On this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed talks with Megan Palmer Rivera, CEO of Palmer’s Market and Palmer’s Catering & Events. As a fifth-generation leader in her family business, Megan shares her inspiring career of blending tradition with innovation.

Megan’s journey shows how leadership and legacy go hand in hand. She shares how her early start, launching a bakery within Palmer’s Market at just 21, taught her not only how to create incredible products but also how to run a business. Over time, her focus shifted from serving customers to leading a growing team, finding deep satisfaction in helping others thrive.

When Megan officially stepped into the CEO role, she knew maintaining the family’s values was key. She introduced more structure to the business, fully committing to a set core business values for the first time in its 100-year history to ensure the culture remained strong for future generations.

Recently, Megan led the development of a new commissary kitchen to support expansion beyond their original location. She emphasized that growth for Palmer’s isn’t about getting bigger, it's about staying close to the community, maintaining quality, and providing new opportunities for her team.

Even as technology drives instant gratification, Megan is clear that Palmer’s will stay rooted in personal connection. From hand-sliced deli meats to packing groceries with care, the experience remains deeply human.

Finally, Megan offers thoughtful advice to fellow entrepreneurs. She speaks candidly about the loneliness that often comes with leadership and the power of finding a trusted network, something she found through HAYVN to lean on during both the good and challenging times.

Connect with Megan

LinkedIn

Palmers Market 

Connect with Nancy 

LinkedIn 

Instagram

Website

How do you know when it’s time to make a big life change? That’s part of the conversation that Nancy Sheed had with Mary O’Connell. Hear how a long-time corporate executive made the leap after 25 years in a global company. She explains why she knew it was time to embrace a new chapter focused on purpose, people, and personal growth.

Mary shares her honest journey from navigating Y2K as a young consultant to leading international teams and ultimately choosing to step away at a meaningful milestone to reclaim time, reflect, and reinvest in what truly matters.

Key Highlights: 

• Why the 25-year mark became her personal pivot point Mary reached a major milestone at her company, a 25-year tenure celebrated annually by alumni, yet found herself craving something more. This became the natural time to reflect, reset, and decide how she wanted to spend the next chapter of her life.

• How “more precious time” became her guiding principle Inspired by the needs of her aging parents and growing children, Mary began to reframe her priorities. Rather than focusing on productivity alone, she started asking, “Who am I doing this for?” That question led her to realign her life around family and purpose.

• Reclaiming skills and reimagining them for nonprofit causes Even after stepping away from corporate life, Mary didn’t shelve her executive toolkit. Instead, she’s redirecting her strategic skills and leadership experience into volunteer work, especially in fundraising and board service, where she continues to create meaningful impact.

• The value of lifelong learning (she’s now taking classes at NYU!) Recognizing that leadership in new sectors requires fresh knowledge, Mary enrolled in NYU’s professional education courses. Her commitment to learning reflects her drive not just to help, but to help well, with insight, humility, and updated expertise.

• How HAYVN has been a crucial part of her transition Originally a lifeline during the isolating days of the pandemic, HAYVN has now become a grounding force in Mary’s post-corporate life. From walks and coffee chats to community events, it’s given her the social structure and inspiration to keep growing while staying connected.

Connect with Mary: 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjoconnell/

Connect with Nancy: 

LinkedIn 

Instagram

Website

What does it take to leave behind a stable corporate career and successfully launch a business? Many professionals dream of entrepreneurship but making the leap can feel overwhelming. HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed sat down with Emelie Calbick, co-founder of Stage 2 Startups, to discuss the realities of starting a business later in life. Emelie shared her personal journey from the corporate world to tech startups and how she now helps others navigate this transition.

Like many professionals, Emelie found herself wondering if there was something more fulfilling beyond corporate life. Research backs this up. 29% of business owners say their biggest motivation is the desire to be their own boss, while 17% leave corporate careers due to dissatisfaction. For Emelie, the opportunity to join a tech startup was exhilarating, offering a new level of independence, decision-making, and creativity.

