Strong looks different on every woman...and today we’re proving it. We sit down with Amy, owner of Refinery Strength Collective (Altoona, IA), to talk women’s strength training, rebuilding muscle after perimenopause/menopause, and lifting when you’re navigating autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. We get real about why “work harder, eat less” fails women, how to listen to your body’s cues, and why muscle (not misery) is the secret to a better metabolism, bone density, balance, and confidence. Amy breaks down beginner-friendly lifting (yes, at home), the minimum effective dose (2x/week, ~30 min), and how to tailor training without burning out your nervous system...or your schedule. We also touch GLP-1s (Ozempic/semaglutide), protein priorities, and the mental health boost that comes from moving your body on purpose. Expect laughs (gym oops happen), real talk (no “skinny talk” here), and tangible next steps to feel strong from the inside out.

If you’ve ever felt lost in a weight room, overwhelmed by wellness advice, or stuck in a changing body...this one’s for you.
Follow Amy on IG @refinerystrengthco and book a quick discovery call to see what fits your season.

Takeaways: minimum-effort lifting plan for busy women, movement “snacks,” safe form basics, at-home vs. gym gear, virtual coaching options, how to build strength through peri/menopause and autoimmune flares.

In this episode of Closet Chaos & Chair Confessions, Desiree and Heidi dive headfirst into the mess—and meaning—behind our closets. From emotional shopping to those “I have nothing to wear” mornings, they unpack why clothes can hold so much power over how we feel.

They talk about:

• Why 80% of your closet might be collecting dust
• The emotional rollercoaster of shopping and letting go
• How “enclosed cognition” (yep, it’s a real thing) proves your outfit actually changes your mindset
• The confidence shift that happens when you wear something that truly feels like you
• Why purging your closet can clear your mind—and your energy

They wrap it all up with their signature quick-fire questions, dishing on their favorite go-to outfits, emotional purchases, and the items they’d never give up.

Whether you’re ready to ditch what no longer serves you or just need a confidence boost, this one’s your sign to start dressing like the woman you want to be.

This week we sit down with our dear friend and client, Jalisha, who opens up about her journey through breast cancer. She shares the raw truth—the fear, the faith, the laughter, and the lessons—that carried her through treatment.

Jalisha reminds us that it’s okay to not be okay, that humor can lighten even the heaviest days, and that true friends and community can hold you up when you can’t stand on your own. From advocating for herself in the healthcare system to finding joy in staying active, her story is proof of just how powerful resilience and faith can be.

✨ Takeaways you’ll love:

• Staying active gave Jalisha purpose and joy during treatment.
• Self-advocacy and trusting your instincts are lifesaving.
• Humor and faith can ease the weight of illness.
• It’s okay to feel the highs and lows—healing isn’t linear.
• True friends and community support make all the difference.

This isn’t just a story about cancer—it’s Jalisha’s story of hope, resilience, and the power of faith and friendship. 💕

In this episode of Closet Chaos and Chair Confessions, Desiree and Heidi dive into the transition from summer to fall, discussing hair care tips, wardrobe essentials, and personal styling advice. They emphasize the importance of hydration for hair, the need for a seasonal wardrobe refresh, and the significance of consultations with stylists. The conversation also touches on color trends, personal style, and the fun of sharing fall hair fails. The episode wraps up with quick-fire questions that reveal personal preferences and styling tips for the fall season. takeaways Seasonal shedding is common during fall transitions. Hydration is key for both hair and skin in fall. Changing hair products with the seasons is essential. Consultations with stylists should include clear communication. Personal style should prioritize what looks good on you. Invest in versatile fall wardrobe pieces. Layering is a great way to elevate outfits. Hats can be both stylish and practical for fall. Don't be afraid to experiment with colors that suit you. Make getting ready easier by planning outfits ahead.

In this episode, Heidi and Desiree recap their recent girls' trip to Vegas, discussing the importance of taking time for oneself and the joy of traveling with friends. They share their culinary adventures, favorite restaurants, and experiences at the pool and on Fremont Street. The conversation also touches on the nightlife, unique bars, and the importance of fashion and confidence while traveling. They emphasize the supportive community among women and the need for safety and awareness while enjoying a trip. The episode concludes with reflections on the trip and plans for future adventures.

Takeaways:

• Girls' trips are essential for self-care and bonding.
• Traveling can help alleviate burnout and stress.
• Vegas offers a diverse culinary scene worth exploring.
• Unique experiences, like pool days, enhance travel enjoyment.
• Gambling can be fun, even for non-gamblers.
• Fashion choices can boost confidence during trips.
• Supportive communities among women are invaluable.
• Safety awareness is crucial when traveling, especially in unfamiliar places.
• Traveling with friends creates lasting memories and experiences.
• Planning future trips can be exciting and motivating.

In this episode, Heidi and Desiree share their experiences in Las Vegas, discussing their adventures, dining experiences, and the challenges of packing for a trip. They reflect on the vibrant nightlife of Fremont Street, the delicious drinks and meals they've enjoyed, and the importance of comfort in fashion choices while traveling. The conversation also touches on health challenges faced before/during the trip and plans for future visits to Vegas.

Ever stood in front of your closet packed with clothes and thought, “I have nothing to wear”? Yep, us too. In this episode of Closet Chaos & Chair Confessions, we dive into the real-life struggle every woman knows all too well: navigating a full closet with zero inspiration.

We get into the emotional side of fashion—why we hang on to clothes, how COVID completely flipped our style choices, and why it feels so hard to dress for different occasions. From the never-ending sizing frustrations in the fashion industry to breaking free from the athleisure rut, we’re talking confidence, body positivity, and how to actually feel good in your clothes again.

We’ll also spill some styling tips, share why surrounding yourself with supportive people matters more than you think, and wrap it up with a fun round of quickfire fashion questions.

✨ Bonus: we’re officially inviting you into our Style Squad—your new go-to girl gang for fashion advice, confidence boosts, and those “should I buy this?” texts.

If you’ve ever wanted fashion talk that’s unfiltered, relatable, and a little sassy (with a glass of wine on the side), this episode is for you.

We’re finally doing the damn thing. Welcome to the very first episode of Closet Chaos & Chair Confessions! ✨

In true Desiree + Heidi fashion, we’re keeping it real — talking about how this podcast came to life, why authenticity matters more than anything in business (and in life), and how we’ve gone from casual Facebook Lives to pulling up a chair and getting more personal than ever.

We’ll dive into the messy, unfiltered parts of running a salon + boutique, the pivots we’ve had to make along the way, and how we’re building a shopping + styling experience that feels more like hanging out with your girlfriends than just buying clothes.

And because it wouldn’t be us without some fun — we wrap it up with a quick-fire round that shows off our friendship and a little chaos in the best way. 🥂👠

If you’re ready for fashion, real talk, and the conversations women don’t always say out loud… you’ve found your people.