Creative Conversations with Marylin

From being an amazing employee to later realizing that her path lay in another direction, Giannie Castellanos has built multiple businesses. Despite loving her positions within other practices, she knew that she was destined for more. Listen as she shares her story and how she’s built multiple businesses around her passion for optometrist. 

Giannie is an amazing optometrist. She takes the time to dig into the history and find the root cause of your vision issues. For many years, she was perfectly happy lending her skills and expertise to a practice that was not her own. 

Then when she was ousted while renegotiating her contract, she knew that while that door closed, another one had opened. Her father in law helped her to open her own practice and then she realized that she loved working with her own patients. 

Fast-forward and she now has a boutique optometry office with a sweets shop attached and she’s created an online referral portal for doctors in her area. The Chiasm is the solution to one huge issue in healthcare, referral partnerships and continuance of care. 

Giannie is sharing it all and why she has felt so driven to continue to work her businesses even when they are building into their profit. She gets real about the difference between creating a business and creating a lucrative business. We also chat about taking the time to take care of yourself. 

We had a fantastic conversation and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

[01:09] Welcome to the show, Giannie!

[03:14] Giannie shares her background and the journey to opening her own practice.

[06:40] Giannie discusses how important it is to have experiences and inspirations in life.

[09:09] She believes that when you surround yourself with the right people, it makes it easier to take the risk.

[10:40] Changes in the medical profession.

[12:40] Creating her digital referral portal that connects doctors when they have to refer patients called The Chiasm.

[15:27] Just because Giannie has two practices and the referral platform, doesn’t mean they are all lucrative, but she feels they will be in the long run.

[17:46] She has managed her business because she has layered them in the same profession and she has the support she needs from family and friends.

[19:13] Giannie shares why she is so motivated to succeed.

[22:32] However you hold space for others, hold space for yourself.

[23:15] Her idea of an after-hours club for women to go in the evening once the kids are in bed.

[26:32] Giannie discusses the quarterly marketing events Chiasm has for its doctors.

[29:07] The referral is the first step; it's up to the doctor to create the experience.

[31:48] I share a story about a time I put coke cans in my bra and made lasting connections with other women.

[33:46] Her advice for doctors that want to expand their practice.

[34:43] Thank you for being on the show!

[34:56] Here are my takeaways from the episode.

Infinite Vision Eye Care

Eye Candy

The Chiasm

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

Book a Clarity Call

“Progress over perfection.” - Julie Ball

Julie Ball is an amazing human being but also a fantastic business owner. From owning her own digital marketing company to switching over to subscription boxes, she knows what she’s doing and is always excited to share her knowledge with others. Listen as she shares her story and share all the nuggets of inspiration. 

Sparkle Hustle Grow was not the first business venture Julie stepped into. She first had a digital marketing agency that was extremely successful. After she moved from one town to another however, she felt the need for community. 

She started subscribing to subscription boxes and realized that happy mail was her new favorite. It got her mind working on an issue that she was facing herself. She wanted more community with other female entrepreneurs, but she also wanted to spread her love of happy mail. 

Listen in as she shares more about her journey and why she’s so passionate about the recurring revenue model. No matter if you have a traditional subscription worthy product or service, there is always a way to incorporate your very own recurring revenue facet. 

If you’re ready to share your very own subscription box idea with the world, check out Julie’s podcast, Subscription Box Basics, and consider joining Subscription Box Bootcamp.

[01:20] Welcome back to the show and welcome Julie Ball to share more about her story and business. 

[02:45] What was the spark that made her want to start her own subscription box? 

[05:43] The lessons she learned as she pre-launched Sparkle Hustle Grow. 

[08:07] Not only is this the #bestbusinessexpenseever, it’s also an amazing visibility booster for everyone featured in the box. 

[10:58] Why the recurring revenue model has been a game changer for so many business owners. 

[12:13] There is room for more boxes. Which is why Julie is a box mentor! Learn more. 

[15:01] If you’re tired of chasing down new sales, then a subscription box may be for you.

[17:46] Ready to get started? Check out Julie’s podcast!