Making the switch from corporate employee to entrepreneur requires a deep understanding of yourself, your skills, and your tolerance for risk. 

Emelie outlined the key questions every aspiring business owner should ask:

• Do I have a passion for this business? Can I see myself doing this every day?

• How comfortable am I with uncertainty? Entrepreneurship involves risk and the ability to pivot.

• Do I work best alone or with a partner? Some thrive independently, while others need collaboration.

• What are my strengths and weaknesses? Identifying skill gaps early helps you find the right support.

She also emphasized the importance of seeking honest feedback from colleagues, friends, and family. Sometimes, others recognize our talents before we do!

A common misconception is that startups are for the young. The average startup founder is 45 years old, and this group is twice as likely to succeed compared to younger founders. 

That’s due to: 

• Experience – Years in the workforce build valuable skills in leadership, strategy, and problem-solving.

• Networks – Established professionals have connections that can open doors.

• Financial Stability – Many midlife entrepreneurs have resources to sustain early-stage growth.

Whether it’s launching a high-tech business, a local service, or a passion-driven nonprofit, midlife entrepreneurs are proving that age is an asset, not a barrier.

One of the biggest mistakes aspiring business owners make is skipping the research phase. Emelie shared inspiring examples of entrepreneurs who took the time to validate their ideas before launching.

The takeaway? Success isn’t an accident, it’s the result of careful preparation, persistence, and learning from others.

Connect with Emelie Stage2Startups.com

LinkedIn

Connect with Nancy 

LinkedIn 

Instagram

Website

Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem is thriving. Leaders like Jessica Dodge, Managing Consultant at the Connecticut Office of Innovation are focused on supporting startups and small business initiatives throughout the state. HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed talked with Jess about how Connecticut fosters entrepreneurship, supports small businesses, and invests in the future of innovation.

Building a Stronger Innovation Economy

Jess emphasizes that the state leverages its vast resources, including higher education institutions, venture capital networks, and private-public partnerships, to create a dynamic business environment.

"We continue to look for ways to de-risk the challenges that entrepreneurs face and create a support system that enables innovation," says Jess.

The Power of Community and Collaboration

One of the key themes was the importance of relationship-building in Connecticut’s innovation space. The Office of Innovation serves as a bridge between entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and policymakers, ensuring that startups have the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.

"Listening to entrepreneurs is at the core of what we do. Our role is to develop initiatives that are directly responsive to their needs," Jess explains.

Connecticut’s Strengths in Emerging Industries

The state is making significant strides in advanced industries, including manufacturing, quantum computing, AI, and biotechnology. Connecticut’s strong foundation including a highly educated workforce, cutting-edge research, and a supportive business environment makes it a prime location for companies looking to innovate.

"Good ideas and good businesses don’t fit a one-size-fits-all model. What we see time and again is that the right team and the ability to adapt are what drive long-term success," Jess notes.

New Initiatives Supporting Entrepreneurs

The Office of Innovation has launched two major programs:

• Partnerships Initiative – Connecting entrepreneurs with service providers and resources to help grow their businesses.

• Innovation Spotlight – Showcasing startups and innovative projects to amplify their impact.

Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem continues to evolve to meet the needs of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

📌 Follow the Connecticut Office of Innovation:

• LinkedIn: Connecticut Office of Innovation

• Website: CTNext.com

📌 Connect with Jessica Dodge

• LinkedIn

📌 Connect with Nancy Sheed

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Website

In chatting with Julia Dzafic, the powerhouse behind Lemon Stripes, a thriving lifestyle blog and Instagram account where she shares her take on motherhood, style, wellness, and recipes, host Nancy Sheed goes behind the scenes to find out how she does it. Julia shares her journey from working in corporate sales and marketing to becoming a full-time content creator and cookbook author.

Key Lessons and Takeaways from Julia’s Journey:

From Political Science to Content Creator

Julia’s career path didn’t start in blogging. She originally studied political science, thinking she’d work in public policy. However, a corporate job at Condé Nast led her to discover her passion for fashion, wellness, and content creation.

