Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business

In this candid, cozy, and surprisingly laugh-filled episode, Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras settle into their favorite library nook to get real about the past year of entrepreneurship- the wins, the worries, the wild turns, and the lessons that hit harder than expected.

From money mindset breakthroughs to navigating the political chaos that impacts small businesses, the Kellys peel back the curtain on what it truly means to build and run a business with intention, courage, and community.

The Kellys open up about their journey toward financial literacy: what felt scary, what finally clicked, and why transparency around money is one of the greatest tools entrepreneurs can give each other. If talking finances makes you sweat, this convo is for you.

No, this isn’t a political rant, but it is a real conversation about how shifts in the political landscape impact small businesses. The hosts break down why staying informed matters, and how industry groups help owners stay ahead of industry changes.

Forget giant, intimidating resolutions. The Kellys make a strong case for tiny, joyful, achievable goals- the kind that build confidence and momentum. Think: celebrating your wins like a kid who just learned to ride a bike. A puppy making it outside.

As they look toward the new year, we reflect on the power of showing up, investing in relationships, and remembering that no business grows in isolation. Gratitude, connection, and mutual support? That’s the real strategy.

• Maintaining a positive mindset in tough seasons is a superpower.
• Set goals that feel human, doable, and worth celebrating.
• Talking openly about finances builds confidence and clarity.
• Understanding political shifts helps small businesses stay resilient.
• Community engagement fuels both business growth and personal fulfillment.
• Self-care isn’t optional—it’s strategic.

bossyroc.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into the real world of small business ownership and why authentic communication matters more than ever. From the chaos of running a business during a record-breaking heatwave to the challenge of sounding like yourself in your marketing copy, we explore what it takes to show up as a real human behind your brand.

Joining us is the brilliant Rachael Johnson of RJ Creative, who brings her expertise in storytelling, copywriting, and messaging that actually connects. Together, we unpack why authenticity beats perfection, how AI can support (but not replace!) your voice, and what it really means to write like you talk.

Because if your copy doesn’t sound like you? Your customers can feel it.

Being Yourself in Your Business Copy

We explore the fine line between vulnerability and over-vulnerability in your messaging. How much should you share? When is honesty helpful? And when does it muddy your brand? Rachael Johnson helps break it down with practical advice for writing copy that feels natural, warm, and undeniably you.

The AI Conversation

Sure, tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are everywhere, but Rachael explains why relying too heavily on them often leads to copy that lacks soul.

We discuss how to use AI without losing your voice (or your audience).

The Power of Personality

Your personality is your superpower. The episode highlights why leaning into who you already are makes your marketing more memorable and your brand more magnetic.

Top Takeaways

• Authenticity wins. Your audience can tell when you're faking it: so stop.
• Let your personality shine. Your quirks are your brand’s best asset.
• Pricing challenges are universal. You’re not alone in figuring them out.
• Engaging emails start with a real human voice. Your first sentence sets the tone.
• Professional doesn’t mean boring. You can be polished and personal.
• AI is a helper, not a replacement. Use it to support your voice, not overshadow it.

Links Mentioned

• RJ Creative: rj-creative.com
• From Rachael:
• Spice Up Your Emails - Get them popping with personality in this 3-Day Challenge
• The "Just Send It" Toolkit: The First 5 Emails to Send to Your Subscribers
• QUIZ: Why Aren't Your Dream Clients Buying?
• Bossy: bossyroc.com
• Bossy Email: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

The holidays are coming — is your business ready? In this episode of Getting Real with Bossy, hosts Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras get candid about the stress, hustle, and hope that come with marketing during the busiest time of year.

They’re joined by Alecia Peterson, owner and marketing maestro behind Drummergirl Marketing, who shares why now is the time to plan your holiday campaigns — before things get chaotic. From scheduling social media posts and refreshing your website to balancing business goals with much-needed downtime, Alecia breaks down the strategies that help small business owners hit the right notes this season.

