Key takeaways

• Catherine Kondo Arkin successfully transitioned from working in film production to owning Upper Village Blooms flower shop in Croton on Hudson
• She comes from a multicultural background (Japanese father, Mexican mother) which influences her design aesthetic
• The flower shop focuses on serving the local community while maintaining a global design perspective
• Catherine emphasizes creating unique arrangements without using traditional fillers
• The business prioritizes retail operations over large events to maintain community focus
• Social media and word-of-mouth marketing have been key to business growth

Personal Background and Early Career

• Grew up in Los Angeles in a multicultural family
• Studied history and art history at UCLA
• Worked in film production in LA before moving to New York
• Transitioned to New York for a film production job in 1983

Transition to Entrepreneurship

• Started jewelry design after divorce while raising children
• Worked at local boutique in Croton selling her jewelry
• Took over the lease when the boutique closed in 2018
• Transformed the space into Upper Village Blooms despite limited floral experience

Floral Design Philosophy

• Emphasizes mixed varieties over single-flower arrangement
• Avoids traditional fillers like baby's breath and leather leaf ferns
• Promotes appreciation for undervalued flowers like carnation
• Offers different design styles including modern, tropical, and Japanese-inspired

Business Strategy

• Focuses on retail operations over large events
• Maintains independence from order gatherers like FTD
• Collaborates with local photographer Jill Pace for social media
• Aims to expand male customer base
• Develop strategies to attract more male customers
• Continue maintaining retail focus while selectively accepting events that fit schedule
• Continue building community relationships
• Maintain independence from traditional flower delivery networks

Advice to women seeking a change 

• Sometimes, you are forced to make a change. You need to own it to get over the fence and move forward. The power of speaking about what you want and manifesting it goes a long way. 
• Be grateful for the opportunity to change your life. It's a privilege. 

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Overcoming Cultural and Familial Challenges

Kateh shared her challenging childhood growing up as one of six sisters and two brothers in a culture that undervalued girls, facing both societal and familial pressure. Despite this, her parents, who were self-taught teachers, supported her education and encouraged her to excel, even when others discouraged them. Kateh's parents managed to provide for their children through teaching and farming, and while some of her sisters pursued higher education, Kateh completed basic studies.

Kateh's Journey to Faith

Kateh shared her spiritual journey, describing how she initially rejected born-again Christianity due to her Catholic upbringing but eventually experienced a profound conversion after feeling an urgent emptiness that only Jesus could fill. She detailed how her relationship with God deepened through Bible study, leading to audible communications from God that helped her overcome self-hatred and embrace her identity. During her college years, while maintaining her academic studies, Kateh experienced both challenging spiritual transformations and moments of divine guidance, ultimately seeing God's hand in her education and career path.

Bible's Role in Personal Transformation

Kateh shared her personal experience of studying the Bible, emphasizing that while the text is a roadmap for life, it led her to a deeper relationship with Jesus through practical application and personal transformation, even when the changes were painful. She explained that the Bible's teachings, particularly those that require self-sacrifice, are crucial for true spiritual growth.

Missionary Journey of Faith and Service

Kateh answered God's call to enter the missionary field, emphasizing her commitment to serve without relying on others for financial support. She described her initial act of feeding a hungry widow, which led to more community outreach and the establishment of a school and church in the bush. Despite facing personal challenges, including homelessness, Kateh trusted God to provide for her needs while focusing on her mission to spread the gospel and help those in need.

School for War-Orphaned Children

Kateh cared for orphaned children in war-torn areas and eventually established a school and church in a village without formal education. She described how she initially took in street children, faced challenges with housing, and eventually found a permanent location where she continues to reside with some of the children. The school now has 60 students, though many more children in the village are still not attending school due to lack of education culture and financial constraints. The school operates through parent contributions of food items and occasional donations from well-wishers, and while they have a kindergarten block, the primary school classes are still held in the church building.

Divine Path to Mission Fulfillment

Kateh abandoned her accounting career to pursue a mission-focused life path, which she believes was divinely guided. She emphasized that finding God's plan is crucial for personal fulfillment, as her current mission work brings her greater satisfaction than her previous accounting aspirations would have. 

