QueerHustle: Recent Episodes
Michelle Coyle
Welcome to QueerHustle, where we talk to the hottest up-and-coming queer entrepreneurs about growing businesses, creating dream lifestyles, and taking care of each other! I’m Michelle Coyle and I’ll be your host as we work together to explore what’s possible when approaching business with full authenticity.
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with activist, author, speaker and serial entrepreneur, Brooklyn Wright. Brooklyn is an enterprising, passionate community builder who has founded and sustained two companies as well as helped over two hundred creatives and entrepreneurs build, brand and advertise their enterprises. Today, Michelle and Brooklyn discuss the power of money, addressing privilege and having tough conversations. They talk about why money has historically been such a taboo topic, the importance of investing and the value of failing quickly and often.
What We Covered:
00:43 – Introducing today’s guest, Brooklyn Wright, who joins the show to talk about their background as a serial entrepreneur, financial literacy and money mindset
06:12 – Brooklyn talks about understanding the power of money and how to wield that awesome power
12:28 – Brooklyn provides their thoughts on privilege and those who are uncomfortable with power
16:43 – Michelle takes a moment to thank today’s sponsor, BGSD Strategies
17:04 – Brooklyn talks about unpacking the tough conversations in order to enact actual change
18:14 – The stigma surrounding money and why it’s historically been a taboo topic
20:56 –Understanding and charging what you’re worth as an entrepreneur
24:18 – Brooklyn speaks to the work they’re doing with young people regarding financial literacy
26:53 – Brooklyn talks about the importance of investing, taking risks and failing
Tweetable Quotes:
“Most folks don’t know the difference between a liability and an asset. And investing in your education, your business, your clients, your employees, etc., they’re all actually assets. And that’s key. I think that’s a great point for people to understand.” (05:00) (Brooklyn)**
“I’ve always had power. I think the thing is, especially for queer people, we do not like to admit that we’ve had power.” (07:03) (Brooklyn)**
“We don’t change any of this if you’re not able to look yourself in the mirror and say, ‘Oh snap, I’ve had some privilege.’” (13:33) (Brooklyn)**
“I wanted to have real impact on the world. I didn’t want to just be sitting in my living room, typing on my computer and screaming at folks about what they should or should not be doing. I wanted to see change in my neighborhood and my community.” (17:41) (Brooklyn)**
“It’s been very cool for rich people to talk about money together. It has been uncool for anyone else to do so. Just that change in dynamic, I know for a fact changes who has control over their life and who doesn’t.” (20:24) (Brooklyn)**
“A lot of it for me is wanting to make folks really understand how investments work in our society. Your investments are what are gonna make you wealthy or rich or financially free; it’s not your job or your entrepreneurship.” (26:53) (Brooklyn)**
“I encourage people to fail, to fail quickly, to fail often and to know that that’s where success is.” (29:44) (Brooklyn)**
Links Mentioned:
Brooklyn’s LinkedIn
Michelle’s Website
Queer Hustle Facebook Group
BGSD Strategies Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with entrepreneur and film consultant, Daniel Northway Frank. Daniel is the Founder of the Queer Shopping Network, a social enterprise, brand, shop and promotional source for online discoverability of queer and queer-positive products and services for anyone wanting to shop, support and celebrate LGBTQ2SIA+ inclusivity. Daniel has built a career on reciprocal passion for positive change in the industry and for audiences, championing partners and people with similar goals and passions. Today, Michelle and Daniel talk about the inspiration behind the Queer Shopping Network, the importance of having places to shop that are inclusive, diverse and offer representation and the concept of ‘queer perfectionism.'
What We Covered:
00:55 – Introducing today’s guest, Daniel Northway Frank, who talks about his background as a film consultant
05:36 – Daniel speaks to the inspiration to launch the Queer Shopping Network
14:31 – The importance of having places to shop that are inclusive, diverse and offer representation
18:30 – Michelle takes a moment to thank today’s sponsor, BGSD Strategies
20:18 – Daniel takes the audience through his entrepreneurial journey
22:58 – Daniel talks about his three-pronged business approach
25:20 – The power of galvanizing the queer community and lifting each other up higher
27:23 – Daniel talks about the concept of ‘queer perfectionism’
32:46 – Daniel encourages anyone with a queer product or business to reach out to him
Tweetable Quotes:
“You want to keep telling the story in every different way possible and introducing new aspects of that film. So you need to come with as much creative ammo. And so, I like to try and help people develop that ammunition for the success of their film.” (04:53) (Daniel)**
“The idea of the Queer Shopping Network is to harness the buying power and the influence we have as a demographic to support our own creators, our own products, and also to support queer-positive corporations that are doing that work with their products and showcasing their products with marketing and communications that’s showing the diversity of their clientele.” (10:52) (Daniel)**
“You want to go to places where you know that there is a built-in respect, care, mindfulness in the audience of their own customers.” (15:24) (Daniel)**
“You have to know all of those components. Just through my life experience, I think that’s been a huge benefit where I’ve been able to take away those learning practices, see how they’ve worked and see how we’ve failed and make sure when I bring it to my own business that I have my best practices.” (22:17) (Daniel)**
“In the world of ‘business is competition,’ I think business is about collaboration. And especially when you’re marginalized, you need to band together to realize dreams because we’re all historically underfunded, under-resourced, underappreciated, ostracized, facing bigotry. We have a tougher go of it and we have a society that is naturally not going to be inclined to choose us first.” (24:03) (Daniel)**
“We are all one piece. We are all one percent of that hundred percent to make it happen. And we can’t do it if there isn’t that caring, giving camaraderie to let’s do this together and let’s figure out how this all works for us. It’s a really exciting and powerful collective movement that I’m really excited to pivoting towards.” (26:51) (Daniel)**
“Anyone who’s marginalizing knows that when you don’t fit the norm, you have to overcompensate and learn to navigate that professionally so you don’t burn yourself out.” (30:18) (Daniel)**
Links Mentioned:
Daniel’s Website
Queer Shopping Network Website
Daniel’s Emails - queershoppingnetwork@gmail.com & dnf@queershoppingnetwork.com
Rainbow Connect Website
Michelle’s Website
Queer Hustle Facebook Group
BGSD Strategies Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Roberto sits down with entrepreneur and champion of empowering BIPOC, queer and female founders, Danya Abutaleb. Danya is the CEO of Pip, an organization that harnesses the power of dialogue to assist companies in actualizing the diverse and inclusive culture they've always sought. Today, Roberto and Danya talk about their shared experience growing up as a queer person in the same conservative Virginia town. Danya discusses the importance of fostering diversity and the vision they have for the future of Pip. Danya talks about their entrepreneurial journey and the importance of doing work that aligns with your soul.
What We Covered:
00:56 – Introducing today’s guest, Danya Abutaleb, who discusses the work they are doing at Pip Collective
07:51 – Danya’s vision for the future of Pip
09:53 – Roberto and Danya talk about how the plight of queer people has been diminished throughout the years
15:22 – Roberto and Danya share their experiences growing up in the very conservative town of Culpeper, Virginia
18:24 – Michelle takes a moment to thank today’s sponsor, BGSD Strategies
20:53 – Roberto opens up about his collegiate experience and how he developed confidence in his sexuality
25:57 – Danya takes the audience through their entrepreneurial journey
36:15 – How being a queer Muslim has impacted Danya in their businesses and advice Danya would give to aspiring queer entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“Pip was born, and now I can say that my soul has been cleansed, has been regalvinized in pursuing all that I care about and all that matters to me. And I’m doing it with an incredible team and I couldn’t be happier.” (05:35) (Danya)**
“For me, as a person who is not white, I had trouble figuring out what white guilt feels like and figuring out why someone could say just say, ‘Oh, I don’t see color’ and think that is more equitable than acknowledging our differences and acknowledging the real ramifications and consequences of our individualized upbringings and identities.” (06:51) (Danya)**
“What we do at Pip is we start to acknowledge the spheres of power people have and hold and we look at how can we start transforming those and look at it as an anti-oppressive framework rather than solely an anti-racist or anti-homophobic framework.” (11:38) (Danya)**
“I feel like we wouldn’t be in this business or space unless we were optimists at heart, because we are investing in the future. And we are investing in the hope that the next generation and the generation thereafter will continue understanding what it means to be human.” (24:37) (Danya)**
“As someone who considers myself a very futuristic thinker, the one phrase that I despise above many others is, ‘that’s the way we’ve always done it.’” (34:11) (Danya)**
Links Mentioned:
Danya’s LinkedIn
Danya’s Website
Michelle’s Website
Queer Hustle Facebook Group
BGSD Strategies Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with transformational business coach, speaker, and ‘recovering engineer,’ Darla LeDoux. Darla is the Founder of Sourced and author of two books, Shift the Field and Retreat and Grow Rich. She works with transformational leaders to develop businesses that align with their truth. This has been at the core of Darla’s mission as she has helped thousands of entrepreneurs around the world build thriving businesses based on freedom, intuition and connection. Today, Michelle and Darla talk about the difference between default and sourced energy. Darla opens up about one of the most transformational moments in her life, the incredible value of attending retreats and the importance of living our truth.
