Unlock Your Dream

Brief summary of show:

Amanda Horan is the co-founder and CEO of Line + Cleat, a luxury children's life jacket brand that is redefining the intersection of safety and style.

As a self-taught entrepreneur, Amanda, with the support of her husband has bootstrapped and built Line + Cleat from the ground up. Learning from the minor and major challenges on the road of entrepreneurship, Amanda has had experience quitting a corporate job, opening a brick-and-mortar business with zero experience, losing it all due to the pandemic, and having to pivot (and rename) the business before ultimately landing on what you see today. Line + Cleat has quickly become a trailblazer in the industry, transforming the way families view water safety. With a growing community and increasing recognition, Amanda continues to lead the brand toward shaping the future of luxury water safety gear for children.

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

1. Small steps to entrepreneurship and taking the leap to leave a corporate career.

2. The power of word of mouth for marketing.

3. Embracing discomfort for success.

4. The power of connections and networking.

5. Embracing mistakes + failure and finding success.

6. Building community.

List of resources mentioned in episode:

• Palm Beach Lately

• The Social Sales Girls

• The Southern C

Calls to action:

• Follow along so you will know as soon as a new episode drops.

• Give the episode a 5-star rating or review here for a chance to be featured at the beginning of an episode.

Connect with Amanda here:

• @‌lineandcleat

• [email protected]

• https://www.lineandcleat.com

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

Brief summary of show:

From Michelle: “I'm Michelle, a passionate advocate for mindfulness and self-care, dedicated to inspiring others on their healing journeys. After spending 12 years in advertising, I made the bold decision to pursue my true calling in social work, graduating from Columbia School of Social Work in 2022.

Currently, I serve as a Behavioral Health Case Manager at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, where I outreach to individuals who are struggling, helping them connect to care, learn coping skills, and work on their personal goals. This role allows me to engage with clients in a special and unique way, fostering meaningful connections that support their healing journeys.

Previously, I had the privilege of working at Zucker Hillside Hospital, a world-renowned behavioral health clinic, where I contributed to evidence-based care. I also participated in the Child & Family Institute, associated with an Ivy League institution, focusing on compassionate care for families and children.

My experiences—including attending transformative conferences, volunteering at Calvary Hospice, and immersing myself in the rich culture of Bali—have profoundly shaped my understanding of wellness and the importance of mindfulness. I integrate practices of gratitude, loving kindness, and mindfulness into my daily routines and rituals, along with intention setting through the law of attraction. I believe these practices are essential for fostering a positive mindset and emotional well-being.

As someone who has personally recovered from an eating disorder, I understand the struggles many face and the importance of compassionate support in the healing process. Together with my husband, I co-founded andhale, where we create essential oil blends, known as gemoils, and our Loving Kindness pouch collection. In curating the Loving Kindness pouch collection, I selected quotes that resonate deeply with me, helping to connect with my truth and inspire others on their journeys. Our blends, Calm and Open, are designed to foster mindfulness and emotional well-being, encouraging users to pause and connect with their authentic selves. We believe that self-care requires compassion, grace, and accountability, and we are committed to giving back to Project HEAL, donating 10% of our profits to support those struggling with eating disorders.

Through andhale, I aim to share the tools that have helped me heal, promoting a lifestyle centered on intention and gratitude. My mission is to empower others to embrace mindfulness, cultivate inner peace, and live authentically. Join us on this journey towards wellness, and let's create a brighter, more compassionate world together.”

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

1. Mindfulness: A gamechanger.

2. Mindfulness + CBT Tools.

3. Finding love within through self-love.

4. Start again daily.

5. Redirecting thoughts through law of attraction.

Calls to action:

• Follow along so you will know as soon as a new episode drops.

• Give the episode a 5* rating or review here for a chance to be featured at the beginning of an episode.

Connect with Michelle here:

• @‌andhaleco

• https://www.andhale.co

• Here is the link to sign up for her newsletter https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=Rx5eiv&g=RJVZca  
• and a discount code for listeners https://www.andhale.co/discount/unlock40 

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

From Mary George: "I was raised in Snow Hill, NC where my husband and I currently live.  I graduated from East Carolina University with a Masters Degree in Accounting and became a CPA.  I have worked in public accounting for nearly 10 years and for as long as I can remember I have wanted to create my own clothing line.  I currently work remotely for a CPA firm and started working on the launch of my clothing line in January 2024!

My husband and I purchased an older home in Snow Hill and lovingly renovated it, infusing each space with bright, bold interiors that reflect my passion for vibrant design—a creative process that beautifully bridges my love for both fashion and interiors.  After lots of consideration I took a leap of faith to bring my vision to life, blending my love of creativity and design into my debut namesake brand, Mary George."

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

• Intro to Mary George’s Journey.

