The Eight Pillars Podcast

In episode 5 of the Found(H)er Files series, I sit down with Amy from Buttercream Boston, a creative force behind the beloved cake company she runs with her sister, Kristin. We dive into Amy’s bold journey through her 20s, from testing out various entrepreneurial ventures to carving out a career path entirely her own. She shares how she navigated self-doubt, handled skepticism from others, and stayed true to her vision even when the path wasn’t clear. Amy opens up about what it’s like to build a business with her sister, how she’s always taken the non-traditional route, and the exciting next chapter: opening her dream coffee shop in a newly purchased space. This episode is a reminder that your dreams don’t have to look like anyone else’s! Enjoy xxx

Follow Amy and Buttercream Boston!

Instagram: @amywilichowski and @buttercreamboston

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In episode 4 of the Found(H)er Files series, I sit down with my dear friend Sophie, the founder of Circe’s Secret, a clean skincare brand inspired by her travels around the world. Sophie shares how she transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship after realizing that traditional career paths didn’t align with her true passions. We delve into the power of travel as a source of creativity and clarity, how she builds her brand with purpose, and the lessons she has learned along the way. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you or dreamed of creating something truly your own, this episode is for you. Enjoy xxx

Follow Circe's Secret!

Instagram: @circessecret

TikTok: @circessecret

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In episode 3 of the Found(H)er Files, I sit down with my roommate and best friend, Liv, the founder of The Homemade Market - a culinary passion project that brings people together through food, dinner parties, and intentional hosting. We dive into the messy yet rewarding journey of figuring things out as you go, overcoming self-doubt in entrepreneurship, and balancing a growing business with a demanding 9-5. Liv shares her insights on the art of hosting, the power of community, and what it truly means to create meaningful experiences through food. Whether you're a business owner, a creative, or someone who just loves a good dinner party, this episode is for you. Enjoy xxx

Follow The Homemade Market!

Instagram: @the.homemade.market

TikTok: @livmaietta

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@eightpillarspodcast on Instagram
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In episode 2 of the Found(H)er Files, I sit down with Shai and Leah, the powerhouse sisters behind Two Toned, a dynamic fitness brand redefining wellness. They've built a thriving fitness empire from leading high-energy HIIT boot camp classes at Equinox to offering personal training, launching their fitness app, and creating Sip & Strut. We dive deep into their journey like how they fell in love with fitness, turned their passion into a career, and built a brand that empowers women to move without restrictions. We also tackle an important question; how do you keep loving fitness when it becomes your job? Shai and Leah share their secrets to maintaining balance, avoiding burnout, and embracing a non-restrictive approach to health and nutrition. If you're looking for inspiration on how to turn your passion into a business without losing your joy, this episode is a must-listen! Enjoy xxx

Follow Shai and Leah!

Instagram: @twotonedtraining

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@eightpillarspodcast on Instagram
@kateebilodeau on Instagram
@kateallisonbilodeau on TikTok

To kick off the Found(H)er Files series highlighting female entrepreneurs in the Greater Boston area, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Madeleine, the owner of Madeleine’s Candy Shop in the South End of Boston. We dive into her unexpected journey, from working in the medical field to making a bold career 180 and opening a candy shop in a new city. We explore the mental health struggles of your 20s, the uncertainty that comes with big life changes, and how sometimes, the challenges you face ultimately guide you to where you’re truly meant to be. This was an inspiring conversation about risk, reinvention, and trusting the process. Enjoy xxx

Follow Madeleine!

Instagram: @madeleinescandyshop

TikTok: @madeleinescandyshop

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This week, we are discussing how to cultivate emotional security and build unshakable self-worth. We’ll dive into the habits that keep you stuck in cycles of overthinking and seeking validation, and I’ll share practical tools like journaling, affirmations, and solo dates, to help you feel whole and confident from within. If you’ve ever questioned your value when things aren’t going perfectly in your job, relationships, or appearance, this episode is for you. Let’s rewire the way we think about self-worth and step into true emotional independence. Enjoy xxx

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@eightpillarspodcast on Instagram
@kateebilodeau on Instagram
@kateallisonbilodeau on TikTok

This week, we are discussing how men and women take different paths to reach their highest selves. While traditional spiritual teachings emphasize dissolving the ego, this approach was largely designed for men, who naturally lean toward confidence, independence, and risk-taking. Women are often conditioned to be selfless and accommodating, making their spiritual growth more about building a strong sense of self before they can transcend it. We’ll dive into neuroscience, psychology, and ancient wisdom to explore why men’s path is about surrender, while women’s is about self-empowerment. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or felt disconnected from traditional teachings, this episode will help you find an approach that truly aligns with you. Let’s break free from outdated conditioning and step into our full potential. Enjoy, xxx! 

Resources:

Ted Talk mentioned: https://youtu.be/h8oZBk-ytHA?si=KpA8iQFv_vkznQqn

Research references: Gender Differences in Emotional Response: Inconsistency between Experience and Expressivity - PMC

Women feel the pain of losses more than men when faced with risky choices – new research

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going along with the Winter Within series we are getting into attachment styles pertaining to romantic relationships. we cover what you need to know about anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles and how you can begin practicing healthier habits and reactions in your romantic relationship! we discuss my experience with shifting attachment styles over the years and where my attachment style might have originated from. enjoy xxx

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@eightpillarspodcast on Instagram
@kateebilodeau on Instagram
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continuing on with my "winter within" series, this week we are discussing the shadow of the perfectionist. have you struggled being a perfectionist your whole life but had no idea where it might have come from? maybe you don't know where to begin healing this shadow so you can start experiencing more peace in your day-to-day life. this episode we will talk all about where your perfectionism might have come from, and I will give you 18 journal prompts at the end to help you heal your shadow! enjoy xxx

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@eightpillarspodcast on Instagram
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this week my best friend and roommate Liv is back to talk about everything we have done and plan to do for 2025! we have sought a lot of inspiration in the weeks leading up to the new year and want to share everything we will be working toward to love our lives and ourselves a little bit more. we discuss getting out of our typical routines and seeking out stability while losing some of our spontaneous sides. we discuss so much more so I hope you enjoy! xxx

Check me out on Socials!
@eightpillarspodcast on Instagram
@kateebilodeau on Instagram
@kateallisonbilodeau on TikTok