These days, people really do want to connect to your brand, and they're going to buy more from the businesses and brands that they trust and have those genuine connections with. Pat Flynn's book Superfans explores how having an engaged community can help you grow your business. This book was such a fun and interesting read for me, so I want to share some key takeaways with you!

Most of what I'm sharing here is from the introduction or part one of the book. So, you'll need to read the book to get all of the details!

If you're enjoying the show, would you mind leaving a review on Apple podcasts? It's a simple way to support the show that helps others find it. I appreciate it so much!

- Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

- Blog with Full Shownotes: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/03/02/superfans/

With everything that's been going on socially and culturally over the past few years, I've heard so many online business owners saying things like, "I want to speak up, but I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing," or "How do I know when to talk about something, or when to take more time to process?" That's why I wanted to have Natasha Samuel on the show. Natasha is an Instagram Strategist, but she doesn't just talk about how to shine online. She doesn't shy away from taking a stance on social topics that she's passionate about, and she's been intentional about cultivating a brand that welcomes all people. In this episode, Natasha shares how knowing and owning your personal and brand values can help you be a more inclusive leader. We'll also chat about life lessons that have impacted her, and Instagram strategy (of course!).

Meet This Episode's Guest

Natasha is the host of The Shine Online Podcast and an Instagram Strategist that helps small businesses shine online. Through intensive strategy days, digital resources, and education, Natasha helps you build your brand on the ‘Gram with a video strategy that is fulfilling and fun without the overwhelm.

Blog with Full Show Notes: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/02/23/natasha-samuel/

Connect with Natasha: 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinewithnatasha/

- Website: https://shinewithnatasha.com/

- Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/shineonline

- Free Instagram Video Guide: Video Guide: https://shinewithnatasha.com/video

- Instagram Confidence Accelerator Program: https://shinewithnatasha.com/accelerator

Connect with Maya:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

- Website: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/

When I came into the "real world" after college and decided to be an entrepreneur, I didn't see a lot of people designing websites who looked like me. So, when I found Bernel Westbrook and Octavia Elease, it was so encouraging. I've been following their brands for a while and I love what they stand for, how they serve, and how they show up. It's my honor to be able shine a spotlight on them in this special episode of the podcast! I hope you enjoy getting to know them both better as we chat about life and entrepreneurship.

There are some struggles that come with being a minority in the industry, so you'll hear us touch on that in the episode. But both Bernel and Octavia brought so much joy and energy to this conversation - they're both so amazing!

- Blog with Full Shownotes: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/02/16/bernel-westbrook-octavia-elease/

Connect with Bernel:

- Website: https://brandedbybernel.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandedbybernel/

- Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-branded-by-bernel-podcast/id1548002479

Connect with Octavia:

- Brand Photography Website: https://octaviaelease.com/

- Brand Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octaviaelease/

- Design Services Website: https://octaviaeleasedesigns.com/

- Design Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octaviaeleasedesigns/

Connect with Maya:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

- Website: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/

When she was a kid, Erica Rascoe had trouble finding books with characters that looked like her. So, now that she encourages kids to read through Miss Erica's Reading Club, she makes it a point to talk about diversity and inclusion. I'm so excited for you to hear Erica's interview - she's one of my best friends and has such an uplifting spirit. 

To kick-off the Black History in the Making series, we're chatting about why representation matters, being a leader and not a follower, and how Erica's faith in God impacts her nonprofit!

- Blog with Full Shownotes: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/02/09/erica-rascoe/

Connect with Erica:

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJdLrLe_crbJDQnIV934PdQ

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___misserica/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Erica-106591844415758

- Website: https://readwitherica.com/

Connect with Maya:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

- Website: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/

In honor of Black History Month, I'm honoring 4 women in a special series on the podcast! These ladies are doing amazing things, and have been influential to me on my journey as a young, Black entrepreneur. In this solo show, I share what to expect in the rest of the series. I also share my best advice for dealing with being a Minority in the entrepreneur space, and why the phrase "saving a seat for someone" is so special to me.

If you're enjoying the show, would you mind leaving a review on Apple podcasts? It's a simple way to support the show that helps others find it. I appreciate it so much! 

- Blog with Full Show Notes for This Episode: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/02/02/black-history-in-the-making/

- Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

Jessie Wyman is Brand and Product Photographer based in Boston, MA. In this episode, we're chatting about her journey exploring different niches as a self taught photographer, advice for overcoming the challenges of pivoting your business, how brand photography can help you stand out in a crowded market, educational opportunities Jessie offers for other photographers, and why it's so important to give yourself grace as a business owner. 

