Podcast – Rachel Brenke: Recent Episodes
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In this episode, I welcome a true powerhouse woman, Cheval, the creative director at She is Cheval, a specialty women’s shoe brand. As our conversation unfolds, listeners will discover the remarkable journey of a woman who has successfully rebranded herself after a high-stakes legal battle. Cheval’s story takes a unique twist from her previous life as a renowned wedding dress designer, where she was forced to shed her birth name due to legal constraints. The discussion touches on her recent venture, the “A Girl You Might Know Foundation,” a nonprofit inspired by her own experiences. While diving into the nuances of her legal battle, Cheval shares valuable insights that resonate with entrepreneurs and creatives alike. We explore critical lessons from Cheval’s journey, emphasizing the importance of specialization and protection for creative individuals who may become overly focused on their craft. Cheval’s transformation from a “reckless optimist” to a responsible entrepreneur highlights the significance of self-advocacy and mentorship. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking discussion that delves into the complexities of entrepreneurship, legal challenges, and the inspiring resilience of a woman who continues to design her destiny.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Cheval is the creative director of She is Cheval, a women’s shoe brand, and was previously known for being a wedding dress designer.
- Cheval had to rebrand and reinvent herself due to legal reasons and is no longer allowed to use her birth name publicly.
- She has also launched a non-profit called “A Girl You Might Know Foundation,” inspired by her journey, which involved a significant lawsuit.
- Cheval emphasizes the importance of designing your own destiny in life and business.
- Cheval’s journey involved facing challenges and legal actions as she grew her career.
- One lesson learned is that specialization is important, and people should be aware of their blind spots.
- Creatives should not overlook the need to protect themselves legally and financially.
- It’s crucial to balance enthusiasm and dedication to one’s craft with responsibility and self-advocacy.
- Networking with mentors and advocates who have experience can help entrepreneurs navigate challenges and vulnerabilities in their journey.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Business Insider Article
When you walk into a space, whether it’s the waiting room of a doctor’s office or a hotel lobby, it can be easy to forget that someone has made a decision about every aspect of that environment, from the colors on the wall to the chairs you’re sitting in. Today’s guest, Carmeon Hamilton, discovered interior design while in college and immediately started working in the corporate space upon graduation, making her aware of the infinite number of behind-the-scenes decisions that shape our built environments. Since then Carmeon has walked a fascinating path, from learning to sew and build original furniture to starting her own design brand and business, Nubi Interiors, to triumphing as the winner of HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen. I talk with Carmeon about her journey into entrepreneurship, the setbacks she experienced along the way, and how having supportive processes in place can be a lifeline when the unthinkable happens. While Carmeon has had truly wonderful successes, she has also had to contend with unimaginable loss. In our conversation, she provides insight into what it was like losing her husband just as her show was about to premier and what she has learned from trying to make sense of the experience since. Carmeon also shares exciting details about what she has coming up, including a new TV show and a book expressing her philosophies on life and design. Join us for an expansive conversation about the many facets of entrepreneurship and finding meaning, even in life’s most difficult moments.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Get to know today’s guest Carmeon Hamilton, winner of HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen.
- How Carmeon discovered interior design and chose to study it in college.
- Her history of working in corporate and doing interior design for healthcare spaces.
- The story of how she taught herself to build and sew furniture.
- Carmeon’s history as a blogger and how she documented learning to build furniture online.
- Entering the furniture retail space as a seller, design consultant, and buyer.
- How she found clients and grew her design business, Nubi Interiors.
- The client who sued her for using the color navy after not signing a contract.
- How the experience discouraged her from pursuing entrepreneurship.
- What this taught her about having the right business processes in place.
- How she left her corporate job and started running her business full-time.
- Her decision to go virtual with her business and how it coincided with the COVID pandemic.
- How her online presence got her noticed by casting directors and producers.
- The experience of winning HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen and the opportunities that came with it.
- How Carmeon tragically lost her husband right before the premiere of her show.
- Carmeon’s reflections on experiencing such a devastating loss alongside her rapid rise to success and prominence.
- Why Carmeon felt grateful to have processes in place during this difficult time.
- How she got her own television show, Reno My Rental, and why she is so fond of it.
