The Local Woman

Our week of Local Woman episodes is moving right along with another inspiring episode featuring, business owner, Joelle Konze! After working her way up the corporate ladder, Joelle and her husband decided to turn their family hobby, into a lucrative business. In the midst of the pandemic, as many businesses struggled to find their footing, Joelle and her husband, took the first steps toward their entrepreneurial dream. Just two short years later, their business Escape RV Rental has grown to include over 50 RVs that they deliver for family vacations and corporate events all over Flordia! It's been said that, if you "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life" and that's the quote that continued to play in my mind throughout this interview. Though Joelle was candid about the struggles of business ownership, her passion for the business and the clients they serve is obvious. If you've been waiting for a sign to schedule that family vacation, consider this the day! Check out Escape RV Rental today: https://www.escapervrental.com/

Yes, we were serious, a whole week of The Local Woman!

On today's episode, I had the opportunity to interview my friend and fellow podcaster, Angel Collins! As you would expect, when you get two podcasters together, no topic was off-limits and time was no concern! On Angel's podcast, In Front of the Telly, she and her cohost discuss everything from television to movies both new and old! With their engaging, thoughtful, and often passionate reviews, if you're a fan of television and film, this is the podcast for you! 

In addition to her podcast, we discussed her previous life as a loyal Maconite and her lingering influence on the writing, storytelling, and music scene. Following a dream from her youth, Angel relocated to Alaska, where she currently resides. Though Angel still has a love for all things local, she has found joy in quiet times, without the obligation of leadership, where she can enjoy her family and community, and of course, she still makes time to spend In Front of The Telly!

Check out her episode today!

As Season 2 comes to a close, we are celebrating with a week of Local Woman episodes! That's right, Monday-Sunday, you can check-in and find a new episode of The Local Woman.

We're starting this week, with the local songbird herself, Kelley Dixson! Since her return to Macon, she has worked tirelessly to bring music, theatre, art, and collaboration center stage! During the week we recorded this episode, she was dazzling the stage in a sold-out (NIGHTLY) Theatre Macon production of The Color Purple as Sophia. However, acting is only one of Kelley's many talents. In her role as a community organizer, she works with community groups and events, such as Bragg Jam to bring great events and musical acts to Middle Georgia. In her role as a musician, you can find her on stage at local hot spots such as JBA, channeling her days in New Orleans as a jazz singer. However, if you ask Kelley, the most important role she plays is that of mom. 

While you're enjoying your drive home or preparing your favorite meal for dinner remember to take The Local Woman with you!

The Local Woman features women like you and me, living, learning, and growing. Share this episode with yourself and a friend. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on The Local Woman's social media sites, we will be sharing resources and events to encourage our listeners to prioritize mental health in their daily lives.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I was excited to chat with the founder and facilitator of Macon Mental Health Matters, Andrea Cooke, to discuss the growing number of mental health resources available right here in Macon-Bibb! Macon Mental Health Matters is a program that provides mental health counseling for both individuals and families, financial counseling, conflict resolution, and non-traditional mental health activities. These activities include yoga, pop-up gyms, training, and so much more, and all are offered in the community at no cost to the individual receiving the services. 

As a Maconite and a proud graduate of Central High School and THE Fort Valley State University, Andrea always speaks with her community in mind. While many speak of Macon as a community in peril, Andrea speaks of Macon as a community of hope. Today, when you tune into The Local Woman, slow down, relax, and take a well-deserved moment to yourself. 

After tuning in to this episode, you'll agree, that you deserve it!

On Episode 27 of The Local Woman, I interview Kim Aquamina. When we began The Local Woman, Kim was exactly the type of community member I desired to bring to the forefront. After a successful career at the Miami Herald, inspired by her father, Kim made her home in the rural community of Hawkinsville and brought the excitement and liveliness of the city with her. However, Kim isn't missing the city! She has embraced life in the country and truly made Hawkinsville her home. Upon arriving in Hawkinsville, Kim made her home at the Newberry Foundation and has embraced her role as the Director of the Food Pantry. In this episode, she shares her journey to Hawkinsville and her passion for the community she calls home! 

Check out her episode today!

On this episode of The Local Woman, I sit down with one of my favorite co-hosts Robert Grant, to interview Rhonda Tandy-Pearson, the CEO and Executive Designer of Belle Ame Designs.

In 2018 when she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, she knew she wanted to create a brand that embodied her belief that, “your size does not define you or what you can do”. This desire led Rhonda to begin designing custom t-shirts with encouraging affirmations that highlighted her love for fashion, while still providing clients with a comfortable t-shirt that could be styled for both work and play!

Rhonda is a dedicated entrepreneur who takes pride in the creation of her designs. Though she launched her business selling custom t-shirts online, Rhonda has expanded the Belle Ame Designs brand to include in-store retail sales throughout Middle Georgia and Atlanta, GA.

In 2020, Rhonda began holding classes to share her craft with budding and existing entrepreneurs. Her commitment to the growth of her business allowed her to gain the knowledge necessary to help others develop and grow the businesses they desire. In 2021, Rhonda walked away from her corporate job of six years and began sharing the education, training, and experience she learned while growing her business with other entrepreneurs, as a Business Coach!

As Rhonda continues to grow her brand and expand her services, she remains prayerful and purposeful in the pursuit of her goals. With the addition of Blessed by Belle Ame Designs, a line of custom t-shirts that highlight both strength and faith, Rhonda continues to showcase her determination, while always acknowledging that “With God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).

Tune in and check out her episode today!

As the owner and host of Bankedoutt Radio Show, Andreas Cooke needs no introduction! From hosting the #1 podcast in Middle Georgia to partnering and supporting a number of local initiatives Andreas Cooke believes in supporting and promoting businesses in our community! Check out his episode to learn more about his podcast and his ongoing work in the community! 

Tune in and subscribe to his podcast here: http://www.bankedouttradioshow.com/

Wedding bells are ringing for this week's local woman, Eden Jackson, and her fiance, Ryan Stykel!

Attorney Eden Jackson is a Macon, Ga native with a love for travel! Although she loves her hometown, she has always felt most at home in the skies. As an undergrad, Eden studied at Georgia State University in Atlanta, received her Law degree at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Fl, and completed her legal coursework by receiving her Legal Masters from Brunel University in London.

Now, Eden is embarking on her next big adventure, starting her own law firm! The Law Office of Eden A. Jackson, a trademark and business law firm. When Eden is not practicing law, she is taking care of her energetic infant son, Gabriel, gardening and traveling the world.

Check out her episode to learn more about Eden and why trademarks are important to establishing ownership over your brand, name, or logo!