Leveling Up with Lindsay

In this episode of 'Leveling Up with Lindsay,' host Lindsay sits down with Melissa Poepping, an international speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of VRAI Cosmetics. Melissa shares her journey of breaking generational patterns, launching a clean beauty movement, and creating a toxic-free lifestyle. She discusses the evolution of her career, from childhood fascination with beauty to creating a globally influential cosmetic brand. They delve into topics like redefining beauty standards, building confidence, and the importance of self-discovery. Melissa emphasizes the significance of 'goddess moments' for self-care and explains how her products are designed to make women feel empowered and beautiful. The episode also touches on the personal aspect of Melissa’s journey, including her close relationship with her daughter and the lessons she imparts to her children about self-awareness and confidence.

00:00 Introduction to Melissa Poepping

00:47 Melissa's Journey and Philosophy

02:11 The Power of Connection and Influence

03:45 Personal Reflections and Vulnerability

05:25 Empowering Women Through Beauty

08:49 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

14:00 Rediscovering Self-Worth and Confidence

22:23 The Birth and Evolution of Ray Cosmetics

29:28 Setting the Tone for a Goddess Experience

29:53 Luxury and Attention to Detail in Product Design

32:03 The Importance of Ingredients and Efficacy

33:35 Balancing Business and Personal Life

36:29 Motherhood and Empowering the Next Generation

40:52 Knowing Yourself and Defining Success

47:48 Creating Personal Moments of Self-Care

52:36 Connecting with Melissa and Her Brand

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a mom, a friend, or someone just looking for a little inspiration, this is your space to feel seen, supported, and motivated. Together, we’ll share stories, strategies, and embrace a little bit of life’s beautiful chaos while exploring what it truly means to level up in business, relationships, and personal growth.

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApMpvCjycyQ0c3Sl_UrGxbZUb4LOZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynpJ9T2QVOZHyVWc-Y_563PFrHUfZJTncb36Zu7FloMFXCrEXaAL05QaAs67EALw_wcB

In this episode, Lindsay and Autumn delve into the concept of energy and how it shapes our interactions and environments. They discuss strategies for harnessing positive energy, such as starting your day with intention, maintaining positive body language, and using specific phrases to diffuse tension and invite collaboration. They emphasize the importance of a supportive environment and the impact of leadership in fostering a positive atmosphere. The conversation also touches on the benefits of rest and self-reflection, reminding listeners that life is too short to dwell in negativity. Practical tips and personal anecdotes make this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional interactions by consciously managing their energy.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Energy

00:35 Meet Autumn: The Energy Booster

01:20 Dancing It Out: Boosting Morning Energy

02:23 The Importance of Positive Energy

03:40 Celebrating Small Victories

04:20 Creating a Unique Market Experience

06:54 Body Language and First Impressions

08:14 Handling Negative Energy

12:39 Self-Reflection and Leadership

20:04 Leaning on Your Team

23:09 Embracing Emotional Rollercoasters

24:16 Setting the Tone for Your Day

26:07 Body Language and Communication

27:20 Phrases to Diffuse and Engage

29:43 Customer Service and Energy Management

40:52 The Importance of Rest and Reset

45:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApMpvCjycyQ0c3Sl_UrGxbZUb4LOZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynpJ9T2QVOZHyVWc-Y_563PFrHUfZJTncb36Zu7FloMFXCrEXaAL05QaAs67EALw_wcB

In this episode of 'Leveling Up with Lindsay,' host Lindsay sits down with Autumn Backes, a vital member of White Peony's operations team. The discussion focuses on the significance of creating memorable customer experiences that are thoughtful, personal, and done right. Autumn shares her journey from starting as a part-time dental hygienist to becoming a key contributor to White Peony’s evolution, emphasizing the value of slowing down to focus on quality over speed. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, journey mapping, and the power of personal connections in driving customer loyalty. Lindsay and Autumn also offer practical advice for small business owners and managers on how to enhance customer experiences, even with limited resources. The episode underscores that great customer service is not a series of transactions but a commitment to making meaningful connections.

00:00 Introduction to Creating Memorable Customer Experiences

00:19 Meet Autumn: The Heart of Operations

01:25 Autumn's Journey from Dental Hygienist to Key Team Member

02:39 The Importance of Customer Service and Personal Connection

04:40 Challenges and Strategies in Business Growth

10:50 Slowing Down to Focus on Quality

16:55 Lessons Learned and Celebrating Small Wins

18:00 The Importance of Not Feeling Alone in Business

18:32 Customer Experience and Slowing Down

19:14 Adapting to Economic Challenges

19:35 The Role of the Executive Team

20:56 Mindset Shifts: From Scarcity to Overcoming

24:58 Journey Mapping for Customer Experience

27:54 Continuous Improvement and Feedback

32:17 Authenticity in Customer Service

34:44 Concluding Thoughts on Customer Experience

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a mom, a friend, or someone just looking for a little inspiration, this is your space to feel seen, supported, and motivated. Together, we’ll share stories, strategies, and embrace a little bit of life’s beautiful chaos while exploring what it truly means to level up in business, relationships, and personal growth.

