Jessie Frances was never really drawn to social media.  

Growing up in Southeast D.C., Jessie gravitated towards fashion, spending what little money was available to her on thrifted clothing to bring her joy during a difficult time. It started as a way to connect with her mother. Today, her outfits have been viewed over 50 million times on Instagram and 1.3 billion times on TikTok through her blog Cappuccinos and Consignment by her many fans, who she affectionately refers to as "mes amis."   

Jessie's journey is an absolute whirlwind. From starting her social media journey while caring for her hospitalized son to losing her mother during the pandemic, she continues to share moments like this with her audience to foster truly intimate, authentic connections. In this conversation, Jessie talks about why "niching down" was never the reason for her success as an influencer. She also dives into the many life lessons from her late mother that she continues to reflect on, and why moving past the desire to be "perfect" gets easier over time. 

Follow Jessie on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Learn more about Cappucinos and Consignment. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Jessie's sprawling journey to start and scale Cappuccinos and Consignment
• Why "niching down" isn't the answer to developing a meaningful, lasting relationship with your audience
• Why seeking perfection is really just another form of procrastination
• The most impactful life lessons that Jessie learned from her mother
• Distancing yourself from the expectations of others to enjoy your life right now

Quote of the Week:

“Once I let go of this, I'd say, very antiquated thought of perfection, that's when I was able to live, knowing that things will never be perfect." - Jessie Frances 

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Short Song 012623," "Short Song 020923," "The Oceans Continue to Rise,"  "Short Song 030223," "The Oceans Continue to Rise," "Short Song 011923," "It Takes a Lot to Keep a Figure Like This," "There Are Days That I Don't," "I Want to Fall in Love on Snapchat." 

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Vivian Chen was always meant to be an entrepreneur.  

Growing up in an American Midwest immigrant family, Vivian discovered her passion for business at an early age coupled with a natural sense of urgency and ambition, channeling these traits to find work in the fashion and beauty industry. But when her friends started venturing into tech, Vivian found it immensely difficult to follow suit; during this period, she submitted over 150 applications with no responses.  

The challenges she encountered throughout her many job hunts led Vivian to create Rise and Heyo; two startups that help professionals across a variety of industries to make connections, showcase their abilities, and find meaningful work. In this conversation, Vivian talks about creating her own playbook as a woman of colour that has helped her to secure funding. We also cover the most important tips for increasing your productivity as an entrepreneur by embracing the freedom of working for yourself, and how to overcome unique challenges commonly faced by visible minorities in the startup space. 

Learn more about Rise and Heyo.

SPECIAL OFFER for our  listeners! Companies, get 1 free job post on Rise. Email [email protected]

In this episode, we cover:

• The unique entrepreneurship challenges faced by visible minorities
• Channeling pressure as a child of immigrants to succeed as an entrepreneur
• The importance of adopting a growth mindset
• The top tips in Vivian's playbook for persisting through periods of rejection
• Why your company shouldn't be a reflection of you

Quote of the Week:

“I've stuck to my guns in finding people who believe in me. [Securing funding is] about finding the unicorn who will want to be on my side." - Vivian Chen 

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Cylinder Three," "Short Song 012323," "You Fiddle, I'll Burn Rome,"  "I'll Stay Here Tonight," "The Oceans Continue to Rise," "Out of the Skies, Under the Earth," "Pick Up a Convict On Alcatraz."

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Born in Quebec, Canada, Rosemary Thompson grew up with two passions: journalism and music. Initially, she chose the path of journalism and spent 22 memorable years covering everything from the Met Gala to the tragic events of 9/11.

But as time went on, Rosemary found herself faced with a difficult decision. Struggling to balance her demanding career and her family life, she was once again torn between her interests. This time, however, she made an unexpected choice.

After over two decades as an award-winning journalist, Rosemary left her career behind to launch Artful Strategies, a full-service communications company where she can embrace her creativity and achieve real balance. In this conversation, Rosemary shares her experiences covering major stories firsthand, how she learned to break through the noise using clear and direct communication during her time in journalism, and the unique challenges faced by Canadians when it comes to pursuing entrepreneurship. 

Learn more about Artful Strategies. 

In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of being 'gutsy' as a young professional starting out in your field
• Rosemary's firsthand experiences reporting on 9/11 from Washington, DC
• Why it's crucial to communicate clearly and directly as an entrepreneur, and how to do so
• Why now is the best time for young professionals to pursue entrepreneurship
• The unique challenges Canadians face as entrepreneurs

Quote of the Week:

“Try to pursue what you really want to do. Because if you do what you love, you’re going to do really, really well. And try to get really good at what you want to do.” - Rosemary Thompson

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Short Song 021623," "Short Song 011723," "Cylinder One,"  "What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X," "Virtues Inherited, Vices Passed On," "01 11-11 at Smith - Ninth Streets."

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content Warning: This episode contains mature themes including self-harm and trauma. 

After 30 years as an award-winning radio producer in Boston, Katherin’s mentor Michelle Redo left her old life behind, relocating to a farm in rural Maine with her husband to pursue creative ventures. It was a change she never anticipated. 

Life on the farm has given Michelle time and space to reflect. She hosts the podcast “Daring to Tell,” where she explores her love of memoirs and the intimate bond they forge between author and reader. As someone who’s mainly worked behind the scenes in broadcasting, getting behind the mic has prompted her to explore nuanced themes like uncertainty, change, and trust in great depth; along with how these themes have manifested in her own journey so far. 

This episode shines a spotlight on Michelle's inspiring transition, her experiences in carving out a new life, and how exploring fear can be the catalyst for rewarding transformations. It's an insightful exploration of the resilience and adaptability that underscores the spirit of "And So, She Left." 

Listen to Daring to Tell. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Embracing your curiosity as a way of identifying new opportunities for growth
• The inherent hopefulness of memoir
• How to communicate with intention
• The importance of revisiting and reflecting on past trauma
• A bit of Katherin's own "And So, She Left" journey

Quote of the Week:

"There is something inherently hopeful about memoir. You feel like, well, the person survived to get through and tell their story...through the act of writing it, you know something was okay." - Michelle Redo 

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun," "To Hide Their Secrets," "Heliograph,"  "Does It Exist or Do I Have to Create It?," "Can You Even F***ing Imagine Being a Teenager Today?," "Short Song 030323," "There Are Many Different Kinds of Love," "Cylinder 7." 

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content warning: this episode contains references to self-harm and other issues related to mental health.

As an entrepreneur, drawing a line between personal value and the success of your venture can be a daunting task. But when your personal journey intimately intertwines with the quality of your services, that line becomes increasingly blurred. On this episode, we're joined by Megan Rafuse, Co-Founder and CEO of Shift Collab - one of Canada's largest online therapy practices.

In this vulnerable conversation, Megan candidly delves into her responsibility as a clinician to continually learn from her clients; and her belief that when one teaches, two learn. She shares her journey of balancing the enriching insights gained from her clients with the complexities of maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Being in the mental health field added another challenging layer, the weight of appearing 'perfect' whilst dealing with her own struggles.

From navigating through traumatic experiences to the pressures of bootstrapping a seven-figure business amidst her mental health battles, Megan unveils the intricate dynamics that formed the foundation of Shift Collab. She also takes us through what she eloquently calls the "troughs of sorrow" — those difficult moments that tested her resilience, shaped her journey, and from which she eventually emerged stronger.

Learn more about Shift Collab.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to learn as a teacher from your students
• Acknowledging when you're in a "trough of sorrow," and how to emerge from them stronger and more resilent
• What to do when your image and public personality reflects the quality of the services you provide
• Effective tips for working with your significant other as a Co-Founder
• Why decision making is not an innate skill, and how to build your decision making muscles

Quote of the Week:

"If my sense of self is too much attached to the company…at the expense of the business’ success, then I’m not a healthy leader." - Megan Rafuse

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "I Can't Imagine Where I'd Be Without It," "Stories About the World That Once Was," "Short Song 021523,"  "Short Song 022423," "The Lower Third Hall of Fame," "Short Song 020523," "Short Song 030923," "Cylinder 1." 

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Our journey into entrepreneurship can often feel lonely. We may lack connections with people who understand us or miss out on useful feedback, leading to doubts and questions about our abilities. Istiana Bestari knows all of this well.

As a young entrepreneur, Istiana experienced the struggles of working alone first-hand. She's persisted through long hours and plenty of stress, balancing multiple jobs while navigating the uncertain waters of the creative industry. But Istiana didn't simply fixate on her pain points; she turned them into points of connection with others.

Together with her partner, Rachel Wong, Istiana co-founded Monday Girl, a supportive network for women facing similar career challenges. Through the network, they took their personal experiences and created a space for mutual support and understanding, essentially becoming users of their own service.

In this episode, Istiana shares her journey as a co-founder, how she changed her networking approach, and how she handled stress during tough times. She discusses her periods of loneliness, how she found her community through sharing her experiences, and why it's so important for women to connect and collaborate on their professional journey.

Learn more about Monday Girl.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to turn your pain points into points of connection with others
• The often isolating experience of pursuing an entrepreneurial venture
• How to find your tribe as an entrepreneur, and why identifying your ideal professional community is worth the effort
• Effective public speaking practices for introverts
• Embracing your intuition as an entrepreneur with a background in the creative industries 

Quote of the Week:

“I think humans need community...if you find people that make you feel safe, challenge you, and want to see you win...that is life-changing." - Istiana Bestari

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Oxygen Garden," "Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He Expected To," "What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X,"  "Let Your Enemies Feel the Weight of Your Burdens," "I Am Running a Marathon with Thousands of Other Highly Qualified People Who Are All Trying to Defeat Me," "Short Song 021423," "Out of the Skies, Under the Earth,"

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Sometimes it helps to switch things up.  

For this episode, we’re pivoting from our usual in-depth exploration of identity and personal struggles to highlight techniques for managing stress in our daily lives.  

Suze Yalof Schwartz, the esteemed CEO of Unplug Meditation, returns to share her wisdom on stress management and achieving a well-rounded lifestyle. We've invited Suze to provide guidance to one of our dedicated listeners, Abby McCoy, who is navigating her journey as a freelance healthcare writer under her brand Evicom while juggling the demands of motherhood.

Abby candidly shares her challenges as a mompreneur, the hurdles she faces in achieving work-life balance, and her difficult transition from a strenuous nursing environment to becoming her own boss. With Suze's guidance, Abby learns strategies to make small, sustainable steps towards her goals while preserving her mental and physical wellbeing.

Join us as we delve into Abby's entrepreneurial journey, Suze's practical advice, and how we can all move the needle towards goals that we truly care about. 

Learn more about Unplug.

Get a 30 day free trial on the Unplug App with the code CANSULTA30

Learn more about Abby and Evicom.

In this episode, we cover:

• Abby's turbulent journey towards entrepreneurship, and the difficulties faced by healthcare workers
• Quick and easy tips to manage stress that you can start practicing today
• Easy ways to fill up your own tank, and why self-care is crucial to taking care of those around you 
• Simple ways to divorce yourself from your work mentality from the comfort of your home office
• The power of setting aside time for fun

Quote of the Week:

“Our goals are not always met the way we think they will be met. So [be] open to the way that things happen.” – Suze Yalof Schwartz

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Short Song 010923," "Short Song 012023," "Short Song 011923,"  "Short Song 020923," "Readers! Do You Read?" " I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary."

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

In this special bonus episode, our wonderful guest Kelly Foss speaks with The Minimalists' T.K. Coleman to explore the definition of minimalism and how a minimalist lifestyle plays a role in helping us make sense of our own dreams.  

This is a short, yet powerful snippet from Kelly’s longer discussion with T.K. in episode 151 of the Millennial Minimalists podcast here.

You will be reminded that minimalism is more than about things. This simple way of life not only challenges us to let go of the excess in our lives (whether internal or external), but it also teaches us to live with greater intention and make room for more of what matters.    

T.K. says quote, “It’s not about how many things you have or how many things you don’t have... it’s about what are you willing to let go of in order to say yes to the life that you really want.”

In this discussion you will be inspired to remove the barriers in your life, such as the excess physical things, time commitments, or mental roadblocks that may be keeping you from living your best life.

Be inspired by T.K.’s great insights on the power of simplicity and intentionality and be motivated to pursue what makes you come alive!

Follow the Millennial Minimalists on Instagram & Facebook  

Follow @OfficialTKColeman & @The Minimalists

Listen to the full episode: 

APPLE: Episode 151. Follow Your Curiosity with The Minimalists’ TK Coleman

SPOTIFY: Episode 151. Follow Your Curiosity with The Minimalists’ TK Coleman

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon."

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

For Kelly Foss, discovering minimalism meant discovering her authentic self. As the co-host of the Millennial Minimalists podcast, she’s fully embraced the minimalist lifestyle, freeing herself from unnecessary possessions and mental baggage in the process. Kelly loves to remind others that minimalism isn't just about getting rid of things - it's about clearing the clutter to focus on what truly brings you joy.

Kelly's story is a powerful exploration of how letting go can lead to greater happiness and authenticity. In this intimate conversation, she talks about her personal journey to finding minimalism, how she challenged deeply ingrained beliefs about self-worth and success, the importance of allowing your professional motivations to change over time, and how she redefined what success meant to her.

Listen to the Millennial Minimalists podcast.

Follow Kelly on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Follow Millennial Minimalists on Instagram and Facebook.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why minimalism is so much deeper than just getting rid of physical possessions
• How to unlearn harmful ideas about ambition
• How to escape the 'comparison trap,' and the importance of taking things at your own pace
• The five ways in which minimalism can improve your life
• Why getting out of your comfort zone is one of the most important steps to take as an entrepreneur

Quote of the Week:

“Everyone starts at a different time and moves at a different pace…you’ve gotta keep positive. You have to remind yourself about the small wins.” - Kelly Foss

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "The House Glows (With Almost No Help)," "We Were Never Meant to Live Here," "Short Song 011923,"  "Short Song 030623," "Short Song 012123," "I'm About to Do the Second Hardest Thing I've Ever Done," "A New Day in a New Sector."

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of assault and harassment that some listeners may find upsetting.  

Terri Phipps and Mary Morrison are no strangers to the challenges women face when using ridesharing services. Having traveled frequently during their corporate careers, Terri and Mary experienced their fair share of uneasy rideshare situations, prompting them to take on different personas, stay on the lookout for potential dangers, and prepare for worst-case scenarios. And they quickly realized they were far from the only ones.  

Driven by the need to create a safer environment for both women passengers and drivers, Terri and Mary founded Wilma, a ridesharing platform specifically designed for women driving women. For Terri and Mary, Wilma is more than just a business endeavor—it's a project with the potential to provide women with a fear-free public transportation option. They talk about their personal connection to Wilma, share traumatic stories from women rideshare passengers that continue to motivate them to make a difference, and offer some of the best advice for women entrepreneurs we’ve heard so far. 

Learn more about Wilma.

In this episode, we cover:

• The ridesharing stories that convinced Terri and Mary to start Wilma
• The true extent of the systemic problems surrounding ridesharing for women, and why they can be difficult to convey to men
• The importance of acknowledging and addressing "trauma bubbles"
• Why your personal connection to your venture is crucial to your success
• Managing your deepest fears as an entrepreneur, and how to enjoy the process of scaling your venture 

Quote of the Week:

"No problem can stand the assault of sustained effort." - Terri Phipps

Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.

Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). 

Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "And It Is There, In Those Depths," "I Refuse to Accept That There's Nothing I Can Do About It," "Short Song 020123," "We Were Never Meant to Live Here,"  "Short Song 012123," "Take Off and Shoot a Zero." 

Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License