[21:45] There are boxes out there for everyone. If you have an idea, you could be changing lives. 

[23:58] Boxes can also be used to strengthen client relationships. 

[26:02] Always remember to keep it simple.

[29:13] How your box and business can and should evolve as your customer grows with you. 

[31:18] You’re running a personal race. Stop comparing yourself to others in the space. 

[33:42] My takeaways from our conversation. 

Subscription Box Basics with Julie Ball

Subscription Box Basics Workbook

Subscription Box Bootcamp

Sparkle Hustle Grow

Julie on Instagram

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

Book a Clarity Call

**Sparkle Hustle Grow Subscription Box (Get 10% off your 1st box!)

**Subscription Box Bootcamp

**These are affiliate links. That being said, I fully believe in everything Julie is putting out into the world. Both her own subscription box and the course are amazing resources for all female entrepreneurs.

“The idea was planted in your heart for a reason.” - Unknown

If you are one of those people who have always felt called to go in one direction over another, what happens when you find another passion? Maria Dismondy always knew she was going to be a teacher, but then she realized that she was meant for more. Listen as she shares how she went from side-hustling teacher to publishing powerhouse.

From the time she was little, Maria knew she was meant to be a teacher. She went to school, got her degree, and then went on to teach. It wasn’t until she started looking for realistic children’s books for her class that she realized there was a true gap in the market and she was determined to fill it. 

She started writing children’s books and not too long after that realized that she was making a huge impact, making more money, and ready to leave teaching behind. After a few people approached her looking for help with their own books, she knew that she was ready to pivot again.

This was an amazing episode filled with laughs and fantastic insights on what it takes to lean into a new passion. Listen in for all of Maria’s pearls of wisdom. Stay tuned until the end to hear my takeaways designed to help you take action toward your dreams today!

[02:57] Maria shares about her background and her journey to publishing.

[06:26] How do you find children’s book authors? 

[09:09] What they do while they’re finding other authors to market to their customers. 

[10:52] Why it’s important to practice what you preach. 

[12:56] Learn about her podcast and the direction her business is going now. 

[15:31] It’s important to have a support system around you and find connection. 

[18:30] You can have babies and have a passion in your heart for more. 

[21:42] She’s still very connected to teachers and influencers. Learn more.

[25:03] You don’t have to be just one thing. There are so many opportunities to serve these days.

[27:10] Maria’s advice for side-hustling teachers. 

[28:44] My takeaways for you to take action today!

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy

Maria’s Website

Cardinal Rule Press

Maria on Facebook

Maria on Twitter

Maria on Instagram

Maria on Pinterest

Maria on YouTube

Maria on LinkedIn

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

Book a Clarity Call

Your Business Reset Workshop

Mother’s Day is coming up and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to tell my mom thank you! No matter if it’s your mom, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, if you have a lady in your life who has made a huge impact, then listen in and take part in the challenge I’m laying out. 

First, I want to say a huge thank you to my original business mentor, my mom. She taught me to believe that I could do whatever I wanted, the perseverance to pursue my dreams, and the knowledge that it’s up to me to speak up and make noise. 

She did the very best that she could for me and my sisters and she just keeps on supporting us with our children. She may think that we only remember the bad parts, but there was so much good in our childhood and she truly did all that she could to make it great.

It was by watching her, wheeling and dealing, as a real estate agent that I realized I wanted to be an entrepreneur. She played with the big dogs and she won. When she failed she got right back up and kept going because failure was just another lesson learned. 

Who has been an inspiration in your life? My challenge to you is to reach out and let them know how much they mean to you! 

[00:35] Welcome back and you’re in for a treat! This is my first solo episode!

[01:34] The first gift my mom gave me is the belief that I could do whatever I wanted. 

[03:01] The second thing is perseverance. 

[05:45] We are all doing the very best that we can. 

[07:12] The third gift is that we shouldn’t play small!

[08:56] We are all multi-passionate and creative. My belief started young watching my mom. 

[10:28] Take a step back. Observe your life. Who has impacted your life? Reach out and let them know!

