The Soul-Led Sessions

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Along busy St. George Street in the heart of St. Augustine, Kyle Dellaire of Ben’s Pretzels, Mimi’s Crepes, Whips Waffle Company & Likit Ice Cream has created a collection of businesses shaped by creativity, opportunity, and constant evolution. Behind Ben’s Pretzels and Mimi’s Crepes, the Secret Garden has its own story. What was once an overgrown space with a few benches has gradually transformed into an inviting hidden getaway with tables, live music, a stage, the popular trinket box, and a place to slow down while exploring downtown. Locals love bringing visiting friends to discover the garden, and Kyle continues to find new ways to refine the space and create an experience people remember.

How does someone go from running one small ice cream shop with his brother and no employees to seeing possibilities for new businesses almost everywhere he looks? Kyle opens up about the mindset behind his growth, the ideas he keeps tucked away in his “vault,” and why some ideas are put into motion almost immediately while others develop quietly for years. He shares what he’s learned about building the right team, delegating as his responsibilities grow, remembering the names of people he meets, and creating genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world. There’s also a peek at what he’s dreaming up next—including Italian ice and the Roaming Cannoli—and why he believes sometimes you simply have to “take the leap of faith.”

Connect with Kyle Dellaire on Instagram: @Kyle_Dellaire

Check out Kyle's Businesses: 

Likit Ice Cream: @Likit_SoftServe

Mimi's Famous Crepes: @Mimis_Famous_Crepes

Ben's Pretzels: @BensPretzelsStAugustine

Whips Waffle: @WhipsWaffleCo

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kyle Del Air and his entrepreneurial background
02:00 Growing up in an amusement park and early influences
03:09 Moving to Florida and starting in Saint Augustine
04:08 First business: Ice cream shop and early challenges
06:04 Evolving the business and discovering new opportunities
08:01 Sourcing products and innovating with Dole Whip
09:05 Expanding with multiple locations and testing new ideas
11:02 The creation of the secret garden and community space
13:08 Adding Mimi's Crepes and creating a complementary business
14:59 Building a strong team and leadership strategies
16:49 Mentors, books, and influences shaping Kyle’s mindset
19:03 Customer service philosophy and local relationships
21:10 Future plans, new ventures, and continuous growth
22:51 The importance of routines, travel, and personal development
24:57 Final thoughts on opportunity, community, and success

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Just steps from the beach in St. Augustine, Tessa, Maggie & Mitchell of Sunrise Brew Coffee are proving that great coffee has the power to bring people together. As siblings building a business side by side, they've created far more than a neighborhood café—they've built a welcoming community where meaningful connection comes first. Originally from Utah, they quickly fell in love with St. Augustine and its incredible support for locally owned businesses, making it the perfect place to bring their vision to life. From cozy craft nights and seasonal themed events to plans for adding beer and wine, they're continually creating new ways for people to gather, connect, and enjoy a true "third space" beyond home and work.

This inspiring conversation explores entrepreneurship, family business, leadership, work-life balance, and the courage to start before you feel completely ready. Tessa, Maggie, and Mitchell share what it's like building a business as siblings, opening their café sooner than expected, and learning every step of entrepreneurship along the way. Drawing from previous jobs, managers, and life experiences, they've intentionally created a culture built on kindness, genuine hospitality, and mutual respect—striving to be the kind of leaders they always wanted to work for while empowering their team to make every guest feel like family. It's a heartfelt reminder that success isn't just about building a business—it's about creating a place where employees feel valued, customers feel welcomed, and community always comes first.

Check out Sunrise Brew Coffee on Instagram: @SunriseBrewCoffee

And on their website: https://sunrisebrewcoffee.com

00:00 Welcome to Sunrise Brew Coffee
 00:35 The Story Behind Sunrise Brew Coffee
 03:10 Dreaming of Opening a Coffee Shop
 04:50 From Coffee Truck to Café
 06:35 Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
 10:20 Why St. Augustine Felt Like Home
 12:00 Building a Business as Siblings
 14:10 Why St. Augustine Supports Small Businesses
 17:00 Creating Community Through Coffee
 19:30 Working with Family & Spouses
 22:00 Building a Culture of Kindness
 24:00 Learning Entrepreneurship as You Go
 29:15 Creating a True Community Gathering Place
 31:30 Balancing Multiple Businesses
 34:20 The Vision for Sunrise Brew's Future
 39:00 Morning Routines & Entrepreneur Life
 42:00 Advice to Their Younger Selves
 46:30 Where to Find Sunrise Brew Coffee

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Inspired by the vibrant spirit of St. Augustine, Sunny TV was born from an unexpected turning point. After losing his broadcasting job, Davey had just 30 days to figure out what came next. Instead of walking away from the career he loved, he took a leap of faith on an idea that had been living in his heart—a positive, community-driven variety show. Drawing on a lifetime of experiences in broadcasting, the art world, luxury retail, and even competitive athletics, he turned uncertainty into opportunity with the support of a tight-knit team that believed in the vision from day one and helped bring it to life.

