Cosmos & Commerce Podcast

Cosmos and Commerce: Sip Savor Succeed - Jean Tully Interview Summary

Introduction:

• Hosts: Janis Francis (Humble Crate Artisan Marketplace and RE MAX Connection) and Michele Cook (Body Ache Escape Massage Center).
• Theme: Exploring the intersection of business and pleasure.
• Guest: Jean Tully, one of the best boudoir photographers, specializes in capturing the natural beauty of women in a comfortable environment.

Jean Tully's Journey:

• Initial Introduction: Met Michele Cook at a National Association of Women Business Owners meeting.
• Photography Passion: Started in middle school with a focus on portrait photography, took a break and rediscovered her love for it.
• Diverse Services: Began with boudoir photography, inspired by a personal experience, and expanded to cater to women of all ages. Her boudoir studio offers an empowering experience for women to step out of their comfort zone.

Business Insights:

• Transitioning Between Genres: Every boudoir photography session is unique. Jean ensures a safe space for clients to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
• Finding a Niche: Boudoir photoshoots resonated due to the universal struggle of women with self-image. It's a great way for women to feel confident in their own skin.
• Business Growth: Challenges include space expansion, hiring a glam squad, and maintaining a luxury boudoir session's integrity.
• Revenue Driver: Boudoir images constitute 80% of her business, largely driven by word of mouth and social media.

Innovative Ventures:

• Movie Set Photoshoots: Popular themes like Barbie sets offer a unique experience where clients can immerse themselves in themed photoshoots.
• Branding for Small Businesses: Emphasizes the importance of conveying the right brand message through visuals, especially in the golden age of Hollywood look.

Advice and Reflections:

• For Aspiring Photographers: Commitment is key; it's a 24/7 job. The most important thing is to understand body language and create fun pictures.
• Balancing Creativity and Business: Dedicate specific days for creativity and others for business tasks. Having a professional hair and makeup artist is crucial.
• Client Satisfaction: Recognize when a client isn't a good fit and prioritize the right clients. Boudoir albums are a popular choice as a special occasion or wedding gift.
• Relaxation: Organizes trips, like boudoir shoots in luxury hotels in Jamaica and upcoming tours in Italy.

Links

Adored Boudoir Photography
Pearlescent Photography
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
Ring Light
The Honor Flight

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Summary of Podcast: K. Zulene Adams- Z Promotions 

Introduction:

• Host: Janis Francis of Humble Crate Artisan Marketplace.
• Co-host: Michele Cook of Body Ache Escape Massage Center.
• Guest: Zulene, the force behind Z promotions and president of NAWBO Columbus.

Zulene's Journey to Z Promotions:

• Started Z promotions 17 years ago.
• Started Z promotions to tailor company culture and align with personal values.

About Z Promotions:

• A promotional products company with an international footprint.
• Focuses on understanding the client's mission, vision, values, and objectives.
• Aims to make businesses noticeable and memorable.

Challenges and Solutions:

• Initial challenge: Access to capital.
• Solution: Leveraged personal savings and investments.
• Overcame the housing crisis by restructuring and focusing on marketing during downturns.

Partnership Dynamics:

• Zulene and business partner Andrew have complementary strengths.
• Zulene is the visionary, while Andrew is analytical.

Impact of Promotional Products:

• Example: Helped a landscaping company reduce turnover by providing lunch boxes for employees.

Benefits of Joining NAWBO:

• Personal development through mentorship.
• Business growth through networking and relationship-building.

Advice for Entrepreneurs:

• View professional services (like CPA, attorney) as investments, not expenses.
• Focus on growing the business and delegate other tasks.

Certifications and Growth:

• Zulene emphasizes the importance of certifications like WEBANC and NMSDC.
• Such certifications can open doors to larger contracts and opportunities.

Promotional Product Strategy Advice:

• Know your brand identity and values.
• Create a cohesive strategy that aligns with long-term brand goals.
  
