May 02, 2025

329. How Motherhood and a Passion for Cross-Stitch Fueled a Media Legacy: Insights from Hoffman Media’s Brian Hart Hoffman

42 minutes

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329. How Motherhood and a Passion for Cross-Stitch Fueled a Media Legacy

Guest: Brian Hart Hoffman, Hoffman Media, President & Chief Creative Officer

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC:

How does motherhood inspire entrepreneurship, and what happens when maternal values fuel business growth for generations? In this special Mother’s Day episode—part of our collaboration series with The Southern C—host Laura Cox Kaplan sits down with Brian Hart Hoffman to explore how his mother Phyllis transformed a cross-stitch passion and meager investment into a thriving media empire while keeping family at the center of every decision.

Brian joins the conversation from Capri, Italy, where he’s leading one of Hoffman Media‘s international baking retreats. It’s just one example of how Brian has expanded his mother’s legacy through his own passions.

Together, Laura and Brian examine how motherhood can provide powerful experience capital for entrepreneurs, why niche audiences create sustainable business opportunities, and how putting family first can lead to greater long-term success.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S GUEST:

Brian Hart Hoffman leads Hoffman Media alongside his twin brother, Eric, carrying forward their mother’s trailblazing legacy. With brands spanning beloved magazines (including Bake from Scratch, TeaTime, and Southern Lady), cookbooks, podcasts, e-learning classes, and international baking retreats, Brian continues to grow the company his mother started in their Birmingham, Alabama home in 1983. Originally a flight attendant who pursued his own career path before joining the family business, Brian now applies his creative vision and travel experience to expanding Hoffman Media’s reach while honoring its founding principles.

KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

Why focusing on passionate niche audiences creates a unique connection and community

How Phyllis’ family-first decisions ultimately strengthened the business’s foundation

Why Phyllis encouraged her sons to pursue their own careers before considering joining the family business

Brian’s journey launching Bake from Scratch as a passion project within the family company

Phyllis’ and Brian’s advice for entrepreneurs

This episode offers heartfelt inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone balancing family priorities with entrepreneurial ambitions. It’s a powerful reminder that motherhood can provide the greatest experience capital for building businesses that align with your deepest values.

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Instagram: @lauracoxkaplan

LinkedIn: Laura Cox Kaplan

Contact Laura: [email protected]

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