In this episode of Pouur Decisions, we sit down with Venessa Motaabbed, a Cleveland based realtor with Cali Home Pro powered by eXp Realty, to talk honestly about what it really means to leave a steady paycheck and go all in on yourself.

Vanessa shares her journey from retail to real estate, the fear of commission based income, and the personal moment that pushed her to finally take the leap. We talk through the mistakes she made early on by joining the wrong teams, why culture matters more than brand recognition, and how finding the right people can change everything.

The conversation also goes deeper into legacy, succession planning, and why business owners need to think beyond today’s deals. This episode is for anyone questioning their next move, feeling stuck in a job that no longer fits, or trying to build a business that lasts. 

Episode Show Notes

• Transitioning from retail to real estate
• The fear of commission based income
• What finally pushed her to go all in
• Lessons learned from joining the wrong teams
• Why support and culture matter more than big brands
• Building an investor focused real estate team
• Thinking about legacy and long term planning
• Mistakes that shaped her growth
• Networking, community, and what’s next

Episode Keywords

business podcast
 entrepreneurship
 real estate careers
 commission based work
 career change stories
 women in business
 business decisions
 small business growth
 leadership conversations
 real estate investing
 personal growth stories

Megan Robinson, founder of Blossom Flower Bar, joins Pouur Decisions to share how she walked away from a corporate career and built a thriving, multi-location business rooted in joy, community, and genuine human connection.

Starting with flowers stored in a garage cooler, Megan talks about using influencer marketing before it was common, opening her first storefront with fear and faith, and learning tough lessons around systems, legal mistakes, and scaling. She also shares how building the right team, creating unforgettable customer experiences, and leading with care became the foundation of her success.

This episode is an honest look at entrepreneurship without the highlight reel. It’s about hard work, learning as you go, and building a business that supports your life, not the other way around.

Kaba’s African and Caribbean Market is more than a grocery store. It’s a reflection of the people it serves.

In this episode, Aicha Kaba shares the story of how her family’s business grew alongside Cleveland’s Lee Harvard neighborhood. From its early days focusing on African products to becoming a multicultural destination for food, wellness, and skincare, Kaba’s Market expanded by paying attention to what the community needed most.

Aicha also discusses working with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and how projects like the White Box initiative are helping bring new energy to the neighborhood, including a new restaurant opening in the original store location this spring.

This episode is about listening first, growing with purpose, and staying committed to the people who support you.

Haditha “Butter” Khan, the creative force behind Ink Therapy Studio, shares her remarkable journey from artist to business owner. We talk about opening her studio in Bedford Heights during the pandemic, her experience as a Black female entrepreneur in the tattoo world, and why her art is more than ink on skin — it’s a form of healing and expression. Butter also offers advice to artists and entrepreneurs who are building their own path. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends creativity and business insight.

In this episode of Pouur Decisions, Sharece sits down with Tracy Burnett, Founder & Owner of Michi Lifestyle, a comfort-first home and lifestyle shop based in Lakewood, Ohio. Tracy opens up about transitioning from corporate travel to entrepreneurship, why designing for comfort matters, sourcing ethical small-batch products, and how a supportive community shaped her retail vision. She also reveals one financial decision she wishes she made sooner — so you don’t repeat it.

We raise a glass to thriving through trial and error. Cheers! 🍷

Visit Michi Lifestyle in Lakewood – Support Local!

👉 Need legal templates to protect your business?
 Get attorney-drafted documents at PouurDecisions.com

From driving limos and passing out flyers to building a thriving lawn care company, Dave Petty shares how he turned Turf Pride into a service-driven success story. In this interview, Dave explains how focusing on customer experience, developing a strong employee training program, and hiring for character helped him scale sustainably without sacrificing quality.

He also opens up about early challenges — including a legal dispute that taught him the importance of proper documentation and business structure. If you’re growing a service-based business or just getting started, you’ll walk away with real-world lessons and practical strategies you can use today.

📌 Key Topics:
• How to start a business while working another job
• Mistakes new business owners make
• Scaling a service business with systems
• Building a positive workplace culture
• Documentation and liability protection for service pros
• Reducing turnover and retaining great employees

👉 Get attorney-drafted legal templates for your business:
https://www.pouurdecisions.com