  Links
  Z Promotions
  WEBAC ORV- certifying agency for Women-Owned Business
  NMSDC- National Minority Supplier Development Council
  VSOB - Veteran Small Business Certification
  NAWBO- National Association of Women Business Owners
  NGLCC- National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
  Traction by Gino Wickman

Zulene's Top 3 Pieces of Advice

1. View Professional Services as Investments: Zulene emphasizes that entrepreneurs should view professional services, such as hiring a CPA or attorney, as investments rather than expenses. This perspective can help businesses make informed decisions and prioritize growth.
2. Focus on Growing the Business: Entrepreneurs should concentrate on the core aspects of growing their business. By doing so, they can delegate other tasks and responsibilities, ensuring that they are not overwhelmed and can maintain a clear vision for their company.
3. Know Your Brand Identity and Values: When it comes to promotional product strategies, Zulene advises businesses to have a clear understanding of their brand identity and values. This knowledge can help companies create a cohesive strategy that aligns with their long-term brand goals.

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Hosts:

• Michele Cook from Body Ache Escape Massage Center
• Janis Francis with the Humble Crate Artisan Marketplace

Guest:

• Sarah Jackson, the driving force behind Combustion Brewery

Headlines:

1. Introduction to Sarah Jackson and Combustion Brewery
   • Michele introduces the episode and the guest, emphasizing the blend of business and pleasure.
   • Sarah expresses gratitude for being on the show.
2. Origin Story of Combustion Brewery
   • Sarah shares how homebrewing was the catalyst for entering the industry.
   • Personal story of how she and her husband Keith started brewing as a gift for a friend.
   • Their move to the Pacific Northwest exposed them to the craft beer industry.
   • Keith's career progression in brewing and their decision to open their own brewery.
3. Sarah's Background
   • Studied anthropology and French in undergrad and has a master's in outdoor environmental education.
   • No direct background in business or beer.
4. Choosing Pickerington for Combustion Brewery
   • Pickerington chose them; they initially looked for locations in Columbus.
   • The old creamery building in Pickerington was perfect for a brewery.
   • The community's growth and demographics were appealing.
5. Opening a Second Location in Clintonville
   • Celebrated one-year anniversary recently.
   • The pandemic pushed them to consider a second location.
   • Challenges included securing production space and ensuring a variety of beers.
   • Clintonville and Pickerington locations have similar but not always identical beer selections.
6. Balancing Business and Family
   • Sarah emphasizes the importance of not trying to manage everything herself.
   • The team at Combustion Brewery plays a crucial role in its success.
   • Prioritizing family and ensuring they have strong relationships with them.
7. Community Involvement and Giving Back
   • Sarah's personal history of community involvement influenced the brewery's ethos.
   • Combustion Brewery hosts community nights, euchre nights, and other events to support local organizations.
   • The Farmer's Market initiative and the annual hog roast are examples of their community involvement.
   • The Pickerington Pelotonia and lip sync battle fundraisers are other notable events.

Links

Combustion Brewing & Taproom

Facebook

Instagram

Pickerington

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall

HydroFlask Water Bottle

Wildcat Ridge Farms

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Podcast Summary

Headline: Embracing Size Inclusivity and Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Conversation with Danielle Resseguie

Introduction:

• Guest: Danielle Resseguie, founder of Ruby Joy Boutique
• Hosts: Michele Cook and Janis Francis
• Topics Discussed: Size inclusivity in fashion, entrepreneurial journey, business values, and challenges in establishing a boutique.

Bullet Points:

1. Inspiration and Concept of Ruby Joy Boutique:

• Danielle has been in the business for over eight and a half years, seven of which were with a different, size-inclusive company.
• The concept of Ruby Joy Boutique is to be size-inclusive, ensuring no woman feels excluded due to her size.
• Danielle emphasized the importance of creating a space where every woman feels welcomed and represented.

