From The Basement Up: Recent Episodes
Michelle Brandriss
Meet the groundbreakers and community makers, with Michelle Brandriss, founder of Name Bubbles. This podcast is for those thinking about starting a business, branching out on their own, or creating something for their community. Hear from people who tackled their biggest fears and got their grit on. Learn how they are redefining success and creating inspiration for others to do the same.
Saratoga Tea and Honey is a tea and honey shop in Saratoga Springs, NY, offering an authentic, inviting, and warm experience in the teabar and discovery room. Saratoga Tea and Honey has traditional tea, organic traditional tea, and organically produced tea even from local vendors.
Today we listen in to how Hayley got her start, where she got to travel to learn about tea, how she sees her business evolving, and the difficulties that being a business owner has. Hayley wanted to "do it once, and do it well" and she has held true to that in every subset of the business.
Faena is an innovative Spanish language learning video game founded by their CEO Isabel Last. Isabel wanted to make learning fun by creating a game where you learn by speaking and interacting in a story-filled world.
Today, Isabel shares her background, what led to her wanting to start her business, and what the word "Faena" means. Listen now and learn more about Faena and what the future holds for the company.
Lindsay Tjepkema is the CEO & Co-Founder of Casted, the only amplified marketing platform, and is where we host our very own podcast! Lindsay has an extensive background in marketing, is passionate about women in leadership and workplace culture, is a podcast host and speaker, and is a mother of 3 boys.
Lindsay started her company just before the pandemic hit; what a time 😅. Today, she takes us through her journey as a marketing leader turned CEO and Co-Founder of a company. She shares how she put her vision into play and where she hopes to take Casted in the future. Listen now!
Takeaways:
00:03 - 02:07 Introduction to episode and Lindsay
02:32 - 03:39 Set out to be the change you want to see
04:04 - 06:37 The process of putting a vision to play
07:01 - 09:00 The good, the bad, the ugly - Having a demanding work and personal life
09:39 - 11:56 Venture Capitalist Funding - How it happens and what the process is like
14:40 - 16:08 A day in the life of Lindsay Tjepkema
18:27 - 20:36 Casting a Vision - An evolution of Casted
23:26 - 25:07 The biggest win at Casted
27:15 - 28:42 Final Thoughts
Meggan Wood is the CEO & Founder of Lily Jade, a leather diaper bag and handbag company. Inspired by wanting style and efficiency, Meggan started her company in 2013, and it has grown into the successful company it is today.
In this episode, Meggan joins Michelle to discuss everything Lily Jade. This discussion includes Meggans's background in communications and broadcast journalism, how that translates to her role now, and the evolution of Lily Jade and "keeping the niche."
All that and more on this episode of From the Basement Up.
Founder & CEO of The Baby Cot Shop, Toks Aruoture, talks with host Michelle Brandriss about what it's like to be an entrepreneur and nursery interior designer. Toks shares how she went from the pharmaceutical industry to interior design while being the mother of four children.
During the conversation the two discuss traveling to help people all over the world to design their dream nursery's, and how that process has shifted with the prevalence of remote meeting apps like Zoom and WhatsApp that allow Toks to meet people anywhere they're at. Toks also talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, and how she realized she should follow a passion for interior design.
All that and more on this episode of From the Basement Up.
Julie Clark is the author of multiple New York Times bestselling novels, “The Ones We Choose” and “The Last Flight”. As a mother, teacher, and author, she has some life experience. In this episode, Michelle invites in author, Julie Clark. We hear how tenacity, grit, commitment, and ability to bounce back stronger than you were before are all necessary components of being a successful author.
Visit her website at https://julieclarkauthor.com/
Today on From the Basement Up, Michelle Brandriss is joined by Jen Shultz, a mentor and teacher, who is encouraging people to “Find Their Why” and step into an entrepreneur life and redefine the typical 9 to 5 workday. Jen will explain some key ingredients of starting out on your own and what it takes to find success. She is here to share how she helps others find their professional purpose and we are excited to welcome a dedicated businesswoman, educator, and coach onto the show…
In 2020 Melinda, a mother of three, received a box of masks that her father had developed with scientists during the 2003 SARs virus epidemic. She quickly noticed the positive reaction not only from her kids in their ability to continue to laugh, talk and play; but other parents and families as well who were taking an interest. Requests began to pour in. Hear how Melinda turned a neighborhood group chat into her successful business on today's episode.
