Courageous Dreamers Win

Toska Husted began her journey over 20 years ago in London, England when she became a graduate of the elite "Steiner" School of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, appointed by Queen Elizabeth II. Toska also holds a diploma in Beauty Culture, and received her diploma as a qualified Beautician from the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, which is internationally recognized in over 30 countries for its exceptionally high standards, advanced qualifications, and reputation for excellence.

Toska's is deemed one of the world's best experts in facial skincare. Her philosophy that skincare should be prescriptive, customized and consistent, as well as her keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of the skin, and her intuitive nature are what makes her facials extraordinary. She has a client list that includes some of the most prominent A-list celebrities, like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian West, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Culpo

In this episode, we cover what Toska loves most about getting up everyday, her pandemic pivot to online consultations, and the advice she has for entrepreneurs

Colleen Odegaard is an Emmy award winning broadcast journalist, TV host, certified life coach, video and media coach and the host of the Wake Up To Your Life podcast.

She wants all of us to stop living on autopilot and "wake up" to creating richer, fuller lives through self awareness and mindfulness.

Colleen relates to her clients and listeners with her personal stories, a sense of humor and practical steps we can all take to create positive changes in our lives.

Colleen is a recipient of the Dr. Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Excellence Award for her contributions to her profession and community. And she has been given the Career Mastered Women's Leadership in Action Award for her leadership and service. Colleen also serves on the Board of Congregations for Kids, an organization that cares for children in foster care.

Colleen is a wife and mother of two teenage boys. She also has a spoiled rotten goldendoodle named Cali.

In this episode, we cover why it is not good to be on auto-pilot, the necessary things that need to happen to succeed at entrepreneurship, and why it is important to overcome fear in order to find and walk into your purpose.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Shelly Henderson has called Charlotte home for 44 years. As co-founder of Henderson Properties along with her husband Phil, Shelly manages the full-service real estate company’s corporate culture and branding via content marketing and social media strategies. She also runs the company’s leadership development courses for employees. Previously, Henderson managed accounting, human relations, rental property management and maintenance services for the company.

Henderson graduated from Appalachian State University in 1987 with a degree in elementary education. Prior to starting Henderson Properties, Henderson worked as an elementary and middle school teacher then pursued her dream of professional golfing for a year on the LPGA Futures Tour. She is a proud mother to Blake, 22, a senior at Hampden-Sydney College, and Grant, 20, a sophomore at the University of Alabama.

 “Starting from Scratch: One Woman’s Pursuit of Family, Business and the American Dream” is her first book.  

We talk about how Shelly pivoted in COVID and how she handled the crisis with her team, as well as her dream to play golf and about the reason for writing a book!

Fabi Preslar is the owner and president of SPARK Publications, a national, award-winning, independent publishing firm specializing in the design of niche magazines, special publications, and independently published books for print, digital, and interactive media. Her firm's publications enhance credibility and distinction, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive and excel. Preslar has been honored as a 2020 FOLIO: Top Women in Media, was inducted into the 2019 North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, and was awarded the 2018 First-Generation Family Business of the Year by the Charlotte Business Journal and 2017 Woman Business Owner of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners–Charlotte Chapter. Learn more at SPARKpublications.com and FabiPreslar.com.

Ole Mason Jar is a specialty line of menswear founded in Charlotte in 2013. Co-founder Bradley Rhyne brought a background in accounting and finance to the table, along with a passion for creating timeless, trusted men's clothing.

In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Brad about making the shift from the 9-5 world to entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind the brand, and how Bradley is shifting during the pandemic to open their first storefront in South End.

Visit Ole Mason Jar at olemasonjar.com.

Kent Youngstrom is a visual artist, designer and author in Charlotte, NC. His vivid artwork has found a home blurring the lines between traditional and modern arts. His designs and ideas have landed him major partnerships with companies such as No Bull and CB2

In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Kent about his art, his background, and why he doesn't think of himself as an entrepreneur.

It takes a special kind of dedication to endure the physical demands of being a top flight UFC fighter. However, in many ways, a UFC fighter needs the same entrepreneurial skills as a business owner in order to be successful.

Today's guest on Piece of the Pai is Sara McCann. A mother, wife, and also the first woman to ever win a medal in Olympic wrestling, Sara talks about balancing the rigors of her profession, common misconceptions, and what business she's building on the side.

Sarah Benken is the founder and visionary for the KNOW Book + Tribe. Her mission is to empower women who break glass ceilings in their respective fields. She’s been a business owner for more than ten years, teaches CEO classes to pregnant teens, works with women through ministries; all while raising her 21 and 10-year-old children.

Today on Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Sarah about her experiences as an entrepreneur and as a mother.

Maureen Anders of Anders Ruff is our guest on this episode of Piece of the Pai. Anders Ruff is a popular graphic design, party styling, DIY blog and online shop.

Founded in 2013 with her friend Adria Ruff, the company has grown to more than 100 franchise locations across the country. From humble beginnings creating decorations for children's parties, AR has grown to designing sets for magazines and celebrity photoshoots.

Tune in to hear Nesha talk to Maureen about her background and how she turned a part time-hustle into a successful business.

In this episode of Piece of the Pai we interview Cel Thompson, who is a single mom, self-made fitness guru and beat the odds to be the only salesperson to rise to the top of her fitness company without a college degree.

From being in over 25 fitness competitions to coaching pro sport cheerleaders, she is the definition of hustle. More recently, Cel won the Judge's Choice Award for the 2019 Carolina Breast Friends, Dancing with the Stars competition in Charlotte, to benefit funding for breast cancer research. She had never ballroom danced in her life, but she was up for the challenge.

Cel has taken every challenge that has come her way and turned them into winning opportunities. Let's hear how she did it!