Allison Hall is an emerging children's author, publishing three books this year alone. Her debut book, Girls Aren't Just Girly, takes readers on an alphabetically-inspired journey to celebrate just how Wonderful, Whimsical, Witty, and Wise girls can be.

She's also published If I Were King of the Kitchen and If I Were Queen for the Day, and is working to finalize a few other books set to be published in 2026.

In episode 77 of Girls Just Wanna Podcast, we talk to Allison about her journey to becoming a children's book author and how her experience as a grandmother (or GiGi) inspires her creative process!

Gigi Tales Books on Instagram: (2) Instagram

Gigi Tales Books' Website: GiGi Tales

What was once a century-old former gas station has been transformed into an enchanting and vibrant antique retail shop!

Located in downtown Grafton, Off the Common Antiques is 4000 square feet of retail space housing more than 50 local vintage and antique vendors.

Owner Morgan King carefully curates her multi-vendor marketplace to offer an amazing array of antiques, vintage clothing, restored furniture, home décor, handmade items, and more!

Off the Common Antiques on Instagram: (2) Instagram

Off the Common Antiques' Website: Off The Common Antiques Marketplace - Antiques, Vintage, Furniture

Based in Worcester, A Bark Above Dogventures is the outdoor adventure experience you didn't know your pup needed!

Inspired by her love of nature and her own hiking experiences with her dog, owner Marina Theberge founded the business to bring that same opportunity for outdoor time to other local dogs!

A Bark Above Dogventures offers group dog hikes, training, sitting, and walks. Their hikes, or "dogventures," create a safe and fun environment on the trails to support your pet's physical and mental health.

A Bark Above Dogventures on Instagram: (1) Instagram

A Bark Above Dogventures' Website: Abarkabovedogventures - Dog Walking, Doggy Daycare, Pet Services

With over a decade of varied experience in the fitness industry, Gabby Pacheco knows what makes an exercise class unforgettable. Earlier this year, she finally opened a space of her own: EMBODI Studios in Somerville.

Offering pilates, yoga, strength, and dance fitness classes all under one roof, EMBODI is intentionally designed as a space for full-spectrum movement, growth, and community.

We talk with Gabby about her breadth of experience in fitness, her entrepreneurial journey to opening the studio, and what sets EMBODI apart from other boutique fitness spaces.

EMBODI on Instagram: (1) Instagram

EMBODI's Website: EMBODI studios | Home

When the COVID-19 shutdowns ended her children's fitness company in 2020, Julia Walderzak had the idea to launch a mobile bar, Decanted Wine Truck.

The business started with one renovated vintage trailer, Winona, but with demand growing rapidly, more trailers and bar carts were added to the fleet.

Now, Decanted travels all over New England, bringing their full-bar beverage service to all kinds of events, from weddings to anniversaries, and birthday parties to corporate functions. And not only do they provide the drinks and licensed bartenders, they'll also handle catering menus, decor, florals, and all the other elements to make your special event flawless!

Decanted on Instagram: (1) Instagram

Decanted's Website: MA & CT Full Service Mobile Bar - Events, Weddings, Bridal Showers & More! Decantedwinetruck.com

Upon learning of her newborn's sensitivity to caffeine and discovering her own growing sensitivity to dairy, Nichole Nduati began searching for a vegan chai latte to replace her favorite guilty pleasure.

When none could be found, she started experimenting with her own recipes, and after sharing those creations with friends and family, Nichole and her husband decided to launch a business selling tea blends, now known as Teajani.

Each Teajani blend is crafted with care, sourced from small family farms, and focused on intentional living.

Teajani on Instagram: (1) Instagram

Teajani's Website: Drinks and Beverages, Tea Party Catering, Mango Passion White Tea - Teajani - Auburn, Massachusetts

After losing her daughter to the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Cherylann Gengel co-founded Be Like Brit, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the children of Haiti by establishing a safe, nurturing, and sustainable orphanage.

At the time of her passing, Britney Gengel was on a mission trip with her college and had been texting her mom about the experience, expressing her desire to one day open an orphanage for the children she had grown to love.

Now, 15 years later, Brit's legacy of compassion and hope lives on through Brit's Home in Haiti and all the other ways Be Like Brit provides education, healthcare, and support to Haitian children.

Be Like Brit on Instagram: Instagram

Be Like Brit's Website: Be Like Brit

A family nurse practitioner and certified holistic wellness coach, Alana Giannopoulos understands the importance of taking care of the whole person: mind, body, and soul.

She started Vita Hydration and Wellness to give people an outlet to heal and tend to their whole selves by detoxing, de-stressing, and restoring.

Located in Worcester, her holistic wellness center offers a series of services—including IV drips, infrared saunas, red light therapy, and salt rooms—that encourage one to reconnect with their well-being.

Vita Hydration + Wellness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vita.hydration/

Vita's Website: https://www.vitahydrationandwellness.com/

From painting to carpentry, epoxy to power washing, and wallpaper removal to color consultation, Sarah Bueno and her team at @queenofheartspainting can transform your space.

Whether you need just a touch-up or a full-on new look, Queen of Hearts will deliver. Based in Wellesley, they serve all of Massachusetts, including the islands.

In this episode, we talk to Sarah about how her background in design and real estate influences her work now, and what her experience has been operating in a male-dominated industry.

Queen of Hearts Painting's Website: https://www.queenofheartspainting.com/

Queen of Hearts Painting on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenofheartspainting/

Healing Habits Psychotherapy & Therapeutic Services is an outpatient mental health office in Spencer offering in-person and online talk therapy, EMDR, and therapeutic groups to individuals in Massachusetts.

CEO and therapist Brittany Price, LICSW, opened this private practice in September of 2024, wanting to devote more time to her clients to serve them in the best way she could.

In this episode, we talk to Brittany about her journey to becoming an LICSW and common misconceptions about therapy.

Healing Habits on Facebook: Facebook

Get in touch with Brittany: [email protected]