Small Business Big Heart with Amber Zaricor

Welcome to our final episode of the first season of Small Business Big Heart! I seriously cannot believe we made it here, and just want to say THANK YOU, thank you, thank you for listening and helping me honor these incredible stories.

Today’s episode was so much fun to record, and I’m excited for you to meet the woman that really made this entire podcast possible. Elizabeth Evans is a renowned producer here in Nashville, and she’s helped podcasters like Jordan Lee Dooley, Living with Landyn (and yours truly!) get their shows off the ground. When I say I couldn’t have started Small Business Big Heart without her, that is the understatement of the year! We connected on a heart level right away, and her encouragement (and skills) got me to take the leap toward this big scary dream.

Throughout this season, I’ve been asked more and more about my personal journey to entrepreneurship and I knew Elizabeth was the perfect person to interview me as I share my story. In today’s episode, I step into the hot seat and talk about how I went from full-time employee to full-time CEO in a (crazy!) year. I share how accidentally quitting my 9 to 5 during a staff meeting revealed my WHY and led me into a business I had in my heart all along. We talk about boundaries and why filling your cup is the antidote to burnout. I also walk you through three big secrets I learned about starting a new business successfully. I mean, we really covered it all!

I loved chatting with Elizabeth, and this episode is a celebration of all I’ve learned this year and all the people who made this moment possible! So let’s get to it! Here’s my personal interview alongside podcast producer, Elizabeth Evans.

Connect with Amber:

Website: https://www.amberzaricor.com

Connect with Elizabeth:

Website: https://www.elizabethevans.co

We’re about to wrap up our very first season, and I am just so thankful for you and your support! As business owners, taking big risks is just par for the course in our day-to-day. We’re dreamers, and it’s so important to celebrate the wins and losses along the way. That’s what this podcast has been all about from the start, and it’s been so encouraging to hear your feedback and know that this big scary dream is impacting your heart just as much as it is mine.

Speaking of risk-taking and big scary dreams, this week’s episode is all about setting goals and seeing them realized no matter how long it takes. Joe and Michelle McClurg are a powerhouse couple and the brains and brawn behind Rooster Joe Coffee, a beautiful coffee shop in my hometown — Coldwater, Ohio! We had the opportunity to brand Rooster Joe before they began to build and they do a great job sharing how much that impacted their opening and success.

In today’s episode, Joe & Michelle tell their story of envisioning a coffee shop years ago in their twenties and why it’s never too late to start chasing a dream. We discuss the power of serving others and why listening to your customers is the most meaningful path to success. We talk about positive partnerships and how to encourage community collaboration within your business. They also share their secret to staying passionate in their business and how they avoid complacency.

I loved every second of connecting with this couple, and I’m so excited to share their hearts with you today! I think my biggest takeaway was the reminder to listen. Real success happens with you listen to your customer, your team, and your gut. I can't wait to hear what you pull from this interview!

FULL SHOW NOTES:

Connect with Joe & Michelle:

My goal when starting this podcast was to highlight the incredible stories of business owners I know and love. Our stories are what connect us. They give us hope and ignite passion. They remind us to dream, to try, to honor every part of our journey. Stories are what keep a lot of us going, and I know for me personally, each interview from our first season has done just that.

But I couldn’t let the season end without honoring one of the greatest storytellers in my life, Kirbee Miller, owner and Chief Culinary Experience Coordinator at KiNiMi Kitchen. To know her is to be blessed with so much wisdom and joy! Whether it’s through an intimate dinner party, or a big bowl of her customized popcorn, Kirbee uses the gift of food to cultivate meaningful connections.

I can’t say enough about this incredible woman and on today’s episode, we go deep into her story and learn how food has impacted her life even from a young age. Kirbee and I discuss why telling our stories can transform lives and the simple steps to sharing yours in a meaningful way. She shares how brokenness can be the best thing that’s ever happened to your business journey and how to reframe that season. She shares her story of community and how the people in her circle stepped up in the lowest moment of her life. She also gives us advice on personal development and the value of knowing yourself before you make big decisions or start something new.

I can’t tell you how much this interview meant to me, and if you’re doing some inner work in this season, you are going to love this woman and her raw authenticity! Kirbee is just so generous with her story and her heart, and I am really grateful she took the time to bless us all with her light!

I feel like one of the hardest lessons to learn as an entrepreneur is the art of adapting. When we fail in a big way or misstep as a business owner, the temptation is to give up, let it go, and move on. It’s easy to think those big scary dreams just aren’t worth the change that has to happen in order to achieve them. It feels like a lot of work, and in some cases, totally hopeless. Instead of adapting little by little and staying flexible, we get rigid or overwhelmed. When all we really need is to loosen up and simplify the process.

