Huntsville Hustle

What if the biggest thing stopping you from writing a book isn't your ability, but your mindset?

On this episode of Huntsville Hustle, Joe Martin sits down with Dr. La Tracey McDonald, founder of Black Authors Rock, to discuss entrepreneurship, overcoming self-doubt, and helping Black authors share their stories with the world.

From growing up in Minneapolis to building a platform that celebrates and supports Black writers, Dr. McDonald shares how faith, determination, and a willingness to take risks shaped her journey.

They discuss how aspiring authors can get started, why having a publishing and marketing strategy matters, and how to turn a book into multiple streams of income.

Whether you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or someone with a story worth telling, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to have everything figured out to get started.

Connect with Dr. La Tracey here: https://popl.co/card/Sb8aD6rC/2/dash

Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 500 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call ⁠(256) 225-7311⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

⁠⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD⁠

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. ⁠https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/⁠

What happens when missing a college test by just two points completely changes the direction of your life?

On this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast, Joe Martin sits down with Juliana Piper, Brazilian-born entrepreneur, owner of Piper Mache, co-founder of Madison Mompreneur, and the 2024 Madison Chamber Creator of the Year.

Juliana shares how she went from coming to the United States with little more than pocket money and a desire to learn English to building a career around web design, SEO, online visibility, and entrepreneurship in the Huntsville and Madison, Alabama area.

But this conversation goes well beyond her story.

Juliana explains why a small business website needs to do more than simply look good. She breaks down the importance of website structure, sales psychology, SEO, and the changing way customers are finding businesses through AI-powered search.

And if you've started hearing the term GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), Juliana explains why business owners should start paying attention.

Juliana's story is also a great reminder that the path to entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line. Sometimes the thing that doesn't work out becomes the thing that sends you exactly where you need to go next.

If you're a Huntsville or Madison small business owner, a mom building a business, or someone trying to figure out how to get your business found on Google and AI search, there's a lot to take away from this conversation.

Juliana Piper is also the co-founder of Madison Mompreneur, a community created to provide practical support, connection, education, coworking opportunities, and grants for moms building businesses.

Listen to the full conversation on the Huntsville Hustle Podcast and hear how Juliana turned an unexpected change in direction into a business, and a community, that continues to grow.

https://pipermache.com/

https://madisonmompreneur.com/

Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 500 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call ⁠(256) 225-7311⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

⁠⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD⁠

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. ⁠https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/

What does it really take to keep people safe without creating fear?

On this episode of Huntsville Hustle, Joe Martin sits down with Joshua Perr, owner of Hedge of Protection Security Service, to talk about security, leadership, situational awareness, and entrepreneurship in North Alabama.

Joshua shares how his military and corrections experience shaped his approach to protection, why de-escalation and understanding human behavior are critical to effective security, and why he hires for character and communication—not just toughness or experience.

They also discuss practical personal safety and situational awareness, Joshua's “prepared, not paranoid” philosophy, building a trustworthy security team, and how one simple conversation helped him land his first client.

A great conversation about Huntsville entrepreneurship, leadership, personal safety, security, and building a business around service and trust.

Find out more and work with Joshua here:https://hedgeofprotectionhsv.com/

Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 500 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call ⁠(256) 225-7311⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

⁠⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD⁠

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. ⁠https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/

What if improving your mental health isn't only about getting professional help but also about finding connection, belonging, and community?

On this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast, Joe Martin sits down with Janna Peterson, founder and executive director of 57 North Hampton, to talk about mental health, trauma, healing, community, and making mental health support more accessible.

Janna shares the deeply personal story behind 57 North Hampton and its mission of mental health competency for all. The name comes from Janna's childhood home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and represents something much bigger: confronting the past, healing from trauma, and deciding that unhealthy cycles can stop with us.

Janna also explains why the barriers to better mental health aren't always financial. Emotional, social, and spiritual barriers can also prevent people from seeking the support they need.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

• The mission behind 57 North Hampton

• The powerful story behind the organization's name

• How Janna's experiences shaped her passion for mental health

• Why unresolved trauma can continue affecting our lives and relationships

• The idea behind Cope, Learn, Thrive

• Why it's difficult to learn and grow when you're still trying to cope with pain

• The connection between community, belonging, and mental wellness

• Why kindness can be one of the simplest ways to create meaningful connection

• How stronger communities can support better mental health

One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is simple:

We weren't meant to go through everything alone.