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApMpvCjycyQ0c3Sl_UrGxbZUb4LOZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynpJ9T2QVOZHyVWc-Y_563PFrHUfZJTncb36Zu7FloMFXCrEXaAL05QaAs67EALw_wcB

Takeaways

• Real strength is often quiet, steady, and built through adversity rather than something you are born with.
• Knowing your values, boundaries, and purpose is essential to building resilience and staying grounded.
• Women grow stronger when they support one another, serve outward, and choose perspective over self-defeat.

In this heartfelt episode of Leveling Up with Lindsay, Lindsay Salzbrun sits down with her mom, Jayne, for an emotional conversation about what strength really means. Together, they redefine strength as something deeper than hustle or perfection. They explore resilience, motherhood, purpose, boundaries, creativity, faith, and the power of perspective. This episode is a reminder that true strength is found in consistency, kindness, and the ability to keep showing up through life’s hardest seasons.

Key Topics Covered:

• What quiet strength really looks like
• How resilience is built through adversity
• The role of consistency in everyday strength
• Why boundaries and self-awareness matter
• Motherhood, family values, and emotional strength
• Women supporting women instead of competing
• Creativity as a way to refill your cup
• Perspective shifts that change outcomes
• Serving others when you feel small or unseen
• Purpose, prayer, and listening for “God winks”

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com

Takeaways

• Growth is not automatic—it takes honesty, humility, and intentional effort.
• The strongest relationships are built through loyalty, grace, authenticity, and hard conversations.
• Real success is not just about what you build, but who you grow with along the way.

In this heartfelt episode of Leveling Up with Lindsay, Lindsay Salzbrun sits down with Autumn and Emily for a powerful conversation about personal growth, leadership, friendship, and the relationships that shape our lives. Together, they reflect on how White Peony brought them together, but more importantly, how choosing growth through uncomfortable seasons helped them become stronger women, leaders, and friends.

This episode goes beyond business and explores what it means to lean into people, communicate honestly, and build meaningful relationships that can withstand change, challenge, and time. Lindsay, Autumn, and Emily share candid thoughts on insecurity, people-pleasing, learning to use your voice, and why strong relationships require intention.

If you are navigating change, craving deeper connection, or learning to choose growth over comfort, this episode will encourage you to reflect on who you are becoming—and who you are choosing to grow with.

Key Topics Covered:

• Choosing growth over comfort
• Friendship, loyalty, and deeper relationships
• Personal development through hard seasons
• Confidence, people-pleasing, and finding your voice
• Leadership growth for women
• Honest communication in relationships and business
• The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people
• Why success is about who you build life with

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com/

Takeaways

• Babes Wine & Galentines is more than a fundraiser—it’s a women-centered night that creates connection, courage, and visible hope.
• INDY Foundation (“I’m Not Done Yet”) provides tangible, local support that directly helps cancer warriors with real-life expenses like gas, appointments, and bills.
• Behind-the-scenes moments—warriors bonding backstage, sharing stories, and holding hands—are where the deepest impact often happens.

Lindsay Salzbrun sits down with Courtney Studenski, Executive Director of the INDY Foundation, to share the heart behind “I’m Not Done Yet” and what it takes to lead a mission that serves families through cancer with dignity and hope. Courtney opens up about her family’s own cancer journey, how Indie showed up when they needed community most, and why Babes Wine & Galentines has become a powerful, women-supporting-women experience that’s unlike a typical fundraiser. Together, they break down how warriors are selected and supported, why public honoring matters, how volunteers make the night possible, and what fundraising dollars truly cover—like treatment travel, daily needs, and peace of mind.

Key Topics Covered:

• Courtney Studenski’s path from caregiver to Indie Foundation Executive Director
• The origin story and mission of INDY Foundation (“I’m Not Done Yet”)
• Why Babes Wine & Galentines feels different: empowerment + community + impact
• Warrior nominations, styling, hair/makeup, and what the runway moment means
• The behind-the-scenes emotional moments that audiences don’t always see
• Volunteer committees and how people can help without overcommitting
• What the money funds: gas, appointments, bills, and relief for cancer families
• Event impact: raising nearly $34,000 and sparking ongoing community momentum

Takeaways

• Market trips aren’t glamorous shopping—they’re high-risk inventory decisions with no returns, tight timing, and real pressure.
• Buying strategy includes price points, vendor comparisons, quality checks (fabric, seams, fit), and planning for seasons and shipping delays.
• White Peony focuses on building a wearable closet for real women—using customer “avatars” and real-life styling needs, not just viral trends.