What We Covered:
00:56 – Introducing today’s guest, Darla LeDoux, who discusses the work she does as a transformation coach, her book, Shift the Field
05:11 – Darla differentiates between default energy and sourced energy and provides examples of each
13:05 – Darla expounds on the concept of Space and Grace
17:29 – Michelle takes a moment to thank today’s sponsor, BGSD Strategies
17:51 – Michelle and Darla talk about the value of attending retreats and getting a changing scenery
19:42 – Darla opens up about discovering she was gay and how she remains open to the next transformational moment in her life
Tweetable Quotes:
“When we are in connection with other like-minded humans, we do create exponential results because we help each other to shine.” (04:59) (Darla)**
“The opposite of default energy is sourced energy. And it’s really created in the moment. It’s alive, it’s vibrant, it’s aligned with the soul of who we are. So, to me, in a sourced place there’s no such thing as mistakes. It’s all learning and growth. Yet in the default it’s like, ‘No that’s a problem. Why would you make that mistake?’” (08:43) (Darla)**
“I don’t think it’s about finding new ground. It’s actually about finding the energy that frees your soul to express in a new way.” (12:26) (Darla)**
“We highly recommend our clients go get an Airbnb, even if it’s just down the street, to get out of your energy field. Because everything around us is set up by our default energy.” (18:12) (Darla)**
“Once we see the truth and we can be validated in that truth, we can clear it and we can create a new energy field. And that’s the heart of this transformational process.” (23:25) (Darla)**
“These things that are hidden from our view, we could explore them forever and not know they’re there. So we need help. I needed help to see it.” (29:16) (Darla)**
Links Mentioned:
Darla’s LinkedIn
Darla’s Website
Darla’s Facebook
Darla’s Instagram
Darla’s YouTube Channel
Link to Darla’s Book
Michelle’s Website
Queer Hustle Facebook Group
BGSD Strategies Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with animal lover and nomadic entrepreneur, Sam Hernandez. Sam is the Founder of The Money Institute, an organization that empowers the LGBTQIA+ community to eliminate debt, save thousands and live their best lives. Michelle and Sam discuss reworking our mindset towards money, the value of accountability and being authentic and the choice Sam made to focus her efforts on serving the queer community.
What We Covered:
00:41– Introducing today’s guest, Sam Hernandez, who speaks to the work she does as a money coach
03:05 – The value of coaching and the importance of accountability
04:15 – Reworking our money mindset and reversing the stigma of greed around money
06:34 – The importance of knowing your worth and trusting yourself as an entrepreneur
08:38 – Sam talks about how she’s invested in herself
10:26 – Michelle takes a moment to thank today’s sponsor, BGSD Strategies
10:47 – What Sam was thinking starting a business at the beginning of a pandemic
12:11 – Sam shares her commitment to helping the queer community – specifically lesbians – take control of their money
14:24 – Sam and Michelle talk about privilege
16:11 – How Sam helps her clients to navigate their finances
18:01 – Sam and Michelle talk about identity and being authentic
21:02 – Advice Sam would give to hesitant aspiring entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“Working with another coach gave me the confidence that I could do it and the accountability to actually do it. A lot of times coaching just comes down to accountability.” (03:29) (Sam)**
“It’s about reworking that mindset; it’s not about greed. I’m not trying to be a billionaire. I just want to live comfortably and I want to be able to travel the world with my dog and run my business and sustain that lifestyle.” (05:37) (Sam)**
“People don’t value themselves enough is what I’ve found. Even starting my own entrepreneurial journey, I was very scared to charge my worth. I was very timid to even charge period, because I was asking, ‘What value can I really bring? Am I good enough to charge that much?’” (06:34) (Sam)**
“Since I started my last March I’ve invested thirteen thousand dollars in myself doing courses, working with other coaches. And I don’t see that as a waste of money or money lost or debt. It’s all investments that have gotten me to where I am.” (09:24) (Sam)**
“It was just crazy to me the correlation that I had found between the coming out journey and my finances. And I just wanted to share it with everyone out there so they don’t feel like they’re alone.” (13:48) (Sam)**
“Many of my clients are in a situation that they’re making enough to live off of and be able to save or pay off their debt, but they’re still in the stage of emotional spending and not being able to control their spending habits. That’s the first thing we tackle.” (16:22) (Sam)**
“I personally believe that sexuality is fluid. So most people might be gay and now they’re allowed to be and it’s not so looked down upon.” (20:45) (Sam)**
Links Mentioned:
BGSD Strategies Website
Sam’s Website
Sam’s Instagram
Sam’s Facebook
Sam’s Email
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with videographer, editor and entrepreneur, Anita Kwan. Anita is the Creative Director at Reel Hoot Productions, a video production company based in Columbus, Ohio. Anita is a true storyteller at heart, helping to build trust with audiences through video. Her approach is simple, to be authentic and make video production a fun, easy process. Today, Michelle and Anita talk about the challenges of being the only minority in the room, the importance of building a safe, brave space and the work Anita is doing to help businesses grow by building a connection with their audience to inspire, create impact, and take action.
What We Covered:
00:49 – Introducing today’s guest, Anita Kwan, who discusses her background as a creative director, storyteller and entrepreneur
08:01 – Anita talks about what it’s like being the only minority in the room
11:21 – How Anita gets the best story out of people
13:05 – Anita talks about the importance of authenticity
14:36 – Michelle takes a moment to thank today’s sponsor, BGSD Strategies
17:23 – The value of building a safe space and a brave space
19:12 – How Anita’s business was impacted by the pandemic and how she pivoted accordingly
22:49 – Advice Anita would give to those looking to turn their passion into a plan
Tweetable Quotes:
“I’ve always been an introvert when I was little. And the one thing that always kept me creative and motivated and energized was making videos with my friends.” (02:20) (Anita)**
“The pandemic has really shown us that quality doesn’t really matter. There’s so many videos out there that everyone shot on their phones but it’s getting views because people are pouring themselves into them.” (10:37) (Anita)**
“Embracing who you are, what you enjoy and being ok with it to share with the world is great because that’s what’s gonna get other people to gravitate towards you. But there is that fear of vulnerability, which actually vulnerability is such a strength when it comes to business and people.” (13:52) (Anita)**
“It’s the advice I give a lot of young folks when they come out of college is to not worry so much about building your resume. Go connect with people. Those are the ones who are really gonna help you out.” (17:23) (Anita)**
“I try to always be very intentional with how I show up and the questions I ask and the way I approach.” (18:58) (Anita)**
Links Mentioned:
Anita’s LinkedIn
Anita’s Website
Michelle’s Website
Queer Hustle Facebook Group
BGSD Strategies Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with transformational mindset coach, Kirsten Beske. Kirsten is a Harvard educated, experienced psychotherapist and mindset coach specializing in helping clients master their internal world to achieve success. Her specialty is working with high performing professional and entrepreneurial women to break through any inner mindset barriers holding them back from the success they deserve, with more clarity, ease and impact. Today, Michelle and Kirsten talk about the work Kirsten is doing to help entrepreneurs get past mindset blocks, overcoming fears and best practices for building positive and healthy mindsets in order to live happier and more fulfilled lives.
What We Covered:
00:53 – Introducing today’s guest, Kirsten Beske, who discusses her background as a transformational mindset coach
04:22 – Kirsten discusses working with entrepreneurs who are embarking on this mission as a second career, fears they have and the mindset shifts they experience
09:35 – Getting past mindset blocks and overcoming fear
14:52 – Kirsten shares her approach to building mindset like a muscle
17:10 – Kirsten provides her thoughts on self-acceptance in the marginalized queer community
23:58 – Advice Kirsten would give to hesitant, aspiring entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“When the world becomes so much more of a grind and the things that you did think you were passionate about just become so hard to do and so tiring, that constant state of exhaustion and that lack of passion. That’s when you really have to start asking yourself, ‘Maybe I’ve changed enough over the years that it’s time for me to tap into a different part of myself and really go that way.’” (03:17) (Kirsten)**
“Giving back to other people. Making sure you leave the world a better place. Those are the kind of things that come up more and more as you’re older.” (05:49) (Kirsten)**
“When we have fear and our vision does contract, people literally lose their peripheral vision; it’s not a metaphor. They measured in studies that when people are scared they lose their peripheral vision and they can’t see the options that are out there for them.” (13:53) (Kirsten)**
“They say neurons that fire together wire together. So, if you don’t practice it on a regular basis, you’re not gonna solidify that neural pathway. And then the default will be whatever your old one was.” (16:05) (Kirsten)**
“I think it is a superpower to have really made that fundamental of a shift of your personal identity, inner and outer matching. To have done that should hopefully give you that superpower of ‘I can do anything and survive.’” (20:01) (Kirsten)**
“The entrepreneur’s journey is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards at the end are immensely worth it.” (23:37) (Kirsten)**
Links Mentioned:
Kirsten’s LinkedIn
Kirsten’s Website
Michelle’s Website
Queer Hustle Facebook Group
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with Conversion Copywriter and Community Strategist, Anna Hetzel. For over five years Anna has helped countless businesses — from tech startups to national brands to nonprofits — understand their target market, uplevel their website, and retain their customers. Today, Michelle and Anna discuss Anna’s entrepreneurial journey, the importance of maintaining a balance between work and life, asking for help and the value of building a thriving community.
What We Covered:
00:43 – Introducing today’s guest, Anna Hetzel, who shares the work they do as a Conversion Copywriter
04:25 – Anna talks about the importance they place on balancing work and life and the many projects they are currently working on
09:20 – Anna speaks to how they manage their time and ‘theming’ their days
14:01 – How Anna’s business exploded during COVID-19 and celebrating ‘NO-vember’
19:08 – Anna talks about the importance of celebrating ourselves and how they avoid burnout
27:35 – The work Anna is doing as a community strategist
Tweetable Quotes:
“People hire me for website copy and what they get is sales strategy.” (03:39) (Anna)**
“The worst thing to do to a creative brain is say no to something.” (05:59) (Anna)**
“The more we give ourselves permission to say, ‘No’ and frame it as, “I’m saying ‘No’ so that I can say ‘Yes’ to this,’ I think that’s where we miss that step. Remind yourself the gift that that ‘No’ is also giving you.” (16:09) (Anna)**
“Showing up in ways more than an entrepreneur and a business owner is showing up fully human. And you can only do that if you respect yourself first. And I’ve found that when you say, ‘No’ people respect you more.” (16:53) (Anna)**
“Something I do when I’m feeling those warning signs of burnout is I look at my calendar and what I have booked and planned and notice what I’m excited about and what I’m saying ‘Oh fuck’ about.” (23:18) (Anna)**
“There’s been a beauty in the pandemic of helping people focus in on who really matters, not what.” (24:39) (Anna)**
“I think there’s a lot of good-hearted people that want to create transformative online communities around their business. They just have never been taught how.” (29:54) (Anna)**
“Showing up consistently in the smallest ways creates huge changes and takes time.” (33:30) (Anna)**
Links Mentioned:
Anna’s LinkedIn
Anna’s Website
Michelle’s Website
Queer Hustle Facebook Group
Miro Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Roberto sits down with self-love coach and host of The Unlearning Podcast, Jenna Slaughter. Through their podcast and coaching career, Jenna delivers a fresh outlook on emotions, communication and unlearning fear-based thinking. Jenna has had discussions on self-talk, relationships, personal development, radical self-acceptance, habit building, anxiety coping, authenticity and more! Today, Roberto and Jenna share a deep conversation about following your own trajectory, breaking the mold, empowering others and stepping into your authentic self.
What We Covered:
00:56 – Introducing today’s guest, Jenna Slaughter, who shares their background as an entrepreneur
05:02 – Jenna talks about the importance of forging your own way and following your own trajectory
08:22 – Jenna talks about their show, The Unlearning Podcast
11:43 – Roberto and Jenna talk about breaking the mold and challenging society’s status quo
15:29 – Jenna opens up about an abusive relationship they endured and the importance of letting go of things that do not serve you
26:05 – Where listeners can follow and connect with Jenna
Tweetable Quotes:
“I love being able to help give to LGBTQIA+ community more tools to be able to make more money and get out of their own way and ultimately move the gay agenda forward.” (01:32) (Jenna)**
“We are not all the same person but yet we have this idea that we need to follow this same trajectory.” (05:24) (Jenna)**
“Part of my goal is to give people tools, strategies and exercises in each of my episodes to help them unlearn what the topic is and what they are moving into instead.” (09:57) (Jenna)**
“Part of my audacity is the audacity to be vulnerable because so many other people have said, ‘oh my gosh, I feel that same way but I’ve never talked about it.’ And it opens up dialogue. And dialogue opens up space for healing. I’m here for that.” (13:54) (Jenna)**
“It’s really worth it in the long run to help empower other people to really just be who they are authentically and to stop hiding and pretending.” (17:45) (Jenna)**
“If there were enough self-love coaches, or if there were enough podcasters, or if this message was landing with people and they felt seen in this message, they would have already made these shifts.” (24:05) (Jenna)**
“I want you to be empowered to take a tiny step forward today when you listen to this podcast and DM it to me. DM it to me on Instagram and say, ‘hey, I took this step,’ and I will 100% be that ‘rah-rah’ cheerleader for you because you deserve it. That creates momentum into the reality you want to create. So, go you!” (25:33) (Jenna)**
Links Mentioned:
Jenna’s Email
Jenna’s Instagram
Jenna’s Website
Jenna’s Podcast
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with entrepreneur and business builder, Jade Baranski. Jade’s entrepreneurial journey started when they were nineteen. After a chance meeting while working at a restaurant and juggling five other jobs, Jade was offered a role that would change the trajectory of their career. Since then, Jade has started their own business, JoyLab, with the goal of being able to align their work with what’s going on in the world. Today, Michelle and Jade talk about the importance of mentorship, the stigma of queer people pursuing money in business, and best practices for building a sellable business.
What We Covered:
00:51 – Introducing today’s guest, Jade Baranski, who shares their background as a serial entrepreneur
04:58 – Jade speaks to the importance of mentorship
08:18 – Building a network of contribution and how being queer has been one of Jade’s most powerful traits
12:24 – Jade provides their thoughts on the stigma of queer people pursuing money and power
15:57 – Jade talks about why they build companies with the intent of exiting and selling
19:47 – Best practices for building a sellable business, the importance of hiring and finding the right business partner
26:30 – Jade opens up about the challenges and difficulties of entrepreneurship
Tweetable Quotes:
“I think, at this point, I’ve mentored three younger folks who have since started businesses. So I feel like that’s a huge win.” (08:09) (Jade)**
“I used to talk about this a lot when I was younger in my career how me being queer really set me up in a unique way in business to really – you call it hustle – I call it power through.” (10:15) (Jade)**
“Someone is going to get the money, so why not you? Because what you’re going to be able to do with that money is unique. So go get the money!” (14:01) (Jade)**
“The two businesses I own now I know the exit strategies. And they’re both about five to seven years. And I feel great about that because building wealth and creating business opportunities for other people is part of what I do.” (19:11) (Jade)**
“What I’ve found that’s even more important than how I’ve created my team is getting everyone’s feedback and being really open to it.” (27:54) (Jade)**
Links Mentioned:
Jade’s LinkedIn
Jade’s Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with independent business owner, Andy Schumacher. Andy is the Founder and CEO of Little Shoes Studio as well as a board member of the non-profit organization, The Queer Business Alliance. Andy believes in creating a world where young, queer, & creative entrepreneurs and business owners are normalized, successful, and valued. Michelle and Andy discuss their shared desire to elevate queer business owners, knowing and charging what you’re worth as an entrepreneur and the importance of cultivating a supportive community of entrepreneurs.