Today, Sunny TV shines a light on the people who make the nation's oldest city so special. More than just a variety show, it's a platform where local businesses, community leaders, and nonprofits can share their stories, expand their reach, and receive professional content to continue promoting their organizations long after filming wraps. Built on friendship, collaboration, and a genuine love for the community, Sunny TV proves that when passionate people come together around a shared purpose, they can create something that truly makes a difference.

Check out SunnyTV on Instagram: @SunnyTV

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of Sunny TV
02:54 Creating a Positive Community
06:12 Empowering Nonprofits
09:14 The Art of Interviewing
12:00 Building a Supportive Team
15:00 The Power of Resilience
17:59 Connecting History and Culture
20:54 The Journey of a Dream
24:06 Lessons from Life Experiences
30:33 Navigating Grief and Growth
32:14 The Artistic Journey
34:49 Words as Art: The Power of Affirmations
36:28 Building Community Through Shared Experiences
38:25 Documentary Aspirations and Storytelling
41:32 The Importance of Connection and Compliments
46:02 Living the Dream in St. Augustine
51:02 Sustaining Joy Through Sponsorships and Community Support

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Tucked away in the heart of St. Augustine, Nils & Bailey Rowland have transformed Crème de la Cocoa into far more than a neighborhood bakery—they've created a place where life's sweetest memories are made. From the enchanting bakery filled with handcrafted pastries, custom cakes, and house-made ice cream to their desserts featured at many of St. Augustine's favorite restaurants, venues, and local businesses, every detail reflects their commitment to quality and community. Bailey shares how a college dream became reality, while Nils recalls watching Alton Brown on the Food Network as a kid, convinced he'd become a chef one day—never imagining his path would lead him to becoming an award-winning pastry chef.

This inspiring conversation explores entrepreneurship, hospitality, leadership, work-life balance, delegation, and building a thriving family business. Nils and Bailey reflect on taking risks, growing alongside St. Augustine, creating opportunities for their team, and discovering they're not simply in the bakery business—they're in the memory-making business. Their story is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes the best careers aren't carefully planned—they're discovered by following your strengths, embracing community, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities.

Explore Creme De La Cocoa online www.crememdelacocoa.com or on Instagram: @CremeDeLaCocoa

Chapters

00:00 The Dream of a Bakery
03:07 Creating Memories Through Pastry
06:04 Building a Strong Team
08:57 Balancing Work and Home Life
11:45 The Importance of Delegation
15:00 Inspiring the Next Generation
21:44 The Legacy of Entrepreneurship
24:35 Discovering Passion in Pastry
28:10 Building a Business from the Ground Up
32:05 Daily Routines of Successful Entrepreneurs
33:58 Collaborations and Community Engagement
36:43 Living the Dream: Reflections on Success

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Set against the backdrop of historic St. Augustine, Laura Whalley created Hatch Creatives to bring women entrepreneurs, creatives, and dreamers together through the power of community. What began as a simple idea to encourage women to pursue their passions has grown into a thriving network where collaboration, education, and meaningful connections inspire business owners to take the next step with confidence. Laura shares how Hatch Creatives was born from recognizing the need for support, accountability, and authentic relationships, proving that sometimes all it takes is one encouraging voice to help someone finally chase the dream they've been holding onto.

This inspiring conversation explores entrepreneurship, creative business, women in business, branding, collaboration, motherhood, community, and overcoming self-doubt. Laura Whalley opens up about balancing family life with entrepreneurship, embracing imperfect beginnings, building a purpose-driven business, and why community is one of the greatest assets an entrepreneur can have. Whether you're launching your first business, growing a creative passion, or simply looking for a community that believes in you, this episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to build your dream alone.

Learn More: @Hatch_Creatives

Filmed on location at the AC Hotel in St. Augustine. Thank you for your kindness & hospitality, AC Hotel St. Augustine!

