In this week’s episode of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour sit down with Jackie and Matt from Wild Raven Farm, an incredible herb farm and apothecary based in Oxford, Connecticut.

They share their inspiring journey into herbalism, the wide range of natural products they’ve created, and the importance of reconnecting with nature in everyday life. From natural cleaning products to handcrafted wellness items, Jackie and Matt talk about balancing business with full-time jobs, the challenges of farming, and how research and development shape their growing brand.

You’ll also hear how they’re planning for expansion, the power of community support, and their advice for aspiring small business owners looking to turn passion into purpose.

In Episode 13 of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour sit down with Matthew Banever, founder of Bards Clothing, a Connecticut-based custom clothing brand rooted in storytelling and American craftsmanship. Matt shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey—from early setbacks (including a $32K clothing disaster!) to building a brand that values intention over impulse and quality over fast fashion. The conversation dives deep into perseverance, mindset, and why focusing on opportunities—not excuses—is the key to sustainable success.

In this episode of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour welcome Megan Lye, a personal development coach, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to coaching. Megan discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the importance of being present, and her upcoming projects aimed at helping others navigate their personal and professional lives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intentionality, rest, and community support in achieving success and fulfillment.

In this episode of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour welcome Dawn Nielsen and Justin Malley from the Economic and Community Development Department of Bristol. They discuss the importance of supporting small businesses, the role of local government in fostering economic growth, and the marketing strategies being implemented to attract new businesses and tourists to the area. The conversation highlights various resources available for entrepreneurs, including grants, promotional support, and networking opportunities, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed to build a thriving local economy.

In this episode of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour interview Lauren, the founder of Seven Continents, a home fragrance business inspired by her love for travel. Lauren shares her journey from creating candles as DIY gifts to establishing a successful brand with a focus on wholesaling. The conversation delves into her experiences with trade shows, customer engagement through scent creation, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In Episode 9 of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour sit down with Becky Imbimbo, the creative force behind The Always Busy Mama. Becky opens up about her journey from postpartum depression to launching a handcrafted jewelry brand that empowers busy women with meaningful, durable pieces. She shares the realities of balancing family life with entrepreneurship, the importance of finding supportive community, and how a virtual assistant helps manage her growing business. Listeners will also gain insight into her creative process and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn passion into purpose.

This one was such a fun conversation—Steve & Care dive into some of today’s hottest small business topics, from the rise of AI and how it’s reshaping the way we work, to the power (and challenge) of delegating, to the importance of finding your niche and leaning into what makes your business unique. Along the way, they share stories, insights, and laughs that every entrepreneur can relate to.

This week on the Small Business Social podcast, we’re joined by Taylor and Jeff, the husband-and-wife duo behind Daydream Made—a small business that transforms creativity and craftsmanship into meaningful, handmade gifts.

In this episode, we talk about: Blending art and technology in a product-based business Creating gifts that tell a story, the magic behind their “Blind Date with a Book” bestseller and what it’s like building a creative brand together as a couple

Whether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or someone who loves thoughtful design, this episode will leave you inspired.

This is a must-listen for anyone who loves local events, smart marketing, and building community impact!

🎙️ We sat down with Jesse Jablon, the powerhouse behind the Rockwell Park Summer Festival and the Taste of Bristol promo, to talk about:

🎪 How a grassroots festival grew to 180+ vendors and 12 bands

🍴 Supporting small businesses through creative, no-cost promos

📣 Real advice for marketing events and making them truly inclusive

Jesse dropped some serious marketing gems in this one—and we promise you’ll walk away inspired and ready to think differently about community-driven promotion.

We’re thrilled to welcome Eric Verikas, co-founder of both Dusty Dude Woodworks and The Bristol Bazaar (and husband to our co-host, Care Verikas! )

Eric began Dusty Dude Woodworks in 2017—turning his passion for crafting custom cornhole boards into a full-time shop that now builds tables, doors, built-ins, and more

In 2023, Eric and Care took that same visionary spirit to build The Bristol Bazaar—an 5,800 sq ft indoor makers’ marketplace in downtown Bristol. It features dozens of artisans, Yellow King Bristol (a coffee-cocktail lounge) and event space—all born from their dream to support small businesses under one roof

From side hustle to community hub, Eric’s story is the ultimate entrepreneur journey—and we can’t wait to dig in!