In this episode of Friendly City, I sit down with the owner of Mr. J’s Bagels, a Harrisonburg institution serving the community for more than 35 years. We discuss the business’s origins, its transition of ownership, and the strategic decisions that have shaped its growth.

New York bagels, Mr. J's, COVID-19, marketing strategies, community engagement, social media, brand awareness, women in business, and food trucks.

In this episode, I sit down with Mary, the Brand Manager at With Simplicity, a clean skincare and makeup company based in Harrisonburg. For the last seven years, she’s been behind the scenes rebranding the company, building its marketing engine, growing affiliate partnerships, and navigating the chaos of the beauty industry.

The conversation explores the journey of With Simplicity, a clean beauty brand founded by a mother who transitioned from a stressful job to entrepreneurship.

In this conversation, Nathan Khaligh shares his journey as a creative entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and rewards of owning a business. We go deep on the importance of believing in oneself, the power of storytelling in creative media, and the need for effective marketing strategies.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative journey of Stachy, a builder who navigates identity, faith, and entrepreneurship.

In this conversation, Holden shares his journey as a photographer and entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of community, intimacy, and serving others through work. He discusses how his perception of work has evolved, focusing on the idea that work should be for the benefit of others rather than just for personal gain. Through personal stories and experiences, he illustrates how photography can create connections and help people feel seen and valued. Holden also offers insights for new entrepreneurs on building a business that prioritizes genuine relationships and community impact, while also touching on the role of AI in modern business practices. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving role of AI in creative industries, the importance of personal branding, and the balance between kindness and business acumen. They discuss how to discover personal gifts, the significance of attention in business, and the emotional connections that brands create. The conversation also touches on the challenges of social media for creatives, the value of quality in event services, and the need for celebration over competition in weddings. Ultimately, the speakers emphasize the importance of authenticity, connection, and creating beautiful experiences for clients.