Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business

Ep. 35 Join Bossy Founders and Business Owners Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras as they discuss their favorite business books and share insights from a recent Women in Hospitality conference. They delve into the importance of knowing your "why" in business, the challenges of work-life balance, and the power of creating loyal customers.

The mention of Charles Schwab's "Thanks for Coming In Today" highlights the transformative power of gratitude within the workplace, while "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy serves as a poignant reminder that business leaders are also human beings, deserving of compassion and self-care.

This human-centric approach to business shines through the interactions between Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras, as they share anecdotes and wisdom. It's clear that empathetic leadership and a supportive environment can lead to greater employee engagement and customer loyalty, eventually driving the business forward.

Key Takeaways:

Book Recommendations:

Chapters:

0:00 Insights From a Women in Hospitality Conference

2:01 Train Journeys as a Catalyst for Creative Solutions

4:17 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Business Philosophies

8:28 Midlife Crisis and Sleeplessness in Gen X Women

11:25 Generational Gaps in Learning to Type

14:07 Gen X Tech Troubles and Midlife Crises

15:29 Discovering an Unexpected Gem During Pregnancy

16:18 Creating Customer Loyalty Through Zombie Loyalism

17:35 Maximizing Productivity Through Prioritization and Time Management

21:38 Discussing Books That Influence Business and Creativity

25:31 Transforming Hotel Culture With Simple Gratitude

25:55 Reflections on Business, Books, and Personal Growth

29:53 Seeking Book Recommendations for the Bossy Library

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Ep. 34 Today we catch up with Asa Shutts, owner of Shuts Productions and Shutter and Splice. Asa shares her journey of navigating personal and business challenges, including her son's rare genetic disorder, the passing of her father, and her own health issues. Despite the hardships, Asa has learned to say no more often, charge her worth, and pivot her business towards corporate work and real estate photography. She also emphasizes the importance of finding joy and purpose in her work, supporting companies that are making a positive impact, and leaving the world a better place.

"I say no a lot more... and I am getting better at charging my worth, which has always been a big struggle for me." - Asa

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern

Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 

Asa Shutts is a seasoned photographer and videographer who runs Shutts Productions and Shutter and Splice. Based in Rochester, New York, she specializes in photo and video production. Alongside her passion for capturing personal milestones like weddings and family moments, Asa has developed a keen interest and expertise in corporate shoots, particularly real estate and architectural photography. Asa is known for her entrepreneurial spirit, constantly learning new skills and exploring varied interests to enrich both her personal and professional life.

www.shuttsproductions.com

www.shutterandsplice.com

607-591-9737

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Other episodes you'll enjoy:

Ep. 3 How to Keep Business Going When Your Life is Falling Apart with Asa Shutts

Chapters;

0:00 Re-Introduction to Episode 3 Guest Asa Shutts

3:44 Personal Traumas and the Body's Fight or Flight Response

7:18 Personal Reflections Amidst Life's Unpredictable Challenges

9:46 Photographing a Family-Intensive Two-Day Wedding Amidst Physical Strain

12:27 Business Evolution and Personal Growth Post-Trauma

16:54 Strategizing Business Names for Optimal SEO and Brand Identity

19:18 Appreciating Authentic Moments in Photography

21:26 Photography Passion and AI-Generated Headshots

24:02 Photographer Asa Shutts Discusses Impactful Work

26:26 Aspiring Towards a Self-Sustaining Chicken Farm Lifestyle

28:23 Finding Hope Amidst Life's Challenges

30:55 Coaching, Recovery, and the Entrepreneurial Spirit

32:56 Reclaiming Space for Passion: A Welder's Tale

34:17 Discussing Tree Fall Patterns and Personal Updates with Asa Shutts

36:32 Achieving Entrepreneurial Freedom and Family Balance

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Ep. 33 Have you ever wished that your invoices could get paid NOW, instead of Net 90 days from when you delivered your product or service? Well NOW you can!

