On this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with the incredibly talented Sara Chiodo, founder of Studio Chiodo, a virtual interior design studio based in Kansas City. Sara shares how she went from a career in physical therapy to designing over 125 spaces nationwide—all while being a mom of two and growing her business one step at a time.

We talk about how she found her creative side later in life, the turning point that made her treat her business like a real business, and how her viral kitchen renovation launched a new path. Sara opens up about learning to say no, pricing with confidence, and how she balances work and family while still building something she’s proud of.

This episode is packed with wisdom for any entrepreneur who’s easing into business-building, finding their rhythm, or needing the reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.

In this episode, we cover:

Episode Links:

In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, Courtney chats with Chris Ammen, founder of Kaleidoscope — a publishing company transforming how kids engage with the Bible. With over 15 years of experience in children's ministry and a deep passion for discipleship, Chris shares the story behind launching his business in the middle of a global pandemic, the surprising shift from books to Yoto cards, and how he's building a team that shares his vision.

Chris opens up about the challenges of hiring, how StoryBrand is helping sharpen their messaging, and what it's been like to transition out of full-time ministry into full-time entrepreneurship. This episode is packed with wisdom for any entrepreneur navigating growth, clarity, and calling.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why the gap in Bible resources for 3rd–5th graders sparked a business idea

• The surprising moment a dream influencer DM’d him first

• Hard lessons learned about hiring and supplier negotiations

• How pivoting to Yoto content changed their business trajectory

• What Chris would tell his younger, more competitive self

Episode Links:

• Website: readkaleidoscope.com

• Instagram: @readkaleidoscope

• Chris’s Book: chrisammen.com

• My Website: www.monarchcoo.com

In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Nick Norman, founder and CEO of Polar Protector, a multimillion-dollar e-commerce business that started with an idea sparked by leaves in a cold plunge. From humble beginnings selling childhood items on eBay to building an Amazon business and eventually launching Polar Protector, Nick shares his unique founder journey—one filled with grit, iteration, and surprising customer insights.

We dive deep into how he spotted a niche, validated the concept quickly, found manufacturing partners, and built the business to scale—all while keeping his team lean. We also discuss navigating fear, growing sustainably, and why identifying your “superpower” is one of the greatest advantages any entrepreneur can have.

Whether you’re dreaming up a product or already running a business, this episode is full of powerful insights into starting small, scaling smart, and staying focused.

What You’ll Learn:

- How Nick validated his product idea with zero ad spend

- The value of spotting a hidden niche in an established industry

- The difference between scalable entrepreneurship and lifestyle businesses

- His biggest unexpected challenge (hint: it wasn’t logistics)

Links & Resources:

In this episode, I chat with Heather Harris, the founder of Copper Bottom Design Co., a boutique agency specializing in custom planner design and overseas production. With over 20 years in the print and design industry and a background working with brands like Tiffany & Co. and Barneys, Heather now partners with visionary founders to bring stationery products to life from start to finish. We talk about how one Facebook post jumpstarted her business, the behind-the-scenes reality of overseas production, what it’s like to be the “ghostwriter” of an entire product line, and why she’s committed to growing slow and staying small.

We cover:

- How Heather got her start in the planner industry

- Her unexpected pivot from greeting cards to manufacturing consulting

- Lessons learned from tariffs, pandemics, and production delays

- How she’s stepping into a true CEO role after a decade in business

If you’re a founder developing products or considering overseas manufacturing, this episode is a goldmine.

Episode Links:

In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, Courtney sits down with Kim Jones, former Hallmark marketing guru turned entrepreneur. After a 20-year career leading major initiatives at Hallmark, Kim took a courageous leap into small business ownership—opening a Real Deals home décor and fashion boutique in Martin City, Missouri. As if that wasn't enough, she and her husband also run Old World Balloonery, a hot air balloon adventure company in Kansas City.

Kim shares her journey of transitioning out of corporate life, the hard-earned lessons of running a brick-and-mortar store, and the importance of faith, resilience, and community when navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. From navigating seasonal slowdowns to restoring her hacked Facebook account, Kim offers an honest, inspiring look at the realities of business ownership and why showing up with intention matters most.

What We Cover:

• What inspired her leap from corporate to small business owner

• The challenges and benefits of owning a franchise

• How she juggles two businesses (including one in hot air ballooning!)

• The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship

• Her best advice to aspiring business owners (and her own kids)

Links and Resources:

• Instagram: @‌realdealsmartincity

• Facebook: Real Deals Martin City MO

• Learn more about Monarch COO

In this episode, Courtney sits down with Sofia Hudson, founder of Swoon Cookie Crafters, a Kansas City-based bakery known for its beautifully designed sugar cookies. What began as a way to attract visitors to her furniture store's First Friday events has grown into a beloved brand serving customers across the country.

Sofia shares how her artistic background, a serendipitous collaboration with her mother-in-law, and one cover feature in the Kansas City Star Magazine launched her into entrepreneurship. With no formal baking background, Sofia leaned into creativity, community, and a thoughtful, organic growth strategy to scale her cookie business—all while keeping her team at the heart of it.

They talk about the highs and lows of running a small business, building a supportive team of local artists, navigating uncertain supply chains, and how Sofia now balances her cookie empire with a new role in the design world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How Sofia accidentally started her business and grew it to a full-time venture

- The moment she knew Swoon had real potential—and when she took the leap

- How she balances creativity, efficiency, and pricing in a labor-intensive industry

- Why entrepreneurial community and mentorship have been game-changers for her growth

Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, a small business owner, or someone looking to turn a side passion into a real business, Sofia’s story is full of wisdom and inspiration.

Links & Resources:

- Order from Swoon Cookie Crafters: www.justswoon.com

- Follow Swoon on Instagram: @‌justswoon

- Visit my website: www.monarchcoo.com

In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Kat Schmoyer, founder of the KS Agency and host of the Think Like an Integrator podcast. Kat shares her 12-year journey from wedding planning and event hosting to building a team of integrators who help visionaries execute digital product launches with precision and heart.

We talk about:

Whether you're dreaming of building a team or simply wondering how to bring your big ideas to life, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement.

Link and Resources:

In this episode, Courtney sits down with Blake Guichet—aka @‌thegirlnamedblake—for a refreshingly honest conversation about building an online business, staying grounded in faith, and navigating the ups and downs of public life on the internet. Blake shares how she grew from less than 1,000 Instagram followers to launching a wildly successful podcast and community, all while staying true to her calling.

Blake unpacks the behind-the-scenes of running a digital business, building a trustworthy team, and balancing vulnerability with privacy. She also opens up about combating criticism, learning to rest, and the deeply personal moments that have shaped her brand.

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone figuring out your next move, this conversation is packed with insight, grit, and faith-fueled encouragement.

Connect with Blake:

In this episode of The Entrepreneur's Blueprint, I’m joined by Brian Lofrumento, a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur. Brian shares his journey of building and scaling multiple businesses, starting from a high school venture that grew into a six-figure business.

We dive into:

- The power of starting simple and solving real problems

- Why small, intentional offers can be more profitable than complex business models

- How to overcome limiting beliefs and shift your mindset from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur

- The importance of building a business that fits your lifestyle, not the other way around

If you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking or unsure of where to start, this conversation will inspire you to take action and build a business that actually works for you.

Listen now for insights on simplifying your business strategy and making an impact without overcomplicating the process.

Links

- Listen to The Wantepreneur to Entrepreneur

- Learn more about Monarch COO

In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Rachel Hendrick, artist and founder of Mercy Creates. What started as a small Etsy shop with just $25 and a handful of listings has grown into a faith-driven business that creates stunning watercolor artwork inspired by Bible verses. Rachel shares how she turned her creativity into a ministry, using art as a way to spark gospel conversations and encourage women in their faith.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

– How Rachel turned her side hustle into a growing business that funds her family’s financial goals

– The challenges and rewards of running a faith-based business

– Her experience navigating business partnerships with her husband

– How she balances her full-time job with her creative business

– The incredible story of how her artwork landed in CVS, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million

Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, someone navigating a side business, or simply looking for encouragement, Rachel’s story is packed with inspiration, faith, and practical wisdom.

Links & Resources:

• Shop Rachel’s artwork: mercycreates.com

• Follow her on Instagram: @‌mercy_creates

• Learn more about Monarch COO