• The Transition from CPA to Fashion Designer.

• Overcoming challenges and learning lessons.

• Building connections and community.

• Navigating the business landscape.

• Balancing multiple roles.

• Sourcing fabrics, factories, and show rooms.

List of resources mentioned in episode:

• The Southern Coterie

• Carolina Women’s Collective

Calls to action:

• Follow along so you will know as soon as a new episode drops.

• Give the episode a rating or review here for a chance to be featured at the beginning of an episode.

Connect with Mary George here:

• @‌marygeorgedesign

• https://marygeorgedesign.com

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

Apply to be a Guest on the podcast

Sarah Rosenthal is a certified Health and Nutrition Coach and the founder of Sarah Rosenthal Wellness. She empowers her clients to create sustainable, healthy habits that seamlessly fit into their lifestyle, helping them achieve their wellness goals. Passionate about guiding clients to break free from restrictive diets, food-related stress, and confusion around health, Sarah simplifies the path to feeling their best.

Her signature Core Four Method—focusing on Mindset, Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Movement—helps clients feel energized, confident, and empowered every day. Sarah's 90-day program, Confidence in Every Bite, provides personalized 1:1 coaching for long-term transformation.

When she’s not coaching, Sarah enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, practicing yoga, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two dogs.

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

• Sarah’s business journey from solo-entrepreneur to hiring employees.

• Finding a business coach.

• The power of habits.

• Blocking out negativity and advice on pursuing your dream.

• Time blocking and balancing fun as an entrepreneur.

• Start before you’re ready.

Calls to action:

• Follow along so you will know as soon as a new episode drops.

• Give the episode a rating or review here for a chance to be featured at the beginning of an episode.

Connect with Sarah here:

• @‌sarahrosenthal_wellness

• sarahrosenthalwellness.com

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

• http://www.unlockyourdreampodcast.com

Apply to be a Guest on the podcast

Stephanie is the owner of Harper & Faye Financial, a boutique bookkeeping firm specializing in helping small businesses and freelancers, particularly those in rural areas, who may lack access to vital financial resources. With a decade of experience in the financial world, Stephanie has a background in private wealth and personal finance. As a third-generation entrepreneur, she has always been drawn to entrepreneurship. Her passion for money and numbers drives her to empower business owners, helping them feel confident in their financials and breaking down the taboos around money conversations.

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

1. Her family’s influence in her comfort with discussing money.

2. Juggling entrepreneurship and motherhood.

3. Catching up on overdue accounting, monthly bookkeeping.

4. Simplifying business financials.

5. Saving time and reducing stress by outsourcing and delegating.

Calls to action:

• Stay in the loop and sign up for the newsletter!

• Give the episode a rating or review here

Connect with Stephanie here:

• @‌harperandfayefinancial

• https://www.harperandfayefinancial.com

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

Danielle is a mom of 2 and founder of Mother Hats, a movement dedicated to empowering mothers to feel strong and beautiful through high quality hats and apparel.

Mother Hats is a movement dedicated to empowering mothers and reminding them about their incredible strength. In a world where mothers often juggle countless responsibilities with grace and determination, Mother Hats offers a moment of recognition and appreciation. It’s a way to honor the amazing women who give so much of themselves every day.

Designed by a mom who wants to normalize that “being a mom is hard”, and to create a community where moms feel strong, beautiful and confident. In addition, 10% of proceeds go to mothers in need.

Additionally, Mother Hats has been published in Motherly, TinyBeans, Women’s Daily, and other media outlets.

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

1. Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood--a working Mama’s perspective.

2. Struggling with postpartum identity and isolation during COVID.

3. Do what makes you happy.

4. New hat collection!

Calls to action:

• Stay in the loop and sign up for the newsletter!

• Give the episode a rating or review here

Connect with Danielle here:

• @‌shopmotherhats

• https://motherhats.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorBskVAk7av0uvz0e3CNh6On4NxA2Td08TFSq-nmYfhl0CMSNMs

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

Victoria Winter is a business strategist who thrives on breaking the mold. With nearly two decades of experience in retail and entrepreneurship, she’s built her career by challenging “the way things have always been done.” From running a successful apparel store, Amor, to launching and managing her sister’s art career, Victoria has a knack for combining practical business tools—like AI-driven workflows and email marketing—with deeper mindset work. Now, through Victoria Winter Consulting, she partners with modern creatives and small businesses to create tailored strategies that align with their goals and values, proving there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success.

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

1. Her origin story.

2. Embrace your passion.

3. Exploring mid-career pivots.

4. Chance airport encounter with a mentor.

5. Streamlining productivity.

6. From dabbling to going all in.

7. Simplifying and starting over again.

8. Choosing your emotional response and controlling inputs.

9. Empowering affirmations!

List of resources mentioned in episode (including sponsors):

• The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist

• Slack

• Substack

Calls to action:

• Follow along so you will know as soon as a new episode drops.