Community matters. Belonging matters. And sometimes one of the most important steps toward better mental health is simply knowing there are people around you who care.

If you're interested in mental health in Huntsville, Alabama, trauma recovery, community wellness, nonprofit organizations, personal growth, or building stronger communities, this episode is for you.www.57NHampton.com
https://www.instagram.com/57northhampton/

Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 500 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call ⁠(256) 225-7311⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

⁠⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD⁠

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

What does it really take to turn a dream into a small business?

On this episode of Huntsville Hustle, Joe Martin sits down with Jessica Fischer, owner of Fancy Fisher Boutique in New Hope, Alabama, to talk entrepreneurship, taking risks, balancing business and family, and the realities of being a small business owner.

Jessica shares how she went from Etsy to opening her own boutique, why creating a personal shopping experience matters, and her vision for making Fancy Fisher a go-to local destination.

A great conversation about small business, entrepreneurship, community, and having the courage to chase an idea.

Be sure to check out Jessica's website: https://fancyfischer.com/

And it has all her social media links on the website as well.Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 500 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call (256) 225-7311 or visit ⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/

Tom Patterson knows there’s a lot more to great design than making something look good.

In this episode, Tom host of The Draft Room and a creative director with experience across the public and private sector breaks down what really goes on behind the creative process. We talk about working with clients, setting clear expectations, why understanding the “why” behind a brand matters, and how good communication can make or break a project.

Tom also shares some of his favorite local projects, including the rebranding of John Hunt Park and work with the Huntsville Museum of Art, plus a few Huntsville businesses he thinks are getting branding right.

If you’re a business owner, marketer, designer, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes of building a great brand, this one’s for you.

Make sure to check out The Draft Room Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FfNdiCbNZyK5On2mzkGf8?si=b0eea056c0284648

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draftroomshow/

Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 400 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call (256) 225-7311 or visit ⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

 ⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/

What does it really take to build a healthier life when you’re also running a business, raising a family, and juggling everything else?

In this episode of Huntsville Hustle, we sit down with Teri Porter, co-owner of Functional Chiropractic and Fitness 300, to talk about taking a more complete approach to health.

Teri shares why chiropractic care is about more than treating pain, why strength and movement become increasingly important as we age, and how small daily choices can add up to major changes over time.

They also dive into the connection between health and entrepreneurship, the importance of having coaches in your own life, and Teri’s personal journey from recreational runner to training for a 50K.

Her philosophy is simple:

“Health is everyday choices made well.”

A great conversation about getting stronger, taking care of yourself, and building a body (and life) that allows you to keep doing the things you love.

Connect and work with Teri and the Team:https://funchiropractic.com/

https://huntsville300.com/

Support our Sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 400 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call (256) 225-7311 or visit ⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

 ⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/

What does independence look like for an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability?

For Robin Kramer, founder of Next Step Farms, it looks like purpose, responsibility, confidence, and having the opportunity to contribute.

In this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast, Robin shares how Next Step Farms uses life on a working farm to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop practical skills and greater independence.

We talk about the daily routine at the farm, where participants work on teams focused on business management, cooking, gardening, animal care, and property maintenance. Robin also shares the challenges of starting a nonprofit, the importance of community support, and some of the life-changing moments she's witnessed along the way.

You'll also hear why employment, responsibility, and simply being given the opportunity to succeed can have such a powerful impact.

This episode is about much more than farming.

It's about giving people the tools, confidence, and opportunities to take their next step toward independence.

Next Step Farms

nextstepfarms.org

Next Step Farms Office is open Monday through Friday 8am-3:30pm, and you can expect a response within 48 hours on weekdays.
Our doors open to clients at 8:15, with our program ending at 3:00.

Next Step Farms is a 501c3 organization.

Tax ID: 83- 4389587256-993-2561

Facility address: 465 Smith Vasser Rd, Harvest, Al 35749
Business

Mailing Address: 106 Canoebrook Lane, HSV, Al 35806Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 400 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call (256) 225-7311 or visit ⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here: ⁠

https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/

In this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast, host Joe Martin sits down with Brad Robison, founder of Teufel Hunden Customs, to talk about entrepreneurship, creativity, 3D printing, and turning an unexpected hobby into a growing Huntsville business.

Brad's journey into 3D printing in Huntsville, Alabama started during COVID, when he found himself at home with his young son and looking for a creative outlet. What started as something to pass the time quickly turned into something much bigger.

Today, Teufel Hunden Customs produces professional custom 3D-printed creations ranging from large-scale sculptures and functional parts to projects you probably never imagined could be 3D printed.

One of those projects? Creating a custom train model of The Orion Amphitheater for Rod Stewart.

Brad also shares how his background in the United States Marine Corps shaped the way he approaches entrepreneurship, problem-solving and adversity. His philosophy is simple: treat everything like a moving target. When circumstances change, you adjust, pivot and keep moving forward.

Joe and Brad also discuss the difference between hobby-level and professional 3D printing, Brad's work creating adaptive equipment, including mobility solutions for children, and why some of his most meaningful projects aren't necessarily the biggest ones.

In this episode:

• How Brad discovered 3D printing during COVID
• Turning a hobby into Teufel Hunden Customs
• Building a small business in Huntsville, Alabama
• Professional and large-scale 3D printing
• Creating an Orion Amphitheater model for Rod Stewart
• Using 3D printing to solve real-world problems
• Brad's work on adaptive and mobility equipment
• How the Marine Corps prepared Brad for entrepreneurship
• Learning to pivot when things don't go according to plan
• The creativity and problem-solving behind custom fabrication
• Huntsville's growing community of makers, creators and entrepreneurs

Brad Robison's story is a great example of what Huntsville Hustle is all about: Huntsville entrepreneurs taking an idea, putting in the work, figuring things out along the way, and creating something uniquely their own.

Follow/Work With Bradwww.Teufelhundencustoms.com
instagram: @teufelhundencustoms
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Teufel-Hunden-Customs-61585117918468/

Subscribe to the Huntsville Hustle Podcast for more conversations with the entrepreneurs, small business owners, creators and people shaping Huntsville and the Rocket City.

Please support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 400 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call (256) 225-7311 or visit ⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here: ⁠

https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/

In this week's episode, we sit down with Jade Greene, a multi-faceted entrepreneur and cast member of Nextville, a reality show spotlighting Huntsville's vibrant business scene. Jade shares her journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and the community that supports her along the way.

Jade's venture into the beauty industry was somewhat serendipitous. "The beauty bar thing, if I'm honest, it kind of fell in my lap," she explains. With her background as a celebrity wardrobe stylist, she found an opportunity when a friend needed help running her beauty bar. Jade's family stepped in to support her, showcasing the power of collaboration and community in entrepreneurship.

Jade’s mother has been her rock throughout this journey, always supporting her ideas, no matter how ambitious. Together, they transformed a space into a thriving beauty bar, highlighting the importance of family and teamwork in business.

After nearly two years in the beauty industry, Jade is considering a pivot back to fashion. "I think I'm gonna go completely fashion," she shares, reflecting on her previous success with an online clothing store. With plans for a brick-and-mortar store in a high-traffic area, Jade is ready to embrace new challenges.

As a wardrobe stylist, Jade emphasizes the importance of understanding her clients. "First, we have a full-blown consultation. You want to get to know your client and what they like." This approach not only enhances her clients' styles but also builds their confidence.

Jade's involvement in Nextville was driven by a desire to showcase the stories of black entrepreneurs in Huntsville. "It's showing business life, but it's also showing real people, real everyday life running businesses," she explains. This show is not just about glamor; it's about the challenges and triumphs faced by women in business.

The show aims to inspire viewers by highlighting diverse stories and real-life challenges, proving that entrepreneurship is within reach for everyone.

Tune in to Nextville on August 23rd at 7 PM on YouTube to see Jade and her fellow entrepreneurs in action. It's an opportunity to witness the dynamic landscape of small businesses in Huntsville and perhaps find inspiration for your own journey.

Follow Jade on her social media platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohsojade__/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jade.a.greene

And make sure you subscribe to SkyChase Entertainment's YouTube Channel to catch the season 2 premiere on August 23rd at 7pm. https://www.youtube.com/@SkyChaseEntSupport our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 400 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call (256) 225-7311 or visit ⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here: ⁠

https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.  

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/