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In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend Raheem Nelson, a talented artist and entrepreneur from New Haven. Raheem takes us through his artistic journey, from his early days as a cartoonist and illustrator all the way to having his art featured in Time Square in NYC. Join us as we explore Raheem's experiences with finding sustainable income as an artist, the power of having a job for financial support, and not being afraid to try new things. Get ready to be inspired as we uncover the secrets of creativity, entrepreneurship, and fulfilling your purpose in life!
Raheem Nelson is a New Haven-born and raised artist who discovered his passion for art at an early age. Growing up with a love for comic books and cartoons, he began creating his own comics during grade school. As he entered high school at Aces ECA on Audubon Street, his artistic abilities started to flourish, especially in the areas of oils and life drawing. This led him to further his education at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he focused on cartooning but found that oil painting had the most significant impact on him. During his foundation year at college, he had the opportunity to explore various art forms, just like at ECA, and it was during the oil painting courses that he truly honed his skills and developed a familiarity with working on canvas. Now, Raheem creates his art digitally using his iPad and takes pride in incorporating his New Haven roots into his work, showcasing his unique perspective as an artist.
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Raheem Nelson
01:21 – Raheem’s Artistic Journey: From New Haven to NYC
03:43 – Deciding on Art School & Early Influences
05:10 – Returning to New Haven and Building a Career
07:27 – Life After College: Finding Work as an Artist
10:46 – Balancing Day Jobs and Creativity
13:08 – Landing a Purpose-Aligned Job at Milford Arts Council
16:12 – What is Graphic Recording?
18:04 – How Raheem Started with Graphic Recording
21:56 – The Power of Social Listening Murals & Community Engagement
24:27 – Embracing NFTs as an Artist
27:03 – The Story Behind the Solange Painting & NFT NYC
32:59 – The Value of Trying New Things and Entrepreneurial Spirit
39:13 – Transferable Skills and How Comic Books Influence Raheem’s Work
40:08 – Defining Purpose and Aligning Happiness with Work
42:22 – What’s Next for Raheem & How to Support His Work
43:54 – Closing
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to use your community in your art
How to build an art career
How to balance creativity with financial stability
How to cultivate business skills as an artist
How to get funding through grants
How to find opportunities through community
How to define purpose and alignment
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with Raheem:
Today my guest Dave Phelan shares his entrepreneur journey from working in the corporate world, to starting his own startup app, to pivoting to a successful consulting business. Dave is an entrepreneur who grew up outside Philadelphia and studied business at Susquehanna University. After college, he started working at an engineering firm but always had a desire to start his own business. Together with his college friend Phil, they came up with the idea for an app called Loople. The app aimed to provide users with information about daily specials offered by bars and restaurants. They left their day jobs to focus on building the app, which gained over 50,000 users, but after two years the app didn't achieve their desired monetization goals, so they decided to pivot in a new direction.
Dave and his partner Phil used what they learned developing their own app to help other small businesses do the same. Founders Approach combines US-based project managers & talented global developers to bring businesses ideas to life without compromising on quality or value. Dave also opens up about the difficulties of quitting his job and the extreme highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Join us as we dive deep into Dave's inspiring story and uncover the lessons he learned along the way.
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:08 – Dave’s background: growing up, college, and first steps in business
03:05 – How Dave got into app building and founding Loople
05:38 – Overcoming challenges without a tech background
07:43 – Transitioning from corporate to startup life: struggles and excitement
11:05 – The importance of having a co-founder and support system
13:01 – Working with friends as business partners: lessons learned
17:10 – The pivot from Loople to Founders Approach
20:07 – Letting go of a failed idea and finding new direction
22:24 – Client acquisition and the power of networking
26:20 – Starting the podcast "Why I Quit": inspiration and impact
31:07 – Defining success as an entrepreneur
34:28 – Current business challenges and the quest for sustainability
36:58 – Excitement for the future and new entrepreneurial ventures
38:30 – Closing thoughts
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to startup an app
How to build a business with a partner
How to pivot and grow a sustainable business
How to define your own success as an entrepreneur
How to get word of mouth clients and referrals
How to connect entrepreneurs
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with The Dave:
Dan Barletta is one of the founders and owners of the mobile cafe, The Jitter Bus. Serving the New Haven community for almost 8 years now, the blacked out bus with artwork on it is a familiar site to locals. An idea that came from witnessing a ice cream truck and a love for coffee, The Jitter Bus started out as a simple idea. Through some hard work, perseverance, and learning some hard lessons, The Jitter Bus has become a staple downtown New Haven.