Blogging Before Instagram Was a Thing

Julia launched Lemon Stripes (originally called Lemons and Loafers) as a way to share healthy recipes and lifestyle tips with her health coaching clients. What started as a side project grew organically through Facebook and word-of-mouth before social media took off.

Taking the Leap to Full-Time Content Creation

After juggling a demanding corporate career with her rapidly growing blog, Julia faced a pivotal decision: to stay in marketing or take Lemon Stripes full-time. She gave herself a year to make it work, and eight years later, it’s still thriving.

The Power of Consistency & Community

Julia attributes much of her success to showing up consistently. She blogged five days a week for nearly eight years and was always engaged in her community—attending industry events, collaborating with fellow creators, and staying true to her voice.

Navigating Social Media Evolution

From static Instagram posts to the rise of video content, Julia has adapted her strategy while staying true to what works for her. She focuses on her blog, Instagram, and newsletter rather than spreading herself too thin across platforms.

Writing a Cookbook: A Dream and a Challenge

Julia’s cookbook Garden Grown emerged from her passion for homegrown food and community-driven content. While she loved the creative process, she candidly shares how writing and marketing a book was an all-consuming process.

Prioritizing Mental Health & Boundaries in Content Creation

Despite her love for sharing content, Julia acknowledges the pressures of social media. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in what she shares. She also emphasized boundaries around how much time she spends consuming content to maintain balance and protect her well-being.

Julia’s journey is an inspiring lesson in passion, perseverance, and finding a sustainable way to create content and grow an engaging community. Whether you're an aspiring blogger, business owner, or content creator, her story is a reminder that success comes from consistency, adaptability, and staying true to what brings you joy.

Connect with Julia:

Instagram: @lemonstripesWebsite: lemonstripes.comCookbook: Garden Grown, available wherever books are sold

Connect with Nancy:

LinkedIn:Instagram: Website

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed sits down with Katya Libin, an inspiring entrepreneur and co-founder of Divine Feminine Leaders (DFL). Katya shares her transformative journey from navigating challenges as the daughter of immigrant parents in New York City to redefining leadership and creating powerful communities for women.

1. Embrace a "Why Not?" Attitude Katya credits her early resilience and confidence to her ability to view challenges as opportunities. Growing up in New York City with immigrant parents instilled in her the mindset to push boundaries and seize opportunities, no matter how unconventional they seemed.

2. From Bartender to Corporate Leader Katya’s openness to opportunity paid off early in her career. While bartending, she impressed her customers so much that they offered her a corporate sales role, which launched her successful career in tech and software sales.

3. Turning Isolation Into Impact The spark for her entrepreneurial journey came from a personal need. As a young mother in Tribeca, juggling a demanding sales job and motherhood, Katya felt isolated and craved connection. This led her to co-found HeyMama, a national network for working moms, creating a thriving space for women to support and connect with each other.

4. Pivoting During the Pandemic The pandemic brought significant challenges for HeyMama, forcing a shift from in-person to virtual community-building. This pivotal moment helped Katya redefine leadership for herself, emphasizing alignment between her energy, purpose, and impact.

5. Merging Spirituality and Leadership Out of this period of reflection emerged Katya’s latest venture, Divine Feminine Leaders (DFL) - which is soon to be rebranded as Jadeva. Combining spiritual wisdom with actionable leadership strategies, DFL is a “soulful sorority for women of impact.” Through masterminds, immersive experiences, and education, Katya empowers women to embrace their authentic selves while creating meaningful change.

6. Evolving Leadership Philosophy Katya now prioritizes collaboration over self-reliance. She attributes much of her success to knowing when to bring in experts and focus on collective wisdom, an approach she sees as essential for sustainable growth and leadership.

Katya’s vision for DFL  / Jadeva is expansive, with plans to grow from local chapters to a global movement. Her work is helping women leaders tap into their wisdom, power, and purpose, redefining what it means to lead authentically.