AC Hotel St. Augustine: @achotelstaugustine

Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Hatch Creatives
02:56 Building Community Through Collaboration
06:10 Empowering Women in Business
09:05 Navigating Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
11:59 Finding Purpose in Motherhood and Creativity
15:00 The Importance of Support Networks
17:55 Upcoming Events and Workshops
20:59 Maintaining Momentum and Organization
25:31 Harnessing the Power of Positivity
27:24 Redefining Creativity Beyond Traditional Boundaries
30:52 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Embracing Imperfection
32:51 The Importance of Community and Accountability
36:00 Mentorship and Guidance for the Next Generation
39:13 Finding Joy in the Journey of Life
44:15 Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone to Growth
48:52 Building a Personal Brand with Authenticity

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Rooted in the heart of St. Augustine, Cathlene Miner founded Hopefull Handbags with a simple yet powerful mission: to help survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and hope. Inspired by her grandmother, who never went anywhere without her handbag and cherished picking out a new one every six months, Cathlene transformed a childhood memory into a symbol of hope. What began as collecting handbags filled with carefully selected essentials has grown into an international nonprofit dedicated to guiding survivors and their children toward long-term safety, wellness, and financial independence. Every handbag is thoughtfully packed, carefully tagged to ensure recipients know its contents have been intentionally prepared, and designed to be shared discreetly with others who may be experiencing abuse—helping connect more survivors with life-changing resources.

This heartfelt conversation explores entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, domestic violence awareness, resilience, personal growth, and the power of creating lasting change. Cathlene Miner shares why Hopefull Handbags focuses first on building a strong foundation—helping survivors meet their immediate needs, restore their self-perception, and create stability before working through the rest of their circumstances. Through personalized mentorship, financial guidance, practical life skills, and unwavering support, Cathlene and her team are empowering women and their children to move beyond crisis toward lasting independence. A powerful conversation for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, advocates, and anyone inspired by stories of courage, healing, and hope.

Connect with Cathlene Miner on Instagram: @Hopefull_Handbags_Global and https://hopefullhandbags.org/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hopeful Handbags
02:32 The Mission Behind Hopeful Handbags
10:02 The Importance of Self-Perception
20:04 Building Long-Term Sustainability
27:01 Global Expansion and Cultural Adaptation
29:02 Community Support and Local Impact
32:14 Empowering Through Education and Self-Defense
35:18 Building Confidence and Overcoming Challenges
39:31 The Importance of Morning Routines
42:42 Guidance and Mentorship in Recovery
46:11 Creating Sustainable Change
52:45 Transformative Stories of Survival and Growth

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Tucked along the charming streets of historic St. Augustine, Get Lit Boutique is where fashion, literature, and entrepreneurship beautifully collide. Jenny Sanzo shares the story behind her unique bookish boutique and the 13-year dream that lived quietly in the background before finally becoming a reality. From fashion blogging and personal styling to building multiple businesses and curating a one-of-a-kind retail experience, Jenny's journey is a testament to trusting your passions, embracing unexpected opportunities, and having the courage to take the leap when the timing is right.

This conversation explores entrepreneurship, personal growth, resilience, work-life balance, social media, motherhood, and navigating life's unexpected challenges. Jenny opens up about building a business from the ground up, overcoming a breast cancer diagnosis just months after opening her storefront, and learning to prioritize health, family, and authenticity along the way. A heartfelt and inspiring episode for entrepreneurs, dreamers, book lovers, and anyone who has ever carried a vision in their heart waiting for the right season to bring it to life.

Chapters
00:00 From Dream to Reality: The Birth of Get Lit Boutique
03:03 Navigating Life Changes: Moving and Starting Anew
05:57 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Building a Business
08:52 Overcoming Challenges: Health and Business
11:55 Authenticity in Business: Embracing Realness
14:58 Social Media Struggles: Finding Balance and Authenticity
18:10 Prioritizing Health: Lessons Learned from Adversity
20:45 Empowerment Through Sharing: The Power of Community
23:33 Rejuvenation and Nature's Embrace
25:50 Motivation and the Power of Deadlines
27:29 Work-Life Balance: Seasons of Life
28:47 Community Support and Engagement
30:44 The Impact of Organic Marketing
32:42 Dreams of Design and Entrepreneurship
34:49 Navigating New Platforms and Selling Strategies
36:40 Literary Inspirations and Personal Growth

Connect with Jenny Sanzo on Instagram: @JennySanzo and www.getlitboutique.com

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Nestled in the heart of St. Augustine, Annie Hock Photography captures more than beautiful images—she preserves stories, milestones, and memories that last for generations. Annie shares her journey from a graphic design background and homeschooling mother to building a thriving photography business spanning California, South Carolina, and Florida. What began as a creative outlet photographing her own children organically evolved into a successful career rooted in connection, authenticity, and artistic expression.

