In this episode of the Speech Source Podcast, hosts Kim and Mary sit down with Sarah Calk, the creative mind behind Sadl's Designs. Sarah shares how her need to a creative outlet sparked a business that has grown alongside her journey as a mom, wife, and full-time professional. From learning to sew with her mom to creating custom pillows for designers and homes in Fort Worth, Sarah’s story beautifully illustrates the balance between creativity and life’s changing seasons.

Sarah began sewing as a creative outlet during the newborn phase with her first son. Wanting to break the monotony of caring for a baby, she called her mom for a sewing lesson, sparking a passion that quickly grew into a business. With no sewing machine or storefront of her own, Sarah started small, using her mom’s machine and selling her first creations at a local market. She emphasizes the importance of beginning where you are and reinvesting profits to grow steadily.

Throughout the episode, Sarah discusses the power of collaboration and community. Partnering with interior designers, artists, and monogrammers has allowed her to expand her business while learning from others. She explains how working with people who share her creative vision makes the process more rewarding. Sarah also touches on setting boundaries, explaining that managing a side hustle while raising a family requires intentional choices. Success, for her, isn’t about doing everything but focusing on what truly matters and staying aligned with personal values.

Sarah’s business journey is a reminder that success isn’t always measured by growth or profit. For her, joy comes from contributing creatively to her family’s life, whether by paying for a vacation or adding beauty to someone’s home. She encourages entrepreneurs to focus on what they can do instead of being overwhelmed by limitations. Staying in her own lane and avoiding unnecessary comparisons has helped her maintain balance and fulfillment.

Sarah reflects on how she loves having her creative outlet as a side hustle rather than a full-time commitment. She explains that not every business needs to grow endlessly and that scaling back has allowed her to rediscover joy in her work. 

Make sure to follow Sarah Calk and Sadl's Designs on Instagram to see her beautiful, custom-made pillows!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary interview Sabrina Gebhardt with Sabrina Gebhardt Photography, a talented photographer, educator, and entrepreneur, who shares her journey from corporate America to launching a thriving photography business. Sabrina discusses how she balances motherhood, creative growth, business expansion, and personal well-being, offering valuable insights for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs.

Sabrina’s passion for photography began early in life, growing up with parents who valued the art form. Her mother captured family moments, while her father focused on landscapes, both of which inspired her love for photography. However, she set the camera aside during college and a corporate career, only to rediscover her passion after the birth of her first child. 

Her journey into photography evolved organically, starting with capturing moments of her children, which soon led to friends requesting photos. Over time, Sabrina turned this passion into a business.

As her photography business grew, she realized the importance of delegating tasks and hired support for administrative work, such as invoicing and editing. Outsourcing allowed her to reclaim joy in her craft while balancing business growth and personal life. This shift in mindset not only enhanced her well-being but also improved the quality of her work.

Eight years into her photography career, Sabrina expanded into education and mentorship, which now forms a significant part of her business including mentorship programs, mastermind courses, retreats, and even launched her podcast, Shoot it Straight. Sabrina’s approach to education is not about teaching others to replicate her style but about empowering creatives to embrace their unique artistic voices.

A key theme throughout Sabrina’s story is her adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of aligning your business with the different seasons of life. As her family’s needs changed, she modified her business to fit those shifts, ensuring she could be present for her children while maintaining a thriving career. This flexibility has been instrumental in her personal and professional success.

Sabrina also touches on the importance of financial planning and legacy building. For her, success is not just about artistic achievement but also about creating a financial foundation for her children’s futures. Drawing on advice from her mother, Sabrina emphasizes the importance of maintaining an identity outside of motherhood. She wants her children to understand that they, too, can create fulfilling lives that align with their passions.

