In this heartwarming episode, Amy sits down with Linda and Isaak Cermak, the married duo behind Sonoma County’s well-loved Red Bird Bakery — a place that feels like stepping into someone’s home kitchen the moment you walk through the door. Together, they share the story behind the name, the roots that inspire their craft, and the early mornings spent “listening to the dough” and growing their business.

This conversation unfolds like a slow, comforting bake: full of intention, creativity, and a deep love for nourishing their community. From the delicate layers of Linda’s pastries to Isaak’s artisan loaves shaped by decades of craft, you’ll hear how the Cermaks built a bakery centered on warmth, connection, and the simple joy of feeding people well. It’s a celebration of small town magic, shared dreams, and the beauty of building something meaningful together.

You can find Red Bird Bakery at 556 East Cotati Ave in Cotati and 463 Sebastopol Ave in Santa Rosa. You can also find them on Instagram at @redbirdbakery and redbirdbakery.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

Poppy’s was already one of downtown Petaluma’s most charming destinations — a cheerful, thoughtfully curated toy shop where families could find something special for every child. But since our last episode together, owner Kate Brown has taken her dream even further, transforming Poppy’s into a true community hub.

In this episode, Kate shares the heart behind her expansion and what it’s been like to grow from a retail space into a multi-faceted gathering place that now includes a cafe (with boba!), a Homework Club, and a packed calendar of creative events. We talk about how she’s reimagined what a local store can be — a spot where families linger, friendships form, and community comes alive.

As the holidays approach, Kate also gives us a peek at what’s in store this season — from gift ideas that spark joy to festive drinks that make shopping a little sweeter. Whether you’re a parent, a local shopper, or just someone who loves seeing small businesses thrive, this episode will leave you inspired to shop local, slow down, and savor the magic of connection this holiday season.

You can find Poppy’s at 136 Petaluma Blvd N in Petaluma, @poppyspetaluma on Instagram, and poppyspetaluma.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year — and no one spreads the holiday spirit quite like Alyssa Romano, owner of Shades of Green Holiday Design. Based in Petaluma, Alyssa and her talented team specialize in transforming corporate offices, hospitality spaces, and local businesses into festive, elegant holiday showcases.

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, Amy chats with Alyssa about how her creative career evolved into a full-service holiday design company that helps businesses take the stress out of seasonal decorating. From sparkling trees and lush garlands to tasteful lighting and timeless color palettes, Alyssa shares how she brings warmth and magic to spaces big and small — all while helping companies create an inviting, joyful atmosphere for their teams and customers.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into large-scale holiday installations, this year’s most popular design trends, and how Alyssa keeps the spirit alive year-round. Plus, she shares whether she’s hiring for the busy season and offers tips for making your own décor stand out this holiday.

You can find Shades of Green at shadesofgreenholidaydesign.com and @shades_of_green_holiday_design on Instagram.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Step into The Reform Room, Petaluma’s newest Pilates boutique where strength meets serenity. Owner Jess Cain has created a space that’s as beautiful as it is intentional — think exposed brick, lush greenery, warm lighting, and top-of-the-line reformers. From the moment you walk in, there’s an immediate sense of calm, balance, and care (and yes, the chilled eucalyptus towels after class are as amazing as they sound).

But what truly sets The Reform Room apart is the vision to create a space that’s welcoming for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned Pilates lover or stepping onto a reformer for the very first time, Jess wants each person who walks through her doors to feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her classes are designed to meet people where they are — helping clients build strength, confidence, and connection at their own pace.

In this episode, Jess shares the inspiration behind opening The Reform Room, the journey that led her to Pilates, and how she’s building a community centered around wellness, inclusion, and genuine care. Whether you’re new to Pilates or just love discovering hidden gems in Petaluma, this conversation is your invitation to slow down, stretch, and reform your mind-body connection.

You can find The Reform Room at 221 Water Street, Suite B in Petaluma, @the_reform_room on Instagram, and thereformroompilates.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

On this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Jennifer Pezzolo, owner of Pezzolo & Co., a premier staging and design business based in Petaluma. Known for her high-end transformations, Jennifer shares how staging creates that all-important first impression for buyers, why her outlet store has become a local favorite for furniture finds, and the fun behind her warehouse sales. We also talk about life as a longtime Petaluma resident and mom, and how community and creativity go hand-in-hand in her work.

You can find Pezzolo & Co. at 850 Lindberg Lane, Suite C in Petaluma, @pezzoloandco on Instagram, and pezzoloandco.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

Today on Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Sherill Le, owner of Obsessed, and her right-hand woman, Denise Trevino. Obsessed is a downtown Petaluma boutique that’s all about fun, style, and helping women feel confident in what they wear. We’ll dive into Sherill’s journey of starting the shop, Denise’s perspective from behind the counter, and how Obsessed has become more than just a store—it’s a place to connect, laugh, and, yes, get a little obsessed with fashion.

You can find Obsessed at 98 Western Ave in Petaluma and @obsessedshop on Instagram.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Sahar Gharai, the owner of La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge in downtown Petaluma. With a name that means “the sweet life,” La Dolce Vita is all about creating a warm, welcoming space to enjoy thoughtfully curated wines, delicious bites, and community connection. Sahar shares the inspiration behind opening the lounge, her approach to selecting wines, and how La Dolce Vita has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just beginning to explore, this conversation is a toast to savoring life’s sweetest moments.

You can find La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge at www.ldvwine.com and @ladolcevitawinelounge on Instagram.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m thrilled to welcome back Coach Cara Wasden — and this time, she’s joined by three of her incredible former students, Kalista, Emma, and Violet. For over a decade, Cara has been teaching middle school students the art (and fun!) of public speaking, guiding them through prepared speeches, impromptu talks, and even summer camps full of improvisation.

Together, we dive into the students’ experiences in class — from their nerves on the first day to their proudest moments on stage. You’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced, the skills they’ve gained in confidence, communication, and creativity, and the joy that comes from pushing past fear.

Whether you’re a parent considering this class for your child or simply love hearing stories of growth and encouragement, this episode will leave you smiling.

You can find Coach Cara Wasden at coach-cara.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I chat with Alysia Utroske, founder of SoCo Kids Craft Club, Sonoma County’s very own mobile craft club for kids. Alysia brings the creativity right to you, giving kids the chance to explore art through fun, hands-on projects—while parents enjoy a little breather. From her Coffee & Creativity pop-ups to her dream for the future of the club, Alysia is making art accessible, joyful, and community-driven.

You can find SoCo Kids Craft Club at www.socokidscraftclub.org and on Instagram at @soco.kids.craft.club.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

This week on Beyond the Vines, Amy sits down with Jen Klose, Executive Director of Generation Housing, to talk about the organization's mission to ensure everyone in our community has access to a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Jen shares how Gen H is working to address local housing challenges, advocate for smart policy, and create opportunities through collaboration, education, and action. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or simply someone who cares about the future of Sonoma County, this conversation is a must-listen.

You can find Generation Housing at generationhousing.org and on Instagram at @wearegenh. 

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.