GSD Entrepreneur: Recent Episodes
GSD Entrepreneur
After four years of hosting this podcast, we are taking a sabbatical. We started this podcast to give entrepreneurs a voice. To let theiriesowerful stores be told. To help build a community of entrepreneurs. To help business owners in the trenches know they are not alone. We have laughed countless laughs with our guests and […]
We first had Levi Walker on GSD 3 years ago on episode #38, and if you’ve listened to that, you know he is a special human with a beautiful story. We wanted to have him back this week for a follow up conversation to talk about how severely Covid has impacted the arts and entertainment […]
Tiffany Kent is Founding Partner of Wealth Engagement LLC. Tiffany is a former Vice President and Financial Advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth Management where she provided a range of sophisticated wealth planning and investment services. Prior to Bernstein, Tiffany constructed client portfolios and managed a $200 million equity long short portfolio as an analyst, portfolio […]
Once an artist, always an artist. During Jenan McClain’s formidable early years, she leaned into art and reading as escapes from the challenges life threw her way. As she grew up, she pursued art, but, once married, life then led her into banking. She and her husband ended up living in the Caribbean islands for […]
Annie Atterberry never intended to be an entrepreneur. She found that she thrived most when she was given the opportunity to invest in other people. But a move from Colorado back to her South Carolina roots, Covid, and two young children changed everything. And that’s how her lifestyle subscription box company, called Sweetgrass & Sage, […]
Whitney Long is a people gatherer and a community builder, and she has made a significant impact among female entrepreneurs in the Southeast and beyond. After a successful career as a scout, stylist and contributing editor for some big names in print media like Coastal Living, Southern Accents, Southern Living and Better Homes & Gardens […]
Shannon Campbell has a vision. She wants to create a relaxed atmosphere where her clients feel more like friends. And she sees that vision come to life every day as owner/stylist of Shag Salon. She builds a genuine, personal connection, all while staying up to date on trends, and her clients typically become clients for […]
Photo courtesy of @Kelliboydphotography This is an episode that we originally aired on our other podcast, Do It In Nature. We thought it was applicable to the entrepreneurial community as well, so we’re publishing it here. Few outdoor memories are better than the ones by a roaring fire pit with those you love. Sandy and […]
Alisa Turner is more than just a health coach. She’s a whole life coach with her business Alisa Turner, Whole Life Nutrition. And she leans into her own ups and downs of life including relationships, eating, addictions, mental health issues, and spiritual experiences to be able to enter in and relate on a very deep […]
Photo credit: Kendra Martin Photography Richard Reutter, President and Owner of Caroline’s Cakes, is carrying on both his mom’s dream and her legacy as he runs this business. Caroline’s Cakes started back in 1982 when Caroline made a caramel cake for Richard’s christening. Not long after, word of mouth about the “world’s best caramel cake” […]
When Emily Benedict recently moved back to Charleston, SC after having grown up there, she felt as though she was coming home. Both physically to a location and metaphorically to herself. But in between 8th grade when she left and now, a whole lot of life has been lived. Emily has worked in such industries […]
Cynthia Lett is a smart, savvy, funny, and wildly connected individual. She is an internationally recognized maven of business and social etiquette. She is the only etiquette & protocol expert holding both the Certified Etiquette Professional (CEP®) and Certified Protocol Professional (CPP®). These are designations earned by examination through the International Society of Protocol & […]
Jennifer Jenkins is a public relations strategist, entrepreneur, and a huge fan of Dolly Parton. A small-town girl from Alabama, she believes the power of storytelling is what grows brands. In May 2010, Jennifer made a bold move to leave the hustle of the big agency world to create a life and career she loved. […]
Katie Blomquist is a spreader of joy. She is a former teacher who worked in the low income, high poverty school district. When one of her precious little 1st grade students, Jawan, asked her for a bike for Christmas, it broke her heart. So much so that she decided to start a Go Fund Me […]
Holly Slice’s mission with Lowcountry Pianist & Co is to become the leading choice for live music services in the Lowcountry by consistently providing premier, quality services to her clients. Her company and her team specializes in professional performances for weddings, vow renewals, retirement centers, and corporate events including receptions, luncheons, and dinner parties. Additionally, […]
After years of running operations for a variety of companies, Kat Leitner and Ashleigh Metherell decided to combine their expertise to build a modern outsourcing solutions company, called Allora Solutions Group, that is committed to helping businesses maximize their potential. Their diverse backgrounds in finance, sales, and human resources give Kat and Ashleigh a seasoned […]
Stacie Barber, owner of The Mindful Body Pilates Studio and Stacie Barber Coaching, is on a mission to use the challenging and beautiful parts of her story to help facilitate ease, connection, balance, fulfillment and joy in the lives of women who are ready to step into the next version of themselves. Women who are […]
Mimi Striplin grew up in Spartanburg, SC and is a 2014 graduate of the College Of Charleston. In 2015, she founded The Tiny Tassel, where she designs and creates each tassel by hand in hopes to bring a little joy to others’ lives. She offers a full line of handmade tassel jewelry, garments – made […]
Stephanie Hall is an inspiration. She grew up in Holly Hill, SC and got her law degree by the time she was 23 years old. She has started multiple businesses and is raising 3 children. After 10 years in law, she started a successful event planning business, then started her current company, Estelle Colored Glass. […]
Alex Durant founded Durant Consulting in 2006 to provide full-service auction solutions for nonprofits. She worked as the Director of Fundraising for Grandstand Sports in NYC from ‘98-2005 where she managed 300+ auctions per year with consignment memorabilia. She was consistently asked to produce all aspects of the nonprofit auctions by their clients and a move to […]
This week it’s just Jules and Stace on the mic talking about the release of their new children’s book, Rescued By Rico. We tell the whole story of Rico, sharing some stories we haven’t shared before. We just launched our crowdfunding campaign through Indiegogo, and would be absolutely delighted if you’d support us either by […]
Melissa and Mia are a beautiful and an inspirational couple. They have and are building their real estate business, The Hawley-Rooks Team, on relationships and trust. In this episode, we talk about what it was like to pick up and move from Charleston to Nashville and basically start over only knowing a few people in […]
