Not So Small

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman interviews Dr. Michelle Haggerty, founder of Fourth Trimester Doc, a groundbreaking medical practice providing in-home care for new parents and their babies during the critical postpartum period.

Dr. Haggerty shares how her own experience as a new mother revealed the significant gaps in postpartum care, where she found herself "leaking from every orifice" yet expected to dress and travel to a clinic while her own needs were largely overlooked in favor of the baby's. This personal experience, combined with her frustration at the assembly-line nature of clinical practice, inspired her vision for a different approach: visiting families in their homes, where parents could remain comfortable while receiving comprehensive care for both themselves and their newborns.

As a family physician, Dr. Haggerty offers something unique in the field. While similar services exist elsewhere in the country (provided by pediatricians), her medical training allows her to care for both the baby and the birthing parent. Her practice features direct communication via text message, longer appointments that focus on both physical and mental health, and a relationship that feels more like "extended family" than traditional doctor-patient dynamics.

Dr. Haggerty discusses the challenges physicians face when attempting to start independent practices, noting they're actively discouraged from entrepreneurship during their training. Despite these obstacles, she created her business by taking it one day at a time, connecting with other small business owners, and participating in Goldman Sachs' 10KSB program, a mini-MBA specifically for her business.

Beyond her private practice, Dr. Haggerty has co-founded the Center for Fourth Trimester Care, a nonprofit focused on educating healthcare providers about postpartum care, teaching physicians how to start similar businesses, and advocating for improved fourth trimester support nationwide.

Her vision for the future includes expanding access to this model of care through insurance coverage and partnerships with larger businesses that could offer her services as part of their benefits packages. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Haggerty emphasizes how her current work brings her joy and energy, unlike her previous clinical experience that left her feeling burned out and drained.

Guest Info

• Business: Fourth Trimester Doc
• Guest: Dr. Michelle Haggerty (she/her)
• Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout(s)

• Mother Moon Acupuncture (Website • Instagram)

Other Links

• Center for Fourth Trimester Care (Website)
• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (Website)

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Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Dillon Duong, founder of 16ozDays, to explore how weekly coffee shop visits transformed into a thriving community-focused brand. Over the past four and a half years, Dillon has visited more than 263 local coffee shops, documenting their stories and building meaningful relationships with owners and staff along the way.

Dillon shares the evolution of his business, particularly the development of the Coffee Compass, a buy-one-get-one-free stamp book connecting coffee lovers with local shops. He details the thoughtful process behind creating this product, emphasizing how feedback from coffee shop owners led to crucial improvements that aligned with his core values of supporting local businesses rather than exploiting them.

The conversation delves into Dillon's approach to team building, revealing how his talented teammates keep him motivated through entrepreneurial challenges.

Dillon also offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of showing up consistently regardless of circumstances, communicating efficiently, and being actively engaged with your business seven days a week. His story showcases how strong values and genuine interest in connecting with others can form the foundation for business success.

Guest Info

• Business: 16ozDays
• Guest: Dillon Duong (he/him)
• Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout(s)

• FIELDWORK (Website • Instagram)
• The Upload Company (Website • Instagram)

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Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode, host Sam Bauman sits down with Melissa Seeley, co-founder of Good To Go Cups, an innovative business tackling the enormous waste problem of single-use coffee cups. Melissa and her business partner Michelle developed a circular system using compostable polymer cups that can be reused multiple times before being ground down and made into new cups. Their elegant business model makes sustainability accessible to both coffee shops and customers through a simple app-based membership program. With a background in recycling and sustainability initiatives, Melissa brings deep expertise to this mission-driven venture. She shares insights on developing their product, building relationships with coffee shops, and the challenges of changing consumer behavior. Learn how this Twin Cities-based company is expanding across the country and making it easier for coffee lovers to reduce waste one cup at a time.

Guest Info

• Business: Good To Go Cups
• Guest: Melissa Seeley (she/her)
• Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout

• Business: 16ozDays
• Links: Website • Instagram

Other Links:

• Reuse Minnesota
• Ellen McArthur Foundation

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Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, we sit down with Samantha Hueman, owner of Honour Coffee in Northeast Minneapolis. After years in corporate marketing left her feeling unfulfilled, Sam and her husband Luke took the leap to purchase this beloved neighborhood coffee shop, acai bowl, and raw juice bar, despite having no prior experience in the coffee industry.

Sam candidly shares her experience with impostor syndrome as a first-time business owner and how the Northeast Minneapolis community and her staff helped her overcome these challenges. She discusses her vision of creating a space centered around wellness and nourishment, where the label accurately reflects what's inside.

What started as a personal quest for fulfillment evolved into something much bigger: a community hub that supports and uplifts other small businesses. From hosting Pilates classes on the patio to featuring local artists' work, Sam has transformed Honour Coffee into more than just a coffee shop.

Listen as Sam shares valuable insights about staying true to your "North Star" amid the constant pressure to expand or change direction, and how effective communication with her team has been crucial to her success.