Throughout the conversation, Sabrina stresses that business should be fun and fluid, evolving naturally over time. She encourages entrepreneurs to experiment, take risks, and listen to their intuition when making decisions. By embracing change, setting boundaries, and trusting herself, Sabrina has built a business that supports her creative vision and personal happiness.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary interview the talented Katie Murray of "Katie Paintbrush," an artist, muralist, and teacher who's made a name for herself both locally in Fort Worth and nationally. Katie shares her journey from a passion for art that began as early as kindergarten to eventually establishing her own business, working on stunning murals and curating art projects.

Katie’s career path is full of twists and turns. She initially studied fashion merchandising, then switched to architecture before eventually earning her degree in graphic design. Her love for art, combined with her fascination for geometry, played a significant role in shaping her creative style. Despite working in graphic design and teaching, it wasn't until her friends in real estate encouraged her to paint murals that she discovered the unique niche in the city of Fort Worth. Creating the “Dream On, Dreamer” mural snowballed into multiple mural projects around Fort Worth. She also speaks about her work as a curator and how much she enjoyed collaborating with other artists, helping to make art more accessible and exciting in her community.

Katie's creative process involves a lot of intentional thought. Whether she's working on murals, portraits, or large-scale installations, she draws on her background in architecture and graphic design to create visually striking, meaningful pieces. One of her most intensive projects was a mural installation for an architectural trade show in Chicago, where she incorporated unique elements like screws, glass, and Legos to create a stunning impressionistic piece.

Throughout the episode, Katie reflects on the balance between being a business owner and an artist. She candidly shares her struggles with burnout and the constant demand of freelance work but also highlights the joy and satisfaction of working on projects that align with her artistic vision. She emphasizes the importance of art not just as a form of personal expression but as something that can inspire and beautify the community.

From managing clients and projects to finding ways to stay true to her style, Katie’s story is an inspiring example of how following your passion can lead to incredible success, both personally and professionally.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary talk with Betsy Beaman, the owner of BBeamanStylist, a personal stylist and consultant business. Betsy shares her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to creating her own styling business, offering valuable insights into the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship. She discusses how her early career in communications and donor relations, particularly her time at the Presbyterian Night Shelter, pushed her outside her comfort zone and provided life lessons that shaped her passion for helping women express themselves through style. Betsy emphasizes that her approach to fashion goes beyond following trends—it's about finding what makes her clients feel good and confident. Reflecting on her first memorable fashion experience in sixth grade, she highlights how those early lessons still influence her philosophy today.

Betsy’s motivation is to help women find confidence and joy through style, making personal styling attainable for busy women who may not prioritize themselves. She opens up about the ups and downs of building a business, including self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to her mission and finding mentors and support systems. Throughout the episode, Betsy provides practical style tips, such as making small wardrobe changes—like switching leggings for jeans or adding accessories—to elevate one's look while maintaining comfort. She explains how small physical shifts can positively impact a person’s mindset and mood.

Betsy discusses her commitment to authenticity in her business, rejecting the influencer trend of pushing products that don’t align with her clients’ needs. Her goal is to build a business that not only supports her family but also sets an example for her daughters, showing them that women can create successful businesses on their own terms. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear business plan and staying accountable to one’s original mission, pivoting when necessary but always holding onto the core vision.

Listeners can connect with Betsy on Instagram at @bebeemanstylist or visit her website at bebeemanstylist.com. Tune in to hear Betsy’s authentic approach to style, business, and life—and be inspired to find joy in your own journey. If you’re ready to elevate your wardrobe and discover your style, reach out to Betsy for a consultation or explore her tips on Instagram.  You can find her on Instagram @bbeamanstylist or visit her website bbeamanstylist.com.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

Brittany Voxland and Samantha Drumm are friends turned business partners in Fort Worth, Texas. Realizing their complementary skill sets, they merged their businesses, combining Brittany’s social media expertise with Samantha’s branding and website skills to form Project Social. This transition from friends to business partners wasn’t planned, but it felt natural, providing them with the energy and motivation to stay creative and driven. They emphasize the importance of “leaning into what felt right” as a key factor in their success.