Sejal Shah Gulati, Chief Growth Officer of NowAccount, joins Kelly and Kelly to discuss alternative funding options for small businesses. Now offers a transparent and fair solution to the common problem of late payments from clients. By accelerating invoices, Now provides businesses with the cash flow they need to thrive.

In this episode, you will be able to:

"You're not even looking for a solution. Sometimes you're just looking to say, hey, I need community. I just want to be with people who are going through the things that I'm going through." - Sejal

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern

Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 

Produced by JazzCast Pros

About the Guest:

Sejal is the Chief Growth Officer for NOW a payments company. At NOW she manages sales, Marketing, Product and Client Success. Prior to NOW she was the SVP and General Manager in the Banking and Capital Markets team for GENPACT. Prior to Genpact she was the General Manager of the Global Marketing Hub at American Express in New York City. Prior to that she was the CMO of Ezetap, a B2B payments company based in Bangalore, India. She is also the Co-Founder of Sonder Connect.

Sejal has a B.A. from Princeton University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is a Fellow of Famous V of Ananta Aspen Centre’s Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship as well as a moderator for and member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction and discussion about the importance of funding for small businesses

0:03:11 Sejal Shah Gulati's background and involvement with now

0:06:56 Comparison between Now and traditional factoring companies

0:09:43 Challenges of waiting for payment from clients

0:10:51 Benefits of outsourcing accounts receivable to Now

0:11:57 Criteria for working with Now

0:13:10 Underwriting process and trade credit insurance.

0:13:42 Confirming invoices before payment.

0:14:07 Helping businesses with cash flow.

0:17:54 Challenges of net terms for small businesses.

0:19:19 Self Care

0:21:33 Community development finance institutions and grants can help small businesses.

0:22:51 Finding a community of small business owners for support is essential.

0:23:47 Complaining to non-business owners about the stress of being a business owner is difficult.

0:24:28 Visit nowaccount.com to apply for financial support from NowAccount.

0:25:13 Connect with Sejal

0:26:01 Being part of a supportive community is important for business owners.

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Ep. 32 If you're tired of feeling stuck and disconnected, it's time to explore a new path towards resilience and empowerment as you approach middle-ages.

Alison Jacobson, the Midlife Maverick, joins Kelly and Kelly to discuss the power and potential of coming into your 40's and 50's. The term "Midlife" is reframed from a crisis to an opportunity for growth, driven by a powerful combination of experience, wisdom, and resilience.

The conversation provides practical advice for women to redefine abundance, cut through societal expectations, and take purposeful strides towards their ideal lives.

Alison shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity and finding resilience, offering insights and strategies for women to release fear, live boldly, and create the life they desire. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, finding your village, and embracing change.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Intro to Topic of Midlife with Kelly + Kelly

0:01:09 Internal struggles and expectations women face

0:05:43 Introduction to Allison Jacobson, the midlife Maverick

0:07:02 Alison's entrepreneurial journey and life challenges

0:09:25 The importance of self-care for women

0:09:57 Appreciating the transformative power of the forties

0:10:17 How do you define midlife? Is it a number or is it a stage?

0:11:22 Menopause shifts your mindset to start caring for yourself

0:12:29 The 40s can be a challenging time but it gets better

0:13:55 The significance of a butterfly and sunflower tattoo

0:15:49 Defining success and abundance on your own terms

0:17:39 Success is subjective and looks different for everyone

0:19:43 Five steps to release fear and live boldly

0:21:17 Objectifying fear and unravelling it to overcome challenges

0:22:58 Life after divorce

0:25:29 I let my ex-husband manage the finances, and I took my eye off the ball.

0:28:39 If you are focused on the positive, that's what you're going to see.

0:29:34 Dealing with negative people in our life

0:32:47 Make sure everybody is lifting you up and making you feel better.

0:32:50 New York City marathon.

0:35:00 Majority of female entrepreneurs start their businesses after 45.

0:36:47 Being selfish is healthy and necessary for self-care.

0:40:19 Digital detox and finding time to start a business.

