Making people feel special can be challenging. It’s a tough personal goal and an even tougher business goal. The Sparkle Bar, a makeup studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, nails it. Hear from founder & owner Alex Bradberry about how her focus on diversity & uniqueness makes her shop so memorable. Our reviewer, Kimberly Vickers-Martin, shares her journey—from booking to post-wedding reception—giving a look at what sets Bradberry’s studio apart and what other businesses should try to replicate. The Sparkle Bar: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sparkle-bar-scottsdale?osq=sparkle+bar Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

Bethany Mota is one of the original YouTube pioneers and influencer with over 20 million followers across all her channels. She was at the top of her game and named “most influential person on the internet” by TIME. Then, she took a step back from YouTube about a year ago because social media in general was having a severe effect on her mental health. During her time away from the platform, she wanted to create a community of likeminded women all linked by something tangible; jewelry.

This week's episode of our pitch show only features entrepreneurs from the great state of Michigan.

From inspiring one of the most memorable characters in TV history to launching her own company, Judy Smith has done it all. (Except moving a body.)

Ever feel like you're up against the impossible? Hint Water's Kara Goldin did. In this conversation about her new book "Undaunted," she describes how she got through her doubts (hint: focus on customers!), how she's expanded her company's mission and wrestled with the challenges of lobbying in Washington, and how anyone can empower themselves to be a leader.

Legendary hip hop artist B-Real is best known for being the lead rapper in Cypress Hill, but he’s also built a widely successful business in cannabis. B has a line of cannabis dispensaries and products called Dr. Greenthumb’s, as well as a media empire that includes a podcast, a live streaming site called Breal.tv, and a TV show on Vice called “Bong Appetit.” We talk about the secret to his success.

When Ethan Brown started Beyond Meat in 2009 he did it with a simple question in mind. Why do you need an animal to create meat and why can't you build meat directly from plants? Well It turns out you can and Ethan Brown and his company Beyond Meat figured out a way to do it. Today, his company is valued at over $11B. He is a purpose driven Entrepreneur and one who has achieved enormous success but he will not stop until he changes the world for the better.

Victor Vescovo is deeper than most adventurers.

How do you pull off the biggest business deal of your life... while a pandemic changes all the rules? That's what John Berkowitz of OJO Labs pulled off, raising $68.1 million in the process. And here's the craziest part: The pandemic may have been the thing that made it all possible.

Earlier this year, I was thinking out loud... and it led to an unexpected partnership with Yelp! I explain the backstory—and a valuable lesson about thinking aloud!—and then share with you the result: It's a new podcast called "Behind the Review", in which each episode explores the entrepreneur and customer behind a single Yelp review. Subscribe to "Behind the Review" here: https://link.chtbl.com/behindthereview