- The many speaking opportunities Carmeon was offered in 2022 and how it presented a new stream of revenue for her.
- Insights on her upcoming tv show and book launch.
- Learn where you can find Carmeon online and get in touch!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Carmeon Hamilton
Nubi Interiors
Carmeon Hamilton on Instagram
Carmeon Hamilton on Twitter
Carmeon Hamilton – TOV Furniture
HGTV Design Star
Design Star: Next Gen | HGTV
Reno My Rental
Rachel Brenke on Twitter
Rachel Brenke
TheLawTog
When the world was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses were left scrambling to adapt. And while many companies weren’t able to continue, others found ways to pivot and (in the process) were able to diversify and elevate their businesses in profound new ways. Such was the case for today’s guest, Whitney Eckis, Founder and CEO of Eckis Marketing, a creative communications agency based in San Diego, California. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic was an extremely challenging time for her company, Whitney was able to embrace it as an opportunity. She used the pandemic to invest time and energy back into her business by integrating what truly interested her and her team, which allowed her to pursue new opportunities for her company and even double their revenue in both 2021 and 2022! Her story isn’t one of pure success, though. There were many experiments that failed or didn’t go as well as they had hoped. But there’s always something to be learned from your setbacks, and ultimately they make the breakthroughs that much more rewarding! Today on the show, we chat with Whitney about her journey as an entrepreneur, how to build a community around your brand on social media, and the importance of being able to adapt to changing circumstances. She discusses the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic before describing their pivot into Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) with the launch of their CBD coffee brand Get Supr® and the powerful impact it has had on their marketing agency. For a fascinating conversation on the power of the pivot and much more, be sure to tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Get to know today’s guest, Whitney Eckis, Founder and CEO of Eckis Marketing.
- Whitney’s upbringing and the example her father set as an entrepreneur.
- Hear about Whitney’s first entrepreneurial pursuit when she was in college.
- Whitney’s early experience with blogging, vlogging, and building websites.
- Whitney’s Red Bull internship and the many skills it helped her develop.
- Why social media wasn’t originally designed for brands and how that has shifted.
- The challenge of building a community around your brand on social media.
- How to keep the consumer’s journey in mind as an entrepreneur.
- Whitney’s advice for keeping up with algorithm changes on social media.
- How to be intentional with your online content as a brand.
- Authenticity online and consumers’ desire to see behind the curtain.
- The story behind Whitney’s new hemp-infused coffee brand Get Supr®.
- Whitney’s transition from running a marketing agency to a product-based business.
- How the Get Supr® launch elevated her marketing agency.
- Whitney’s experience of pivoting to Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).
- How pivoting allowed Whitney to explore new opportunities for her agency.
- The uncertainty you feel while pivoting and why flexibility is crucial.
- Why it’s okay to do experiments that fail.
- The positive and negative impacts that COVID-19 had on entrepreneurs.
- Hear about Whitney’s plans for her marketing agency going forward.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Whitney Eckis
Whitney Eckis on LinkedIn
Whitney Eckis on Instagram
Eckis Marketing on Instagram
Get Supr on Instagram
Under the Influence Podcast
Rachel Brenke on Twitter
Rachel Brenke
TheLawTog
Few entrepreneurs start and exit with the same idea. Today’s guest, Brock Johnson, is here to remind listeners that there’s power in just getting started. Tune in to hear Brock’s story of entrepreneurship success, starting with equipping parents to keep their children safe in the digital world. Brock defines entrepreneurship as paid problem solving, and believes strongly in the power of having a niche. Hear all about the memberships Brock offers to help users make the most of social media for business, and much more today. Thanks for tuning in!
Key Points From This Episode:
- A warm welcome to today’s guest, creator of InstaClubHub, Brock Johnson.
- How growing up around entrepreneurial people influenced his way of thinking.
- Creating financial independence as a busy student athlete with no time for a job.
- The opportunity he identified during the 2015 SnapChat conversation.
- How teaching his parents how to use SnapChat led to his first official business.
- The evolution of teaching parents to keep kids safe into teaching them business.
- Brock’s advice to entrepreneurs: just get started.
- Finding the motivation to move forward with an idea that you are not passionate about.