Closing this season with gratitude, appreciation, and excitement for what is to come. Thank you to all of our guests who started out with us on Season One of From the Basement Up!
In today's episode, we're joined by Shennel Fuller. A mom, and entrepreneur, who’s created a clothing brand for kids that is known for its minimalist style. Though her collection takes us back to basics, it is meant to blend in with anyone's wardrobe. Treated like your everyday uniform, or favorite outfit that you could wear everyday if only you had five sets of the exact same soft cute long-lasting, staple pieces. Shennel’s genius is a gift for moms wanting soft, high-quality clothing that removes the fuss. The brand excels with the basics, is gender-neutral, and shares big smiles in white, grey, and black. Miles and Milan by Shennel Fuller. It was featured in InStyle Germany, on Oprah’s list of favorite things, recommended by celebrities, and found in stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. The clothing inspires an effortless style that is current and allows a little one’s cuteness to shine. Shennel is a veteran in the world of fashion, she has worked as an executive at brands like Talbots, Converse, Levi’s, and 7 for All Mankind, and From the Basement Up is very excited to have her share her journey with our listeners.
Today's episode is another installment of meeting the Name Bubbles team! Listen in for some fun questions, hard questions, and advice about small business ownership from our very own, Ashley Murdza!
Today's episode highlights Sejal Thakkar, a civility officer, leader, mom, and entrepreneur.
Sejal teaches us a little bit about ourselves through this episode. She created her company to try to help other companies create a positive and constructive workplace. She provides legal advice, consulting, and training in creating constructive employee relations. Sejal helps companies avoid costly litigation, but more importantly, she helps companies elevate their culture with training and sound personnel policies.
As you will hear in today's episode, Sejal is also a public speaker, she has been a keynote speaker and even appeared and TED talks. She discusses her own experiences of discrimination, bullying, and harassment, and how that is shaped her career and addressing the importance of diversity and inclusion, sexual harassment prevention, anti-bullying, and unconscious bias.
In this episode we hear how she got her start, where she plans to go, and some of the hurdles she's had me and mitigate through along the way.
Over 30 years ago, Jessica Iclisoy embarked on a journey to create a non-toxic environment for her family. In 1995, launching in her kitchen with ingredients she had sourced, Jessica began to create the beloved formulas for what is today, the industry standard in natural skincare, California Baby.
Since then, Jessica has built California Baby into a globally recognized brand, with more than 200 products available at retailers nationwide and through a global distribution network. California Baby is a recognized Women Owned Business, with its own certified organic and FDA registered manufacturing operation and organic farm.
Jessica is a member of the Plant Based Product Council and serves on their Policy, Education and Communication Committees. She is also a member of the Fast Company Impact Council which is an invitation-only collective of innovative leaders and the most creative people in business. Jessica is the chair of Female Arts Initiative, which is a nonprofit to support women in the arts. She is a Board member of UCLA – Santa Monica Hospital and serves as the Board Chair of the committee for their Integrated Medicine Initiative.
Jessica believes that her mission extends far beyond creating products that are safe for children and healthy for the environment. In 2016, she launched The Natural Advisory Council (NAC) to form a coalition of natural, organic, and “green” product manufacturers, retailers, and non-profit consumer protection organizations to advocate, collaborate and educate (ACE) on the definition and use of the term, “natural” in all consumer products.
Resources:
https://www.californiababy.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/californiababy
Key Takeaways:
00:24 - 01:16 🎙 Episode overview: California Baby and Jessica Iclisoy
01:25 - 07:26 🧑🍳 The most important ingredient in every California Baby product, and more about the company
07:26 - 12:13 🧪 Creating recipes with scientists, and what that process was like
12:14 - 14:33 💎 What inspires Jessica and her team to create new products?
14:40 - 19:17 👏 Jessica's thoughts on organic and natural practices spreading across industries
19:18 - 24:13 🌼 Being a stickler for ingredients and the capability to grow all California Baby's own ingredients
24:53 - 28:37 🧩 The organic industry, marketing strategy, and doing the research
28:37 - 33:03 🐝 Beekeeping failures, learnings, and considerations
33:05 - 35:58 🌳 The Natural Advisory Council's relation to California Baby
35:59 - 37:21 🎉 Reflecting on 30 years of business
37:21 - 40:56 🌔 The stages of California Baby's life
40:57 - 42:59 🗝 "When did you know you would be wildly successful?"
