Beyond the Vines

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.

Lena Furlong is back on Beyond the Vines — and this time, she’s here to invite you to something truly special. The upcoming Vida Flow event, featuring The M Factor documentary, is more than just a gathering; it’s a powerful fundraiser for the Polly Klaas Foundation and a space for people to connect, learn, and celebrate every stage of life from pre-menopause to menopause and beyond.

Hosted right here in Petaluma, the event will feature inspiring speakers, valuable resources, and a vibrant community ready to lift each other up. Through her Vida Flow brand, Lena is leading the charge in breaking the silence around menopause, offering education, visibility, and the reminder that we are all superhero rock stars.

Tune in to hear why this event matters, what you can expect when you attend, and how you can be part of a movement that’s changing the conversation — and the community — for women everywhere.

You can find Vida Flow at vidaflow.podia.com. The event is Thursday, August 21st at 5:30pm and tickets can be purchased on the Vida Flow website.

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

Parenting a teen can feel like navigating a whole new world—and you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Takajo, Caitlin Severin, and Aliah Singh, the powerhouse trio behind CultivaTeen Roots and their new course for parents, Making AdoleSense.

Together, they share what inspired them to launch this meaningful venture, how their unique backgrounds shaped their approach, and why adolescence is such a critical time for both teens and parents. We talk about the challenges modern parents face, how to reconnect with your teen, and practical tools to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and supported.

If you’re parenting a teen (or tween!), this conversation is a must-listen.

You can find CultivaTeen Roots at @cultivateenroots on Instagram and cultivateenroots.com.

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

This week on Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Gina Markle—the incredible entrepreneur behind Ji’s Kimchi. Raised in the Bay Area and inspired by her Korean roots, Gina began making kimchi while serving in the Coast Guard in Alaska. What started as a craving for home quickly became a business that now brings bold, beautiful flavor to kitchens across Sonoma County. We talk heritage, entrepreneurship, and what it means to share your love through food.

You can find Ji’s Kimchi at @ginajikimchi on Instagram and jiskimchi.com.

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

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Durham—children’s author, mom of two, and a local small business owner. When a sudden illness brought Melanie’s fast-paced world to a halt, she began seeking quiet, meaningful ways to stay connected with her kids. What started as personal rituals of mindfulness became the heart of her first children’s book, Every Day Magic. In this episode, Melanie shares her deeply personal journey, the healing power of storytelling, and the beautiful reminder that magic is something we create every day.

You can find author Melanie Durham at @magicbymelanie on Instagram and magicbymelanie.com.

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