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

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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.

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

Episode 25 is a little different—and very special.

For the first time, I stepped into the guest seat for Women and the Businesses They Own, with April Wells graciously taking over as host. What unfolded was not just a conversation about business, but a reflection on purpose, calling, and the heart behind the work I feel so blessed to do each day.

We talked about:
• The journey into financial advising and what shaped my path
• The deeper “why” behind serving others through planning
• Balancing business, faith, and personal growth
• What it really means to walk alongside clients through life’s transitions
• And the moments that have challenged and strengthened me along the way

This episode is more personal than most—and I hope it gives you a deeper look into the heart behind the work.

Here’s what we are meant to take with us today:
Sometimes, the most meaningful growth happens when we pause, reflect, and allow ourselves to be seen—not just for what we do, but for who we are.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

I came. I spoke. I inspired.

 And somewhere in the middle of it all… I was reminded why I started. 

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 does success really look like—over time?

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Patty Riva, owner of Riva Marketing and Events, to talk about a life built not just on career success, but on faith, family, and intention.

With over 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, and helping organizations grow, Patty shares how her journey has evolved—and how her definition of success has changed along the way.

This conversation is especially meaningful for women in the early stages of their careers, navigating the balance between ambition, family, and what truly matters most.

*In this episode, we discuss:

•  What drew Patty into marketing and communications 
•  The power of storytelling in business and life 
•  How faith shapes decision-making and relationships 
•  Lessons from over 40 years of marriage 
•  How success evolves through different seasons of life 

*Here’s what we are meant to take with us today:
Success isn’t just what we build—it’s what we nurture. The relationships we invest in, the faith we lean on, and the love we give are what truly define a life well lived.

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 does it really mean to find your voice—and trust it?

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with speaking coach Zoe Carmichael to explore the power of communication, confidence, and showing up fully in who you are. Whether you’re leading a business, navigating conversations, or simply learning to express yourself more clearly, your voice plays a bigger role than you may realize.

Zoe shares her journey into speaking and coaching, along with the mindset shifts that help women move from hesitation to confidence. We talk about overcoming self-doubt, reframing fear, and learning how to communicate with clarity and intention—not perfection.

This conversation is a reminder that your voice doesn’t have to be the loudest in the room to be the most impactful… it just has to be yours.

Here’s what we explore:

•  Why confidence in speaking starts long before the words come out 
•  The difference between perfection and presence 
•  How to navigate fear and self-doubt in communication 
•  Practical ways to strengthen your voice in everyday conversations 
•  The role of authenticity in leadership and connection 

Here’s what we are meant to take with us today:
Your voice is not something you earn—it’s something you learn to trust. And when you do, it has the power to change not only how others hear you… but how you see yourself.

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

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I had the honor of sitting down with Carol Robinson, founder of So We May Know—a company dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate one of life’s most important, yet often avoided, conversations.

Carol’s work goes far beyond traditional documents like a Health Care Power of Attorney. She helps clients thoughtfully communicate their personal wishes, choose the right advocate, and create clarity for their loved ones during life’s most difficult moments.

In our conversation, we explore:
• Why end-of-life conversations matter more than we think
• The difference between legal documents and truly being understood
• How to choose and prepare the right advocate
• The peace of mind that comes from clear communication

This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder that planning isn’t just about preparation—it’s about love, dignity, and giving those around us the gift of knowing.

Here’s what we are meant to take with us today:
When we take the time to share our wishes and have the conversations that matter, we replace uncertainty with clarity—and fear with peace.

Tune in, reflect, and consider starting a conversation that could mean everything to someone you love.

You can reach Carol at [email protected]

#WomenInBusiness #Podcast #EndOfLifePlanning #Legacy #PurposeDriven #WomenSupportingWomen

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

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Dr. Amy Todd, a naturopath (ND, CNHP) here in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Amy’s journey into naturopathic medicine wasn’t just professional — it was deeply personal. After navigating her own health challenges and walking through significant health concerns with her daughter, she began digging deeper for answers. That search for solutions ultimately led her down the path of becoming a naturopathic doctor.

We talk about:
• Advocating for your child when answers aren’t easy
• The courage to pivot careers
• Trusting your instincts as a mother and a business owner
• Building a practice rooted in purpose

Here’s what we are meant to take with us today:
Sometimes our greatest calling is born from our hardest seasons. When we lean in instead of backing away, purpose begins to take shape.

This conversation is honest, hopeful, and empowering — especially for women who have had to fight for clarity in uncertain moments.

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

Welcome to the first Golden Nuggets episode of Women & the Businesses They Own.

This special solo series is designed to gather and reflect on the most powerful themes emerging from recent guest conversations.

In this episode, I share three consistent truths I've heard from women across industries:

• Mentorship Matters
• Confidence can be Built
• Mindset Determines Longevity in Business and in Life

These reflections are about more than business. They’re about growth, conviction, faith, and the quiet strength required to build something meaningful.

 They came. They built. They believed. 

And today, we gathered the GOLD.

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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Podcast Disclosure: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice.
👉 View Podcast Disclosures here: http://bit.ly/4jWGPF4

Episode 20 | Jenna Smith – Vitality at Home

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Jenna Smith, founder of Vitality at Home, a physical therapy practice that began organically during the uncertainty of COVID and is now celebrating its sixth year of serving clients in the comfort of their own homes.

Jenna shares what it was like to build a business during a time when so much felt unstable — and how meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally, became the heart of her work.

We talk about growth, courage, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to serve with compassion.

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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Podcast Disclosure: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice.
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Episode 19 – Teresa Boichot

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Teresa Boichot for a thoughtful and meaningful conversation about leadership, growth, and staying rooted in purpose as both a business owner and a human being.

Teresa shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the moments that shaped how she shows up — not just in business, but in life. This is a conversation about resilience, reflection, and what it truly means to lead with intention.

* Here’s what we are meant to take with us today:
You can't want success more than others.  They have to go after it themselves.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Teresa’s story.

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

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, Shari Hooper is joined by Brenda Bolin, a travel agent and Disney specialist who has built a business centered on experience, connection, and trust.

Brenda shares her journey of growing a travel agency while navigating marriage, family life, and now the joy of grandchildren. Together, they explore how travel creates emotional connections, why firsthand experience matters in business, and what it means to build something meaningful across different seasons of life.

This conversation is warm, insightful, and full of encouragement for women balancing multiple roles while pursuing work they love.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

*For more information on West River Travel, here is the contact information:

www.westrivertravel.com

616.293.6001

[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.

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.