It's our Season 1 finale — and we're going out with everything we've learned. After 9 months and dozens of incredible interviews, I reflect on the lessons, stories, and moments that defined this season before heading into a maternity pause. 🎉

THE BIG LESSONS FROM SEASON 1

✨ God orders our steps. Trust the timing, even when it doesn't make sense. (Thank you, Alyssa, for a phrase that carried us all season.)

✨ Women build differently. They don't just create products — they create solutions, spaces, and impact. Mel (Tobiq), Shannon & Ash (House of Foils) all proved it.

✨ Look in the mirror. If you keep hitting the same wall, the fix might be a small adjustment — not a whole new strategy. Lesson from Danielle.

✨ Stay in your lane. Comparison will take you out. You choose what success looks like. — Bailey, Bailey Rae Studios

✨ Start before you're ready. Elise (Beehive Meals) started with freezer meals and hit $10K her first day. Tess Frame says: if you feel nudged, just do it. Who God calls, He qualifies.

✨ The fake orchid story. Kimber (Pearl Pop) spent years faithfully caring for an orchid — one ice cube a week, perfect lighting, even a babysitter — only to discover it was fake the whole time. God didn't care. He was proud of her for showing up anyway. Sometimes we just need one small thing to hold onto.

✨ Rhythm, not rush. Life has seasons — to build, to rest, to push, to pull back. Stop fighting the rhythm and you'll feel aligned instead of exhausted. — Amy, The Inherit Co.

✨ Give back. Every single woman this season gave back to their community. Every one. When women support each other with intention, the growth is exponential.

✨ Consent is everyone's conversation. Liliana (UCASA) reminded us — this isn't just a women's issue. Find your state's Coalition Against Sexual Assault and get involved.

✨ Shop with intention. Women drive the majority of spending. If we shifted even a small percentage toward women-owned businesses, we wouldn't just change businesses — we'd change lives.

"Start the thing. Trust the timing. Your life is layered too — and it matters more than you think."

Season 2 is coming. We'll see you on the other side. 🌿

What if a piece of clothing could remind someone in their darkest moment that they are still worth caring for? That's the question behind today's guest — and the answer she's building her entire business around.

I'm sitting down with Lauren Bean, founder of Unfinished Apparel, and I went into this conversation knowing very little about her brand. What came out of the next hour completely moved me.

Lauren grew up outside Philadelphia in a household where both parents were CEOs. She watched them pour everything into their companies and swore she'd never do the same. Instead, she set her sights on songwriting and enrolled at Belmont University in Nashville — the only school she applied to. Then COVID hit. She got sick. Her vocal cords were affected by a connective tissue disorder she'd been managing for years, and doctors gave her a hard choice: keep singing until your voice gives out, or stop now and preserve what you have.

She stopped. And in losing the thing she thought defined her, she found something she never saw coming.

In this episode, Lauren walks me through the spiral of chronic illness, the mental health crisis that followed, and the moment she almost checked herself into inpatient psychiatric care — until she heard what that experience actually looked like. Patients being stripped of their clothes. Handed see-through paper scrubs. Left exposed and dehumanized in their most vulnerable moments.

That image never left her.

With a secondhand embroidery machine bought off Facebook Marketplace from a woman at a gas station, Lauren started selling clothing to fund something that felt a little crazy at the time: getting psychiatric patients out of paper scrubs and into clothing that made them feel human again. One TikTok post later, thousands of people responded — and Unfinished Apparel was born.

We also talk about the hard pivots. There was a season where Lauren leaned away from the mission and into fashion, chasing revenue so she could eventually get back to the hospitals. It wasn't working. Then one Sunday, her pastor looked up and said, "You were not put here to make money. You were put here to make a difference." She knew exactly who that was for.

Lauren is now a new mom to a three-month-old, navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood and entrepreneurship simultaneously — and she's the first to say it's made her better at both.

