Toronto-Based Talk Show Host Adam Lupis Discusses "The Up & Adam Show"

Talk show host Adam Lupis shares his passion for the 80s and 90s eras on his YouTube show “The Up & Adam Show,” where he interviews notable artists in the music, film and TV spaces. Some of Adam’s recent guests include singer AJA, actors Charles Baker (“Breaking Bad”) and Lillo Brancato Jr. (Sopranos), creator Butch Hartman (Cartoon Network’s “Fairly OddParents”), television host Carlos Bustamante (YTV, Canadian television), and horror host Dead Meat (4.4M subscribers). And some upcoming guests include Jesse Kove (Netflix’s “Cobra Kai”) and storied super villain Robert Davi (“Die Hard,” “James Bond: License to Kill,” and “The Goonies”). Adam hail from Toronto, Canada.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I come from an Italian background. Both my parents were born in Calabria, Italy and moved to Canada at a very young age. They passed on a lot of the Italian values to me, which has helped me to become the man that I am today. I was raised in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. My childhood consisted of spending time with my friends and keeping myself busy with other childhood endeavors. I was always an ambitious kid. When I was eleven, I started cutting my neighbour's lawn for money, which turned out to become bigger than I had imagined. I expanded my “business” and ended up cutting the whole neighbourhood’s lawns, and it was at that moment when I knew I could accomplish anything if I believed in myself and worked hard at it. I never did like working for someone else. There were a few bad bosses and always felt under-appreciated in those environments. That is what sparked my interest to become an entrepreneur and pursue my own passions.   

What inspired you to start your podcast?  

It’s actually a funny story. I was a barber for four years before I started my show. I always thought I loved the craft when in reality I really just enjoyed conversing with my clients. When the pandemic hit and I was out of work, I thought to myself, “What do I really want to do? What am I truly passionate about?” And the answer was talking to people. So I thought about how to approach that and, shortly thereafter, started my show and began sharing stories with my guests about my barbering days, which blossomed from there. I grew up inspired by Jay Leno and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, which had such a genuine feel to them. I really admire that era of television and hope to convey a similar feel in with my show. 

How did you start it? What were the first steps you took?

I started out on Spotify and Apple. It was a mess at first because I was doing everything on my own. I had saved a lot of money from barbering, so I used some of it to invest in a graphic designer/editor. This made my job a lot easier and more efficient. He helped me produce the episodes and edited a lot of the audio. Fast forward to now, my creative director Justin produces all my content on YouTube, and we are currently revamping the look to give it that “Tonight Show” feel — with an Adam Lupis twist! 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your podcast?  

The most effective way to raise awareness is by networking with people. A simple introduction and asking someone to kindly check out your work can work wonders. That’s how I’ve made all my connections. I just reach out as genuinely as I can and tell them my vision for the show, and I’ve found that they really like it! It’s crazy, because people are often shy or embarrassed to promote themselves. We forget that everyone started from the bottom and had to do exactly the same thing. Everyone has to start from somewhere. But it’s all about putting yourself out there and hoping people take a liking.   

What have been your biggest challenges when launching your podcast?  

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right look and theme I wanted for my show. I tend to like a lot of things, and there are days when I want the show to look a certain way and then the next day it will want to change. I believe it’s all about staying true to yourself and sticking to that. Over time you can learn and adapt to changes, but it’s important to have a good base to work from. 

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new podcasters? 

My best piece of advice is to not listen to any negative people. It’s impossible to make everyone like you, and people shouldn’t be chasing for everyone’s approval anyhow. So, the other piece of advice would be to always do what makes you happy in life. You have to be you, do you, and then attract the right audience for that and build trust from there. When I first started, people were always saying, “Why are you doing this?” Or “You shouldn’t do this as a career because it’s not realistic.” But I’m a firm believer that, if someone has done something in life, it’s proof that it’s possible.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favourite app would be YouTube because it’s such a diverse platform. You can learn, laugh and be entertained all at once. My favourite blog is “Hardcore Italians Blog,” because my background is Italian and I tend to relate with a lot of their content! My favourite book is “Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban”! I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and I enjoy the books as well as the movies.  

What projects do you have planned for the next six months? 

For the next six months I will be booking more guests for the show and trying to finalize my new studio in the unit I am renting. I am always trying to better myself and the show and I think the more you put into your passions, the more success you will achieve. Also, I will be looking to expand through partnerships and sponsorships. So, I’ll be reaching out to some influencers to network with and to form partnership with! I will do whatever it takes to grow. 

How can our readers connect with you? 

You can find me on Instagram: @theupandadamshow. TikTok: @theupandadamshow. And on Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/theupandadamshow.

"Pay it forward — Always give back to others without expecting anything in return," with James Lambridis

Photo credit: Stephen Zozzaro

James Lambridis is the Founder and CEO of DebtMD, the platform that connects people with the professional help they need to become debt-free.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Before launching DebtMD, I worked in the debt relief industry for five years, advising people on their best option for becoming debt-free from credit cards, medical bills, and student loans. I hold an undergraduate degree in Finance from Penn State University and an MBA from New York University.

What inspired you to start your business?

After speaking to people in debt every day for five years, I began to realize that there was a serious problem when it came to finding a solution. These people were stressed out, under time constraints, and misinformed as to what their best option was to pay off their debt. This made me wonder how I could improve their situation and make it easier for them to find a solution, and that is when the idea for DebtMD was born

Where is your business based?

We are based out of Wayne, NJ, which is about 30 minutes outside of New York City.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

First, I wrote an extensive business plan. Then, I went to friends and family to secure capital to build and launch the platform. Then, I got to work and never looked back.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Content marketing, paid online advertising, and word of mouth have been huge for us.  Partnering with other like-minded personal finance companies has helped us as well.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Dealing with rejection. People are always going to poke holes in your business, and that’s OK. The only thing that matters is that YOU believe in what you’re doing.

