Self StartHER

In this solo episode of the Self StartHER Podcast, host Megan Tobler dives into a topic that’s rarely talked about but deeply needed—how to plan for parental leave when you're running your own business.

After being laid off during her pregnancy, Megan assumed she didn’t qualify for any benefits. But a conversation with Linzay Davis, founder of Hello Bundle, opened her eyes to the importance of planning ahead—and sparked this important discussion for fellow entrepreneurs and side-hustling mamas.

This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you confidently prep your business (and your mindset!) for parental leave—without guilt, burnout, or overwhelm.

You’ll learn:

• How to start preparing for maternity leave earlier than you think

• What tasks you can pause vs. what needs to keep running

• Simple ways to batch and automate your business before baby

• How to communicate your leave to clients, your team, or your community

• Why redefining productivity is essential in this season

Whether you're expecting, hoping to grow your family, or simply want to build a more flexible business—this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to plan for time off, your way.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Hello Bundle

Stay Connected:
→ Come hang with Megan on Instagram: @selfstart.her→ Learn more about the TogetHER Community

In this episode of the Self StartHER Podcast, Megan Tobler chats with Linzay Davis, founder of Hello Bundle, a parental leave consulting agency on a mission to help expecting and new parents navigate their leave options with confidence.

Linzay opens up about the difficult parental leave experience that led her to start her business and the emotional toll that comes with being unsupported as a new working mom. What started as a blog turned into a thriving consulting practice helping families—and even HR teams—understand what parental leave benefits are actually available to them.

Whether you’re a new mom, thinking about motherhood, or building a business that supports women in their life transitions, this episode dives deep into the intersection of entrepreneurship, advocacy, and the power of using your voice (and your story) to make an impact.

Learn more about Linzay and Hello Bundle: 

Hello Bundle Website

Follow on Instagram @hello_bundle_

Follow on TikTok @hellobundle 

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

In this heartfelt solo episode, Megan Tobler gets real about what it was like being laid off while pregnant—and how that major life setback unexpectedly became the catalyst for starting something bigger. She opens up about the moment everything shifted, the emotions she faced, and the “what if” question that pushed her to build Self StartHER into what it is today.

Megan doesn’t just share her story—she gives you tangible takeaways on how to reframe your own setbacks and use them as fuel. If you’ve ever been hit with a curveball (or five), this is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “the worst timing” might actually be the perfect push

• How to recognize when your “what if” moment is calling

• Ways to take small, meaningful steps toward your dream (even when life is chaotic)

• How Megan built momentum while parenting and picking up the pieces

• Why your story—as messy as it might be—is what makes you powerful
  

Tune in if you’re craving: Real talk. Permission to start. And proof that setbacks don’t mean it’s over… sometimes, they mean it’s just beginning.

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

In this episode of the Self StartHER Podcast, Megan Tobler revisits Talya Pessolano, owner of The Dirty Italian, to discuss her journey since their last conversation. Talya shares how her business has evolved, the importance of adapting to customer demand, and the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar establishment. She emphasizes the significance of community, family, and the skills she brought from her corporate background to her entrepreneurial venture. Talya also highlights her aspirations for future growth and the importance of believing in oneself despite external doubts.

Key Takeaways

• Adapting to customer demand is crucial for business success.

• Creating a welcoming community atmosphere is a key focus.

• Navigating challenges in a small kitchen requires creativity and resourcefulness.

• Building a strong team is essential for growth and efficiency.

• Corporate skills can be leveraged in entrepreneurship.

• Networking and supporting other women-owned businesses is important.

Learn more about and follow The Dirty Italian: 

Website https://thedirtyitalian.com/

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

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

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community www.selfstarther.com/together

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her https://www.instagram.com/selfstart.her/ 

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

Let’s keep it real: this past week, my toddler got sick… and then I caught what he had. Spoiler alert — the business plan did not go as planned.

In this SHORT solo episode, I’m sharing what it actually looks like to build and grow a business from home when life lifes hard — and how moments like these remind us just how important our health and empathy are as business owners and moms.

You'll hear:
-Why your health is your business plan-How to lead with empathy — starting with yourself-A raw, behind-the-scenes look at what happens when it all goes off-script-The reminder we all need: you’re doing enough, even when you're resting

Whether you're building your brand between naps or navigating yet another school bug, this is your permission slip to pause, rest, and come back stronger.

