Penny for your Shots

In this episode, we chat with Kara Cleaver, an entrepreneur who has turned her passion for wine into LaVie Estate Winery in Texas Hill Country. Kara shares her journey from high tech to winemaking, the importance of community collaboration, and the unique wine experiences she curates. Learn about Kara’s dedication to crafting exceptional Texas wines, her 26-acre ranch, and the upcoming Wine Camp event at LaVie. Join us for a deep dive into the art and science of winemaking, food pairings, and the beauty of Texas Hill Country.

To order wines and learn more about LaVie Estate Winery, visit https://lavieestate.orderport.net/wines/Current-Releases 

00:00 Meet Kara Cleaver: Entrepreneur and Wine Enthusiast

01:01 Introducing LaVie Estate Winery

01:16 Wine Camp at LaVie: An Unforgettable Experience

01:47 A Day in the Life on a 26-Acre Ranch

02:58 From Vermont to Texas: Kara's Journey

03:31 The Path to Becoming a Winery Owner

05:39 Crafting Unique Wines with Local Winemakers

06:21 Creating Memorable Experiences at LaVie

07:19 Collaborating with Chefs and Musicians

09:24 Exploring Texas Hill Country Wines

17:16 The Joy of Introducing People to Wine

18:36 The Magic of Wine and Food Pairing

19:04 Crafting Wines to Perfection

19:37 Fun Stories from the Winery

22:52 Travel Dreams and Italy Adventures

26:28 The Winery Experience and Community

30:31 The Art and Science of Winemaking

32:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Join me in an engaging conversation with Janica Smith, a seasoned publishing consultant who has helped over 150 authors bring their books to life. From her early days as a Traveling Vineyard wine consultant to becoming a self-made virtual assistant and later a publishing advisor, Janica shares her journey and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Discover practical tips on how to pitch yourself, focus on your strengths, and free yourself from tasks outside your expertise. We also delve into the importance of showing up, staying open to opportunities, and paying it forward. Plus, get a taste of the Texas Hill Country wine culture and learn about crafting the perfect porch sipper cocktail. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you on your publishing journey.

To connect with Janica or learn more about her Publishing services: https://www.janicasmith.com/ 

Wineries & Opportunities discussed in this episode:

https://calaiswinery.com/
https://www.frenchconnectionhye.com/
https://www.daviswines.com/
https://www.ewomennetwork.com/ 

00:00 Introduction to Janica Smith

01:03 Reconnecting After Years

03:17 The Journey to Becoming a Virtual Assistant

08:28 The Leap to Full-Time Entrepreneurship

10:48 Navigating the Publishing World

16:23 Challenges and Successes in Publishing

23:07 The Importance of Professional Publishing

28:40 Supporting Authors and Entrepreneurs

30:09 How Publishing Works for Entrepreneurs

32:02 Building Relationships for Book Endorsements

34:03 The Importance of Book Design

37:07 Navigating Print on Demand

40:43 The Role of Marketing in Book Publishing

42:38 Overcoming Self-Doubt as an Author

43:37 The Value of Unique Perspectives

46:09 The Legacy of Helping Authors

47:42 Wine and Personal Stories

53:09 Exploring Texas Hill Country

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Join me for an emotional and insightful episode with Julie Kershner, a luxury real estate specialist who divides her time between Wyoming and Cabo. Julie shares her career journey, personal stories, and the significant life events that have shaped her resilient spirit. From recounting her time in Mexico and the challenges of the real estate market to touching personal moments, Julie opens up about her relationship with her late fiancé and their unique connection beyond life. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and life lessons.

00:00 Introduction to Julie Kershner
01:03 Julie's Real Estate Journey
01:58 Life in Cabo and Wyoming
04:56 Challenges and Rewards of Real Estate in Mexico
07:19 Navigating Legalities and Building Relationships
11:08 Personal Stories and Experiences
14:17 Weathering the Storms
22:35 Resilience and Adaptability
28:35 Reflecting on Life Lessons
29:18 A Heartbreaking Loss
30:34 Connecting Beyond the Grave
33:16 Birthday Surprises and Signs
38:50 Cherished Friendships and Traditions
48:16 Unfinished Business and Hard Lessons
54:30 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

To view Julie's Los Cabos properties, or connect with Julie Kershner:
https://cabosanlucashomesforsale.net/
Loscabosluxuryhomes.com

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Tracy Shelton and her husband Marion transitioned from a conventional land-based lifestyle to living full-time on a boat, cruising along the eastern U.S. coast from Key West to Annapolis. Over 15 months, they encountered severe storms, mechanical challenges, and personal struggles while embracing the beauty of marine life, historic cities, and boating communities. Tracy shares her detailed experiences, including provisioning while at sea, overcoming medical challenges, and the profound impact of seeing ocean pollution, which led her to open an eco-friendly salon in Venice, Florida. Get an inside look at the highs and lows of life on the water, the unique friendships formed, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Shrimp Perloo recipe (low country shrimp and rice) https://urls.grow.me/QbYEwPXMb