How do you stay focused?

Just try to win each day. Be better today than you were yesterday. Keep this mindset and you can achieve anything.

 How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

 We want to empower people to make the right choices when it comes to their long-term financial well-being. Not only do we connect individuals with reputable companies to help them resolve their debt, but we also educate them on the best practices for maintaining a debt-free life. In addition, we are currently developing a proprietary algorithm that can predict a person’s optimal debt relief option based off their unique financial situation. Our mission is to be able to help anyone, anywhere, in any financial situation and harness data science to help people become debt-free.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Always try to relate to people and be genuine. People can see right through you if you are disingenuous. Be sure your message is honest, and you will connect with your target audience.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Pay it forward — Always give back to others without expecting anything in return. This can be your time, resources, or simply your insights. When you have this mentality, I am a firm believer that the help you give someone will always find its way back to you.

 What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. This book permanently changed how I viewed business, and the world itself. If you want the masses to adopt a product or service, it must start with a targeted push for a small group of people. Word of mouth is much more powerful than many people think.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Google Analytics; Most businesses/startups rely on web traffic to drive sales. Google Analytics gives you any piece of information you could ever ask for. It’s a crucial tool for any entrepreneur.

 Who is your business role model? Why?

Vince McMahon. He turned a male soap opera consisting of fake fighting into a billion dollar company. The only person in the universe who will ever be able to say that.

 How do you balance work and life?

Always find time for friends and family. Spend time with your loved ones. If recent events have taught us anything, it’s that life can be taken for granted. The people closest to you should always come first.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I always take one day (usually Sundays) to relax and reflect. It keeps me mentally healthy and strong, and prepares me for the week ahead.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Summer vacation in Greece, where my ancestors are from. If you haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend going. One of the most beautiful places on Earth.

How can our readers connect with you?

https://www.debtmd.com

Linkedin — https://www.linkedin.com/company/debtmd

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Internet-Company/Debtmd-307339439771256/

Twitter — @DebtMD

"Believe in yourself and always maintain your integrity" with Logan Rae

Photo Credit: Argon Agency

Highly innovative and passionate with a dash of sass, Logan Rae is a spearheading marketing professional whose underlying mission is to help businesses achieve new levels of scalable growth. As the founder of a leading marketing resource Argon Agency, Logan has an extensive background involving social media demand generation, brand/product strategy, SEO, customer engagement, and revenue optimization, and knows how to creatively foster cutting-edge executions that allow businesses to advance above their competition.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Born and raised in one of the toughest areas within Miami, Florida (Carol City), I discovered early on the true meaning behind commitment, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Furthermore, I grew up in a home with a mother facing mental health challenges and an absent father, which ultimately became the catalyst to leverage education to leave my home environment.

Upon graduating high school at 15, I proceeded with my undergraduate studies at Cornell University and Florida Atlantic University, all while simultaneously becoming emancipated at 16 and becoming a teen mom at age 17.

In 2015, I chose to branch into the world of entrepreneurship, founding the Bacon Boxes brand. My marketing efforts and business plans were effective enough that the brand became nationalized in less than 20 weeks from product conception, we won notable awards (SCORE American Business Championship, Inc Magazine’s Coolest College Startup, etc) and entered an accelerator program (FAU Techrunway).

From that point, I shifted my education merging behavioral sciences with technical marketing. I worked across many industries both freelance and holding various positions from Digital Marketing Director to Chief Marketing Officer until founding Argon Agency.

What inspired you to start your business?

I started Argon Agency after being disappointed in the company I was working for at the time. I left a 6 figure c-level position in the middle of the pandemic and everything just fell into place.

Traditional digital marketing was a series of smoke screens, empty promises, one-size-fits-all cookie-cutter campaigns, and charts and graphs that look pretty, but don’t actually mean much. There had to be a better way. There had to be a way to provide clear, customized marketing campaigns that provided results, not just pretty charts and vague answers as to where your budget went. From that realization was born Argon Agency.

Where is your business based?

Argon Agency is based in downtown Lake Worth, Florida.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Due to my prior company (Bacon Boxes) and notoriety from self-branding, it was easy to walk into my new industry. I immediately had support and I had clients before I had processes. The universe really came through and helped uplift my efforts.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I believe your network is your net worth. I do for myself the same thing I do for my clients. I tell my story and I build genuine relationships. My goal is to be in as many rooms as I can at the same time.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge has been finding the right employees. I have been trying to build an environment that we look forward to being in - work that doesn’t feel like work.

I have made the mistake of hiring friends. I have hired people with fabricated resumes and portfolios. I have overpaid and invested months with inexperienced people to get their skill set where it needed to be. I have hired people that took my processes and ideas then started replications.

All of these situations weren’t good for my business. I wasted a lot of time and finances trying to make situations work. On a personal level, it hurts to have people I invested in, trusted, and respected take from me with no regard. However, it validates my structure, processes, and ability to mentor.

The biggest way to overcome these challenges has been to focus on the bigger picture, never stop looking for the right people, and keep my mindset on what I need to improve on in order to support getting the right team in place.

 How do you stay focused?

I love what I do and have built my company with the goal of it fitting my dream life. Most people work to retire and enjoy life. I built a life I don’t want to retire from. Staying focused is easy.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Most marketing agencies offer a service, but not a strategy. You can go to a marketing agency and say you have “x” dollars to spend monthly and you want a specific service yet that budget could be more effective in a different type of campaign. Most agencies won’t care enough to tell you and most freelancers don’t have a diversified background to evaluate it beyond what the client is asking for.

We are different because we offer full strategy support. We evaluate EVERYTHING you are investing in your marketing and help businesses take action through our campaigns but also in-house to optimize their scalability. It is our goal to act as a knowledge bank and chief marketing officer for every company we contract with.  