Connect with Jessie:

Connect with Maya:

At the start of every new year, and really all throughout the year, many entrepreneurs are dealing with the pressure to grow, do more, and constantly improve. While having goals is a good thing, therapist Lea Lester knows that pursuing your goals at the expense of your mental health is a recipe for burnout.

Lea (pronounced lee) is a licensed therapist, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, Certified Trauma Conscious Yoga Method Facilitator, Ph.D. student, and entrepreneur.  She primarily works with young adults; helping them prioritize self love, self awareness, and self acceptance.

As a former public school educator, she became passionate about helping young adults navigate the increasing pressures and pain of coming of age in today's society. Her therapeutic interests include childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, and somatic awareness. A self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, her work places heavy emphasis on compassion, courage, and connection.

In this episode, Lea explains how to recognize if you're experiencing self-improvement burnout, and what questions will lead you to developing a more sustainable approach for yourself.

- Blog with Full Show Notes for This Episode: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/01/19/lea-lester/

Connect with Lea:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelwithlea/

- Website: https://lealester.com/

Connect with Maya:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

- Website: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/

Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster of ups, downs, and pivots. Kendall Dunn, known through her brand as Kendall Mariah, is someone I admire for how she has embraced not being known for just one thing, and allowing God to guide her pursuits. Currently a content creator and brand strategist with over 500K followers across all her platforms, Kendall knows her stuff! She's also one of the most genuine people I've ever met, and I'm so grateful that I was able to chat with Kendall today and building an authentic brand, having boundaries as an online leader, how becoming a mom has changed her life and business, staying grounded in roots and faith, and more. We covered a lot in this episode - it's a good one!

- Blog with Full Show Notes for This Episode: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/01/05/kendall-mariah/

Connect with Kendall:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendallmariah/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kendallmariah?lang=en

- Website: https://kendallmariah.com/

Connect with Maya:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

- Website: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/

As business and nonprofit owners, we have the opportunity to decide what kind of leader we want to be. This impacts how we show up for our customers, communities, teams, and even ourselves. Antowanna Carpenter embodies servant leadership. She prioritizes the needs of others in her business decisions, and has a heart for giving.

I sat down with Antowanna to chat about the lessons she's learned on business and service, how to be a resource for  your community as a for-profit or nonprofit leader, and more! Tune in if you've been thinking about starting a nonprofit, or giving back more as a business owner!

Meet the Guest

From humble beginnings, Antowanna Carpenter started helping individuals start nonprofits from the kitchen table of their homes.  From there, she went on to start a company and training systems designed specifically to help individuals understand the nonprofit start and growth process.  She is an entrepreneur, educator, coach to start-up business owners and expert grant writer. Antowanna has dedicated over twenty five years of her life helping individuals and companies turn their hobbies, gifts, visions and passions into successful businesses.

- Blog with Full Show Notes for This Episode: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/01/05/antowanna-carpenter/

Connect with Antowanna:

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM8SE9QgP-FOl0LCtaPoS1Q

- Website: https://antowannacarpenter.com/

Connect with Maya:

- Website Resources Mentioned: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/templates

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

- Website: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/

Do you ever feel like your business is running your life instead of supporting the lifestyle you dreamed of? If you can relate, know that I'm right there with you. And I have a feeling that we're not the only two! Ida Winstead, a fellow Showit Designer and one of my most recent mentors, has a unique perspective on enjoying work, but leaving plenty of margin to enjoy life, too.

Ida is the owner of Hygge Design Co., a brand and Showit website design company serving creative entrepreneurs and the host of The Hygge Hour Podcast. After moving to the US from Norway and finding that American corporate life was not for her, she’s made it her mission to help other entrepreneurs bring more hygge and less hustle to their lives through strategic design and increased confidence, so that they can work less and enjoy life a little more. When she’s not busy designing away you can find her hanging out with her High School sweetheart husband or working on their fixer-upper in Raleigh.

In this episode, I sit down with Ida to chat about building a business that allows you the freedom to enjoy life, how she's persevered to become a successful entrepreneur, the importance of mindset in business, and more!

- Blog with Full Show Notes for This Episode: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/2022/01/05/ida-winstead/

Connect with Ida:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyggedesign.co/

- Podcast: https://hyggedesign.co/podcast

- Website: https://hyggedesign.co/

Connect with Maya:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapalmerdesigns/

- Website: https://mayapalmerdesigns.com/