What a long, strange few months it’s been, right?? In this episode, Jules and Stace talk about what it’s been like for them, what they’ve learned, and some of the positive things they’ve seen as a result of all we’ve gone through. Maybe you can relate, and our hope is that it’ll make you feel […]
Charleston native, Pauline Nakios, founded Lilla P, her apparel company, 20 years ago. She grew up in retail as a member of the well-known Sokol family who opened the iconic Morris Sokol store on King Street in downtown Charleston, so it was only natural that she would return to her retail roots and name her […]
Vikki Matsis is both a hustler and one who constantly strives to be in touch with the stillness of life. She sees a need and wants to meet that need as organically as possible. As a result, her career path has been both varied and profoundly meaningful. Vikki is the President and co-founder of Media […]
It’s virtually impossible to do a quick introduction on the one and only food legend, Nathalie Dupree. She is a trailblazer. She is a leader. She is an advocate and mentor for many people, especially women. Her bio is absolutely fascinating and inspiring. She’s a best-selling author of 15 cookbooks and has done more than […]
Angel Passailaigue Holmes is a true Charleston native and well, she’s as fun as they come. Her background is rich and deep in the travel and tourism and food and beverage industries. She served on the host steering committee for World Cup Soccer-Orlando, served as Communications Manager for the Jacksonville Convention & Visitors Bureau, opened her […]
Growing up in Florence, SC, Dr. Sarah Allen’s desire to become a doctor came while, as a college sophomore, she was waiting in line at Wofford College bookstore. She is the founder of The Skin Clique, and she also teaches, trains residents, and sees patients, in addition to having 4 girls under the age of […]
Carolyn Sutton grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. After cheering for Kansas State, she then moved to Dallas to start her career. Her path included working at a couple large PR firms and The Container Store. After gaining valuable experience, she wanted to pivot and start her own PR firm. She ended up meeting her husband, […]
Erin Keating has a fascinating story. Growing up with a twin brother and 2 younger brothers, all within 5 years of each other, she learned how to be a fearless leader of a “male pack”. This, and the fact that her parents were both entrepreneurs, served her well as she packed up all her things […]
Kathleen Black is North America’s leading real estate team coach and trainer, delivering her proven success techniques to agents and teams around the world. That growth is worth billions in additional sales volume annually across her client network with 80% of her clients being national top 1% producers. Kathleen is also the best selling author […]
Anna Brakefield is no stranger to hard work and understands, to her core, the importance of family. She grew up in Moulton, AL on her family farm called Red Land Farm. Not necessarily wanting to work on the farm once she got her graphic design degree from Auburn University, she pursued a career in marketing […]
Heather Adams, founder of Choice Media & Communications headquartered in Nashville, TN, grew up in Marietta, GA as a self-proclaimed strong-headed female who was always “ruffling feathers”. Those qualities served her very well though as she worked her way through multiple organizations and character developing opportunities, ultimately leading her to start her own media and […]
Photo Cred: Arielle Simmons Leigh-Ann Beverley grew up in Fairfax, VA in a very creative family. Music and art were common activities in her house and were taught early on, but she was also a self-proclaimed “tomboy” competing with the boys in whatever sports she could. Her photography and videography career was foreshadowed by how […]
During this crazy time in our world, we plan to interrupt our regularly scheduled podcast episodes with guests to talk about things as they relate to COVID-19 and how to adjust and adapt to the “new normal”. Today is just such an episode. We have the privilege of having Buffie Bell Lilly join us as […]
Catherine Ray is a bundle of energy. Growing up in the small town of Florence, SC, she got her degree from Clemson in Communications & Marketing and then moved back home to be an on-air TV reporter. After a few years of that, she transitioned to TV sales in Greenville, and ultimately moved to Charleston […]
Our guest today is the one and only Elaine Sack, COO of RMS Beauty. Hailing from South Bend, IN, she went to college and got her degree in Journalism. She worked on a political campaign, and once that ended, she recruited a friend, packed up her things and moved to Charleston, not having a job […]
This week, we (Jules & Statoya) interrupt our regularly scheduled podcast episode and talk about the Coronavirus. In all the hysteria that’s currently happening (and increasing daily, it seems) in our world, we try to offer perspective. Just our thoughts on what to do, what not to do. Just our perspective, but hopefully it causes […]
I’m going to start out by saying this conversation felt like we were on sacred ground and I think you’ll know what I mean as you listen. Our guest, Sondra Skipper Kilian, is a very special human. She has both accomplished a lot and been through deep pain in her short time on this planet. […]
Kara Newmark is quite the GSD Entrepreneur. She grew up in Dayton, OH and went to law school, thinking she wanted to follow in her Dad’s footsteps. After practicing law for a few years, she realized the attorney life wasn’t for her, so she founded her own consulting firm focused on helping technology and life […]
Karyn Cavanaugh grew up in Connecticut in a home having never been taught about the importance of understanding and controlling your finances, and she even remembers her mom wondering how they were going to pay the mortgage on more than one occasion. Fast forward to today, Karyn has regularly appeared as the financial expert on […]
Our guest today, Diana Deaver, grew up in Romania and was a goat herder as a little girl. She moved out at 19, met a military husband online and moved to Hendersonville, NC. She later moved to Charleston, SC and tried her hand at working retail and different odd jobs. Leaning into her inner entrepreneurial […]
This episode is the final episode of a 3 part series that we recorded in Sea Island, GA at The (fabulous) Cloister resort for The Southern Coterie – also known as The Southern C – which is a Summit for 300 business women. We thought it’d be fun and inspiring to set up our mic […]
This episode is Part 2 of a 3 part series that we recorded in Sea Island, GA at The (lovely) Cloister for The Southern Coterie – also known as The Southern C – which is a Summit for 300 business women. We thought it’d be fun and inspiring to set up our mic on location […]
We’re stepping out of our normal routine of launching one episode per week and giving you not one, not two, but three episodes over the next three days. Last week, Statoya and I got to spend the week in Sea Island, GA at The (absolutely beautiful) Cloister for The Southern Coterie – also known as […]
Allison and Jamie Nadeau are creatives and makers at heart. They are the wife-and-wife founders and owners of Ink Meets Paper, a custom stationery and greeting card company that is headquartered in Charleston, SC. With a background in art, editing, and designing, they wanted to spread their wings from their corporate jobs so they bought […]
Photo cred: @HampdenClothing How crazy is it to think that 2019, and a decade, have come to a close?!? Where did the time go?? I heard it said once that time is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes. How true is this? It seems […]
Helen Hall has a lot going on. You might even say she’s a bit of a serial entrepreneur. She’s founder (or co-founder) of 5 businesses that she’s focused on growing every day – the incredible Blender Bombs, HushupXHustle, Tipsy Spritzers, 2 retail locations of Hustle Smoothie Bar, and the newest addition to her business list, […]
Jenny Badman is a born Northerner with a true Southerner’s heart. She’s a creative down deep, and she’s done everything from working for corporate, to working on her own as a freelancer, to now working as the Copy & Creative Director for a growing business in Charleston, SC. She serves on a host of boards, […]
Liz Martin grew up as a mountain girl in Fairview, NC. She went to NC State and then grad school at UNC for speech pathology. After getting tired of speech pathology becoming about the money instead of really helping people, Liz started leaning into her creative side. Her friends loved her style, so one by […]
Ashley Harwood is a creative at her core. She grew up in Georgia, where her grandmom predicted she’d be an artist when Ashley was just 5 years old. Over the course of her life, she’s work with all kinds of mediums in art – glass blowing, sculpture, neon, and many others, and even made a […]
This episode is all about nutrition and, wow, it’s a good one. Jan Park has dedicated her life to helping others. Throughout her career as a nurse, she worked in the cardiac unit and was involved with saving many lives, but as she progressed in her career, she realized that she wanted to do more. […]
Brantley Manderson grew up in Columbus, GA, then moved to New York City to work for National Geographic and Time magazine. After living through the horrors of 9/11, she moved back south to Atlanta to work with TBS/TNT selling advertising spots. After a move to Columbus and a job at Playbill, an opportunity was presented […]
This episode is a continuation of yesterday’s from our time at the SC Women’s Business Summit in Columbia, SC where we had the privilege of recording live. If you haven’t already, go back and listen to the previous episode where we talked with 4 different entrepreneurs, and today we’re talking with 3 more. These women […]
This week we’ve got a little different podcast episode for you. We recently had the incredible pleasure of recording live from the SC Women’s Business Summit where there were 300 people, mostly women, in attendance, and a large portion of them were SC women business owners. Also in attendance was the dynamic Lt. Governor, Pamela […]
Linda Hancock grew up as an army brat who travelled internationally with her family as her Dad worked as a dentist within the military. Her childhood wasn’t typical, and that atypical nature has continued as she’s moved through life. She often finds herself drawn to the unknown and isn’t afraid of a new adventure. Linda […]
Hamidatu Ravenel Patrick and Blaine Wise are go-getters in the truest sense of the word. They are smart, relational, caring, detail-driven, organized, and have built quite the network of genuine relationships. Separately they have rich experience in the fashion, retail, and hospitality world that together is making them and their new business, Rivet Concierge, a […]
Lauren Griewski’s story is an inspiring one. Her career includes living in New York, working for MTV and Vivo, working for a startup, and then moving to LA because she got a job with Facebook working with leaders and executives. She is a four and a half time Iron Man athlete. And she understands the […]
April Aldrich just oozes with creativity. She’s an author, a beekeeper, an artist, and a creator of mead kits. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about bees, beekeeping, hives, and honey this is an episode for you! This is an incredibly interesting education on all things bees and the value they bring to our […]
If we had favorites, Deja Knight would most definitely be one of them. She is hilarious, determined, relational, dedicated, and really good at what she does. Growing up in the small town of Muscle Shoals, AL, Deja was an only child and only grandchild. All growing up, she was drawn to capturing other people’s stories […]
Lee Deas is a force to be reckoned with, in all the good ways. She’s a native Charlestonian so her love for, roots to, and knowledge of Charleston run deep. She’s a big thinker, she’s a speaker, she’s a mentor, she’s a change agent, and she believes strongly in the no-asshole policy. Now that’s our […]
As CEO of Gotcha, Sean Flood is on a mission to disrupt the car industry. Gotcha is an e-mobility company that offers three sustainable micro-transit products: customized dockless bike share, electric scooters and e-trikes. Not only has Gotcha built the bikes, they also built the app to go with it. Under Sean’s leadership, Gotcha is now […]
Jennifer Morgan is as dynamic as they come. We knew the moment we met her that we liked her. Her personal motto is “Work hard. Be kind.” How can you not like that kind of person? She’s got vision, a deep desire to help others, a sticktoitiveness attitude, humor in spades to face the challenging […]
If you’ve ever wondered what the behind the scenes are like in a reality TV show, this episode might just answer some of those questions for you. Janet Arneau grew up in Charleston, then went to the University of Tennessee where she got her degree in textiles. After college she moved to Atlanta and bought […]
Photo cred: Lindsey Harris You know those people who seem to be the whole package? Well, that is Molly Fienning to us – what a privilege to get this interview time with her. She’s funny, she’s incredibly smart (hello, Harvard grad), she’s beautiful, she’s a visionary who has started multiple businesses, she’s madly in love […]
Randi Weinstein is a bit of an icon in the Charleston (and beyond) food and beverage scene. She’s the type of person who makes a difference, loves others along the way, and gets shit done. She grew up on Long Island in NY, went to Fashion Institute of Technology, and owned a Children’s Accessories Wholesale […]
We get the question all the time… “What do you guys actually do??” Which is a great question! So, we decided to record an episode to put an end to the mystery and we tell all – the celebrations, the hardships, and everything in between. If you’re interested, well, then this is the episode for […]
Photo cred: Anne Rhett Photography Harrison Blackford never thought she’d become an artist for a living. Growing up in Spartanburg, SC, she always appreciated art, even as a young girl, and went on to study art history as her focus, but it was more an appreciation than actually creating art. After college, she spent time […]
Marie Stitt came by the food and beverage industry honestly. Originally from Alabama, her Dad and step mom own 3 well-known restaurants in Birmingham, and her mom and step dad were deeply involved in the Charleston culinary scene. Marie spent most of her growing up years in Charleston. Towards the end of college, she began […]
Jenni Ridall is as kind as she is smart. After receiving her B.A. in Art History at the University of Virginia, she studied classic French culinary technique and philosophy at Le Cordon Bleu. She went on to get her M.B.A. from the College of Charleston, with a focus on Hospitality Revenue Management. For the past […]
