In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Schmid, a truly confident woman who lives life on her own terms, which we find incredibly inspirational. We discuss how to be confident and the power of embracing your authentic self. This conversation is packed with motivation for anyone looking to cultivate a more confident mindset.

Follow Amelia

https://www.instagram.com/amelia.schmid.photo/

Indi Hewavita is a prosthetist and orthotist at Valley Orthotics and Prosthetics, and his journey to this work is anything but ordinary. From tracking grizzly bears in Montana to building artificial limbs in the Shenandoah Valley, Indi found his calling at the intersection of craftsmanship and human connection.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to lose a limb — and the fear, grief, and uncertainty that comes with it. Indi shares how he helps patients navigate that unknown, sets honest expectations, and works to restore function as close to pre-amputation as possible.

We also get into the power of working with your hands, why creativity is deeply human, and what Indi has learned from serving amputee patients in underprivileged countries — and what that does to your worldview.

Brand designer Vika Samoylov shares her journey from childhood creativity to building a design business.

In this episode of Friendly Founders, we sit down with Julie Katykhin to talk about personal branding without bragging, storytelling without ego, and why consistency—not perfection—is what actually builds trust, community, and momentum over time. We explore the human side of real estate—the emotional weight clients carry, the pressure agents face behind the scenes, and why boundaries, integrity, and self-development matter more than hustle culture. Julie opens up about being a people pleaser, learning to say no, navigating burnout, and how trusting God daily has reshaped how she defines success.Follow Julie:https://www.instagram.com/juliekat_realtor/[email protected] Mark:https://www.instagram.com/chepelyuk

If you've ever struggled with believing in yourself or accepting that your best is enough, this video offers some much-needed inspiration. We discuss the journey of self improvement and building self confidence, providing practical insights for personal growth. Learn to navigate self doubt and cultivate a stronger sense of confidence in your abilities. Believe in yourself and embrace your unique journey.

In this episode of the Friendly City podcast, we dive into the world of business and creativity with Leigh, a seasoned business coach and advocate for creatives. Lee shares their journey from law school to becoming a guiding force for artists and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, communication, and personal growth in business. Discover how understanding your role, embracing your unique talents, and fostering genuine connections can transform both personal and professional landscapes. Tune in for insights on navigating the tipping points in business and the art of saying no.

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.