What We Covered:
00:42 – Introducing today’s guest, Andy Schumacher, who shares their incredible entrepreneurial journey
04:43 – Andy and Michelle talk about their shared experiences with discrimination in the business world
11:07 – How Andy wrestles with being both pro-business and pro-queer
15:40 – Michelle and Andy discuss the importance of knowing your worth as a queer entrepreneur
22:01 – The moment everything shifted for Andy as an entrepreneur
25:45 – The importance of personal growth and advice Andy would give to aspiring entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“It started making more and more sense to me that my true storytelling medium is business.” (03:12) (Andy)**
“As we’re building up, we’re gonna give back to each other. And we’re just gonna get stronger and stronger. I just believe so strongly that we need to elevate the entire social capital of the queer community and work together to make that happen. Because collaboration and community is the only way.” (06:55) (Andy)**
“There’s enough for all of us and we’re all enough. And we can work together to collectively elevate ourselves.” (08:27) (Andy)**
“Whenever I do participate in these capitalist systems, I always make sure that I’m asking myself, ‘Can I observe this? Can I examine and collect data about what this experience is like without being so emotionally invested in it?’” (11:33) (Andy)**
“If you’re gonna produce your best and perform your best for your client, you have to charge what you’re worth, bottom line.” (19:54) (Andy)**
“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to find community, support other people and ask for support and help.” (27:21) (Andy)**
Links Mentioned:
Andy’s LinkedIn
Andy’s Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with entrepreneur and marketing professional, Dr. Sarah Skidmore. Sarah is a leadership doctor and consultant who helps organizations develop their people to maximize the potential of their talent to ultimately help their business meet their goals. Michelle and Sarah discuss how to navigate self-awareness and authenticity as business owners, the concept of ‘Stronger People’ leadership and why it is crucial to have representation of all groups in entrepreneurship.
What We Covered:
00:40– Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Sarah Skidmore, who shares the decision to pursue a doctorate in leadership and how to navigate self-awareness and authenticity
06:55 – Dr. Sarah provides advice and best practices for expressing our leadership upward
08:56 – Dr. Sarah explains the concept of ‘Stronger People’ leadership
14:00 – Dr. Sarah speaks further to the importance of authenticity
17:04 – Advice Dr. Sarah would give to aspiring entrepreneurs about sales
21:42 – Dr. Sarah talks about the value of setting boundaries in business
23:59 – Dr. Sarah stresses the importance of representation and celebrating queer entrepreneurship
Tweetable Quotes:
“It’s really that opportunity to not only help business grow and achieve what goals they have, but help the people. Because the people are who comprise our teams and our organizations.” (02:33) (Sarah)**
“When we think about leadership, leadership really is an individual having influence and how that individual uses that influence.” (07:48) (Sarah)**
“So for me authenticity has to connect with having that self-awareness of, ‘what is my purpose, who am I, what are my values?’ And then embodying that in a variety of different contexts.” (14:08) (Sarah)**
“Be who you are. That’s what they want to see is who you are. And that’s what’s gonna help you get business, not faking being something you’re not.” (18:30) (Sarah)**
“If you are trying to enter a space, start a business, start an organization and you may be feeling that nobody that has my identity does this or has done this. That’s all the more reason to do it because representation matters.” (24:43) (Sarah)**
Links Mentioned:
Sarah’s LinkedIn
Sarah’s Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Roberto Musso sits down with entrepreneur and activist, Noel Gordon. Noel is the owner and general manager of Reparations Media & Apparel, the political art and streetwear brand that puts race in your face. It is the mission of Reparations Media and Apparel to provoke conversations about racial injustice and inequality while building points of connection between strangers. Roberto and Noel discuss the current socio-political climate, the recent contentious U.S. election and the importance of promoting universal values across all communities.
What We Covered:
00:57– Introducing today’s guest, Noel Gordon, who talks about his business, Reparations Media & Apparel and their goal of promoting racial justice and equality
03:55 – Noel speaks to the design aspect of Reparations Media & Apparel and the inclusive nature of this company
08:01 – Noel talks about the recent 2020 U.S. election and shares his hopes for the future
13:45 – Noel shares his excitement for the future of Reparations Media & Apparel and how they will be engaging with the community
16:43 – Noel stresses the importance of celebrating black and queer entrepreneurs
21:03 – Where listeners can follow Noel and Reparations Media & Apparel
20:00 – Advice Noel would give to her former self and aspiring entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“My marketing professor sometimes says that, ‘you either go to the market, or the market comes to you.’ And the market has come to us in the last six to nine months in part due to the fact that a lot more people have been made aware of racial inequities and economic injustices.” (02:35) (Noel)**
“We’re driven by queer theory, leftist politics and a radically refreshing hope for the future.” (03:59) (Noel)**
“I think it just speaks to how universal the values of equality and justice are and how they transcend race and gender and sexual orientation. And that’s ultimately what our clothes are about. We want our clothes to be worn by anyone at any time. And I think that has been one of the beautiful parts of it.” (07:11) (Noel)**
“To be honest with you I think Joe Biden, in many ways, is a return to the status quo which wasn’t working for a lot of people before Donald Trump. It wasn’t working for people in my community and it wasn’t working for people I know in communities throughout the country.” (09:23) (Noel)**
“Our designs start from the community. They start in the grassroots. And then they bubble up to a surface where we then create them and put them back out into the community.” (15:34) (Noel)**
“I think, for starters, the idea of telling your story and wearing your story on your sleeve is a distinctly queer value.” (17:03) (Noel)**
Links Mentioned:
Noel’s LinkedIn
Noel’s Website
BLM Store Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with nationally recognized business strategist, speaker and award-winning author, Jenn T. Grace. A self-proclaimed “professional lesbian,” Jenn is on a mission to teach others everything they need to know about doing business with and marketing yourself to the LGBTQIA+ community. Michelle and Jenn discuss their shared desire to help lift up other queer business owners and entrepreneurs, Jenn’s passion for social change and her approach to helping thought leaders share their stories of adversity at Publish Your Purpose Press.
What We Covered:
00:45– Introducing today’s guest, Jenn T. Grace, who speaks to the work she does at Publish Your Purpose Press
03:25 – How Jenn is helping her clients navigate the challenges of virtual events amidst COVID-19
07:23 – Jenn stresses the importance of being an ally to other queer-ran businesses and queer entrepreneurs
16:30 – The path to benevolent capitalism and equity
21:34 – Jenn shares her values-based approach to business and the benefits of being an openly out entrepreneur
26:31 – Attracting the people you want and repelling those you don’t
29:19 – Advice Jenn would give to her former self and aspiring entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“The reality is that we work with business owners, people who are speakers, people who are thought leaders. And, at the end of the day, me taking a three month sabbatical is not an option. And that’s the case for most people.” (02:46) (Jenn)**
“I think as queer people, we’re already an underdog in most of the settings that we show up in, whether we perceive ourselves as such or not. So, I think by helping each other, being allies to other adjacent groups that we can be allies to, that’s the way that we’re all gonna collectively make a bigger impact and a bigger change.” (10:05) (Jenn)**
“If we can’t have the courage to speak our truth, then we can’t expect others to speak our truth for us.” (12:34) (Jenn)**
“I find that most successful queer business owners will always make time for someone who is just starting out to say, ‘Let me point you in the right direction. It’s the least I can do.’” (16:12) (Jenn)**
“There’s so many superpowers and advantages that we do have as queer people.” (19:35) (Jenn)**
“I think repelling people is a beautiful thing.” (28:04) (Jenn)**
“So often we fight with our gut. Our gut knows – we instinctively know – what we need to do next, but we fight it with our logic. That’s not actually helping us. Just go with your gut instinct.” (30:23) (Jenn)**
Links Mentioned:
Publish Your Purpose Press Website
Jenn’s LinkedIn
Jenn’s Website
Michelle’s Website
Youtube Link
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with Jenn McAmis from West Coast Adventure Vehicles, an organization that takes cargo vans and large trucks and turns them into RVs and campers. Amidst the current global pandemic, Jenn’s business has thrived, as Jenn details the rising popularity of RV and camping vehicles. Michelle and Jenn share their experience taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, what being queer has to do with Jenn’s business and the vital work Jenn and their business partners are doing to diversify the outdoors and make it more accessible to everyone.
What We Covered:
00:48– Introducing today’s guest, Jenn McAmis, who talks about the business they co-owns and how they are making RVs cool and relevant again
05:36 – Jenn recalls the decision to change their career path and become an entrepreneur
08:06 – Jenn reflects on how one decision has the potential to change everything
12:04 – What being queer has to do with Jenn’s business
15:15 – Jenn speaks to the importance of educating others on queerness and why it can sometimes be exhausting
19:04 – Jenn provides advice to hesitant entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“I see these vehicles as the future of protecting all of these places that we love to go and just being more sustainable in the ways that we travel.” (04:27) (Jenn)**
“My next career was in fitness, believe it or not, and I quit that job to travel and find myself for a while. My partner had built some vans for friends. I kind of said, ‘let’s do this. I’ll buy in and start the business with you.’ And now it is what it is.” (04:56) (Jenn)**
“There’s so many people doing great work to diversify the outdoors and make sure that it’s a welcoming and accessible place for other people. And, I’ve found that we’re in a place that we can start to bridge those gaps.” (12:40) (Jenn)**
“I am in a position where I’m in a monogamous partnership with a heterosexual man. And so, it appears on the surface as we’re a traditional, straight, hetero couple. I don’t have to do as much of the work as some people do in just daily life. And so, I’m glad to be able to take on some of that work from the comfortable position I’m in now.” (15:44) (Jenn)**
“Don’t put me in the box that I don’t want to be in and I don’t belong in.” (18:20) (Jenn)**
Links Mentioned:
West Coast Adventure Vehicles Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with Dalia Kinsey from Kinsey Wellness And Communications. Dalia is a queer registered dietitian focused on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Through her work, Dalia has curated inclusive virtual employee wellness programs that are LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affirming. Michelle and Dalia talk about what inspired Dalia to start her business, the danger of ignorance and privilege that still exist in our society and the importance of being an advocate for not only yourself, but also for those who are experiencing oppression.
What We Covered:
00:53 – Introducing today’s guest, Dalia Kinsey, who speaks to the inspiration to start their own wellness company, Kinsey Nutrition & Communications
03:15 – Dalia discusses how medical oppression has impacted marginalized communities
09:50 – How Dalia addresses her clients’ negative medical experiences
14:49 – Dalia expresses why it’s important to celebrate queerness and queer entrepreneurship
16:30 – Michelle and Dalia talk about ignorance and privilege that has permeate our society
23:52 – Michelle and Dalia discuss the concept of being in a straight-passing relationship
29:30 – Why it’s the responsibility of people in privilege to advocate for those who are being oppressed
Tweetable Quotes:
“I know that how you’re treated affects your baseline stress levels. And that affects how your health plays out.” (02:06) (Dalia)**
“For most people that I come across I really have to focus on empowering them to set boundaries and to feel confident in not listening to your healthcare provider like they are this all knowing person you must look up to and obey everything they say.” (08:14) (Dalia)**
“It’s important to have a support system and, if at all possible, someone who can help you navigate those spaces while you’re down. Because if you’re really sick, you probably won’t have the bandwidth to handle these battles on their own.” (13:15) (Dalia)**
“As companies pop up that specifically want to serve underserved people and we take our money and leave the places that have been beating us up, I think that will get people to really look at changing. Some people have no moral compass and the only way to get them to change is to punch them in the wallet.” (14:19) (Dalia)**
“I think moving through the last four years helped a lot of people realize that there’s no pay off for us not showing up one hundred percent as ourselves.” (20:36) (Dalia)**
“I don’t really believe you can live a full, well-rounded life if you always have to hide.” (34:56) (Dalia)**
Links Mentioned:
Dalia’s Website
Dalia’s Podcasts:
Body Liberation For All Podcast
Self-Mastered Podcast
Dalia’s LinkedIn
Michelle’s Website
Link to Episode on YouTube
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with Dalia Kinsey from Kinsey Wellness And Communications. Dalia is a queer registered dietitian focused on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Through her work, Dalia has curated inclusive virtual employee wellness programs that are LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affirming. Michelle and Dalia talk about what inspired Dalia to start her business, the danger of ignorance and privilege that still exist in our society and the importance of being an advocate for not only yourself, but also for those who are experiencing oppression.
What We Covered:
00:49 – Introducing today’s guest, Casper, who opens up about what it was like starting a podcast nearly ten years ago and overcoming the ‘scarcity mindset’
08:45 – Casper provides their thoughts on coaching and challenging the limiting belief mindset
13:08 – Michelle and Casper discuss the importance of creating more space for the queer community
17:43 – Casper recalls some interesting interviews they’ve conducted on Homoground
21:54 – Where listeners can find out more about and support Homoground
Tweetable Quotes:
“I’m sure that going through all that coaching and training has rewired my brain in a different way that made me break away from a lot of limited beliefs.” (08:07) (Casper)**
“I think a lot of us who are queer, who are women, who are minorities really feel the impact of these limited beliefs to the point where they just become our truths. It takes a lot of work to unlearn those things and to learn more empowering thoughts that give us confidence that we need.” (08:21) (Casper)**
“As I’m trying to figure out my coaching sessions, I remind myself of the things that I have been doing. And that’s creating space and a place for LGBTQIA+ community to come together.” (11:36) (Casper)**
“A lot of things I’m creating are things that I’m creating for my younger self. And I know that people are still going through those things. So I’m glad that it’s able to help me and also able to help a lot of other people.” (13:43) (Casper)**
“Being able to meet people and have those kinds of conversations and connections I don’t think I would have had if it weren’t for Homoground. So I am grateful that this project has led to me meeting a lot of amazing people and having great opportunities and experiences in my life.” (19:18) (Casper)**
Links Mentioned:
Casper’s Website
Casper’s Podcast
Support the Homoground Podcast Here
Michelle’s Website
Link to Episode on YouTube
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with coming out coach, Nancy Shadlock. Nancy is the CEO and Founder of Center Life Coaching and the host of the Coming Out Chronicles podcast. When she finally When she finally discovered that she didn’t have to divorce her spirituality to embrace her sexuality, she stepped forward and kept creating more and more of the life she’s always dreamed of. Now, Nancy helps others step out of the closet, connect to their truest self and support them in sharing that with their world in a life-giving way. Michelle and Nancy discuss the importance of having a strong support system as an entrepreneur, balancing self-care and the value of coaching.
What We Covered:
01:03 – Introducing today’s guest, Nancy Shadlock, who shares how she has embraced her spirituality and sexuality and speaks to the work she does as a coming out coach
04:34 – Nancy shares a particularly inspiring coming out story from her work at a recent retreat
07:21 – Nancy talks about the creativity she’s employed to enhance the experience for her clients amidst COVID-19
11:06 – The importance of having a strong support system as an entrepreneur
13:43 – How Nancy balances her own self-care
15:57 – Nancy provides their thoughts on why it’s important to celebrate queer entrepreneurship
20:38 – What Nancy loves most about her work and why coaching matters
Tweetable Quotes:
“I thought I had to divorce my spirituality in order to embrace my sexuality. And when I realized I could bring those together and be authentic in all of who I am, I was able to use my Master of Arts and spiritual formation to help others.” (01:37) (Nancy)**
“You learn more from the ‘screw-ups’ than from the amazing successes.” (09:00) (Nancy)**
“What I’ve been leaning into lately is that my queerness is my path to wholeness. And so as I’ve been able to own that and lean into it, so much has opened up as far as my business because it’s so much more authentic of who I am. So that’s why I love helping other people with that.” (16:25) (Nancy)**
“I had to wait until I had a community that had wrestled with this and said, ‘No, you can totally be gay and that’s okay.’” (18:04) (Nancy)**
“One of my favorite things is helping people realize what is special about them and then empowering them to share that with the world.”
(20:58) (Nancy)
Links Mentioned:
Nancy’s Website
Nancy’s LinkedIn
Nancy’s Podcast
Nancy’s Email
Michelle’s Website
Link to Episode on YouTube
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with mural artist and entrepreneur, Sam Skrimpz. Sam is the founder of FriedSkrimpz, a queer ran studio specializing in quality hand painted murals and large scale paintings, produced in the style of the artist. Michelle and Sam discuss Sam’s incredible entrepreneurial journey, the power of going viral via social media and the importance of knowing your value as a business owner. Sam shares insights on manifesting the right mindset, believing in your abilities and celebrating queer entrepreneurship.
What We Covered:
01:05– Introducing today’s guest, Sam Skrimpz, who shares their entrepreneurial story, how they went viral on Instagram and the value they have gained from their incredible business coach
10:08 – Sam provides advice to hesitant entrepreneurs and reflects on overcoming the defeatist mindset
14:31 – Sam talks about the incredible growth of their business over the past few months and personal rituals they implements into their business and personal lives
18:46 – Sam shares best practices and strategies for manifesting your own goals
23:42 – Sam provides their thoughts on why it’s important to celebrate queer entrepreneurship
27:05 – Advice Sam would give to aspiring queer entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“For other artists, I’d like to them that your art is valuable because you created it and you developed your skillset to be what it is today. So, you can continue to grow that and validate it with money.” (11:32) (Sam)**
“I think when I got to that point of having pride and understanding that I accomplished my visual language and I was ready to go to that next step, that’s when I gained that confidence boost.” (14:40) (Sam)**
“In order to have that manifestation happen, start with something simple – something you can accomplish on a daily or weekly basis. Set that standard for you and set aside time for you to accomplish that goal.” (18:56) (Sam)**
“Whenever I am given the most artistic freedom within a situation, it turns out to be the most mutually beneficial mural-giving experience that you can have.” (22:40) (Sam)**
Links Mentioned:
Sam’s Instagram
Fried Skrimpz Website
Michelle’s Website
You Are a Badass at Making Money Book – You Are a Badass at Making Money
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with wedding photographer and entrepreneur, Brady Bates. Brady has a passion for photography that inspired him to drop out of school early and pursue a career in the field full-time. His goal is to tell each couple’s story and share in the joy of their big day. Michelle and Brady discuss the growing trend of adventure elopements, Brady’s passion for what he does and how coming out impacted Brady’s brand in incredible ways.
What We Covered:
00:48– Introducing today’s guest, Brady Bates, who speaks to his entrepreneurial journey and how he arrived at the decision to run his own business at a young age
03:49 – Advice Brady would give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are being held back by the naysayers
06:01 – The decision to drop out of school to pursue a career in photography
08:36 – Brady discusses his passion for shooting weddings, the growing trend of ‘adventure elopements’ and the craziest wedding he’s ever worked on
12:34 – Brady speaks to his latest venture, Influencer Photography
13:24 – Brady shares his coming out story and how it has impacted his business and brand in a positive way
16:24 – Brady provides his thoughts on why it’s important to celebrate queer entrepreneurship
18:42 – Advice Brady would give to aspiring queer entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“I am twenty-one. I started my business full-time when I was seventeen so I’m only on year four of being a photographer. And so, it’s been quite a journey. It’s definitely been such a fun experience.” (01:38) (Brady)**
“Happiness is the most important thing to me. That and doing what I love.” (03:43) (Brady)**
“The whole environment of wedding days is just so happy and so inspiring to me. And so, it makes it fun.” (09:35) (Brady)**
“Now that I’m out and am super open and happy about it, I definitely want to restructure my brand and shoot more queer couples. There’s a much better understanding of each other, and creating that connection is so much easier because we know each other.” (14:28) (Brady)**
“If you don’t support me, don’t hire me.” (16:05) (Brady)**
Links Mentioned:
Brady’s LinkedIn
Brady’s Instagram
Brady’s Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with relationship therapist and coach, Dr. Lynda Spann. Lynda is passionate about helping people grow amazing relationships. She has made it her life’s mission to figure out how to create a relationship that brings about pleasure, happiness, and ongoing growth. Michelle and Lynda discuss the work Lynda is doing to empower queer women and lesbian couples to have lasting relationships. They talk about overcoming obstacles as an entrepreneur, such as running a business with your spouse and building a business to scale. Finally, Lynda encourages any aspiring queer entrepreneurs to go out there and do it!
What We Covered:
00:57 – Dr. Lynda Spann joins the show to discuss the work she does at Lesbian Couples Institute and her mission to empower queer women to have lasting, healthy relationships
08:28 – Lynda talks about overcoming challenges within her business, specifically building to scale and impacting as many couples as possible
11:41 – Lynda speaks to the power of facilitating community online
13:41 – Lynda opens up about her experience running her business with her wife, Lisa
16:59 – Lynda shares her mindset transformation from therapist to business owner
19:37 – Lynda provides her thoughts on why it’s important to celebrate queer entrepreneurship
21:12 – Advice Lynda would give to aspiring queer entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“My mission is to have a lower divorce rate in lesbian couples than in the heterosexual world. And we’re not there yet.” (05:10) (Lynda)**
“I think that, yes, as a community we’ve had to go against the norm, the grain, the expectation of the hetero-normative world. We’re just better at embracing change and doing what’s right for us. I think sometimes we give up on relationships prematurely. There actually is a way to be happy in a relationship.” (06:37) (Lynda)**
“If I do just thirty hours of client contact, I get to help thirty couples. But if I can create an online group program for lesbian couples, it’s endless how many couple I can help.” (10:59) (Lynda)**
“For some couples, it’s not a good idea to run a business together and for others it can work out well. But it requires a lot of transparency and being willing to rumble and have all manner of conversations.” (15:02) (Lynda)**
“When queer people can unite and learn from each other, we get to be a mirror for each other. We get to identify with each other. We don’t feel like the oddball in the sea of everybody.” (19:57) (Lynda)**
“One piece of advice is get mentorship, get a coach. Get yourself with a community of other people who are learning because you’ll save a ton of time and heartache.” (21:40) (Lynda)**
Links Mentioned:
Lynda’s LinkedIn
Lesbian Couples Institute Website
Lynda’s Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with entrepreneur and dedicated relationship coach, Libby Sinback. Libby is a polyamorous relationship transformation coach and is the host of the Making Polyamory Work podcast where she tackles the hard questions about how to create and maintain authentic, loving and healthy non-monogamous relationships. Michelle and Libby discuss some of the struggles of entrepreneurship, including financial risk and balancing work and family. Libby opens up about the importance of celebrating queer entrepreneurship and the value of putting up a shield to protect yourself.
What We Covered:
00:58– Introducing today’s guest, Libby Sinback, who speaks to the work she does as a polyamorous relationship transformation coach
05:40 – What motivated Libby to take the leap into entrepreneurship
10:58 – Libby speaks to how she was able to navigate the financial risk of early entrepreneurship
15:12 – Libby shares why 2020 has been an incredible year for her
17:34 – Libby speaks to the skepticism that exists towards polyamory
22:22 – Libby provides her thoughts on why it’s important to celebrate queer entrepreneurship
Tweetable Quotes:
“It was very scary to take that leap to become an entrepreneur.” (07:40) (Libby)**
“You don’t just need cash to float your expenses during the time that you’re running your business. You need money to spend.” (11:55) (Libby)**
“My clients loved what I was doing and they loved my work. And when I was able to see the results of that on the other side and see that I was really helping people, I knew this is what I was meant to do.” (13:16) (Libby)**
“For me, this year has been the year where I hit my stride. And all of the things that I’ve been building completely clicked into place.” (15:23) (Libby)**
“You need a little bit of a shield for people’s bullshit; even for people you love.” (21:23) (Libby)**
Links Mentioned:
Libby’s LinkedIn
Libby’s Podcast
Libby’s Instagram
Libby’s Facebook
Libby’s Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with web developer and entrepreneur, Danielle Zarcaro. Danielle is the founder of Paperback Web Development, an organization that helps agencies, large & small businesses, and entrepreneurs get her clients on track, build websites and landing pages, and make website updates. Michelle and Danielle discuss the personal growth and self-discovery journey that often accompanies entrepreneurship, the importance of being well-represented as a queer business owner and the value of showing up as you are.
What We Covered:
01:01– Introducing today’s guest, Danielle Zarcaro, who shares her entrepreneurial origin story, the importance of accountability and their stance on napping
09:04 – Danielle shares her experience of personal growth and self-discovery as an entrepreneur
11:19 – Advice Danielle would give to aspiring queer entrepreneurs
15:20 – Danielle provides her thoughts on the value of being a queer entrepreneur and working and collaborating with other queer businesses
16:49 – What it means for Danielle to be a leader in the web development industry
18:49 – Danielle and Michelle speak about their shared experience as queer entrepreneurs and why it’s important that they are well represented
23:43 – What Danielle would tell to those considering entrepreneurship but are slightly intimidated
Tweetable Quotes:
“It just feels so freeing to be able to make my own decisions about how I live my life and to be able to provide that to other people.” (03:21) (Danielle)**
“I think it’s really cool that it [entrepreneurship] can become this vehicle to explore yourself and dictate direction and make decisions.” (10:02) (Danielle)**
“If you’re your own boss, you sort of get to explore yourself in a way that is authentic to you.” (13:25) (Danielle)**
“It’s just empowering to be able to say, ‘Here’s what I am and here’s what I’m doing. You can like it or not but you don’t have to work with me if you don’t want to.’” (14:25) (Danielle)**
“I didn’t go into business because I’m queer and didn’t feel like I had an outlet. But how awesome would it be if I get to have relationships with a bunch of queer businesses? That would be so cool. And it’s not something you can control if you don’t run your own business.” (15:42) (Danielle)**
“I’m not necessarily shy. I don’t call myself shy. I’m introverted. I absorb. I observe and I take in all the data of what’s happening around me, and then I contribute when I want to contribute.” (17:30) (Danielle)**
Links Mentioned:
Danielle’s LinkedIn
Danielle’s Instagram
Paperback Web Development Facebook
Paperback Web Development Website
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with entrepreneur and professional artist, Erin St.John. Erin is the owner of their family business, Saucy Pots Pottery, a retail store that provides handmade ceramics with saucy phrases printed on them. Michelle and Erin talk about the impact COVID-19 has had on her retail business, the importance of pivoting your business in times of crisis and the value of having a strong and open mindset.
What We Covered:
00:58– Introducing today’s guest, Erin St. John who talks about her experience in retail and their business, Saucy Pots Pottery
10:06 – How Erin pivoted her business model during this global pandemic
14:26 – Erin reflects on the expansive growth of her business
16:13 – Erin speaks to the importance of having an open mindset as an entrepreneur
Tweetable Quotes:
“I do really love switching to online because I find that you’re able to reach the people who you want to attract without offending too many others.” (06:48) (Erin)**
“I think I’m somebody who really enjoys taking risks. I definitely love challenges. I think that makes me different right off the bat. I love change and I love jumping into new ideas and challenging myself and learning as I go.” (10:56) (Erin)**
“I’m pretty happy with the decision of putting everything online and stepping back from retail. I think that was one of the best decisions ever for this business.” (14:10) (Erin)**
“Well, I think that if that is your mindset then that’s what will happen. But if you are open and interested in problem-solving, and focusing and honing your skills, and really focusing on the one thing you want to do, then anything is possible.” (16:34) (Erin)**
Links Mentioned:
Erin St.John’s Instagram
Saucy Pots Pottery Email
Saucy Pots Pottery Instagram
Saucy Pots Pottery Website
Saucy Pots Pottery Facebook
Michelle’s Website
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with educator and clinician, Dr. Cadyn Cathers. Dr. Cathers is the Executive Director of The Affirmative Couch, an organization that supports mental health of sexual, gender, and relationship expansive communities through education. Dr. Cathers is also the interim co-director of the LGBT Specialization at Antioch University Los Angeles and adjunct faculty at Mount Saint Mary's University and Alliant International University. Michelle and Dr. Cathers talk about the incredible work The Affirmative Couch is doing for the LGBTQIA+ community, what drives and motivates Dr. Cathers and the importance of having a strong support system as an entrepreneur.
What We Covered:
00:50– Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Cadyn Cathers who defines affirmative therapy and speaks to the work he’s doing with The Affirmative Couch
06:47 – Courses and other services that The Affirmative Couch offers
08:26 – Dr. Cathers speaks to what drives and motivates him and the importance of elevating the voices of clinicians
10:18 – Dr. Cathers talks about the incredibly ambitious business model of The Affirmative Couch and his entrepreneurial passion
13:35 – Advice Dr. Cathers would give to those who are nervous about embarking on an entrepreneurial journey and the importance of having a supportive partner as an entrepreneur
17:30 – Dr. Cathers speaks to strategic thinking and strategies for leveraging your finances
20:29 – Advice Dr. Cathers would give to upstart entrepreneurs
Tweetable Quotes:
“Affirmative therapy is different than friendly therapy because I think, yes most therapists definitely will have an open mind, but that isn’t enough. I think to be a good therapist in working with diversity, you have to have training, consultation and experience. Being open-minded is a great baseline, but it’s not enough.” (02:47) (Dr. Cathers)**
“It’s estimated that around one in five people have actually tried polyamory at some point in their life and might be practicing in this current moment. That’s a huge number of people. We’re talking about twenty percent of the population and yet there’s so little training about working with that community.” (04:53) (Dr. Cathers)**
“Having a site where there’s lots of voices, lots of theories, lots of identities of presenters is really where the strength of The Couch is.” (10:09) (Dr. Cathers)**
“I think it’s also that I’m just passionate about this. There’s something about this work that feeds me. I think if that wasn’t the case I don’t think I could do this.” (12:33) (Dr. Cathers)**
“I think it’s essential. I don’t think that I would have been able to start this business or sustain this business without support from Melissa, my wife.” (16:13) (Dr. Cathers)**
“When you step away, that’s when you can find the solutions that you didn’t think were there.” (18:47) (Dr. Cathers)**
Links Mentioned:
Dr. Cather’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadyn-cathers-01112623/
The Affirmative Couch Website – https://affirmativecouch.com/
The Affirmative Couch Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/affirmativecouch/
The Affirmative Couch LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-affirmative-couch/
Michelle’s Website – https://michellecoyle.com/podcast/
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with sex therapist, educator and founder of Wellcelium, Dr. Pavini Moray. Wellcelium is a sexual wellness edtech company providing pragmatic skills for thriving relationships and sexuality through online learning. Michelle and Dr. Pavini talk about the importance of queer entrepreneurship, being a leader and role model in the LGBTQIA+ community and Dr. Pavini’s passion for helping people realize the full power of their sexuality.
What We Covered:
01:01 – Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Pavini Moray who speaks to the importance of queer entrepreneurship, the difference between capitalism and entrepreneurship and the work they’re doing with Wellcelium
06:13 – Dr. Pavini speaks to the importance of representation in sex education for marginalized groups and individuals
11:10 – Dr. Pavini’s entrepreneurial journey and the origins of Wellcelium
13:52 – What it has meant to Dr. Pavini to be a leader and role model in their community and how Dr. Pavini shapes their mindset
16:48 – Dr. Pavini opens up about their experience as a public leader and a recent revelation they had
20:54 – The value and appreciation Dr. Pavini has for their work
23:45 – Dr. Pavini speaks to their capacity and entrepreneurial curiosity
Tweetable Quotes:
“Having a queer lens – being a queer person, a trans person – and being in business is really flipping the script. It’s really saying, ‘Hey, we get to do this too.’” (02:23) (Dr. Pavini)**
“When you’re a capitalist, you’re making money off of other people and off of the oppression of other people. Whereas entrepreneurs are making money with people.” (03:46) (Dr. Pavini)**
“We’re trying to provide spaces for folks to have those corrective experiences so that they can really step into the full power of their sexuality.” (08:14) (Dr. Pavini)**
“The route of sexuality is very direct because it’s so core and central to who we are.” (10:44) (Dr. Pavini)**
“Running a start-up is a whole other animal…How am I gonna do this ethically? How am I gonna not step away from what’s core and important to me? And, to do this in a way that is queer, that is trans, that is really connected to my communities and to my identities and also providing a path forward.” (10:30) (Dr. Pavini)**
“Stepping into public, visible leadership is kind of painting a target on your back in a certain way; and you have to build up your resilience.” (17:22) (Dr. Pavini)**
“I don’t know the edges of my capacity, and I want my capacity to be ever-increasing. And that means that I have to push the edges of it.” (24:20) (Dr. Pavini)**
Links Mentioned:
Dr. Pavini’s LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavini-moray-phd-51346650/
Wellcelium Website
https://wellcelium.org/
Wellcelium Facebook LinkedIn
https://www.facebook.com/wellcelium
Wellcelium Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wellcelium/
Wellcelium YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMkDJOSAQgHG_tubrnog3Aw
Michelle’s Website – https://michellecoyle.com/podcast/
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with Joey Fleenor, co-owner at Greenscape Geeks, an organization that provides organic and sustainable landscape design and installation. Joey’s favorite part about owning Greenscape Geeks is the opportunity to make local communities better. Michelle and Joey discuss their shared experiences of entrepreneurship, Joey’s inspiring physical transformation and the importance of being consistent in life and business.