[12:18] Thank you mom!

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

There is no such thing as failure in launching. There is only the gathering of information for future tweaks and growth. Do you feel the same? Lexie Wilson spent years creating “failed” offers but what she didn’t know was that she wasn’t properly using the information from her birth charts and astrology to step into her purpose.

Lexie grew up in a very religious family who felt that spirituality and astrology were created by the devil. However she continued to feel drawn to all things spiritual and woo. 

Little did she know that her birth chart was rooted in spirituality. After leaving home and finding the space to study and dig into astrology, she truly found her passion. However she wasn’t sure how to make money from it or if it was even possible. 

After we attended the Raising Influence Conference this year, she decided to go for it. She started posting on Instagram openings for birth chart readings and what happened next was incredible. She went from nervous about offering something that seemed a little “out there” for business owners, to being fully booked out for months on end.

Listen in to hear her story and why she’s so passionate about all things woo. She’s sharing more about how she created her offers and what she’s done since to find true success within her purpose. Check the links if you’d like to schedule your own birth chart and astrology reading!

[00:35] Welcome and learn more about Lexie Wilson. 

[01:31] How did Lexie get into astrology? 

[04:00] Learn more about the birth charts she started doing for close friends.

[05:57] Why Lexie almost didn’t launch her readings and why she’s so happy she did. 

[07:37] What she means when she says that our triggers are mirrors. 

[09:25] More about the launch of her readings and what led up to it.

[14:55] There’s no such thing as failure. It’s all just data. 

[16:44] Timing is everything. You may not be ready to receive the manifestations right now. 

[20:08] Post the thing. You never know who is watching and learning without engaging. 

[25:02] People are waiting for you, so start talking about your passions. 

[26:28] How birth charts impact business building.

[31:12] Learn more about how Lexie explains the birth chart in relation to life and business. 

[34:07] Connect with Lexie.

The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Woolfolk

Raising Influence

Lexie’s Website

Lexie’s Links

Lexie on Instagram

Conversations with Lexie - On Apple

Conversations with Lexie - On Spotify

Book Your Reading

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

If you’ve never heard of Jessica Stansberry, then you may have been living under a rock (or you’re just not a big fan of YouTube!) In all seriousness though, Jessica helps rockstar entrepreneurs grow their businesses and authority through video. Enter, the real about Reels and what she has found in using them for her business. 

She has a huge following on YouTube and very large followings on most social platforms but she loves testing out new things. For her it’s a lot of fun to find a strategy, test it out, and see how it impacts her business. 

This is one of the ways that she gathers data to help others find the strategies that work for them. Growth requires testing and she is the ultimate tester. 

The most recent test she ran was on Reels. Instagram released Reels as a way to compete with TikTok, but is it a good way to increase your audience? 

Long story short, the answer is yes, but it’s not a super easy way to grow your audience and there are certain things to consider as you take on any Reels strategy. Per Jessica, yes you should be doing them, but you need to find ways to build “Reels” time into your current workflow. 

Listen as she shares more about the challenge she created for herself, how she kept on track, and ways that she found to batch content creation. In all, she gained 1700+ new followers on Instagram after posting 26 daily Reels.

Just remember that this is growing ONE social platform. If you’re working on growing your Instagram following, then you need to start incorporating Reels! If Instagram isn’t your jam, then check out Jessica’s insights on other platforms through her YouTube channel!

[01:13] Welcome to the show, Jessica!

[02:42] Her background and how she created her personal brand.

[04:07] Why you should be consistently showing up and posting on Reels.

[06:13] Her mindset has always been, if she is going to do something, she’s going to do it.

[08:30] “Asking someone to go from one platform to another is like asking them to abandon their comfy pants.” 

[09:39] What the analytics looked like when she posted consistently on Reels.

[12:19] She gained 1700 followers from posting 26 reels during the month of February.

[16:08] She is constantly looking for content ideas. It's great to get inspiration from all over.

[19:17] Don’t listen to what other people do, figure out what works best for you.

[20:46] People get stuck in trying to be perfect. It will never be perfect.