0:43:38 Alison's coaching services and resources

0:44:41 First Candle organization for bereavement support

0:45:24 Alison's coaching for women of any age

0:45:35 Alison's upcoming adventures

0:47:41 Manifestations and self-belief

0:48:44 Contact information and sign-off

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Ep. 31 Do you want to achieve a healthier work-life balance and prioritize your mental well-being? Imani Olear will be revealing the key to attaining a more harmonious approach to entrepreneurship and mental health, allowing you to experience improved equilibrium and a greater focus on your psychological wellness.

Imani Olear is an accomplished entrepreneur and pastor known for her work in urban yoga and leadership development within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As the founder of Yoga for a Good Hood and CEO of True Yoga, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating inclusive spaces and fostering transformative conversations. With her extensive experience and dedication to self-care through therapy, Imani offers valuable insights into the intersection of entrepreneurship and mental health. Her candid approach and emphasis on addressing challenging topics make her a credible and relatable guest on this episode of Getting Real with BOSSY.

"I want to stop not speaking up for myself. That goes all to the self care into all of those kind of things." - Imani

In this episode, you will be able to:

Explore Yoga's Inclusive Communities

Imani Olear strives to create inclusive spaces in her yoga communities, focusing on underprivileged areas where access to wellness practices is limited. This endeavor of hers stems from a desire to ensure everyone feels seen and valued. Imani's effort in bridging the wellness gap and fostering inclusivity resonates deeply with her purpose, highlighting the transformative power of yoga in building more inclusive and empathetic communities.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern

Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 

Produced by JazzCast Pros

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Ep. 30 Hope T aka It Girl Friday, a master of content creation, shares three common mistakes small businesses make in social media marketing: focusing on followers and likes instead of engagement, misunderstanding the difference between influencers and content creators, and not posting consistently. She also discusses her journey from aspiring actress to content creator and the challenges of balancing work and personal life.

Don't Miss Hope T and all her social media hacks for small businesses at Bossy ROC's Focus + Fortify Summit Monday March 11th!

Key Takeaways:

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern

 Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19

Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 

Produced by JazzCast Pros

About the Guest

Meet Hope T, a dynamic entrepreneur who wears multiple hats as the founder of It Girl Friday LLC, IGF Marketing, and the Local Influencer Tour Agency. With a passion for social media marketing and influencer strategies tailored to small businesses, Hope brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.

Her understanding of the ever-changing social media algorithms and knack for enhancing visibility and engagement makes her a valuable asset for small business owners looking to thrive in the digital space.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Topic Introduction with Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush

0:06:00 Welcome Hope, "It girl Friday LLC," "IGF marketing," and "LIT agency." 

0:07:06 First mistake small businesses make: focusing on followers and engagement numbers

0:08:28 Importance of organic growth and not buying followers or likes.

0:09:00 Instagram's algorithm changes regarding hashtags 

0:10:24 Misconception of having a large number of followers and likes indicating a great product.

0:10:46 Using content creators for affiliate marketing.

0:11:52 Spend money in order to make money.

0:13:17 Importance of consistency in posting content on social media platforms.

0:16:31 Avoiding posting content with watermarks from other platforms.

0:17:22 Consequences of reposting others' content on TikTok.

0:27:18 Challenges of influencer marketing in the local area and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

0:31:55 Clarification of the difference between influencers and content creators.

0:46:18 The time-consuming process of editing content for social media.

0:48:49 The dynamic and constantly changing nature of content creation.

1:09:04 Encouragement to do social media management independently if possible.

1:14:43 Balancing work and family responsibilities as a content creator and small business owner.

1:25:03 Conclusion and gratitude for the conversation.

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Ep. 29 Pauly Guglielmo a former radio personality, entrepreneur and first male member of BOSSING joins Kelly + Kelly to share his success and failures in building Craft Cannery in Rochester, NY. Starting as a home-based business, making sauce in his studio apartment on East Ave., Paulie's story resonate with entrepreneurs and business owners.

Through his unique blend of wit and wisdom, Paulie inspires individuals to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship and find growth in the face of adversity.