To learn more about Katya and Divine Feminine Leaders, follow them on Instagram @wearedfl or visit wearedfl.com. To connect with Nancy, follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram @sheesalt or connect on her nancysheed.com website.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to align their energy, purpose, and leadership style while making a meaningful impact.

Tune in to this episode with Lila Sullivan, president and co-founder of Flourish Plant, for an engaging discussion about entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating a business rooted in sustainability and care. Lila shares her journey from science fairs at Darien High School to building an eco-conscious plant care company with her childhood best friend, Kate Ferguson.

Lila and Kate's entrepreneurial roots trace back to their high school years, where they bonded over science research and competitions. Their shared passion for science and nature sowed the seeds for Flourish Plant. Frustration with synthetic fertilizers motivated Kate to envision a sustainable, non-toxic alternative; the beginnings of Flourish Plant.

Lila brings her experience as an executive recruiter to the table, calling it her "mini MBA." Her expertise in understanding business growth, combined with Kate's creativity, has been instrumental in building Flourish. The pair moved to Austin, Texas, a hub for innovation, where they launched their first product: Flourish Organic Houseplant Fertilizer.

Flourish's flagship product is made from food waste and byproducts, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Their innovative approach includes a liquid concentrate formula, designed for simplicity and effectiveness.

Starting with a direct-to-consumer model, the team quickly pivoted to wholesale, building relationships with over 250 independent plant stores and garden centers. Their hard work culminated in being featured in Whole Foods, now available in 300 stores across multiple states.

Lila credits their success to building relationships, networking, and staying true to their vision, emphasizing patience and action:

Lila shares invaluable lessons from her journey:

1. Network Relentlessly: Seek advice from those who have succeeded in similar spaces.

2. Stay True to Your Vision: Balance external advice with your internal goals and resources.

3. Active Patience: Understand that growth takes time and requires consistent effort.

With new products in the pipeline and plans to expand into grocery and online marketplaces, Flourish Plant is poised for continued growth. Their mission remains clear: to provide sustainable, high-quality plant care products wherever plants are sold.

Find Flourish and Lila: 

Flourish Plant Website

Flourish Plant Instagram 

Lila Sullivan on LinkedIn

Connect with Nancy

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Starting a business can be a winding journey filled with unexpected turns. For Joanna Shu, co-founder of FreezeNit Inc, her path from finance to founding a life sciences company aimed at combating head lice was anything but traditional. Joanna recently shared her entrepreneurial journey with HAYVN Hubcast host Nancy Sheed, offering valuable insights on career pivots, resilience, and startup fundraising.

Joanna’s career began in finance at Fidelity’s trading desk, but she soon realized it wasn’t her true passion. Following her interest in skincare, she launched Refresh Skin Therapy, a natural skincare brand that gained retail success at stores like Costco and Walmart. After Shu sold her interest to her business partner, she faced the challenge of redefining her career. What do you do once you’ve been a CEO? 

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to partner with Dr. Carol Spangler Vaughan, whose scientific research on cooling technology inspired the idea behind FreezeNit, a device using CO2 gas to treat head lice. Despite not having a background in biology, Joanna leveraged her expertise in consumer products to cofound FreezeNit. 

Like many entrepreneurs, Joanna found significant hurdles to fundraising, especially as a female-led startup in a competitive life sciences market. She explained that less than 2% of venture capital goes to female founders. Facing the odds, she embarked on a pitch competition tour, earning seven checks from various contests including the most recent HAYVN Hatch event! 

Takeaways from Joanna’s journey:

• Embrace Feedback and Adaptability: Joanna emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback and staying open to new approaches as key elements of her entrepreneurial journey.

• Leverage Support Systems: She actively participates in accelerators and collaborates with pitch coaches to refine her skills and gain valuable insights.

• Seek Innovative Tools: Joanna uses cutting-edge resources like AI-based feedback tools, including Virtual Sapiens, to enhance her pitch performance and drive progress for FreezeNit.

The company is now navigating FDA approval while Joanna is laying the groundwork for strategic partnerships with urgent care centers and lice treatment services. Her dream is to see the FreezeNit device on store shelves, bringing a non-toxic, efficient lice treatment option to families.

