Built to Shine Podcast

In this episode of Built to Shine, Vanessa sits down with Jessica Carothers, owner of Blo Albuquerque and multiple beauty businesses, to talk about what it really takes to grow sustainable businesses through people-first leadership. Jessica shares her unconventional path from education to entrepreneurship, the hard lessons she learned while opening three businesses in three years, and how vulnerability, trust, and intentional culture-building became the foundation of her success. This conversation explores leadership development, delegation, balance, and why creating opportunity for others is both the hardest and most rewarding part of business ownership.

In this episode of Built to Shine, Vanessa Yakobson sits down with Marissa Torres, owner of Blo Daly City, for an honest conversation about what entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes.

Marissa shares her journey from corporate work into franchise ownership, including the confidence that pushed her to take the leap, the self doubt that followed, and the mindset shift that ultimately changed everything.

From navigating uncertainty during the pandemic to learning when to step out of the day to day and into true leadership, this episode explores resilience, self accountability, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.

Whether you’re building a business, considering entrepreneurship, or learning how to grow as a leader while balancing real life responsibilities, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective and hard earned lessons.