• Give the episode a 5* rating or review here for a chance to be featured at the beginning of an episode.

Connect with Victoria here:

• @‌Victoria___Winter

• Victoria's Web Site

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

• Unlock Your Dream Podcast

Charissa is an abstract expressionist artist inspired by the colors and textures in the world around her.

She says, “Louisiana is my home, and it affords me an incredible and diverse palette from which to learn and grow. Often, I explore the delicate layering of soft muted colors and working with a myriad of hues, tones, tints and shades, while infusing it with a sense of elegance, peace, and serenity.

Included in my process is the intricate multi-layering of textures, mediums, and paint while using many unexpected tools.

I vacillate between mixed media and watercolor as my art mediums of choice. Art is what I live and breathe in my everyday life, constantly striving to capture the wonder of what I see to share with others. Oftentimes I see composition and patterns on simple things in the world around me that I incorporate through complex and delicate patterns onto my canvas. I feel keen observation, spontaneity, and intuition are key factors to my creative process.

Creativity for me began at a very young age and never left.

Growing up, I was constantly creating from nature, fabric, art supplies, or household items. I would sit on my uncle’s drafting table and draw flowers, as he taught me techniques while he worked as an architect. I welded with my grandfather and was always encouraged to be creative by my family. My dad is skilled at building and repairing all kinds of things and my mom has always been creative in the culinary sense. They both passed along that sense of creativity to me. I studied art in high school, and my continuous love of art brought me to a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design.”

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

1. Creative exploration and her different mediums.

2. Her passion for nature and soft colors.

3. Her sculptures and how a gift from her grandfather inspired them.

4. “Keeping all sides of the boat afloat” - balancing life’s different roles.

5. Taking it one day at a time.

6. Don’t be scared to multiply!

List of resources mentioned in episode:

• The Southern C

Calls to action:

• Follow along so you will know as soon as a new episode drops.

• Give the episode a 5* rating or review here for a chance to be featured at the beginning of an episode.

Connect with Charissa here:

• @‌charissaowensart

• Charissa's Web site

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

• Unlock Your Dream Podcast

Drew DeFir is the founder and CEO of Luna Marketing Studio, a boutique marketing firm with a mission for custom-tailored marketing strategies to build trustworthy brands online. Nestled in NorthWest Arkansas, she leads a collaborative and passionate team who work 1:1 with local, national, and international marketing clients.

For the last 11 years serving as a digital marketing expert, coach, and storyteller, Drew’s specialty is taking her clients’ stories and finding their unique factor that sets them apart within their industry. From the biggest names in the homesteading industry to luxury skincare lines, interior designers and lifestyle brands, Drew and her team have helped brands across the board triple their influence online, reach their highest profit launch days, land their dream speaking gigs, and, most importantly, get back to doing what they love best knowing their online platform is being taken care of.

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

1. Drew’s journey to Luna.

2. Time blocking and finding fun outside of work.

3. Boutique marketing studio--serving clients with a handheld approach.

4. Luna’s approach to marketing.

5. Your business isn’t your identity--expect good news!!!

6. New web site launch coming!

Calls to action:

• Follow along so you will know as soon as a new episode drops.

• Give the episode a 5* rating and a review here for a chance to be featured at the beginning of an episode and to help more people find this podcast.

Connect with Drew here:

• @‌luna.marketing.studio

• @‌drew.defir

• Luna Marketing

• DrewDeFir.com - Launches 9/16/24!

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast

• http://www.unlockyourdreampodcast.com

Meet Alicia Silva Flores, a Chicago-native turned flower farmer and floral artist whose passion is shaped by a mosaic of cultural and artistic influences. Growing up immersed in the city's vibrant arts scene and frequent trips to Mexico to visit family, Alicia channels these experiences into her work. Through, Jardín Bonita, she offers a seasonal flower subscription service and event floral designs, blending artistic sensibility with botanical expertise. Her workshops further extend her love for local flowers, cooking, culture, and community. Alicia’s creations are a testament to her lifelong devotion to preserving the art of growing together.

Bullet points of key topics discussed:

1. Moving to Charleston.

2. Nature Appreciation and Local Farm Support.

3. Overnight Success is a Myth.

4. Gardening tips.

5. Overcoming personal tragedy as an entrepreneur.

6. Clarifying your Audience and Authenticity in Business.

List of resources mentioned in episode (including sponsors):

• Flower Confidential book

• Slow flower movement

Calls to action:

• Stay in the loop and sign up for the newsletter!

• Give the episode a 5 star rating and review.

Connect with Alicia here:

• @‌jardinbonita

• jardinbonita.com

Connect with Ashley here:

• @‌unlockyourdreampodcast