Today’s guest is an expert when it comes to shifting and adapting, and her story is such an example of how success is finding joy in the process, not the destination. Julie Becker is a certified business coach with years of experience in the healthcare industry. She’s worked with countless people to define their goals and simplify their strategies. I just love her energy and heart, and it felt like every time she spoke during this interview I was reaching for my notes.

Today Julie shares her story of working her way through the healthcare world and the natural shift into coaching. We discuss why learning to adapt is so difficult for entrepreneurs and how little changes make a huge difference down the road. Julie shares her strategies for simplifying your approach to your business and why it’s important to be open-handed with your passions. We chat about alignment and how self-awareness is key to success. And be sure to stick around for her final bit of advice, because it may be the exact push you need today!

I loved every second of this conversation and was blown away by Julie’s wisdom and encouragement. This episode is jam-packed with nuggets, so be sure you have your notes handy! I’m so grateful to Julie for showing up with so much passion, and I know there’s something in this interview that will transform your business.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://copperheartcreative.com/blog/adapting-your-way-to-success-with-julie-becker

Connect with Julie:

Website: www.juliebcoaching.com

It’s a new month and something about that little transition always makes me feel refreshed and ready to go! But with summer starting up, I know I’ve had a tendency in the past to lay off the gas pedal and just enjoy the season. While it’s great to be intentional with rest, I don’t want to lose too much momentum this year and that’s how I know I need some accountability to keep me in check.

My guest this week has been a huge voice in my life when it comes to business and relationships. She was someone who inspired me to quit my 9 to 5 and start Copperheart Creative years ago, and to this day she continues to keep me accountable and encourage me along my entrepreneurial journey. I’m so excited to share my dear friend and client, Teresa White!

Teresa is a business coach and mentor for service-based entrepreneurs. She’s passionate about helping women entrepreneurs use their God-given talents to start and grow a thriving business and I can’t wait for you to hear from her today!

In this episode, Teresa shares her story of becoming a business owner and what led her to coaching female entrepreneurs. We discuss the power of pivoting and why it’s so important to keep an open mind and open hands when it comes to your business path. Teresa tells us her story of battling breast cancer and how it shaped her mindset and personal passions moving forward. We talk about what to do with those unexpected detours and what it looks like to reframe and rebuild.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://copperheartcreative.com/blog/overcoming-the-unexpected-with-teresa-white

Connect with Teresa:

Website: https://teresawhite.com/

Almost every guest I’ve had on this season so far has an incredible story that confirms just how important it is to surround yourself with people who inspire you to follow through on those big scary dreams! Community is really what launches our calling!

And today I get to share the person who continually inspires me to pursue my passions, fill my cup, and bless others along the way. She’s an entrepreneur herself and is such a beautiful example of leaving a strong legacy behind with your business. That’s right, today I’d like to introduce you to MY MOM, Martha Brannon!

With over 20+ years of experience, Martha is a professional longarm machine quilter and the owner of Coldwater Quilting. Y’all we’re not talking little granny at her sewing machine here... her longarm quilting machine is 14 feet long!! And If that’s not amazing enough, she also co-founded one of the largest quilting expos in the Midwest, a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a mother of three (I’m the oldest).

Her heart is so beautiful and to hear how she approaches her business is refreshing. Today Martha shares her story about how a simple afternoon with a friend revealed the passion she’d been searching for. We discuss her progression from quilting hobbyist to contractor, and finally to a business owner. We talk about the power of community and what business-to-business support should really look like. And she helps us tackle burnout, and shares why serving is where the real fulfillment is with owning a business.

My mom is such an inspiration to me and everyone around her and I just can’t wait for you to hear her story! Her legacy lives through every stitch and pattern, and the passion in her voice when she talks about quilting is infectious! I left this interview so deeply proud of her, but also really motivated to look back at my business and see what areas spark the most excitement and joy. What’s fueling me? What part of my work gets me up in the morning? And how can I incorporate more of that into my day-to-day? I know you’re going to love her just as much as I do!

We celebrated Mother’s Day this month, and as I scrolled through all the posts and read all the sweet words celebrating motherhood, it really got me thinking. I’ve always been in awe of the moms in my life who balance family and work. When I think about my personal workload and task list compared to all the working mom has to accomplish in 24 hours, I just want to send them all cookies and wine! So to honor the moms juggling the professional and personal (and seeing as I don’t have children of my own yet) I wanted to talk with someone who really gets it.

Today I’m chatting with brilliant and beautiful #mompreneur, Cara Graham! Cara is the Director and founder of Graham Behavior Services, a program dedicated to personalized ABA therapy. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who received her Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Kean University and completed her coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis at Caldwell University. And as if that wasn’t enough, she’s also a working mama of two! When I tell you this woman is a superhero, I mean it in every sense of the word.

In this episode, Cara and I dive deep into her story and how she came to pursue a career in ABA therapy. We chat about how she turned her side hustle into a full-time business and the steps she took to make that dream a reality. Cara shares how she’s balancing family and career, and a simple self-care tip that saved her sanity. We discuss employee retention and Graham Behavior’s unique approach to keeping employees fulfilled and happy in the workplace. And she also tells us a few client stories and how those little wins keep her motivated and inspired.

This episode is dedicated to all the working mamas out there. You are truly incredible and I am so in awe of your drive, determination, and commitment! Thank you Cara for sharing your story and being so real with your experience. I am so excited for you guys to meet Cara and hear how she does it all and serves with so much passion.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://copperheartcreative.com/blog/celebrating-the-working-mom-with-cara-graham

Connect with Cara:

Business ownership can feel so rocky at times, and I know for me personally, some days end in a ball of exhaustion and tears. I’m sure you can relate. This week’s guest has had his share of trials, and the wisdom and heart that’s grown out of those dark moments are what makes this interview (and this friend) so special. If you’re in a season of doubt or frustration, if you just some space to breathe or some hope and encouragement — this episode is for YOU.

Today I’m chatting with Tyler Dickerhoof, a highly acclaimed mentor and advisor to entrepreneurs and executives on effective leadership. He is also the owner of Impact Driven Leader—a podcast, community, and online book club that helps you discover how to make a difference and help others be wildly successful.

Throughout the episode, Tyler shares his story and is so generous with the vulnerable highs and lows of his business and personal life. We discuss his journey to getting mentally and physically healthy, and what it took to make that shift. He shares the importance of showing up as yourself no matter where you are, and why leading with authenticity impacts the long term. We talk about morning routines and the value of waking up early. Tyler shares the most recent trials he’s had to overcome and how a change in our perspective can shape our success and mental health.

This conversation was so juicy, and Tyler brought so much wisdom to every question I threw at him. He is literally a walking talking leadership book, and I left this chat feeling so empowered and understood. What a gift! I can’t wait to see how Tyler’s words impact you this week!

FULL SHOW NOTES:

Connect with Tyler:

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my personal business, it can feel so scary to get real and raw. That’s honestly one of the reasons I started the Small Business Big Heart podcast. I knew the stories would tug at some areas of growth and give me the courage to share my own ups and downs along the way. As business owners, it’s so important to have those moments of authenticity with our team or business besties, because that’s where REAL connection thrives, right?

Well, today’s guest is just another example of that power in vulnerability, and I could go on and on about how much this interview impacted me! I know you’re going to feel the same. I’m so excited to introduce you to my dear friend Alyssa McNally! Alyssa specializes in marketing in literally every capacity. She is a pro, you guys, and to hear her talk about how she connects with clients is so inspiring!

Today Alyssa and I discuss her experience moving from a 9-5 agency to creating her own business helping companies bridge the connection gap between executives and creatives. We talk about why it’s so important to honor the humanity of every team member or client, and why it can reshape your entire business to lead with grace. Alyssa shares why her definition of success has shifted over the years and what it took to get the courage to step out and build a business she loves.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://copperheartcreative.com/blog/the-impact-of-vulnerability-in-business-with-alyssa-mcnally

Connect with Alyssa:

My guest today is an expert on the seasonal changes throughout business ownership, and I’ve been lucky enough to have a front-row seat to many of them over the years. Kellie Fitzpatrick is the founder and creative director of Lenny & Eva, a beautiful jewelry line that’s recognized globally for its unique and meaningful designs.

Once Kellie settled into the steady success of Lenny & Eva’s family of brands, she decided to jump into the next season with even MORE faith and begin renovation on a 100-year-old warehouse in her hometown. She and her husband opened The Monarch, a gorgeous industrial-chic event space, in March and I can tell you from my personal site visit — the transformation is unreal and right in line with the quality of work Kellie always seems to produce.

In today’s episode, Kellie and I journey through the many seasons of her various businesses and how the best ideas often spark from little moments of love. We discuss what she’s learned from each season, from patience to overcoming comparison. We talk about having the right team in your corner, and why hiring well elevates your entire business. We also dip into Kellie’s experience with wholesale markets and the decisions that led to Lenny & Eva’s success.

I think my favorite part of this interview was hearing how Kellie’s current season is about being fully present and just enjoying the work she’s already done, vs hustling for the next big project. I also loved learning how she reverse-engineered her day to discover how she needed to fill her cup, which honestly blew my mind!

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.copperheartcreative.com/blog/succeeding-through-the-seasons-with-kellie-fitzpatrick

Lenny & Eva’s Website: https://lennyandeva.com/