"I decided in January of 2020 to take that leap." - Paulie Guglielmo

Key Takeaways:

Embracing Work-Life Balance Challenges: Discover how to thrive amidst the juggle.

Emphasizing Intentional Moments: Uncover the power of intentional living for success.

Mastering the Art of Learning from Business Failure: Turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Addressing and Correcting Behavior: Unlock the keys to behavior change for growth.

Overcoming Frustration with Repeated Mistakes: Learn how to break the cycle and move forward.

About the Guest:

Pauly Guglielmo is the owner of Craft Cannery, the founder of Guglielmo Sauce, and a partner at Red Bird Market, a specialty grocery store in Fairport. A former long time radio host in Rochester, Pauly's company, Craft Cannery, specializing in bottling sauces/dressings for local and regional companies, helping startup entrepreneurs, restaurants, and some of your beloved local brands bring their products to store shelves. Pauly also serves his community as the President Elect of Rochester Rotary, Vice Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, and as a board member of Rochester Broadway Theater League and St. Ann's Foundation and is a proud member of The Italian Civic League. Pauly lives in Brighton with his wife, Ryann, and 5 year-old son Leo.

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern

 Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 

Produced by JazzCast Pros

Resources:

Try the saran wrap ball game for your next party. It's a fun and engaging activity that's sure to be a hit with your guests. 

Consider hosting a kickball game and picnic for your company Christmas party. It's a cost-effective and enjoyable way to celebrate with your team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and fun.

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Ep. 28 Mara Smith, the founder of Inspiro Tequila, shares her journey from being a lawyer, to being a stay-at-home mom for 16 years and then starting her own tequila brand. She discusses the challenges of entering a highly regulated industry and the importance of staying true to her vision. Mara also highlights the lack of representation of women in the tequila industry and how she is working to change that by creating a brand that appeals to female consumers. The episode explores the process of tequila production, the significance of being a B Corp, and the Purple Bicycle Project, which supports female founders.

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Salena’s, Marshall Street, Union Tavern

 Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 

Produced by JazzCast Pros

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction with Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush

0:03:19 Welcome Mara Smith

0:04:12 Mara's background as a lawyer and the challenge of balancing big law firm life with having a family

0:06:06 Mara's focus on job security, which led to her transition to corporate strategy

0:07:57 Career pause due to pregnancy and bedrest

0:09:37 Learning flexibility and adaptability from parenting and its connection to running a startup

0:11:01 Choosing tequila as a consumer product and addressing the market opportunity for women

0:13:35 Overcoming challenges as women in male-dominated industries

0:16:36 Navigating the strict regulations and requirements of tequila production

0:18:41 Building an all-female team, including a master distiller, to bring the vision to life

0:20:01 Finding the master distiller, Anna Maria Romero, through research and a shared vision

0:21:06 The importance of the aroma wheel in tequila production and taste profiles

0:22:45 Issues with production and first batch

0:25:02 Tequila production process and the importance of fermentation

0:27:23 Aging tequila in rosé wine barrels and the unique taste profile of reposado from wine barrel aging

0:29:37 Possibility of a limited release añejo

0:30:48 Time-intensive process and aging requirements for different tequila types

0:32:20 Discussion on inspiring entrepreneurship in a highly regulated industry

0:44:20 B Corp certification requires transparency and extensive documentation

0:45:49 The importance of supporting women business owners

0:47:48 Discussion on being called "bossy" as a woman business owner and Mara's expertise in contracts and high-level strategy

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Ep. 27 Explore the intersection between cannabis and alcohol in American social circles as Shelby Poole shares her journey from the restaurant industry to founding Betty Bloom, a mobile social club focused on empowering women about the marijuana plant. The conversation dives into the future of cannabis consumption lounges, the rise of non-alcoholic cocktails, and the need for destigmatization and education.

About the Guest

Shelby Poole is a multi-faceted entrepreneur and thought leader in the burgeoning cannabis industry. As the owner of Betty Bloom Social Club, she brings her background as a restaurateur to develop educational and socially-driven cannabis experiences. With a family history in the hospitality sector and having managed two family restaurants, Shelby stands at the crossroads of cannabis advocacy and community building. Her efforts are directed toward de-stigmatization, education, and shaping a responsible and fun cannabis culture.