This conversation explores entrepreneurship, motherhood, faith, creativity, work-life balance, and the courage to pursue a passion that doesn't always follow a traditional path. Annie opens up about building a business while raising a family, navigating burnout, finding mentors, trusting God's direction, and creating a life that feels aligned with her values. A heartfelt episode for entrepreneurs, creatives, photographers, and anyone seeking the confidence to follow their calling and build a life beyond their dreams.

Connect with Annie Hock on Instagram: @AnnieHockPhotography

Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Hobby to Profession
05:59 Transitioning to South Carolina: A New Market
12:06 Finding Balance: Creativity vs. Business
17:20 The Power of Collaboration
20:54 Navigating the Photography Business
25:10 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
29:37 The Art of Letting Go
30:58 Capturing Moments: The Art of Photography
32:02 Transitioning Businesses: From California to South Carolina
33:27 Adapting to New Markets: The Photography Business
34:53 The Importance of Personal Branding in Photography
36:03 Building Human Connections Through Social Media
38:00 Finding Your Passion: The Journey of Self-Discovery
40:08 The Role of Education in Career Choices
41:53 Breaking Free from Traditional Career Paths
43:59 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
47:20 The Importance of Encouragement
48:16 Finding Your Passion and Avoiding Burnout
49:14 Understanding Yourself Through Personality Tests
50:23 The Unexpected Transformations of Business
51:23 Creating Family Connections Through Meals
52:17 Inspiration from Balanced Women
53:22 Faith and Trust in Life's Journey
54:19 Handling Challenges with Grace
55:25 Defining Accomplishments in Life and Business
56:14 Advice for New Entrepreneurs
57:21 The Value of Mentorship
58:17 Living Your Dream Life
59:21 Advice for Those Struggling in Business

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Nestled within the vibrant arts community of St. Augustine, mixed media artist Vanessa Hajje is creating a world where color, texture, and creativity come alive. In this inspiring conversation, Vanessa shares her journey from massage therapist and acupuncturist to full-time artist, revealing how art became both a creative outlet and a path to personal freedom. Through layers of paint, collage, nature, and intuition, she has built a business rooted in courage, self-expression, and the belief that creativity belongs to everyone.

This episode explores entrepreneurship, artistic vulnerability, overcoming self-doubt, raising creative children, and the importance of play in both life and business. Vanessa opens up about taking risks, trusting the creative process, building a successful art career later in life, and why she believes every person is inherently creative. A beautiful conversation for artists, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and anyone seeking the courage to create a life that feels truly their own.

Connect with Vanessa Hajje: @VanessaHajjeArt

00:00 – Welcome to Vanessa Hajje’s Art Studio
01:15 – Mixed Media Art & Finding Joy Through Creativity
03:32 – Becoming a Professional Artist at 45
05:04 – Why Art Became Therapy and a Lifeline
07:09 – Creating a Vivid Dream World Through Color
08:27 – Courage, Creativity & Taking Artistic Risks
14:19 – Why St. Augustine Feels Like Home
19:03 – Morning Routines, Inspiration & Creative Flow
23:16 – Entrepreneurship, Freedom & Living Creatively
38:16 – Advice for Artists: Courage Over Fear

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

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Nestled in the heart of North Florida, Clean & Curly Salon is more than a hair salon — it’s a calming space where women are encouraged to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in their curls. Nichole Clark shares her inspiring journey from social work and therapy to becoming a curly hair specialist and entrepreneur, building a business rooted in authenticity, clean beauty, wellness, and genuine connection.

This conversation explores entrepreneurship, motherhood, personal growth, and the courage it takes to leave behind a career that no longer aligns. Nichole opens up about building a purpose-driven business, creating a serene experience for her clients, and why “sometimes pain is necessary for growth.” A heartfelt episode for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone learning to trust themselves and follow what truly lights them up.

Connect with Nichole Clark: @SalonCleanCurly

This episode's Founding Sponsor: www.anastasiadesigngroup.com and find them on social media:  IG @AnastasiaDesignGroup and on FB @AnastasiaDesignGroup

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Clean & Curly Salon
01:05 – From Social Work to the Hair Industry
02:47 – Leaving a Career That No Longer Felt Aligned
04:21 – Discovering a Passion for Curly Hair
09:20 – Becoming a Business Owner Unexpectedly
14:32 – Building a Salon Focused on Comfort & Connection
18:17 – Motherhood, Entrepreneurship & Flexibility
22:43 – Morning Routines, Family Life & Balance
33:28 – Clean Beauty, Non-Toxic Products & Healthy Hair
43:11 – Mantras, Growth & Following Your Purpose

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions