Meet Bridget

Food can be a joyful and adventurous part of your motherhood journey.

Today's guest is Irene Liu, CEO and Co-Founder of Chiyo, a food delivery service focused on Eastern food therapy and nutritional science. For each stage of motherhood, Chiyo was created to help mothers feel their best as they step into the magical chapter of life that is motherhood. Chiyo embraces the power of nutrition and does the research, meal design, and delivery.

Growing up in a Taiwanese household, Irene learned early on that food can be medicinal. And she spent her years prior to co-founding Chiyo focused on solving healthy food access. She worked at Bain Advertising, with grocery and retail clients in city government to understand public and private partnerships. Irene also advocated for community-based food access through nonprofits, setting up mobile grocery routes on the Chicago South Side.

Irene and her co-founder sister Jen, are Forbes 30 under 30 list makers and are constantly innovating with their nutritional mission.

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Today, I'm absolutely thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary woman who has truly impacted my life — my sister-in-law, Stephanie Gabriel.

Hailing from Southern California, Stephanie built a dynamic career in advertising and marketing within the sports industry. But she eventually pursued her ultimate dream job and most important role in her life: being a stay-at-home mom to her three children.

Stephanie is a proud mother of nine-year-old twins - a boy and a girl - and a six-year-old son. Her love for motherhood shines brightly in every aspect of her life. However, her world took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, at just 38 years old. Despite this life-altering news, she managed to balance the challenges of motherhood with her fight against cancer, emerging as a proud survivor.

I feel truly blessed to have Stephanie in my life. As someone who has recently started my own motherhood journey, I have constantly found guidance and inspiration in her. Stephanie has always been there, a few steps ahead, offering wisdom and support. Her courage and resilience during her battle with cancer have deeply inspired me and I'm sure they will inspire you too.

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Michelle Barto, a dynamic individual who wears many hats with grace and determination. Michelle is a mother of four, business owner and a driving force in our community, working tirelessly to make Newport Beach a better place for everyone.

As a current trustee of the Newport Mesa Unified School District, Michelle plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of our region. Michelle is deeply involved in various organizations, from the Pretend City Children's Museum to the Balboa Bay Club Board of Governors. Her dedication to serving others is evident in her extensive volunteer work, including the Assistance League of Newport Mesa and the local Soup Kitchen.

Michelle's also the founder of Launch Creative LLC, a digital marketing firm that specializes in empowering mission-driven companies and nonprofits. Through her work, Michelle strives to leave a lasting impact on the world, one brand at a time.

Currently, Michelle is also running for city council, further demonstrating her dedication to serving her community in every capacity possible. I've had the privilege of getting to know Michelle through mutual connections, and I've been consistently impressed by her ability to balance her many responsibilities with grace and integrity.

In Michelle Barto, Newport Beach has a true leader—a woman who embodies the spirit of service and dedication. I'm excited to see the positive impact she continues to make in our city, both now and in the years ahead.

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Over the years, we've had the privilege of sitting down with remarkable women who are carving out their paths and sharing their stories of resilience and triumph. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Kirsten Sadlier, a multimedia abstract artist whose journey through creativity is its own adventure.

Coming from a small town on the east end of Long Island, Kirsten's story takes her to the bustling streets of Manhattan to the laid-back shores of Newport Beach. Each chapter of her life has infused her imagination with its distinct flavor, shaping her artistic expression.

As an artist, Kirsten's portfolio is as diverse as captivating. Her surfboard collection stands as a testament to her ability to ride the ebbs and flows of life, while her inspiration sketch series marries childhood whimsy with sophisticated design.

What truly sets Kirsten apart is her seamless fusion of artistic vision with client dreams. Her ability to collaborate and build relationships shines through in her work, adorning homes, retail spaces, and commercial establishments across North America with an undeniable aura of sunshine and elegance.

In our interview, Kirsten talks about "chasing green lights" to embracing the tough moments with gratitude. She shares her struggles in school with ADHD and the challenges of not fitting in the conventional box. Listen to Kirsten's story, a narrative brimming with resilience, creativity, and the timeless allure of art.

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Today, we couldn't be more thrilled to introduce our special guest, Jessica Gabriel, Asha's sister-in-law! Jessica is a seasoned hairstylist of 18 years and founder/owner of The Balcony Salon in Corona Del Mar.

Jessica honed her craft as a Tony and Guy stylist and now has six talented stylists working under her wing at her own salon. She has established herself as a leader in the industry while also being the doting mother of the most adorable one-year-old in the world.

Throughout the years, we have been consistently impressed by Jessica's unwavering dedication and her ability to seamlessly juggle the roles of a successful business owner, mentor, and exceptional hairstylist.

Join us as we dive into Jessica's journey, exploring the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the artistry of hairstyling, and the joys of balancing a thriving career with motherhood.

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Brynn Brothers brings a unique blend of passion, creativity, and zest for life to everything she does. She's a full-time freelance graphic designer, but she's also a force of nature outside the studio walls. Whether she's leading fitness classes at a local rock climbing gym, jet-setting to new destinations, or simply soaking up the beauty of the great outdoors, Brynn lives life with an undeniable spirit of adventure.

Through her journey, Brynn has questioned the societal norms that dictate we should live to work rather than simply live to live. And today, we'll discuss her thoughts on this topic and more.

So, grab your headphones and join us in a conversation with Brynn Brothers-Ochoa, where we'll explore creativity, adventure, and the art of intentional living. Trust me, you won't want to miss this episode!

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Today, we have an extra special guest joining us. Joanna Garel, affectionately known as Auntie Jo to Keshiia, is an actress, a mother, a director, a producer, an artist, and now the founder and owner of Garel Fine Art in Manhattan Beach, California.

She got an early start as a teen mom before going on to find success as a model and actress in Toronto and then Hollywood, where her career took off in many directions.

Joanna has always found time to nurture her creative spirit despite her bustling career and family life. She has dabbled in photography and directing and even produced an award-winning short film inspired by her brother's courageous battle with mental illness. Her passion for fine art shines through as she curates a space that celebrates creativity and expression.

Her journey is as vibrant as she is, and she's done it all while raising three children and always finding a way to lean into her creativity, her humor, and uplift her community.

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Welcome to the 100th episode of Meet Bridget! Can you believe it? We certainly can't.

This milestone is a bit funny because we're still processing the fact that we've made it to 100 episodes. Reflecting on how far we've come as a podcast and as a community, and seeing the growth of our audience is truly remarkable.

For those of you who might be new here, we're going to give you a taste of what we're all about without having to go back and listen to every single episode.

And for our long-time listeners, consider this a fun reminder of why you've stuck with us all this time. We know countless podcasts are out there, but we're not just adding chatter to the noise. We're here because of a personal mission and a commitment to each other as best friends.

So, here's to 100 episodes, and to many more to come! Thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure with us!

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

In the world of fashion and home décor, where trends shift like the seasons, Melissa Marks and Staci Pearlman stand out as more than just friends—they're visionary entrepreneurs with a shared passion for style and innovation. Their journey began over a decade ago when their friendship grew over a shared love for all things fashion and interior design.

Amidst their motherhood journeys, the friends noticed a glaring absence of stylish yet practical children's fashion options. And so, the concept of Elfin Los Angeles was born. Their friendship evolved into a powerful partnership, where each woman's unique strengths complemented the other's.

Their story offers valuable insights into starting a business with a friend, including the importance of recognizing and harnessing individual strengths and differences. Embracing these disparities can often be the catalyst for success.

Join us in this interview with Melissa and Staci, two friends turned business moguls, as they redefine children's fashion.

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Choosing a career path that aligns with your core values can lead to higher job satisfaction and work-life balance. But how can you identify what careers would best match your values?

In today's episode, Angie Wisdom, a Master Certified Coach with over 25 years of business experience, shares how to identify your core values. By gaining clarity on what truly matters to us, we can make more intentional decisions that lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

She emphasizes the importance of integrating all aspects of ourselves—mind, body, and spirit—into our life narratives. This holistic approach involves acknowledging and embracing our past experiences, being fully present in the current moment, and envisioning our future selves. By integrating our whole selves into our stories, we can cultivate a deeper sense of authenticity and purpose.

Angie also explains the Enneagram personality typology which is a system that categorizes individuals into nine distinct personality types and how understanding your Enneagram type can provide valuable insights into suitable career paths.

Listen in on Angie's practical advice and actionable strategies to enhance your self-awareness, align your actions with your values, and make informed decisions about your careers and life paths.

Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.