Instagram @bettybloomsocialclub

Join the Betty Bloom Social Club

Event March 8th (International Women’s Day) in NYC: Mainstream Mary

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Salena’s, Marshall Street, Union Tavern

 Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 

Produced by JazzCast Pros

0:00:00 Introduction to Shelby Poole and her work in the cannabis industry

0:03:29 Introduction to the concept of free spirited cocktails

0:06:05 Start of conversation with Shelby Poole

0:08:11 Historical context of the stigma surrounding cannabis

0:09:54 Impact of the war on drugs and the need for cannabis legalization

0:10:40 The changing perception and acceptance of cannabis

0:13:23 Growing up in the hospitality industry

0:16:05 Transitioning from restaurants to working for Anheuser Busch

0:19:20 Creating a successful 420 festival

0:20:58 The intersection of alcohol and cannabis in hospitality

0:21:45 Coming back together after COVID-19 as authentic individuals

0:22:54 Exploring different uses and benefits of cannabis

0:26:07 Dreaming of a different lifestyle

0:26:33 Questioning the definition of success

0:27:49 Launching Betty Bloom

0:30:28 Using Tupperware parties as a model to empower women

0:32:03 Hosting infused dinner and movie events

0:32:22 Planning Mainstream Mary event to destigmatize cannabis

0:36:21 The future of alcohol and cannabis: Allowing liquor license holders to sell cannabis beverages

0:41:00 Dark side of the cannabis industry: Rise of the black market

0:44:48 The correlation between cannabis legalization and violence in Rochester

0:47:36 Shift in societal acceptance of moms smoking cannabis

0:51:59 Efforts of brands to make cannabis more accessible and less intimidating

0:52:47 Shoutouts to Eaton Botanicals and Her Highness as brands doing well in the space

0:54:48 Teaching teens about responsible cannabis use

0:57:10 Comparing the perception of alcohol and cannabis in households

0:58:34 The shift in understanding cannabis as a medicinal alternative

1:00:26 Future plans for Betty Bloom

1:03:07 Tease next podcast guest, Hope

1:04:19 Focus and Fortify event coming in March

1:04:50 Sign-off and contact information

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Erika delves into her recent experiences, including the quest for a new building for her salon, the challenges of navigating the ever-evolving beauty industry, and the joy she derives from her side venture into selling vintage items. Moreover, the episode explores the profound concept of manifestation, touching on how adopting this practice can alter one's personal and professional trajectory.

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode Sponsors: Marshall Street Bar + Grill, The Union Tavern

To sponsor the podcast email [email protected]

Join BOSSY at www.BossyROC.com

Produced by JazzCast Pros

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction and discussion about the importance of a good night's sleep

0:02:04 Reflecting on the growth of the business and the connection with Erica

0:04:05 Revisiting Erica's first interview and the progress since then

0:05:22 Erica's recent major pivot and plans for the future

0:06:43 Creating a safe space for the "freaks, geeks, weirdos, and underdogs"

0:08:39 The power of manifestation and self-respect in business success

0:10:09 Erika reflects on the challenges of being in her mid-40s

0:11:03 Erika discusses how parenting has made her a better person

0:11:19 Erika expresses her desire to invent a new tampon

0:13:32 Erika talks about the changes in the salon industry

0:15:36 Erika discusses the importance of pivoting and finding joy in her business

0:17:18 Erika emphasizes the importance of setting goals and saying them out loud

0:19:09 Erika talks about the changing dynamics of customer service

0:20:09 Kelly and Erika discuss the impact of online reviews on businesses

0:30:22 Kelly Bush discusses her struggle with negative thinking and her desire to start manifesting

0:31:31 Kelly Metras explains her belief in the scientific aspect of manifestation and positive thinking

0:33:51 Conclusion: "Be bold, be brave, be the boss"

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