Tia Clark has one of those stories that absolutely captivates your attention. It’s a story of hardship and healing and personal growth that has resulted in a contagious joy. Tia is a Charleston native and has spent the majority of her life in food and beverage. After realizing she was about to experience her 20 […]
Growing up with two older brothers, Caitlin Randazzo knows what it’s like to hold her own and learn to compete to win. She may have been the underdog growing up, but she’s definitely grown out of that stage as her career has included modeling in NY City and owning her own wellness company where she […]
In this episode, it’s just Jules & Statoya asking each other the questions that they ask their guests from their list of 70 questions at the end of every episode – it’s light, it’s fun, and it’s a step away from the seriousness of every day business podcast episodes. As you listen in to get […]
Beki Crowell is an artist, and author, an entrepreneur, and a vibrational healer. Almost 30 years ago, she opened Utopia, an artsy women’s art gallery boutique selling contemporary apparel & accessories ranging from, as she says, classic to funky. But what really lights her soul on fire is her ability to use her gift as […]
Elizabeth Stribling knows firsthand what it’s like to be in need. She’s lived it as she and her sisters grew up in poverty and were raised by their aunts. And as a result, Elizabeth’s heart beats with great compassion to help others. She is a teacher by day, but what lights up her passion even […]
Shelby Ring was an entrepreneur from her earliest of days. As an 8 year old, she started Animal Pet Care and grew her savings from taking care of other people’s pets. As she’s grown older, she’s come into her own professionally, personally, and spiritually. In this episode, Shelby gets real and raw as she talks […]
Our guest today, Maria Kelly, is a special human. She has a giant heart for others that is evidenced by the work she has committed her life to. After having spent 14 years in the school system as a teacher, she left that position to start Amor Healing Kitchen. Amor Healing Kitchen, inspired by Ceres […]
Photo cred: N. Mickle Photography Andrea Serrano is the embodiment of a GSD Entrepreneur with her company Charleston Shop Curator. She works hard every day, is a mover and a shaker, uses her influence for positive change in this world, and owns her badassery. Included on Andrea’s impressive resume are the likes of Janet Jackson, […]
If you look up the word badassery in the dictionary, you might just find Sara Kindsfater-Yerkes’ name. This dynamic woman has had positions created for her, has climbed the corporate ranks, consults with high ranked executives and the federal government, founded her own business consultant/coaching practice called BluSky Strategy, speaks and writes about all things […]
Some people come into your life, and after just the first meeting, you know you’ll be friends for the long haul. Adley Stump has become such a person to us. She has a light and an energy that is contagious, and a zest for life that is unparalleled. In addition to being a really fun […]
Our podcast guest today is a relational powerhouse. She is a connector in the truest sense of the word. Amy Fish climbed the ranks in Corporate America with the Limited and FedEx always with a hyper focus on her team, then left that to spread her entrepreneurial wings. She has started her own HR consulting […]
Carrie Morey is one of those women who to know from afar is to respect her, and to know her up close is to love her. She’s real, she’s generous, she’s smart, she’s strong, and she catches you off guard with her humor. Carrie has grown Callie’s Biscuits from making biscuits with her mom into […]
Have you ever been on a trip or vacation (or even on a staycation in your own city) and wanted to steer clear of the tourist traps and do the things that locals do, but had no idea where to find trustworthy recommendations that fit your style and budget? Yeah, us too. That’s why we […]
Photo cred: Charleston Food + Wine and Robert Donovan Stephanie Burt, writer, editor and founder of The Southern Fork podcast, is absolutely fascinating to spend time with. She’s a go getter who oozes passion. And her knowledge of food, and particularly the stories behind food, is unparalleled and, like a good plate of french fries, […]
Photo Cred: D.J. Connor We had the incredible opportunity this week to sit down with Jessica Beran. One of the things we loved learning about Jess is that she’s driven to help people. Over the last 25 years, that drive has enabled her to start Dance Moves of Charleston, which includes two dance studios and […]
Josh Lambert makes some mean biscuits, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity of being on location with him this week. After a very successful career in pharmaceutical sales, Josh began to feel like he wanted to do something different. So he and his two business partners opened Vicious Biscuit, an absolutely delicious biscuit-forward restaurant […]
Ashley Mitchell is absolutely delightful. At first meeting, she may seem a bit quiet and reserved until you spend a few minutes with her and learn that not only is she fantastic company, but she is also wildly talented. She’s got that unique skill set of being numbers oriented, but also being a creative photographer, […]
In this episode you’ll hear that Josh Miller has certainly experienced his share of loss, burnout, and grief, but you’ll also hear that he’s learned how to learn from and use those things in such a way that brings wholeness, healing, success, and incredible impact for both himself and others. His rich experience of working […]
Photo credit: @annerhettphotography The lovely Tyler Wright is a natural born storyteller, which is why her new business, Walk and Talk Charleston, fits her absolutely perfectly. She is a born New Yorker, but when you meet her, you’d think she was born and bred in the south with her southern charm and hospitality. Her love […]
This is a big milestone for us… the 100th episode, which equates to almost 2 years of publishing this weekly podcast. Our lives are richer, fuller, and (hopefully) smarter as a result of having 100 conversations over 100 hours. In this episode, we talk about 12 things we learned as a result of getting behind […]
This week’s guest, Cristy Pratt, is just a massive ray of smart and energetic sunshine. From the moment we met her, we knew she was something special. Having survived many seemingly insurmountable challenges, Cristy has persevered to the point of now being on the cutting edge of something big. She founded her company, Morph Clothing, […]
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.” This old African proverb summarizes today’s guest, Darren Virassamy. Darren is a firm believer of going with others. His family is from the Caribbean, he became a proficient bass guitar player, and holds black and brown belts in […]
Cheyanne Lake has ten lifetimes of experience. Having been raised by an entrepreneurial family, she began learning business lessons early. Things like “All you have is your word. Nobody likes a liar.”, and “When someone says no to something, find out what they’re afraid of.” Cheyanne believes everyone should be an expert in their craft. […]
Our guest today is kind, calming, and unassuming, but don’t ever let that make you think she is missing any piece of what it takes to be a GSD Entrepreneur. Marion Blount is one of the lucky ones who grew up in Hawaii in an artistic, creative family. After getting her undergrad at Swanee, she […]
Cokie Berenyi lives her life based on her deep-seated belief that true, deep joy is not found in the comfort zone. She is full of life, full of adventure, and full of wisdom. She is mother of two teenage girls, owns two financial investment companies, started two non-profits, has written two books, hosts a podcast, […]
Amy Kay is a gentle soul with an eye for simplifying things. It was that eye that helped her start her business, de-cluttered. She has a passion to create space, both figuratively and physically, because she believes that where there is space, there can be more freedom. Amy cares about the earth maybe a little […]
Leslie Haywood is an absolute gem of a human. Just listen to some of her highlight reel – she was raised an army brat so moved around a lot, worked in management in the corporate world, became a mom, had a lightbulb moment for a new product, got diagnosed with breast cancer, had a double […]
This week it’s just the two of us, talking about our own process of reflecting on the past year, and planning for the year ahead. We walk you through step by step of how we both look back with gratefulness and learning, and look forward with excitement and anticipation. We also give a few exercises […]
Our guest today is the one and only, Julianne Taylor. Julianne has an undergrad degree in Interior Design, and a Master’s degree in Human Resources. After holding a leadership position in corporate HR, she travelled with her husband to multiple countries and found herself helping friends design their homes. The more she was referred to […]
You’d have a hard time finding nicer people than Jonathan “JD” Doar, Peyre Lumpkin, and Megan Deschaine. This power trio is, simply put, the real deal. Experienced as they come in the Charleston restaurant and hospitality scene and talented as the day is long, together they make up the management team of the newly opened […]
The first time we met Sarah McNair and heard her story, there was an instant connection and we knew we wanted to share her and her journey with our GSD Entrepreneur community. Sarah started out as a psychology major, then travelled to Florence, Italy to study culinary, then become a paralegal, to finally end up […]
Sergio and Audrey Tosi knew they wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial lifestyle, so they packed it all up with their kids and headed from Belgium to Charleston 2 years ago. Wanting to open something that was tied to their cultural roots, they founded Sweet Belgium, which is a (delicious) Belgian waffle bakery and catering business. […]
This week it’s just Jules and Statoya on the mic talking all things Kickstarter. We dive into what it is, the challenges of it, and the benefits of running a Kickstarter campaign with a new product. Running a Kickstarter campaign, much like being an entrepreneur, definitely isn’t easy, but when it works, it’s amazing. Thanks […]
Whitley Floyd is beautiful in every sense of the word, and we’ll think you’ll agree after listening to this conversation that she’s been given a few extra doses of creativity, which serves her well in her freelance roles of wardrobe and prop stylist for photoshoots and commercials, and costume designer and tailor for TV and […]
Brandon and Lauren Belk make quite the team. Together, they’ve started Wich Cream, a company where they’ve mastered the art of combining the classic ice cream sandwich with the highest quality local ingredients, then also add in the perfect amount of made-from-scratch love. Their passion is simple (yet of course very complex) – to invite […]
Lindsay Collins is creator and host of the award-winning podcast Effin B Radio. And, let me just say… it is hilarious. Effin B Radio is a weekly podcast that features all things restaurant related – things like front of the house, back of the house, family meals, and the inside scoop. You cannot listen to […]
Gervase Kolmos founded Shiny. Happy. Human. And just so you know, there are periods between each of those words purposefully. Shiny. Happy. Human. Because each one of these have a special meaning to Gervase. She founded her company after having her first child. It was a response to a need she had in her own […]
This week it’s just Statoya and me talking shop. We dive into a list of things that we’ve overcome or are having to overcome as we see our invention come to life, build a business, and take our product to market. We get vulnerable, admit where we don’t really know what we’re doing, and discuss […]
We were lucky enough this week to have the absolutely beautiful and charismatic Stacy Smallwood back in the studio for round 2. Stacy is founder and owner of Hampden Clothing and James shoes in Charleston, SC, both of which are highly recognized and regarded in the world of fashion. Our original episode (episode #10) with […]
Photo (above) cred: Kirk Robert Venita Aspen is beautiful in every sense of the word. She has an infectious personality, a smile that will light up a room, a grit and determination that pushes through obstacles, and fierceness that can level a mountain, and well, she also has amazing hair. But more importantly, Venita is on […]
Photo cred: Dallas News Jeremy and Lila Stewart created something they couldn’t find themselves. Having spent a few years working overseas in Jakarta, Indonesia, they came home needing new flip flops and all they could find were the same old same old as when they left – boring black and brown and ones that took […]
Mimi and Dr. Jesse Ross are two of the most absolutely delightful and brilliant people. They are a power couple in every sense of the word, and kindness and compassion just seems to ooze out of every pore in their bodies. They have devoted this phase of their lives to caring deeply for and healing […]
Liz MacPherson is an absolutely delightful person. In this episode, we have the privilege of getting to know her right alongside of you, and we couldn’t have loved it more. We enjoyed spending time with her so much that we continued our conversation for over an hour after the mic went off, and then scheduled […]
If you looked up “GSD Entrepreneur” in the dictionary, you just might find the name Jen Pelka. This woman doesn’t let grass grow under her feet and lives each day to its fullest. Her career experience includes working for very well known chefs, the Gilt Group, Tumbler, and Open Table. She has been named Forbes […]
Mike Michalowicz launched 3 multimillion dollar companies before his 35th birthday, He’s the author of one of our most recommended books, Profit First, and has also written other best sellers, titled The Pumpkin Plan and what BusinessWeek deemed the entrepreneur’s cult classic, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur. In addition, he just had a new book released […]
Dr. Fiona Rahbar is one smart cookie with a long and impressive resume. She is a board-certified dermatologist by the American Academy of Dermatology, got her advanced degree from Vanderbilt University, completed her dermatology residency at the University of Virginia where she served as Chief Resident during her last year of training, and has presented […]