- Defining entrepreneurship as being a paid problem solver.
- The power of having a niche.
- Why Brock landed under NCA investigation.
- Shifting from a focus on SnapChat to a focus on Instagram stories.
- His first podcast: Social Media Money Makers.
- What motivated him to put all of his Instagram training in one place: the InstaClubHub.
- Why a course isn’t a good enough resource and what Brock offers instead.
- Why Brock has stopped thinking about where he will be in five years time.
- His predictions for the future of Instagram and Facebook.
- What it was like to speak to Instagram staff for the first time.
- What is next on the horizon for Brock and his wife as they build their businesses together.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Brock Johnson on Instagram
Brock Johnson on Twitter
InstaClubHub
Chalene Johnson
Rachel Brenke
TheLawTog
In all facets of life and business, change is inevitable. The key to ensuring that you stay relevant is to be flexible and willing to adapt to those changes. Today’s guest is Sarah Hill, who started her career as a nurse and, since pivoting to entrepreneurship, has founded multiple successful businesses. During this episode, Sarah and I discuss why you shouldn’t aim to create “perfect” content for social media, why a business plan is crucial for the success of your business (even though it can be a tedious task), how she has managed to avoid burnout throughout her career, and more. The entrepreneurial journey is hard, but it shouldn’t weigh you down, and the advice that Sarah shares in today’s episode will help you make it the most fulfilling it can be!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into Sarah’s decision to leave nursing to pursue photography.
- Valuable lessons that Sarah has learned through her photography business.
- How Sarah stays up to date in terms of how she communicates with her target market.
- Sarah’s approach to Instagram marketing, and how it has changed over time.
- The importance of showing your target market who you are on social media.
- Why she sets a time limit for how long she can spend creating content.
- How to think about failure as an entrepreneur.
- The factors that have enabled Sarah to avoid burnout.
- Sarah’s number one piece of advice for new business owners.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Sarah Hill on InstagramAtomic HabitsRachel BrenkeTheLawTog
I’m so excited to have Jamie Otis (you may have heard of her) back on to chat about life, love, and all the things in between. Jamie was on Married at First Sight and The Bachelor, but today we talk about life beyond the silver screen. Fair warning – this episode may feel heavy at times as we discuss trauma-related topics, therapy and more, so please listen with care. Whether you’re a biz owner or not, this episode is packed with wisdom that’s relevant to every stage of life. We talk about therapy being a key element to Jamie’s healing journey, her authentic online presence, building her personal brand, and the lessons learned along the way. Most importantly, Jamie shares key advice on the power of pausing. Join me and listen in to one of my favorite body-positive influencers and momtrepreneurs.
Key Points From This Episode:
- An introduction to today’s guest, Jamie Otis.
- The story of how she got into the reality TV world.
- How being on the Bachelor prepared Jamie for Married at First Sight.
- Jamie’s approach to being authentic online.
- Her experience of laying her story bare on Married at First Sight after the Bachelor.
- Jamie’s tip for anyone feeling nervous to share their story: find a safe space.
- What it was like to have the support of an online community when she experienced pregnancy loss.
- The role of therapy in supporting growth and saving Jamie’s marriage.
- Advice from Rachel’s therapist: shut the f up!
- The wake up call that reminds you that you get this life to live however you want.
- Finding your in between ‘too much hustle’ and ‘not enough’.
- What Jamie is learning about the power of pausing, especially with kids.
- Her focus on growing her family and taking time to breathe.
- Jamie’s advice not to wait for retirement, but to do something you enjoy even if it means making less money.
- The life-changing effect of taking the next step, whatever that might be.
