"Have a clear understanding of both the problem you’re trying to solve and how you are uniquely suited to solve that problem" with Neily Boyd

Neily Boyd has more than a decade of experience as a math educator, working with students and teachers from kindergarten through high school. Most recently, she served as Director of Math, serving six elementary and middle schools. During her tenure, she implemented a hands-on mathematics curriculum designed to engage students in academic discussion and conceptual thinking. As a result, the schools showed some of the highest growth in Tennessee, according to several assessments.  

Seeing a need to help children start kindergarten with better numeracy skills, Boyd launched Counting With Kids in 2019. Since then, her Instagram account has grown to more than 30,000 followers and she has published two e-books on early elementary mathematics. Boyd has also hosted numerous workshops for parents seeking to build their children’s numeracy skills.

Boyd’s vision has since expanded to supporting parents and educators from preschool through elementary ages by providing easy-to-use resources aligned with rigorous best practices. She also continues to host regular online sessions where parents from around the globe seek her advice.  

1.     Can you tell our readers about your background?

I am a former secondary math teacher, and most recently was the Director of Math for six elementary and middle schools. In that role, I implemented a hands-on mathematics curriculum designed to engage students in academic discussion and conceptual thinking. As a result, the schools showed some of the highest growth in Tennessee, according to several assessments. But, for me, the most exciting part was watching students’ excitement around math grow as it began to feel both relevant and interesting.

In 2019, I started Counting With Kids with a purpose of providing parents of young children with high-quality, research-based information for incorporating math at home. I’ve found that the most practical way to do this is through comprehensive, yet simple activities that fit into families’ everyday routines.

I have a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and an M.Ed from Lipscomb University, and I am mom to two kids—a preschooler and first grader. My husband is also a teacher, and with over 25 years of combined experience working in schools, there’s a lot of talk about teaching and learning in our house.

2.     What inspired you to start your business?

Throughout my more than a decade working in math education, I became increasingly aware of a root cause as to why children were struggling with math: it wasn’t being connected to their real lives. The math learned in the classroom wasn’t translating into their lived experiences. Research shows this gap starts as early as the toddler years.

Seeing a need to help children start kindergarten with stronger foundational math skills, I started Counting With Kids in 2019. My goal was to provide parents with easily-accessible, research-based ways to connect math to real life. Since then, the Counting With Kids Instagram page has grown to more than 30,000 followers and I have published two e-books on early elementary mathematics. I also host numerous workshops for parents all over the world seeking to build their children’s numeracy skills. In August, I will launch two membership communities to support parents of preschoolers and kindergarteners as they build their children’s early math foundation.

3.     Where is your business based? 

I am based in Nashville, TN, but my business is predominantly online. Through the Counting With Kids website, Instagram and Facebook, I work with thousands of parents from all over the world.

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

My first steps were to launch my website and social media accounts, specifically Instagram and Facebook. Through these channels, I was able to connect with people who shared my interest in early math and reach parents who wanted more support in building math skills at home. For the first year, I focused solely on growing the blog and social media accounts. This allowed for time to fully understand the needs parents had around early math and ultimately create resources that would help solve the frustrations they were feeling. 

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

Instagram has been the most effective tool for raising awareness of Counting With Kids. Through connecting with people on the Instagram platform, I have the privilege of talking with my clients and hearing about their experiences with math. Building these relationships has been invaluable to growing Counting With Kids for two reasons:

(1)   Through my conversations with my clients, I am better able to understand what is working with math in the early years and what isn’t. This allows me to continually adapt my products and services to best meet the daily needs of my clients.

(2)   The relationships I’ve built through Instagram allow me to add a personal element to my online business. Online businesses can often feel so impersonal, but my clients know me. They watch videos of math in my home with my children. They share stories and pictures of what their children are working on at home. This connection is why so many of them refer their friends and family to my page. It’s truly a community of parents supporting each other as they bring more math into their homes.

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

My biggest challenge has been working by myself. I love to collaborate and bounce ideas around with colleagues. While I still miss the dynamic of working in an office with a team, I’ve found that there are lots of other people out there who share my interests and are doing similar work. I’ve developed friendships with a few other people who are doing early math work, and we now bounce ideas off each other and offer support in the way a traditional colleague normally would.

7.     How do you stay focused?

I use a method called block scheduling. When you run your own business, it can get very easy to get distracted by the 42 different hats you wear on a daily basis. So, I block out time on my calendar each week to handle the logistical things I know will come up—time for accounting, time to respond to client emails, time to update the website. This allows me to focus on the creative projects that need large chunks of deep focus. I don’t get distracted by things that pop up because I know I have time blocked out later to attend to those issues.

8.     How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I think the personal touch I’m able to add through my Instagram page makes a big difference. People know me, and I get to know them. They understand why this work matters to me so much, and, by seeing math come to life in my home, they’re able to visualize the process in their homes.

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

Instagram, without a doubt. It allows me to personalize my work in a way that simply isn’t possible through a website alone.

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

Have a clear understanding of both the problem you’re trying to solve and how you are uniquely suited to solve that problem.

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

Favorite app: SparkPost. It’s a great tool for adding fun and personal touches to my photos.

Favorite blog: Emily P. Freeman’s blog focuses on decision-making and learning to decipher our “next right thing.” It’s really helped me learn to define my priorities and set boundaries when things aren’t a priority.

Favorite book: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown has taught me how to show up in my work and in my leadership as my true self. 

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

Honestly, Google. There is a never-ending list of new things for entrepreneurs to learn, and most of the time Google is the tool that points me to the specific tool I need for a specific problem I’m having. There’s no shame in not knowing everything. Google can help.

13.  Who is your business role model? Why? 

Brené Brown. She recognized a need in our society—to help people build comfort around the topics of shame and vulnerability—and, by understanding how her skill set could be used to help, she has completely changed the global conservation about the connection between vulnerability and courage. She balances research with creativity, and honesty with understanding. Additionally, her work on leadership, specifically her book Dare to Lead and the corresponding podcast, has deeply influenced my beliefs about how to inspire change.

14.  How do you balance work and life? 

The key is setting boundaries. The challenge is knowing which boundaries to set. I once heard advice that every “yes” we say is a “no” to something else. Every time an ask comes my way, I take time to think about the “no” I’m saying if I give that ask a “yes.” Along with this, I’ve also taken time to get very clear on my work priorities and my personal life priorities. If an ask is made of me that would result in a corresponding “no” to one of my priorities, then I set a boundary and say no to the ask. Setting boundaries in work is challenging for me, but it gets a lot easier when I have clarity around what I’m sacrificing in my personal life if I don’t set that boundary.

