This episode if you couldn't guess is all about giving back. Around the holidays, most are stressed and busier than ever. In this episode, Melissa provides ways that you can donate and give back with ease while still making an impact (linked below). She also ties staying fit this holiday season into giving back by having contacted many local Connecticut gyms to see which ones are participating in a toy or food drive this month.

Alpha All the Way Toy Drive By Tyler Smith:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/1st-annual-alpha-all-the-way-holiday-toy-drive

Branford, CT Food Pantry Donation Link:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9CDL5KFKXYD58&source=url

New York Cares Donation Link:
 https://www.newyorkcares.org/ways-to-give/?donate

Also find more links on my Instagram where I will be posting even more ways to give back this holiday season!
@desiretoinspirepodcast 

Ever wonder what it would be like going into business with your significant other? Mark and Rebecca, Owners of ROOK NYC explain exactly what has worked for them for the past decade of owning their own branding agency together. From how they got started, to lessons they've learned, to becoming investors in their clients, if you are a creative this is an episode you don't want to miss! 

Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast
Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Instagram: @rooknyc
Website: www.rooknyc.com

From sleeping on a friends couch one minute to on his way to Good Morning America the next, celebrity chef Dan Churchill explains how he published his best-selling cookbook which unraveled many opportunities. With now three cookbooks under his belt, his own TV show, regular appearances on The Food Network, his Australian cafe, and plant-based meat products, Dan shares the key components that helped him get to where he is now.

Instagram: @dan_churchill
Website: www.danchurchill.com

Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast
Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

"You can't make a living out of being an artist" is the stigma that Lacey and Julia proved completely wrong. In this episode you will hear how Lacey and Julia, the Owners of Brilly Design Co created their own mural art business. From working on residential murals to commercial murals, they have figured out just how to turn their love for art into a sustainable business.

Ever have a passion that you want to pursue but don't know how? Give this episode a listen and you will see with a little creativity and putting your mind to something, you can figure out
how to turn just about any passion into a career or business.

Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com
Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast

Website: www.brillydesignco.com
Instagram: @brillydesignco

This is another great story of someone who had the courage to leave the corporate world to pursue her own venture full time, that venture being a mobile bar.  Listen while Jen Milano, Owner of The Vintage Horse shares how the mobile bar business is a profitable business model with little overhead, how she creates her artisan cocktails, and where she sees The Vintage Horse in the near future.

Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast
Website:  www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Instagram: @thevintagehorse
Website:  www.thevintagehorses.com

Ever want to learn about the up and coming CBD industry? Look no further than this episode with the Owner of Natural Effex, a Connecticut CBD brand! James describes how he got his business started and the importance of gaining great sponsors. Listen up to learn about CBD!

Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast
Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Instagram: @naturaleffex
Website: www.naturaleffex.net

Ever wonder how to build a clothing boutique from the ground up all while building an incredibly loyal customer base? Puff Cianciola, Owner of Camouflage Boutique in North Haven, CT explains how she has stayed in business for 16 years and shares all of the pieces of advice she's learned along the way!

Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast
Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Instagram: @camouflageclothing
Website: www.camoinmycloset.com

What is manifesting? Who actually manifests? In this episode, hear examples of how manifesting has helped Melissa achieve three of her goals. She also makes an announcement about the podcast and shares who her next guest will be.

Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast
 
Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com

Jimmy DeCicco, the CEO of Super Coffee explains how he and his brothers, Jake and Jordan have turned Super Coffee into a multi-million dollar empire. Super Coffee has been ranked as the 3rd best bottled coffee, falling close behind Dunkin and Starbucks. What's so SUPER about Super Coffee you might ask? Super Coffee is a sugar free beverage that has 10 grams of protein and is sweetened by natural sweeteners. It was first crafted in Jordan's college dorm room and then made an appearance on Shark Tank. Since then, Jimmy  has gotten celebrity investors  such as Aaron Rodgers, Jennifer Lopez, and Alex Rodriguez. The DeCicco brothers are only getting started!

Instagram: @drinksupercoffee
Instagram: @jimmydecicco5
Website: www.drinksupercoffee.com

Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast
Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com 

Many people who have worked their entire lives and gave up everything for the dream of owning their own business were crushed by COVID. Melissa explains the impact COVID had on small businesses and all the ways you can support small businesses, including ways that she has been supporting local businesses across Connecticut.

Instagram: @desiretoinspirepodcast
Website: www.desiretoinspirepodcast.com