What We Covered:
00:51 – Introducing today’s guest, Joey Fleenor who speaks to his entrepreneurial journey, the process of acquiring a business and the work they are doing at Greenscape Geeks
08:13 – Michelle and Joey discuss their shared experiences of discrimination in the workplace
10:46 – The value Joey places on fostering a collaborative and successful organizational culture
12:58 – Joey opens up about the tremendous physical transformation he has undergone over the past year
17:10 – Advice Joey would give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are afraid to start
20:17 – Joey talks about the future of Greenscape Geeks and provides three final pieces of advice
Tweetable Quotes:
“One of the big things that we do is wildlife habitat restoration. And so basically what that means is that we look at these properties and, not only are we offering them beautiful designs, but everything that we put in there serves as a habitat and food source for animals, insects, the local ecosystem, you name it.” (01:52) (Joey)**
“Probably the biggest motivating factor for our decision to purchase the business was that we were just done with feeling trapped. We both felt like we were stuck.” (06:40) (Joey)**
“The goal is to do the things every day that it takes to get you there. And I think a lot of people forget the actions in between. They look at ‘A’ to ‘Z,’ but they don’t look at all the letters in between to get from start to finish.” (14:31) (Joey)**
“You’re not gonna get what you want if you don’t try or if you don’t begin the process.” (16:33) (Joey)**
“The biggest thing that you’re [aspiring entrepreneurs] gonna encounter that is a potential saboteur is fear.” (17:37) (Joey)**
“Starting and owning a business really comes down to three things. You have to have something that somebody wants…you have to know who those people are that want is…you have to have a way for them to get it.” (22:07) (Joey)**
Links Mentioned:
Greenscape Geeks LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenscape-geeks-llc/
Greenscape Geeks Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/greenscapegeeksllc/
Greenscape Geeks Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/greenscapegeeks/
Greenscape Geeks Website – https://greenscapegeeks.com/
Joey’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-l-fleenor-jr/
Michelle’s Website – https://michellecoyle.com/podcast/
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with Carol McDonald, CEO of the social impact communications firm, Meridian Solutions. Carol is a seasoned activist, changemaker and communications professional with over 20 years of experience working in and for communities of color. Carol is also a multi-entrepreneur who runs a total of three highly successful businesses. Michelle and Carol discuss the challenges Carol had to overcome throughout her entrepreneurial journey, what queerness represents and how to strike the appropriate work-life balance.
What We Covered:
00:49 – Introducing today’s guest, Carol McDonald who speaks to their drive to be a multi-entrepreneur, their personal journey and how they prioritize their work
08:41 – How Carol operates with their staff and their thoughts on finding balance
13:30 – Carol shares their definition of queerness, sexuality, and what it means to bring your full self to the world
19:32 – Advice Carol would give to other aspiring entrepreneur and why Carol refuses to be apologetic for being successful
Tweetable Quotes:
“I feel fortunate that I can think beyond barriers and just really embrace possibility.” (02:54) (Carol)**
“Everybody thinks that their sense of urgency is unique…Somebody said a couple of weeks ago, ‘I’m not working at the pace of white supremacy anymore.’” (09:43) (Carol)**
“We’re not our best selves if we aren’t well taken care of, and well-rested, and well-loved, so I want them [Carol’s staff] to feel that. And I do recognize that that is not a common approach. But I feel like if we’re going to be true to our values as a firm, then we have to live that in the way that we do the work. And people have to come to this work as their full selves.” (11:21) (Carol)**
“What actually is the definition of queerness? Because, to me sure it’s about sexuality, but it’s also about challenging oppressive systems. To me, queerness is about challenging white supremacy, patriarchy and extractive capitalism. Those systems benefit from us feeling less than whole.” (14:13) (Carol)**
“Joy is futurism.” (18:08) (Carol)**
“My purpose in becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t to be like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna start a business cause I want to make a ton of money.’ I wanted to do a thing in the world that I cared about.” (21:54) (Carol)**
Links Mentioned:
Meridian Solutions Website – https://www.meridiansolutionsworldwide.com/
Meridian Solutions Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/solvedbymeridian/
Meridian Solutions Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SolvedbyMeridian/
Black Girl Basel Website – https://www.blackgirlbasel.com/
Carol’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-mcdonald-a3a69844/
Michelle’s Website – https://michellecoyle.com/podcast/
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle chats with Arshad Hasan and Vicki Roush, Principals at Convey Communications, an organization that works with rising leaders, especially BIPOC, womxn and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to develop the skills and confidence to communicate. Arshad has an extensive background in executive leadership and, specifically, public communications. Vicki brings a lifetime of musical theatre discipline and decades of experience in radio, TV and special events moderating. Together with Michelle, they discuss the importance of overcoming fear, speaking your truth and the collective power of being heard.
What We Covered:
00:47 – Introducing today’s guests, Arshad Hasan and Vicki Roush who share their the work they are currently doing to amplify marginalized voices with their organization, Convey Communications
08:02 – Arshad and Vicki speak to the importance of overcoming the fear of speaking up as a marginalized person, taking up the space you deserve and how it translates to the field of business
18:44 – Specific pressures that marginalized groups and individuals face on a daily basis
21:06 – The power of connecting through body language
23:28 – Arshad and Vicki discuss the resounding impact of COVID-19 and how they have pivoted their business strategies and practices amidst this global pandemic
34:02 – Michelle thanks Arshad and Vicki for joining the show
Tweetable Quotes:
“The progressive world has been seeing a new and different kind of leadership. And that’s where we come in. Our specific mission is to work with women, people of color, and LGBTQ folks to lift up their voices.” (04:39) (Arshad)**
“A lot of us – in the way we’ve just sort of grown up through professional life – have learned maladaptive traits to make ourselves smaller. When Vicki talks about owning the room, it’s doubly important for womxn, people of color, LGBTQ people to walk up on that stage like everyone is here to listen to them because that is the truth.” (06:42) (Arshad)**
“I can tell – and so can everybody else – when you’re not taking up the space you deserve.” (10:10) (Arshad)**
“That’s what it is. You just learn skills to work with those fears basically. And then the more you practice and the more you realize that the audience is not your enemy and they’re not gonna eat you, then these fears go away. They start to diminish and you become more comfortable on stage.” (12:28) (Vicki)**
“Once you connect with someone, if you connect with them in some way with your own story then you become a more credible source to them. They are more likely to follow you as a leader, or agree with you as a leader, or come on board with your leadership team.” (21:06) (Vicki)**
“There’s no point in doing this work if you don’t have integrity.” (33:09) (Arshad)**
Links Mentioned:
Convey Communications Website
https://www.conveycomms.com
Convey Communications LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/convey-comms/about
Convey Communications Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/conveycomm
Convey Communications Twitter
https://twitter.com/convey_comms
Convey Communications Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/convey_comms
Arshad’s LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshadhasan
Vicki’s LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-roush-ba342827/
Michelle’s Website
https://michellecoyle.com/podcast
Welcome to Queer Hustle, a show that interviews the hottest up-and-coming queer entrepreneurs about growing businesses, creating dream lifestyles and taking care of each other. Join host Michele Coyle as she sits down to explore what’s possible when you approach business with full authenticity.
In this episode, experienced Public Relations pro and newly minted entrepreneur, Sarah Massey joins the show to talk about the work she is doing to curate a safe, sex positive, online platform for members of the LGBTQ+ communities to feel free to express themselves. Sarah speaks to her demonstrated history of working in social change, her passion for sustaining her community and the importance of supporting queer businesses with a strong social mission.
What We Covered:
00:45 – Introducing today’s guest, Sarah Massey, who shares her background as an entrepreneur and the work she’s currently doing with Joie de Vivre
06:03 – Why it is important for queer people to have a sex positive space to express themselves
09:20 – The need for members of the LGBTQ community to feel free
11:44 – Sarah speaks to the origin story of the Joie de Vivre platform
14:55 – Advice Sarah would give to aspiring entrepreneurs
19:42 – Michelle thanks Sarah for joining the show
Tweetable Quotes:
“People want to have that experience still of exploration. Well, the first events that we started with are called ‘Queer Dance Naked’ because there’s so much exploration and so much fun to be had when you’re doing something a little outside the box.” (04:29) (Sarah)**
“If I want to be able to be free to be myself, I want to have a space that I know was developed for me. Has a club owner or a party thrower really considered all the needs of the LGBTQ community?” (06:30) (Sarah)**
“There’s an aspect of queerness that can benefit the whole population. Those of us who have overcome oppression and marginalization have a lot to teach others.” (07:26) (Sarah)**
“Am I gonna be able to be resilient? And that’s something I’ve learned. It’s the intersection of the art and the activism that creates that resiliency.” (10:54) (Sarah)**
“I don’t like the idea of these mega corporations telling me how I can live my life. I’m an adult. And if I want to take off my clothes and dance to Prince I should be allowed to.” (13:54) (Sarah)**
“How am I going to grow and sustain my community? That’s what I really want to do as well, sustain our community.” (17:42) (Sarah)**
“I believe that there’s a ton of money that people want to spend with queer businesses that have a social mission. And it’s up to us, the entrepreneurs and the visionaries, to get out there and make those offerings.” (18:56) (Sarah)**
Links Mentioned:
Massey Media Website – https://masseymedia.wordpress.com/
Joie de Vivre Website – https://www.joie.dance/
Sarah’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmassey/
Michelle’s Website – https://michellecoyle.com/podcast/
Welcome to QueerHustle, where we talk to the hottest up-and-coming queer entrepreneurs about growing businesses, creating dream lifestyles, and taking care of each other! I’m Michelle Coyle and I’ll be your host as we work together to explore what’s possible when approaching business with full authenticity.