Jamie Otis on Instagram
Jamie Otis on Facebook
Jamie Otis on Twitter
Married at First Sight
The Bachelor
Jasmine Star
If you watch NFL football on Sundays, or you’re a NASCAR fan, you’ll know today’s guest, Shannon Spake for her work as a broadcaster. She’s also a mom of twins, and an Ironman triathlete, and loves to give back to herself, her community, and her family. During today’s episode, we are lucky to host her for a conversation about the challenges of balancing motherhood and business. Shannon’s message comes down to one simple word of advice; to give yourself grace. Tune in to hear how Shannon’s involvement with many different things helps her to avoid burnout, and how being a part of the endurance community gives her an opportunity to fill her cup. Hear about her relationship with triathlons, how one of the characters in Disney’s Cars 3 came to be named after her, and what it has been like to work in a male-dominated field, with the support of fellow NASCAR reporter, Jamie Little. Join us to learn all about Shannon’s unique road to building a rich and fulfilling life that is as multifaceted as it is successful. Anyone can learn from these powerful insights, but if you’re feeling the pressure as a mom building a career, you can’t afford to miss today’s conversation.
Key Points From This Episode:
- An introduction to today’s guest, NFL reporter, mother, and triathlete, Shannon Spake.
- Shannon tells us what’s new in her career today.
- What she has learned by balancing personal pursuits and family along with building a career.
- How she has learned to give herself grace as she has grown older.
- What she realized in New York during 9/11.
- How being a part of the endurance community gives Shannon the opportunity to fill her cup.
- Her belief that doing many different things helps to prevent burnout in any area.
- How changing her environment keeps Rachel creatively fresh.
- Why Rachel believes that she is a better parent when she gets the time to be herself outside of that role.
- Understanding that everyone has a different level of sacrifice.
- How triathlon acts as a form of meditation for Shannon.
- Shannon’s commitment to enjoying herself above all else when she partakes in triathlons.
- How she prepares to ensure that the experience is fun for her.
- The story of how one of the characters in Cars 3 was named after Shannon.
- What it has been like to work in a male-dominated sports space.
- How her relationship with fellow NASCAR reporter Jamie Little was a support to her.
- Her advice to younger people that their impact is what’s most important.
- Why Shannon believes nothing is more important than working hard and being likable.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Shannon Spake on Twitter
Shannon Spake on Facebook
Shannon Spake on Instagram
FOX Sports
Jamie Little on Twitter
Rachel Brenke
Shewww, we packed A LOT into this podcast episode this week! Kia Young, speaker for the Tory Burch Foundation, joins in to chat about the challenges of being an entrepreneur, how marketing strategies have shifted, common mistakes entrepreneurs make, and the importance of an impact-driven mindset. Kia is a successful entrepreneur and an expert in designing and implementing sustainable marketing strategies and systems for companies, known for her no-nonsense approach to business and life. She brings so much to the table and today, she’s sharing the importance of building a community around you, along with other tips and wisdom to help you reach success in your biz.
Key Points From This Episode:* We start by finding out how and why Kia become an entrepreneur. * Whether starting her business during the pandemic was beneficial. * Kia shares the ups and downs of becoming an entrepreneur. * What character traits are needed to start a business. * A discussion about the latest trends in online marketing. * Her overall experience of working with the Tory Birch Foundation. * Find out if the idea of community and networking was always a part of Kia’s drive. * The various ways Kia is able to build a community around her. * How to leverage your community for support. * Why it is important to not only discuss business with your community. * If there is anything that Kia would change about her entrepreneurial journey. * Reasons why purpose and value are essential for success. * The benefits of establishing a community around you. * Why an impact-orientated over a goal-orientated mindset is better. * Learn how to build confidence in yourself and your abilities. * Steps to help you start building a community around you. * Outline of the benefits of helping people in your community. * What the future holds for Kia and what she is most excited about. * Why choosing the platform that matches your clients is vital. * The value of having a coach or mentor as a business owner.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:* Kia Young * Kia Young on LinkedIn * Kia Young on Facebook * Kia Young on Instagram * Kia Young on Twitter * Kia Young Email * Tory Burch Foundation * Rachel Brenke
Listeners may recognize our guest from over 60 roles on the big screen, playing alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, in the blockbuster film, Now You See Me, and on True Detective. But today, she’s here to talk about the eight books she has penned, and to share her unique story of entering the acting world before leveraging what she
had learned to find entrepreneurial success.
Join us for some pearls of wisdom suited to actors, authors, and entrepreneurs, including what Laura would say to her younger self and why it’s so important to approach your work as an actor through a business lens. Laura shares the remarkable story of how she went from writing one book in twenty years, to writing four in five, along with why she aims to have ‘God’s eye view’.
We discuss the one question entrepreneurs don’t ask, and how asking it can change everything, and Laura shares how her life has exceeded all the expectations she had as a young person. Press play to hear all this and more today. Thanks for tuning in!
Key Points From This Episode:
• An introduction to today’s guest, Laura Cayouette, actor, author, and entrepreneur.
• The non-traditional story of Laura’s acting career, starting in the 80s.
• Her lifelong dream to be an award-winning author, through being a tenured professor.
• Why modeling was such a lucrative college job.
• What motivated her to write Know Small Parts, her book on acting.
• Transitioning from acting into entrepreneurial pursuits.
• How Laura’s life compares to the dreams she had for herself.
• What ultimately drives Laura forward regardless of the medium she is using.
• Conversations on the set of Django Unchained.
• Her relationship with sales in person and online.
• Why everyday is different for Laura and how she feels about it.
• Why self-care is on her to-do list every day.
• How she did all the things she thought she would do but in totally different ways.
• What Laura’s eight books are about and what motivated her to write them.
• How she went from writing one book in twenty years to four in five.
• Why she believes that everybody has a book inside of them.
• Why it’s so important to know that you are a business as an actor or writer.
• Her goal to create a world where she has a ‘God’s eye view’.
• One question a lot of entrepreneurs don’t ask.
• Why wordsmithing one paragraph for two years is never going to get your book written.
• How the lens you are looking through determines what you are seeing and what that means
for actors.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:* Laura Cayouette * Laura Cayouette on Twitter * Rachel Brenke * TheLawTog
Episode 180 on the Real Biz Talk Podcast Whew! We are just into the new year and…well..it’s been a doozy for many…not unlike the last few years. The thing is, every day we are not working ON our business (versus in) is a day we’re losing out on advancement. Lost opportunities. Lost connection. Lost brand […]
Episode 173 on the Real Biz Talk Podcast You hear it all the time – “Riches are in the niches“, “you must niche down to be successful” which yes – absolutely. BUT, I’m telling you, you have to take it a step further. To build your business, you need to get soooo niched down in […]
Episode 172 on the Real Biz Talk Podcast Navigating heartbreak and the emotions that come with it is often overlooked when it comes to mental health. We are often told how to overcome huge life loss and events, but not how to navigate heartbreak. Once we learn to navigate heartbreak, we are able to live […]
Episode 170 on the Real Biz Talk Podcast As entrepreneurs, our natural inclination is to want to put our best foot forward on social media, but building an authentic following is often about being as vulnerable as possible. Today, my guest is Jamie Otis, and she joins me to talk about her journey toward vulnerability […]
Episode 171 on the Real Biz Talk Podcast We live in a world full of experts sitting behind their keyboard telling you the best way to run your business. Yes, they are experts in their field, but the reality is, they are not experts in legalities. Very few have a law degree or understand how […]
Episode 165 on the Real Biz Talk Podcast Hustle culture – I hate it. It’s stressful. It’s overwhelming. It’s just too much. I see it all the time – you’re working so hard, putting all this effort into things to keep up with everyone else, but not everyone has the same end goal. You shouldn’t […]
Episode 164 on the Real Biz Talk Podcast How often do you say you wish you had more time or there just aren’t enough hours in the day. You’re not alone. Friends, we can make more money, we can hire more people, but we can’t increase time. Time management is so important to the success […]
Episode 166 on the Real Biz Talk Podcast Business and life are not separate. In fact, they are completely intertwined. If you’re living to work, working to live, you’re doing it wrong! Business should be a supporting actor to the life we want. It should not be our lives. If you feel overwhelmed, stressed and frustrated […]
Episode 162 on The Real Biz Talk Podcast “I wish I could do that” you think to yourself as you scroll through social media. Friend, YOU can. Social media is filled with average people making special choices. Stop wishing for the success you see from your peers and start making your own dreams a reality. […]
Episode 161 on The Real Biz Talk Podcast “I’m not good enough.” “My product/service isn’t perfect.” “I can do better.” Stop being paralyzed by perfectionism. We all start somewhere, whether we’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, or we just fell into it. We all have a solution to a problem for someone. Procrastination because […]