Blair Mathis is one of a kind. The moment we met her, we knew she was a special one. She is a lover of both people, and her chosen art medium, which is makeup. Having made even the most beautiful, even more beautiful, she loves bringing out the natural beauty in people. She immediately makes […]
This week it’s just Statoya and Jules on the mic… talking about life, and business, and marriage, and our sweet boy Rico. To connect with Statoya and Jules: Email: jweldon@asaltyrim.com or spierce@asaltyrim.com Websites: O.M.E. Gear – 4:1 transforming product (cart, low beach chair, fully reclining lounger, and high field chair) is our flagship product A Salty Rim – […]
Daniel Gefen is from England, lives in Israel, and is a powerhouse of a human. His mission is to help people discover their voice and share their message with the world. He is accomplishing this through the founding of multiple companies, the latest of which is the Gefen Media Group, hosting two podcasts, and writing […]
Leigh Webber is just an interesting human with a fascinating company. She sees the majority of life through her lens, literally, and turns photography into true works of art. She founded a business called Dive In by Leigh Webber, where she’s focused on capturing the beautiful moments of life underwater. Her career in photography started […]
Katie Shields has come a long way from the small organic farm in Georgia that she grew up on. After having traveled the world with her career in corporate medical sales, she returned to her family’s entrepreneurial roots and founded Mylkbar, which is the first, and only, nail & beauty studio dedicated to the pursuit […]
Anne (with an “e”) Caroline Bethea, also known as “A.C.”, has an uncanny ability to not ever meet a stranger. This has served her well in her career and life as she’s always found herself working for and with the ones at the top of very large organizations – from Coach, to Ralph Lauren, to American […]
Dawn Maynard is a true healer of people. If you’ve spent any amount of time with others, you know that the truth of the matter is the only way you can really help others heal is if you’ve done your own work of healing, and Dawn has relentlessly pursued her own wholeness. She opened her […]
It’s impossible to not smile when you are around the one and only Russell Powell. She is full of life, and is both a massive cheerleader and a smart businesswoman. Having grown up in a very small town, Russell moved herself to NY City, knowing no one, and got herself a job with Conde Nast, […]
The hard reality is that not all businesses are set up to succeed. And not everyone who is an entrepreneur has the skill set they need to thrive as a business owner. This week, Jules and Statoya get behind the mic and talk about a list of character traits and skills that, from their experience, […]
Shanna Dickerson is a special human with a heart of gold and a drive like not many others. We feel lucky that our paths crossed once as neighbors, but even luckier that our paths crossed again in a way that bonded us together for a lifetime. After working in the music and event industry with […]
Connor Gillivan is no stranger to GSD’ing. As a lifelong entrepreneur, he knows that success takes hard work, creative thinking and lots of hustle. In his own words, he’s a freak for building businesses, reading entrepreneurship books, emulating entrepreneurial icons, and networking with similarly passionate people. He’s goal-driven, a strong visionary, cause-focused, and a great leader […]
Michelle Van Jura is as badass and as GSD as they come. Her ability to see things in ways that most others don’t see gives her a confidence that most others don’t have. Her Dad said when she was little that if she just used her ability to tell stories and was able to find […]
With Mother’s Day just in our rear view mirror, we’ve got moms on our minds. We’re convinced – moms are a special breed. Actually, let me correct that – good moms are a very special breed. In this episode, we recount our experience of being “stand-in” mom’s this past week and talk through all the […]
Sometimes you get to be a part of something that you know is really special, and you find yourself wishing that all of life could be experienced on that level. This past weekend was one such weekend. We were in Park City, UT with 50 gym owners talking about all things business at the 321GoProject […]
Lisa Abernathy is a wealth of knowledge. But not just any knowledge… a kind that most people don’t have. She’s been classically trained in Chinese medicine, and has devoted her life to understanding the body and what makes it so amazing. This training caused her to be the founder of Blue Heron Acupuncture & Apothecary […]
Chris Winn is a heck of a nice guy. He’s the kind of guy you want to kick back with a cold beer and get to know. So we were lucky to get to do just that. We found ourselves drawn to Chris not only as a friend, but also as someone we could learn […]
Eléa Faucheron and Adam Von Ins are quite the power couple and, as a result, know a thing or two about partnerships. Having been in one that went south all too quickly, they’ve learned the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of a partnership through the school of hard knocks. As many in similar […]
This week Statoya and Jules are back to Talking Shop, and their topic is the very important one of Core Values. Why it’s important to think through and document your Values, and why it’s even more important to refer to them often and LIVE those values. Your Core Values will (or should) drive every decision, […]
Kelly and Tony Chu are as dynamic a couple as they come. They are both witty, vibrant, incredibly hard workers, and as smart as the day is long. When around them, you quickly see that they are the yin to each other’s yang, and finish each other’s sentences well. This connection has been the catalyst […]
Eléa Faucheron has been to the depths of burnout, and has come back stronger than ever. As all good GSD Entrepreneurs do, she has used the hardships of life to shape and mold her sphere of influence and impact. As an avid kiteboarder and obstacle race participant, she consistently puts herself in places where she is […]
Trevor Donovan and Marshall Morris are the kind of guys you just want to be friends with. They are funny, smart, successful, witty, fun, and kind. Together, they run a DJ and production company, called D&M Productions, and Marshall is also a highly sought after real estate agent here in Charleston. In this episode we […]
Kim Powell is a beautiful human who has opened something special in Charleston, SC. After just three years in business, her affordable luxury spa, Woodhouse Day Spa, has a staff of 50 and more than 14,000 clients on its books. Having grown up with an entrepreneurial father, and then having built and run a construction […]
Shauna VanBogart is one of those people who hasn’t known how to do something any other way but with a GSD mindset. She started her entrepreneurial journey as an image consultant in 2007. Her company quickly was known as the first and only full-service image consulting firm in the South. A couple years later, seeing […]
This was one of those podcast interviews where we felt a unique connection with our guests. Sitting and talking with Trudi Wagner and Patti Floersheimer, owners of two Goat Sheep Cow locations in Charleston, felt a little to us like coming home. These two are just special in every way. They are kind, humble, spunky, […]