In this episode we talk about Dan's struggle with college and how a coffee shop on wheels gave him a purpose. We discuss what it was like to bring the idea to fruition, how they survived the pandemic, and their future plans of expanding to a brick and mortar coffee shop. We covered a lot in this episode but what I didn't mention was how good their dirty chai lattes are. If you've never had coffee from The Jitter Bus, you need to go check them out!
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Dan’s Background: Growing Up & College Experience
02:39 Discovering Coffee Shops & Early Work Experiences
05:08 The Birth of the Jitterbus Idea
6:28 Starting the Business & Launching Kickstarter
07:25 Choosing a Bus & The Build-Out Process
08:58 Forming the Partnership & Business Planning
10:29 Navigating City Regulations & Finding a Location
11:29 The First Year in Business: Challenges & Lessons Learned
13:43 Building a Following & Early Marketing Efforts
16:47 Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic
19:56 Returning to Business: Recovery & Student Impact
21:28 Adapting to Seasonal Shifts & Event Work
22:20 The Farmers Market Opportunity
24:45 Seven Years in Business – Reflections & Growth
25:33 Making the Leap: Going Full-Time with Jitterbus
27:19 Plans for the Future: Brick & Mortar Dreams
28:38 Finding Support & Resources: Small Business Development
32:31 Real Estate in New Haven & Finding the Right Location
33:13 Dan’s Role in Business Finances
34:18 Hiring, Company Culture & Looking Ahead
36:03 Defining Success & Finding Purpose
39:16 Where to Find the Jitterbus & Closing Remarks
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to start an unconventional business
How to define your own success
How to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship
How to build a brick and mortar coffee shop
How to run a business with your friends
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with The Jitter Bus:
Karolyn Johnson is a devoted mother and passionate therapist. Despite not having a background in psychology, she made the bold decision to pursue a career in therapy after accepting her people person superpower. I met Karolyn a few years back when she was looking for someone to edit her new podcast and have had the opportunity to work with her ever since. She believes in staying curious and invested in life, constantly evolving and learning. Alongside her partner Raya, she owns a group practice called Connected, Seen, & Heard which aims to create authentic connections and foster transformative experiences for individuals looking for healing and growth. Through their practice, they offer individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as in-person workshops, trainings, and events to bring people together with genuine connection.
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Background and Journey Into Therapy
04:00 Transitioning from Sales to Therapy: Taking the Leap
07:36 Facing Fears and Making Career Changes
10:17 Head vs. Heart: Making Authentic Decisions
14:05 Finding Authenticity in Career and Life
18:18 Building a Business With a Partner: Trust & Growth
23:20 The Value of Passion Projects and Working With a Business Coach
28:15 The Power of Connection: Why It Matters
32:02 Vulnerability and Connection: How They Relate
36:18 Creating and Participating in Community
41:01 What’s Next for Karolyn & Connected Seen and Heard
43:19 How to Connect With Karolyn & Closing Remarks
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to find purpose in career transitions
How to find authentic connections
How to overcome fear and pursue passion
How to be vulnerable
How to collaborate instead of compete
How to build a business around human connection
How to engage the community
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with Karolyn:
Connected seen and heard website
Connected Seen and Heard IG
Connecting the Collective Podcast
Today I sat down with Vannesa Moreno who was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, moved to the United States when she was 14, and is now a business owner, a mom, and an active member of the local entrepreneur community of New haven. She owns Your CBD Store in North Haven, she's a Knownpreneur graduate, an active networker, and last year she was awarded the emerging leader for the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.
Vanessa opened her own CBD store in North Haven over three and a half years ago, but before that worked as a sales administrator at a tire recycling company, where she experienced stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Through the suggestion of a friend she discovered the benefits of CBD products for her own well-being, which led her down the path to an opportunity to open her very own store. She took the opportunity to open her own franchise when it came and has been growing as an entrepreneur ever since.
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:59 – Vanesa's background
02:45 – Early career ambitions and how plans changed
07:12 – Leaving a full-time job for entrepreneurship
10:40 – The process of opening a CBD franchise and available resources
13:32 – The importance of asking for help as an entrepreneur
14:16 – How networking changed everything
17:49 – Advice for newcomers to networking and stepping out of your comfort zone
21:20 – CBD education: myths, facts, and how it supports mental health
24:05 – The role of therapy and mental health in entrepreneurship
26:46 – Continued learning as a business owner
28:58 – Defining success in life and business
30:55 – How to connect with
32:26 – Closing thoughts
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to transition from a corporate job to a business owner
How to break stereotypes as an immigrant
How to focus on mental health
How to network as an introvert
How to have a voice as a women in a male dominated space
How the CBD industry has changed
How to get support as a business owner
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with Vannesa:
Connect with me:
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Kendall’s Background: Education, Early Career, and Transition to Startups
05:24 – Comparing Corporate vs. Startup Culture
10:23 – Marketing Roles Explained: Sales Support, Brand Building, and Digital Strategy
14:15 – Is Social Media Necessary for Every Business?
19:15 – Identifying Target Markets and Brand Identity for Small Businesses
21:20 – Copywriting: Art, Data, and Iteration in Messaging
24:44 – Refreshing Branding & The Role of AI and ChatGPT in Marketing
32:35 – Startup Skills vs. Corporate Specialization
33:18 – How Kendall Joined Box and the Early Days of the Startup
38:09 – Testing Models, Pricing, and Customer Segments at Box
41:55 – Balancing Data and Gut Feeling in Business Decisions
45:33 – How to Connect with Kendall and Box
46:16 – Episode Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to work in a startup and wear many hats
How to create effective marketing strategies
How to know your target audience
How to reach your audience with authentic marketing
How to use digital marketing
How to lean into data to make decisions
How to balance gut instincts with market research
How to build a company identity with brand foundations
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Today I sat down with Kendall Egan co-founder of Boxx, a startup that creates pre-fab work from home pods. She has spent most of her career working in various aspects of marketing, including many startups, and owning her own marketing consulting agency. We got into the vast field of marketing and talked about what areas are important for small businesses and startups. This episode is like a mini masterclass in marketing. Kendall is an expert in her field and shared a lot of her knowledge with us. I will be taking some of the lessons learned back to my own business with a deeper understanding of what marketing is and can be.
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Kendall’s Background: Education, Early Career, and Transition to Startups
05:24 – Comparing Corporate vs. Startup Culture
10:23 – Marketing Roles Explained: Sales Support, Brand Building, and Digital Strategy
14:15 – Is Social Media Necessary for Every Business?
19:15 – Identifying Target Markets and Brand Identity for Small Businesses
21:20 – Copywriting: Art, Data, and Iteration in Messaging
24:44 – Refreshing Branding & The Role of AI and ChatGPT in Marketing
32:35 – Startup Skills vs. Corporate Specialization
33:18 – How Kendall Joined Box and the Early Days of the Startup
38:09 – Testing Models, Pricing, and Customer Segments at Box
41:55 – Balancing Data and Gut Feeling in Business Decisions
45:33 – How to Connect with Kendall and Box
46:16 – Episode Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to work in a startup and wear many hats
How to create effective marketing strategies
How to know your target audience
How to reach your audience with authentic marketing
How to use digital marketing
How to lean into data to make decisions
How to balance gut instincts with market research
How to build a company identity with brand foundations
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with Kendall Egan:
Saint Phifer is a unique abstract artist from Norwalk Connecticut that transforms simple concepts into meaningful saturated pieces of art that sparks the consciousness. Through his artwork you can learn the origin and history of the subject as well as about his inspiration and story. I met Saint recently at an art show here in New Haven where he was a panelist speaker and also displayed some of his work. I resonated with a lot of what he said and after the show we had a great conversation that led to this interview.
In this episode we talked about so many different things from how he first became an artist after struggling with his mental health to losing his corporate job which allowed him to further pursue his art and create everyday. You can tell by the way he explains his work that art is what he is meant to do and I got to learn more about his creative process, and his outlook on life in this interview.
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
03:01 - Incorporating family, culture, and storytelling into his art
04:08 - The influence of SAINT's mother and personal philosophy
06:27 - Exploring curiosity and creativity in art
08:44 - Shifting perspectives and remaining a lifelong student
10:07 - The dart vs. feather analogy for focus and decision making
11:39 - Leaving corporate life and finding true purpose
12:23 - Growing up different, finding confidence, and staying authentic
14:42 - SAINT discusses mental health and healing through creativity
17:37 - The benefits of meditation, solitude, and self-care
20:44 - The importance of saying no and staying focused
22:28 - SAINT’s approach to meditation and being present
24:58 - Selfishness as self-care and showing up as your best self
26:53 - Building artistic community and connecting with Wabi Gallery
29:11 - Networking vs. genuine conversation in the arts
32:34 - SAINT’s definition of success
34:51 - Valuing time, relationships, and saying no
36:28 - What’s next for SAINT and how to connect with him
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to turn pain into art
How to tell your story with art
How to use curiosity as a driver for creativity
How to redefine success
How to find your voice in art
How to incorporate self care into your work
How to keep creativity sustainable
How to support local artists
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with Saint Phifer:
Today I spoke with Shirley Chock owner of Aiping Tai Chi School. Before being a business owner, she had a very successful career in finance working for startups, the city of New York, and at Yale University before walking away from her high profile job with a pension, benefits, and early retirement, to take over owning the Aiping Tai Chi School.
We talked about the importance of Tai Chi in her life and how it's much more than internal martial arts, but more of a way of being. Using it to help cope with stress and the ups and downs of life. Shirley has not only figured out how to run the tai chi school, but then also has figured out how to keep going when a global pandemic shut down her business completely. Instead of taking it at a loss, she used the opportunity of rest to figure out how to become even more impactful and reach a wider audience than she already had, by taking her classes to the Twitch platform, allowing her to monetize quickly and keep the school going. She became Twitch's first affiliate to stream international martial arts, quickly reached 55k followers on TikTok, and has over 100k on IG.
I'm really excited about this conversation as I resonated with so many things Shirley spoke about, but the one that stands out to me the most is when we were talking about the difference between passion and purpose. Shirley believes that we are here on this earth for a bigger purpose and it's up to us to figure out what that is. Listen along as we discuss all things live and business.
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Shirley’s Early Career in Finance
07:11 – Discovering Tai Chi & Dual Passions
09:09 – Decision to Take Over the Tai Chi School
13:38 – Making the Leap: Leaving Finance for Tai Chi
18:08 – Entrepreneurship: Planning and Purpose vs. Passion
24:44 – Listening To Yourself & Tai Chi as a Secret Scroll
29:30 – Teaching Tai Chi & Building an Online Presence
34:04 – Content Creation Mindset Shift
41:15 – Growing a Global Community
44:26 – How to Connect with Shirley and What’s Next
46:27 – Closing Remarks
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to make a career transition
How to follow your purpose and passion
How to make an exit strategy to leave corporate America
How to shift your mindset for success
How to engage an online community
How to grow an audience and brand online
🚀 Start Here If You’re New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with Shirley:
Today I sat down with Michael Shawn Carbaugh, who is a dedicated pastor, talented musician, and successful entrepreneur who understands the power of Community. He graduated with a degree in music and a minor in bible study. Michael embarked on a unique journey that combined his passions for music, ministry, and community building. As a pastor at Pond Hill Baptist Church, he takes on various roles, including leading music programs and working with young adults. Michael's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Unison Games Cafe located in Hamden, CT, a welcoming space where people come together to enjoy games, coffee, and community.
We also talked about his new multi-use studio space in the works, that is going to include podcast, music, and lessons studio spaces! We covered so many topics from the importance of time management in entrepreneurship, to getting a deal on your rent, to some advice on what it takes to have a business partner.
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Michael Shawn Carabaugh
00:54 – Michael’s Background: Education and Music Journey
05:16 – Launching Unison Games Cafe: From Community to Brick & Mortar
08:50 – The Challenges and Process of Opening a Physical Store
11:57 – Going Into Business with a Partner: Communication & Trust
15:41 – Balancing Multiple Ventures and Time Management Strategies
20:00 – The Importance of Focus, Flow State, and Avoiding Distractions
25:46 – Introduction to Unison Studios: Vision for a Multiuse Space
32:30 – Finding the Right Space and Mutually Beneficial Agreements
33:45 – What Does Purpose Mean to Michael? Community, Faith & Impact
37:01 – What’s Next? How to Support Michael’s Ventures
38:29 – Final Thoughts
💡Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to balance creativity with being a pastor
How to turn a love into a business
How to manage your time and still be productive
How to get into a creative flow state
How to run a business with a partner
How to build community
How to find purpose
How to build something new
🚀 Start Here If You're New
1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45
2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48
3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39
👥How To Connect
Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
Watch on YouTube
Substack
WTOP Merch
Feedback Form WTOP.com
Connect with Michael Shawn:
From the publisher's feed