15.  What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I reset by going on walks and listening to music.

16.  What do you have planned for the next six months. 

In August of this year, I’m launching Math Companions, which are online communities for parents with preschool and kindergarten-age students. These communities function as a hub for parents seeking resources and expertise explaining the math children should be learning at each developmental step, why it’s important and how they can support it at home. Math Companions will add another grade level of content each school year.

 How can our readers connect with you?

My Instagram and Facebook are @countingwithkids, and you can also find me on my website, www.countingwithkids.com.

5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A Founder with Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis is a Visibility and Publicity Expert who helps established entrepreneurs discover their unique online identity, shape their pitch plan and start landing press quickly.

Co-Founder of The Publicity Place™ , Michelle Lewis is a leading authority on color psychology, brand positioning and publicity strategy. She's helped thousands of entrepreneurs land their dream features and impact their ever-expanding audience with her techniques.

Michelle's journey began in 2016 when she left Hollywood and started with her first e-book, which became an e-course, which became a steadily growing brand.

She currently lives in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho with her husband, pug, and three ducklings - and can't be parted with her garden or fresh brewed iced tea.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I had zero plans to work in PR, but thinking back on it, I’d always had my hands in it. Working with actors, directors, and producers, I was always assembling reels and drawing up press pages as a friend to help them get their names out there. And when we were pitching a tv show I had written and produced, I had to get the word out there about it myself. We ended up premiering at the Gary Marshall theatre and getting a write-up in Hollywood Magazine. Little did I know that - years later - I’d get into entrepreneurship. That led to meeting Kristin Marquet, a renowned publicist that co-authored “Publicity Jumpstart” with me. And now we’re launching a PR business together to help entrepreneurs get their own press.

Can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey?

Finding what specific talents you offer in the online space is staggeringly hard. I think we’ve all fallen victim to course-buying fever and thinking our success is dependent on what programs we purchase or masterminds we join. That was my biggest struggle. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to shut it all off and just go with my gut. That was my best advisor.

Where did you get the drive to continue even though things were so hard?

I’m a stubborn lass. And I’ve had a lot of careers that didn’t work. I think most entrepreneurs have. And, for some reason, I refused to let go of this one. Every day I’d do at least one thing to move my business forward. And I think that persistence is the only reason things have grown to where they are today.

So, how are things going today? How did grit and resilience lead to your eventual success? 

Trying was my key. I just refused to stop. That led to me booking TEDx, getting on some major stages like Heart Behind Hustle, Epic Mastermind San Diego, and even BossCon. Behind the scenes, I was always working, tweaking, and testing my products and funnels. That persistence helped me grow slowly but steadily to this point, where my programs run pretty hands-free. And that gave me the opportunity to partner with Kristin with PR.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

There have been so many! I remember going to Melissa Pharr’s event in New York City. I was taping her event and had gotten food poisoning on the plane. Trying to get to her house at 5 am on the train system...well, it’s a miracle I made it. She graciously let me sleep at her place and got me to the event’s hotel so I could rest in my room. Talk about embarrassing! But I gave the event my best and she ended up with some really great footage she used for future events. I think I learned that full transparency and vulnerability are okay. You just have to do your best despite your circumstances!

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

I’ve seen a lot of PR programs or done-for-you services over the years. And I get pitches for my podcast every single day. Honestly? There’s something missing in how people are approaching PR. I see people getting frustrated because either they’re not booking what they want to book or they don’t take action because everything feels too overwhelming.

I think The Publicity Place™ stands out because Kristin and I have a lot of experience working with clients. Kristin has done some of the biggest PR for people worldwide. And I’ve spent a ton of time inside of teams helping them build their PR strategy from within.

That experience has helped us create actionable and easy-to-understand strategies that really work.

For example, I worked with Laura Rike recently within her team. We were able to build up the PR leg of her business and her features just skyrocketed. Podcasts, blogs, publications, she has booked an incredible amount of press. Nothing complicated, just actionable strategies that work.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I think finding your productivity curve. Coming from Hollywood, I was used to working 15 hour days. So, when I launched my online business, I put in that same work time. What a mistake! It took me a long time to learn to stick with the times I’m most productive. Personally, that means working from 9 am-12 pm. Then, if I need to create some new content or a new program, I do that in the afternoons from 2-4 pm. Sticking to 4-6 hour workdays and batching my tasks has made a huge difference with burnout. Don’t be afraid to shorten your workdays!

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

I’m grateful for my partner in The Publicity Place™ Kristin Marquet. We co-authored a book together early in my career and I honestly have no idea what she saw in me! But we launched that to Amazon bestseller status and she has always been such a huge support. She was the one that pushed me to get into publicity and now we have this incredible brand. I remember booking my TEDx talk in New York and she instantly said I had to stay with her. Since I was recovering from a back injury, having that kind of friendship meant the world. 

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?  

I’d like to think so! Every month, I have my students choose the cause to donate to. I give to the company Samaritan's Purse, which helps people all over the world. Some months it’s hurricane disaster relief, others are supporting low-income families. It’s a huge passion of mine and something I try to instill in every student. If you’re burdened to lead a business, then I believe you’ve been given a unique burden to help the world in some way. Tapping into that, even if it’s just $1 right now, is so key to helping the planet.

What are your "5 things I wish someone told me before I started leading my company" and why? Please share a story or example for each. 

1. Get unique. There are so many people out there doing exactly what you do. What I do. The best way to differentiate yourself is to pick the very unique part that only you teach. For me, it was color psychology. I had a very different perspective with branding and that’s what booked stages, publications, and podcasts. So get that differentiator as quickly as you can.

2. Keep it small. I think there’s a lot of pressure to grow fast and build a team quickly. I certainly got into the hamster wheel of hiring and outsourcing. For me, it was too much work! It took some time to figure out that all I needed was an amazing VA and a Pinterest manager. That’s it! Figure out what you really need taken off your plate and hire from there.

3. Turn off your notifications. I don’t know about you, but I can’t get any work done if emails, texts, and social notifications are going off constantly. Turning everything off gives me laser-focused time so I can get more done. Nothing is truly an emergency online, right? So I’m not afraid to get back to people on my timeline so I’m less frantic and more focused.

4. Focus on your value ladder. We’re tempted to build out too many products, too many offers, too many opt-ins. I wish I would have sat down with one opt-in, email sequence, and offer earlier on. I beg my students to do this first so they have a very clear path to start with. Because, once it’s built, all you have to focus on is traffic.

5. Focus on visibility, then publicity. There’s a huge misconception in our industry that these terms mean the same thing...they don’t. Visibility is on your own platforms. It’s what you’re doing to attract traffic, subscribers, and customers. Publicity is the next step in sharing your message on other people’s platforms. So I shout this from the rooftops. Get your visibility plan locked in first, then work on your publicity.

Can you share a few ideas or stories from your experience about how to successfully ride the emotional highs & lows of being a founder”? 

There are going to be wonderful moments, then there will be moments of despair as a founder. And there’s honestly equal value in each. I think the best advice would be to not take things personally and not attach too deeply. I think you have to really analyze your personality type. Some people really need support and mentorship. I’m not that way at all. I’m much happier if I’m doing things on my own. Most people around me don’t even know what I do outside of work - I like it that way. Unplugging and getting in my garden or to the lake keeps me balanced and happy. So you have to find what gives you those moments of fresh air. 

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Giving back. There’s too much focus on what we are buying ourselves on social media. If that shifted to where we were giving to help the world, I think that would be much more powerful. More attractive to our customers. And more inspiring to the next generation. If we stopped caring about what our income could buy the US and how it could change OTHERS for the better, that would be the movement I’d want to join.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can find us at thepublicityplace.com

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

"Delegating is hard, but will keep you focused on the reason you started your business in the first place" with Catherine Nguyen

Photo by Jillian Clark

Catherine Nguyen is a Raleigh-based advertising and editorial photographer specializing in residential and commercial interior design and architecture. A New York native, Catherine has a background in visual design for banking and management consulting, branding and marketing—she even studied programming and economics at Columbia University. After realizing her passion for creative pursuits, she attended The Academy of Art University in San Francisco to study photography. From landscapes and fashion to food and real estate, Catherine worked in many different photography genres before focusing upon interiors and architecture.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I never thought I was creative. I grew up in a traditional family setting where my school studies were emphasized, especially math and science. I even went to a specialized high school Stuyvesant in Manhattan. While there, I took a painting class to fulfill a requirement senior year and found that I really enjoyed it. I started painting and then taking snapshots to remember scenes to paint later. 

What inspired you to start your business? 

I traveled a bit in 2000 and came home with over 30 rolls of film. I started to realize that my love of photography had begun to overshadow my love of painting. I was freelancing in NYC as a presentation designer and creative services project manager in banking and management consulting firms. After a tough break up, I realized it was time for a life change. I decided to move to San Francisco and work toward a BFA in commercial photography at the Academy of Art University.

 Where is your business based? I am based in Raleigh, North Carolina, however travel to San Francisco to shoot for clients a few times a year.

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

I went back to school to study photography. I assisted at a busy commercial food photography studio, a wedding and portrait studio, and for a fashion photographer. During my last year at the Academy, I dipped my toe in the water by shooting under a wedding photographer as well as shooting for a busy real estate photography company in the area. I realized that I did not want to photograph weddings full time, but loved shooting houses and interiors. The last year of school, I worked on a still life portfolio and my website as well as marketing collateral. I was lucky to have some design experience in my past. I worked with the real estate photography company until the market crashed in 2008. Then I went to work for a hospitality content creator based in Vancouver. I gained a lot of experience shooting commercial properties during that time.

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

As a commercial photographer, I find that getting published is key to raising brand awareness. When I moved from San Francisco to Raleigh, I immediately studied the local magazines and reached out to the Creative Directors of several. I met with the Creative Director for Walter Magazine and started shooting for them in 2014. I have gained many clients through being published over the course of the years. 

Social media has played a large part in helping me to grow my business. Instagram is a great way to get my new work out there and to be on the radar for local businesses as well as national business.

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

Going back to school to study photography at 30 was scary. I was leaving a city and a well-paying job that I had created for myself. After establishing a client base in San Francisco, my husband and I decided to relocate closer to my family in Raleigh. I essentially had to start over. That was tough, but I stayed focused. I reached out to local magazines, scoured Houzz to reach out to local interior designers and architects. I took a leap of faith, but it has paid off!

How do you stay focused?

I love what I do. This helps me stay focused while having to wear many hats and work long days. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

I offer a lot of styling input to my clients before and during photo shoots. Not all photographers do this. I strive to better my shooting and post production techniques on an evolving basis. I definitely shoot and process differently now than I did several years ago. I also help pitch stories to magazines and other media outlets as part of my services.

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

Being published locally, nationally, and working on the television show Love It or List It has solidified my reputation. This in addition to posting and interacting regularly with businesses on Instagram has been very effective in growing my business. 

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

Find the right team to help you build your business so you can focus on what you're good at. Delegating is hard, but will keep you focused on the reason you started your business in the first place.

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

y favorite app is 645 PRO. It is a camera app that allows you to simulate shooting on a medium format camera. My favorite coffee table book is, "Japan" by Michael Kenna. It is a beautifully designed black silk book with a bone enclosure toggle. The book features long-exposure black and white photography by the British photographer. He is one of the reasons I became a photographer. My favorite blog at the moment is www.sunnycirclestudio.com. Erin has a wonderful way of bringing her designs and styling projects to life in an approachable way.

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

The APA is a great business resource. It is the American Photographic Artists organization. Its mission is to "improve the environment for photographic artists and clear the pathways to success in the industry." They provide a directory for commercial photographers as well as business manuals and articles to help with your business. I have been a member since I was a student. 

Who is your business role model? Why? 

My business role model was my first boss, Dorothy Safian. She was an investment banker-turned-executive-recruiter in Manhattan. She taught me never to accept, "no" as an answer. I learned a lot about bookkeeping, business writing, client relationships and generally how to be a woman business owner in an industry dominated by men.

 How do you balance work and life? 

I have difficulty balancing work and life at times since my business is growing rapidly. I have started to take my own advice and delegate certain responsibilities so that I can focus on what I love: photography.

What’s your favorite way to decompress? I decompress by painting. I learned how to work with alcohol ink in the past few years and it has become a wonderful way to tune out, relax and create something beautiful without any expectations.

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

I have a few small trips planned to relax, visit friends and family and regenerate after a tough year-and-a-half without any travel. I also plan to train an assistant to take over more of the administrative tasks of the job so that I can have a better work-life balance.

How can our readers connect with you?