Expect plenty of laughs, real talk about entrepreneur guilt, and actionable advice you can use right away.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why early planning beats last-minute panic every time
• How to find your marketing “rhythm” with lessons from drumming
• The secret power of email marketing (and why it still outperforms social)
• Tips for hiring extra help before the holiday rush
• How to stay sane and connected while your business — and life — gets busy

Guest: Alecia Peterson, Drummergirl Marketing

Connect with Alecia at drummergirlmarketing.com!

More from Bossy: bossyroc.com

• Grab your peppermint latte and press play — it’s time to make your holiday marketing merry and manageable.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

Get ready for a seriously empowering conversation with the incredible Anissa Crespo — visionary leader, powerhouse entrepreneur, and co-founder of the Million Dollar Mom Society!

In this episode, Anissa opens up about her mission to help mothers break barriers, chase their wildest dreams, and create legacies that last. What started as a small Facebook group of 200 women has exploded into a thriving community of over 16,000- all in just fifteen months!

Anissa’s secret? A mix of heart, high-touch strategy, and a deep belief in collaboration over competition. She’s built a movement where women lift each other higher, stay aligned with their values, and build empires that feel good.

✨ Inside This Episode:

• Hear how Anissa turned a spark of an idea into a powerful movement for moms in business.
• Discover her bold philosophy: “What’s the best that could happen?” - a mantra that challenges fear and invites possibility.
• Learn how she’s helping women amplify their visibility, influence, and impact through connection and community.
• Get inspired by her journey from corporate life to entrepreneur, and her upcoming projects — including the exciting new docuseries “Million Dollar Room.”

Anissa doesn’t just talk about success — she lives it, and she’s bringing other women along for the ride. This episode is your reminder that when women support each other, magic happens.

Key Takeaways:

1. Community and collaboration are the foundation of success.
2. Consistency beats perfection — take those actionable steps every day!
3. The Million Dollar Mom Society has grown from 200 to 16,000 members strong.
4. The Million Dollar Room docuseries shines a spotlight on women building wealth and legacy.
5. Visibility + networking = unstoppable momentum for female entrepreneurs.
6. Believe in yourself — your dreams are waiting for you to say yes!

Don’t Miss:

The upcoming Million Dollar Room event — designed to empower women entrepreneurs through visibility, collaboration, and connection.

Links & Resources:

MillionDollarMom.org

bossyroc.com

Companies & Platforms Mentioned:

Million Dollar Mom Society | Facebook | Amazon Prime | Apple TV | Roku | Inside Success

Tune in, get inspired, and start building your own million-dollar dream, because if Anissa can do it, so can you!

Make sure to send this episode to someone who YOU think needs to hear it, and FOLLOW us @bossyrochester!

Get ready for a seriously empowering conversation with the incredible Anissa Crespo — visionary leader, powerhouse entrepreneur, and co-founder of the Million Dollar Mom Society!

In this episode, Anissa opens up about her mission to help mothers break barriers, chase their wildest dreams, and create legacies that last. What started as a small Facebook group of 200 women has exploded into a thriving community of over 16,000- all in just fifteen months!

Anissa’s secret? A mix of heart, high-touch strategy, and a deep belief in collaboration over competition. She’s built a movement where women lift each other higher, stay aligned with their values, and build empires that feel good.

✨ Inside This Episode:

• Hear how Anissa turned a spark of an idea into a powerful movement for moms in business.
• Discover her bold philosophy: “What’s the best that could happen?” - a mantra that challenges fear and invites possibility.
• Learn how she’s helping women amplify their visibility, influence, and impact through connection and community.
• Get inspired by her journey from corporate life to entrepreneur, and her upcoming projects — including the exciting new docuseries “Million Dollar Room.”

Anissa doesn’t just talk about success — she lives it, and she’s bringing other women along for the ride. This episode is your reminder that when women support each other, magic happens.

Key Takeaways:

1. Community and collaboration are the foundation of success.
2. Consistency beats perfection — take those actionable steps every day!
3. The Million Dollar Mom Society has grown from 200 to 16,000 members strong.
4. The Million Dollar Room docuseries shines a spotlight on women building wealth and legacy.
5. Visibility + networking = unstoppable momentum for female entrepreneurs.
6. Believe in yourself — your dreams are waiting for you to say yes!