This week Statoya and I talk about what this world would be like if we all just got along. If we just treated and loved each other with kindness, dignity, and respect. You know, the way we all want to be treated. Oh, I know that’s pie in the sky thinking and we may lose […]
What a treat it is today to have musician and creative Adam Barley on our podcast. He is full of life, is a deep thinker, is not afraid to get real and honest, and has a smile that lights up a room. In this episode, we talk about the raw and hard things of Adam’s […]
Julie Chapman is a woman with a big heart on a mission. She wants to teach as many people how to really listen as possible in this lifetime, which she calls “Creating a Listening Movement”. In this busy time where we’re all heads down in our work, or our phones, or social media, or whatever, […]
This is a little different episode because I have the privilege of stepping in as guest host of the 321GoProject podcast and interview its incredible weekly host, Matt Scanlon. I’m missing my wing-woman, Statoya, in this episode, but flying solo only makes me realize how much I love flying with her as my co-host. Matt […]
Photo cred: @bonberi Our interview today is a special one. We get to have 45ish minutes with a man after our own heart. Brett Podolsky, joins us on the mic as co-founder of The Farmer’s Dog. He started this company in 2014 along with his best friend, Jonathan Regev, after his pride and joy Rottweiler […]
It was a privilege for us to spend a little time on location at Local Works with Jamee Haley. We think you’ll see, as we did, that Jamee is as passionate as she is smart. As Co-Founder of Lowcountry Local First, she lives her life as a strong advocate for local independent businesses and farmers. […]
Trey Jameson is a gift to entrepreneurs. He is a Charleston Intellectual Property, Franchise, and Business Matters attorney with a giant heart to help small business owners build the correct foundation for a successful future. He is witty, smart, loyal, and tenacious and cares deeply about his clients and their success. Trey is from Summerville, […]
In this week’s episode, Statoya and I do a little reflecting on 2017 and looking forward to 2018. Overall, it’s been a good year for us. We definitely had things that were challenging which we talk a little about in this episode, but it also was a year full of learning and growing and being […]
Alison Curry is co-founder of Charleston Distilling Co. with her husband Steve Heilman. They both came out of high-pressure careers – Steve was a trader and Alison was in Sales – to pursue their dream of distilling fine, small batch spirits. Four years ago, they packed everything up, moved from Chicago, and planted roots on […]
This week, we’re in the studio alone. No guests, just Statoya, me, and a mic. Each week, at the end of every episode, we ask our guests to give us 4 numbers out of 70 and they have to spontaneously answer the questions associated with the numbers they’ve chosen. We thought this week it might be […]
Levi Walker is truly one of a kind. With his contagious personality, his unwavering faith in God, his background in the dance and acting world, and his confidence to relentlessly pursue his dreams, Levi started Levi Walker Photography. He’s based in Vegas, but came from the world of Los Angeles. Through this company, he has […]
Gil Shuler is one incredible guy. He founded and has been growing his company, Gil Shuler Graphic Designs, Inc. in Charleston, SC for the past 32 years. In that time, he has done all things graphic design including building and developing lots of brands, doing all kinds of packaging work, and creating a ton of […]
Sara Christensen is a powerhouse of a GSD entrepreneur. She has started and lead 5 different businesses over the past almost 25 years. Her largest business was bringing in $10M in revenue each year until she was forced to sell her portion of the business because of a difficult (shady, in her words) situation with […]
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to talk with a professional matchmaker, this is an episode you’re going to love. Buffie Bell Lilly is a South Carolina native who has made it her profession to create love matches within her business Charleston Wine Pairings. Coming from the medical world, you might think […]
Hanna Raskin is The Post & Courier’s Food Editor & Critic and is probably not a stranger to many in the Charleston food scene. If you’re a Charleston resident, or a frequent visitor of Charleston, you’d be well-served to follow Hanna to get guidance on all your culinary experiences. And, if you’re a chef in […]
In our 2nd Power Couple Hour interview, we have the privilege of talking with Kelli & Sunshine Garrett. These two are every part GSD Entrepreneurs. They are partners both in life and in business, and are driven to be the very best they can be. Coming from small town rural South Carolina, they grew up […]
For the past 10 days, we had the amazing privilege of being a part of a 4 person crew on a 90 ft. yacht (pictured right). The owner needed to bring the boat from New York City all the way down the east coast to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It was an opportunity of a lifetime […]
Dr. Carly McCord has got a heart the size of Texas, and her vision for her life is not any smaller. As the Director of one of the only strictly telehealth clinics in the country, she’s making her mark on this world. In this episode, we’ll talk about what it takes to build something from […]
Jack York is a leader that people want to be around. He’s the kind of guy who, at tradeshows, has a long line of people waiting to even get a few minutes with him. And, after listening to him on this podcast, we think you’ll understand why. Jack “demoted” himself so that he could fill […]
In our opinion, Meredith and Brad Ebenhoeh are the perfect first guests for our first official Power (Couple) Hour podcast episode. Both together and individually, they are the embodiment of a GSD Entrepreneur. Within a few short years, they’ve left corporate careers at PricewaterhouseCoopers, made a move from Charlotte to Charleston, set up an accounting […]
Alys Campaigne is brilliant and fascinating. She was conceived in a West African hut by hippy peace corps parents, is a vegan who grew up on a hog farm, and has been a featured guest on C-Span more than once. She has spent a significant portion of her career advocating for, put simply, a better […]
Susan LaMotte got her first W-2 at age 14 and has had more than 30 jobs since then. She is the founder of Exaqueo, a workforce consultancy. Susan is known for her pioneering work in employer brand and culture. In the past 15 years, she has worked with renowned global brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Carnival […]
This episode starts a new thing we’re doing on the GSD Entrepreneur podcast where just the two of us are on the mic talking shop about things that matter to us. This week, in light of all the hardships many of us and those we love have faced due to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we […]
photo Kate Charlotte Photography, Courtesy of 86 Cannon Marion Hawkins is one guy who is not afraid of hard work. He’s had a long, successful career as an architect, worked in his family business, started his own business, and now, along with his beautiful wife Lori, is the visionary behind 86 Cannon, an exquisite luxury […]
Angel Roberts is, by all definitions of the phrase, one of a kind. She’s spunky, fun, full of energy and life, could probably leave you (and definitely me) in her dust in a dance off, and is as kind as they come. Growing up in a home where her mom founded the huge dance competition […]
