The Fashion and Sh!t Show Diaries

What starts as a fitness journey can turn into a whole new creative outlet. This week, Iowa content creator Sherrie Muggenberg joins Fashion & Sh!t Show Diaries to share how @livingwithSherrie began and why she wanted to make space for women her age online. They talk about fashion, working with brands she actually believes in, building a community, and finding time to create while working a full-time job. Sherrie also has advice for anyone waiting until they feel “ready” to post: start, learn as you go, and don’t let the view count decide whether it was worth doing.

Sponsored by KnoPros Remodeling, Jenny Farrel RE/MAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, and Revelton Distilling Company. LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio.

Julia Bradshaw gets real about closing the Styled by JJ Boutique storefront, the overwhelming support she received and the emotional reality of walking away from something she built. She shares the behind-the-scenes chaos of moving inventory, learning to accept help and transforming the business through online shopping, pop-ups, the Styled Club and a brand-new app. The storefront may be closed—but Styled by JJ is far from finished.

Sponsored by KnoPros Remodeling, Jenny Farrell RE/MAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse and Revelton Distilling Company. LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio.

Life looks a whole lot different than it did just a few months ago. This week, Julia is joined by Tyler to talk about officially becoming empty nesters after Andrew’s move to Chicago, adjusting to a quieter house, and figuring out what this next chapter might look like.

Julia also shares a major update for Styled by JJ Boutique—the decision to close the brick-and-mortar location and transition the business into its next phase. She opens up about the emotions behind the decision, the stress of running a physical storefront, what she’s learned along the way, and why this isn’t the end of the business.

Plus, Julia and Tyler talk about the freedom that comes with this new season of life, whether a move out of Iowa could actually happen, their growing love for Chicago, and what happens when suddenly there’s a lot less tying you down.

It’s an episode about endings, new beginnings, small business, family, marriage, and learning to embrace the unknown.

Sponsored by KnoPros Remodeling, Jenny Farrell RE/MAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Revelton Distilling Company.

🎙️ LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio.

Kaitlyn Norgaard, aka Inspired Iowan, is back on the Fashion & Sh!t Show Diaries! We’re catching up on her summer of local Iowa finds, family adventures, and the launch of her new kids-focused account, Itty Bitty Iowan.

In this episode we talk DSM Glamping (bougie platform tent vibes with AC and an outdoor shower), a rainy birthday road trip that led to discovering Rooted Resplendence flower farm in Elkhart, hidden mercantiles and farm stands (Holton Homestead, Fieldside Mercantile, Choose Iowa), Iowa State Fair memories (big yellow slide, Barksdale cookies, camping chaos, and fair babies), 4-H/Clover Kids, Shelf Love author events, sports fandom, and how a summer bucket list + Skylight calendar keeps family fun intentional without needing big budgets.

Kaitlyn shares the real (and funny) story of starting Itty Bitty Iowan almost overnight after a moms-group conversation, complete with a State Fair checklist freebie and practical tips for introducing kids to new experiences, manners, and screens as tools.

Real talk, no filters—just good local recommendations, family life, and why being a little “nosy” is the best way to discover Iowa.

Sponsored by Styled by JJ Boutique, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Revelton Distilling Company.Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio.

What makes a friendship last more than 25 years? This week on Fashion & Sh!t Show Diaries, we're joined by Krystal Graham for an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about the evolution of friendship. From meeting in high school and surviving life's biggest milestones to unforgettable nights out, motherhood, marriage, growing older, and everything in between, nothing is off limits. Grab a glass of Prosecco and join us for a conversation full of laughs, memories, and the kind of friendship everyone hopes to have.

Sponsored by Styled by JJ Boutique, Jenny Farrell RE/MAX Concepts, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Revelton Distilling Company, LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio.

This week on Fashion & Sh!t Show Diaries, we're LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio with special guest Nicole Nichols, owner of Bit of a Stretch Wellness in St. Charles, Iowa.

Nicole shares her inspiring journey of building a wellness-centered business focused on helping others heal—physically, mentally, and emotionally. From yoga and lymphatic therapy to infrared sauna treatments and creating a supportive community, she discusses why investing in your health is more important than ever.

The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, creating meaningful partnerships, supporting mental wellness, and Nicole's vision for expanding her mission through community outreach and a future nonprofit foundation. If you've ever wondered how self-care can transform your life, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors:

• Styled by JJ Boutique
• Jenny Farrell – RE/MAX Concepts
• Iowa Beef Steakhouse
• Revelton Distilling Company

Fashion & Sh!t Show Diaries is proud to be part of 3 Beards Media, Iowa's Independent Podcast Network.

LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studio.

Julia sits down on location at the iconic teal trailer in Altoona with boss babe Ali Mahoney-Doran — owner of Sips Beverage Bar (Sips Iowa) and Ember Roots t-shirt & garment business.

Ali shares the real, unfiltered story of how a daughter’s internship request turned into a full-blown dirty soda empire in under 35 days… after the family turned down a liquor license to protect Sunday family dinners. From 16 years in the garment business and a previous tattoo shop, to beating cancer, raising a family while working full-time corporate jobs, and building something that genuinely serves the community — this is small business grit, Iowa style.

They dive into:

• Why the teal trailer + canned soda consistency sets Sips apart in a crowded dirty soda market
• The secret “3-star taste test committee” that decides every menu item
• To-go dirty soda packets (yes, they stay carbonated!)
• The TikTok moment that led to a game-changing Drop It partnership
• Why Ali lives by “everybody has the same 24 hours — it’s how you divide and conquer”
• The real shit show behind juggling events, logistics, full-time jobs, and family

Plus: Outfit of the Day (matching aviators included), Women Mean Business energy, and why community over competition actually works.

This episode is powered by Revelton Distilling Company and sponsored by Styled by JJ Boutique, Jenny Farrell Team at RE/MAX Concepts, and Iowa Beef Steakhouse. Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Follow Sips Beverage Bar on TikTok, Instagram & Facebook @sips_iowa — find the little teal trailer Monday–Thursday at 8th Street SE & 1st Avenue SE in Altoona (diagonal from Fairway).

Shop Ember Roots apparel and support local.

Rate, review, and subscribe to Fashion & Sh!t Show Diaries wherever you get your podcasts. Drop a comment — what’s your go-to dirty soda order?

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios and powered by Revelton Distilling Company.

Julia sits down with Tiffany Lynch, owner of Ember Market in Norwalk, Iowa, for a raw and inspiring conversation about building a boutique from the ground up. Tiffany opens up about her journey from stay-at-home mom (after her twins spent time in the NICU) to corporate life, to starting a Facebook boutique with a friend, upgrading to a custom 22-foot mobile boutique trailer, grinding through pop-ups and markets, and finally taking the leap into her own bright, airy brick-and-mortar store right next to the Greg Young Sports Complex in March 2025.

We get into the real shit: the technical disasters trying to go live from a tin building, the sudden Painted Tree closure and how she rescued her entire inventory in one chaotic day, the overwhelm of first-time market buying in Vegas and Atlanta, sizing headaches, quality control when ordering blind, and the stress of her 14-year-old twins getting their driver’s licenses. Tiffany also shares how she shops markets now, tracks future inventory, built her store with help from local contractors and family, and why listening to her customers (and finally adding more color) has been a game-changer.

It’s unfiltered small business talk — the passion, the grind, the wins, and the “what the hell am I doing” moments that come with chasing your dream.

This episode is sponsored by Styled by JJ Boutique, Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Jenny Farrell with RE/MAX Concepts.

Find Ember Market at 1951 East 18th Street, Suite 107, Norwalk (tucked behind Mullet’s and near the ball fields). Follow @embermarketia on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok — and shop in person Wednesday through Sunday!

If you love real-talk conversations about boutique life, small business grit, and Iowa entrepreneurship, follow Fashion & Sh!t Show Diaries, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little inspiration (or a good laugh at the chaos).

New episodes every week. Turn it up.

🎉 Celebrating Inspired Iowan’s Birthday LIVE from the boutique! Julia sits down with Caitlin Norgaard (Inspired Iowan) for an honest, heartfelt, and hilarious conversation about building her platform, supporting small businesses, and navigating real life as a mom.

From her rural Iowa roots and creative outlet during the pandemic, to postpartum challenges, miscarriage, moving to the Des Moines area, and surviving chaotic summer break with kids — Caitlin keeps it real with zero filters. Plus, we highlight an amazing night of local vendors: The Cookie Jar, Patched Hat Bar, Handful Made embroidery, Sips Dirty Soda, Color Collective, Ray Lane Jewelry, and more!

If you love authentic stories, small business shoutouts, and mom life unfiltered, this episode is for you.

**Highlights:**

• How Inspired Iowan started & why supporting small biz matters

• Rural Iowa upbringing, family farm roots & moving to the metro

• Postpartum, miscarriage, and finding your identity as a mom

• Summer survival mode vs. Pinterest expectations with young kids

• Fun vendor night recaps & local Iowa gems

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

**Sponsors:**

- Styled by JJ Boutique (host boutique + Caitlin’s birthday outfit!)

- Iowa Beef Steakhouse

- Jenny Farrell – RE/MAX Concepts

- Revelton Distilling Company

🔗 Follow Caitlin @InspiredIowan on TikTok, Instagram & Facebook

🔗 Shop Styled by JJ Boutique

Drop a comment: What’s your biggest summer mom survival tip? 👇 Full episode out now — share with a fellow Iowa mom or small biz supporter!

#InspiredIowan #FashionAndShitShowDiaries #SmallBusinessIowa #IowaMoms #MotherhoodUnfiltered #DesMoines #3BeardsMedia

In this warm, authentic, and relatable episode, host Julia (Styled by JJ Boutique) sits down with her new friend Nela Biscanin (real estate agent). The two bonded quickly on TikTok and at a Moms of the Midwest event and are clearly “each other’s people.”

• How they met and instantly clicked despite sitting on opposite ends of the room
• Shared history working at the same mortgage company
• The realities of balancing corporate jobs, side hustles (real estate + boutique), and raising teenagers
• Parenting stories — teaching teens to drive, phone distractions, and hoping kids appreciate the hustle
• Nela’s inspiring immigrant story: leaving Bosnia as a child due to the war, time in Germany, and building a life in America
• Single mom life, dating (or currently being in a “non-dating era”), self-discovery, and romanticizing your own life
• Weekend vibes: barbecues, rollerblading adventures, and therapeutic balcony painting sessions
• Outfit of the Day chat and fashion talk
• Excitement for the upcoming Dress for Success fashion show fundraiser (Nela is sponsoring, donating a $100 Visa gift card, providing swag, and modeling)

The conversation is genuine, supportive, funny, and full of “girl’s girl” energy — celebrating women lifting each other up, building community, and navigating life’s chaos with humor and heart.

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs StudiosPowered by Revelton Distilling Company

Sponsors:Styled by JJ Boutique • Revelton Distilling Company • Iowa Beef Steakhouse • We Will Pizza • US FEX Shipping • Jenny Farrell Team with RE/MAX Concepts

A feel-good, no-filters episode perfect for anyone who loves real conversations about friendship, motherhood, entrepreneurship, resilience, and living life on your own terms.

What You’ll Hear: