Hill Country Business Podcast

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Journey with us to the heart of Dripping Springs as we explore Quantum Pilates with Samantha Rubino Lloyd. Learn about her Italian roots, passion for Pilates, and the unique approach that sets her studio apart. 🌿✨ #HillCountryPodcast #CommunitySpotlight #HillCountryPodcast #PilatesJourney

In this episode of the Hill Country Business Podcast, host interviews Samantha Rubino Lloyd, an Italian-born former CEO of her family’s bookbinding company and a longtime professional ballerina who later found her path in Pilates. After closing the business in 2013, struggling to find work due to being “overqualified,” and grieving her mother’s death, she moved to the U.S., studied English and Pilates certification, and followed a long-held vision her mother encouraged. Samantha shares how she opened Quantum Pilates Studio in Dripping Springs in February 2024, her focus on anatomy, biomechanics, breathing, isometric work, injury prevention, and individualized assessment before group classes. She discusses differences between mat and reformer Pilates, who Pilates is and isn’t for, and the challenges and community support of starting a business in the U.S.

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:21 Samantha Intro

01:07 Italy Roots

01:39 Family Bookbinding

02:50 Growing Business

03:43 Ballerina Career

04:58 Injury Turning Point

07:45 Lessons From Dad

09:47 Overqualified In Italy

13:10 Finding Pilates Path

15:32 Moving To Texas

16:55 Opening Quantum Pilates

19:38 Pilates Philosophy

20:28 Breathing Basics

23:53 Modern Pilates Adaptations

25:53 Studio Experience

30:29 Personalized Training

31:29 Required One On One

32:34 Client Intake Screening

33:10 Posture and Muscle Testing

34:29 Mat Classes Over Reformer

36:01 Mat vs Reformer Debate

39:01 Building Strength and Breathing

41:11 Pilates Limits and Injuries

43:34 Men in Pilates Myths

44:18 Isometrics and Recovery Story

46:14 Specialized Certifications

47:53 Sauna vs Cold Plunge

48:57 Finding Your Right Teacher

51:56 Starting Business as Immigrant

55:44 Contact and Studio Details

56:32 Dog Mascot and Farewell

57:42 Podcast Wrap Up

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Local towing heroes! 🚛 Discover how Wimberley Towing started and grew into a community favorite. Tune into Shawn & Sara's journey of service and innovation in the Hill Country, hear the story of Wimberley Towing, and their commitment to the community. It's more than just a tow—it’s about connection. #HillCountryHeroes #TowingStory  #WimberleyTowing #LocalBusiness

https://wimberleytowing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wimberleytowingcompany

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Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Jen and Tricia, the powerhouse duo behind The Girly Birds. What started as a friendship in dental hygiene school has grown into a thriving beauty business offering everything from brows and permanent jewelry to fine-line tattoos. In this episode, you’ll hear how they turned passion into a brand, built a strong connection with the community, and continue to grow while keeping friendship at the heart of their success.

https://www.thegirlybirds.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thegirlybirds/

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In this episode, we sit down with Tammy Afriat—certified parent coach, group facilitator, mother of three, and founder of Bonding Boost. Tammy helps parents create harmony at home through Love and Limits—an approach that blends compassion with structure, with no yelling and no parental guilt.

We discuss Tammy's transition from engineering to parent coaching, the power of setting boundaries to shift family dynamics from chaos to calm, and how that leads to deeper connection, smoother daily routines, and fewer power struggles. We also touch on how to handle parenting misalignments between spouses with more clarity and cooperation.

Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or simply curious about what Love and Limits looks like in real life—this conversation is for you.

Want to learn more about "Love and limits"?

• Visit https://bondingboost.com
• Join Tammy's next workshop 
• Connect with Tammy on: Instagram I Facebook I LinkedIn I Playground Talks Podcast I Youtube

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The Hill Country Business Podcast features Joan Daniels, a business and life coach, as she shares her journey from a career in physical therapy to establishing her own coaching company, Dream Catalyst. Joan discusses her background, the transition to direct sales, and how she discovered her passion for coaching and public speaking. She highlights the significance of mindset, the impact of limiting beliefs, and her unique approach to coaching, which blends life and business guidance. Joan also talks about her workshops, group coaching, and future plans while emphasizing the importance of networking, personal growth, and faith in her work.

https://dream-catalyst.com/

https://www.instagram.com/joandanielsdreamcatalyst/

https://www.facebook.com/Dreamcatalystcoach

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Preserving Driftwood's Legacy with Denton Ragland | Hill Country Business Podcast

Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Hill Country Business Podcast as we sit down with Denton Ragland, a dedicated volunteer with the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society. Denton shares the rich history of his family's legacy in Driftwood, Texas, dating back to 1867, and their ongoing efforts to preserve the area's natural beauty, rural charm, and historical significance. Learn about the conservation easements that safeguard his family’s historic home and ranch, the origins of Driftwood and Onion Creek, and the community’s deep-rooted spirit of stewardship and collaboration. This episode is a fascinating glimpse into how a community preserves its heritage and fosters a sense of belonging for future generations.

https://www.driftwoodhcs.org/

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Hello, Welcome to Glow Acupuncture! Corinna Shen is the owner and practitioner of Glow Acupuncture.  She has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 20 years.  Her mission is to help you discover your inner radiance through the transformative power of acupuncture, herbal remedies, and holistic living practices.  Let her guide you on your journey to finding your glow in life.

Please call or text at (512) 538-5686 to schedule an appointment.

https://www.glowacupuncturetx.com/

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📚 Exploring unique education paths? Tune in to hear Sarah Pevehouse's inspiring journey with Apogee Dripping Springs and redefining education through innovative micro-high schools. From freedom-based learning to personalized mentoring, discover how they're transforming high school education with personalized learning, project-based themes, and mentorship programs. Join us in nurturing capable, independent young leaders.  #InnovationInEducation #HillCountry #Education #Freedom #MicroHighSchool #ApogeeDrippingSprings

 https://www.apogeedrippingsprings.com/

[email protected]

https://hillcountrypodcastatx.com/

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Today we are joined by Dr. Paul Jones who’s going to share his insight about preventative care and optimum well-being.   In this episode you will discover thoughtful tips and proactive steps to ensure all of us remain one step ahead when it relates to our health. So start your health journey today as he shares about how you can lead a healthier life. Let’s welcome Dr Paul Jones.  Call to schedule today: 512-612-5882

 https://optimumwellbeing.org/

https://hillcountrypodcastatx.com/

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Join us as we sit down with Ross Nearberg, the owner and manager of Beerburg Events. In this episode, Ross shares the journey of creating a family-owned event venue with an in-house brewery in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Discover the inspiration behind Beerburg, why it's a perfect venue for both private events and brewing aficionados, and how Beerburg transitioned to a community-focused event space post-pandemic. Ross discusses the importance of connected experiences, integrating native ingredients in brewing, and their commitment to community engagement through innovative event hosting and unique beer offerings. Don't miss his incredible story of passion, creativity, and resilience!

 https://beerburgbrewing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BeerburgBrewing

https://www.instagram.com/beerburgevents/

00:00 Welcome to the Hill Country Business Podcast

00:48 Introducing Beerberg Brewing

01:48 Discovering a Passion for Beer

04:16 The Journey into Brewing

07:02 Building a Brewery from Scratch

24:02 Challenges and Changes Post-COVID

27:55 The Struggles and Hard Decisions

28:27 A New Beginning at Beerburg

29:41 Embracing Creativity and Fun

32:15 Transforming Beerburg into an Event Venue

42:41 Community Engagement and Support

49:45 Contact and Social Media Information