Erik Holmberg, founder of J. Stark, is a rad dude. He’s witty, has a classic, timeless style, is unassuming, and is fiercely loyal to those close to him. He started J. Stark for himself, yes, but actually more so for other people. He wants to give everyone the opportunity to experience their full potential in […]
Growing up, all Katherine Frankstone wanted was her own Easy Bake oven, but her parents insisted that she learn to bake on the real thing to make, as her Dad said, “the goodest” cookies. Obviously that learning at a young age paid off years later when she would bake cookies for friends and they would […]
If you’ve been around Charleston for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Beth Plante (on left in picture above) and Sarah Frick (on right). These two women founded Charleston Power Yoga in 2009, and over the course of the past 8 years, they’ve seen a lot of transformation – both in their own […]
Sallie Holder has got a fire in her that burns bright. It’s often said that everything is greener after the storm, and Sallie is living proof of that. Having realized success in every outward expression of the word – family, career, and “stuff”- she got to the point not once, but twice, of being at […]
For the 2nd week in a row, I have the awesome privilege of interviewing one of my brothers on this GSD Entrepreneur podcast. Chad Weldon is truly one of a kind. I’m pretty sure God broke the mold when he made this guy. Chad is owner of The Master’s Baker, a wedding cake, party cake, […]
Clay Weldon is not only an incredible business leader and devoted husband and Dad, but I’m proud to say, he’s also my (older, and probably wiser) brother. Having known him all my life, I can attest to the fact that he’s the real deal. He cares deeply about building solid relationships, about helping others, about […]
Our guest in this episode is one beautiful soul. Sarah Peacock is an award winning singer songwriter from a little town in Georgia who now finds herself in Nashville, TN. She’s built her music career from the ground up one gig at a time. Her heart is on display through every word that she writes and […]
Josh Watts – founder of MedTrust Medical Transport serving Charleston, Georgetown, and Murrells inlet, SC – was taught early on by his father that if you’re going to own a company, make it be a company worth owning. This involves making MedTrust not only a company worth working for, but a company worth working with. […]
Our guest today is no stranger to the Charleston (and Southeast) entrepreneurial world. John Osborne is Founder of Funding Charleston, Co-Founder of The Harbor Entrepreneur Center, Executive Administrator for the Charleston Angel Partners, and Managing Partner of Good Growth Capital. This guy’s resume is long and his heart is big. His passion is to see […]
Hope Caldwell is one of the most inspiring people we’ve met in a long time. To spend 30 minutes with her is to be deeply impacted. We found ourselves wanting to be better humans after just being in her presence. She’s had some hard challenges that she’s had to overcome, but she has gotten up from each […]
Yves Gege is a man on a mission. Having gotten frustrated one too many times by not being able to provide adequate time to his PT clients and spending way too much time on the paperwork side of the business, he branched out and started a cash-based PT business, called Made2Move. And he is making […]
In this episode, we give you a (self-proclaimed) super fun mashup of 3 podcast hosts. This week we double as both the interviewers and the interviewees as we join forces with the one and only, Matt Scanlon. Matt is the host of the 321GoProject podcast (a podcast geared primarily for the fitness industry) and is […]
Brian Piesner, founder and owner of Coastal Crust Design, Coastal Crust catering, Vintage Coffee & Café, and the newly opened Coastal Crust Brick & Mortar, is one of those guys you just want to have a drink with. He’s kind, smart, unassuming, wildly talented, driven, humble, and an all around nice guy. He’s worked from […]
Stacy Smallwood, owner of Hampden Clothing and James boutiques on King St. in downtown Charleston, SC, is full of life and energy. She is among the best in the fashion biz and has been recognized all over the world for her talent. In this episode, she talks fashion (of course), the joys and struggles of […]
Stacey Pierce is a name you’ll find when you look up “renaissance woman” in the dictionary. She’s had a catering business, was an Occupational Therapist, owned a restaurant, managed a band, became an expert in “aging in place” technology where she’s travelled the world speaking on the subject, started several businesses within a CCRC (a full […]
Betsy Berry is, by all definitions, unanimously likable. She is the founder and owner of BBerry Interiors, based in Charleston, SC. After attending the NY School of Interior Design, she worked with some of the most renowned designers in New York, including David Easton and Sills Huniford. Betsy masterfully combines her big city experience with southern charm […]
We’re on location at Fresh Future Farm with Germaine Jenkins, founder and Master Gardener, and Karen Latsbaugh, founder of Cities & Shovels and right hand person at the farm. Many people dream big, but these ladies are actually pursuing those dreams and making them happen. Inspired by the need to provide healthy food for her family as a […]
Hilary Johnson is a woman who makes things happen. In this episode, we hear her journey through multiple moves to 5 different cities as she climbed the corporate ladder in the beer business. Wanting to create her own business, she moved to Charleston and used her experience to start an event planning business. Once she […]
Jeff Querin and Steve Wayne (Baldwin) are two of the most wonderful guys we’ve had the privilege of getting to know over the last couple of years. They are the founders of the popular 34 West Theatre Co. on Meeting St. in downtown Charleston, SC where they write every show, act every show, and serve […]
Carter Bass is a man wise beyond his years. He’s got his hands in everything from hedge funds to restaurant ownership to real estate investing and much more. In this episode, Carter explains how he leads with strength and then follows that up with kindness and generosity. An introspective soul, Carter challenges us to find […]
Steven Clarke, co-founder of GSD Entrepreneur podcast, is in the hot seat of this interview. He embodies the true spirit of a GSD entrepreneur as he’s been everything from a stand-up comedian on the West Coast to a real estate investor on the East Coast in Charleston, SC. Join in as we get to know […]
In this interview, GSD Entrepreneur co-host Julie Weldon, gets vulnerable and opens up about some of the hard lessons she’s learned on her entrepreneurial path. We cover the gamut of values, partnership, leadership, starting over, and dealing with hard things. The road of an entrepreneur is often windy, bumpy, pothole-filled, and long. Along the way, […]
Running a successful business never comes without its challenges, but it also includes a lot of highs. In this GSD Entrepreneur podcast, we explore both. We dive into what it looks like when entrepreneurs are committed to Getting Shit Done. These are people who are pursuing their dreams, so we dig deep to understand just […]