Both women come from corporate backgrounds, with Brittany working in HR and Samantha in government PR, but they sought a career that would allow them the freedom to balance their family lives with meaningful work. Their entrepreneurial journey also led them to open Elle Maxine, a women’s boutique in Fort Worth. They treat the boutique as a client of Project Social, using the marketing strategies they’ve developed to build a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing shopping space that’s accessible to everyone. The boutique, with its chic yet comfortable vibe, feels like a place where customers can relax, enjoy a glass of champagne, and shop.

Brittany and Samantha attribute much of their success to the supportive Fort Worth community, noting how their clients have become friends who continue to support their ventures. The close-knit nature of the Fort Worth area has been instrumental in the growth of both Project Social and Elle Maxine. They also talk about the challenges of balancing business and life, agreeing that perfect balance is a myth. Instead, they’ve found a sense of harmony by involving their families in their work, whether it's their children helping out at the boutique or understanding the work that goes into running a business. 

One of the key lessons they’ve learned in business is the importance of delegation. As their businesses have grown, they’ve realized the value of trusting their team and empowering others to take on responsibilities. Project Social now has a strong team, and both women emphasize that growth requires letting go of tasks and relying on the right people. Ultimately, for Brittany and Samantha, entrepreneurship is about creating a legacy for their families. They want their children to see the value in hard work and experience the joy that comes from building something meaningful. Their story is one of friendship, creativity, community, and the ability to balance the demands of business with the rewards of family life. This episode highlights how two friends took a leap of faith, merged their talents, and created businesses that reflect their passion and commitment to their families and the Fort Worth community.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, we chat with the inspiring Abby Henegan, a wife, mom, and registered ICU nurse turned entrepreneur. Abby shares her journey from nursing school to owning her own aesthetics business, focusing on the challenges she faced, how she finds balance between her work and personal life, and her philosophy behind aesthetics.

By fostering an environment of kindness and genuine care, Abby sets a high standard in the aesthetics industry, ensuring that her clients leave feeling truly confident and beautiful. She emphasizes that aesthetics is more of an art than a science and took time to hone her skills with the guidance of several mentors.
She reveals the importance of word-of-mouth referrals, continuous learning, and genuine networking within the industry. Abby also introduces her specialized training program for aspiring injectors, emphasizing personalized learning and mentorship over large, impersonal classes.

This episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and professional insights, making it  a great listen for anyone looking to start a business in their own field.

Interested in learning more about Abby, check out Abby Henegan Aesthetics

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

What happens when you blend creativity with entrepreneurship in a thriving community? This season on the Speech Source Podcast, we uncover the untold stories of some of Fort Worth's innovative and creative small business owners.

We’re excited to introduce you to a lineup of entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to run a community-focused small business. From startups to well-established enterprises, these individuals face challenges and celebrate triumphs that resonate with anyone who's ever pursued a passion. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or simply someone who loves inspiring stories, this episode sets the stage for a season full of insights and inspiration. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share how these powerful stories impact you!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

Tune in for our very last episode of this season's "How I Made My Speech Path Business" with hosts Mary Brezik and Kim Dillon.  This episode shines a spotlight on Mary's personal journey in starting her own private practice. With a background rich in healthcare and creative arts, Mary recognized the need for a more balanced approach between her professional ambitions and family life after a decade in a clinical setting. Her business philosophy is a more personalized, concierge-style practice that focuses on practical, everyday therapy integrated into the children's routines, specifically in the areas of feeding and swallowing.  

Mary's main focus in the beginning was placing a significant emphasis on balancing her mental health and personal time to ensure she was prepared for the demands of a growing business. Recognizing the importance of self-care, she sought therapy and regularly engaged in tennis, a personal passion. This commitment to her well-being allowed her to maintain a clear focus and energy for her entrepreneurial pursuits. This approach not only sustained her mental health but also highlighted the essential role that personal fulfillment plays in professional success.