Tracy's organic salon, il Salone Verde: https://www.ilsaloneverde.com/

il Salone Verde Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558150959074

00:00 Leaving the Conventional Life Behind

00:53 Challenges and Joys of Boat Life

01:10 Adapting to Boat Life

01:31 A Generous Encounter and Eco-Friendly Inspiration

02:00 Introduction to Tracy Shelton

02:46 The Decision to Live on a Boat

03:26 Learning to Sail and First Adventures

13:27 Surviving a Storm in Dry Tortugas

20:03 Exploring the East Coast

29:11 Navigating the Dismal Swamp

39:33 Majestic Pelicans and Capturing Memories

40:26 Exploring Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay

41:32 Meeting Buck in Georgetown, South Carolina

48:22 Provisioning and Life on the Boat

53:18 Night Sailing Adventures

57:34 Engine Troubles and Safety Measures

01:00:40 Returning to Key West and Coconut Row

01:02:34 Reflections on Living Aboard and Environmental Impact

01:04:21 Transitioning to Life on Land and New Beginnings

01:06:15 Favorite Cocktails and Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

01:14:09 Community Connections and Networking

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Michelle Bouse is a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist now serving SW Florida. She spent over 20 years owning her own business and serving Hollywood stars from Jesse Metcalfe to John Schneider to Jennifer Garner. 

She started in New Jersey in musical theater as a dancer, earning her living through private events. Auditioning for each role taught her resilience, and self confidence. 

We discuss the difference in cultures from New Jersey to California to Florida (and a little Iowa or Midwest sprinkled in). We also talk about the importance of words and how different it feels to say, "I'm Starting a New Chapter", rather than saying "I'm starting over". 

Michelle notes 4 ingredients in her Recipe for Life:

• Happiness is a Choice,
• Kindness is a Must,
• Joy should be Shared, and
• Gratitude is the most important

We also chat about the significance of saying "Yes!" to opportunities. And to accepting complements. 

At one point in our chat, Michelle called me "Wise". I feel like I can usually receive and appreciate complements, but being called "wise" felt very different for me. I'm exploring why, but I suspect it has something to do with it feeling "unearned" to me. Wise is something reserved for older people. Well.... news flash! I AM older. And... I definitely have had the opportunity to practice resilience and patience through the years. Lord knows I haven't always been "my best self" and there are some things I would have done differently. But I have learned a lot and if I can use my experience (good and bad) to support someone else, then I'm all for it! I'll keep working on why the word "wise" is hard for me to receive... and will learn from my wise friends (new and old).

To connect with Michelle or learn about her services: https://michellebouse.com/ 

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Beth Matthews is a real estate professional, founder, and owner of Envision Real Estate in Buffalo, New York. She's a distinguished leader who believes in creating a positive work culture for her team, while achieving ambitious sales goals. She leads by example and is also committed to lifting other women entrepreneurs.

She took a break and disconnected from work for a weekend to explore what truly makes her happy. She came away with 4 Pillars... Four areas of her life and work that she truly values. Naming and claiming these Pillars gave her the permission she needed to say "No" to those things that weren't really of service. And to restructure her business, team, and life to be in alignment. Saying "No" to those things really opened her business and her life to allow more abundance and greater service for others.

Through this process, she also shares how to set aside outside expectations and pressures... How we can live a life that we design rather than one that we think is expected of us.

If you feel any of the pressures Beth and I talk about, consider chatting with someone with experience in working through these obstacles. I'd be honored to have a chat with you to help you find your joy and discover what's next. You can contact me through my website or social media sites. 

Beth also shares some fun and ummmm... surprising stories from the real estate world. 

To connect with Beth:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/envisionrealestate1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuI6pDusoZyJ-uKNEsPO2dg

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@envisionrealestate

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-matthews-9335a139/

Website: www.seeingyouhome.com

Website: https://letsgetitbooked.com/beth-matthews/

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Nichole Richardson and I met through a networking group, and she hosted several wine tastings with me "back in the day." She has a vast wealth of experiences... from her time in the military, to working for a golf cart retailer, to now working mostly from home. She's faced adversity and will NOT be put in a box.

We discuss some cringe-worthy moments with co-workers that led her to finding a good fit in her current company. Nichole describes some of the unique and difficult choices she faced being a woman in the Navy. And we chat about her upcoming Halloween wedding and what it means to her.

