On this episode, I chat with Shannon, owner of Shop Fine Flowers. Like many entrepreneurs, Shannon didn't plan to go down this road. It wasn't a dream or goal, but others saw it in her before she did. Having been raised by entrepreneurs, Shannon had a good model, but was sure she didn't want to follow in their footsteps. One day a friend sent her a picture of a space for lease. The rest is history. Shannon also shared openly about her experiences going through anxiety and what she does now to support balance in life and work. She's fun, honest, and designs amazing arrangements for any occasion! Check out her site and order something that will make you or a loved one smile!

https://shopfineflowers.com/

On this episode, I chat with Jaime Festa, of Trio Fudge. Jaime stepped outside her comfort zone to do this podcast and it was so fun! We covered so many topics and I loved her honesty about her experiences. From growing up and moving schools every few years to relationships to breaking old habits and so much more, Jaime shared how she learned things about herself and how she is making conscious choices to do things differently - in life and in business. We chatted about topics that not only entrepreneurs can relate to, but anyone on the journey towards progress can connect to. She started this business with her husband and brother while being a stay at home mom. Jaime got inspiration from her children who have severe allergies - wanting to create a place where they, and others, could enjoy fudge the same as everyone else. If you are starting a business or thinking about it, I definitely recommend listening to Jaime's story. 

On this episode, I chat with Dillon Cafiero, owner of Edgar Allan Joe, a whole bean and ground coffee delivery service. Dillon talks openly about his personal struggles growing up - being bullied, personal insecurities, and the common wall men build up when facing challenges. Through his many life experiences - be it growing up with 3 brothers, not knowing what he wanted to do, and many, many jobs - he has remained committed to understanding himself better through constant exploration. He is honest that it hasn't always been easy, and yet, he keeps going. A job at Disney, a roommate and a love for coffee and bringing people together, was the beginning of what is now, Edgar Allan Joe. Dillon is on a journey to take coffee to the next level. His passion is inspiring and his coffee is really good - and I can honestly say I don't like coffee so for me to say this - it really is good! Order today from his site!

https://www.edgarallanjoenj.com/

On this episode, I chat with Danielle Angel, owner of Freedom Rocks. Danielle is so candid with ALL of her experiences. From feeling isolated in school to working through an eating disorder to dropping out of med school TWICE to building a business she loves, we really covered so much. So many young women need to hear her story because it will inspire you and remind you that the path to success really does take so many twists and turns. And, sometimes, you just have to keep going even if you're not sure where you'll end up. I loved hearing about what she has created for her community and her team - a culture where people feel connected and taken care of. Her shop, located in Asbury Park, NJ sells healing crystals - visit them in store or shop online!

www.freedomrocks.co

On this episode, I chat with Jennifer Chavez, owner of Babes in Business, a community of women supporting women. So many of the topics we covered are so relatable to women - struggling to make friends, the pressures we put on ourselves, the challenging conversations we have about choosing to have children, and so much more. Jennifer is honest about her journey and I was inspired in just a short conversation with her. Jennifer's desire to connect and empower women through this tribe is so needed at a time when it can be difficult to find other women who build you up. And, as with many guests, her business grew out of her vision to provide something better than what existed before her. You will definitely take some good nuggets away from this chat. Check out how you can become part of the tribe and get connected today!

www.babesinbusiness.com

On this episode, I chat with Laura Compton of Permanently Poppin', an online women's clothing boutique completely operated by women. Laura shares about growing up in a supportive home and how that shaped her confidence. her unique experience with postpartum, and her journey in the corporate world and how it led to her starting her own business. Through each step, she developed new skills, an understanding of herself, and learned to keep going, no matter what challenge came her way. She shares some great advice for young entrepreneurs and is still learning herself. Her shop specializes in leggings but carries many other items including an Ave collection and carries sizes 0-26 so that all women feel welcome shopping with her. Check out her shop today! Use code PROGRESS for 25% off at checkout!

www.permpoppin.com

On this episode, I chat with Carla Bushey. Carla and her husband, Rich started and run Oak Hill Farms. I can't tell you how amazing this episode is in a short paragraph, you are just going to have to listen to it! We went through Carla's life journey - all of it. From growing up in Peru to immigrating to the US, experiencing the divorce of her parents, her own divorce and finding love again. Once again, I am humbled and amazed by a guest willing to share such personal stories that I know will resonate with many listeners. Carla's authenticity warmed my heart and brought a tear to my eye as we spoke. I actually felt like we'd known each other for years as we got to talking. Carla and Rich learned everything by trial and error and have built a beautiful gathering place where they sell their many products ranging from beauty to maple syrup and much more! You can even enjoy brunch with their alpacas! Visit their farm today & you'll quickly feel the love for their family and their community. 

https://oakhillfarmsnj.com/

On this episode, I chat with Max of AMP'D Fitness. I first met Max during the pandemic when he started teaching fitness classes outside after the gym he worked at had to shut down. I knew his passion and determination would turn into something at a time when most people just pressed the pause button on work. And he did just that. In less than 2 years, Max opened not one but two dedicated gyms. Max is not a stranger to challenges and taking risks. He grew up racing dirt bikes. And he was really good at it. His last race changed his life forever in more ways than he even expected. He talks vulnerably about this and other experiences that have shaped him and his path in life. We talk about depression, losing life long friends, and becoming emotionally aware as an adult male. Max sees all of his challenges in life as lessons in how to keep moving forward. His ambition and dedication to making his dreams a reality are what great leaders are made of. You will be inspired and rooting for his success after hearing his story. Take a class with him and get to know him, you'll be a better human for it. 

Check him out at AMP'D Fitness!

On this episode, I chat with Kacey Roy of Kate & Company. Kacey has worked with her mom since college and was hooked from the very first day. Her mom started this business on her own with no education on how to run a business, she started it with passion and hard work. From family values to what it takes to have a strong marriage and raise teenagers to working with her mom all these years, we talk about it all. Kacey's authenticity and bravery to talk about some of the hardest things - unexpected hard times and experiencing a miscarriage, gives us a reminder that we all face challenges. Her willingness to talk about hard topics means someone else feels a little less alone. And isn't that why we're all here? And I loved chatting about the future of Kate & Company as Kacey transitions into managing the store herself. Kacey is a ball of joyful energy that is contagious. You'll love her, her story and the store - a beautiful furniture boutique with the most sought after styles at the shore!

@kateandcompanynj

On this episode, I chat with Brian Grable, owner of BKG Reptiles. Brian is realer than real. I am always impressed by my guests and he is no exception. Our society needs more men who are willing to be vulnerable and honest about their experiences - Brian does that for us in this episode. We chat about his childhood being raised by an abusive father, how he struggles to not repeat the same patterns, the humility he shows to his own children when he makes a mistake, getting addicted to pain killers, and, of course, how reptiles have become part of his healing journey. It is clear how much joy Brian finds in his work, not just with the reptiles, but with the people he gets to interact with everyday. Brian cares deeply about making connections and building a community. His gratitude for everything that has happened in his life - the good and the bad - reminds us all that every part of our journey is necessary for growth. I am thrilled to bring you this episode! Please check out his shop in Keansburg, NJ and you'll see why it's easy to enjoy his company!

@bkgreptiles