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Results and being accessible. Ironically we are a marketing agency that has not marketed itself yet. We have no social media presence. We only have a website because we needed it to obtain a merchant account. Yet, we are overwhelmed with business and actually have a waitlist for our services and companies that have paid a deposit to hold their place.

 What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Believe in yourself and always maintain your integrity. It is so important to stay true to yourself, your team, and your clients. When you cut corners you lose value. It’s okay to go at your own pace. When you give yourself the time you’re less likely to burn out and more likely to build a stable brand with longevity.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

 This is a hard question to answer. I would have to say I’m a big fan of Simon Sinek. I was introduced to his books while taking a leadership course in college and have kept his teachings integrated into everything I do.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Another hard question. I would be lost without my mentor Ron Cocquyt. I met him through an accelerator program I won entry into with my first startup, Bacon Boxes almost 5 years ago.

Mentorship, accelerator programs, and boot camps are a godsend. If we’re talking just software I would say Teamwork - it manages my life.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I admire so many it’s hard to just pick one.

I find myself checking in on Reshma Saujani who founded Girls Who Code. I find her story and motive inspirational and I love the goal of her company. She is facilitating an environment where women can become inspired, obtain resources and learn valuable skills that put them in a predominantly male industry.

I also admire Shannan Monson. She’s a mom and entrepreneur on a mission to change the statistics for women in leadership. I can’t wait for my obligations to calm down a little bit. One of the first things I plan to do for myself is sign up for her CEO School.

How do you balance work and life?

I integrate them into each other. I find it's best for my whole team.           

We have a leisurely 9 am start time. The goal is for everyone to come into the office between 8:30-9:00 am and not stress if there's extra traffic or jeopardize their safety if they’re running late. We take the first 15-20 minutes after everyone has arrived to get personal chit-chat out of the way, make a cup of coffee and grab a snack.

I found that if I order everyone’s favorite caffeinated beverage, snacks, and lite lunch items for the office every week it keeps us in higher spirits and balances us. Whereas before I did that I would often be too busy to leave the office and end up not eating all day.

I implemented team building into our routine. Monthly we do something different than the group votes on whether it be yoga, a company-paid lunch, or a two-day stay at a beach club for example. This allows us some leisure and bonding time to just relax and decompress. What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I like the gym. It's a place I enjoy when I’m in all moods. No matter what I end up leaving feeling motivated yet relaxed.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Growth, education, and fun.

I have been tightening up processes and implementing new services. We’re going to be recruiting additional talent and working on new ways to exceed our clients’ expectations of us.

How can our readers connect with you?

www.instagram.com/thatmarketingbitch

www.instagram.com/argon.agency

www.argonagency.com

logan@argonagency.com

561-867-0027

11 S. J Street, Lake Worth, FL 33460

You are an ENTREPRENEUR. BELIEVE in YOURSELF and Take ACTION with Herby Fabius

Photo credit: Carl Henry Provost

Herby Fabius is an entrepreneur and self-published author with a passion to share entrepreneurial stories that others can learn from. He believes every entrepreneur has a unique start-up story, and it is his mission to capture those stories to help the next generation of entrepreneurs and self-published authors.

With his flagship interview platform Billion Success, he aims to do just that.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I was born in Haiti, then I moved here (Connecticut) when I was 14 years old. I graduated from college with a bachelor’s in business management. Over the last 8 years, I started two companies and maintained two side projects. The first company I co-founded was a tech startup out of New Haven CT called Triplefy. Then a couple of years later, I founded the entrepreneurship interview platform Billion Success – which currently is the only business I am working on.

 Aside from the businesses I had created, I also self-published three business books. One of which was an Amazon Best Seller. Occasionally, I teach local clients how to build their own websites using WordPress and also teach new authors how to self-publish their first book using Amazon KDP (Kindle Publishing).

I am a long-life learner and I love every part of the entrepreneurship journey.

What inspired you to start your business?

After college, I wanted to take some time off to start a tech company before I jump into the corporate lifestyle. So, instead of getting a regular 9-5 corporate job, I decided it would be best to find a job that was less demanding of my time, a job that would allow me to work on my business every single day, not just on the weekends. So, I started working as a night-shift security guard. I figured the corporate 9-5 was not going anywhere, I can get one whenever I needed it.

Working as a night shift security, I was able to learn everything that I needed to learn to start an online business. While working at night, I had access to computers, so I spend most of the night learning online marketing, writing, reading, and most importantly connecting with like-minded online entrepreneurs. It was how I discovered a local tech event in New Haven, CT where I connected with a tech founder and cofounded my first business.

I eventually got the corporate job a couple of years later and worked professionally for many years. Throughout that time, I still kept all my side projects running part-time. I have been on this entrepreneurial journey for a while now and I am happy to have found my true passion business Billion Success. 

Where is your business based?

I am located in Stratford Connecticut. 

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took? 

Step 1 - I started a blog, I started writing and connecting with people who can help me grow it. This is how I ended up interviewing entrepreneurs. It was the best way I can learn fast and connect with influential people who can potentially help me in the future. I was learning as I go. I figured I could just pivot if I ever needed to go in a different direction. The most important thing to me at that time was to get started. Starting a blog was the easiest thing I can do with the little knowledge and resources I had. I was able to build my presence online, build my social media channels, especially Twitter. I spent a lot of time on Twitter back then.

Step 2 – I learned how to build websites using WordPress. This was a crucial step for me. I had to know how to create and manage my own website if I was ever going to build and grow an online business successfully. I learned so much from this experience that I turned my knowledge into a side hustle building website for local clients. This was one of the side-projects I mentioned earlier. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The best and most effective way that I have been able to raise awareness about my business is by using HARO (Help a Reporter Out) Also, using social media preferably LinkedIn and Instagram those have been the most resourceful tools in terms of raising awareness and marketing for my business.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?  

My biggest challenge has always been Fear. The fear of others judging my work. The fear of being labeled as an imposter. As an entrepreneur, you will sometimes doubt yourself and your work. 

I mean, even the great Maya Angelou said this. 

“I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they are going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody and they’re going to find me out.”

The importer syndrome is a real thing, and we all go through it. 

The way I overcome FEAR is simply by reminding myself that even the most successful people in the world go through it. There are two Things I remind myself daily: 1. Action minimize FEAR. 2. The longer you wait to act, the stronger fear becomes. 

You can overcome FEAR by taking quick action. 

How do you stay focused?

I turn off all distractions, then I turn on motivational speeches from people like Gary Vee, Les Brown, and Zig Ziglar. Listening to motivational talks while I work keeps me in the zone. The other thing that helps me to stay focus is by having a to-do list (Usually created the night before) of all the things that need to be done. That way, when I wake up in the morning, I already have a list of tasks to do. 

In the morning, I put my motivational video on and start checking things off my list. I love this process because, at the end of the day, I can clearly see how my day went. I focus on the most important things first. Those are usually the things I hate to do. I get them out of the way first.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I don’t pay much attention to competitors for a couple of reasons.

1-     I believe there is enough for everyone, so I don’t worry much about what the next person is doing.

2-     Even if my competitors and I were doing the same exact thing, selling the same exact product, offer the same exact services, we can still coexist for the simple fact that people/clients/customers will only do business with who they like. They choose who they trust to do business with. It is not so much about competitors. As long as you build trust with your customers/clients the competitors won’t be much of an issue for you. 

Lastly, we may have the same ideas, but our vision and execution will be different - and to me, that is the differentiator.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Contributing to blogs, magazines have been working great. Being a featured guest on podcasts has been working great as well. Right now, I am focusing a lot more on SEO and building backlinks to the site. This has been key to growing organic traffic. Also, lately, LinkedIn has been one of the best marketing tools for me.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

You are an ENTREPRENEUR. BELIEVE in YOURSELF and Take ACTION.

You have already read the books, you have listened to the podcasts, you have read all the blog posts and you’ve watched all the YouTube videos.

But none of it matters if you don’t BELIEVE in YOURSELF and if you don’t take ACTION. 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why? 

App: Currently my favorite App is FB business Suite. With this app, I am able to create and schedule FB and Instagram posts on the go for free.

Blog: A new blog I just discovered is the Think like a CFO Podcast by Melissa Houston. She discusses how to manage money in your business. For someone like me who has made terrible financial decisions in the past, her show really taught me a few things.

Book: It hard to only choose one, but I’ll go with The One Thing - by Gary Keller. With so many distractions in the world today, it’s hard to stay focus on the task at hand. If you don’t have a productivity hack, you’ll end up wasting most of your time.

I apply the lessons shared in this book every day by asking a simple question. 

What is the one thing I must do today to be closer to my goal?

Whatever the answer is, I always make sure to complete my one thing daily no matter what optical comes my way.

It is pretty useful.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Currently, one of my favorite tools is slack. I hired a couple of VA (virtual assistants) who are helping me with the site and Slack is the tool we used to manage tasks and communicate. It has been working great. I also use Trello but only for my own personal use. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

I like Gary Vee. I think he tells it like it is. He is good at motivating people to stop being afraid and take action. Fear is what stops most people from being great. I think someone like Gary understands that, and he seems to really try his best to help others break away from it. 

How do you balance work and life?

These days work-life balance is much easier than it used to be. I work from home, and my kids are also doing online schooling, so they are also at home. I can work and spend time with them throughout the day.

To balance everything, I rely on schedules. I have created schedules of what needs to be done and what time it needs to be done. I have schedules for work, schedules for playtime, schedules for chores and fun day, movie night, and video game day, etc. My wife and I do our best to keep everything organized to keep everything on schedule.

It doesn't always work. But that's life.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I have a three-year-old and a 12year old son playing with them is always rewarding. It is one of my go-to activities to decompress and take my mind off work. I also love watching movies and TV shows. Another favorite of course is watching NBA highlights on YouTube.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

For the next 6 months, I will be focusing mostly on creating highly demanded online courses for the Billion Success community. I have a list of demand, pain points, and problems that need solving so my team and I will be focusing on creating the best solutions to those problems.  

My goal from the beginning was to find the best most applicable way to help new entrepreneurs and new self-publish authors to start and grow their brand - we are delivering on that promise. 

How can our readers connect with you?

You can reach me best by visiting my personal website HerbyFabius.com, or my business website BillionSuccess.com, on social media via LinkedIn, Instagram or you can email me directly at herby@billionsuccess.com

"Keep going…there will be frustration, setbacks and times where you feel like you’re getting no luck, but you have to persevere" with Christian J. Hadjipateras

Christian J. Hadjipateras is a London-born writer and keynote motivational speaker. Having been born with severely complex craniofacial anomalies, he underwent over fifty reconstructive surgeries. His mission is to share his story as well as be a voice for adults and children that have similar conditions. He has been involved with two US-based organizations, Face the Future Foundation in Chicago and Children’s Craniofacial Association in Dallas, dedicated to helping children born with facial differences – both emotionally and financially. He also serves as an ACPA Social Media Ambassador.

He holds a Higher National Diploma in Business from Southampton Solent University and has also studied film and production at the London and New York Film Academies. Passionate about film and production, Christian is also working on his first screenplay. He has also been featured in Authority Magazine, ThriveGlobal.com, contributed to HuffingtonPost.com, is a soon-to-be contributor to PopSugar.com, and has an active blog on Medium.com.

Christian and his wife Stephanie split their time between Athens and London.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I was born in London with severe craniofacial anomalies and underwent some 50+ reconstructive surgeries up until my mid/late 20s. Despite the interruptions to my education, I achieved my aim of going to university and graduated in 2009 from Solent University, Southampton, England with a Higher National Diploma in Business. I started my career in the maritime shipping industry, an industry my family has been involved in for generations. However, my passion for film and writing led me to Los Angeles where I worked for a TV distribution company and simultaneously delved into film production, and I attended both the New York (Burbank) and London film academies, achieving certificates in film production and screenwriting respectively. More recently I’ve pursued a long-term ambition of motivational speaking to be a voice for adults and children living with facial differences. These days my wife and I are based in Athens.

What inspired you to start your business? 

Motivational speaking has been a long term ambition of mine for years. Growing up with facial differences had both a physical, and psychological impact on me, particularly when I entered my teenage years. Despite having the love and support of friends and family, I chose to suffer in silence during the tough times and I want to reach out to those who may be going through hard times. Nobody should ever have to suffer in silence. I’m also determined to spread the message of kindness, tolerance, and acceptance. Society has come a long way, but we have to do more collectively.

Where is your business based?

As is the case with us allowing to the unprecedented times we’re in, I work remotely, but otherwise, I’d be travelling to speak at conferences, summits, retreats, schools, universities, etc, to share my story/experiences with others and to reach out to those living with facial differences.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The most important part for me was making sure I was ready. Motivational speaking is something I’ve always wanted to do, but it had to be at the right time. From a young age I’d expressed myself, my story and experiences through writing. I’ve always loved writing, but I also knew that speaking about my experiences would bring a whole new dimension to the message I strive to send out.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

Although we should never underestimate the impact of the ‘old-fashioned’ word-of-mouth, social media is the most effective way to get your message out there. Writing about my experiences is also something I’ll always enjoy doing alongside the impact of being able to talk to an audience face-to-face.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

Being born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and profound hearing loss, among other issues, brought their own challenges. I received intense speech therapy when I was young. At that time I was only properly understood by close friends and family. My speech has improved drastically over the years with a combination of operations,  speech therapy, and working on improving my confidence.

How do you stay focused?

A combination of maintaining physical exercise and a routine, particularly in these unprecedented times.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? Because of the topic I focus on, I don’t look at fellow motivational speakers as competition because the more there are, the better. Working together is great.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

To focus on organisations who offer emotional and financial support to children and adults living with facial differences – and also parents. When I was born, organisations like those were virtually non-existent and my parents had no other parents to relate to, so I know how important these organisations are.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? 

Keep going…there will be frustration, setbacks, and times where you feel like you’re getting no luck, but you have to persevere. Timing is important too. I wanted to do what I do now years ago, but it just wasn’t the right time.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

Right now I’m reading. Barack Obama’s new book, A Promised Land. I enjoy reading travel blogs and travel-related apps as I love going to new places.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I’ve had an interest in the stock markets for years so I find Bloomberg a great resource for keeping up with financial news.

Who is your business role model? Why? 

I’ve always admired Richard Branson…he started out by selling items from his boot and went on to form one of the largest groups in the world. Hard work almost always pays off – and of course that bit of luck, but I believe you make your own luck.

How do you balance work and life? 

By having that all-important routine because it allows you to separate work and social life. Of course there are times when work will consume you a bit, but as long as you keep to the routine as best you can then you will get that balance. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

Walking our dog is a good way to clear the mind as is going for a run. Reading screenplays and watching films is something I enjoy too. My wife and I also love going to an amazing region in northwestern Greece for its nature and we try to go when we can.

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

My main aim alongside my motivational speaking is to finish my screenplay. I started it last year and hope to have the first draft completed in a few months.

How can our readers connect with you?

You can find out more about my background on my website, christianhadjipateras.com, and I’m also on Facebook, Instagram.com, and LinkedIn.

"Just start. It will never be perfect in the beginning" with Kara Freedman

As a New York native, Kara Freedman has a keen eye for trends and emerging markets, as she has spent the last seven years working with, and marketing, top hotels, cruise lines, and food & beverage outlets. Kara has developed and promoted unique and successful culinary experiences on behalf of chefs, restaurants, and hotels. With her previous experience and passion for food that makes you feel good, Kara launched Baked by Nature in March of 2020.

Can you tell our readers about your background?  

I have a Public Relations background! I started my career representing hotels, restaurants, and others in the hospitality space on the agency side. In 2016, I moved in-house to a hotel company and then moved over to Hilton in 2017. I have always had a passion for wellness and food, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit. My biggest joy and happiest memories always involve hosting friends and family, cooking and baking for them, and enjoying laughs around the dinner table.  

What inspired you to start your business?

Baked by Nature is inspired by an incredible WWII Veteran, my grandfather! After escaping the Holocaust and fleeing to America, my grandfather was drafted by the US Army to fight in WWII – where he was injured and received a Purple Heart. My grandfather died in August of 2019 at 99 years old, but always placed an emphasis on wellness, and as an entrepreneur himself, inspired me to start Baked by Nature.

Where is your business based?

Baked by Nature is based in New York City.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took? 

I started Baked by Nature in March of 2020. I began by first registering Baked by Nature as an S Corp and secured insurance. From there, I applied and received my home processing license. Once all of these legal items, among a few others, were in order, I built a website. With my recipe perfected, I began selling online.  In addition, I applied and was approved as a vendor at Down to Earth Farmers Market – Rye.

One additional positive outcome about starting a business during this time is that I was able to launch by giving back. I committed to donating 1000 of my oat-bites to the frontline and healthcare workers at New York hospitals. We also had a “purchase a bag as a donation” – option. I donated to White Plains Hospital in Westchester County and NYU hospital here in the City. This allowed me to get the word out and share that Baked by Nature existed.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Having Baked by Nature at Farmers Markets is key to raising awareness for the business, and I would say the most effective way. It is important to connect with customers, receive feedback, and understand how Oat Bites fit into their lives. As I learn more and more about my customers, I am able to convert them to repeat buyers online, as well as market our products in a way that makes sense to our buyers.   

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?  

I would say my biggest challenge currently is connecting with people during the pandemic. I would love to give customers samples of new flavors and ask for real-time feedback, but this is not permitted with pandemic market regulations.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?  

Baked by Nature Oat Bites have six ingredients or less in each Bite. Most “healthy” food companies produce products with ingredients that you cannot pronounce (and would not want to ingest). We offer a light and small, natural option that is perfect for breakfast, post-workout snack, or quick treat.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Being present at Farmer’s Markets has been my most valuable marketing strategy. Being able to explain what Baked by Nature is and more about our Oat Bites is an invaluable marketing tactic.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?  

Just start. It will never be perfect in the beginning, you will never have the best of everything, but you won’t be able to strive for any of that until you start. So just start!

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My app is Good Reads. I love learning about what others are reading and finding new books that are of interest. My favorite blog is Women on Business – the name speaks for itself. I have so many favorite books, but one of my favorite cook books is Eat Beautiful by Wendy Rowe. I love learning about why food is good for you, and not only does Wendy do that, she also shares the best ways to make those delicious ingredients into spectacular meals.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why? 

I had a professional contact refer me to SCORE. Her husband was a former mentor and she raved about the free offerings SCORE can provide. 

SCORE is filled with business leaders who volunteer their time as mentors and my mentors are some of the most inspiring women I have ever met, and often make me think differently. My mentors have also created a food processing forum, where they organize monthly meetings, which feature a guest speaker! The forum also gives me the opportunity to connect with other SCORE mentees, which is invaluable.  

Who is your business role model? Why?

My grandfather is my business role model. After fleeing to a country where he didn’t even speak the language, he started a business. I think about how much he had to overcome to provide for his family and it inspired me to move forward. He will always be someone I look up to and a true hero in my eyes.

How do you balance work and life?  

I still have a 9-5, and work my primary job every day between 9am – 5:30pm (and some days until 6 or 7pm). After that, I dedicate two to four hours a night working on Baked by Nature. I spend a few to 10 hours a weekend working on the business (depending on the weekend).  

I find the best way to balance both jobs, with my personal life, is to take a night off from Baked by Nature when I need to; I listen to my body and mind and when I need a break, I take one, so I’m rejuvenated and can dedicate more time on Baked by Nature the next day.  

I would pass along the advice Barbara Corcoran touts on Shark Tank and on her podcasts – keep your 9-5 as long as you can! 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?  

My favorite way to decompress is meditating. Over the summer, I started spending 10 minutes each morning meditating and love the way my body and mind respond to it. I find the best way to calm down, de-stress and relax, is to steal 10 minutes from my business day and just breath.

What do you have planned for the next six months?  

I will be participating in the Down to Earth Morningside Park Farmer’s Market on select dates from January – May. I will also be updating my packaging and look forward to showcasing the new look.

How can our readers connect with you?

Readers can connect with me on Instagram @bakedbynature_ or by sending me an email at hello@bakedbynaturefood.com.

"Invest in yourself, learn, apply, repeat" with Rahkim Sabree

Rahkim Sabree is a financial educator and coach with a focus on empowerment. He’s also a TED speaker and best-selling author having been seen in Entrepreneur, The Grio, Thrive Global, Yahoo Finance, Black Enterprise, IHeart Media, Business Insider, and others. Visit his website at Rahkimsabree.com

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Sure, I grew up in Mount Vernon, NY in a young but close-knit family. My primary influences include my Grandfather and my parents who have instilled in me a limitless mindset and a culture for sharing what I know. Having been financially disadvantaged I was exposed to elements of poverty that I use in my story to draw parallels between financial education and financial empowerment.  

What inspired you to start your business?

Entrepreneurship had been stressed in my family growing up so I always knew I wanted to start a business, I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. When I started to educate myself on the topic of personal finance I quickly learned there was a market to share my knowledge with others. Of course, I didn’t look at it as a business opportunity at first, however as I built skills around simplifying complex concepts, presentation skills, marketing, coaching, leadership, personal development, and public speaking, I realized that I could monetize this specialized knowledge. I knew the importance of “doing for self” even if that meant doing it side by side with having a full-time career.  

Where is your business based?

The beauty of coaching and speaking is that it can really take you anywhere. Couple that with communication technology like Zoom or Facetime and that allows you to meet clients wherever they are. I’d say my business is not limited to location, however, I currently reside in the state of Connecticut.

How did you start your business?

What were the first steps you took? I’d like to answer this question in two ways as I view my business in multiple ways. Starting my business (and others) in an official sense requires you to file for recognition via an entity with the state you live in, applying for an EIN, and opening a bank account. However, I can perform similar functions under multiple entities as a speaker, an author, a workshop facilitator/consultant, or a coach. Through that lens, I think the start of my business occurred when I decided to actively invest in education around the topics and themes I educate on. For instance, I’ve paid for ongoing training, seminars, workshops, marketing, coaching, books, etc to put me in a position to tie a price to my expertise and skill set. I believe the moment I made a decision to invest in me, whether I knew it or not, I took steps towards starting my business(es).

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Social proof. In some capacity or another, I’ve been talking about the same concepts, disciplines, etc for years with little to no budging until names like Entrepreneur, TED, or Business Insider became part of my resume. These things didn’t happen by accident, however. I started from the bottom constantly sharing content and thought leadership through social media, volunteer speaking gigs, and blogging to a nonexistent audience. If no one knows who you are or what you do, then it doesn’t matter how good you are you’ll never get clients. By capitalizing on the relationships I’ve built and owned my personal brand I’ve been able to capture the attention of big names that in turn create so much awareness around who I am and what I'm about for the public.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

I think one of my biggest challenges is discovering what I don’t know. I often say you don’t know what you don’t know and it’s true in any business! Overcoming that looks like rolling up your sleeves, getting a mentor (or a few), maybe hiring a business coach, or taking a few courses that let you know not only what is possible but how to get there. I’ve also struggled somewhat with imposter syndrome. I think it’s easy to forget why you do what you do or how you got there when you are constantly comparing your reach and success to someone else’s. My advice would be to focus on what’s in front of YOU. It’s unrealistic to expect someone not to notice someone else’s success, however, you can use that awareness as a compass to what is possible for you and your business without trying to compare their success (or failure) to your own.

How do you stay focused?

I have a wonderful support system that keeps me grounded and encouraged in moments where I truly need it. That said, I'm also very strong-willed and internally motivated. Usually, if I decide that I want something or that I’m going to do something, I get it done. Some exercises to help with this include visualization exercises, affirmations, vision boards, writing down your goals, and having accountability partners.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

By not competing. I know it sounds counterintuitive however I truly believe in abundance. There are other financial educators, coaches, consultants out there whose knowledge and expertise will overlap my own but one thing is for certain -- They will not have my story. My story and background make me different in my ability to connect, empathize, explain, articulate, and deliver than even someone who grew up with a similar story and background. I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and I’ve learned that not everyone is my ideal client, and that’s ok.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Transparency and vulnerability. Many “influencers” or coaches focus on the establishment of an air of authority that is void of the possibility for ignorance, or vulnerability presenting what I’ll refer to as “perfect life syndrome”. When I’m tired I say I’m tired. When I don’t know, I say I don’t know. If I messed up, I'll say I messed up. People tend to connect better with other people and being transparent or vulnerable may encourage others to be transparent and vulnerable as well. I view these things as my strength and not a weakness because true strength is in overcoming those things and if you’ve created a community they will likely encourage you along the way.  

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Invest in yourself, learn, apply, repeat. Aspiring entrepreneurs either get caught up trying to hoard knowledge and never pull the trigger or they dive in headfirst without a foundation or context that can be costly and time-consuming. Spend some time learning something and apply that learning, then go back and learn something else and apply that learning. No one has it all figured out in the beginning and it’s perfectly ok for you to evolve as you learn and grow.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite book is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. I read this book over and over as a reminder on how to navigate the very tricky business of people relations. Differences in culture, generational views, values, or even the way we choose to communicate can land you in a situation where you’re trying to be helpful but you’re being offensive, where you’re trying to network but you’re burning bridges. I believe this book gives a great foundation for understanding how to interact with others particularly if you want them to do something with or for you.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

The cell phone! Many people today take for granted the power in that supercomputer they walk around within their pockets or hands all day. Literally, everything is at your fingertips from contacts to prospects, from knowledge and resources to eCommerce, and if all else fails you can do what the device was made for and dial a number to make a call! Smartphones have changed the world and the way we do business. I can sit in a room with nothing else but my phone and have video conferences, make phone calls, order supplies, jot down notes, perform marketing tasks, order lunch, do research, read a book, listen to music, and watch a movie. Nothing tops that!

Who is your business role model? Why?

I have many and none at the same time! If someone does something in business that I like I can separate that from the individual as a person and apply it to my own business model. Through that lens, my business role model is more a collection of ideas that it is a physical man. However, if I absolutely had to give you a name I’d say at this moment I’d really like to do what Tony Robbins does. To constantly be in demand for my insights by large businesses or business owners and get paid to coach around the world is a goal of mine.  

How do you balance work and life?

I often refer to myself as a hybrid entrepreneur which speaks to the fact that at present I work full time for a company and also work on my own business ventures. It’s something I’ve been doing quite a while now so I believe there is the ease in routine. However, my circumstances allow me to be flexible in this way as I’m single and without children. I imagine this would be quite a bit more difficult when I decide to settle down however I don’t think it impossible. I often suggest that the establishment of boundaries is key to juggling these things. Being self-aware and knowing when to step away, when to stay connected, and when to truly do something for you is key to staying engaged and high performing. Sometimes I have to shut it all down and take a walk and others I have the mental stamina to hit one thing after another.  

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I enjoy sitting in a dimly lit room on cushions and just letting my mind run through its various scenarios while focusing on breathing. I’m a big candle and fragrance guy so those things set the mood and help me to melt away the pressures of the day.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Definitely a refocus on physical health. The pandemic environment has taught me many things about not only the importance of family and friends, or mental and emotional health, but also physical health. I have some small personal projects I’m working on at home and some larger projects like the completion and release of a new book, securing some speaking and consulting gigs, and accepting additional clients. I think everyone is over 2020 so I’m looking forward to what 2021 brings.

 How can our readers connect with you?

I am very responsive on social media particularly Twitter and Instagram @RahkimSabree. Readers can also visit my website at RahkimSabree.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter where I send a variety of personal reflections, advice, and invitations to connect through email.

"Do your numbers correctly, find the right opportunities, continue searching, and look where the technology is going" with Serge Chistov

Serge Chistov is Chief Financial Partner with Honest Marijuana Co. Honest Marijuana has been a leader in cannabis innovation since it’s inception with an organic approach to the growth, production, and packaging of cannabis, the launch of the first-ever organic, hemp wrapped machine-rolled blunts; the invention of the now patented Nanobidiol Technology, and the first company to bring THC-O-Acetate technology and products to market. https://honestmarijuana.com/  

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I am a stockbroker by trade and worked as a financial advisor and consultant starting in the early ’90s on Wall Street. I also founded and managed an import company in the liquor and spirits business in 2006 which I still run. Currently, I am also active as the Chief Financial Partner for the Honest Marijuana Company, an eco-conscious cannabis grower.

What inspired you to start your business?

I think my interest in the cannabis industry was driven by learning about the plant and finding the most organic way for the plant to manufacture its medicine. Honest Marijuana Company has taken it a step further with new and improved ways to preserve the plant and actually deliver it to the consumer in its purest, most effective form. Because at the end of the day, this is a medicine we’re after. It’s not the smoking sensation. The majority of people these days are looking at cannabis as a medicine to relieve stress and anxiety or to mitigate a certain condition in your body. 

Where is your business based?

Honest Marijuana Company is based in Colorado. 

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Towards the end of 2009, I started to look into the cannabis field because the industry was an exciting one with many growth opportunities, and also attracted a lot of very interesting and passionate people. It was also something that was dear to me as a substance for many, many years. That’s how I ended up in the cannabis space. Honest Marijuana Company was built three, four, five steps ahead of the curve, ahead of the crowd, in terms of manufacturing, in terms of preservation and packaging, and in terms of product delivery. We knew we could bring to market a better product with our philosophy of preserving the plant in its purest form, but it had to be done right. So we did the necessary legwork and research on setting up a grow facility that would accomplish that goal and one that was eco-friendly from start to finish. We hope ours will be the model for responsible, eco-friendly, health-conscious cannabis farms and products around the country.

That was the logic behind it and so far it’s been working quite well. People really do appreciate what we do for a living and appreciate those extra steps we take in order to make our product the best product it can be.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I believe word of mouth, consistency of our offering, the commitment of the company to deliver the best possible and purest cannabis we know how to grow, along with the unique preservation of the cannabis and being innovators in all of these areas have contributed to overall awareness. Our organic and eco-conscious approach has caught the attention of both the general public, but also the media leading to a number of profile stories about the company and its approach. New product introductions, new technology, communicating through social media, and having a very popular blog on our website are just some of the factors we contribute to the success of the brand. 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

What I find challenging about the industry is the unpredictability of the federal regulations. There are still unknowns surrounding banking, the IRS, and how they view us. From the manufacturing side, there is also inconsistency in packaging compliance, and regulatory framework, and the ever-changing inconsistency. It can be like sticking Jello to the wall- virtually impossible to do every time. You think you are successful and you finally have your product ready to go., but then you end up having to re-do the packaging because there’s a new regulation. It’s very painful to do and challenging to keep up with.

How do you stay focused?

I find that meditation, exercise, and trying to leverage the early time of the day for myself helps to turn this endeavor into something that the mind and body can support. I think this is the best advice I could give anyone.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Honest Marijuana Company is a pioneer in the industry in a number of ways. We use earth-friendly recyclable tin cans with pure nitrogen to ensure only the highest level of integrity and quality, launched Honest Blunts, which are the first organic hemp-wrapped, machine-rolled cannabis blunts, and invented the recently patented Nanobidiol™ Technology, which reduces non-water-soluble substances like cannabinoids into a nano-size so they can be added to transdermal patches, topical lotions, and other cannabis products for the cleanest, most efficient, and most discreet form of cannabis consumption. We are who we are. We use what we grow and manufacture.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Quite frankly, our advertisement opportunities are much more limited due to the industry specifics. I wish I could tell you that we have some magical formula for marketing. We do a very good job with SEO on our website. The Honest Marijuana website gets close to 750- 800,000 unique visitors each month. That’s a huge number.

In addition, our blog is one of the top ten blogs in the universe. We write about the subjects that we find interesting, edgy, and persistent. Then, it’s important to optimize our good content. That has been our formula for bringing us to where we are now. Using our blog as a tool to educate cannabis consumers on the difference between organic and non-organic preparation, perishability, preservation, cleaning and growth, has been effective. We are finding that people are searching for this information, want to be educated, so processing these topics have brought a lot of readers, a lot of customers, a lot of comments. So this is what we’ve done right. 

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Going into a cannabis business is no different than going into any other business. You have to look at the business advantages, check your business plan, make sure that you are going into the right price structures, that you are not necessarily basing those on the existing or the best-case scenarios. Do your numbers correctly, find the right opportunities, continue searching, look where the technology is going. The excitement of the word cannabis and the business will wear off very shortly. I think it already starting to wear off and now it is just a business like any other business so due diligence is very important.

And my advice going into any business is to calculate it, calculate it, and calculate it. Count many times before you invest your money, make sure that you have a proper exit strategy, that you are not committing your entire capital just because of the excitement, keep emotions away from it, and by all means, invest.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

In terms of apps, I prefer Uber, Kayak, and Open Table because I use them the most. With regard to books, Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor who has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, she is the author of five #1 New York Times Best Sellers which have helped me continue to persevere. And my favorite website would be the blog located on the Honest Marijuana Company’s site, of course 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My 12-inch laptop. This guy has been with me all across the world and keeps me connected to what I need to do with the people in my industry and my business. In addition, my Blackberry. I will be the last man in the world with a Blackberry! I travel non stop so I need portable tools to do my work.

Who is your business role model? Why?

There are so many that I use when I am forming my decisions, but I do like the work of Dr. Brene Brown on the open markets. Some of Ben Bernanke’s books on the fundamentals of leading companies and stocks I think are good as well. There is no way I could give the credit to just one individual, however.

How do you balance work and life?

Balancing work and life is difficult for me. Being able to use my phone functions by blocking the communication for a couple of hours to take time for myself as a task is one way. I don’t subscribe to the philosophy of, “When I retire, I’m going to travel”. I implement my desires into my daily, monthly, yearly activities, and make a commitment to full-hearted living. Enjoying life when it is great, good, and not so good, that’s the path that I’ve chosen to take.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Scuba diving, hiking, skiing, tubing, shooting guns are a few ways I unwind. I am currently learning to fly so I enjoy time spent on a plane. They are all good experiences to clear my mind and concentrate on the now.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

On the personal side, my task for this year is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro by the end of 2020.

And on the business side, we are working on introducing new machinery into the edible category which will allow us to showcase nanotechnology as part of our offerings.

How can our readers connect with you?

info@honestmarijuana.com or via our social media, @honestmaryj on Facebook, @honestmarijuanaco on Instagram.