Guest Info

• Business: Honour Coffee
• Guest: Samantha Hueman (she/her)
• Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout(s)

• Halle Rittgers: Website • Instagram
• Hadley Rittgers: Website

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Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Cary Hakam, licensed acupuncturist and owner of The Qi House in South Minneapolis. Cary shares his remarkable journey from studying yoga in Singapore to becoming a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner over 22 years ago.

The conversation explores Cary's unique path, including how he dreamed about his mentors three years before meeting them. He discusses the challenges of starting a healing arts center, the importance of following your heart in business, and how his practice evolved during major community events like the George Floyd protests and COVID.

Cary emphasizes the balance between running a business and maintaining authenticity and trusting your heart. The episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs about staying true to your values and building a business that nurtures both the community and the practitioner.

Guest Info

• Business: The Qi House
• Guest: Cary Hakam (he/him)
• Links: Website

Community Shoutout

• Laune Bread: Website • Instagram

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Andrea Storlie, owner of Nail Ninja, a nail salon in northeast Minneapolis that continues to revolutionize the local nail industry. Andrea shares her journey from being a high school dropout to becoming a business owner who not only provides exceptional nail services but also trains other nail technicians through her apprenticeship program. After 13 years of working for someone else, Andrea decided to become her own boss and create a space where she could set boundaries and do things her way. What started as a small solo suite unexpectedly grew into a thriving business. Andrea discusses the challenges of business ownership, the importance of self discipline, and her recent decision to let go of a lease on her other location to refocus on what truly brings her joy, doing nails and training others. Her refreshing perspective on growth reminds us that sometimes scaling back is the best way to move forward.

Guest Info

• Business: NAIL NINJA
• Guest: Andrea Storlie (she/her)
• Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout(s)

• Little Luxuries: Website • Instagram
• The Coffee Shop NE: Website • Instagram
• The Get Down Coffee Co: Website • Instagram

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Rebecca Sansone, owner of the Mustache Cat, a vintage and modern home goods store in St. Paul. Rebecca shares her journey from corporate life to small business ownership, where she curates a unique blend of vintage pieces with stories alongside products from women-owned businesses.

Rebecca explains her philosophy that objects in our homes should tell stories and engage all five senses, creating spaces that reflect who we are. We discuss her current business venture, developing "Mustache Cat Made," a product line that includes both new products and repurposed vintage items. We also explore Rebecca's leadership approach, which includes intentional vulnerability with her team, applying valuable corporate lessons to small business, and using practical tools like an Apple Note called "Future Us Problems" to help her and her team stay focused on their vision. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build an authentic business that reflects their personal values while creating meaningful customer experiences.

Guest Info

• Business: The Mustache Cat
• Guest: Rebecca Sansone (she/her)
• Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout

• Business: As You Are Therapy
• Links: Website • Instagram

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Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, we sit down with Cameron Gillette (Cammie G), co-owner of College Muscle Movers. Cammie shares how he focuses on fostering a culture built on trust, adaptability, and continuous learning. From creating a positive work environment that values every team member’s contribution, to embracing challenges like expanding into a 13,000-square-foot warehouse and transitioning from paper to digital systems, Cammie talks about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in to hear how Cameron turns the everyday challenges of moving into opportunities for growth and connection, proving that even the most hands-on work can be elevated by thoughtful leadership.

Guest Info

• Business: College Muscle Movers
• Guest: Cameron Gillette (he/him)
• Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout

• Business: Lloyd’s Automotive Service
• Links: Website • Instagram

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small we sit down with photographer Alyssa Lund-Kyrola to learn more about her journey to realizing her dream of being a full-time artist. Alyssa shares how she built two distinct brands: Alyssa Lund Photography, focused on families and weddings, and Illuminate Boudoir, dedicated to self-affirming, inclusive boudoir photography. She opens up about the challenges of navigating the pandemic, the decision to hire a studio manager, and dives into the power of storytelling through photography. We also discuss her latest project, Dear Body, which merges portraiture with personal reflections to promote self-love. Tune in to hear how Alyssa blends artistry with deep personal connection, proving that photography is about so much more than just pictures.

Guest Info

• Business: Alyssa Lund Photography / Illuminate Boudoir
• Guest: Alyssa Lund-Kyrola (she/her)
• Alyssa Lund Photography Links: Website • Instagram
• Illuminate Boudoir Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout

• Business: Cake Plus-Size Resale
• Links: Website • Instagram

Other Links:
Dubsado

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, we sit down with Sarah Evert, a clinical social worker and the owner of S.E.E. Psychotherapy. Sarah specializes in working with clients struggling with perfectionism, and she shares how her own search for fulfillment and autonomy led her to build a private practice that challenges traditional therapy norms.

Sarah talks about the power of community in private practice, and how social media has transformed the way she connects with both clients and fellow therapists. She also reflects on the importance of making therapy feel accessible and the lessons she’s learned from setbacks along the way. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a mental health professional, or someone navigating perfectionism, this conversation offers insights into building a business that truly aligns with your values.

Guest Info

• Business: S.E.E. Psychotherapy
• Guest: Sarah Evert (she/her)
• Links: Website • Instagram

Community Shoutout

• Business: Golden Age Design
• Links: Website • Instagram

Other Links:
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Joyful Life

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)