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Anna Shulgina transforms a wellness gap in Louisville into Bodhi Salt Center, a mind-body balance center where families experience holistic health solutions together without compromising relaxation for either parents or children. Her journey from multinational corporate executive to wellness entrepreneur demonstrates how strategic business principles combine with genuine care for human wellbeing to create innovative service models.

• Globalist background with fluency in multiple languages and leadership positions at Nestlé and Ferrero across five countries
• Developed innovative category strategies that "make the pie bigger" rather than competing for existing market share
• Created separate salt therapy spaces for kids (play-friendly) and adults (relaxation-focused) after experiencing Louisville's allergy season
• Offers Ayurvedic oil treatments providing deep relaxation "equivalent to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep"
• Incorporates yoga in salt rooms with simultaneous story time for children
• Steam barrels complement treatments with herbal infusions being introduced
• Implemented comprehensive business planning including brand book, phased growth strategy, and potential franchise model
• Partnership approach balances strategic business development with exceptional customer experience
• Emphasizes importance of partnership alignment on long-term vision while leveraging different strengths
• Prioritizes mindfulness in both business strategy and customer wellness journey

Take care of yourself - there's nobody else who would take care of your health. Do it in a wise way with means that nature has provided and that have proven effective over years. Be happy.

Follow Anna at:

https://www.facebook.com/anna.shulgina.357

Follow Bodhi Salt at: 

https://www.bodhisaltcenter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/bodhisaltcenter

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Dasha Grankina's journey from Soviet-born philosophy professor to Louisville wellness entrepreneur reveals the fascinating intersection of Eastern European health traditions and American innovation. With a background managing schools and businesses in Russia, Dasha brings scientific rigor and practical experience to Bodhi Salt, the wellness center she co-owns with Anna Shulgina, that's challenging how Kentuckians think about respiratory health, allergy management, and overall wellbeing.

"Salt is not that expensive, right? You cannot claim the right on sodium chloride," Dasha explains, highlighting why pharmaceutical companies rarely promote salt therapy despite its effectiveness. At Bodhi Salt, clients experience how salt particles work as a "cleaning detergent" for airways, helping those suffering from Ohio Valley allergies breathe easier without medication side effects.

Beyond their signature salt rooms, Bodhi Salt offers uniquely tailored wellness experiences including steam barrels where clients sit with their heads outside while their bodies detoxify, red light therapy that accelerates healing and promotes collagen production, and Shirodhara oil treatments that leave clients feeling "like you had a nine-hour uninterrupted sleep just in one hour." Each service is backed by scientific research while still honoring traditional wellness practices.

What makes Bodhi Salt truly special is its personalized approach. Whether you're an athlete seeking faster recovery, a parent helping a child with allergies, or someone battling skin conditions, Anna and Dasha's team creates customized experiences using combinations of salt therapy, aromatherapy, breathing techniques, and other modalities. They even offer "dog therapy" courtesy of Ozzy, their French bulldog receptionist who sometimes naps with clients during salt sessions.

Experience the perfect blend of science and wellness at Bodhi Salt, where Eastern European traditions meet modern health science in a luxurious, results-driven atmosphere. Your lungs (and skin, and stress levels) will thank you.

More information about Bodhi Salt here:

Website 

Facebook

Instagram

Connect With Dasha:

LinkedIn

Facebook

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A rising star in tech entrepreneurship joins the Small Business Besties podcast today - and he happens to be the host's son! Fifteen-year-old Azra shares his remarkable journey as the youngest participant ever accepted into the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurism at the University of Kentucky's Gatton Business School.

This ambitious high school student has already developed "Deductly," innovative software that solves a critical problem for businesses across industries. His solution automates paycheck deduction calculations to ensure companies don't inadvertently violate the complex web of federal, state, and county minimum wage laws when making deductions from employee paychecks. What began as an alternative to days of manual calculations for a nationwide corporation has evolved into a promising software venture.

Beyond this single solution, Azra reveals his vision for an AI-enhanced web development firm that could revolutionize accessibility to custom websites. By strategically incorporating artificial intelligence into the development process, he aims to slash typical project costs from $20,000 to $5,000, making professional web development attainable for small businesses with limited budgets. "I want to make web development something everybody can have," he explains with genuine passion.

The episode explores various entrepreneurial resources available to young innovators, including the Governor's School for Entrepreneurship, Awesome Inc's programs, and startup competitions. Azra also discusses his experience developing the Small Business Bestie Toolbox, which helps guide entrepreneurs from idea to launch with business tracking and registration tools.

Are you struggling with time-consuming manual processes in your business? Connect with Azra on LinkedIn to explore how custom software solutions might streamline your operations and solve your unique business challenges. Share this episode with the young entrepreneurs in your life who might be inspired by this tech prodigy's journey!