This one is for every woman who has had her plans completely rerouted, who's wondered if what she's building actually matters, and who needs the reminder that none of us are finished yet.

In this episode:

• How chronic illness derailed Lauren's songwriting career and led to a mental health crisis
• What she discovered about psychiatric care — and why paper scrubs cause more harm than most people know
• How a Facebook Marketplace embroidery machine became the seed of a mission-driven brand
• Why pivoting is not failure — it's wisdom
• What happened when she chased revenue over purpose, and how she found her way back
• How motherhood has made her a sharper, more grounded business owner

Connect with Lauren & Unfinished Apparel: https://unfinishedapparelstore.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a nurse, a psychology student, a healthcare worker, or any woman in your life who needs the reminder that her story isn't finished. Leave a review, follow Her Layered Life, and come back next week for another conversation that goes all the way to the layers.

Because her life is layered — and her influence can change the world.

Growth doesn't always feel like growth when you're in it. Sometimes it feels like stretching, doubt, or wondering if you're doing enough. This episode is for every missionary, every mission mom, and every family walking through that sacred, layered season of becoming.

I sat down with Jennie Dildine — missionary coach, mental health advocate, and host of the LDS Mission Podcast — for an honest, deeply personal conversation about what really happens on a mission and after one. And I'll be honest, this one hit close to home.

• Why the hardest parts of a mission are rarely talked about — and why that needs to change
• The one thing Jennie tells every missionary preparing to leave: learn how to be uncomfortable
• What actually causes the "loss of purpose" when missionaries come home — and how to shift it
• The power of normalize, validate, repeat — a simple framework for mission parents
• How to help a missionary in a slow, monotonous area find meaning again
• Why anxiety on a mission is neurologically normal — and how to stop treating it like a crisis
• The difference between a missionary who's thriving and one who's spiraling (hint: it's not about working harder)
• Jennie's take on coming home early — and why she never uses the word "early"
• How trusting God and trusting yourself are more connected than we think
• The Brother of Jared and co-creating a life with God

For Missionaries: "You can't do it wrong. God will use you the way He created you — you aren't meant to be your companion or a different version of your district leader."

For Mission Parents: Normalize. Validate. Repeat. — When your missionary is struggling, resist the urge to fix it. What they need most is to feel seen.

For Returned Missionaries: "Your purpose in life is not the mission. That was one step to make you who you're meant to be — and now you get to decide what's next."

Jennie is a certified life coach with nearly 7 years of experience working with missionaries, returned missionaries, and mission families. She runs a Mission Prep Plus program focused on internal tools — mindset, emotional processing, confidence, and identity — so missionaries can navigate anything the field throws at them.

🎙 Podcast: LDS Mission Podcast (250+ episodes) 🌐 Website: jenniedildine.com 📱 Instagram: @jenniedildine

Charlee and I read through the viral comments on our Halftee video — and unpack what "modesty" actually means.

After our Halftee transition video hit 14 million views on Facebook, my daughter Charlee and I sat down to go through the wildest, funniest, and most thought-provoking comments we received. From G-string comparisons to Dickie debates, we cover the full spectrum of modesty, the layering-as-fashion argument, and why showing the product was the best business decision I ever made. Plus — I let slip a little surprise announcement about Charlee (she's going to kill me).

"Well I can take a G-string bikini and call it a modesty G-string. It doesn't really change the coverage of the garment."

My take: there's a big difference between bum cheeks and a Halftee.

"I'm not a modest person really, and I think this is an exceptional idea. I hate shirts writing up under — plus it can be sold two ways."

Not about modesty at all — just a functional layering solution, and I love it.

"You're literally wearing them as a crop top in every single post — not very modest."

I explain why I made the decision to model the product myself — and why I'd make the same call again.

"These are called Dickies."

Charlee says a Halftee is the new and improved Dickie. I say a Dickie is the G-string of layering pieces.

"I think modesty means different things for different people. Celebrating our options is the rad thing to do."