Don’t Miss:

The upcoming Million Dollar Room event — designed to empower women entrepreneurs through visibility, collaboration, and connection.

Links & Resources:

MillionDollarMom.org

bossyroc.com

Companies & Platforms Mentioned:

Million Dollar Mom Society | Facebook | Amazon Prime | Apple TV | Roku | Inside Success

Tune in, get inspired, and start building your own million-dollar dream, because if Anissa can do it, so can you!

Make sure to send this episode to someone who YOU think needs to hear it, and FOLLOW us @bossyrochester!

In our season finale, we’re wrapping things up with a conversation that every business owner needs to hear — all about financial literacy. This episode ties together the insights, lessons, and empowering stories we’ve shared throughout the season, bringing it all home with a focus on what it really takes to prepare your business (and your mindset!) for success — especially as we head into the busy holiday season.

We’re talking budgets, cash flow, and the importance of truly knowing your numbers. Because let’s be real — knowledge isn’t just power, it’s profit. It is YOUR money on the line.

• Why financial clarity is the foundation of business success.
• The importance of budgeting and cash flow planning before the big and small events.
• The harsh truth: women-owned businesses receive only 3% of venture capital funding — and what we can do about it.
• How financial literacy empowers women entrepreneurs to make informed, confident decisions.
• The value of mentorship and community support in building resilient businesses.

• Know your numbers. Don’t run your business in the dark — financial awareness is non-negotiable.
• Financial literacy = empowerment. It’s not optional; it’s essential for every entrepreneur.
• Talk about money. Transparency strengthens relationships, it doesn’t weaken them.
• Find your tribe. Mentorship and community make the financial journey far less intimidating (and a lot more fun!).

Lori Kibbe • Abby F. Large • Julie Laughlin Harris • Scarlet Stantrop • Crystal Wallace • Dr. Ruth Mannschreck

• bossyroc.com

bossyroc.com/podcast

• This episode is your invitation to get real about your finances. When you understand your money, you can manage it with purpose — and that’s the ultimate power move.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

What’s your exit plan? In this episode, Dr. Ruth Mannshreck—dentist turned business strategist—gets real about building a sellable business, boosting value, and knowing when (and how) to walk away. Whether you’re years from selling or just starting out, these insights will change the way you think about your business.

What’s your game plan for when it’s time to step away from your business? Most entrepreneurs don’t think about their exit until it’s staring them in the face—and by then, it’s often too late.

In this episode of Getting Real with BOSSY, we sit down with Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, a dentist-turned-business strategist, who knows exactly what it takes to build, scale, and sell a successful practice. From her firsthand experience, Dr. Mannschreck reveals the secrets to designing a sellable business long before you’re ready to walk away.

Expect real talk on:

• Why your best exit starts years in advance
• How to boost your business’s value and reduce risks for buyers
• What buyers really look for (and how to position yourself to stand out)
• The difference between running a profitable business vs. a sellable one
• The timing trap: why the “perfect time” to sell may not line up with your personal readiness
• 
  

Along the way, Dr. Mannschreck shares practical strategies, a few surprising lessons, and even the importance of downtime (hello, puzzles!) for keeping your entrepreneurial brain sharp.

Bossy Takeaways:

• Build systems so your business runs without you
• Always be strengthening your competitive edge
• Keep communication open with your team about future transitions
• Think like a buyer to create irresistible value
• And yes… even a pandemic can make exit planning critical

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• PrepItNow.com
• ShorelineStrategies.com
• bossyroc.com

Companies Shouted Out:

• Goodwill
• Shoreline Strategies
• Dr. Ruth Mannschreck

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

Episode Highlights with Crystal Wallace (CMW Services)

In this episode, we dive into the world of business funding with our amazing guest, Crystal Wallace of CMW Services. Crystal keeps it real about all the different ways you can fund your business—grants, loans, equity, even self-funding—and breaks down how to think strategically instead of making decisions out of fear.

You’ll hear us chat about:

• The different types of funding (and which might be right for you).
• Why mindset matters—how shifting from fear to empowerment can totally change the game.
• The must-have “funding folder” that makes applying for money way less stressful.
• Why it’s not about chasing the biggest check but knowing your real financial needs.
• The importance of community and support systems when navigating the funding maze.

Crystal’s advice will leave you feeling ready to face funding with confidence, clarity, and a plan.

Big Takeaways:

• Don’t just go for money because you’re stressed—think long-term and align your funding with your goals.
• Know exactly what you need before asking for funding (investors and lenders will thank you).
• Stay organized—your future self will be grateful for that funding folder.
• Surround yourself with the right people and resources.

Resources & Links from this episode:

• cmwservices.com
• capitalconnectny.org
• score.org
• Bossyroc.com

Shoutouts to organizations mentioned:

CMW Services

BOSSY

Empire State Development

Capital Connect

Launch New York

WNY Economic Development Initiative

Pathstone

Pursuit Lending

Small Business Development Center

SCORE Buffalo

SCORE Rochester

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

What happens when life throws you a curveball—like an unexpected family crisis—right in the middle of running your business? In this episode, we’re digging into that exact challenge with Julie Loughlin Haers, co-founder of Breathe Capital Planning.

Julie brings not only her professional expertise but also her personal experiences navigating the tricky space where business finances, personal responsibilities, and family emergencies collide. We talk about why reserve funds aren’t just a “nice to have,” but a lifeline, and how open conversations about money can help you steer clear of misunderstandings—or even financial abuse—in personal relationships.

We also dive into:

• The real emotional toll of balancing entrepreneurship with caring for aging parents.
• How to build financial resilience so a crisis doesn’t sink your business.
• Why transparency in shared finances matters more than you think.
• The unique pressures faced by the sandwich generation—and why community support is crucial.

This isn’t just a money talk—it’s about financial literacy as self-care. By the end, you’ll feel more equipped to protect your independence, prepare for the unexpected, and create a financial plan that works for both your business and your life.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Breathe Capital Planning
• Willow Domestic Violence Gala
• Bossy

A little more about Julie:

Co-founder of Breathe Capital Planning and Consulting LLC Located in Rochester, NY and operating in multiple states in the nation.

Founder Divine Abundance streaming show on ROKU, You Tube exploring living your most aligned life.

An inspired motivational speaker and presenter focused on sharing more love and kindness in the world through sharing stories of overcoming.

A spirit led financial advisor that focuses on connecting to what resonates for her client.

A nurturing business- woman who values and cultivates life- long relationships with her clients and friends.

A published author of the book “Surrender to Rise” – an anthology book of inspiring stories of women across the US who have turned struggle into strength and success.

Divorce Coach in 2025 received her certification from CDC, coach for Insight Divorce Solutions.

Co-host of “The Women’s Retreat” in Sept 2025 In Rochester, NY

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

Lets rewrite YOUR money story with Scarlett Stanhope, The Biz Hippie.

Ever feel like no matter how much money you make, it never feels like enough? Or maybe you’ve been chasing financial success, thinking it’ll fix everything—but deep down, you still feel stuck? You are not alone.

In this episode, we sit down with Scarlet Stanhope—aka The Biz Hippie— whose business is to coach entreprenuers and creatives through their money trauma by ditching scarcity thinking and building a better relationship with money.

Scarlet shares her own journey from burnout and perfectionism to healing her money mindset and helping others do the same.

We get real about:

• Why more money doesn’t always mean more happiness
• How our childhood beliefs can shape how we earn, spend, and save
• What it actually means to feel “abundant”—and how to get there
• Why financial empowerment starts with self-awareness, not spreadsheets

If you’re ready to stop stressing about money and start aligning your finances with your values, this conversation is for you.

Learn more about Scarlet and her work at thebizhippie.com/activate, and share this episode with someone that you think needs to hear this.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!