Mary's approach to business is deeply intertwined with community and networking. She was a main part of establishing the Pediatric Resource Network, which promotes collaboration among pediatric healthcare professionals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her innovative therapy methods emphasize real-world application, moving from clinic-based to in-home therapy to directly address children’s needs in their living environments. Mary’s focuses on favoring quality over quantity and leveraging word-of-mouth and professional referrals over traditional marketing.

Throughout the episode, we are able to see how Mary has prioritized personal values with professional expertise, ultimately leading to a fulfilling career in speech therapy.

For information on resources designed by Mary specifically in the areas of feeding, swallowing and OMT, make sure you sign up for our email list so you don't miss them as soon as they come out! 
Sign up here!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

This has been such a fun season of The Speech Source Podcast!  As we wrap up our season of How I Made My Speech Path Business, Kim and Mary each take a turn in the interviewee seat and talk about how they themselves have built their own private practices. 

First up was Kim Dillon talking about her private speech practice.  Kim shares about the beginnings of her career, which started from what she thought was a babysitting job but led her to the field of speech pathology. Over the years, she transitioned from traditional employment to establish a flexible and successful private practice that aligns with her role as a mother of four and an active community member. Throughout the episode, Kim emphasizes the strategic use of preschool screenings to build her client base and the importance of cultivating strong, respectful relationships with preschool directors and teachers. This approach not only solidified her business in the community but also minimized travel time and maximized efficiency. Kim also highlights the flexibility of the SLP field, which has allowed her to adapt her career to her family’s evolving needs. The episode wraps up with Kim reflecting on the need for a balance between her desire to serve and adopting a more structured business mindset. This episode not only sheds light on the professional paths available within speech pathology but also serves as an example for integrating personal passions with professional aspirations.

Curious about our Speech and Language Screening process?  Check out our Complete Guide to Speech and Language Screenings Course!

Click here for more info about resources both Kim and Mary use in the their private practices.

If you're interested in signing up for The Speech Source Newsletter, click here.  We will be sending future resources specific to what we have created for each of our practices (speech and language screenings, resources for parents and teachers, feeding, swallowing and OMT resources and much more!). 

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this epside, hosts Kim and Mary welcom Jena Castro-Casbon, a speech therapist with her own private practice and creator of the Start Your Private Practice and Grow Your Private Practice programs. Jena shares her journey into the field of speech therapy, initially inspired by her father's experiences with stuttering and his positive feedback about speech therapy.  Despite her early aspirations to become an FBI agent, this personal connection led her to pursue speech pathology, and eventually creating The Independent Clinician. 

Jena credits her father's business mind for sparking her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to start her own practice shortly after becoming certified. She developed educational programs to fill the gap in resources available for speech therapists looking to start and grow their private practices. Her initiatives, which began as an ebook, have evolved into comprehensive online courses assisting thousands of students across the country.

Jena also discusses how her programs have expanded to include occupational therapists (OTs), ensuring the content is inclusive for various disciplines. She emphasizes the importance of staying current with industry changes and integrating these lessons into her teachings.

Jena highlights the challenges of insurance and reimbursements in healthcare, advocating for creative financing options like school contracts and state-funded grants. Her programs provide structured mentorship, offering real-world advice from experienced practitioners to those new to private practice.

She stresses the importance of robust legal and financial structures to protect and sustain private practices and strongly advocates for business education as essential to professional development in speech therapy.

We end this info-packed conversation with Jena sharing inspiring stories of the people she's mentored, underscoring the transformative impact of proper guidance in building successful private practices.

This episode is a must listen if you are ready to dip your toe into private practice or if you are ready to grow and multiply your practice!

Important Links:

Jena's Website - The Independent Clinician

Follow Jena on Instagram - Independentclinician

Start Your Private Practice Program

Grow Your Private Practice Program 

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/