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

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lara Baatenburg, founder of Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, which opened its doors in September 2024. Dr. Baatenburg brings an incredible academic background, with degrees from Calvin University, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University.

We dive into her inspiring journey as a physician and entrepreneur, why she chose to step into concierge medicine, and how she’s reshaping patient care by combining Western Medicine with Integrated Medicine — including Chinese medicine, nutrition, and supplements.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:

*Why Dr. Baatenburg launched her own practice

*How she blends holistic and traditional approaches for better outcomes

*The challenges and rewards of building a medical business from the ground up

*Advice for other women entrepreneurs in healthcare

If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe so others can discover these stories of women building bold and meaningful businesses.

https://www.cmwestmichigan.com

Address: 6741 Fulton St E #200, Ada, MI 49301

Phone: (616) 290-1650

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 Melanie Willis, founder of Willis Bookkeeping Services – Clear Biz Clutter.

Melanie spent decades in the world of accounting, building expertise, trust, and deep industry knowledge. A few years ago, she made a bold and courageous decision — stepping away from the security of a steady role to launch her own business and serve clients on her own terms.

In our conversation, Melanie shares:

What gave her the confidence to take the leap into entrepreneurship

How years of experience shaped her approach as a business owner

The importance of clarity, organization, and systems for small businesses

Why “clearing the clutter” is about more than just numbers

This episode is especially meaningful for anyone considering a career pivot, starting a business later in life, or wanting to bring more order and peace into their financial world.

🎧 Listen in, share with a friend, and subscribe to hear more stories of women building businesses with purpose and courage.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

clearbizclutter.com
Contact · [email protected] · Michigan Based Virtual Office · 1971 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 · (616) 209-8526

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’m joined by Courtney Lorenz, founder of Cultured Kombucha — a wellness brand she began building more than a decade ago.

At just 34 years old, Courtney is already 10 years into entrepreneurship, redefining what wellness drinks can be by blending flavor, function, and intention. What started as a passion for gut health and clean ingredients has grown into a brand that helps people eat well, live well, and truly enjoy what they’re consuming.

In our conversation, Courtney shares:

What she’s learned from 10 years in business by age 34

The realities of growing a product-based business in a competitive market

How kombucha can be both delicious and functional

The balance between wellness, entrepreneurship, and staying rooted in purpose

This episode is thoughtful, refreshing, and encouraging — especially for women building something meaningful while navigating growth, patience, and long-term vision.

🎧 Listen in, reflect, and share with someone who’s passionate about wellness and entrepreneurship.

She came. She spoke. She inspired.

#kombuchalover #leadership #womenownedbusiness #womenandwealth #podcast 

Address: 3842 Jupiter Cres, Traverse City, MI 49685

Phone: (231) 445-5127

drinkcultured.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, I had the honor of having Jennifer Kok, owner of Next Wave Business Coaching, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about leadership, growth, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable business.

Jennifer brings a grounded, real-world approach to coaching business owners through transition, clarity, and momentum. Together, we explored the challenges women face as they grow their businesses, the importance of intentional decision-making, and how confidence, strategy, and values intersect over time.

This conversation is especially meaningful for business owners who are navigating change, feeling stretched, or wondering what the “next wave” of their work might look like. Jennifer’s insight, curiosity, and ability to ask the right questions made this episode both practical and encouraging.

🎧 If you’re a business owner looking for clarity, alignment, and forward movement, this episode is worth your time.

nextwavebusinesscoaching.com
616.821.9623
[email protected]

#businesscoaching #leadership #podcastepisode #womenhelpingwomen

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 Laura Kelso, founder of Kelso Homes and creator of the GR Savvy Seniors series, for a conversation that is both inspiring and refreshingly real.

Laura’s journey began in the early days of Pampered Chef, where she learned the foundations of relationship-based business, consistency, and service. Those lessons eventually led her into real estate, where she carved out a meaningful niche working with seniors and their families during times of transition.

We talk about growth, reinvention, listening to your audience, and what it takes to build a business that truly serves people where they are. This episode is filled with wisdom, experience, and heart — especially for anyone navigating change or considering a new direction later in life.

🎧 Listen in, and if it resonates, please share it with someone who would enjoy Laura’s story.

She came.  She spoke.  She inspired.

kelsohomes.com

grsavvyseniors.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, Shari Hooper sits down with April Wells, a leader whose work is changing lives in one of the most meaningful industries—home care.

April is part of Gauthier Family Home Care, where compassion, advocacy, and results intersect every day. In this conversation, April shares her journey, the realities of working in the caregiving space, and the bias that often exists around both aging and home care—and how she’s actively working to break it.

We talk about leadership in a heart-centered business, the responsibility that comes with caring for families during vulnerable seasons, and what it means to build trust in an industry that depends on integrity. April also opens up about resilience, navigating challenges, and the deep purpose behind the work she does.

This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always loud—sometimes it’s steady, faithful, and deeply impactful.

If you’re interested in leadership, caregiving, women in business, or building something meaningful while serving others, this conversation will stay with you.

 She came.
 She spoke.
 She inspired.

#womenandwealth #michiganbusiness #seniorcare #womenhelpingwomen #homecare #womenleaders

www.gauthierfhc.com

Address: 1009 Parchment Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Phone: (616) 560-4057

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, I sit down with a truly inspiring woman Kelly Poll Syren whose journey in health and Medicare insurance Voyage Benefits, LLC is filled with purpose, passion, and hard-earned wisdom. We talk about building a business that serves, finding courage in transitions, and how women are redefining success on their own terms.

✨ Whether you're dreaming, building, or expanding, this conversation is full of insight and heart. Tune in, reflect, and be reminded that you’re not alone on this path.

🧡 If it resonates, share it with a woman you admire.

#Womenandthebusinessestheyown #podcastlaunch#womeninbusiness #PurposeDrivenWork #realconversations #newepisode 

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

Just Launched: Episode 1 of the Women & the Businesses They Own Podcast!  My guest Lori LaClair from Natural Northern Foods.

After months of vision, planning, and passion, I'm proud to share the first episode of a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs. 

This episode dives into Lori's grit, her mentor and where she is today and offers real, unfiltered stories from women who are building businesses, breaking barriers, and redefining success on their own terms.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner, or simply love hearing stories of resilience and innovation — this is for you.

Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s grow this conversation!

#WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #PodcastLaunch #BusinessWomen #WomenSupportingWomen #Leadership #SmallBusiness #WomenAndWealth #SummitWealthPartners 

https://www.naturalnorthernfoods.com/

Address: 5805 Sunset View Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

Phone: (231) 360-3131

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.