Stephanie Michelle is an independent wedding hair stylist and single mom in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked hard to develop her hair cutting, coloring and styling skills which has earned her the reputation as an incredibly talented and reliable wedding hair stylist. She used strategic brand partnerships and word of mouth to grow her own business in a niche market (she was willing to travel when no one else would) over the past couple of years while overcoming some of the darkest moments in her life to date.

Please note, this is our first time doing a virtual podcast so the sound quality is not as great as we hoped it would be. We will improve that next time!

Shannon is the owner and curator at the Wyckwood House, a local artisan market in Aurora, Illinois. We discuss how she got to where she is (literally how she got to her storefront), using your network to build your brand, and how her earlier fertility issues played a role in who she is today (and what to say during those tough moments).

Shannon is the owner and curator at the Wyckwood House, a local artisan market in Aurora, Illinois. We discuss how she got to where she is (literally how she got to her storefront), using your network to build your brand, and how her earlier fertility issues played a role in who she is today (and what to say during those tough moments).

Harold Montgomery is the founder and president of Midwest Global Group, Inc. a company that specializes in authentic, hand-crafted professional and social stoles (much like one that you or someone you know has worn for graduation). As the sole empoyee of his company for the past 30 years and having worked in corporate prior to that, Harold's story is that of a true hustler who prides himself on the quality of his work. He holds the standard for the stoles he designs and all others alike.

Harold Montgomery is the founder and president of Midwest Global Group, Inc. a company that specializes in authentic, hand-crafted professional and social stoles (much like one that you or someone you know has worn for graduation). As the sole empoyee of his company for the past 30 years and having worked in corporate prior to that, Harold's story is that of a true hustler who prides himself on the quality of his work. He holds the standard for the stoles he designs and all others alike.

Rachael Kay Albers is a marketer who hates marketing. As the founder and creative director of RKA ink, a branding, web design, and digital marketing studio based outside Chicago, Rachael has helped hundreds of thought leaders and visionary entrepreneurs all over the world stand out online without selling their soul or playing the manipulation game. Also joining us on this episode is Rachel's eight week old, Alice. We had a lot of fun talking all things marketing and entrepreneurial.

Rachael Kay Albers is a marketer who hates marketing. As the founder and creative director of RKA ink, a branding, web design, and digital marketing studio based outside Chicago, Rachael has helped hundreds of thought leaders and visionary entrepreneurs all over the world stand out online without selling their soul or playing the manipulation game. Also joining us on this episode is Rachel's eight week old, Alice. We had a lot of fun talking all things marketing and entrepreneurial.

Emely Rodriguez is a recent college graduate from Loyola University Chicago. She also happens to be my sister! She graduated with a bachelor's in sociology and is currently, like so many college graduates before her, trying to figure out what's next. Among other things, we discuss the feelings associated with closing one chapter and starting a new one, our family history, and the importance of finding and maintaining true friendships. 

Editor's Note: Around the 45 minute mark you're hear her mom knock on the door and ask if she can come in, to which we both laugh. I left it in the podcast because this is real life and it was too funny to take out. Enjoy!

Emely Rodriguez is a recent college graduate from Loyola University Chicago. She also happens to be my sister! She graduated with a bachelor's in sociology and is currently, like so many college graduates before her, trying to figure out what's next. Among other things, we discuss the feelings associated with closing one chapter and starting a new one, our family history, and the importance of finding and maintaining true friendships. 

Editor's Note: Around the 45 minute mark you're hear her mom knock on the door and ask if she can come in, to which we both laugh. I left it in the podcast because this is real life and it was too funny to take out. Enjoy!