Season 2. Episode 2.

Welcome back to the Prickly Pear Podcast! This week, Annika sits down with Anna Blake Pearson, founder of AB Personal Assistance, a company focused on staffing and contracting out personal executive assistants. With the slogan “It’s your life. We give you the time to live it,” Anna’s business helps individuals balance their busy lives by providing them with the support they need.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Prickly Pear Podcast! In this episode, Annika sits down with Megan and Morgan, two of the early adopters of permanent jewelry and linkers for ⁠Link x Lou⁠. Their obsession become something that would lead them both to embrace the unique opportunities Link x Lou offers.

Season 2. Episode 1.

Welcome back to the Prickly Pear Podcast! In this episode, Annika sits down with ⁠Jordan Louis⁠, former aesthetician and the creative force behind ⁠Link by Lou⁠, a permanent jewelry business designed to capture meaningful moments. Jordan’s entrepreneurial journey began when she saw a gap in the market, realizing that when there's a problem with no solution, that’s the perfect foundation for a business plan. Her business launched on the very day the “stay at home” order was lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, Link by Lou has blossomed into a thriving venture.

During the conversation, Jordan shares how the idea for her business grew from practicing on friends to building a creative and collaborative environment that now includes over 60 “linkers.” She talks about the ripple effect of saying yes to her ideas and the importance of believing in yourself, even when competition brings about feelings of imposter syndrome. For Jordan, the best part of her business is that The Link isn’t just a product, but a way to commemorate special moments between people.

Jordan also reflects on her leadership style, explaining how surrounding herself with a team of diverse skill sets has helped her build a strong, collaborative community. She emphasizes that pivoting in business doesn’t mean failure, but rather a necessary part of growth. Her journey is a powerful reminder that creativity and adaptability are key to entrepreneurial success.

So, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking for inspiration to pursue your own ideas, grab a cup of coffee and join Annika and Jordan for this insightful conversation.

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“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” We often think of Christ in various roles—Savior, Redeemer, Friend, and Father. But have you ever thought of Him as your GROOM?

Taking a break from our usual topics of entrepreneurship and business savviness, Annika delves into discussing the ultimate lover of our souls: Jesus. Live from WOMEN'S WORSHIP NIGHT @ PPCC, Annika invites you to reflect on what it looks like to live knowing that Jesus, your groom, completes you in a way no human relationship ever can. Our souls long for more than just an earthly groom to “complete” us. We need someone who understands us fully, knows our deepest desires, and loves us unconditionally. That someone is Jesus.

So whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, grab a journal, your Bible, and maybe even a cup of coffee, and come learn about the one who your soul longs for the most, the one who DOES complete you, knows you, and who’s heart beats for you. We hope this episode is an encouragement to you! 

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Season 1. Episode 12.

Welcome back to the Prickly Pear Podcast! In this episode, Annika sits down with Brandi, owner and founder of MELAN SUNCARE! Diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma at the age of 30, Brandi's life took a dramatic turn that led her to focus on health and wellness, particularly in the realm of skincare.

Brandi shares her story of resilience and determination, emphasizing that while one cannot control cancer, one can control how to take care of oneself. Through extensive research on sunscreen ingredients, she discovered the health shortcomings in many existing brands. This revelation motivated her to create her own line of sunscreen.

Brandi walks us through her journey of figuring out a brand name and the subsequent rebranding to "MELAN." She provides insights into her market research strategy and the process of launching her SPF 30 sunscreen. The discussion highlights the importance of taking the time to ensure that product and branding align cohesively with the business vision. Patience, Brandi asserts, is a virtue, as it allows for the development of a cohesive and effective business strategy.

Whether you're interested in health and wellness, entrepreneurship, or simply looking for inspiration on handling life's unexpected challenges, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Grab a cup of coffee and join Annika and Brandi for this enlightening conversation.

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Season 1. Episode 11.

Welcome back to the Prickly Pear Podcast! In this episode, Annika sits down with Kensie Wesp, owner of TRUEFORM FITNESS in Nashville! Kensie discusses her transition from teaching fitness classes to taking over a studio post-college, embodying the mission of TRUEFORM Fitness: helping people return to their truest selves.

Throughout the conversation, valuable lessons on learning from failure and pivoting through maintaining a positive perspective are shared. An in-depth CULTURE CODE developed for instructors highlights the importance of a strong foundation in coaching classes. Key takeaways include the realization that "nothing is going to go as you expect" and that "just because it looks different, does not mean it's a failure." Establishing and maintaining the right perspective is emphasized.

Whether you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or simply looking for inspiration to handle life's curveballs, this episode offers insightful and actionable advice. Grab a cup of coffee and join Annika for this enriching conversation.

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Season 1. Episode 10.

Welcome back to the Prickly Pear Podcast! In this episode, Annika sits down with Emily Boesch, the creative mind behind Huey Cakes. Despite not growing up baking, Emily found her calling in the kitchen through a series of unexpected events and her background in cooking.

Emily shares her journey from studying marketing and business with the intent of entering the corporate world to discovering her passion for baking. After moving from the University of Tennessee to Colorado and working with the Food Network, she amassed a wealth of baking tools and found the kitchen to be her creative outlet. Upon returning to Nashville, her baking business, Huey Cakes, began to flourish through the power of word of mouth.

Emily’s story is a testament to the power of following your passion and the unexpected paths that can lead to success. Whether you’re an aspiring baker, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration to pursue your dreams, grab a cup of coffee and join Annika and Emily for this engaging conversation.

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Season 1. Episode 9.

Welcome back to the Prickly Pear Podcast! In this episode, Annika sits down with Savannah Benefield, owner and founder of Creative and Caffeinated Co, to delve deeper into her journey and the lessons learned along the way. Creative and Caffeinated Co is a marketing boutique for small business who want to shine online!

Savannah’s path is marked by resilience and adaptability, having faced job losses and industry changes. With a big city mindset, Savannah graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and interned at the Academy of Country Music in 2016. Despite being let go from Kendra Scott at the age of 24, she turned these challenges into opportunities, learning to be comfortable in the uncomfortable.

Savannah shares her experiences of losing her job twice, including during the 2020 pandemic, and offers valuable insights such as the importance of understanding business operations before starting your own venture. She discusses how the pandemic put her business, Sky Core, on pause and led her to work for a catering startup, where she learned the significance of setting boundaries as both a business owner and employee.

Savannah also provides actionable advice for aspiring marketers and entrepreneurs on social media management and content creation, emphasizing how these tools can be a blessing for your business by enhancing findability and allowing you to focus on your core operations.

So, whether you're an aspiring marketer, a business owner, or simply looking for inspiration on handling life's curveballs, grab a cup of coffee and join Annika and Savannah for this insightful conversation.

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Season 1. Episode 8. 

Welcome back to the Prickly Pear Podcast! In this episode, Annika sits down with Diana Defatta, owner and founder of Diana Marie Photography! Diana Marie Photography is a business focusing on creating heirlooms with genuine and intentional moments that tell your love story.

Diana’s journey began through unconventional circumstances through a lost job and a passion to capture intentional and authentic photos. She discuses her unconventional path as well as how to market yourself as a photographer or entrepreneur. Annika and Diana also give advice on the significance of time blocking as an entrpreneur and staying organized with multiple clients and fluctuating schedules. So whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a business owner yourself, grab a cup of coffee and come join Annika and Diana for a candid conversation!

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Season 1. Episode 7.

Welcome back to the Prickly Pear Podcast! In this episode, Annika sits down with Avery Liz, owner and founder of Avery Liz Design Company! Avery Liz Design Company is an all things wedding company including services such as coordinating, florals, planning and design! 

Avery discusses her humble beginnings, helping craft florals for weddings that eventually turned into her own business! She gives incite into the importance of “word of mouth” to grow her business, being open to the little fires of entrepreneurship, and also her future goals! Avery and Annika also discuss her transition to Nashville and relying upon the Lord in the midst of chaotic seasons. So whether you’re a wedding planner or planning a wedding of your own, grab a cup of coffee and come join Annika and Avery for a candid conversation!

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