Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business. Today's a special solo episode where I'm pulling back the curtain on why this podcast exists, what "minding her own business" really means, and how I went from being the kid told to stay quiet to building a community for women who refuse to be put in a box. This is Season 2's kickoff, and it's time you knew the real story.

In this episode:

• The three powerful meanings behind "Minding Her Own Business"  and how a phrase once seen as dismissive or negative was transformed into a philosophy for living authentically. 
• Why taking a year off Instagram as a content creator wasn't career suicide, it was the reset that saved my integrity and sanity
• How the pressure to perform a "perfect life" on social media was creating a version of myself I didn't recognize, and the moment I decided to delete the app
• Why doing "all the things" is actually your superpower and the liberation that comes from being a multi-hyphenate woman who refuses to niche down
• How to build a business and brand that respects your privacy while still showing up authentically for your audience
• Why this podcast exists as a safe space for the messy middle, where you're supposed to have it all figured out but you're still scared as hell

If you're tired of performative success content and ready for real talk about building a life that's actually yours, this episode is for you. Here I’ll tell you my journey from  being told to stay quiet as a child, to building a platform that celebrates unfiltered voices and proves that your "too much" is exactly what someone else needs to hear, and that you don't need anyone's permission to take up space. You'll walk away with permission to stop performing, clarity on how to protect your peace while building in public, and the reminder that being multi-faceted isn't a liability, it's your competitive advantage. Plus, you'll understand why this community exists: not just as a podcast, but as the safe space you wished you had when you were going through it.

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business – today we have something truly special as we celebrate our one-year anniversary! I'm your host Victoria, and instead of bringing you another incredible guest, I'm opening up about my own journey as a founder, podcast host, and woman doing all the things. 

This episode is my most vulnerable yet, sharing the raw reality of what this year has taught me about burnout, boundaries, and building a business that aligns with who I actually am. 

In this conversation: 

• How saying "yes" to everything led to physical and mental breakdown – and the wake-up call that changed everything
• Why aligning professional goals with personal values is non-negotiable for sustainable success
• The three core things that bring joy to work: developing people, creative storytelling, and building community
• How burnout forced a complete business pivot from survival mode to intentional, purpose-driven work
• Why taking care of yourself isn't selfish – it's the foundation for taking care of everyone else
• The power of getting intentional about your goals and creating daily reminders that keep you accountable

If you're ready to stop operating in survival mode and start building a business and life that actually fulfills you, this episode is for you. My journey from saying yes to everything to finally asking "what do I actually want?" proves that burnout doesn't have to be permanent, and that clarity comes when you're brave enough to pause and listen to yourself. 

You'll walk away with permission to prioritize your well-being, a framework for evaluating whether your goals align with your values, and the confidence to make changes that serve your future self – plus you'll hear exactly what's coming next for our Minding Her Own Business community as we expand to YouTube, live events, and deeper connections.

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business, today we have Ledi Vokshi, founder of Voltek IT and the PowerUP Woman community who went from Albanian pop star to building multiple successful businesses while raising two young sons. She's a visionary entrepreneur who transformed viral fame into sustainable business success and now mentors thousands of women to create their own financial freedom.

In this conversation:

• How going viral at 19 taught her that fame without a financial strategy leads nowhere—and why she learned to separate her identity from her public persona
• The power of building both ways: you can either build a personal brand first and create businesses around it, or build a business and then develop your personal brand to scale it
• Why showing up online for 18+ years isn't about beating the algorithm
• How stepping back from music to be present for bedtime routines wasn't giving up
• Why taking time to slow down and just "be" rather than constantly "doing" is the only way to get unstuck when you're feeling overwhelmed in business

If you're ready to stop chasing likes and followers and start building a purpose-driven business that aligns with your life goals, this episode is for you. Ledi's journey from viral Albanian pop star to successful tech entrepreneur and business mentor proves that sustainable success comes from clarity about your values and the courage to make choices that honor them, and that building a business around your purpose—not just profit—creates lasting impact. 

Connect with Ledi:

www.PowerUPwoman.com 

www.VoltekIT.com 

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business, today we have Dr. Sophia Visanji, an optometrist practicing in Manhattan and the founder of Aliana Rose Eyewear, a vintage-inspired eyewear line made from Italian acetate. She's also been a fashion blogger for over 10 years under the alias "The Monocle Muse," proving that you can successfully blend traditional professional careers with creative entrepreneurship.

In this conversation:

• How to recognize when your traditional career isn't fully filling your cup and what to do about it without abandoning financial security.
• The strategic approach to building multiple income streams - from content creation to product development - while maintaining your primary profession.
• The importance of scheduling self-care like business meetings to prevent burnout before it happens, not after you crash.
• How to leverage your unique professional background as your competitive advantage in saturated markets.

If you're ready to design a career that truly fulfills you without sacrificing stability, this episode is for you. Sophia's journey from feeling unfulfilled in her optometry practice to building a thriving eyewear brand while still seeing patients proves that you don't have to choose between financial security and creative fulfillment, and that your professional expertise can become your secret weapon in entrepreneurship. You'll walk away with practical strategies for building multiple income streams, a framework for bootstrapping product development, and techniques for maintaining your mental health while juggling multiple businesses, plus the mindset shift that will help you see your current career as an asset rather than a limitation.

Connect with Sophia:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/themonoclemuse
• Alianna Rose Eyewear Instagram: www.instagram.com/alianaroseeyewear
• Website: www.alianaroseeyewear.com

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business, today we have Yanna Williams, the founder behind House of Audacia, a management company for founders ready to scale beyond the business they built. 

Yanna is a former professor turned multi-million dollar business builder who's helped secure over $6 million in funding. She's the woman power players call when they're ready to become the face of their brand and turn audacious dreams into action. 

In this conversation: 

• Yanna transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship after realizing the limitations of her academic salary
• Multiple streams of income are crucial for financial stability and success
• Understanding your business inside and out is essential for successful grant writing
• Women often play small in negotiations; it's important to advocate for yourself
• Building relationships in business requires a balance of friendliness and professionalism
• Kindness in business must be balanced with accountability to ensure success

If you're ready to stop playing small and start asking for what you deserve, this episode is for you. Yanna's journey from academia to building a multi-million dollar business proves that the security of a traditional job is often an illusion, and that real growth happens in the messy middle of entrepreneurship. You'll walk away with practical grant writing strategies that could secure your funding, leadership insights on balancing kindness with accountability, and the mindset shift to channel "white man audacity" in your business decisions.

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyannawilliams/ 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yannabeans/?hl=es-la

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! Today, I'm sitting down with Cynthia Maselli, the brand strategist who transformed from a stay-at-home mom to building a thriving referral-based business that speaks for itself.

What started as a life pivot during motherhood became a masterclass in reputation-building, where word-of-mouth isn't just marketing—it's everything. Cynthia's approach to client relationships, conflict resolution, and the delicate art of over-delivering without losing your boundaries offers a refreshing take on sustainable business growth. Her new workbook, 'The Iconic Brand,' distills years of hard-won wisdom into actionable tools for entrepreneurs ready to build something that lasts.

In this episode:

• How Cynthia transitioned from motherhood to brand strategy entrepreneurship
• Why reputation and referrals trump traditional marketing for sustainable growth
• The art of handling client conflicts with grace while strengthening relationships
• Balancing over-delivery with healthy boundaries to prevent scope creep
• Leadership strategies that create positive company culture and employee satisfaction
• Navigating the ongoing challenge of work-life balance as an entrepreneur
• How 'The Iconic Brand' workbook empowers entrepreneurs with practical business tools

Share this episode with that friend who's been building their business the hard way—chasing leads instead of cultivating relationships. Whether you're struggling with client boundaries, wondering how to build a referral-based business, or seeking that elusive work-life balance, Cynthia's authentic approach to entrepreneurship will give you the clarity and confidence to build something truly iconic.

Website:  www.thebrandstrategist.co 

The Iconic Brand Blueprint: https://www.thebrandstrategist.co/theiconicbrandblueprint

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrandstrategist.co

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! Today, I'm sitting down with Saanya Ali, the storyteller, consultant, and founder of SOIRÉE - a platform that's connecting over 100,000 engaged foodies through her newsletter and social platforms. 

What started as a New Year's Eve dare turned into a journey of pivots, purpose, and discovering that sometimes the scariest thing isn't failure - it's not letting yourself fail properly. Saanya's path from tech startup dreams to building something she truly loves is a masterclass in entrepreneurial authenticity, and her perspective on food as the ultimate cultural connector will change how you think about community building. 

In this episode:

• How Saanya pivoted from a tech-focused platform to a digital media approach.
• Embracing failure is a crucial part of the entrepreneurial journey.
• Food serves as a universal connector across cultures.
• Experiences shape passions that can lead to a fulfilling career.
• Pivoting with purpose can lead to new opportunities.

Share this episode with that friend who's been talking about leaving their corporate job to start something but keeps getting stuck in analysis paralysis. Whether you're contemplating a major career pivot, struggling with founder identity, or simply believe that the best conversations happen around a dinner table, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss. 

Connect with Saanya:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stinglikeali

Instagram: www.instagram.com/justsoiree 

Website:  www.justsoiree.com 

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! Today we're diving deep into the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship with multi-time founder Makena Finger Zannini, who shares her incredible journey from survival mode to scaling multiple successful ventures. 

In our conversation, Makena opens up about the emotional aspects of leadership, the critical importance of operations in business success, and her unique approach to hiring adaptable team members who can thrive in fast-paced environments. 

In this episode:

• How Makena's journey began 
• The constant adaptation and process re-evaluation of a business.
• Hiring for adaptability is a crucial step in a fast-paced environment.
• Operations play a vital role in the success of a business.
• Accountability is often underestimated in leadership roles.
• Understanding ROI is essential for business viability.
• Making tough decisions as part of being a leader.

Share this episode with that driven entrepreneur in your life who's juggling multiple ventures or considering their next big leap. Whether they're a seasoned founder questioning their pricing strategy, a startup leader struggling with team accountability, or someone building their business while still working their day job, Makena's raw insights about the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and her practical advice on everything from hiring adaptable talent to testing product-market fit will give them the roadmap they need. 

Connect with Makena:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/makenafingerzannini

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theboutiquecoo

Instagram: www.instagram.com/brickbybrickcollective 

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! Today, I'm thrilled to reconnect with the incredible Deveney Williams, a multi-talented creative entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of Sunny Side Up, a creative agency that specializes in branding, design, and production. 

Over the years, she's worn many hats - visual storyteller, senior social media strategist, brand designer, hype woman, and yes, even lead guitarist of a girl band called Midnight Blonde! With a master's degree in journalism from Georgetown and a bachelor's in visual communications from USC, Deveney's superpowers include understanding, emphasizing, conceptualizing, and producing visual eye candy that truly connects with audiences. 

In this episode, we explore: 

• How creativity is truly a journey of trial and error
• The importance of transparency in client relationships and understanding their unique needs
• Why finding inspiration can come from the most everyday experiences - from grocery store aisles to architecture
• The crucial role of building a personal brand as an entrepreneur and putting yourself in front of the camera
• The art of capturing authenticity and comfort in photography

If you have that friend who's always been the creative one in your group, share this episode with them - they need to hear that their creative journey, no matter how winding or unconventional, is valid and valuable.  Deveney's story is one of embracing the messy, non-linear path of entrepreneurship while staying true to your authentic creative voice. 

Connect with Deveney:

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

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

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome to Minding Her Own Business! This week, I'm joined by Melinda Jackson,  a strategic and results-driven PR expert specialized in brand elevation, media relations, and thought leadership. 

In this engaging conversation, we explore the realms of public relations, entrepreneurship, and the significance of achieving a work-life balance. Melinda shares her journey from a small town in North Carolina to becoming a successful PR expert in Los Angeles and back. We discuss the challenges of corporate culture, the significance of setting boundaries, and the lessons learned from six years of running her own business. 

In this episode: 

• How Melinda moved to LA with $500 and no job.
• Why corporate culture often pushes employees to put work before personal health.
• How setting boundaries helps maintain mental health and work-life balance.
• Why entrepreneurs should value their work appropriately and avoid undercharging.
• How PR focuses on earning organic media coverage, not just buying ad placements.
• How AI tools can make PR work more efficient and spark new creative ideas.
• Why taking vacation days supports overall well-being and shouldn't be skipped.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with that ambitious friend who's always talking about making a big career move but feels stuck by fear or financial constraints. Melinda's story of moving to LA with just $500 and no job lined up isn't just inspiring – it's proof that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding outcomes. She didn't wait for the "perfect" moment or a safety net; she trusted her instincts and leaped anyway. 

Connect with Melinda:

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

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

Website: www.melindajacksonpr.com

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/