In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Lindsay Salzbrun and guest host Autumn Backes pull back the curtain on what boutique “market” trips actually require: late nights, early alarms, spreadsheets, risk, and the responsibility of choosing inventory that must sell. They share memorable stories from early buying trips, explain how they balance what they love with the numbers, and unpack their philosophy of building closets—not chasing fast-fashion hype. Plus, Lindsay teases the spring/summer vibe: brighter colors, patterns, florals, and ultra-soft sets designed to bring sunshine into the store after a long winter.

Key Topics Covered:

• What “market” is and why boutique buying is a major business decision
• The real pressure: inventory risk, no returns, timing trends, and shipping delays
• Balancing gut instinct with analytics and past best-seller lessons
• Trends vs. value: quality fabrics, fit, hang-on-the-rack reality, and customer avatars
• Spring/summer preview: bold color, pastels, florals, patterns, and fewer black pieces

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApMpvCjycyQ0c3Sl_UrGxbZUb4LOZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynpJ9T2QVOZHyVWc-Y_563PFrHUfZJTncb36Zu7FloMFXCrEXaAL05QaAs67EALw_wcB

Takeaways

• Full seasons aren’t chaos—they’re capacity-building seasons that strengthen leadership.
• Mature strength looks like steadiness, clarity, and calm execution (even without applause).
• Discipline—not motivation—is what creates consistency and long-term impact.

In this solo episode, Lindsay shares a leadership and mindset reset for anyone in a “full” season of life—busy schedules, rising expectations, bigger responsibilities, and nonstop demands. She breaks down what real strength looks like when your plate is packed: staying grounded, leading with clarity, and committing to consistency even when you don’t feel inspired. Lindsay offers practical anchors to protect your energy, focus your day, and keep executing while still honoring your emotions.

Key Topics Covered:

• The difference between chaos and fullness—and why fullness requires strength
• What “mature strength” looks like: steadiness, calm, and clear decision-making
• Why consistency separates people who start from people who build
• How full seasons expand your capacity and refine priorities
• Leadership tone: staying grounded so others feel clarity
• Discipline vs. motivation: commitment as a daily standard
• The “Top 3 Non-Negotiables” framework for focused execution
• Protecting emotional energy like money
• Deciding proactively before the day decides for you
• Separating emotion from execution to build confidence and trust

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApMpvCjycyQ0c3Sl_UrGxbZUb4LOZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynpJ9T2QVOZHyVWc-Y_563PFrHUfZJTncb36Zu7FloMFXCrEXaAL05QaAs67EALw_wcB

In this episode of Leveling Up with Lindsay, host Lindsay interviews her friend and employee Autumn Backes about their journey together at White Peony Boutique. They discuss the importance of leadership, community, and creating a unique retail experience that goes beyond just selling clothes. Autumn shares her personal story of transitioning from a dental hygienist to a key player in the boutique, emphasizing the power of connection and authenticity in both personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the significance of building a positive culture and empowering others to be their true selves.

Takeaways

• Creating a supportive space is essential for personal growth.
• Leadership is about empowering others and fostering connections.
• Authenticity attracts the right people into your life.
• Retail should be more than just selling products; it's about relationships.
• Everyone has unique skills that can contribute to a team's success.
• Building a positive culture requires understanding and valuing each individual.
• Emotional connections with customers can lead to lasting relationships.
• Personal experiences shape our professional journeys.
• It's important to embrace who you are and not conform to others' expectations.
• Leadership involves listening and adapting to the needs of your team.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a mom, a friend, or someone just looking for a little inspiration, this is your space to feel seen, supported, and motivated. Together, we’ll share stories, strategies, and embrace a little bit of life’s beautiful chaos while exploring what it truly means to level up in business, relationships, and personal growth.

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApMpvCjycyQ0c3Sl_UrGxbZUb4LOZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynpJ9T2QVOZHyVWc-Y_563PFrHUfZJTncb36Zu7FloMFXCrEXaAL05QaAs67EALw_wcB

Takeaways

• Stability is essential before making strategic decisions.
• Return on Effort (ROE) is a vital metric for leaders.
• Leaders must evaluate opportunities through the lens of alignment, not pressure.

In this powerful conversation, Lindsay Salzbrun sits down with leadership advisor Kent Gustafson to discuss how leaders can discern their next move during seasons of growth and pressure. Together, they unpack the difference between restlessness and readiness, how to assess opportunities through a values-based lens, and why slowing down can lead to more strategic outcomes.

Key Topics Covered:

• Knowing when and how to pivot with purpose
• Finding clarity during business plateaus
• Evaluating opportunities with intention and strategy
• The importance of grounding decisions in personal and organizational values
• Building internal leadership readiness
• Return on Effort: a fresh metric for sustainable growth
• Why even top leaders need advisory support

White Peony Boutique: https://whitepeonyboutique.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApMpvCjycyQ0c3Sl_UrGxbZUb4LOZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynpJ9T2QVOZHyVWc-Y_563PFrHUfZJTncb36Zu7FloMFXCrEXaAL05QaAs67EALw_wcB