Our favorite comment — it sums up everything we were trying to say.

Modesty is relative — what's scandalous in Utah is completely normal in Hawaii or Brazil. Layering is a fashion statement, not a compromise. You can't sell an undergarment by hiding it. And if you wait long enough, most skeptics come around.

In this episode of Her Layered Life, I sit down with Mimi Bascom—a faith-driven content creator known for her modest fashion, motherhood content, and honest conversations around belief, identity, and community.

Mimi’s content feels grounding, intentional, and real—and in this conversation, we go far beyond social media. We talk about what it actually looks like to balance motherhood, creativity, faith, and ambition… without losing yourself in the process.

From navigating comparison as a creator to embracing your personal rhythm in different seasons of life, this episode is full of perspective shifts every woman needs to hear.

We also dive into:

• How Mimi structures her days as a mom of two while still creating content
• The tension between comparison vs. collaboration in the creator space
• What it means to stay authentic online—even when facing criticism
• Why your “season” and “rhythm” matter more than anyone else’s
• How faith influences daily habits, decisions, and content creation
• The evolution from modest fashion creator to faith-based voice
• Having hard conversations online with grace and intention
• Letting go of metrics—and redefining success through impact

This episode is a reminder that your life doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful.

Your rhythm is yours.
Your voice matters.
And your influence—no matter how big or small—is powerful.

• How to stop comparing and start creating
• Why collaboration is the antidote to competition
• How to build a platform rooted in purpose, not pressure
• The importance of honoring your current season of life
• How to stay grounded when life (and social media) feels overwhelming

Before we begin, a content note: this episode includes discussion of sexual assault and sexual violence, which may be difficult or triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself as you listen. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are included below.

Today’s episode is different—but it’s one of the most important conversations we can have.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this episode is about more than awareness. It’s about education, prevention, and protecting the people we love.

I’m joined by Lily Arbon, Director of the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA), an organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence, supporting survivors, and strengthening communities through education, advocacy, and resources.

This conversation opened my eyes in so many ways—not just as a business owner, but as a mother, a community member, and a woman navigating what it means to create safe spaces for the people around me.

Because the truth is:
Sexual violence is more common than we think, and far too often, it goes unspoken.

• What UCASA is and the role it plays in prevention, advocacy, and support
• Why sexual violence is one of the most underreported crimes
• The reality that most perpetrators are known and trusted individuals
• How to start conversations about consent (at every age)
• Why consent goes beyond sexual relationships and shows up in everyday life
• The importance of educating children on boundaries and respect
• The role parents play in creating safe, open conversations
• Cultural barriers that keep us from talking about sexual violence
• The impact of dating apps and modern relationship dynamics
• Why we must start by believing survivors
• How community, education, and awareness can prevent violence

We all have a role to play.

Prevention doesn’t just happen through organizations—it happens in our homes, in our friendships, in our communities, and in the conversations we choose to have (or avoid).

You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference.
You just have to be willing to listen, learn, and speak up.

• Follow your local sexual assault coalition or advocacy organization
• Find and support your local rape crisis center
• Volunteer, donate, or share educational resources
• Start conversations about consent, boundaries, and respect in your home
• Be a safe place for someone to come to

Sometimes it’s as simple as saying:
“I believe you. I’m here for you.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, support is available.

If you’re in Utah, you can also connect with UCASA’s statewide sexual violence helpline.

Sexual violence thrives in silence.
But awareness, education, and community have the power to change that.

When we choose to have these conversations—when we choose to listen, believe, and act—we create safer homes, stronger communities, and a better future for the next generation.

If this episode moved you or taught you something new, share it with someone.
Because awareness is where prevention begins.

In this episode of Her Layered Life, I’m joined by Celeste Dahl, founder of Desert Sage Swimwear, a brand rethinking what modest swimwear can look and feel like for real women in real life.