Joanna’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to embracing change, leveraging past experiences, and persisting through obstacles. She sees FreezeNit as a great resource for families, providing a solution for a problem that’s not life-threatening, but one that can cause chaos and is often misunderstood. Staying curious, creative and flexible is part of her on-going strategy to bring FreezeNit to market. 

Connect with Joanna Shu on LinkedIn

FreezeNit website

Connect with Nancy:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

What does it take to pivot from a promising medical career to inventing a product that could revolutionize motherhood? In this episode, host Nancy Sheed chats with Pia McGrath, founder of Ainara Designs, about her remarkable journey of reinvention. From her beginnings as a medical student in Spain to becoming an entrepreneur driven by creativity and necessity, Pia’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of asking, “What do I truly want?” Tune in to hear how she turned personal challenges into opportunities, creating a groundbreaking necklace for breastfeeding moms and building a business from scratch.

McGrath’s journey began with her dream of becoming a surgeon. She graduated from medical school in Spain in 2019 and moved to the U.S. with her husband. However, life had other plans. Amid the uncertainties of COVID-19 and her first pregnancy, Pia took a hard look at her future and realized medicine was not the right path.

“I finally stopped and asked myself, Pia, what do you want for you? And I had the courage to answer that correctly.”

Motherhood and its challenges reignited Pia’s creative spark. Struggling with the complexities of breastfeeding, she designed a functional yet elegant necklace that helps lift a mother’s shirt during nursing, eliminating the need for extra hands.

Starting from basically nothing, Pia leveraged free resources like SCORE, the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, and UConn’s IP Clinic. Despite facing product development hurdles, she pressed on with determination, eventually securing several grants through pitch competitions.

With final product samples on the way, Pia is preparing for a big launch. She also has filed a non-provisional patent to bring her innovation to market, fueled by the support of mentors, family, and the HAYVN community.

Pia’s advice is heartfelt and practical:

• Be Resourceful: Use every free resource available.

• Network: Building connections is invaluable.

• Stay Curious: Learn constantly and ask questions.

• Take Care of Yourself: Especially for new moms, self-care is essential.

Pia also shares that the HAYVN energy and community has given her the belief that anything really is possible. Her path may be unpredictable and the support from everyone has been key in her belief and confidence moving forward. 

Connect with Pia:

Ainara Designs 

[email protected]

Instagram

SCORE 

Connect with Nancy:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Ever wish parenting came with a playbook? In this episode we hear from Andrea Anderson, a conscious parenting consultant, coach, and author, and explore the transformative practice of conscious parenting. Andrea shares with host Nancy Sheed her personal journey, practical strategies, and holistic insights into supporting children with neurodiverse needs while creating a thriving family environment.

Andrea’s journey began with her two sons, both of whom are neurodiverse. She delved into nutrition, holistic health, and emotional well-being to support them better. She explains that she wanted to do everything possible to help her children thrive and never stopped looking for solutions and resources. 

Andrea discovered how nutrition plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and behavior. By incorporating the right foods, families can foster calmer, more connected environments. She wants parents to know how much food can make a difference. She encourages introducing foods gradually to see their effects and to accommodate personal tastes.  

She went to school to study holistic nutrition and how it could help her kids, and then began coaching others. She explains that our gut health and our emotional health are connected and helping others understand the way to minimize problems was just one step to less anxiety and healthier minds and bodies. 

She explains the concept of conscious parenting which involves a combination of mindset shifts, nervous system regulation, and emotional connection. Andrea emphasizes how even small changes made by parents can ripple through the family.  

Conscious parenting doesn’t require giving up on traditional medicine. Instead, Andrea’s approach complements other interventions, offering an avenue for parents to explore alternative ways to support their children and their own health. 

She reminds us that the “it takes a village” approach is a good one. She coaches people and encourages them to also talk with their doctor, understand what prescribed medications can do, and find the solutions and resources that work best for you. 

Connect with Andrea: 

Instagram

Website

Connect with Nancy:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram