Second Cup Sessions

Second Cup Sessions

By Calley Riley and Kati FosterBusinessEntrepreneurshipManagement
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Second Cup Sessions episodes

  • 20: Journey to Financial Health with Sarah VanHoose

    In this honest and hilarious episode of Second Cup Sessions, Kati and Calley sit down with Sarah, a financial coach and entrepreneur whisperer from Journey to Influence. Sarah is a financial coach who brings practical, mindset-shifting advice to small business owners.

    Over coffee and sparkling grapefruit water, they dig into:

    • Common financial pitfalls entrepreneurs face—like DIYing too long or hiring too early.

    • The importance of knowing your numbers and doing regular audits, even if it's uncomfortable.

    • Why paying yourself (even a little) matters, and how Profit First helps build long-term financial health.

    • The emotional attachment entrepreneurs often have to money, and how to separate self-worth from sales figures.

    • Tips for teaching kids about money, like budgeting school clothes or managing a mini business.

    • The magic of taking time away (even just a few hours) to sit down with your finances and make intentional plans.

    Sarah encourages business owners to start small, be honest, and remember that data is just data—not a judgment on your success.

    39 min
  • 19:Oops, we forgot our goals

    In this hilariously honest episode of Second Cup Sessions, Calley and Katie get real about mid-year goal slippage, marketing missteps, and the chaotic reality of trying to run a business during summer. What started as inspired intention after a powerful class quickly turned into... well, a lot of other things.

    They confess to missed deadlines, too many F-bombs (sorry, moms), and the emotional tug-of-war between staying committed and pivoting when things don't make sense anymore (looking at you, underperforming summer markets 👀).

    Expect plenty of laughs, a few life tangents (including mysterious uneven hair growth), and ultimately, some solid takeaways about giving yourself grace, resetting goals, and building in accountability—without apologizing for it.

    Oh, and they're going live this Friday to check in on those goals, so now you're in on it too. 🎯💥

    38 min
  • 18: Is Recession a 4-letter word?

    Recessions happen—but that doesn't mean your business has to go down with the economy. In this episode, we're tackling the emotional rollercoaster of running a small business during tough economic times, sharing the honest fears (and occasional ugly cries) that come with slower seasons.

    We're talking about the power of adaptability, creative ways to pivot your products or services, and how making your business irreplaceable through convenience can set you apart. We swap ideas like local delivery, subscription services, loyalty programs, and more ways to keep customers coming back—without burning yourself out.

    Plus, we get real about the importance of knowing your numbers, taking ownership of your finances (Profit First, anyone?), and finding your people—because nobody should go through this alone.

    This episode is equal parts tough love, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement to ride the waves of business with resilience, gratitude, and community.

    Takeaways:

    • Adaptability is key—pivot, expand, or simplify.

    • Get hands-on with your finances (yes, you—not just your bookkeeper).

    • Focus on convenience and customer retention.

    • Build your business village—collaboration over competition.

    • Keep your mindset strong—cry if you need to, then keep going.

    Whether you're thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between, this one's for you.

    43 min
  • EP17: Working Together: How Collaboration Fosters Growth

    In this episode, we're diving into what it really means to choose collaboration over competition—especially as small business owners. We're sharing personal stories, lessons we've learned, and why building genuine connections has been a game-changer in our own journeys. Whether you're feeling stuck, inspired, or somewhere in between, this conversation is all about community, support, and showing up for each other.

    34 min
  • 16: All about the Benjamins

    Grab another cup and sit down with Kati and Calley while they discuss real numbers when it comes to opening a brick and mortar store front. Spoiler: It's twice as expensive as you think it is. Join them as the discuss the hard (expensive) lessons that they've learned through the process of opening a store and for Kati, moving to a second location!

    45 min
  • 15: An ADHD Episode

    In this conversation between Calley and Kati, they discuss the efforts and challenges involved in participating in market events and setting up a new storefront. Calley shares her experiences from a busy week handling double markets and the intricacies of preparing for them, including the physical and logistical demands. They also talk about the importance of creating an inviting store atmosphere that attracts customers. Kati mentions her upcoming grand opening and the final touches required, expressing both excitement and anxiety. They reflect on the entrepreneurial journey, discussing the potential presence of ADHD traits, the challenges of managing multiple tasks, and the need for support and accountability. The conversation ends with a lighthearted recounting of their favorite drink from Harvest Moon Sangria Bar and reminiscing about personal experiences with scars.

    35 min
  • 14: A Cup and A Catchup

    In this episode of Second Cup Sessions, we're pouring ourselves a second (or third) cup and catching up on everything—from exciting life updates to the official grand opening date of NW Accent's brand new location! Kati and Calley talk life lately, mental health, and whether or not Shop Cat should get a new name! Pull up a chair, refill your cup, and join us for a warm, honest conversation.

    42 min
  • 13: A Return to Why

    Ever stared at your shoes and questioned your entire morning routine? Same. In this episode of Second Cup Sessions, Calley and Kati dive into the chaos of long work days, caffeine experiments, and those foggy moments that signal something deeper—burnout.

    From mismatched shoes to sitting in the wrong seat of the car, we laugh through the signs of overwhelm and pivot into a meaningful conversation about what it really means to show up for your customers. We unpack the wisdom of Simon Sinek's TED Talk, Start With Why, and explore how drifting from your core purpose can lead to a creative rut—and how reconnecting to it can bring you back to life (no energy drink required).

    Whether you're in the middle of a big move, running on fumes, or just wondering what the heck to post on Instagram, this one's for you.

    38 min
  • 12: "I'm fine." - A Lie

    In this episode, we're talking burnout—how to spot it, why it sneaks up on us, and what happens when the hustle becomes too heavy. We share our own crispy moments, play a round of Burnout Bingo, and get honest about what it means to run on empty as women, business owners, and humans. If you've ever said "I'm fine" through gritted teeth, this one's for you.

    39 min
  • 11: Daydreams, Unexpected Tenants, and a brain named Brittney

    In this episode, Calley and Kati spill the tea on navigating small business chaos—from accidental cat ownership (yes, really) to being over-caffeinated and under-rested while still showing up for our dreams.

    We're talking messy mornings, surprise building "features" (hello, floor hole), and the Daydream Project Event we attended that reminded us to be who we came to be. It's the perfect mix of ridiculous and real—because running a business isn't always boss-babe glam… sometimes it's bandaids, Jamba Juice, and feral cats.

    "Be who you came to be" - Tara Renze, Author and Speaker

    31 min

About Second Cup Sessions

From the publisher's feed

Join Calley and Kati, two women-owned business leaders from the Pacific Northwest, as they navigate the world of entrepreneurship one conversation at a time. Calley, owner of Melior Refillery, a sustainable goods store, and Kati, founder of NW Accent, a PNW-inspired clothing company, share their unique perspectives on starting and running businesses while tackling challenges, finding work-life balance, celebrating wins, and setting big goals.