[22:05] Listen as we discuss what they feel was the best part of quarantine.

[24:46] Done is better than perfect, just get it out there.

[27:14] Jessica shares that 99% of the videos that go in a course or Facebook group are recorded sitting at her desk with her webcam.

[30:04] Doing unplanned videos without scripts come out better than when you plan every detail.

[33:03] Learn about her husband and his YouTube channel about their farm.

[36:54] “If you can be the one to providing that information, why not?”

[38:14] Thank you for being on the show!

Jessica Stansberry

Hey Jessica podcast

@heyjessica

Email | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

@jessicastansberry

Instagram | YouTube | Clubhouse @jessicastansbry

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

What are your thoughts about food? Love it? Hate it? Meh? I love food. I love it when a good meal comes together with good people making amazing memories. But does good food have to be bad for you? Karla Salinari says no! She is a health coach and foodie who is working to help her clients start eating with purpose.

Karla and I both grew up in Latino households. The same households that made us eat everything on our plates, no matter what those items were, and then chastised us for gaining weight. 

We know that our parents and their parents were only doing what they thought was best for us, but that type of emotion around food is toxic. 

Karla didn’t realize the extent of the toxicity until she gained too much weight during her pregnancy with her daughter. It was as she was trying to regain her footing with food that she realized how toxic her relationship was to it. 

Listen as she tells her story and then explains the ways she’s working to break through cultural beliefs and shift the balance toward purposeful eating. Plus she’s created an amazing cookbook that will help you eat all your favorites, in a healthy way!

Food is meant to be enjoyed, but it is also meant to fuel your body. What kind of fuel are you putting in your tank? 

[01:55] Welcome to the show, Karla!

[02:06] She’s a flexitarian when it comes to food and purposeful eating.

[03:00] Learn about her background and why she’s so passionate about food and health.

[06:32] We chat about the culture we grew up in.

[09:31] Karla started making changes because of the amount of weight she gained during pregnancy.

[13:17] Learn about coaching clients in the health space.

[16:33] If you have the education, then you have the tools to choose wisely.

[19:12] If you eat something that works with you instead of against you, you will naturally gravitate toward it.

[22:42] Your body needs nutrients to operate.

[24:02] The second most important thing is the relationship we have with our bodies.

[29:55] Why she designed her 6-month program.

[34:06] How her business continues to evolve.

[37:10] Only do the social media that feels right to you. Do one thing and do it well.

[39:37] Once she shifted the content she was producing to more of a service base, everything changed.

[42:04] She has a cookbook coming out AND it’s in both English and Spanish.

[45:53] Thank you for being on the show!

Karla Salinari

Flipbox

Recipe Book

Instagram | Facebook 

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

When you think about the backend of your business, do you feel a sense of panic or peace? If you’re panicking, you’re not alone. Amy Lockrin is a systems guru who has a knack for taking a super messy backend and making sexy systems that support your business and your goals.

Listen as she shares why so many new, and established, business owners see the backend of their business as an insurmountable task list that kills their creativity. Her view? When your systems are working together and you’ve started to automate those repetitive tasks, you’ll take back hours of your time.

What does that mean for your business? More time to sit in your zone of genius and less time struggling with things that should be on autopilot!

Amy has spent years helping 6 and 7-figure businesses owners grow their businesses in a way that supports them rather than drains them. Plus, I have personally been on the receiving end of her expertise. The changes we implemented in my own business gave me the freedom to do the things I love.

So if you’re keeping your backend on the backburner, listen in and I hope you feel empowered to see that systems are sexy! You just need to bring your sexy back. 

[00:57] Welcome to the show, Amy!

[01:46] Amy shares what caused the creative spark in her to start her own business.

[03:35] When we met and how much Amy has helped my businesses.

[05:33] It all boils down to connection, and when you are passionate about what you are doing, people can see it.

[09:15] The things she loves to do and coaching people to scale their businesses.

[12:30] Make a list of things that annoy you and that you just don’t want to do in your business, which is keeping you from growing.

[13:40] Stick to your zone of genius.

