Founder of Lola's Fine Hot Sauce Taufeek Shah joins this episode to tell the story of how this generational family recipe transformed into a hot sauce on shelves across the world. Lola is Taufeek's mother, who always had a bottle of delicious homemade hot sauce at the table with every meal. One day in 2015, Taufeek shared a bottle of this special hot sauce with his friends and everyone loved it just as much as his family. They actually loved it so much, they asked if they could buy some. From there, the spark to continue sharing Lola's was born, and Taufeek went from weekends at the local farmer's market to placements in stores all across the country.

Season 2 Episode 10: Elizabeth Erin Designs

Founder of Kismet Doula Services Olivia Samples joins this episode to share the story of her rapidly growing and evolving business. Kismet holistically supports people who are pregnant, laboring/birthing, and parenting by combining ancestral and modern, evidence-based techniques to empower families on their journeys. Olivia focuses on working with and empowering people who are black, LGBTQ, low-income, survivors of domestic violence, single parents, and first-time parents. She also has created a conference, Black Kin, which is happening virtually April 11-17th. 

Partner Scott Hoekman joins this episode to tell the story of Next Level Ventures, a venture capital firm located right here in Iowa. Next Level Ventures was founded by Scott, Craig Ibsen, and Duane Harris, and they focus on investing in growing technology companies in Iowa as well as growing fintech companies nationwide. Scott explains the selection process for the businesses they invest in, and what the ongoing relationship is like with the companies in their existing funds. We discuss the innovative technology ideas building right in our backyards! Scott also shares great advice on how to build out a successful business plan all entrepreneurs can take away something from. 

Owner of Candle Bar DSM, Chloe Bratvold, joins this episode to share how she came up with the unique idea of this business and why she took a chance on herself. Not many people can successfully open a new business mid-pandemic, but Chloe has done just that. This beautiful, bright boutique in Valley Junction is filled with the wonderful aroma of 65 different scents you can mix and match to create your own candle. This is the perfect weekend activity, addition to a bachelorette party agenda, or special gift giving idea. Listen in to hear all about this environmentally conscious and community building small business.

Carlos Rojas and Jeff Reed join this episode to tell the story of their businesses Bizlab and Blue Bean. Blue Bean, co-founded by husband and wife Carlos and Ximena Rojas, is a hybrid coffee shop concept with a flexible coworking space. It's truly redefining and blurring the lines of what you typically think of when visiting a coffee shop or going to the office. Similarly, Jeff and Carlos use this same innovation on a daily basis as the co-founders of Bizlab, where their primary focus is business transformation. This dynamic pair of entrepreneurs take us through exactly what this means, and how to get your own dream business off the ground or rejuvenate your current business plan. They also have a passion for helping our community, especially nonprofits, and disrupting education.

Imagine opening the doors of your business shortly before the floods of 1993 and seeing it destroyed by three feet of water. This was the first natural disaster Rick and Stacie Mosley, owners of Rick Mosley Hair, faced well before the 2020 Covid pandemic. Rick has more than four decades of cosmetology experience and has developed one of the most well known brands in the industry. Their success is attributed to lifelong education, staying in tune with trends, great care for their team, and a passion to leave this industry in a better place than they found it. Listen in to hear the full story of why Rick Mosley Hair is one of the most respected salons in the Des Moines area! 

Courtney Reyes joins this episode to share what One Iowa is all about and tell her story of becoming the executive director this past year. Courtney explains what One Iowa is advocating for in support of LGBTQ Iowans, how they are educating Iowans, training healthcare and businesses, and empowering individuals in the LGBTQ community. She also provides tons and tons of tangible, thought-provoking advice on how we can all be more aware and supportive of our LGBTQ community in our everyday lives. You aren't going to want to miss this one, start listening now!

Co-owners Bridget Drendel and Katherine Hutchinson of Project7 are guests this episode to tell their story. These two incredibly creative women started out as good friends, and slowly started working projects together over time before they had a true need to start their own business. Project7 is a whimsical and quirky while simultaneously being fresh and clean with a motto of "do good things." They specialize in developing meaningful brand experiences, whether there's a need for a new logo, website, or social media. P7 delivers an upbeat atmosphere with a passion for giving back to the community - listen in to learn more!

Grit Performance 515 is a side project turned large-scale business for Kacee & Preston West along with Penney Arey who happens to be Kacee's mom. Kacee joins the podcast to share all about this sports performance family business located just south of the Des Moines area in Indianola. Grit specializes in hitting, pitching, catching, and defensive lessons for both softball and baseball in addition to strength and conditioning. They are passionate about their athletes and admirably hold them at the center of every decision they make. Listen in to hear all about how they are educating and coaching at a holistic level.