Divine Appointment in Uganda Mission

 Kateh's experience demonstrates the power of applying God's truth for eternal joy.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Debby Collings has experienced many ups and downs in her life from broken relationships to cancer to career changes; but, she has always managed to find her joy. Whenever she is feeling troubled or just bored, photography has been her outlet, She calls it shutter therapy, and I can attest to her incredible bird photos. Debbie jokes that she must have been a gypsy is a past life, which might explain why she has always had the urge to move around so much. She’s recently moved back to her hometown of Milwaukee to be closer to her family after realizing their support was crucial during her recovery from cancer. 

Notes from podcast:

1. Debbie grew up as a corporate brat, moving around a lot; she’s still on the move, fiercely independent. She jokes around that she must have been a gypsy in a past life, which explains why she always has the urge to move.
2. As the only girl in her family, she had to do its her way if she wanted something done.
3. She often felt like college was a waste of time and frequently considered leaving, which she dd her senior year.
4. Debbie worked in broadcast sales and pharmaceutical sales but was fired after working one year for not having a degree. 
5. She went back to college to famish her degree in art history and found that she really enjoyed it. Today, Debbie works for PetLink selling microchip service to animal shelters, non profits, and animal control. 
6. Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, during Covid and lockdown in Colorado.  Her family and extended family were incredibly supportive, and she realized she needed to be closer to family, so moved back to Milwaukee.
7. She finds her joy thru photography; it’s her shutter therapy. 
8. Glady, the cross eyed bear is a remarkable story of survival and defines Debbie’s life. 
9. Today, Debbie is more comfortable with herself. No longer a people pleaser, she’s become more stubborn, set in her ways, and may be another reason Debbie says she’s still single. 
10. What are her words for happiness? Talk to people, don’t sit on your feelings. Find an outlet. When you’re bored or unhappy, do something that brings you joy. For Debbie, this is photography. 

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

For her next podcast, Jean decided to interview her husband Duncan Hill, and how they have navigated marriage, travel, communication, God and Africa. Duncan spent 17 years rescuing children in Uganda. It was after he heard from God that this became his mission. So with his own $$ and lots of donations and a lot of faith, that’s what he did. They recently traveled back after a 7 year hiatus to reunite with his kids. What a blessing and adventure. Jean is so proud of the work he’s done and continues to do.

Notes on podcast:

1. In 1981 Duncan became a Christian. He was a stock broker up until 1997 when he started a small retail business, then he heard from God in 2002 that he was suppose to go to Uganda. He paid attention to the signs. God told him to go!
2. His heart was completely broken by the Aids crisis in Uganda. In the summer of 2002, Duncan started the Uganda Orphans Fund.
3. Duncan built homes for Ugandan churches to house orphaned children. Some local Ugandan families donated land and he started Kasozi (Hill in their local language)Village with a school, dormitories, a chapel and staff quarters.
4. Kasozi Village housed 150 kids. The school had to do their due diligence when accepting applications.
5. Kasozi school was based on the British school system with its own elementary school up to P7. If the kids had the acumen to go on to senior levels, the school would fund their education. This was all done by donations.
6. In 2018 Kasozi Village was given to a Ugandan non-profit school. In exchange for the land, buildings, vehicles they promised to take care of the Kasozi kids.
7. In Jan/Feb 2025 Duncan and Jean went back to see his kids. It was like magic. It was a personally gratifying time but there were some kids who were languishing and needed help. Duncan is now supporting 30 kids with their school fees, requirements and needs, to keep them moving forward toward success and self-sufficiency.
8. Duncan is funding this with his own money, but as their needs get greater and the number of kids in need increases, he’ll need to ask for financial help. His plan is to create the Kasozi Fund for just this purpose. Stay tuned.
9. Duncan and Jean pay their own expenses. Every penny in donations will go to help the kids.
10. Duncan believes that you need God’s direction to make your calling a success.
11. Duncan and Jean met in college but didn’t say a word to each other. They met 45 years later on FB in 2002, and married two months later.
12. They work well because they communicate. They care how the other person feels and they work things through.
13. Keys to their success are communication, acceptance and laughter.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Channa Beth Butcher wrote her PHD dissertation on UNLEARNING THE COLONIAL NARRATIVE OF THE AFRICAN GIRL THROUGH HER STORIES OF THE LIFE EXPERIENCES OF ONE KENYAN GIRL. Channa Beth achieved this feat at the age of 77. She is an inspiration and a reminder that it’s never too late to achieve the unimaginable. This past spring she founded E3 Kenya which stands for Encourage, Engage, Empower. The non-profit's goal is to teach women how to be self-sustaining. In this podcast you’ll learn about her love of learning, her fearlessness/willingness to take on new academic challenges, her intense curiosity about another culture, and her total disregard of her age when taking on new roles/challenges. 