2. Size Inclusivity and Business Approach:

• Danielle only shops with vendors that offer both regular and plus packs, ensuring a range of sizes are available in her boutique.
• She expressed disdain for the term "regular sizes" and emphasized the importance of treating people the way they want to be treated.
• Inclusivity is a core value, not just in terms of sizes but in all facets of life and business for Danielle.

3. Challenges and Learning:

• Danielle, Michele, and Janis discussed the various challenges faced while establishing Ruby Joy Boutique.
• Learning and adapting to new ways of doing things, like selling online, were crucial for the business.
• Danielle emphasized the importance of being willing to learn and adapt, citing the evolution of online selling as an example.

4. Business Operations and Tools:

• Streamlining and systematizing are crucial for managing various tasks in the boutique.
• Danielle uses Google Home for setting reminders and staying organized, emphasizing its convenience and hands-free utility.
• She also uses an app called "Stay Focused" to manage her time and tasks efficiently.

5. Community and Networking:

• Danielle highlighted the importance of community and networking, mentioning the support and connections she gained through joining the chamber.
• She volunteers to teach entrepreneurship classes for kids, emphasizing the importance of introducing business concepts to the younger generation.
• The sense of community and the connections made through networking were pivotal in establishing and growing her business.

6. Advice for Aspiring Business Owners:

• Danielle shared her top three pieces of advice for aspiring business owners: identifying non-negotiables or "no misses," learning along the way, and leading by example.
• She emphasized the importance of being authentic and leading by example, stating that she doesn’t know any other way to be.
• Prioritizing family and being willing to adapt and learn were also highlighted as crucial aspects of running a successful business.

Conclusion:

Danielle Resseguie shared insights into her journey of establishing a size-inclusive boutique, the values that guide her business approach, and the importance of community and adaptability in entrepreneurship. Her emphasis on inclusivity, authenticity, and continuous learning offers valuable perspectives for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.

Links

1. Ruby Joy Boutique
2. Facebook
3. Google Home:
   • Mentioned as a tool used by Danielle for setting

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Cosmos and Commerce Podcast Summary- Lory Kim - Remax Connections

Introduction

• Hosts: Michele Cook (Body Ache Escape Massage Center) and Janis Francis (REMAX Connection Realtors and the Humble Crate Artisan Marketplace).
• Podcast's aim: Provide actionable insights and entrepreneurial spirit.

Guest Introduction

• Lory Kim, owner of REMAX Connection Realtors.

Lory's Background and Inspiration

• Started in telemarketing in 1998.
• Inspired by Delina Siamako, a top-producing agent and brokerage owner.

Challenges in Starting a Business

• Importance of self-belief, consistency, and persistence.
• Seeking help when needed.

Identifying a Niche in Real Estate

• Focus on genuine connections.
• Gratitude for existing connections and striving for improvement.

Lory's Favorite Inspirational Quotes

• Quotes change based on daily experiences and emotions.

Valuable Business Lessons

• Act on your visions without waiting for approval.
• Accept failures and keep moving forward.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

• Prioritize what's important.
• Adjust focus based on changing priorities.

Benefits of International Trips

• Personal growth and mindset enhancement.
• Importance of life experiences and family moments.

Daily Routines and Joy

• Importance of morning routines.
• Making time for leisure activities.

Fostering a Positive Team Environment

• Lead by example.
• Share connections and stay informed.

Adapting to Changing Market Trends

• Willingness to adapt and pivot.
• Stay educated and connected.

Building Client Relationships

• Trust and rapport through genuine connections.

Challenges as a Woman in Real Estate

• Overcoming gender biases.
• Staying positive and proactive.

Rapid Fire Round

• Most impactful book: "Miracle Morning."
• Purchase under $100: Nail care.
• Proudest accomplishment: Having kids.

Notable Quotes:

• "You cannot wait for other people to give you the green light."
• "Tomorrow is not promised."
• "As long as the destination is the same, the journey can be different."

