meaningful, joy-sparking products during the pandemic.
Jamie also discusses the importance of community and escapism for individuals and small businesses during these isolating times.
Links / Resources:
Roverlund dog gearRoverlund custom pet portraitsRoverlund on Instagram
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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When five high school friends decided to buy a beloved flower farm in their rural Washington State community, they never imagined the disaster scenario their business, Tulip Town, would face in its very first year.
Right before their biggest event of the spring, which draws hundreds of thousands of people — and brings in over 90% of their annual revenue — Tulip Town was forced to stop welcoming visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In this episode, Tulip Town's Andrew Miller and Angela Speer share various ways they've been able to pivot successfully, and how they've managed to stay positive (and act fast) to keep sharing the beauty and joy of tulips with others — and keep their business going.
Links / Resources:
Tulip TownTulip Town on InstagramTulip Town on Facebook
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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Eric Rivera, a Seattle-based chef (and master of adaptability), spent years working with one of the world's top chefs before opening his endlessly creative restaurant Addo.
Unlike many restaurant owners, who were quick to lay people off when times got tough, Eric and his innovative staff have found myriad ways to survive and thrive throughout the crisis, ranging from engaging (and fool-proof) meal kits, to multi-sensory “camping-at-home” experiences, strategy-based dinner games, and much more.
In this episode, Eric shares how his team at Addo approaches challenges, and how pivoting his life and career after the 2008 recession (before he became a chef) helped ingrain adaptability into his business' recipe for success.
Eric Rivera's bioAddo on InstagramEric Rivera on Instagram"The Chefs I Used to Admire Aren’t the Leaders We Need Right Now" in Eater
Links / Resources:
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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Despite the challenge of meeting deadlines — and maintaining sanity! — while working from home with young children, Australian illustrator and author Beck Feiner has kept her creative spark turned on through a bit of optimism, hard work, and a healthy dose of trickery.
Inspired by her local Sydney community during the downturn of the coronavirus pandemic, Beck has made beautiful use of her Instagram platform, producing vibrant illustrations to uplift followers and small businesses around the world.
Hear how Beck's work has impacted health care workers, how her advertising background has prepared her for navigating this time, and how new business opportunities have emerged in unexpected ways.
Links / Resources:
Portfolio SiteBeck Feiner on InstagramDay by Day illustrationSmall Business illustrationAlphabet LegendsMy Folks Grew Up in the ‘80s
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, employee-owned Modern Times Beer of San Diego set a guiding principle to keep everyone on staff.
Inspired by this goal of providing continuity of employment for their team, Modern Times has been able to creatively use their existing infrastructure — and new ideas — to find innovative ways to generate revenue (while navigating ever-evolving state-mandated restrictions).
In this episode, Phil MacNitt, the brewery’s director of sales and marketing, shares how staff has stepped up to the plate in fresh ways, and how concepts such as “imagination buoyancy” and “fearless brainstorming” have fostered a more collaborative environment than ever.
Links / Resources:
Modern Times Beer (and Coffee)Blog Post for Fellow Small BusinessesDonate Coffee & Pastries to Frontline WorkersModern Times' Social Distance Collection
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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Following a Covid-induced trade show disaster, Canadian peanut butter maven Jill Van Gyn found a way to forge ahead while giving back to her community in the process.
Jill walks us through her nerve-wracking journey of dealing with an enormous loss at a critical moment for her business, and how within days the company shifted into an ad hoc nonprofit to address the sudden gap in food security she was seeing in local communities.
Jill also shares the inspiring ways she embraces the pain of vulnerability and rock-bottom moments to channel creativity and innovation.
Links / Resources:
Fatso Peanut ButterDonate a Jar of FatsoBonus fun fact: Jill appeared on Dragon’s Den (Canada’s Shark Tank)!
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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When rugby season was cut short due to the coronavirus, London-based commentator Nick Heath suddenly found himself without work — until he discovered the humor of commentating on ordinary life.
In this episode, Nick tells the story of how a spontaneous video shot from a park bench made his hilarious #LifeCommentary videos go viral.
He talks about the power and value of entertainment (and belly laughs for healthcare workers) during times of crisis, and the surprise celebrity who makes a regular appearance on his weekly virtual pub quiz.
Links / Resources:
Nick Heath on TwitterNick Heath on YouTube (#LifeCommentary and Live Pub Quiz videos)Nick's PayPal link#LifeCommentary merchandise
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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A special “bonus” episode, featuring a behind-the-scenes conversation about how our travel company ended up also deciding to launch a podcast.
Andres Zuleta is not only the host of Change of Plans, but also the founder of Boutique Japan, an award-winning travel company. In this bonus episode, Andres chats with two of his colleagues, Eléonore Simon (also our Sound Editor extraordinaire) and Roni Sivan (a podcast enthusiast and co-producer of this show).
They delve into how their small team was inspired to dive headfirst into the world of podcasts when the coronavirus temporarily brought travel to a halt.
Links / Resources:
Boutique JapanAndres ZuletaEléonore Simon’s podcast, Les sœurs Simon
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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Australian winemaker Brendan Carter's business was nearly obliterated overnight when Australia went into coronavirus lockdown.
Inspired by the unprecedented challenge, Brendan and his team adapted quickly and took their small beverage empire online with daily happy hours, "isolation 6 packs," and lighthearted junk food pairings.
In this episode, Brendan discusses:
How his thriving business came to a grinding halt in the middle of harvest seasonHow each of Unico Zelo’s products is inherently built to fight isolation and uphold cultural identity, andWhat he and his team have done to build a virtual community and maintain a sense of normalcy for people seeking to decompress after a day working from home — including trolling-turned-reality junk food wine pairings.Brendan also shares invaluable advice for other businesses who are facing difficult times.
Links / Resources:
Unico ZeloApplewood DistilleryIsolation 6-Packs (US-based listeners can purchase wines through Winehouse)“Wine for the People” Daily Happy Hour via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TwitchSpecific episode referenced with Nikki Friedli
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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The events industry took a huge hit during the widespread shelter-in-place orders surrounding the coronavirus, and Sam Eitzen came to this devastating realization very quickly as gigs for his photo and video booth company, The SnapBar, were wiped out in a matter of days.
In this episode, Sam explains how his thriving Inc. 500 company suddenly found itself without work, and shares his process for — literally overnight — coming up with the idea for a new care package business (aptly named Keep Your City Smiling).
He dives into:
How this idea stuck out over 49 othersHow his team has adapted to the transition, andHow they creatively used their existing assets, systems, and contacts to pivot from in-person events to e-commerce.
The SnapBarKeep Your City Smiling
Links / Resources:
About Change of Plans:Host Andres Zuleta interviews innovative individuals — from entrepreneurs and winemakers, to artists and chefs — who have found creative ways to adapt in times of crisis. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and check for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
If this episode helped inspire you, please leave us a review, and come say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Change of Plans is produced by Boutique Japan. Our Sound Editor is Eléonore Simon.
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