43:01 - 45:21 ♻️ What the pandemic was like for California Baby from a supplier standpoint
45:25 - 51:29 👯♀️💪 On encouraging other women in business
51:31 - 59:19 🔮 Jessica's reactions to people wanting to buy California Baby, and her future outlook for the brand
In this week's episode of From the Basement Up, Michelle and Emily are joined by Genika Blandshaw, founder, owner, and operator of Juice Factory VII. Her passions are food, health, and staying true to herself. Among the most dedicated and hard working women From the Basement Up has had the pleasure to host, Genika had an interesting background before beginning her career as a serial entrepreneur. While she at one time had a hand in policy making for Medicare and Medicaid, her career path has clearly changed completely; however she maintains that common thread of health throughout all of her endeavors.
Join us today and listen in on how Genika got her start, found her balance as a mom, wife, and businessowner; and where she plans to go!
Today's episode is another installment of meeting the Name Bubbles team! Listen in for some fun questions, hard questions, and advice about small business ownership from our very own, Brent Marianetti!
In today's episode, Michelle is joined by her sister and fellow entrepreneur, Nicole Love. Nicole has had an incredible journey, and continues to seek ways to deepen her journey, connect with herself and others, and ultimately spread love.
We hear Michelle and Nicole share stories, lessons, and incredible experiences. This episode is definitely a special one!
Nicole Love is a Psychic, Intuitive Energy Healer, Meditation Teacher, and Energy Healing Teacher. She loves to create sacred space for clients, and guide them into a deeper connection with their Divinity. She has been studying and practicing ‘energy medicine’ for over 25 years with mentors from around the world.
Nicole is a mother of two teenagers and has a background in Nursing, Midwifery, and Child Development.
Her website is www.soulgratitude.com and she collaborates with a friend on a podcast called Soul Reverence found on Anchor and Spotify.
In this episode of From the Basement Up, Michelle Brandriss is joined by entrepreneur and business owner, Mark Parobek. We get to listen to Mark's experience in looking for a property for himself to be able to enjoy the beauty at Gore Mountain, only to end up bringing the community exactly what it needed. Whether this is a restaurant, bar, an ornate hotel with themed rooms, great stories, good music, yurts, bike trails, and the list goes on. This haven of fun and relaxation was the perfect addition to a developing ski town in Upstate New York.
Mark is an Upstate New York native, and while spending some time with his wife and family in Saratoga Springs, he felt like he needed a change. That change ended up being purchasing a property in the ski region at Gore Mountain, with his brothers. The 'Parobros' have evolved this ski hill motel into an kitschy hotel, a restaurant, bar, hive of yurts, stage for live music, bike trails, and more. In 2013 Mark didn't see himself becoming an entrepreneur, but now almost a decade later, he is happy to call himself an accidental entrepreneur and small business owner.
In today's episode of From the Basement Up, we are joined by Alison Martin of Engage Mentoring. Based out of Indianapolis, this mentoring group seeks out businesses, universities, or people looking to expand their network and expand their skillset. In learning throughout this mentoring program, mentees are offered the ability to learn about new topics they may have previously had an interest in, or maybe had never heard of. Within the span of months professionals can grow their interest base, and become experts in new areas of their abilities.
Engage Mentoring provides a leadership program for companies and individuals to access mentoring on topics of their choosing, while impacting the next generation of talent by providing a mentoring program to college students through partnerships with nonprofits and universities.
In this episode we hear Michelle and Amy from Name Bubbles talk about some of the more fun aspects of working for a small business. Amy tells our listeners about what she does, how she found her work-life balance during the busiest season Name Bubbles had ever seen, which was past season in Summer 2021, and what advice she would give about business owners connecting with their employees. The tight-knit community that has been created over the years is something that Amy tells us is one of her favorite parts of Name Bubbles.
In this episode of From the Basement Up, we hear about another serial entrepreneur, Zak Cassady-Dorion. Michelle says that Zak is the kind of guy you want in your corner. A go with the flow guy, Zak has been a problem solver with an interesting background.
