The Mentor Files

In this inspiring episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Audra Lawlor, the founder of Girl Meets Dirt, a renowned jam company based on Orcas Island. Audra shares her remarkable journey from the fast-paced world of banking in New York City to the serene, community-driven life on Orcas Island. She discusses the pivotal moments that led to her decision to leave her high-powered career, the challenges and rewards of starting a business in a close-knit community, and the deep personal connections she found through her work with heritage orchards. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of making a bold life change and finding fulfillment in unexpected places:

• Welcome to Orcas Island: Audra describes the beauty and unique location of Orcas Island, and Monica shares her personal experiences visiting the island.
• The Big Move: Audra recounts her life in New York City and her career in banking and the decision-making process behind moving to Orcas Island with her husband.
• Settling on the Island: Early days on Orcas Island: adjusting to a slower pace of life, plus Audra's initial steps in gardening and preserving food.
• Finding Inspiration in the Soil: The story behind the name "Girl Meets Dirt", and Audra’s first experiences with jam-making from her own fruit trees.
• Discovering the Island’s Orchard Legacy: Audra learns about the rich history of orchards on Orcas Island, and the pivotal moment that inspired her to start Girl Meets Dirt.
• Building a Business with Community Support: Learn about the role of community in Audra’s entrepreneurial journey, and all the early challenges and successes in establishing Girl Meets Dirt.
• The Unique Climate of Orcas Island: Monica and Audra discuss the island’s rain shadow effect and its impact on agriculture - including the benefits for growing fruit.
• Embracing Island Life: Learn about the vibrant food community on Orcas Island and its influence and importance of the support of the community on Audra's business.
• Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead: Learn about the personal and professional challenges Audra faced in her journey, plus future aspirations for Girl Meets Dirt and continuing to honor the island’s heritage.

Resources:
- Girl Meets Dirt: https://www.girlmeetsdirt.com
- Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce: https://orcasislandchamber.com
- Monica + Andy: https://monicaandandy.com

In this inspiring episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Jesse Draper, founding partner of Halogen Ventures, to dive deep into the world of venture capital and the unique challenges and successes of investing in female-founded companies. Jesse shares her journey from actress to venture capitalist, her approach to reshaping the future of family through strategic investments, and the importance of changing the narrative for the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore the landscape of funding, the progress being made for women in business, and the personal stories of managing a thriving career alongside motherhood.

Episode highlights:

• Introduction to Jesse Draper, Halogen Ventures,  and Jesse's background as a fourth-generation venture capitalist
• Jesse's transition from Hollywood to investing
• Jesse explains her initiative to interview women in tech and how it led to investing on female-founded companies.
• The Venture Capital landscape and the inequality in access to capital for women.
• The importance of the early stage investment
• Instilling confidence in the next generation
• Motherhood, family life and entrepreneurship
• Jesse reveals a life-changing tip for managing family and work communications and the significance of planning and structure in a busy household
• The importance of supportive partners and family in entrepreneurship

If you're inspired by Jesse's story and want to learn more about investing in women-led startups, visit halogenvc.com.  Don't forget to subscribe to The Mentor Files for more insightful conversations and follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on upcoming episodes. Share this episode with anyone who believes in the power of female entrepreneurship and wants to be part of the change. Join us next time for another episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer!

In this episode of The Mentor Files, Monica Royer sits down with Kara Goldin, the founder of Hint Inc., the company known for its delicious fruit-infused water. Kara shares her remarkable journey from cutting soda out of her diet to creating a multi-million dollar business while balancing the roles of CEO and mother of four.

Episode highlights:

• [03:00] The Birth of Hint Water: Kara discusses her early influences, including her father's work in the health food industry and her own career in tech, which led her to seek out brands with a purpose.
• [06:00] From Idea to Product: Kara's transition from tech to the beverage industry was driven by her desire to create a product that she herself needed, and the challenges of entering a new industry and the process of getting Hint Water onto Whole Foods shelves.
• [09:00] Overcoming Industry Hurdles: Kara explains how she navigated the beverage industry with no prior experience and how she managed to convince Whole Foods to stock Hint Water.
• [12:00] The Launch of Hint: The story of how Kara managed to get Hint Water on the shelves the day before giving birth to her fourth child, plus the unexpected success of Hint Water's initial sales and the challenges of meeting this demand
• [15:00] Scaling the Business: Kara shares the struggles of scaling production and the importance of perseverance in the face of industry skepticism.
• [18:00] Financing and Growth: Discussion on the early financial decisions, including whether to bootstrap or seek funding, and how Kara financed the growing demand for Hint Water.
• [21:00] Entrepreneurship and Motherhood: Kara reflects on how motherhood influenced her efficiency and drive as an entrepreneur.
• [24:00] The Future of Hint and Lessons Learned: Kara shares her vision for the future of Hint and the key takeaways from her entrepreneurial journey.

Resources

• Hint Water: https://www.drinkhint.com/
• "Undaunted" by Kara Goldin: https://karagoldin.com/undaunted

If you're inspired by Kara's story and want to learn more about how to turn your own ideas into reality, don't forget to subscribe to The Mentor Files for more episodes like this. Share your favorite takeaways from today's episode on social media and tag us to join the conversation. And check out Kara's book, "Undaunted," for an in-depth look at her entrepreneurial journey.

In this powerful episode of The Mentor Files, Monica Royer sits down with Winnie Park, the CEO of Forever 21, to discuss her remarkable journey in the world of fashion and retail, and the personal trials that have shaped her into the leader she is today. Winnie shares insights into her approach to innovation, the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, and leading with authenticity. She also opens up about her background, the influence of her family, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career.  From overcoming language barriers to dealing with family mental health issues, Winnie's story is one of true resilience and determination.

Episode highlights:

• [03:00] Winnie Park's Background - Winnie shares her personal story of immigration, family influence, and her path to becoming a single working mom and a leader in fashion and consumer retail.
• [06:00] The Influence of Family - Discussion on the impact of Winnie's maternal grandmother and parents on her work ethic and passion for fashion.
• [09:00] Overcoming Language Barriers - Winnie recounts her early challenges with English after moving to the United States at two and a half years old.
• [12:00] Cultural Identity and Connection - Winnie and Monica discuss how they maintain their cultural identities and pass them on to their daughters.
• [19:00] Back to Cultural Discussion - The conversation resumes, focusing on the pride of the next generation in their diverse cultural backgrounds. 
• [22:00] Imposter Syndrome and Authenticity - Winnie and Monica explore the concept of imposter syndrome and the importance of being true to oneself.
• [25:00] Parent-Child Relationships Through Time - Reflecting on the evolution of their relationships with their mothers and their own experiences as parents.
• [28:00] Family Struggles and Resilience - Winnie and Monica share personal family stories, discussing the impact of mental health issues on their lives and the strength it has brought them.
• [31:00] Mental Health Awareness and Family Dynamics - The conversation delves deeper into the complexities of mental health within families and the journey to understanding and acceptance. 
• [34:00] The Role of the Strong Sibling - Monica reflects on her role in managing her brother's mental health struggles and how it has shaped her resilience.
• [37:00] Moving Forward and Building Strength - The episode wraps up with thoughts on how personal challenges can lead to unexpected growth and strength.

Resources & Links:
- Forever 21: https://www.forever21.com
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org
- Monica + Andy: https://www.monicaandandy.com

If you found inspiration in Winnie's story and want to learn more about her leadership at Forever 21, visit their website. Also, for those dealing with mental health issues, don't hesitate to reach out to resources like NAMI for support. Remember to subscribe to The Mentor Files for more stories like Winnie's, and if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Join us next time for more insights and mentorship on The Mentor Files with Monica Royer.

In this episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Michelle Shetty and Suzie Carroll, co-founders of The Fitz, a medical aesthetic and wellness practice based in Chicago. They discuss the journey from nursing in a clinical setting to entrepreneurship, the importance of aligning values, and the challenges and rewards of starting and growing a successful business. They also touch on the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and the significance of self-care in their personal and professional lives.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00:00] - Introduction to The Mentor Files and today's guests, Michelle Shetty and Suzie Carroll.
[00:03:00] - Michelle and Suzie discuss their transition from nursing to entrepreneurship.
[00:06:00] - How their friendship and partnership began and their approach to business.
[00:09:00] - The emotional connection to patients and how it translates to their current work.
[00:12:00] - The dynamics of being co-founders and friends.
[00:15:00] - The importance of having difficult conversations and growing together.
[00:18:00] - Trusting your gut in business and personal relationships.
[00:21:00] - The unexpected emotional challenges of running a business.
[00:24:00] - The pressure of success and the high stakes of entrepreneurship.
[00:27:00] - The impact of business stress on family and personal life.
[00:29:00] - The co-founders' personal wellness journeys and self-care practices.

Resources:
- The Fitz website: https://www.thefitzmed.com/
- Monica Andy's website: https://www.monicaandandy.com/

If you're inspired by Michelle and Suzie's journey from healthcare professionals to successful entrepreneurs, be sure to visit The Fitz to experience their approach to wellness and aesthetics. Don't forget to subscribe to The Mentor Files for more insightful conversations with industry leaders. Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are considering a leap into entrepreneurship or are interested in the intersection of healthcare and business.

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Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer. If you enjoyed our conversation with Michelle and Suzie, please rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring you more content like this. Join us next time for another deep dive into the stories behind successful leaders.

In this episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Danielle Brown, the plant-based living advocate and creator behind Healthy Girl Kitchen. They delve into Danielle's personal journey from a culinary enthusiast to a wellness entrepreneur, her transition to a plant-based diet during college, and how she turned her passion for healthy, easy-to-make food into a thriving social media presence and a successful business.

Key Points Discussed:

• Danielle's early love for cooking and how watching cooking shows inspired her.
• The unhealthy eating habits Danielle developed in college and the health issues that prompted her to explore a plant-based diet.
• The transformative effects Danielle experienced after switching to a plant-based diet, including improved energy levels, clearer skin, and better digestion.
• The motivation behind starting Healthy Girl Kitchen and Danielle's mission to make healthy eating accessible, affordable, and enjoyable.
• Insights into how Danielle grew her social media following by sharing valuable content and staying true to her unique perspective.
• The evolution of content creation from pictures to short-form video content and how it has changed the way people engage with recipes.
• The process of creating her cookbook, "Healthy Little Kitchen," and the importance of making it user-friendly, with easy recipes and pictures for every dish.
• Tips for grocery shopping, meal prepping, and minimizing food waste.

Resources:

• Healthy Girl Kitchen website: https://healthygirlkitchen.com/
• Danielle Brown's cookbook: "Healthy Girl Kitchen": https://sites.prh.com/healthygirlkitchen
• Monica + Andy: https://www.monicaandandy.com

Welcome to another episode of The Mentor Files. Today, we are thrilled to have a conversation with an exceptional human and guiding light for many, Irene Ortiz-Glass.

In this episode:

Discovering Coaching:
Irene shares her journey into life coaching, beginning with her early career and moving into an eventual senior partner role.

The Impact of Early Experiences:
Irene opens up about her personal life, discussing the profound impact of her childhood experiences on her path to becoming a coach. She talks about dealing with abandonment and abuse and how these experiences fueled her drive to help others.

The Essence of Executive Coaching:
We delve into what executive coaching entails, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, motivation, and willingness to do the work. Irene explains how coaching helps leaders navigate their personal and professional lives by understanding their behavioral patterns and mindsets.

Chemistry in Coaching Relationships:
The importance of chemistry between a coach and their client is highlighted, and Irene discusses how she assesses potential clients for coaching compatibility.

Understanding Yourself and Others:
Monica shares insights gained from coaching, such as the importance of recognizing one's natural tendencies, like flexibility or structure, and how this understanding can improve relationships both at work and at home.

Higher Purpose and Second Half of Life:
Irene talks about the concept of higher purpose and its significance as leaders transition into the second half of their lives. She reflects on her own purpose, which involves helping others grow and learn about themselves, and how this has become her focus in recent years.

Healing and Wellness for Women:
Addressing the often-taboo subject of menopause, Irene discusses her recent work in helping women navigate hormone issues and overall wellness. She emphasizes the need for healing and the importance of addressing these topics openly.

Resources:
"The Body Whispers Before It Screams" by Irene Ortiz-Glass on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Whispers-Before-Screams-Emotionally/dp/195682202X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BI1A6UM5BKML&keywords=the+body+whispers+before+it+screams&qid=1707778057&sprefix=the+body+whisper%2Caps%2C261&sr=8-1

Connect with Irene: www.menocoaching.com

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in our conversation with Irene Ortiz-Glass, please subscribe to The Mentor Files and leave us a review.  Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories and valuable lessons to listeners like you.

In this episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Dr. Sonya Bhole, a breast imaging radiologist at Northwestern Medicine. They dive into a candid conversation about finding one's purpose, the importance of embracing every step of the journey, and how inspiration can strike from the most unexpected places.

Key Takeaways:
- Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, including outside of your professional field.
- It's important to embrace the journey and not just focus on reaching the destination.
- Early career experiences, even those at the bottom of the ladder, are valuable learning opportunities.
- Finding a balance between cultural values, personal experiences, and parenting is a continuous process.
- Surrounding yourself with a diverse community can help prevent burnout and add richness to your life.

Join host Monica Royer, founder and CEO of Monica + Andy, every week as she engages with leaders across entrepreneurship, parenthood, health, and lifestyle.

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of feeding a family. Catherine McCord, the brain behind Weelicious and the author of four game-changing cookbooks, shares her journey from culinary school to becoming a mom, and the  creation of Weelicious, a platform designed to empower parents in the kitchen.  Catherine emphasizes the importance of making mealtime fun, approachable, and nutritious, especially when dealing with picky eaters or managing a busy schedule.

In this episode, Catherine and Monica discuss:

• The inspiration behind Weelicious and how it evolved with Catherine's growing family.
•  Strategies for dealing with picky eaters and making mealtime less stressful.
•  The significance of bento box-style lunches and how they can make school lunches more engaging and enjoyable for kids.
•  Catherine's personal routine for meal prepping and how it helps maintain a healthy, balanced diet throughout the week.
•  The transformative power of a daily smoothie and how it can positively impact your family's health.
•  Essential kitchen appliances that make meal prep a breeze.
•  The balance between the business and creative aspects of running a food-focused brand.

Catherine's insights are not only valuable for parents looking to streamline their mealtime routines, but also for anyone interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and lifestyle.  Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting to navigate the world of family mealtime, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt advice.  Don't forget to check out Catherine's cookbooks for more delicious recipes and inspiration!

Resources mentioned:

- Weelicious
- Cookbooks:  "The Smoothie Project",  "Meal Prep Magic", "Weelicious Lunches" & "Weelicious: One Family, One Meal"
- Monica + Andy

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with other parents and entrepreneurs who might benefit from Catherine's wisdom. Stay tuned for the next episode of The Mentor Files for more insights from leaders in entrepreneurship and lifestyle.

Remember, you can always be the confident CEO of your own life.  Until next time!