Check out Azra's Governor's School of Entrepreneurism application video here:  https://youtu.be/RORkJW_-w2o?feature=shared

Follow Azra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azra-smock/

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Selling your business might be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but the steps that make a business sellable are exactly what create profitability and freedom today.

Leslie Hassler, founder of Your Biz Rules and business consultant with 17+ years of entrepreneurial experience, joins the show to shatter common misconceptions about business valuation. She explains why emotional attachment to your "business baby" can blind you to how buyers actually evaluate worth.

Financial statements tell your business story to potential buyers, and Leslie reveals the crucial metrics that determine your multiplier. "Taxes are a privilege of profit," she explains, challenging the common practice of minimizing profits to reduce tax liability. This short-term thinking dramatically reduces selling value, as businesses need to demonstrate substantial profit for at least three years to maximize valuation.

Beyond finances, we explore the concept of concentration risk – both from having too few clients and from the business being too dependent on the owner. Leslie provides practical steps for working yourself out of daily operations, starting with eliminating soul-sucking tasks and bottlenecks. This transition requires an identity shift that many entrepreneurs struggle with, as your value moves from doing the work to ensuring work gets done well.

Leslie also distinguishes between growth (which requires investment) and scalability (which generates profits), explaining how these concepts dance together throughout a business lifecycle. She shares powerful documentation strategies that simultaneously increase business value while making your daily operations more efficient.

Whether selling is on your horizon or not, implementing these principles creates a more profitable, enjoyable business today while building value for tomorrow. Don't miss Leslie's generous offer of a free 42-point "Ready to Sell" self-evaluation tool at yourbizrules.com/sbb.

Connect with Leslie:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliehassler/

Check out Leslie's books:

First This Then That

Coming soon! - Scaling Rich

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What happens when a business interview transforms into a soul-nourishing conversation about life's most challenging transitions? Michelle Smock sits down with Davonna Saier of Davonna INClusive  for what quickly becomes an intimate dialogue on navigating personal change, standing in your values, and finding strength during politically turbulent times.

This raw and unfiltered conversation opens with Michelle's candid disclosure about her separation and life changes. Rather than glossing over the hard parts, both women dive deep into how our current political climate affects our relationships, mental health, and business decisions. Together they explore what it means to honor your values even when it feels impossibly difficult.

"Exhaustion is not a status symbol," Davonna reminds us, challenging the hustle culture that permeates entrepreneurship. She shares practical wisdom through her "less and more" list – actionable shifts like padding time in your schedule, practicing gratitude before writing to-do lists, and creating intentional boundaries around social media consumption. Her mantra "relax, nothing is in control" offers a paradoxical comfort for uncertain times.

The conversation ventures into physical wellness too, with Davonna advocating for hormone testing and sharing how discovering her low testosterone levels transformed her quality of life. Both women discuss the importance of finding supportive communities like Small Business Besties, where vulnerability is welcomed and authentic connections flourish.

Whether you're navigating a major life transition, feeling the weight of our political climate, or simply seeking permission to prioritize your wellbeing, this episode reminds you that you're not alone. As Michelle says, "the whole point of Small Business Besties was to provide an authentic space for women to connect" – and this episode delivers exactly that. Reach out if you need support – we're all in this together.

Connect with Davonna: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonna-saier-56315228/

https://davonna.net/

Check out Jessica Upchurch King's Gratitude materials here and her non-profit YOU ARE here which is what inspired the chatter about Uganda.

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Ready to take your small business to the next level? Join me, Michelle, as I navigate a thrilling new chapter with Small Business Bestie, marking our one-year anniversary with the launch of Season Two on March 8th! I've decided to pivot from my accounting business to pour my heart and soul into our growing community, and I'm excited to introduce new coaching services designed to empower fellow entrepreneurs. My talented son, Azra, has been hard at work creating incredible tools like an AI-assisted business planner, a business tracker, and a business launch tool that will be available to my coaching clients and to members of Small Business Bestie. You'll hear from Azra himself as our featured guest in the season 2 premiere episode, sharing his journey and the innovations he's developed to help your business thrive.

• Become a Sponsor: https://www.smallbusinessbestie.org/podcast-sponsor-application
• Sign Up for Coaching: https://www.smallbusinessbestie.org/coaching

As we embrace this fresh start, I'm thrilled to announce our transition to a video chat podcast model, making our content even more accessible with episodes available on YouTube and potentially Facebook Live. Plus, as part of our community, you'll be invited to weekly virtual roundtable discussions where we can support each other and exchange insights. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this season promises to be a hub of resources, inspiration, and collaboration. Mark your calendars and get ready to join a vibrant network of like-minded business owners who are all about growth and success. Can't wait to see you there!

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Savannah Harover, better known as Digital Savvy, joins us to uncover the latest digital marketing and SEO trends that are transforming the online landscape.💻🌎 You're probably like the rest of us, wondering how AI is reshaping SEO into what Savannah calls "search everywhere optimization"? Get ready to learn how making your website content effortlessly digestible and searchable can set you ahead of the curve as the new year approaches. Savannah shares her secret to balancing ambitious goals with avoiding burnout, offering a fresh perspective on intentionality and goal setting.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the world of social media and its surprising influence on SEO. With a focus on on-page and off-page optimization, discover how local business listings, voice search, and platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest can enhance search engine performance. Savannah emphasizes the importance of alt text and meta descriptions, sharing her insights on when to bring in professional help.💪 The episode underscores that SEO is not a quick fix but a long-term investment, requiring structured timelines and a strategic approach to truly make an impact.

Venturing into entrepreneurship, Savannah opens up about her transition from corporate life to fostering a supportive community for solopreneurs. Learn how overcoming challenges like earning Google certifications and forming networks like Love Club has helped her empower women entrepreneurs. By creating authentic networking opportunities, these events encourage turning "one day" dreams into "day one" 1️⃣ actions. Whether you're battling isolation as a work-from-home professional or seeking a space for collaboration, Savannah's journey offers inspiration and practical advice to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit.🗣️🩵

Check out Savannah and Digital Savvy here!
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/_digital_savvy_/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028611085203

Website: https://digitalsavvyconsulting.com/

Check out Love Club Here!

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How did a food tour in Montreal spark a thriving business in Lexington, Kentucky? Hear from Erin Goins, the founder of Bites of the Bluegrass, as she shares her journey from a hopeful teacher to the creator of Lexington’s most engaging food and history tours. Erin’s story is one of passion, discovery, and the drive to showcase her city’s hidden treasures. This episode of the Small Business Bestie podcast takes you through her transition, the creative spark ignited by travel, and her mission to support local restaurants while unraveling the rich tapestry of Lexington's heritage.🐎❤️‍🔥🔍

Erin invites us on a tour through Lexington's past and present, featuring everything from the Downtown Walking Food and History Tour to the bourbon-focused distillery district trek.🥃 Each tour offers a unique perspective, whether it’s the entrepreneurial spirit celebrated in the Cocktails and Bites tour in the East End or the tingling tales of the Haunted Tour. Erin’s ventures are more than just tours; they’re stories waiting to be discovered, embodying the soul of Lexington.🌅 She also gives us a sneak peek into future events and collaborations, including plans for festive pop-ups and mixology classes that promise to enchant locals and visitors alike.

Throughout our conversation, the theme of community pride and inclusion echoes strongly, highlighting Lexington as a melting pot of stories and cultures. We celebrate the remarkable women who have played pivotal roles in the city’s development and Erin’s vision of organizing tours that champion women-owned businesses. Michelle Smock of Cultivate Accounting reinforces the importance of supporting small businesses like Erin’s, encouraging listeners to join the tours and engage with the vibrant Lexington community. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of what makes Lexington truly special.💙

Check out Erin's Socials Here!
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/erin.goins.14/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/walkthedress/
Visit Lex- https://www.visitlex.com/guides/post/erins-guide-to-lexington/

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Discover how adopting the right technology can transform your small business as we welcome Carrie Downey from Clarity Co. to Bestie Bites. With her wealth of expertise, Carrie shares how tools like Monday.com can streamline operations and keep your business on the cutting edge. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of tech advancements or just looking for ways to enhance efficiency, Carrie's insights will guide you toward solutions that allow you to focus on what truly matters. Hear about the generational shift in tech adoption and how a seamless customer experience can be the key to retaining top talent, all while ensuring your business thrives. 💯😜

We also tackle building a member directory for the Small Business Bestie community. Traditional methods like Google Forms have limitations, and we explore how Monday.com can offer a more intuitive and interactive experience with advanced search and filter options. Prioritizing technology💻 investments can lead to significant growth, and Keri encourages listeners to consider the long-term benefits of efficient systems. Finally, don't miss the opportunity for a complimentary exploratory call with Clarity Co., where tailored solutions for optimizing your business workflows are just a conversation away. Join us for an episode packed with actionable insights and valuable advice!

Check out Carrie Here!
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/carriedowney8/
Linked in- 

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In our very first "audience" recording, we had to include our favorite woman-supporting-women, Raquel Carter! This episode focuses on the significance of celebrating wins within the entrepreneurial community. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing both personal and professional achievements, fostering support among women entrepreneurs, and the impact of maintaining a positive mindset.

• The role of community in bolstering individual achievements
• Celebrating small victories alongside major accomplishments
• Starting meetings with recognition of wins to encourage positivity
• Distinguishing between personal and professional celebrations
• The value of setting BHAGs to inspire ambition
• Finding balance between work and personal life challenges
• The impact of shared experiences on entrepreneurial resilience

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community, and don’t forget to celebrate your wins, big and small!

Follow Raquel and Guide Realty:
https://www.facebook.com/raquel.w.carter
https://www.facebook.com/GuideRealty

Website:
https://www.guide-realty.com/

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