Today on From the Basement Up we welcome Holly Mundon. Holly is a community hero. Holly Mundon has worked with individuals struggling with persistent mental health conditions for over 15 years. She has her clinical licenses in social work in two states, is a certified trauma specialist, and has a certification in chemical dependency. Holly has been both a social worker and a therapist, working with patients in hospitals and hospice. She understands the needs of both patients and their families struggling with trauma, grief, and mental health. Holly meets people where they are and helps them identify goals, so they can move forward to a state of satisfaction and total well-being.
We hope you enjoy listening as we discuss Holly's experience in her field, as well as hearing some helpful tips from someone who considers herself a lifetime learner. As she continues evolving both in her self and in her career, by going back to school, beginning a company in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to aid essential workers, and always being someone to help those around her; Holly is going to continue to do wonderful things. We hope you enjoy this episode of From the Basement Up, and take away with you the many drops of wisdom Holly left us in today's episode.
Survive, Persevere, and Thrive! Thank you, Holly.
On today's episode of From the Basement Up, we sit down with Founder & CEO of Socket Lock-It™, Caitie Gehlhausen.
Caitie is an inventor, college graduate, retired D1 athlete, a gen Z-er, a serial entrepreneur, and quite a successful businesswoman already in her first few years of founding and operating her own business. Caitie’s technique of observation gave her the perfect idea, timing, and tone for how she was going to get herself as an inventor (as we like to say) out of the basement.
After having the time to see what her friends and family were missing, she took to her teachers and those around her to level up her idea, hit the ground running, and eventually make her way into the world’s largest retailer: Walmart. She isn’t stopping anytime soon, and today we get to hear how she’s gotten so far in her career already, where she plans to go, and what she’s learned along the way.
On this episode of From The Basement Up, Michelle and Emily talk with Nicole Snow, Founder & CEO of Darn Good Yarn. A New Jersey native, Nicole attended Clarkson University. She successfully started a business her first year and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Technology Management. Nicole moved on to spend two years serving in the U.S. Air Force. After launching her business, Around the Om, she eventually built Darn Good Yarn with a passion for creating a socially conscious craft and design business.
Darn Good Yarn is an online ethical yarn and clothing store. The idea started with recycled silk yarn, helping their primary goals to employ talented artisans around the globe with a safe employment environment, and save waste materials(which they have currently saved 2 million lbs). What's unique about this business comes from its values: Commitment, Sustainability, and Community.
Today, Nicole shares what it looks like to live by those values and build her business from the ground up. You'll hear insight into the process of turning silk into yarn and tips on starting your own business. Listen now!
Resources:
Darn Good Yarn: Values: https://www.darngoodyarn.com/pages/our-values
Nicole, Founder and CEO: https://www.darngoodyarn.com/blogs/darn-good-team/nicole
Takeaways:
09:00 - 10:37 🛫 How being in the Air Force shaped Nicole to do the work she's doing now
19:38 - 21:59 ♻️ The process of turning unused/wasted silk into yarn
22:24 - 24:00 💡 The Triple Bottom Line Framework
32:17 - 34:55 🎉 The Darn Good Fund
44:35 - 46:26 👏 Encouragement for mothers/domestic figures: You are more prepared to start a business than you think!
53:53 - 55:17 🧩 Words to live by - From Nicole
Today's episode of From the Basement Up highlights another Name Bubbles team member, Rob. Rob is the Automation Software Engineer & IT Manager at Name Bubbles.
Rob talks about his experience as an employee of over 13 years at Name Bubbles. Rob has many strengths, but among them are the abilities to problem solve and contribute to the company culture.
He values efficiency, the relationship we have with our customers here at the company, and the learning curve that has come with his role at Name Bubbles. Rob remembers stories dating back to when Name Bubbles was still in the basement, to designing the first website, to problem solving everything he could on the way. Rob highlights slowing life down and giving a moment to figuring out what the best next step might be.
Today we have the honor of sitting with one of our very own, JoAnna Schwartz the Business Development Manager here at Name Bubbles. JoAnna has been with us for a decade, growing alongside Michelle and the company itself. Through the first location, to our current home in Ballston Spa and helping to see a new location opening in Brighton, Colorado, she has seen Name Bubbles through it all. We get to hear our favorite Name Bubbles moments, and have some fun questions answered from someone who knows Name Bubbles as if it were home.
