The Seed: Growing Your Business

In this episode of The Seed, I, Lisa Resnick, share my personal journey of transformation with Dandelion, Inc. Over the past six months, I’ve been navigating a significant evolution in my business, which is not just about rebranding but about letting go of what no longer serves me to make space for new growth.

I discuss the importance of the research and development phase, emphasizing that it’s a normal part of the process where doubts and planning occur. Many of us feel stuck or like we’re not moving fast enough, but I encourage listeners to embrace this phase as it prepares us for future opportunities.

I also reflect on my initial desire to limit my personal presence in my business and how I’ve learned that allowing my true self to shine through has made Dandelion, Inc. more authentic and impactful. I address common struggles like imposter syndrome and remind everyone that challenges are signs of growth, not setbacks.

Throughout the episode, I share four key lessons: trust the process, don’t hide yourself, be resilient, and trust your gut. As I prepare for the next chapter of Dandelion, Inc., I hope to inspire listeners to recognize their own stages of transformation, whether they are just starting, in the messy middle, or ready to step into something new.

Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you leave feeling inspired to embrace your journey!

In this episode of The Seed, I had the pleasure of welcoming Kelly Shirey, the owner and founder of Eden Woodcraft. From the moment she walked into the studio, her positive and vibrant energy was palpable, setting the tone for an inspiring conversation.

Kelly’s journey is one of resilience and transformation, rooted in her experience as a pharmacist and the profound loss of her daughter, Eden Isabella. After this devastating event, Kelly sought a way to create a tangible memory of her daughter. This led her to the idea of crafting 3D wooden footprint signs, which not only served as a personal keepsake but also became a source of solace for others experiencing similar losses.

Throughout our discussion, Kelly shared her emotional journey of turning grief into a thriving business. She explained how her initial desire to create a memory of Eden evolved into a full-fledged venture that provides comfort to others. We delved into the technical aspects of her craft, including her initial intimidation with tools like the Cricut and her eventual embrace of woodworking, inspired by her grandfather’s legacy.

As a pharmacist, Kelly had always followed a traditional career path, but she candidly reflected on how her passion for woodworking emerged after the loss of her daughter. She described the challenges of balancing her pharmacy job with her burgeoning business, emphasizing the importance of time management and the need to carve out “pockets of time” for her craft amidst the chaos of motherhood.

We also discussed the emotional impact of her work, particularly how creating personalized signs for clients allows her to connect with them on a deeper level. Kelly recounted touching stories from customers who found healing through her creations, reinforcing the significance of her work.

Looking ahead, Kelly expressed her aspirations to grow Eden Woodcraft further, including the integration of new tools and techniques to enhance her offerings. She shared her hopes of transitioning to her business full-time once her children are in school, highlighting the importance of being present for her family while pursuing her passion.

This episode is a testament to the power of turning pain into purpose and the incredible strength of women in business. I encourage you to check out Kelly’s work at shopedenwoodcrafts.com and follow her on social media to witness her journey and support her mission.

Thank you for tuning in to The Seed, where we continue to cultivate growth and empower women in business. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with others who might find inspiration in Kelly’s story. Together, let’s uplift and support one another on our entrepreneurial journeys.

The post Ep.52 – Creating Comfort: Turning Grief into Art with Eden Woodcraft appeared first on Dandelion.

In this episode of The Seed: Growing Your Business, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Lori Rogers, a multi-million dollar business owner and the president and co-founder of Rogers Marketing. With over 25 years of experience in the marketing industry, Lori has cultivated strong client relationships and has been recognized for her leadership in the field.

Our conversation began with Lori sharing her journey into the marketing world, which started when her husband, Neil, presented her with the opportunity to work together in a franchise business. Initially hesitant, Lori found herself fully immersed in sales, and together they built a successful corporate swag provider from the ground up. We discussed the unique and sometimes quirky requests they receive from clients, including a recent inquiry about branding gaming remotes.

As we delved deeper into the marketing landscape, Lori emphasized the importance of personal connections and the value of thoughtful gestures, such as sending handwritten thank-you notes and gifts to clients. She explained how these practices not only foster strong relationships but also allow her to focus on growing the business by delegating tasks to her capable team.

A significant turning point in Lori’s life came in 2011 when she began implementing practices of positivity into her daily routine. Faced with personal challenges, including her son’s autism diagnosis and the impact of the recession on her business, Lori discovered the transformative power of a positive mindset. She shared how she started to reframe negative thoughts into positive affirmations, which led to exponential growth in both her personal and professional life.

Throughout our discussion, Lori highlighted the science behind positive thinking and how it can enhance creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. She encouraged listeners to take actionable steps towards cultivating a positive mindset, emphasizing the importance of using affirmations that start with “I am” to manifest desired outcomes.

Lori’s insights on the power of positivity and the importance of nurturing relationships resonated deeply. She reminded us that we are the architects of our own destinies and that by shifting our mindset, we can open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences.

As we wrapped up the episode, Lori shared how listeners can connect with her through her website, positiveactivity.net, where they can find resources, workshops, and mentoring opportunities.

Join me in this inspiring episode as we explore the intersection of marketing, positivity, and personal growth with the incredible Lori Rogers. Together, let’s cultivate growth and empower women in business!

The post Ep.51 – Harnessing Positivity appeared first on Dandelion.

As the host of The Seed podcast, in this episode, I delved into the importance of holistic health in the month of September. I emphasized the significance of aligning business, mind, and body for overall well-being. The episode began with a personal reflection on the upcoming transformations within my business, Dandelion Inc., highlighting the need for balance and growth without compromising sanity or family.

I shared my strategies for maintaining health and focus throughout the month. These strategies included eliminating alcohol to enhance productivity, saying no to distractions that do not align with priorities, and setting clear work-life balance percentages. I emphasized the importance of planning ahead for the year-end chaos by setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and utilizing Sundays for preparation.

Furthermore, I encouraged listeners to surround themselves with a supportive community of like-minded individuals to stay motivated and grounded. I shared personal anecdotes about the challenges of saying no and the benefits of eliminating distractions to maintain focus on important tasks. The episode concluded with a call to action for listeners to prioritize their health and well-being, starting today, and to connect with a supportive community for growth and success.

Overall, the episode served as a guide for listeners to cultivate a healthy mindset, body, and business practices in order to thrive and achieve their goals. Through personal insights and practical tips, I aimed to empower women in business to prioritize self-care and holistic health for long-term success.

The post Ep.50 – September: A Month of Health and Transformation appeared first on Dandelion.

In this captivating episode of our podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the dynamic and multi-talented Marcy Angelo, a member of Dandelion and a partner at White Glove. Marcy’s diverse background and passion for race car enthusiasm added an exciting twist to our conversation.

Marcy shared her journey from growing up in the Mahoning Valley to becoming a partner at White Glove, a payroll company. Her love for motorsports, instilled by her grandfather, led her to explore various racetracks across 24 states, accumulating an impressive count of 91 tracks visited. Her relationship with racing deepened when she met her boyfriend, who works with NASCAR, further immersing her in the world of motorsports.

Transitioning into her professional journey, Marcy detailed her educational background in geology and nonprofit leadership, highlighting her transition from the oil and gas industry to the nonprofit sector. Her pivot to White Glove Payroll was a result of personal changes and a desire to make a difference in the Mahoning Valley community.

As a partner at White Glove, Marcy emphasized the importance of education in payroll services, especially for small businesses. She discussed the distinctions between independent contractors and employees, shedding light on the complexities of payroll compliance. Marcy’s dedication to educating clients and ensuring their understanding of payroll intricacies showcased her commitment to their success.

The podcast delved into Marcy’s future plans for White Glove, including the recent partnership with Ascend, a private equity firm, and the expansion of services to other CPA firms. Marcy’s enthusiasm for promoting Youngstown and her dedication to making a difference in people’s lives through her work resonated throughout the episode.

The conversation concluded with a glimpse into Marcy’s upcoming summer plans, including attending a George Strait concert and her frequent visits back to Youngstown. Listeners were encouraged to connect with Marcy on LinkedIn and explore White Glove’s services.

Overall, Marcy Angelo’s inspiring journey from a race car enthusiast to a successful partner at White Glove Payroll showcased her passion for community, education, and making a positive impact in the world of payroll services. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and dedication in achieving professional success.

The post Ep.49 – Navigating the World of Payroll appeared first on Dandelion.

Welcome back to The Seed: Growing Your Business podcast! In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of starting a side gig. As your host, Lisa Resnick, I am thrilled to explore this topic that is close to my heart and share insights to inspire and empower you on your entrepreneurial journey.

We kick off the episode by discussing the various types of side gigs you can start right now. Whether you are looking to supplement your income or explore a new career path, there are opportunities for everyone. From freelancing to real estate ventures, Etsy and Shopify stores, and print-on-demand services, the options are diverse and cater to different interests and skills.

While the idea of passive income is often glamorized, I emphasize the importance of effort and dedication in every side gig. Setting realistic expectations, managing time effectively, and maintaining a balance between your full-time job and side gig are crucial for success. Drawing from personal experiences, I highlight the significance of setting boundaries, clear goals, and effective communication to avoid burnout and strain on relationships.

To help you kickstart your side gig journey, I provide practical steps to incorporate a side gig into your routine. From assessing your skillsets and researching the market to setting clear goals, creating a schedule, and joining a community for support and accountability, these steps serve as a roadmap for your entrepreneurial endeavors.

Remember, side gigs are not just about extra income; they are also avenues for personal growth and exploration. If you found this episode helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family. For more information and support, consider joining the Dandelion Inc. community and signing up for our newsletter.

Thank you for tuning in to The Seed. Stay inspired, keep reaching for your dreams, and remember, behind every woman is a tribe of other successful women who have their back. Thank you for listening!

Thank you for tuning in to The Seed podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow trailblazers. Keep growing, keep thriving, and keep planting those seeds of success. Until next time, stay inspired and empowered on your entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for listening!

The post Ep.48 – The Side Gig Edition: Looking for Extra Income appeared first on Dandelion.

As the host of “The Seed” podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Stephanie Gilchrist, the economic developer for the city of Youngstown. Stephanie’s journey is one of resilience, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. Throughout the episode, we delved into Stephanie’s background as a successful business owner and her transition into her current role in economic development.

Stephanie shared valuable insights on the importance of dreaming big, visualizing success, and the need for collaboration and creativity in achieving goals. We discussed the challenges faced by the city of Youngstown and the potential for growth and revitalization. Stephanie emphasized the significance of understanding capital, financial literacy, and the empowerment of women in business.

The conversation touched on Stephanie’s experience as a business owner, the hurdles she overcame, and the lessons she learned along the way. We explored the impact of generational wealth, the struggles faced by women in business, and the importance of confidence and self-belief.

Throughout the episode, Stephanie’s passion for empowering others and creating positive change in her community shone through. Her dedication to supporting entrepreneurs, advocating for financial literacy, and fostering a sense of community in Youngstown was truly inspiring.

Overall, the episode with Stephanie Gilchrist was a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, collaboration, and empowerment in achieving success. Stephanie’s story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for women in business and aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Thank you for tuning in to The Seed podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow trailblazers. Keep growing, keep thriving, and keep planting those seeds of success. Until next time, stay inspired and empowered on your entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for listening!

The post Ep.47 – Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence appeared first on Dandelion.

Hey there, fellow entrepreneurs! In this episode of The Seed, we delved into the exciting world of cross-industry learning and how it can revolutionize your entrepreneurial journey. I, Lisa Resnick, your host, took you on a journey through the magic of adopting strategies from different industries to supercharge your business growth.

We kicked off by exploring the concept of cross-industry learning, where we break down traditional business thinking and draw inspiration from diverse industries like tech, fashion, and more. By harnessing the wisdom and innovative tactics from these industries, we can transform our own businesses and create a dynamic and resilient business model.

I shared examples of how strategies from industries like fashion and energy drinks can be adapted to tech startups and finance companies, showcasing the power of thinking outside the box. From creating a sense of urgency with limited releases to building vibrant and relatable branding, the possibilities are endless.

Networking across different industries was highlighted as a key strategy for growth, emphasizing the importance of expanding your network to gain diverse perspectives and insights. By attending industry events, joining online communities, and connecting with professionals from various fields, you can unlock a world of wisdom and drive innovation in your business.

We also discussed the significance of diversity in teams, championing varied backgrounds and perspectives to foster creativity and problem-solving. By balancing passion with practicality, aligning with ethical practices, and setting realistic goals, we can drive growth, resilience, and leave a lasting impact in the entrepreneurial world.

I encouraged all listeners to reach out to professionals from different fields, attend industry events, and join online communities to expand their knowledge and connections. By adopting innovative practices and learning from diverse insights, we can propel our businesses to new heights and plant the seeds of success.

Thank you for tuning in to The Seed podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow trailblazers. Keep growing, keep thriving, and keep planting those seeds of success. Until next time, stay inspired and empowered on your entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for listening!

The post Ep.46 – Elevate Your Business with Cross-Industry Strategies appeared first on Dandelion.

Hey everyone, in this episode of The Seed, I dive into the importance of taking up space in both your business and networking endeavors. I start off by acknowledging the changing landscape of social media and how it may not be as effective as it once was. I share my personal decision to step back from excessive social media posting and focus on more impactful ways to connect and engage.

I emphasize the need to show up in various spaces, not just through online posts but also through in-person events and networking opportunities. I draw parallels between social media presence and attending a networking event, highlighting the importance of actively engaging with others rather than passively posting content.

Throughout the episode, I stress the significance of making one-on-one connections, participating in events, and showcasing the passion and drive behind your business. I encourage listeners to step out of their comfort zones, ask for speaking opportunities, and actively seek out networking events that align with their brand and mission.

By sharing my own experience of reevaluating my time spent on social media and reallocating it to more meaningful interactions, I aim to inspire listeners to do the same. I emphasize the value of creating visibility, awareness, and impact by physically showing up in spaces where their presence can make a difference.

I conclude the episode by urging listeners to make small changes each week to prioritize in-person engagements and networking opportunities. I invite them to share the podcast if they found the advice valuable and encourage them to subscribe for more inspiring stories from successful women in business.

Overall, this episode serves as a reminder to all entrepreneurs and businesswomen to take up space, be present, and actively engage in both virtual and physical networking environments to maximize their brand’s reach and impact. Join me in cultivating growth and empowering women in business by embracing the power of showing up. Thank you for tuning in to The Seed!

The post Ep.45 – Start creating visibility, awareness, and impact! appeared first on Dandelion.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stacey Gordon, an executive advisor and inclusive workshop cultural consultant. Stacey shared her journey of advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive workplace cultures. She emphasized the need for leaders to be flexible, empathetic, and willing to learn in order to foster a diverse and inclusive environment.

Stacey also shared a humorous yet eye-opening story about a client who attempted to diversify their workforce by hiring from a historically Black college but ended up hiring three white individuals instead. This story underscored the importance of addressing unconscious bias and the need for intentional efforts to promote diversity.

Listeners were encouraged to engage in the 100k Conversations Challenge initiated by Stacey, aimed at fostering conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds to promote understanding and inclusivity. Overall, the episode highlighted the significance of inclusive leadership and the ongoing work needed to create truly diverse and equitable workplaces.

The post Ep.44 – 100k Conversations Challenge- Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace with Stacey Gordon appeared first on Dandelion.