Lory's Top Takeaways

1. Belief in oneself: Lory emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and being persistent and consistent in order to overcome challenges and succeed in business.
2. Finding your niche: Lory suggests that focusing on your connections and what is in front of you can help identify and develop a unique niche in a competitive market. Gratitude for what you already have and continuous improvement are key factors in setting yourself apart from others.
3. Balancing work and personal life: Lory acknowledges the challenge of balancing work and personal life, especially in a demanding industry like real estate. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what is most important to you at different times and being realistic about the impact it may have on other areas. Taking time for personal experiences and relationships can contribute to overall well-being and mindset as a business owner. And while business may continue, setting expectations and boundaries with clients and colleagues is crucial.
4. Adaptation and staying informed: Lory

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Hosts: Michele Cook & Janis Francis
Guest: Ella Williams, Posh Teatime Co

Section 1: Introduction

• Introducing Ella Williams: Guest is an entrepreneur and founder of "Posh Teatime Co."
• Background: Talked about her personal and business journey.

Section 2: Business Acumen

• Launching Posh Tea Time Co.: Ella shares her experiences and challenges in setting up her brand.
• Inspiration: The significance of tea in her culture and family.
• Business Expansion: Future plans about product development and expanding to a physical store.

Section 3: Goal Setting & Advice

• Goal Setting Process: Ella starts in January and plans quarterly, then breaks down tasks into achievable goals with target dates.
• Advice to Entrepreneurs:
• Understand and prioritize branding.
• Begin social media promotion before launching the business.
• Recognize and engage with the target market.
• Guiding Mantras: "Don't be poor," "Don't stop," and "It's too late to turn back now."
• Networking: Mentioned the significance of attending different networking events, highlighting Columbus, Pickerington, and Westerville Chambers.
• Relaxation: Discussed the importance of self-care, vacations, and pampering.
• Drink of Choice: Ella prefers mocktails, especially those with pineapple or mint.

Section 4: Closing & Contact Information

• Finding Ella: Shared contact details:
• Website: Posh Teatime Co.
• Social Media: Instagram and Facebook under "Posh Teatime Co."
• Email: [email protected]
• Appreciation: Both hosts and guest expressed gratitude for the engaging discussion.
• Closing Remarks: A call for potential guests to feature in upcoming episodes.
• Goodbye: A cheerful sign-off wishing listeners a great day.

Overall, the podcast episode provided insights into Ella's business journey, her strategies, and the importance of branding, networking, and self-care in entrepreneurship.

Ella Williams Top 4 Takeaways

Top Takeaways from the Podcast with Ella of 'Posh Tea Time Co.' on Cosmos and Commerce:

1. Goal-Setting Process: 
   • Plan yearly goals broken down by quarter.
   • Visualize using tools like whiteboards.
   • Translate big goals into bite-sized tasks with target dates.
2. Branding Advice for Entrepreneurs: 
   • Understand and establish your brand before launching the business.
   • Start social media early to gauge interest and secure brand names.
   • Know your target market and communicate directly with them.
3. Motivation and Mindset: 
   • Stay committed and remember why you started.
   • Mantras like "Don't be poor," "Don't stop," and "It's too late to turn back now" can be powerful motivators.
   • Mental fortitude is essential; consider practices like prayer or meditation.
   • Seek out a supportive community of entrepreneurs for emotional and practical support.
4. Networking and Community: 
   • Engage in various events, even outside your immediate industry, to find unexpected connections.
   • Chambers like Columbus, Pickerington, and Westerville are beneficial for networking.
   • The value of diversity in networking events; sometimes the best contacts come from unexpected places.

Links

https://cosmosandcommerce.com
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Guest:

• Lillie Williams (J Dog Junk Removal & Hauling and Rags to Riches)

 Introduction:

• Transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship.
• Experienced injury during deployment, leading to time at Walter Reed.

Inspiration for J Dog:

• Participated in Boots to Business, an organization aiding veterans' transition into business.
• Introduced to J Dog during a 12-week training, a veteran-established franchise.

Beginning of Rags to Riches:

• J Dog's operation led to the accumulation of items which spurred the idea for Rags to Riches.

Boots to Business Program:

• A 12-week program through Mississippi State University.
• Helps veterans formulate business plans and navigate the start-up process.

Background of J Dog Franchise:

• Founded by Jerry Flanagan and Tracy Flanagan.
• Originated from Jerry's struggles post-military and his initiative to haul furniture.

Lillie's Personal Background:

• First job at 18 was a secretary for the American Red Cross.
• Joined the military at 23 inspired by "Be All You Could Be" commercials.

Marketing Scam

• Paid $3,000 to a marketing company, thinking they were partnering with a local school

Proudest Accomplishment

• Establishing a store in Pickerington, a community that welcomed them warmly
• Recounts their journey of trying multiple places before settling in Pickerington

Fascinating Finds

• Found a wire recorder from the 1920s or 1930s
• Stumbled upon rare and valuable Beanie Babies

Resale Shop Origins

• Encountered hoarder houses, often filled with new items with tags

Pricing Strategy

• Pricing of items determined through eBay searches and Google Lens.

Brand Building and Market Competition

• Emphasis on fostering a community over competition.
• Handwritten letters to 5,000 community members introducing their business.

Unique Marketing Approaches

• Word of mouth as the primary marketing strategy.
• Emphasis on being veterans and community-oriented.

Operational Efficiency

• Regularly rotate items in the shop to keep displays fresh.
• Seeking customer feedback on desired items and fulfilling their requests.

Leveraging Networking:

• Lillie emphasized the importance of networking as the basis of their business endeavors.

Investing Time:

• The most significant investment for the Lillie has been donating their time to various causes and projects.

Quick Fire Round

• Advice on Starting a Business
• Handling Recommendations
• Future Vision
• Motivation
• Achieving Goals
• Books & Impact
• Definition of Success
• Recent Meaningful Purchase.
• Contact Details: Business: R2R Ohio; Location: 24 West Columbus Street, Pickerington; Website: r2rohio.com; J Dog website: jdog.com

Lillie Williams
J Dog Junk Removal
Rags 2 Riches
Becoming by Michelle Obama

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Podcast Episode Summary: Interview with Elijah Danilets

Background & Early Life:

• Elijah's roots in Ukraine and his immigration journey to the U.S.
• Development of his car detailing passion from his father.

Danilets Detailing:

• Main business venture focused on car detailing.
• Emphasis on the joy of the transformation process in detailing.
• Contributions to the community: hiring and mentoring the youth.

Learning from Experiences:

• Value of adaptability and resilience.
• Importance of customer feedback:
• Choosing to own and learn from criticism.
• Realizing that customer opinions shape a business's reputation.

Proud Moments:

• Establishment of his business location.
• Supporting roles in clients' significant life events, like preparing vehicles for funerals.

Danilets Dating:

• An innovative dating service.
• Provides adventurous, clue-based dates inspired by his personal dating experiences.

Philosophy & Beliefs:

• The power of words and the importance of positive self-talk.
• Faith as a guiding force in both personal and business realms.
• Manifesting goals through belief, planning, and action.

Connect with Elijah:

• Social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
• Contact: Danilets Detailing.

Closing Remarks:

• Gratitude for Elijah's insights.
• Recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit and multifaceted ventures.

In this episode, the hosts, Janis Francis and Michele Cook, interview entrepreneur Elijah Danilets, the founder of Danilets Detailing. Elijah has multiple ventures including car detailing, pickleball coaching, and an innovative dating service.

Elijah shares his journey from growing up in Ukraine and immigrating to the U.S. He highlights his passion for car detailing, attributing the skill to his father, and emphasizes the satisfaction derived from the transformation process. The growth of his business, though faced with challenges, has allowed him to give back to the community by hiring and mentoring young individuals, fostering discipline, and work ethics.

Throughout the interview, Elijah stresses the importance of adaptability, learning from failures, and the value of feedback. He recalls receiving constructive criticism, choosing to own it rather than defend his stance. Another formative experience came from an early vendor event where Elijah was reminded that a business's reputation is shaped by customers' opinions rather than its own assertions.

Discussing personal achievements, Elijah speaks of the joy in establishing his business location and instances where he played a supportive role in clients' lives, like preparing vehicles for funerals. The conversation shifts to "Danilets Dating," a unique service inspired by his personal dating experiences, which facilitates adventurous, clue-based dates.

Throughout, Elijah underlines the power of words, positive self-talk, and the importance of faith in both personal and entrepreneurial spheres. He believes in manifesting goals through self-belief, strategic planning, and action.

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Carol believes in the power of manifestation and how focusing on goals and values can shape one's journey. She shares her practice of daily incantations to reinforce positive beliefs and empower herself.

• Carol Wentzel's journey from battling weight and body image to becoming a health coach.
• The significance of finding balance and self-love.
• The importance of a mindset shift in approaching fitness and nutrition.
• Challenging the notion that working harder is always the answer.
• Addressing myths and misconceptions around menopause and fitness.
• Empowerment through manifestation and positive self-belief.
• Lessons learned, including perseverance, reflection, and embracing data.
• Future goals and the empowerment derived from focusing on joy and fulfillment.

Facebook
Instagram
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Mindset:The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bi

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Podcast Summary: "Cosmos and Commerce"

• Introduction: Hosted by Janis Francis from Remax Connection and The Humble Crate Artisan Marketplace, and co-host Michele Cook from Body Ache Escape Massage Center.
• Purpose: Offers actionable insights and entrepreneurial spirit, combining innovative strategies and inspirational wisdom for success in commerce.
• Guest: Shelley Wasicki from The Positive Spirit Co., instrumental in inspiring the podcast's creation.

Shelley's Role in Podcast Creation:

• Shelley's intuitive reading for Michele sparks the idea for the podcast.
• Becomes a spiritual matchmaker, connecting Janis and Michele to collaborate on "Cosmos and Commerce."

Shelley's Background and Journey:

• Grew up in a small village, fostering a deep connection to nature and the earth.
• Underwent a spiritual awakening, rediscovering and embracing her intuitive gifts.
• Explains how intuitive abilities are present in everyone and can be developed with practice and training.

Intuitive Insights and Energy Protection:

• Describes receiving intuitive messages through sensations, signs, and synchronicities.
• Highlights the importance of protecting one's energy for balance and well-being.
• Shares strategies such as breathwork and invoking Archangel Michael for energetic hygiene.

Crystals and Their Impact:

• Expresses her love for crystals and their significance in her work and personal life.
• Emphasizes the energy and power associated with different crystal shapes.

Investment in Self-Improvement:

• Discusses the value of investing in courses and mentorships that have transformed her life and business.
• Highlights the importance of being both a teacher and a student in spiritual growth.

Future Vision for Business:

• Envisions expanding her business by offering immersive retreats for personal growth and transformation.
• Aims to provide spaces where people can heal, thrive, and create positive ripple effects.

"When Animals Speak" Book:

• Discusses her recently published book, "When Animals Speak: True Stories and Magic From The Animal Kingdom."
• Shares stories of connections between humans and animals, showcasing profound insights gained through animal communication.

Conclusion:

• The podcast episode provides insights into Shelley's journey as an intuitive, healer, and entrepreneur.
• Offers a glimpse into the world of spiritual entrepreneurship, intuitive development, energy work, and the power of genuine connections.

Links:

"Many Lives, Many Masters" by Brian Weiss
"The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield

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