On this episode of From the Basement Up, Michelle talks with One World Cafe Co-Founder, Owner and Operator, Brandy Sullivan. One World Cafe is a proud, locally owned, cafe whose mission shines beyond serving the best fair trade organic, roasted fresh coffee. Today, Brandy shares stories and reflects on her own experience as an entrepreneur in her community of Moscow, Idaho.
One World Cafe's focus began with the community in mind, and after 17 years that mindset has not shifted. Moscow is well known for maintaining a high percentage of locally owned businesses in their town, and after years of needing a coffee shop, Brandy and a few friends decided to make that dream a reality.
She emphasizes the importance of needing to create a comfortable environment, where others can collaborate and either start or end their days. OWC is a place where people can relax, build relationships and enjoy the artwork, concerts, or quiet in their own home away from home.
On this episode of From The Basement Up, Michelle talks with Jeff Bryan, Co-Founder & CEO of The Positivity Project. Jeff is a U.S. Military Academy at West Point graduate and served five years in the Army, 2 of which were in Iraq. Following the Army, Jeff served in the U.S. Department of State in D.C. and Jerusalem. Eventually, deciding to settle in the states, he and fellow West Point graduate Mike Irwin wanted to continue to serve the United States and decided to help by creating The Positivity Project.
The Positivity Project's core mission is to empower America's youth to build positive relationships and become their best selves. They put this into action by partnering with Pre-K through grade 12 schools and teaching them character strengths and concepts that will carry with them throughout their life.
Today, Jeff shares examples of putting their methodology to practice. He emphasizes the importance of having relationships and empathy towards others. Listen now to hear about Jeff and The Positivity Project's impact on America's youth.
Resources
The Positivity Project Character Strengths: https://posproject.org/character-strengths/
The Positivity Project Website: https://posproject.org/
Key Takeaways
00:58 - 02:09 🧩 Jeff before starting the Positivity Project
03:38 - 04:01 🎉 The Positivity Project's mission, and how they put that into action
07:02 - 08:54 🤝 Teaching children to respect one another, and how that can play out on social media
10:37 - 12:45 👯 Why it's important to put an emphasis on relationships
16:46 - 17:35 📣 Other people matter, period.
22:54 - 23:39 🏡 How the program connects to students' home
23:58 - 25:52 🎙Examples of the Positivity Project's impact - High School Level
29:33 - 30:51 🎙Examples of the Positivity Project's impact - Elementary level
In this episode we talk with Ghuan Featherstone the Executive Director of Urban Saddles. Urban Saddles is a non-profit organization that emphasizes connecting with the equine experience, yourself, and the community. It is a wonderful organization that takes the opportunity to provide the equestrian lifestyle, and today we get to learn the ins and outs, the intention and passion behind the movement, and where Ghuan sees Urban Saddles going in the coming years. We also get to hear a little bit of history, and some recommendations as to where we and our listeners can go to find more information.
Join us today with our special guest, Maya K. Grey.
Maya is a fierce woman, lawyer, teacher, mom, wife, and entrepreneur. Originally from the Bay Area in California, she began her career as a teacher. After some time, she decided that she was ready to completely change her path and go back to school to become a lawyer. Taking her knowledge from her background as an educator, she ultimately chose family law. She worked for over seven years in a reputable and established law firm before her priorities began to shift.
In 2020, before the outbreak of COVID-19, Maya made another courageous decision to start her law firm. Needing more flexibility and work-life balance, Maya weighed her options and knew that starting independently was the right decision for her and her growing family. She needed change and wanted the ability to spend time with family, have time to go to the grocery store, or just run things the way she'd like in her own business and experience creating her parameters.
We hope you enjoy today's episode where Maya discusses how she realized she needed the change, what she did to make it happen, and how it’s going today. Thank you!
Welcome to From the Basement Up with Michelle Brandriss. In this episode, our first episode, we launch by meeting Michelle. Michelle is CEO and founder of Name Bubbles, Labels to Last, Sticker & Co., and now From the Basement Up! We hear in this podcast how she got the idea for her business, what it took to get the business out of the basement of her home to become a multi-state operation, and what she hopes to bring to the podcast to launch her brand forward in strides. We're glad you're here listening with us and we can't wait to get this podcast From the Basement Up!