I'm struck by the expectations placed on her...both external and internal. And the pressure she felt from the things she "should" do. Have you ever felt like that? That you're drawn to the "shoulds" in the day-to-day choices you make based out of obligation? What if you were free to choose out of joy... Every Time? I believe that is possible, but it takes courage. Sometimes more courage than we can muster. And there may be times when the only choice is safety in the moment.

Nichole demonstrates resilience and hope... and courage to choose what is in alignment for herself, her children, and her fiance. (And, she's really good at defining and describing what wine and beer she enjoys!) I hope you find courage and choose joy for yourself, and that you enjoy today's episode.

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Alexis Goodwin is the General Manager of an independent, boutique-style hotel in Blanco, Texas. The Blanco River Hotel is our "home base" for Wine Camp this Fall (September 19-21, 2024) in Texas Hill Country!

Alexis and I discuss the area, including so many things to do, a variety of restaurants, some breweries and distilleries, and of course, we mention some of the wineries and prime locations for tasting!

For my "vino loving friends", Texas Hill Country American Viticultural Area is the 3rd largest AVA in the US, with over 9 million acres and at least 100 wineries in the heart of Texas. And, Bell Mountain and Fredericksburg AVAs are microclimates within that large, Texas Hill Country AVA. Texas vineyards and wine makers produce varietals commonly found in Italy, France, and Spain. And, you can find many award-winning wines in the 30-some wineries situated in the 30-mile stretch of Highway 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. 

Are you thirsty yet? I am!! For more information and to register for Wine Camp, visit: https://pennyforyourshots.com/wine-camp

For Reservations, call the Blanco River Hotel directly at (830) 833-5697 and mention "Wine Camp" to receive the $139 rate. That number, the link to register, and some additional information are in today's episode's show notes.

Alexis and I also chat about her career in hospitality. She is driven, and focused on following opportunities where they lead. And on following her heart! We chat about Alexis finding "her person". Or more accurately, about allowing your person to be revealed to you in the Right Time.

We also talk a bit about her mother, who as an entrepreneur AND a single mother, raised 3 kids in the 90s. She clearly set a wonderful example for her daughter. 

I hope you'll join me in Texas Hill Country this Fall and meet Alexis in person!

For Reservations for Wine Camp, call the Blanco River Hotel directly at (830) 833-5697 and mention "Wine Camp" to receive the $139 rate.

To learn more about Texas Hill Country Wineries:
https://texashillcountrywineries.org/pages/about-texas-wine

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Most of my guests (and my audience) are women ...umm... of a certain age, like me, who have "been there, done that". Many of us are in that next phase of life where we're rediscovering ourselves, or may be approaching a change... kids going off to college, friends nearing retirement... not "more time on our hands" but more ... "I want to make an impact and I want to have more fun!"

Occasionally, I interview younger guests and it brings me back to earlier days. Days when I was in the thick of career growth and looking for the next promotion. I remember what it felt like to be "in the hunt" and trying to prove myself. And many times, it felt like I was repeating that process of trying to prove myself over and over. 

Today's guest is indeed younger....she's one of my nieces. She is definitely brilliant, and hearing her story was at times difficult.... she is worthy. Just being her. She deserves to feel valued (which she DOES ... Now). She's had to prove herself a few times, and put up with a micromanager. 

Wait until you hear the level of "micromanagement" she endured... 

Christi is competitive by nature. She loves the thrill of any game; and definitely loves winning!

And she's not afraid of hard work. She has done most of the home improvement projects around her new home in Texas, including installing a fence around her entire property. By.Herself! You'll hear a bit about her move in this episode, too.

Join us for Wine Camp in Texas Hill Country this September. You can find more information about that at my website: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/wine-camp/

Here is, my niece, Christi Fitzgerald.

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Becca Ingersoll is an expert at Finding Joy through Life's Trials. And that is, indeed, the name of her own podcast. 

Everybody's got something, right? And she would be the first to say that is true... but she has walked the walk before talking the talk. She is here to support others in their journey of finding joy. She's actually one of the kindest, most joy-filled people I know!

Becca has special needs twins who were born prematurely. She'll go into that a bit in our conversation (and you can learn more through her podcast and blog posts), but just know that she has experience and wisdom to share that will lift you up and help you to not feel alone.... If you're feeling like you could use a little encouragement, I hope you'll check out her blog... mercy-rose.com and listen to her podcast, Finding Joy through Life's Trials. 

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blingersoll/

Becca's Blog: mercy-rose.com

Finding Joy through Life's Trials on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CGSPd2I4znhVEhHvlEz1s?si=49ec84280b8b4bb0

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/call 

Wine Camp 2027 - Join the list or save your spot:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp

Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider

Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip

Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more:
https://www.pennyforyourshots.com

Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald