This week, Ward sits down with Nicole Trunfio, founder of BUMPSUIT, a fashion maternity brand that's disrupting the marketplace. They'll discuss the origins of the namesake garment, BUMPSUIT's entry into the world of brick-and-mortar, and the healing power of community — all that and more on this episode of Backstory and Beyond.

Check out BUMPSUIT on their website and Instagram.

Follow Nicole on Instagram.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward is back in Charlotte visiting Joe Haubenhofer, co-founder of Harriet's Hamburgers and the branding agency The Plaid Penguin. They'll discuss nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit, the value of using an emotional connection to differentiate in a crowded market, and the unique origins of America's favorite sandwich—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Check out Harriet's Hamburgers on their website and Instagram.

See The Plaid Penguin's portfolio on their website and Instagram.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward heads to Charlotte to meet with European-Star-Award-winning brewer John Marrino, founder of The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. They'll discuss how four simple ingredients can create an incredible array of German-style beers, why competition shouldn't phase entrepreneurs, and how choosing the right tree can make or break a guest's experience—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Check out The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery on their website and Instagram.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward is in San Diego with Carol Roizen, co-founder of Parakeet Cafe, an eatery and juice bar with over a dozen locations across California. They'll discuss how a life-changing event started the journey to understand the intersection of food and health, why embracing change is essential for entrepreneurs, and what a cup of hot cocoa can teach us about business. All that and more on this episode of Backstory and Beyond.

Check out Parakeet Cafe's menu and locations on its website or Instagram

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This week, Ward sits down with Charlotte-based stylist Erica Hanks, founder of SHOWROOM, a business dedicated to curating fashion collections for the working woman. They'll discuss how recognizing a gap in the market is the key to early success, why retail owners need to be working the store floor, and Erica's strategies for building a sustainable wardrobe—all that and more on this episode of Backstory and Beyond.

Check out all that SHOWROOM has to offer on its website.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward is in Dallas with restaurateur, food hall creator, and Front Burner Society founder Randy DeWitt. They'll discuss the necessity of pivoting with market changes, how innovation requires exploration, and how entertainment, experiences, and great food can combine to create a destination venue —all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Learn more about Randy's concepts.

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This week, Ward is in Manhattan with Alex Faherty, co-founder of the family-led clothing brand Faherty. They'll discuss how a childhood dream became a global fashion brand, where to draw the line between inspiration and appropriation, and why a great retail experience starts with the front line—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Learn more about Faherty on Instagram or the website.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward heads to Phoenix to chat with Lauren Bailey and Craig DeMarco, founders of Upward Projects, a restaurant group united around one simple mission — to make people feel good. They'll discuss how honest feedback can revolutionize a business and why unique is worth the extra effort. Plus, a surprise guest appearance from one of Ward's nearest and dearest — all that and more on this episode of Backstory and Beyond.

Learn more about Upward Projects on Instagram or the website.

Keep up with the latest from Postino WineCafé.

Learn more about Jacqueline and Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward heads to Laguna Beach to check in with Gorjana and Jason Reidel, the power couple behind the jewelry brand gorjana. They'll discuss the unique challenges that come with being both business and life partners, making the move from online to brick and mortar, and using retail to build community and connections—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Find gorjana on Instagram or the website.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward is in Dallas with Kerri Davis, owner of Ellis Hill, one of the country’s most unique stores for luxury paper goods, personalized gifts, and custom home decor. They'll discuss treasure hunting for exceptional goods around the globe, how an intentional approach to growth can ensure success, and the importance of brick and mortar—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Find Ellis Hill on Instagram or the website.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.