Women & The Businesses They Own w/ Shari K. Hooper

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Know Your Value, Find Your Voice You Must — Tracy Faulkner

What begins as a conversation about wine, entrepreneurship and an unexpected journey to vineyard ownership becomes something much deeper.

Tracy Faulkner, owner of Willow Winery & Vineyards in Suttons Bay, Michigan, joins Shari to talk about creating memorable customer experiences, building businesses around people, family, philanthropy and the experiences that have shaped the woman and entrepreneur she is today.

Tracy shares the story of how picking grapes eventually led to owning a winery, why she believes making memories should come before making money, and how generosity has become woven into both her businesses and her life.

Then the conversation takes an unexpected and deeply personal turn as Tracy shares part of her childhood and explains why serving women, children and others in need has become so important to her.

And before the conversation ends, Tracy leaves us with two lessons worth remembering:

Know your value.
Find your voice.

Because sometimes the most important person who needs to recognize your value first—is you.

Women & the Businesses They Own
Hosted by Shari Hooper

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

Disclosure: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

www.willowvineyardwine.com

Address:10702 E Hilltop Rd #9419, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Phone:(231) 271-4810

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

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What does it look like to build a business without believing you have to risk everything to make it successful?

Nicole Albertson, founder of TOP’T Superfood Blends, joins Shari Hooper for an honest conversation about food, entrepreneurship, motherhood, ambition, rejection — and defining success on your own terms.

Nicole began with a simple goal: fuel her own body better.

A longtime vegetarian and student of integrative nutrition, she began experimenting with seeds and nutrient-dense ingredients that could simply be sprinkled onto the foods she was already eating.

That idea eventually became TOP’T Superfood Blends and its beautifully simple philosophy: Superfoods Made Simple.

But Nicole’s business story hasn't always been simple.

She started with approximately $7,000. She created her first labels herself. She reinvested profits rather than immediately paying herself. She learned to pitch buyers, hear “no” and keep going. And she shares one especially honest moment when a week of struggling with QuickBooks ended with two glasses of wine and tears at a bar.

Nicole also talks about the word that defined one season of her life — stretch — and the mantra guiding her now:

Work hard and see what happens.

Then Shari asks Nicole a different kind of success question:

What does “enough” look like?

Nicole's answer is one of the most memorable moments of the episode:

“I already have enough.”

She has intentionally built a life she loves, with meaningful work and time for the people she loves — while knowing she still has more to give.

And before the conversation ends, Shari asks Nicole one more question:

If TOP’T could someday tell the story of the woman who created it, what would Nicole want that story to say?

Her answer brings the entire conversation back to connection, service and making people's lives just a little better.

A conversation about starting small, growing intentionally and discovering that ambition and gratitude don't have to compete.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

Keywords: Nicole Albertson, TOP’T Superfood Blends, women in business, female entrepreneur, female founder, entrepreneurship, small business, food entrepreneur, CPG business, healthy eating, plant-based nutrition, superfoods, Grand Rapids entrepreneur, West Michigan business, women business owners

Nicole can be contacted at [email protected] or 989.205.5600 office.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

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View Podcast Disclosures here: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

Photographer Heather Mahoney has built a career around helping other people feel comfortable enough to step in front of the camera and truly be seen.

But through her work—and the creation of Rising Together—Heather discovered that even confident, accomplished women can struggle to see themselves the way others see them.

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, Heather joins Shari Hooper for a conversation about photography, entrepreneurship, family, vulnerability, imposter syndrome and the unexpected movement that grew from one idea.

Rising Together began partly as an effort to create visibility. What Heather didn't expect was the emotion, connection and community that would follow. Today, she's continuing to build a place where women can connect, learn from one another and intentionally lift one another up. 

Heather and Shari explore what happens behind the polished photographs and successful businesses—and why the women who seem most confident may sometimes be carrying doubts no one else can see.

And then Shari asks Heather one more question:

“You've spent a lot of time helping other people feel seen. So who sees you?”

Her answer creates one of the most revealing moments of the conversation.

This episode is about photography.

But it's also about something much bigger:

having the courage to stop hiding and allowing ourselves to be seen.

Learn more about Heather at heathermahoneyco.com.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

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What if the greatest value of travel isn't where you go—but who you become along the way?

Julie Ilbrink, owner of The Curious Turtle Travel Advisors, joins Shari Hooper to discuss travel, retirement, family, curiosity, and why life's greatest investments are often the memories we create.

This conversation is about much more than vacations. It's about choosing experiences over excuses, embracing curiosity, and making the most of the time we've been given.

If you've ever said, "We'll do that someday," this episode is for you.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

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View Podcast Disclosures here: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

Your Voice, Lost It? Find It Again with Katie Wysocki

One conversation can change the way you think about yourself.

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, host Shari Hooper welcomes licensed counselor and entrepreneur Katie Wysocki, founder of State of Mind Counseling, for a meaningful conversation about confidence, communication, emotional wellness, and finding your authentic voice.

Together they explore healthy boundaries, overcoming people-pleasing, developing stronger relationships, embracing vulnerability, and why every person deserves to feel heard.

Whether you're a business owner, leader, parent, or someone navigating life's challenges, Katie offers practical tools and encouragement to help you communicate with confidence and build healthier relationships.

Because sometimes the most important voice you'll ever hear...

...is your own.

If you're searching for podcasts about women entrepreneurs, confidence, leadership, communication skills, emotional wellness, or healthy boundaries, this episode is for you. 

*You can reach Katie Wysocki using her email at [email protected] or her website at stateofmindgr.com*

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

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Some women collect stories. Some collect wisdom. Catherine Brown seems to have done both.

Before becoming a shamanic practitioner, Catherine lived a life full of movement, adventure, and courage. She was a travel writer, writing for magazines and books while exploring places around the world. She raised her three children on a small farm in the mountains of Patagonia, Argentina. And today, she brings that same grounded, curious, joy-filled spirit into her work with shamanic healing, Akashic Records readings, family constellations, workshops, coaching, and one-on-one sessions.

In this episode, Catherine shares a story that is rich with adventure, belief, motherhood, grandmotherhood, healing, and the courage to keep following where life leads.

She is joyful. She is grounded. She is wise. And her story reminds us that purpose often unfolds through curiosity, courage, and trust.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

Disclosure: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

Catherine can be reached on Instagram at spirit.e.d or her email at [email protected]

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

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View Podcast Disclosures here: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

What happens when personal pain becomes a mission to help others?

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, Shari sits down with Kristen Nitz, Co-Founder of The Salus Collective, an organization dedicated to providing connection, resources, education, and hope to those experiencing or supporting someone through a mental health crisis.

Kristen shares the deeply personal journey that led her to this work and the powerful lessons she has learned about resilience, community, compassion, and the importance of never walking alone.

Together, they discuss:

• The story behind The Salus Collective
• Supporting loved ones through mental health challenges
• Breaking down stigma surrounding mental illness
• The power of connection and community
• Finding hope during difficult seasons
• Why asking for help is a sign of strength

One of the most meaningful moments of the conversation centers around a simple but profound question:

"What does hope look like when someone feels like there is none?"

Kristen's answer reminds us that hope often begins with connection, compassion, and knowing someone is willing to walk beside us.

To learn more about The Salus Collective, visit:

www.thesaluscollective.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue highlighting remarkable women making a difference in our communities.

Here's what we are meant to take with us today:

Mental health challenges may touch one person, but they affect entire families, friendships, and communities. Hope doesn't always arrive as a solution. Sometimes hope arrives as a conversation. Sometimes it arrives as a resource. Sometimes it arrives as a person willing to sit beside us and remind us that we're not alone.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

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View Podcast Disclosures here: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

What if getting dressed each morning was about more than clothing?

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, Shari sits down with personal stylist, wardrobe expert, and image consultant Stephanie McNamara to explore the powerful connection between style, confidence, and authenticity.

With more than 30 years of experience helping women discover their personal style, Stephanie shares how the way we present ourselves can influence not only how others see us, but how we see ourselves.

Together, they discuss:
• Finding your authentic style
• The confidence that comes from dressing for yourself first
• Building a wardrobe that supports your goals and lifestyle
• Closet edits and wardrobe strategy
• Why smart women use all of their resources
• How style can help you become more of who you were meant to be

One of the most powerful moments of the conversation centers around a simple but profound question:

How do women become more of who they were meant to be?

Stephanie's thoughtful insights remind us that confidence isn't about trends or labels—it's about alignment, authenticity, and showing up as the best version of ourselves.

To learn more about Stephanie and her services, visit:
www.stephaniemcnamara.net

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue highlighting remarkable women and the businesses they own.

Here's what we are meant to take with us today:

Our wardrobe is often the first story we tell before we ever speak a word. When we dress in a way that reflects who we truly are, confidence follows naturally. Style isn't about becoming someone else—it's about becoming more fully yourself.

In addition, I love that Stephanie shared her joy of mentoring and how much she learns coming alongside of them.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

Send us Fan Mail

View Podcast Disclosures here: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

Episode 27: Energy, Alignment & Following Your Calling with Courtney Yarch

In this episode of Women and the Businesses They Own, I sat down with Courtney Yarch of Harmonic Egg & Wellness GR for one of the most unique and uplifting conversations we’ve had on the podcast so far.

We talked about frequencies, light, sound, energy, intuition, healing, and the incredible experience people describe after spending time inside the Harmonic Egg.

What resonated with me most was Courtney’s passion and the way everything seemed to align so naturally for her. After experiencing the Harmonic Egg herself, she opened her business just a few short months later. Her excitement, joy, and belief in helping others were truly contagious throughout our conversation.

We also talked about growth, mindset, declarations, and how important it is to not only tell yourself what you want — but to ask your mind and spirit to begin looking for it too.

Whether you are deeply familiar with wellness practices or simply curious to learn more, this episode is one that encourages openness, reflection, and possibility.

✨ Courtney is also offering listeners $25 off a Harmonic Egg session using code SHARI.

Thank you, Courtney, for sharing your heart and your story with us.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

Harmonic Egg & Wellness GR

Website: HarmonicEggGR.com

Find me on IG, FB, TT @HarmonicEggGR

LinkedIn (my personal name, Courtney Yarch)

 924 Cherry St SE, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

616 970 9186

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.

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View Podcast Disclosures here: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

One year later… and what a meaningful conversation this became.

In this special anniversary episode of Women and the Businesses They Own, I welcomed back my very first guest, Lori LaClair of Natural Northern Foods.

Over the last year, Lori has continued growing her business, expanding her products, navigating challenges, and remaining deeply grounded in gratitude through it all.

One of the most powerful moments from our conversation came when Lori shared that success is not built on motivation alone—it’s built on commitment. Commitment to continue showing up, learning, adjusting, and believing in what you’re building even during difficult seasons.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that growth often happens quietly, steadily, and faithfully over time.

Here’s what we are meant to take with us today:
Gratitude keeps us grounded, but commitment keeps us moving forward.

Thank you, Lori, for coming back and sharing your story again.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.