Resources + Mentions:
🎙️ Listen to my conversation with Melissa Snover of Nourished (3D printed vitamins for the win!) on Apple or Spotify

USE CODE SELFSTART40 for 40% your first subscription box

Let’s Connect:
-Share this episode with a fellow mompreneur who's had a week like this

-DM me on Instagram @selfstart.her and tell me how you handle sick days while running a business

-Join Self StartHER's TogetHER community

In this conversation, Megan Tobler interviews Melissa Snover, the founder of Nourished, a company that specializes in personalized vitamins using 3D printing technology. Melissa shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned from her previous businesses. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in product development and how it drives her to create solutions that cater to individual needs. The discussion also covers the innovative aspects of Nourished's products, the future plans for the company, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

• No two individuals are the same, and Nourished reflects that belief.

• A one-size-fits-all approach in nutrition is outdated.

• The idea for Nourished was born from a personal inconvenience.

• Research is key to validating business ideas.

• Empathy is the foundation of all product development.

• Learning from experiences is crucial for growth.

• 3D printing allows for unprecedented customization in vitamins.

• Nourished can create over 60 billion unique products.

• Future innovations include personalized pet treats and healthy aging products.

  
  

Learn more about Nourished: 

Visit Nourished’s website  

Connect with Mellissa on Linkedin

Follow Nourished on Instagram \

USE CODE SELFSTART40 for 40% your first subscription box 

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

In this heartfelt solo episode of the Self StartHER Podcast, Megan shares the raw and honest behind-the-scenes of what it looked like to bet on herself—even when the timing couldn’t have felt more uncertain. She opens up about starting her podcast before making a dollar, being pregnant during a layoff, and navigating months of financial unknowns with nothing but a dream and a gut feeling that she was meant for more.

Inspired by her conversation with Cassie LaMere, this episode explores the powerful question: "What if?" What if you actually go for it? What if you choose yourself before you’re ready? And what if the best-case scenario actually happens?

Megan also reflects on the common thread running through so many of the stories shared on Self StartHER—women who said yes to their vision, even when the circumstances weren’t perfect. If you’ve ever wrestled with the fear of starting, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The messy, magical season when Megan chose to go all in

• Why your “what ifs” can fuel action instead of fear

• How listening to other women’s stories helped her keep going

• A reminder that your dream doesn’t have to make sense to everyone—only to you

• The truth about starting a business before you feel “ready”

Whether you’re still dreaming, just starting, or smack in the middle of a leap that feels a little terrifying—this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and a little more brave.

Listen to the episode with Cassie LaMere on Apple or Spotify

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

In this episode of the Self StartHER podcast, luxury event planner and founder of Cassie LaMere Events, Cassie LaMere, shares how she went from a career in fashion to building a successful business rooted in creativity, adaptability, and bold vision. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and personalized event experiences, Cassie opens up about the early days of entrepreneurship, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and why asking “What if?” has been a driving force behind her growth.

Whether you’re just starting out or evolving your business, Cassie’s story will inspire you to dream without limits, define success on your own terms, and lean into uncertainty with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Asking “What if?” can lead to bold, creative breakthroughs.

• You don’t need to have it all figured out to start.

• Adaptability is essential—especially when challenges hit.

• Building trust and relationships is the foundation of lasting success.

• Dreaming big fuels both personal and professional growth.

  
  

Learn more about Cassie LeMere Events: 

Visit the website

Follow on Instagram

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

In this short and sweet solo episode, Megan gets real about money. For the first year of running her business, the expenses were higher than the income (relatable, right?). But now that revenue is starting to roll in, she’s finally getting organized—and she’s taking you behind the scenes.

Megan shares how she’s managing her finances without a full-time bookkeeper, why she chose a DIY profit and loss tracker, and how she checks in weekly during nap time to keep things on track.

Whether you’re in your first year of business or just tired of avoiding your numbers, this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and ready to take that next step.

Mentioned in this episode:

• DIY Profit & Loss Tracker by Bookkeeping by Alex

• Full episode: Bookkeeping Tips for Small Business Owners with Serena Shoup on Apple or Spotify 

  
  

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

 In this episode of the Self-StartHER Podcast, we chat with Serena Shoup, founder of Ambitious Bookkeeper, about her journey from young motherhood to financial independence through entrepreneurship.

Serena shares practical bookkeeping tips for small business owners, including why it’s crucial to separate personal and business finances, how to track your income and expenses, and what it really means to be financially healthy in business.

She also gets real about the emotional side of money, the importance of automation, and why perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

Whether you're doing your own books or thinking of hiring help, this episode will help you feel more confident and capable when it comes to your business finances.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Serena transitioned from corporate to freelance accounting

• The first steps every business owner should take financially

• What financial health actually looks like

• Why your profit margin matters

• When to hire a bookkeeper

• The emotional side of managing money

• How to stop overthinking and just start
  

Learn more about Serena: 

• Of Course Bookkeeping Website

• Instagram - @ofcoursebookkeeping

• LinkedIn - @serenashoup

• Twitter - @serenashoupcpa

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!