[15:14] What she does when she first works with a new client and the first steps to them loving their business again.

[18:13] Everyone needs people to support them and believe in them without judgment.

[19:06] Amy shares when she believes your company is ready to hire someone to help.

[20:00] Document everywhere you are spending your time.

[22:16] Thank you for being on the show!

The Operations House

Instagram | Facebook

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

When you have to cancel your wedding plans because you want to start your married life off on the right foot and not mired in debt, you take on a measure of trauma. For Elizabeth Garay that trauma turned into a creative drive to help other newlyweds capture memories for a lifetime, but it wasn’t until she found the power of no that she found what lights her up. 

Elizabeth started her photography business as a wedding photographer and pushed herself to do and learn more so that she could fill the void she felt in her own experience. It didn’t take long before she was known for her wedding photography and was fully booked, and then some.

After a year of having constant wedding shoots and additional lifestyle shoots, she realized that she was burned out. She had to skip out on a lot of time with her daughter because almost every single weekend was spent documenting someone else’s life. 

In fact, it wasn’t until 2020 and the pandemic forced her to slow down that she truly realized it was time to specialize and to leave the wedding hustle behind. 

Listen as she shares her story and why she feels it is so important to make informed decisions while acknowledging trauma, not caving to it. She has realized that saying no is necessary for her life and her business. Plus she’s sharing her best tips for up and coming photographers. 

This is one episode you won’t want to miss out on!

[01:09] Welcome to the show, Elizabeth!

[01:42] Learn about her background and her journey to where she is today.

[04:44] She’s always had a love for photography.

[06:55] Her first wedding was featured on The Knot.

[09:40] Her business grew so fast that she sacrificed her family time because of shoots.

[11:52] Which of course led to extreme burnout.

[15:18] Why you shouldn’t be afraid to make changes that support your life, business, and family.

[19:14] How she found her new niche.

[21:45] It took the pandemic for Elizabeth to slow down enough to figure out what lit her up.

[24:32] She put so many unrealistic expectations on herself.

[27:04] All that competition you fear? It’s in your head.

[28:46] One piece of advice for anyone who wants to become a photographer.

[31:47] Thank you for being on the show!

Elizabeth Garay Photography

Elizabeth on Instagram

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram

Believe it or not, Jenise Subervi didn’t start her blog to start a movement or build a business. Like many other bloggers, she needed connection. After being a teacher for many years and building her own family, she needed a place where she could talk about things that were important to her… so she made her own space. 

A Toddler & A Topknot started out as a place to hang out but it wasn’t long before it became so much more. Jenise kept creating amazing content and sharing it within her own circles and it grew and grew and grew. 

She was later approached by various brands to write posts on their products and that’s when she realized that she could truly take her blog to new heights. It hasn’t been easy and she’s certainly fallen into some of the traps and pitfalls that all new bloggers do, but she has persevered and is changing the lives of her family.

Listen as she shares all about her story and her life and why lifestyle blogging isn’t for everyone. However you have a voice and there is something you’re meant for. It’s time to find it. 

Jenise is a joy to follow and get to know. Her constant positivity and the light she shines into the world are infectious. If you’re ready for some inspiration, then take a moment and listen in! Plus if you’re looking to start a blog, you’ll get all the inside info from a top blogger.

[01:06] Welcome to the show, Jenise!

[01:51] All about being a lifestyle blogger and connecting with people.

[04:45] Not everything is going to work for everyone. You have to find what works for you.

[06:41] She still has struggles. Learn all about them.

[09:07] How she used her blog to share resources when the pandemic started.

[10:26] Why she monetized her blog.

[13:48] Instagram Stories is what makes her feel connected with her followers.

[17:50] She has a new freebie! Learn how you can get it and what her plans are in the coming months.

[18:50] She started a podcast with a friend of hers about their journey to becoming friends.

[21:14] If you have something to say, people will listen.

[23:13] Her two biggest pieces of advice about starting a blog.

[24:40] Thank you for being on the show!

A Toddler & A Topknot

Blog

Facebook | Instagram

Marylin’s Website

Marylin on Instagram