Celeste shares how her journey into entrepreneurship began after becoming a mom and struggling to find swimwear that felt both functional and flattering. What started as a personal problem turned into a growing brand built on confidence, coverage, and intentional design.

We talk about the vulnerability women often feel around swimwear, the reality of building a business without formal experience, and how entrepreneurship stretches you far beyond your comfort zone. Celeste also opens up about body image, motherhood, comparison, staying true to your mission, and what it looks like to create products that genuinely serve women.

This conversation is honest, encouraging, and such a powerful reminder that women-owned businesses are often born from real needs, real frustrations, and a real desire to make life better for other women.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Desert Sage Swimwear began
• Redefining modest swimwear for modern women
• Postpartum body changes and confidence
• Starting a business with no fashion or business background
• Learning manufacturing, design, and sizing from scratch
• Why comparison can be so damaging in entrepreneurship
• Staying rooted in your values while trends shift
• Building a brand that solves real problems for women
• Balancing motherhood, business, and everyday life

Favorite reminder from this episode:
Confidence isn’t about having the perfect body. It’s about knowing who you are in it.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, your sister, or another woman in business. When women support women intentionally, we all rise.

In today’s solo episode of Her Layered Life, I’m sharing one of the layers of my life that has shaped me deeply—coaching girls basketball.

Basketball has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing sports, eventually earned a full-ride scholarship to play college basketball, and now I’ve spent nearly a decade coaching young women at the high school level.

But this episode isn’t really about basketball.

It’s about confidence, resilience, leadership, and learning how to show up in life—even when it’s hard.

Through my experiences as an athlete, a mom of eight, a business owner, and a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful sports can be in shaping young women.

Research shows that girls who participate in sports develop higher confidence, stronger self-esteem, and lower rates of depression. Even more interesting, 94% of women in C-suite leadership roles played sports at some point in their lives.

So what is it about sports that shapes girls in such powerful ways?

In this episode, I share three reasons I believe every girl should experience team sports and how those lessons translate far beyond the court.

Sports teach girls how to show up—even when they’re tired, sore, embarrassed, or not feeling their best. Learning to move through difficult emotions instead of being stopped by them builds resilience that lasts a lifetime.

Healthy competition inside a team environment teaches girls how to push each other to be better, celebrate each other’s success, and support teammates even when they’re the one sitting on the bench.

There is something powerful about a young girl stepping onto a court or field knowing people came to watch her play. Girls deserve spaces where they are supported, invested in, and celebrated.

I also share some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a coach—including what one of my hardest losing seasons taught me and why I believe the process matters more than the outcome.

Because in sports—and in life—the journey is the point.

If we only love the outcome and not the process, we’ll spend a lot of our lives feeling disappointed. But if we learn to enjoy the journey, we can find joy almost everywhere we go.

Share it with:

• a parent raising daughters
• a coach mentoring young athletes
• a young girl learning to believe in herself

Because when girls step onto a court, a field, or a track, they’re not just playing a game.

They’re learning resilience.
They’re learning confidence.
They’re learning how to lead and support one another.

And those lessons don’t stay in the gym—they follow them into their families, communities, careers, and leadership.

Her life is layered. And her influence can change the world.

What if getting dressed could change how you show up in your life?

In this episode of Her Layered Life, Amanda Barker sits down with Lucy Hutchins (Lucy Bergström) — personal stylist, thrifting advocate, and founder of a style community built around intentional fashion.

Lucy’s work focuses on something deeper than clothes. She helps women reconnect with confidence, navigate changing bodies, and build wardrobes that actually support real life.

But Lucy’s journey to styling wasn’t linear.

From launching a thrift business with her husband to navigating miscarriage, postpartum identity shifts, and rebuilding her own sense of purpose, Lucy shares the real layers behind building a life and business that feels aligned.

Together, Amanda and Lucy talk about sustainability, the power of secondhand fashion, motherhood, identity, and why women deserve to feel good about themselves — every single day.

This episode is a reminder that style isn’t superficial. It’s personal, emotional, and deeply connected to how we show up in the world.

• Lucy’s journey from fashion school to becoming a personal stylist
• Why thrifting and secondhand fashion matter more than ever
• The business she built with her husband (and how it evolved)
• Navigating miscarriage, postpartum depression, and identity shifts
• Why women often lose themselves when becoming mothers
• Learning to trust the process when life feels out of control
• The emotional side of getting dressed
• Why women deserve to feel confident in every stage of life
• Lucy’s “6–7 point outfit rule” for instantly improving an outfit

The 6–7 Point Outfit Rule

If your outfit feels unfinished, count the visual elements.

Example:
Top + pants + shoes = 3 points

Add pieces like:
• Layering pieces
• Jewelry
• Fun shoes or socks
• A statement bag
• A jacket or layering Halftee

Aim for 6–7 visual points to create a more intentional outfit.

Lucy Hutchins is a Utah-based personal stylist and fashion educator focused on helping women feel confident through intentional style.

Her work centers around:

• Sustainable fashion
• Thrifting and secondhand clothing
• Body-positive wardrobe building
• Helping women reconnect with personal style

Lucy also runs a membership style community and podcast where she shares deeper conversations about fashion, culture, and identity.

Women deserve to love themselves — not just in big ways, but in everyday moments.

From how they get dressed to how they spend their time, every woman deserves space for the things that make her feel confident, creative, and fully herself.

Instagram: @lucybhutchins

In this in-person conversation, we sit down with Lindsay White, founder of The Little Milk Bar—a woman who embodies the “layered life” mission through entrepreneurship, advocacy, athletics, and community leadership. Lindsay shares the moment that sparked her brand: the isolating reality of early breastfeeding, the pressure to “go somewhere private,” and the confidence shift that changed everything. What started as empowering merch became a movement and eventually evolved into essential products (like the Allie Bra, designed for sleep and real-life nursing).

We also talk about how an athletic upbringing builds grit, exactness, and leadership—and why those lessons translate directly into business and motherhood. Lindsay opens up about why she believes in collaboration over competition (and the marketing principle behind it), how she runs joint PR boxes with other brands, and why making it easy for others to say “yes” is a power strategy.

Finally, she shares how she gives back to the community that raised her, what it means to make “God goals,” and how she honors all her layers without burning out—through support systems, therapy, grace, and ownership when she drops the ball.

• The moment Lindsay decided breastfeeding culture needed to change
• How isolation affects postpartum mental health (and how confidence shifts everything)
• “Permission to feed at the table”: education + empowerment as a business mission
• Starting with empowering graphic tees (and why the message mattered more than the shirt)
• How The Little Milk Bar evolved into essentials like the Allie Bra
• The “two-shirt method” for breastfeeding in public
• The athlete-to-entrepreneur pipeline: grit, discipline, exactness, leadership
• Collaboration over competition and the fast-food “cluster” marketing concept
• Joint PR boxes + giveaways (splitting cost, splitting shipping, splitting the win)
• Giving back to low-income schools and athletes: small needs, huge impact
• Bootstrapping product launches: domino effect funding + faith + timing
• Manifestation as focus: affirmations + daily goal-writing + aligned action
• Burnout prevention: support systems, therapy, self-grace, and accountability
• Rapid-fire wrap: habits, lessons learned, and how women can support women better

• “I wanted to be the best friend I didn’t have—someone to tell new moms, you can feed right here.”
• “It’s not about the product. It’s what it represents—confidence, permission, and a community behind you.”
• “Athletes learn to do hard things even at their worst. Motherhood is the epitome of that.”
• “Collaboration works when you’re confident in what you do. There’s room for everybody.”
• “Sometimes it’s not about massive donations—it’s about filling the smallest needs.”
• “Manifesting isn’t magic. It’s focus. If the goal stays in front of you, your decisions change.”