Notes on podcast

1. I was an only child and only grandchild and always felt very loved and safe. From a young age I knew i’d go to college. This was reinforced by my parents and grandparents. 
2. She describes her childhood as an idyllic upbringing and spent a lot of time w her grandparents who were huge book lovers; she attributes that to her love of reading and learning. 
3. When I was in Mexico in the early 80s  I felt chagrined that I couldn’t communicate w the women there and wanted to learn SpanishShe studied Spanish for 4 years and became certified to teach Spanish and history and taught. 
4. Languages come very easily for me. I’d start out with  a book and a CD. I have to know  what I’m saying grammatically. Best to take a class to learn. 
5. Learned Swahili in 2014. I saw an article about Africa and was there a few months later. Went to Tanzania and gorilla tract in Rwanda.
6. Her favorite movie is “The Nun Story” w Audrey Hepburn and set in Belgian Congo. I was enthralled with Africa. When I got off the plane I cried. Felt like I belonged.
7. Once the locals saw that I spoke Swahili, they really opened up. It was an inspiration to the whites who ran the camp where I stayed.
8. When you speak to a person in your language it goes to their head, when you speak in their language it goes to their heart. Nelson Mandela quote.
9. So much racism still exists in the tourist industry and in East Africa. That’s changing but colonialism is still present.
10. Colonialism is not taught in the schools. Nonprofits exploit the dark side of native girls. But there is another side to the story. Let’s look at the reality that girls are going to school and have their own aspirations and agency. This became the crux of my dissertation. 
11. Primary education is free but secondary education has school fees. She has long seen the girls of Kenya portrayed as poor, desperate and in need of money, but soon learned they just needed encouragement and support. Her dissertation theme became desensitizing the myth around these women.
12. Her dissertation centered around interviewing a senior at Starehe, a girls school in Kenya about her experiences, She did 90 hours of interviews about her everyday life. My Kenyan girl started out wanting to be a doctor and switched to law. She’ll be entering law school this year.
13. She started a non-profit called E3 Kenya. Part of my impetus to get my PhD was so I could be taken more seriously. I wanted to be legitimate.
14. Teach the girls how to be self-sustaining for what they need. Teach the girls how to sew and make reusable menstrual pads.
15. It was the most joyful 3 days I’ve had in a long time. We only made 2 menstrual pads given the complexities of Africa. But we did it and will be going back. “Sisterherd Strong.”
16. What advice do you have for women considering a life change?  Go for it. Take a leap of faith that you can do it. You’re never too old. It will make you happy. Believe that your dreams are possible.
17. My success comes from having supportive parents, grandparents and a supportive husband. 

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Ryan has been a personal trainer for over 12 years.  He is a certified functional aging specialist with a bachelors degree in Health & Exercise Science.  Ryan has completed over 14,000 personal training sessions in his career and works with people of all ages & fitness levels with a focus on women over 50. He has transitioned from a local “in-person” personal trainer to an online trainer with clients in New York, New Mexico, Montana, Georgia, Connecticut, New Jersey, & even Italy.

Notes from podcast:

1. Ryan simplifies fitness with baby steps and micro progression. Anything can be measured and improved using 4 steps-corner stone, push, pull, accessory exercise.
2. Count the # of men vs women in the weight training section of your gym and you won’t find women over 60; they need this the most. I  remove the intimidation barriers in my training program called the Courage Corner.
3. 90% of the people I work out with are on zoom. Started w the pandemic. Starts with one session on zoom to get them comfortable. 
4. I provide people with a gift of bands. They get the door anchor and you basically have a complete cable machine. Easy to travel with. 
5. I want people to meet me half way. I ask my clients to get a complete set of dumb bells. The more equipment the better. 
6. The half hour work out has become the most popular. The intensity goes up. When you exercise at a high level, your metabolism is still working the next day.
7. There’s a large body of evidence that shows weight training improves your bone health keeping them strong and healthy, boosts your metabolism for fat loss, regulates your insulin passively, increases general strength, improves balance, improves your sleep and improves your confidence.
8. Build a program around the client’s needs. Smart goals. Keep things very simple. 
9. Look at the functional aging trajectory. There is a decline if you don’t move. You control your quality of life. The key is to just do something.
10. Weight training improves your bone density and makes you more bullet proof to better survive a fall. Improves your ADLs-the activities of daily living. 
11. Numbers don’t lie. Performance based metrics. 
12. How do people get in touch with you? Call or text (914) 330-5968.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Christa Ross is a trailblazer in real estate coaching and hosts the podcast "The Uplift" offering simple thoughts for complex times. She is a masterful thinker, writer and marketer. Christa's most significant achievements and recognition have come after 50. Her journey serves as a powerful testament to the idea that life's most remarkable chapters are often still to come. 

Notes from podcast:

1. If I could go back and hug Christa Ross and tell her everything will be ok, I would.
2. Product of a single mom who suffered bipolar depression. She always wanted to be normal and prove she was not her mom.
3. I’m not good enough. Story of building self confidence.
4. It was not until I was 50 that I had any sense of self confidence or career.
5. My mentor pushed me out of the nest to spread my wings which was a real gift. 
6. Working in marketing for real estate firm taught her different ways to speak and fulfill the needs of a target audience.
7. I wanted to have that picture perfect life with white picket fence and picture of family over the piano. I worked part time to have that kind of life. 
8. My grandparents were pivotal in raising my children especially after my divorce. 
9. I will be the best risk you ever took. It was the first time I ever sold myself. I’ve been with the same real estate company for over 20 years. 
10. I was getting good at selling but I was shining at marketing. It was very creative and fun. People responded to it. People noticed I was good at something. 
11. If you recognize a lane that no one is doing, do it. That’s how The Boost came to be and started during Covid. It turned out to be a full time thing. The most rewarding and fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. 
12. You got me thru Covid” is the reaction of so many agents. She helped them feel connected. It brings me joy. It’s been my biggest blessing. 
13. Having the trust of someone so smart and successful to be behind me, gave me so much self confidence. 
14. The Uplift is a motivational podcast that focuses on what’s bright and what’s possible. 
15. I love decorating, cooking and feeding people. That’s part of my love language. 
16. Homemaking is an art.
17. Take your power, push forward, be less cautious, less self conscience, less critical of yourself. Find the joy and come for the ride. 

Find Christa’s Uplift on YouTube and on Instagram @christa_clear_coaching

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Francesca has been creating jewelry for over 30 years and creating ‘stuff’ since she was 16. Previously a clothing designer, she has always collected interesting stones and pearls and has a particular love of turquoise, as those who wear her jewelry will attest. Her work is characterized by a sense of adventure and exploration and inspired by nature, love and people. This comes from her love of imagining the lives of those who wear her work. As an artist her biggest challenge is finding the connection. So far, she loves sharing her journey with the women who are lucky enough to wear her jewelry made from beautiful materials. 

Excerpts from podcast: 

1. I have been so blessed with opportunity and by being in the right place at the right time. It’s important to recognize that this is not true for everyone.
2. You spoke about how challenging it was for you as a single parent and that is absolutely correct. I always worked part time, but was fortunate to have partners where I could do that, and where I didn’t get confused about trying to monetize the art - whatever form that took. Sometimes I get paid to be a creative consultant. Sometimes I made stuff and found a way to sell it - and a lot of that was by being in the right place and moving with it.
3. I really dislike the lack of distinction between making art and “being successful” about it. It seems really important to come to terms with- and this is ongoing - about what success means. Art is hard work - not always, but enough of the time that it’s important to recognize what it takes.
4. Maybe the real expense is the outlay of energy it requires.Thinking it up, refining the idea, exploring the idea, testing it in the process of making it, and then figuring out what to do with it all takes energy.Marketing and selling takes a lot of work!
5. I think people have done a huge disservice by not recognizing this. Also - a lot of art is not really viable commercially - either for money or for recognition.If you are stuck following those things, you miss the opportunity to think up and make art.
6. What is my advice? Only I can say what’s worked for me-Cultivate a quiet brain—Find a passion—Pursue it for its own sake - the questions about monetizing it or getting recognition from it are separate. If they are what is really important to you, figure out how to get those things--It may never be a package deal - sometimes you get bits of things
7. I don’t have just one message for a brand.—My hope is that people may get interested in something I put out there and it sparks a conversation. —I’m always looking for good connections.—I  hope my message is ultimately one of love.
8. Love yourself, love the ideas, love the time to make things or not, love it if you connect with someone else in love. Especially love it if you help them move through their lives a little bit better.

To connect with Francesca follow her on Instagram @flkjewelry.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Alex Mangini is OBSESSED. She’s a social media consultant who manages a dental practice full-time. She  just turned 60 and looks 40!  Learn how Alex developed a lucrative side biz while working full time in a different field and how she’s maintained her youthful appearance. 

• Alex is a twin. Her brother always excelled at everything while she believed she felt short. 
• Majored in communications/journalism. Developed a passion for medicine and cures after her second son was born prematurely. 
• “I was obsessed w his health, prior to the internet. Happened in my late 20s. I was a stay at home mom while my sons were young. When they were in school, I went back to work. I always wanted to make my own money.”
• 17 years managing dental practice. Started promoting on social media. Have 15 clients who were all referrals. She is self taught. Learned on Google, You Tube, all trial and error. 
• Alex tries to make social media user friendly. Unique posts. Very interactive with her clients. 
• At 60 she loves technology and learning new things and is a self proclaimed social media addict. 
• Alex firmly believes in any facial or body rejuvenation and plastic surgery that helps people feel better about themselves. 
• “Plastic surgery provides instant results. Do your research.There are affordable solutions. It’s all about taking care of ourselves.”
• Her secret to staying young is peels, lasers, vitamins for skin, healthy lifestyle, use moisturizing cream at night, what you put in your body, exercise regimen. 
• Learn about Winston her dog and his instagram page @Winston_thecav. Over 16k followers, an influencer and earns money. He’s a superstar. 
• Alex is Mimi to two grandchildren, Hailey and Blake and baby Jack due in September. 
• “Don’t be afraid to try something new. Focus on you.”
• “If you don’t know it, Google it”
• “Don’t sleep your life away.”
• “Be open to making new relationships later in life.”

Contact Alex by calling 914.907.6763 or email at [email protected]

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Michelle Kowalski is a NY state certified nutritionist and registered dietitian with over 30 years of experience in the field. Michelle will teach you how to eat just right so you can fit into your favorite jeans again without going on a fad diet.

• Michelle’s aunt and uncle who lived into their 90s, ate well, walked every day, no medications served as her role models. Saw you had the ability to heal yourself. 
• In her teens, Michelle was overweight and went on fad diets. Borderline anorexic. She studied nutrition in college. She learned how food can fuel her. Transferred the eating challenges she had to helping others 
• “I have to respect my body to age well. I do something everyday. I do it for my health.”
• If you want to lose 40 lbs, she’ll ask what are your goals? Are you getting the right nourishment to heal your body. 
• These fad diets don’t work. They’re a tease. You may lose one pound a day but the processed foods don’t transition to real foods and can gain back the weight plus more. Have an awareness of what you’re eating. Read food labels. 
• You can always make something work. She’s seen close to 5k clients for weight loss and nutrition counseling in 23 years and has a great success rate. She educates and operates as a  support system. “If you listen to what I say, you’ll have an 80 to 100% success rate.“
• Manage the portion size. Binging leads to poor mental behavior. 
• If you want to have pizza, eat a salad before and take some fiber to fill you up. Positive eating vs shameful eating. Do NOT eat processed foods.
• If you have a craving and do 100 jumping jacks, that craving will subside.  One treat a day that you can look forward to. 
• Hear what she says about Ozempic. There are  a lot of unknowns. Make sure you’re under the care of a doctor or coach.
• Learn about her coaching biz, one on one coaching, maintenance program. 

How have you changed?

• I’m a more compassionate soul. If I can guide someone, it’s not about me, you did the work. 

What do you recommend to women looking for a change?

• Set good fundamental goals
• Don’t beat yourself up. 
• Have some self compassion and self care for yourself 

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.