Second Cup Sessions

It's the end of Season One! We're a little happy, a little sad, and a lot caffeinated as we wrap up this first season of Second Cup Sessions. In this episode, Kati and Calley trade questions, crack each other up, and reflect on life as small business owners heading into the busy season.

From "Freaky Friday" body swaps and what we'd do with each other's businesses, to confessions about chaotic mornings, dream days, and what we'd definitely get arrested for — this one's pure fun. We're closing out the season with laughter, gratitude, and maybe a little bit of manifesting for the months ahead.

Grab your second cup, get cozy, and join us for a lighthearted goodbye to Season One. We'll see you again in 2026 for Season Two!

Follow:

@secondcupsessions - Us

@meliorrefillery - Calley

@nw_accent - Kati

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions, we sit down with marketing strategist Mary Czarnecki to unpack how small business owners can use stories with intention—not just for entertainment, but to build trust, relevance, and connection with their customers. Mary is a speaker and marketing strategist who helps founders and leaders communicate with clarity and confidence. For over 25 years, she's worked with Fortune 500 companies and growth-stage brands on strategy, storytelling, and messaging. Today, she brings that expertise to entrepreneurs and leaders through courses, workshops, and consulting, so their story isn't just heard, it drives results.

Together, we talk about the pitfalls of "panic posting," the difference between content that simply fills space versus stories that actually move your business forward, and how to create a "story bank" so you're ready even on the busiest days.

Follow Second Cup Sessions on Instagram @secondcupsessions

Find Mary Czarnecki:

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions, Calley and Kati get real about how their visions of success have shifted over time—from dreams of infinity pools, multiple store locations, and picture-perfect timelines to finding fulfillment in freedom, balance, and even a few unexpected shop cats. They dive into the evolving ways we measure accomplishment in both business and life, the pressure of early timelines, and how letting go of rigid definitions can open the door to a more authentic version of success. With their usual humor and honesty, they share lessons learned, vulnerabilities faced, and the joy that comes from embracing the season you're in.

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions, Calley and Kati dive into the ever-important question: who is your ideal customer? From the quirks of Pacific Northwest culture to the realities of who actually shows up in their shops, they unpack why knowing your audience matters more than ever—especially during challenging business seasons.

They share real-life stories about loyal customers, the joy of creating quality products that stand the test of time, and the lessons learned from resisting the urge to "do it all." With plenty of laughs (yes, even about black toothbrushes being "for men" and East Coast subway stereotypes), this conversation blends honesty and humor while reminding small business owners to hone in on their "yes" people and build deeper connections.

If you've ever struggled with defining your target audience or wondered how to make your business resonate with the right people, this episode is packed with insights—and a good dose of Pacific Northwest love.

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions, we're joined by Jana and Susie, the powerhouse duo behind Omega NW, a Portland-based nonprofit that helps women transition out of addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and abuse by stepping back into the workforce with mentorship, job skills, and real-life support.

We talk about what it looks like to not just place someone in a job, but to walk alongside them—teaching advocacy, building confidence, and reminding women they are deeply loved and not defined by their past. Jana and Susie share moving stories of transformation (and plenty of laughter along the way), while we reflect on how small businesses can play a huge role in restoring dignity, breaking down stigma, and even discovering growth themselves through these partnerships.

It's a conversation about second chances, community, and the power of showing up—because sometimes the simplest invitation or act of support can change a life, yours included.

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Calley and Katie sit down with Sarah, founder of Simplicity by Sarah, to dive deep into the world of vendor markets—the highs, the headaches, and the huge potential they hold for small business owners. From funny "small world" stories of growing up in the same neighborhood, to Sarah's inspiring journey of leaving teaching, navigating cancer treatment, and launching her own business, this episode is packed with honesty and grit.

Together, they share candid reflections on what makes markets worth it (even when you don't make your booth fee back), how to set goals beyond just sales, and creative strategies to connect with customers—from QR codes and spin wheels to sensory experiences that spark conversation. They also unpack the difference between summer and holiday markets, how to choose the right events for your business, and why sometimes the best return on investment is community and visibility, not just dollars.