Readers can connect with me at www.catherinenguyen.com and follow me on social media at  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CatherineNguyenPhotography

Instagram: www.instagram.com/catnguyenphoto

"Be creative" with Cori Deans

Founded by Upstate New York native Cori Deans, Small Town Cultures was built on the passion to heal with plant-based ferments that are accessible and vibrantly fresh. Fermented in small batches without vinegar or sugar (resulting in uniquely bright and fresh flavors) and then packaged in glass, Small Town Cultures’ products are a rainbow of clean nutrition. Now, the women-owned, family-run business with humble beginnings in local farmers’ markets has expanded to shops all across the country and is hitting store shelves in over 40 Whole Foods Market shelves in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas starting in June 2021.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Professionally, I come from a health and wellness background. Those insights and skills that I developed in my former career have lent themselves well to running a vegetable fermentation company.

What inspired you to start your business?

I was initially inspired to learn all that I could about probiotic microbes and fermentation in order to heal my autoimmune gut disease. 

Years ago, I found myself trapped in a cycle of medication and surgeries to treat an aggressive autoimmune disorder called  Crohn's Disease. My doctors' goal was only to put my symptoms in remission. This approach ended up taking a toll on me both spiritually and mentally. Instead, eating a diet that is high in living colonies of probiotics microbes such as those found in kimchi, yogurt and kombucha has allowed me to heal myself from Crohn's Disease.  

Where is your business based?

We are located in the rural town of Keene NY, nestled deep in the Adirondacks. 

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

My business started accidentally as I had a career in which I was enjoying and doing very well. I am admittedly a bit of an overachiever. Anything that I do, I often over do. So when I started to create fermentation recipes to help heal my autoimmune disease, I didn't just make one batch at a time but I would make 4 or 5 different variations of the same recipe at a time. This then led to both a surplus of fermented goodies as well as a handful of choice recipes which were family and friend tested. From there I approached some of my favorite local health food stores and specialty markets with the recipes/products that I had developed to see if they would have any interest in carrying them.  

I was not a stranger to this as when I was in grade school my sister and I used to bake treats from scratch such as brownies, cakes and cookies to sell at a local retail store. With an entrepreneurial spirit, my sister and I would also walk up and down Lake Placid, NY's Main Street selling our goodies to the shop keepers thinking that they would also appreciate the convenience of having fresh baked goods presented to them when they were perhaps unable to take a break.

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

I have thought about what is the most effective way to raise awareness about my ferments and their many health benefits, and what I have come up with is super down to earth: Just make something that people want to eat and the rest will follow. So, we focus first and foremost on the flavor of our ferments. Next, we consider color (we eat with our eyes after all), then ease of use and desirability. Lastly, we moved the ingredients to the front of the jar, so that there is no confusion; our products are as simple and clean as you think they should be. I know that most companies have crazy marketing plans and pour a bunch of money into getting clicks, etc. but we’re old school. We just want to make something that you crave and the rest will take care of itself.

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

I remember saying with a straight face to the first distributor who approached Small Town Cultures to carry our line that I started the business so that I could have more flexibility in my schedule to spend with my newborn son. I had no idea what amount of time and dedication an infantile business would require and how many family trips/vacations/beach days would get sacrificed.  

The truth is that you work hard to get to a point where you can hire people to help you run your business, but as a self-funded micro start up, if you don't do something yourself, it doesn't get done. So one of my biggest challenges initially was allocation of time. I wanted to be everywhere at once thinking I could please everyone and still do an exceptional job as a mother, a loving partner, a small-business owner and a friend.

But what ended up happening was that I never slept, worked in the "off hours" and tried to participate fully in all other aspects of my life. It was unsustainable and could have ended pretty tragically. I decided to take a closer look at my business and stopped doing things that were not working or were not in line with the direction of my company. This freed me up to focus on both my family and where I really wanted to take my business. 

How do you stay focused?

I literally, without exaggeration, hear "Eye of the Tiger" play on repeat in my head… and have for years, lol

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Small Town Cultures makes fermented veggies (and some fruits) and stands out from the competition by offering more than just kimchi, sauerkraut and pickles. We try to focus on where people's tastes actually are, instead of where we wish they were, so we innovated fermented red onions and sliced jalapenos. We also focus on the natural beauty of the vegetables which is why instead of a large label covering our product with a picture, we use a transparent label and let the ferments be the star of our packaging. Our simple and clean ingredients are also something we want to highlight, so that list appears on the front of our packaging making it easy to recognize what is, and what is not, in our products.  

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

We listen to our sales. Just because I love something does not always mean that shoppers will love it. We have found that what works best for us are simple one- or two- ingredient ferments. They are more versatile which means they are easier to use. You don't need Google to figure out how to use a fermented sliced jalapeno; you just put it on or in things and it adds all of that great flavor, plus makes your dish, sandwich or cocktail probiotic rich.

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

Be creative; realize that there are many paths to achieving your goal and choose the right one for you. Also be prepared for failure because you will have many many things go wrong, but it is what you do with a negative that actually makes your business stronger and more resilient. 

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

I have sooo many favorite resources. I love the podcast, "How I Built This," with Guy Raz for inspiration. Sandor Katz is my favorite writer/thinker on all things fermented. I also loved the simplicity and directness of The Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Law, because you don't know what you don't know.

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

I’d encourage any start up to reach out to Start Small Think Big as the non-profit can help you navigate the ins and outs of small-business ownership.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I have so many entrepreneurs that I respect and wish to emulate, but what they all have in common is curiosity and resilience.

How do you balance work and life?

Work and life balance is a work in progress. As a family we prioritize simplicity and experiences, but as a small-business owner I need to constantly stay focused on the tasks at hand and not get overwhelmed by tomorrow’s to-do list. I would like to highlight doing what you love and being surrounded by LOVE from your family is all one can really ask for. So yes, we are busy, but we are building a life together doing honest work. It also helps that we only live in a 600 square foot house which means less cleaning and way less accumulation of stuff.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

My favorite way to decompress is just to be present. It doesn't matter what you are doing,  you can always be present in that moment.  

What do you have planned for the next six months?  

At the moment, Small Town Cultures is focused on scaling up our operations...so all of the normal things like hiring the right team now to be leaders in the future (shout out to Donovan, Sara, Briana, Jessica, Trista, Paulo and Bill), procuring the right equipment to be more efficient, and partnering with the right retailers and distributors.

How can our readers connect with you?

Great questions!! I have had a bunch of fantastic mentors and advisors along the way. If any of your readers are interested in contacting me I would be happy to answer any questions, schedule a chat, etc. You can email info@smalltowncultures.com or contact us through our website www.smalltowncultures.com.

Whoa, Wait. Walmart? with Bethany and Amanda

Meet Bethany and Amanda, style soulmates and the brains behind Whoa, Wait. Walmart? With backgrounds in fashion and interiors, these besties are passionate about hunting down surprisingly cool items from the aisles of Walmart. Each time the gals pop into a Walmart, they become your personal shoppers, on a budget. Amanda shops at the Nashville, TN stores. Bethany shops at the NW Arkansas stores. Nearly eight years later, Bethany and Amanda share their high-end looks on a low-end budget with over 334,000 of their very best (virtual) friends and they’re helping make Walmart (!) cool. Check out their Whoa, Wait. Live a Lovely Life for Less magazine, now available at ALL Walmart locations.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

We both were raised to hunt for a good deal on everything we wanted to buy.

What inspired you to start your business?

Whoa, wait. Walmart? began out of the genuine love for sharing on-trend, value-priced items with friends and family.

Where is your business based?

In Bentonville, AR and Nashville, TN.

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

We literally grabbed an Instagram handle and headed to Walmart to shoot our favorite in-store items. We had no idea what this would grow into, but we ran with it and worked hard.

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

Word of mouth!  When people constantly tag their friends in our posts, that's the sweet spot for growth.  

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

We have struggled with various aspects of the influencer world, like championing a retailer that isn't as trendy as some. But doing this work together, not alone, has been priceless. We have each other's backs, always. 

How do you stay focused?

We don't always, ha! But, we do try to take time to refocus our efforts and direction every so often. We love a good work retreat!

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

From the beginning, we've tried to stick to our vision of sharing the best products that Walmart has to offer. We can't always differentiate our posts from other accounts, but we can consistently show up for our audience and be competent and reliable for our brand partners. It sounds so basic, but we often hear how appreciated that small effort is. 

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? So many of our favorite ventures have come from partnering with businesses that see the value of our vision and appreciate our work ethic. Then, they come to us with new opportunities for exposure and growth.

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

Show up every day and ask questions. We still learn something new every week!

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

 App: Instagram. It's still a source of inspiration for us and without it, we wouldn't be here! Blog: We aren't reading blogs quite like we used to but we still love “A Beautiful Mess” and “Style by Emily Henderson.” Book: We both just read Beach Read by Emily Henry and LOVED it!

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

After years of doing everything ourselves we recently hired a team to manage back of house tech stuff and it has been the biggest blessing.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Sara Blakely. She is innovative, bold and kind.  

How do you balance work and life?

There is no true balance, but our workload ebbs and flows so we make sure that when work is slower, we are spending the extra time on important things like our families.  

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Baths, face masks, bingeing shows, or a good book - we could go on!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

In addition to creating content for our social channels, we also have a Walmart exclusive lifestyle magazine, Whoa, Wait. Live a Lovely Life for Less! We'll be hard at work on the upcoming issues!

How can our readers connect with you?

Find us on Instagram @whoawaitwalmart, our website WhoaWaitWalmart.com where you can sign up for our Insider's Club email, and in the pages of our magazine, Whoa, Wait. Live a Lovely Life For Less, sold at all Walmart stores in the United States and Canada.

"Take your time. Rome wasn’t built in a day," with Ashley Finley, MSW

Photo Credit: Kani Amuthan 

Ashley Finley, MSW is a mental health advocate, author, and entrepreneur. Ashley is a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington and Barry University and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. As a social worker and teacher, Ashley saw the importance of having social-emotional-focused children’s books with characters of color.

She is now using her social work, counseling, and teaching experience to create such stories that empower readers to connect with, respect, and value themselves and others around them. She founded JJ Carson Press to add an additional layer of richness and diversity to the children’s literature space. 

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Growing up, I always thought I hated reading. I was interested in very few books that were available to me. As I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and became a certified teacher, I realized the true power of representation and how connection sets the foundation for learning. I revisited the gap in children’s literature and decided to do something about it. I now use my social work and teaching background to create stories that feature children of color, and have a social-emotional component woven into them.

What inspired you to start your business?

I was inspired to start my business with my children. As a teacher, I often found it hard to find books that my students could connect well with and learn from, but when I became a mother, it was an entirely different ball game. I wanted my children to have books with characters who looked like them, teaching them the lessons that I found to be important. When I could not find the books that I wanted, I created them myself.

Where is your business based?

We are based in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area.

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

 I started becoming an author by simply writing. That is what I knew how to do best. I joined Facebook groups of other authors and illustrators and began to take notes and ask questions. Then, I gradually began to research specific steps on what you should do to start a business on Google, and also sought guidance from my local SBA chapter. Lastly, I stumbled upon some publishing courses taught by a seasoned author, and here I am!

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

I have taken a multifaceted approach to marketing my business. After identifying the characteristics of my avatar (buyer), I identify where I would find them. This gives me a picture of where I should advertise.

I also absolutely love using social media, as it can be one of the most cost-effective and easiest avenues. I connect with local organizations, too.  

When I am determining which organizations to connect with, I think of all of the ones that would be interested in my story, as an individual, and reach out to them. This includes my alma maters, libraries that I grew up in, local newspapers, and television stations.

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

My biggest challenge has been conquering the learning curve. I don’t have parents or close family who can teach me the business or publishing ropes, so I am learning most things on my own. This can be extremely overwhelming, so I pace myself and make sure to celebrate all wins along the way, no matter how small. If no one else is going to clap for me, I will always clap for myself.

How do you stay focused?

I stay focused by remembering my “why,” which are my children, and not forgetting the fact that I love what I am doing. If I get distracted by all of mundane parts of running a business, I can take a creative escape and just write. That’s always helpful.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I stay true to myself. That is my purpose – to be me, and do what feels right to me. I honor my own journey and share what I feel strongly about - social-emotional concepts that spotlight characters of color. I don’t waste my time comparing myself to others. I focus on showing up as my 100% authentic self. No one can be a better me than I can.

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

Social Media has been the most helpful for my business growth. Connecting with individuals who share similar passions and have a knack for the types of books that I am releasing works perfect for me. They genuinely love what I am creating, and will show authentic support. And, they will come back to show support for future books. It’s a win-win.

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

Take your time. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Pace yourself. Overworking is overrated.  

In our society, we put so much worth on working, but we have to allow space for rest, too. I have my most creative moments when I am resting and giving my mind a break. If I am overworked and exhausted, I will not be as effective in any aspect of my business.

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

My favorite app at this moment is YouTube. There’s nothing like YouTube University. We have so many resources and such a vast amount of information in our back pockets, and I’m a visual learner so YouTube fits me perfectly.

My favorite book right now is “My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World” by Malcolm Mitchell. It’s a children’s story, and I love it so much. I see so much of myself in the main character. I needed this book growing up, but I will make sure that my sons have it and understand the lesson in the story.

I don’t have a favorite blog at the moment.

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

Canva is AMAZING! There are so many tools that it offers to support entrepreneurs. I have used it for everything from social media posts, to designing business cards and media kits. I love it. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

Crystal Swain-Bates is my business role model. She has a similar background to mine and is doing amazing things in the children's literature space. She has stayed true to herself and it has brought her much success.

How do you balance work and life?

I put myself on a schedule. I have to. It’s the way I keep my sanity. It’s flexible but structured. It allows my mind to rest knowing that I can focus on one thing, and everything else will get done on their proper day.

I have certain days allocated specifically for taking care of family tasks, such as paying bills and making doctor’s appointments. And other days are for book marketing and creating new content. And lastly, I have 2 days a week where I rest and recharge.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

 I have several ways that I decompress. I love to just go browse at the store, with no intent to buy anything. I’m an extrovert, and I enjoy just striking up conversations with other shoppers. 

I also like watching old reruns with my husband and watching the newest movie on Netflix. Documentaries that feature stories of resilience or mental health topics are my jam.

 Speaking of jams, I love some good nostalgic 1990’s-2000’s music. Turning the music up loud and singing (out of tune, I’m sure), on the freeway is always great, too!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I plan to continue marketing my current book, Jade’s Secret Ingredients: A Recipe for Managing Feelings, and publishing another one before the end of the year.

How can our readers connect with you?

Readers can connect with me at www.ashleyfinley.com and follow me on social media at 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshleyFinleyWrites

Instagram: www.instagram.com/AshleyFinleyWrites

Entrepreneur Rachel Kove On Overcoming Business Challenges

Photo Credit: Nate Taylor

Rachel Kove is the CEO and co-founder of Transformational Solutions — a Los Angeles-based, trauma-informed life coaching company that helps provide people with sustainable solutions to self-destructive habits and to ultimately find their true purpose. Rachel is also the co-author of “The Mountain Method,” an actionable workbook that helps readers identify true goals, set new ones, and become situated in a position where they are self-accountable and proud of their progress and aspirations. For over a decade, Rachel has worked in the field of mental health, substance abuse, and personal development. She holds a firm belief that disconnection, trauma, and pain are at the root of all addictions and that finding consciousness is the key to starting over.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

When I was sixteen years old I was introduced to the world of transformation by entering a residential treatment center for alcohol abuse. I was driven to overcome my emotional pain, find a sense of inner peace, and belonging. With an open mind and dedication to healing in many modalities, I learned how to overcome various self-destructive behaviors that were harmful to my life. When I was in my twenties, I became passionate about helping people overcome their addictions and mental health struggles, so I got a job working at a sober-living. From there, I began my twelve-year career working in the field of mental health, personal development, substance abuse, and compulsive behaviors. I am a trauma informed life coach, author, and a multi-passionate entrepreneur. I would be nowhere in this company without my business partner Seth Hall, with whom I created this company four years ago. He is a brilliant entrepreneur and business developer.

What inspired you to start your business?  

After working with thousands of individuals in the last twelve years, what I have seen is that trauma is underneath all compulsive behaviors and addictions. Addictive behaviors become the escape from emotional pain. As Dr. Gabor says, "It's not why the addiction, it's why the pain?" Helping people overcome their pain and live purpose-driven, fulfilled and happy lives is what inspired me and Seth to start Transformational Solutions. 

Where is your business based?

Transformational Solutions is based in Los Angeles, but we also meet with people via zoom all around the country.  

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

We started the business with an idea. We didn't question the idea or judge the idea. We just went with it. People often have brilliant ideas and don't follow through with them because they listen to the fears. They fear taking the risk and start thinking about all of the reasons the idea can't happen. We did the opposite. We focused on all of the ways this business would work. The year Seth and I started this business, I was pregnant with very little money in the bank. My son motivated me to keep working towards my goal no matter what. Seth saved money from his full-time job and got the LLC. From there, we have created wonderful success. 

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

Building connections with people. Treating people like humans rather than business associates. We have done barely any marketing for our business. Every client has been through referrals and I believe that's because we really care about people. Anytime we meet someone, we connect with them on a human level. I think people remember that. They see our passion. They see our love for helping people, and I believe that is what has made us successful.  

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

The biggest challenge we experienced was in the beginning when we didn't get any clients or business for six months. We had to practice faith and trust in the Universe. We were scared, but kept putting in the work and held the faith. In that time, we focused on what we could control rather than what we couldn't. We began writing a workbook, "The Mountain Method," which is now published through Amazon. We put one foot in front of the other and just kept creating, knowing that within time, the dream would actualize... And it did. We learned as much as we could. And we keep learning!

How do you stay focused? 

When I was nineteen, I watched my step-dad die from cancer. He said to me, "Rachel, I don't want to die, I have so much left I want to do." That always stuck with me. Time is not guaranteed to any of us. I stay focused by remembering that, at any moment, this could end. I know that sounds dark, but it's just the truth of life. Having this mentality keeps me very focused and grounded in the present moment. I stay focused by having massive amounts of self-care.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I have always been very uncomfortable with the idea of competition with business as I genuinely believe the Universe is abundant and there is plenty for everyone. I think we need to start empowering each other rather than needing to be the best at everything. If my business is not the right fit for you, there is definitely something else out there that can help you. I want people to have the help they need, wherever that is. Everyone is unique in their own way. What makes people successful is accessing their uniqueness and creating from that place.  

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

Similar to what I said above, making connections with people has been the most effective marketing strategy. You never know what will happen with just one connection. You never know where that one connection can lead you. Most of our clients come from people we met for coffee or lunch through someone else. But they saw how genuine, passionate, and dedicated we were to helping people. So, they started referring clients to us.  

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

Give yourself permission to do whatever your heart desires. Do your own personal emotional work to overcome the traumas and limiting beliefs that will try and keep you comfortable and in the familiar. You cannot grow by staying comfortable. One of my greatest mentors, Misty McAfee, said to me, "Rachel, get comfortable being uncomfortable."

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

My favorite app is Instagram. I love the positive things that can come from it. I love connecting with people there, seeing motivation, inspiring, and the funny videos. I love following people I look up to and try to emulate. My favorite book is "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle. I have never read a book that so directly spoke to my soul. That book gave me the courage to live bravely and authentically in my truth. It helped me tap into all the wildness of who I am as a woman and accept myself. It helped untame the parts of myself I kept hidden out of fear. I will forever be grateful for that book.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I have many business role models that I look up to. I love women who are multi-passionate and work on many different things at once. I love women that show me how to pursue all of my dreams, not just one of them. I love men and women that inspire me to be fully self-expressed in all my passions. I love Lori Harder, Reese Witherspoon, Glennon Doyle, and obviously Oprah. My Father is also another role model for me. He taught me how to work hard and to never give up on your dreams. He came to Hollywood 50 years ago with a dream to be an actor. He is now one of the leads on one of the biggest shows in the world, "Cobra Kai." That's pretty inspiring to me.

How do you balance work and life?

I am nothing without taking care of myself. My mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health is my number one priority. I meditate all the time. I journal daily. I am constantly seeking to improve and learn ways to effectively live. I don't waste time on bullshit. I am a divorced mom to a toddler, so I value my "ME" time more than anything else.  

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Bing watching a show on Netflix. 

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I am continuously working on how to grow and develop Transformational Solutions. Our workbook, "The Mountain Method," is going to be created into a coaching program. I have so many things I'm working on! I love creating and channeling all of my energy into projects. I am finishing my memoir on healing and overcoming trauma. I have a podcast coming out called "WTF Is This Human Experience?" with my friend Shane Coyle. I am really excited for people to start listening to that!  

How can our readers connect with you? 

People can connect with me on Instagram @rachelkove.

Use Your Head & Your Heart to Make a Profitable Mid-career Money Move with Pamela Wilson

photo credit: Nashville Portrait

Pamela Wilson is an online educator, author, keynote speaker, and founder of BIG Brand System. She helps people in mid-career and beyond to build online businesses they love. 

Pamela is the author of two books: Master Content Marketing and Master Content Strategy. She’s the creator and head coach for The Offer Accelerator, The BIG League, The Content Lab, and The Image Lab.  

Can you tell our readers about your background?

The two constants in my life? I've always been creative and I’ve always found myself at the front of the room.
As a kid, I lobbied my parents on behalf of my four siblings. “Can we go to the movies? Can we play outside after dark?” I got the best results, so I made the requests — creatively, of course. 

That morphed into becoming student council president at my high school of 2,500 students. I lobbied the school administrators to start new, creative traditions and make changes that would benefit the whole student body. 

When I started my business, I drew on those experiences. They set me on a path to creating a successful design and marketing agency that I ran for decades.

But back in 2010, I began to feel a strong desire to explore online business. I learned to write content for an online audience on my site, BIG Brand System. Soon, I was writing for other big online sites, including Copyblogger — an industry leader in content marketing. 

In 2014 Copyblogger asked me to join the team as Executive Vice President of Educational Content. I happily served their massive audience for a couple of years.

I’ve written two books: Master Content Marketing and Master Content Strategy. They share simple strategies for creating content marketing to attract paying customers.

In 2020, I felt called to do something new — again.
Since 2012, I’ve been a business coach to people in mid-career and beyond. In our age group, we have a ton of expertise and almost unlimited drive. 

But I kept seeing this one recurring problem. 

It was a make-or-break issue — if you don’t get this right, you don’t have a business!

The issue? No high-value revenue generating offer. 

So I decided to do something about it.

I debuted a one-of-a-kind program for people in mid-career and beyond who want to create consistent revenue online. It’s called The Offer Accelerator. 

The OA takes people through the entire offer process. We start by identifying your values and strengths. Then we do simple market research, name your offer, set prices, test it, create high-converting promotions, and systematize the whole thing so it runs smoothly.

We focus on building high-value offers. The results are truly transformative!

I’m loving the chance to tap my creativity and stand at the front of the Offer Accelerator group every week, helping people move through the process of generating consistent revenue in their online businesses.

What inspired you to start your business? 

Change and challenges — I’m addicted to them. I truly enjoy the process of reinventing my life every so often. 

For decades, I had a booming design business. Then I realized if I could develop an online business, I could share my expertise with a much larger group of entrepreneurs. 

The possibilities were too exciting to pass up. It was the early days of online business, and I wanted in.

Where is your business based? 

I’m in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s a creative city.  

Wedged between the music and art scene, you'll find a vibrant entrepreneurial community. It's the first place I've ever lived where I can tell people I have an "online business" and they actually know what I'm talking about.

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

The first step was to take an online course. Then, I read everything I could get my hands on to learn the best way to start my business, BIG Brand System.

My existing business skills came in handy: I used them to develop systems and frameworks to make my new online process as smooth as it could be. 

I learned a lot by doing the work — and I learned from my mistakes.  

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

Consistently showing up with valuable content is key. 

In the early years, I produced weekly content for my website to build an audience and keep my readers engaged. That fresh content helped me rank higher in search results. 

Writing for popular sites like Copyblogger helped me grow my own loyal following. A strong network of like-minded people benefits you, your colleagues, and your audience.

But it’s not about churning out content. You have to listen to what existing and future customers need. When you understand people’s problems, you become their trusted source for information.  

Once you know who you want to serve, build a high-value offer that helps them solve those problems. Then you can create happy, paying customers. 

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

When I started my online business, public speaking was high on my list of Things That Terrified Me.

Actually? It was at the top of that list! 

Finally I remembered my high school days when I was elected student body president at the age of 17.

Standing on stage in front of a mic addressing huge groups of people wasn't something new. And it was nothing to fear.

I’m not sure what happened between those brave teenage years and adulthood. Somehow I began to limit what I thought I could do. 

Reminding myself that public speaking was a skill I already had helped me get over the fear. That, and taking a deep breath and just doing it. 

How do you stay focused?

Lists and systems are my lifeline — they always have been.  

When life gets chaotic (like in the midst of a global pandemic), I grab my checklist, put my head down, and work away.

The other habit that helps me stay focused? Recognizing that creative work is easier at certain times of day — and blocking off those times so I don’t fill them with meetings or errands.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Clients have called me an “un-guru.” That’s someone with decades of expertise who quietly shares her knowledge and experience without waving it around in your face using flashy videos or perfectly polished prose.

I teach online business owners how to build a business they’ll love. Consistent revenue and personal satisfaction are equally important.  

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

The most effective marketing strategy I’ve found is to commit to a higher standard of marketing.

That means you forge your own path. Don’t follow someone else’s.

If you market your business to a higher standard than everyone else, your business will stand out.

Reside inside the heads and hearts of the people you aim to serve: get to know your ideal customer well enough that you can truly serve their needs.

Dare to market and sell differently: have the courage to upend conventions if you know it will serve your customers. 

Aim for simple, straightforward, and clear: remember, simple messages are easier to understand and implement — and are more convincing.

Of all the online marketing strategies out there, this one has proven to work.

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

For people in mid-career and beyond, the best way to build an online business is to get in touch with you first.

Any offer you create needs to reflect your personal strengths, values, and priorities. Plus, it needs to tap into the deep expertise you’ve developed over the years.

When you take the time to build your offer this way, you can charge more for it. 

And you should! 

People in midlife and beyond shouldn’t be pouring our time and energy into creating low-value offers.

Build an offer you’ll be well compensated for. Consistent revenue makes for a healthy business. 

Invest time now so you can make more money in the future.

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

For keeping our work on track, I love Asana. It’s perfect for my small team, who are in three countries and three time zones. 

We’re using it to structure our workflow and communicate about our tasks. It integrates smoothly with other apps we use regularly, like Dropbox and Slack. 

How do you balance work and life?

Owning a business can consume all your time. I make sure I take days off and encourage my team to maintain healthy boundaries around their time and energy.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

After spending most of the day planted at my desk, I love finding ways to incorporate movement into my afternoons and evenings.
Depending on the weather that may be a swim, a brisk walk on a treadmill, or a stroll through the woods. 

A little movement is the perfect antidote to all the sitting I do — and it helps me shake off any leftover stress from my day.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

We’re about to go all in on video. Yes — I know I’m late to the party! Better now than never, right?

We’ll use video to connect with prospects for my Offer Accelerator program. It’s a high-touch curriculum-based program that’s application only. Finding the right people is key! Video is going to play an important role in helping us connect with them wherever they are.

How can our readers connect with you? 

You can find my website at bigbrandsystem.com 

And I’d love to connect on social: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelaiwilson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIGBrandSystem

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamelaiwilson

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bigbrandsystem/

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.

"Learn as much information as you can about your trade" with Tara Wells

Photo Credit: Ganja Goddess

Tara Wells is the founder of Ganja Goddess, a premium cannabis brand with delivery services and award-winning CPGs catering to consumers in California, and CBD Goddess, a national e-commerce site for consumer and pet CBD products. Tara realized early on that women were being underserved and underrepresented in the industry and became determined to make the cannabis experience aesthetically beautiful and judgment-free, as well as safe and convenient for everyone. Previously, she was an executive producer and writer, winning an Emmy for "The Amazing Race" on CBS. 

Can you tell our readers about your background?  

As someone who loves gardening and plants, I realized at a young age that we are so connected to them. When I was older, I experienced firsthand the physical and mental therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant. First, it gave me creative insights during my original career as a TV writer and producer. But more importantly, it has since been an amazing anti-inflammatory, treating my knee issues caused by athletics, and I’ve seen it help many of my friends and family with pain, appetite, anxiety, and sleep issues. When I realized that cannabis was such an easy, gentle addition to living a good life, a new path opened up for me, personally and professionally.

What inspired you to start your business?

My goal is to spread the many ways in which cannabis can help society. I first got into the space in 2006, founding Ganja Goddess Food, selling infused brownies and gingerbreads from old family recipes. In 2011, I founded Ganja Goddess, envisioning an easy, convenient and accessible cannabis delivery company that could reach any person in California, as so many towns and cities didn’t allow cannabis shops despite it being legal statewide. I also wanted to create a low-cost service, taking down another barrier to access.

Then in 2014, I founded one of the first legal cannabis shops in the country (in Seattle), and in 2020 launched CBD Goddess, a national e-commerce and delivery company with top-quality, hemp-derived products.

Where is your business based?

Ganja Goddess is based in California.

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

Being a TV producer was great training for me. I learned early on how to navigate the space through trial and error, making sure to focus on the outcome and not get discouraged by obstacles. And there were many, especially as legalization emerged, as cities and states made it difficult to get licensing. Ganja Goddess and my other businesses were all formed very organically, learning new skills and making new relationships that would inform the next steps. It was vitally important that I got to know the market and what my customers wanted and then responded to that by creating something that reflected consumer desire.

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

I have always believed that teaching and living by example is the best method. Our company strives for diversity, has a social equity partner we support and we try to maintain a healthy, happy workplace. With cannabis, my biggest challenge has been to 'normalize' it as a substance that heals and helps everyone. I try to participate in forums, do interviews, and spread the word everywhere I go.

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

I don’t think I initially realized how hard it would be to deal with the strict regulations in the cannabis industry. It continues to be a real hurdle for us. The intense regulation with high taxes, locally and state-wide, make running our business a lot more complicated. The best way to overcome this obstacle has been to surround myself with a great team, from legal to accounting and oversight. They stay on top of it all, which is essential to our success. 

How do you stay focused? 

I get a lot of sleep, exercise, and break my workday up into small manageable time capsules.  And of course, I use cannabis at the end of the day so I am relaxed. Relaxation and enjoyment of life are the best healing modalities.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?  

For us, it’s all about the customer, which I believe makes us stand out from the crowd. Personally, I find it frustrating when I can't reach someone if I run into problems with an online order. Right away when founding Ganja Goddess, I made sure everyone knew our focus -- to listen to the customer and understand exactly what they need. I think that type of service really makes a difference in raising awareness of a brand, and it's who we are at our core. We look at it all pretty holistically. It's not just a business, but an interaction and relationship with our customers. What they want and need matters to us.

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

It's really been a mixture of a lot of things. We try to do non-traditional advertising to reach markets that are not served.

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

Learn as much information as you can about your trade. It’s important to focus on understanding the variety of business procedures necessary to run an operation and embrace them. From the marketing, legal and financial sides to the hardcore understanding of a product or service, it is the key to building and maintaining success.  But most of all, have fun!

What's your favorite blog and book? Why?

My favorite book is “The Overstory”. This Pulitzer Prize-winning tome is amazing. It weaves together several stories against the backdrop of trees and nature. It's stunning. My favorite blog is ours over at ganjagoddess.com. It’s full of tasty information.

How do you balance work and life?

I try to remember that taking time to do nothing is as important as doing a lot during the day.  Downtime makes everything more clear. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

Spending time in nature… I like to exercise and then have a great cannabis drink or edible.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

At Ganja Goddess, we are expanding all over California and have plans to branch out to other states in the coming year.

With the ongoing pandemic and continued normalization of cannabis, we have experienced incredible growth, so we are looking to continue our expansion. We are focused on high-growth areas in emerging markets and continuing to service our existing communities with the best products out there. We also want to keep growing CBD Goddess and bring high-quality CBD products to people all around the country. This will make sure we are in a good position when cannabis becomes federally legal. 

How can our readers connect with you?

You can find us at GanjaGoddess.com, CBDGoddess.com, or on Instagram and Twitter. Feel free to reach out at info@goddessdelivers.com.