In this inspiring episode of She Means Business, host Dr. Myrrha Satow sits down with Isabel De Sousa, the powerhouse founder behind Akaila — a fashion label carried by Saks, Nordstrom, and featured in Vogue and Glamour magazines. Isabel shares her entrepreneurial journey from selling swimsuits in college to leading a women-owned brand known for limited-edition collections and purpose-driven partnerships.

With a rare triple major in Economics, Marketing, and Management, Isabel blends data-savvy decision-making with heartfelt storytelling. She opens up about the value of starting small, the importance of clear brand messaging, and why outsourcing is key to scaling a sustainable product-based business. Isabel also shares her views on avoiding comparison traps, embracing feminine leadership, and staying inspired while managing the realities of entrepreneurship.

Whether you're just launching or scaling your venture, this episode is packed with actionable advice, from how to position your brand in a saturated market to why "balance" is a myth — and priorities are everything.

Highlights:
*Why storytelling is your superpower in e-commerce
*How to stand out without reinventing the wheel
*Growth mistakes to avoid as a product-based founder
*The emotional realities of leaving a 9-to-5
*Isabel’s dream of international expansion (and being the “cool mom” on one of her photo shoots!)

Where to Find Isabel:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scaleyourproduct
Website: https://www.akaliaofficial.com/
Brand: https://www.instagram.com/akaliaofficial/

#business #founder #women #ceo #startup #fashion #nyc #usa 

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In this inspiring episode of She Means Business, host Dr. Myrrha Satow sits down with Emily Dressler, founder of Happily Ever Yoga (HEY), to explore her journey from a corporate marketing executive to a thriving entrepreneur in the wellness industry.

Emily shares how her passion for business was influenced by the strong women in her family, including her aunts and mother, and how her experience in corporate marketing prepared her for entrepreneurship. She discusses the pivotal moment that led her to leave her successful corporate career and fully commit to opening a power-based yoga studio focused on community, movement, and music.

Throughout the conversation, Emily highlights the importance of mentorship, sharing how a longtime yoga instructor and mentor played a crucial role in her growth. She also reveals how personal loss, particularly the passing of her sister, gave her the courage to follow her dreams and fully embrace her role as a business owner.

Marketing and community-building play a significant role in HEY's success, and Emily offers valuable insights into leveraging social media, word-of-mouth, and automation to grow a brand. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in branding, the power of storytelling, and the need for small business owners to embrace digital marketing in a way that feels organic and sustainable.

Emily also touches on the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, sharing how she integrates her work with her family life while ensuring that her studio remains a welcoming space for all. She ends with a preview of what’s next for HEY Yoga, including exciting collaborations and the launch of the Christy Cares Foundation in honor of her sister.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women looking to turn their passions into successful, purpose-driven businesses.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired by Emily’s journey of resilience, passion, and purpose!

https://happilyeveryoga.com/
http://instagram.com/happilyever_yoga

#yoga #ohio #podcast #ceo #womenentrepreneurs #female #founder

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In this episode, Dr. Myrrha Satow speaks with Dr. Bethany Klynn, a leadership coach and business owner in Ohio about starting her business. Bethany shares her journey from pursuing a PhD in industrial-organizational psychology to leading leadership development at L Brands for 21 years before founding Insight Leadership Consulting.

Bethany discusses her transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges of stepping away from a stable career to build her own consulting firm. She emphasizes the importance of helping women find their authentic leadership styles and navigating challenges as “the only” female leader in executive rooms.

She also explores leadership development strategies, including customized coaching, identifying “overdone strengths,” fostering psychological safety, and creating a culture of continuous learning. Tune in for empowering insights on leading with authenticity and purpose.

About Bethany
Bethany has 25 years of experience in leadership development, coaching, team development, offsite facilitation, and shaping organizational cultures. From C-suite executives to first-time people managers, she develops leaders and their teams during times of change and transformation.

Bethany has experience with companies of all sizes across a variety of industries: retail, healthcare, insurance, packaged goods, government, higher education, non-profit, and manufacturing.  She believes that leaders are made - and the best leaders continue to grow over time.

LinkedIn | Website

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In this inspiring episode, host Dr. Myrrh Satow welcomes the incredible Sairan Aqrawi Akrawi—a veteran engineer with over 30 years of experience, innovator, business strategist, and transformative coach. Join us as Sairan shares her compelling journey from the rigorous world of engineering to becoming a trusted mentor and leader who empowers others to discover their core genius.

What You’ll Discover:

• From Engineer to Coach: Sairan recounts her evolution from a full-time engineer working on challenging projects—from securing border communications to leading innovative initiatives at the Washington Transit Authority. A pivotal moment came when she was invited to speak to young engineering students, sparking her passion for mentoring and coaching.
  
  
• Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Learn how embracing discomfort and taking on challenging roles can be the catalyst for personal and professional growth. Sairan explains why getting “uncomfortable” is not just a necessity but a secret ingredient to continuous evolution.
  
  
• Finding Your Hidden Gem: Delve into Sairan's unique approach to coaching, where she helps clients and team members uncover their “hidden gem” or core genius. Whether it’s the spark that made you fall in love with a particular craft in your youth or a passion that’s been buried under day-to-day responsibilities, discover how to bring that joy back to life.
  
  
• Tailoring Success and Leadership: Explore the nuances of effective leadership and mentoring—why success isn’t measured solely by credentials or accolades, but by the energy and progress you feel as you grow. Sairan shares practical strategies for customizing coaching methods to meet the diverse needs of individuals, emphasizing the importance of leveraging strengths and using data to drive innovation and operational excellence.
  
  
• Empowering Midlife Women: A special focus on midlife transitions, this episode encourages women to look beyond traditional benchmarks of success. Sairan discusses how midlife can be a time of renewal, where self-compassion, progress, and tapping into your true passions redefine what success means.

Why Listen?

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader seeking to inspire your team, or simply someone ready to reignite your passion and uncover your hidden potential, this episode offers heartfelt insights, actionable advice, and the reminder that growth begins where comfort ends. Dr. Myrrh Satow’s engaging conversation with Sairan Aqrawi is a masterclass in blending technical expertise with personal empowerment—perfect for anyone looking to lead with purpose and authenticity.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges you to ask: What is your hidden gem, and how can you bring it to light?

Follow Sairan
IG https://www.instagram.com/sairanaqrawi

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In this inspiring episode of She Means Business—the podcast that spotlights visionary women entrepreneurs—host Dr. Myrrha Satow sits down with Amanda Hood, founder and CEO of The Crush Confidential, a luxury matchmaking service based in Ohio.

With Valentine’s (and “Galentine’s”) Day in the air, Amanda shares how her passion for connecting people evolved into a thriving business dedicated to helping clients find meaningful, long-term relationships.

Amanda reveals the winding road that led her from college professor and photographer to professional matchmaker and ultimately to launching her own high-end boutique service. She explains why a “white glove” approach, marked by empathy and deep personal investment, sets The Crush Confidential apart. Listeners will learn how Amanda’s experience working for other matchmaking companies fueled her desire to create a more genuine, personalized client experience—complete with the freedom to choose clients who share her core values.

Throughout the conversation, Myrrha and Amanda discuss the importance of mentoring, accountability partners, and cultivating authentic connections for long-term business success. Amanda credits much of her journey to the support she’s received from her husband, children, and industry mentors who encouraged her to take risks, innovate, and truly hustle in pursuit of her dreams. Whether you’re in the relationship business or striving to grow your own venture, this feel-good episode underlines the power of passion, resilience, and the unwavering support of fellow women entrepreneurs.

Follow Amanda Online:
https://thecrushconfidential.com/

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In this episode, Dr. Myrrha Satow sits down with Mindy Hoffbauer, founder of Contempo Roast, a family-owned coffee shop and roastery in Centerville, Ohio. From crafting community-focused coffee experiences to supporting sustainable practices and empowering women entrepreneurs, Mindy shares her inspiring journey of turning passion into a thriving business. 🚀☕

Discover:
✅ The origins of Contempo Roast and its commitment to ethical sourcing.
✅ How family teamwork and adaptability are keys to entrepreneurial success.
✅ The challenges and rewards of running a family business.
✅ Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on building strong teams, fostering relationships, and trusting the process.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with insights, laughter, and actionable inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. 💼

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from trailblazing women entrepreneurs!

Follow Contemporoast on Instagram

#SheMeansBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #ContempoRoast #SustainableBusiness #Inspiration 

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In this episode of She Means Business, host Dr. Myrrha Satow sits down with Milouda Ouarite, the dynamic CEO of High Sky Billing. With a background in economics and health information management, Milouda has spent over a decade transforming revenue cycles and enhancing operational efficiency in the healthcare industry. Now, she's channeling her expertise and passion into running her own business, which she launched just a year ago.

Milouda shares her incredible journey from immigrant to entrepreneur, discussing how she overcame challenges, balanced her family life, and found her true calling in revenue cycle management. She talks about the importance of empowering women—especially immigrants—and why she’s so passionate about helping healthcare providers improve their financial operations to better serve patients.

Throughout the conversation, Milouda offers invaluable advice on starting a business, finding mentorship, and balancing work and family. If you're a woman looking to break barriers in your industry, or if you're just in need of some inspiration to chase your own dreams, this episode is for you.

Join us as we explore the drive, determination, and vision that have led Milouda Ouarite to success, and hear her tips for thriving in business while staying true to your mission.

Key Takeaways:

• Milouda's journey from Morocco to becoming a CEO
• The challenges of balancing family and work as a female entrepreneur
• Finding resources and mentorship to launch and scale your business
• The importance of staying patient-centered in the healthcare industry
• How to turn a passion into a successful venture

Connect with Milouda:

• LinkedIn: Milouda Ouarite
• Website: High Sky Billing

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review She Means Business on your favorite podcast platform, and join us for the next episode as we continue to explore the stories and strategies of visionary women.

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In this episode, Dr. Myrrha Satow sits down with Renee Ridgway, founder of The Effortless Chic Boutique, to explore her inspiring journey from retail employee to thriving business owner. Renee shares how her passion for fashion, resilience during challenges like the pandemic, and dedication to empowering women led to the creation of her boutique, catering to middle-aged women seeking stylish yet comfortable clothing.

Discover Renee's insights on pivoting in business, staying ahead of trends, and embracing collaboration over competition. Her message of finding confidence through personal style is both uplifting and actionable. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring anecdotes.

🎙️ Don’t miss this episode of She Means Business!
👉 Subscribe for more stories of bold women building and scaling their dreams.

Follow Renee on Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/TheECBoutique
https://www.facebook.com/renee.i.ridgway/
https://www.tiktok.com/@effortlesslychicboutique
https://www.tiktok.com/@renee_i_ridgway
https://www.instagram.com/the_effortless_chic_boutique/

#SheMeansBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #FashionBoutique #EmpoweringWomen

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In the inaugural episode of She Means Business, host Dr. Myrrha Satow shares her vision for empowering women entrepreneurs.  Myrrha delves into her personal journey, exploring how her entrepreneurial spirit emerged from a desire for creativity and leadership beyond traditional work constraints.

Myrrha discusses the importance of mentorship and community, emphasizing that success is rarely achieved in isolation. With a wealth of experience across various industries—from education to film—she shares valuable insights on pivoting, scaling businesses, and the significance of serving others through entrepreneurship.

Listeners will discover practical tips on how to get started, even when resources seem limited, and learn about leveraging local networks for support. With a focus on passion-driven business, Myrrha encourages aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike to follow their dreams and stay resilient in the face of challenges.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that sets the stage for future episodes filled with stories from trailblazing women who have transformed their visions into thriving businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a community where bold ideas and leadership flourish! Subscribe now and be part of the journey.

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