Whether you're brand-new to markets or a seasoned vendor looking to reignite your spark, this episode will leave you laughing, nodding along, and ready to rethink your next booth setup with fresh energy.

This week on Second Cup Sessions, we sit down with Hannah Luttrell of Luttrell's Little Cookie Company to talk about the sweet (and sometimes messy) reality of running a business from home while raising a little one. From late-night baking sessions after bedtime to squeezing in cookie decorating during camp days, Hannah shares the honest truth about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.

We chat about how she turned a pandemic hobby into a thriving cookie business, the lessons she's learned about boundaries and saying "no," and how her son keeps her grounded with reminders that she has "two jobs—cookies and me." Along the way, we laugh about Paw Patrol time blocks, wild cookie requests, and the surprising parallels between printing t-shirts and decorating sugar cookies.

Whether you're a parent, a business owner, or just someone who loves a good cookie, this episode is a reminder that there's no such thing as perfect balance—but there's beauty (and growth) in finding your own recipe for success.

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions, Calley and Kati tackle a challenge every business owner has faced at some point—analysis paralysis. You know the feeling: too many options, too many "what ifs," and not enough action. They share personal stories of when overthinking stalled their own progress, the surprising costs of waiting too long to make a decision, and the mindset shifts that helped them move forward. From practical tools for breaking big decisions into manageable steps to permission slips for making imperfect choices, this conversation is equal parts relatable and energizing. Grab your coffee, stop overanalyzing, and take the first step toward your next big move.

Find Calley on all socials @meliorrefillery, www.meliorrefillery.com

Find Kati on all socials @NW_Accent, www.nwaccent.com

In this deeply empowering episode of Second Cup Sessions, we sit down with Brittany to explore the science, soul, and strategy behind becoming your highest CEO self. Brittany Brzezinski shares her newest program, Activate Her, designed specifically for women business owners ready to ditch burnout and step into their million-dollar mindset — without the pressure of going from zero to 100.

We unpack the power of creating your CEO avatar — an intentional version of yourself that's rooted in desire, grounded in reality, and flexible to your season of life. From understanding how our nervous systems respond to change to exploring the guilt and shame women often carry in both business and life, Brittany reminds us that meaningful growth doesn't come from hustle culture, but from slow, intentional embodiment.

We also dig into:

• How to work with your nervous system instead of against it

• Why perfectionism and "doing more" often lead to self-sabotage

• Learning to honor your energy, your cycles, and your capacity

• Redefining self-care beyond wine, Netflix, and emotional bypassing

With wisdom, humor, and realness, Brittany challenges us to stop comparing ourselves to the highlight reels of social media and instead start showing up — one micro-action at a time. Whether you're burnt out, stuck in shame cycles, or simply ready to evolve, this conversation is a must-listen.

🧠 Reminder: Your growth doesn't have to be hard. Sometimes, it starts with a 10-minute walk and a deep breath.

Find Brittany Brzezinski on all platforms at BeesBoutiqueAccounting

In this honest and hilariously relatable episode, Calley and Kati dive into the awkwardness of promoting your own business—why it feels cringey, especially for women, and how self-deprecation often sneaks into our everyday language. They reflect on how easy it is to rave about a friend's store but how uncomfortable it feels to say the same things about your own.

The conversation includes role-playing introductions of each other's businesses (with lots of laughter and pen drops), a deep dive into imposter syndrome, and personal stories from their early days of entrepreneurship—including creepy warehouse beginnings and the grind that built their brands.

They explore how minimizing your work is a disservice to the past you who put in the long hours, took the risks, and built something from nothing. The episode ends with a challenge: get on social media and brag about your business like you would your best friend's—and tag @SecondCupSessions so they can hype you up right back.

It's a feel-good, fire-you-up kind of episode that reminds you: your hard work is worth celebrating.