Room Mates: Recent Episodes
Room Mates
Natalie Stout and Cigi England talk about being local business owners in the Upper Cumberland, growing up in a small town and saying yes to new adventures.
Natalie and Cigi invite in Sarah Cripps, a local attorney in Smithville TN to share about her life and the way she has overcome challenges. Sarah shares her story from being born completely blind, becoming an attorney, advocating for those who need help and even her adventures with driving, jet skiing and sky diving. Nothing holds Sarah back and the Room Mates think her story is going to invigorate and encourage you.
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
The Room Mates get a chance to sit down and talk with the pride of Dunlap TN, Morgan Kilgore. When Morgan was faced with the new reality as an amputee, he didn't let that hold him back from what he believes God has called him to do. Morgan shares about how the world seems to be opening up to him with new opportunities in business and ministry. Morgan also touches on the need for some reform in how prosthetics are offered to amputees, and what he is going to be doing to advance that cause. As a new agent at The Realty Firm, Natalie talks about what a rock star Morgan is going to be on the team.
If you want to connect with Morgan, find him on instagram: morgan_kilgore21
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
The Room Mates invited in Natalie's business partner that started The Realty Firm with her eleven years ago! Kim Maynard-Means sits down and talks about humble beginnings, the struggle women have leading in the real estate industry and what is on the horizon for The Realty Firm in the future. Kim also shares some personal stories about an overworked Natalie that simply needed to leave the office and get a hobby.
You can find the Realty Firm online at: The Realty Firm
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
The Room Mates sat down with the woman who helps identify and communicate Cookeville's Lifestyle through her quarterly magazine. Chelsea Dartez hasn't been featured in her own magazine yet, but she is quickly becoming one of Cookeville's most influential people who is moving and shaking! Natalie and Cigi ask about what brought Chelsea to Cookeville, her past in the music business and what to expect in upcoming releases of the hottest magazine Cookeville has ever seen.
Check out Cookeville Lifestyle Magazine online: Cookeville Lifestyle
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
The Room Mates had a chance to sit down with the founder and CEO of Duck Pond Manor. They discuss all the things Duck Pond, and there are a lot of things: Full Service Wedding/Event Venue, Catering, Flowers, house flipping (!!)... Terra and her family have their hands in a lot of entrepreneurial endeavors. Take a minute to listen to the wisdom of a boss babe that even through significant personal losses, pressed on to build what is one of the Upper Cumberland's premier Wedding & Event Full Service Venue.
If you want to connect with Terra and her team - look them up on social media or check out their website: Duck Pond Manor
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
The Room Mates invite Natalie Fletcher to join them and talk all about the adventure she has been on for the last year that has taken her around the world and back. They talk about her dad and the huge impact he made on so many lives, and she shares how spending a year in his shoes has made her understand his life in a much deeper way. Large animal veterinarian by day and confetti engineer by night - Natalie Fletcher is looking forward to all the changes that are in her future while being so grateful for the life she has gotten to live.
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
Natalie and Cigi sit down with the true Livingston Wunderkind; Hannah Rose. Hannah Rose launched "Mane on Main" a new breed of hair salon that challenges everyone else in the industry to level up. The Room Mates and Hannah Rose talk about starting young, taking advantage of educational opportunities and balancing life/work schedules. Fair warning, this episode might make you want to switch salons and get hair extensions - but we know it is gonna make you want to be Hannah Rose's best friend.
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
(**Proceed with caution. This episode has discussion around body dysmorphic disorder, bullying and attempted suicide.)
The Room Mates had the chance to sit down and chat with, Nurse Practitioner, Blakelee Paige Smith. After Cigi was done fan-girling, Blakelee shared her story of growing up in the Upper Cumberland, moving away, and vowing to never return. Well, welcome back! Blakelee, following her heart, has returned to Cookeville to bring a new level of care to those seeking solutions for their dermatology and other skin care needs. Blakelee talks about body image struggles, bullying, and the trauma of attempted suicide. Its an educating discussion and everyone finds agreement that Leopard Print really is a neutral.
Want to connect with Blakelee?
https://www.instagram.com/theskinandaestheticsclinic/
https://www.facebook.com/theskinandaestheticsclinic
https://www.tiktok.com/@blakeleepaigesmith_np
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
"Scared money don't make money." The Room Mates get a chance to sit down with Natalie's, always winning, man! They grill him about all his rodeo success, the farming business, being a constant entrepreneur and venturing into Real Estate in Smithville. Clark is pretty amazing, but he comes by it honest!
If you want to connect with Clark, reach out to him through the Realty Firm or C&S Farms.
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
The Room Mates sit down with Cigi's husband, Michael England and talk about all things Michael. From running in the Boston Marathon, Managing the Exceptional Bean and what life is like after alcohol. Michael also tells us all about Dually and his tragic end at the Hog Barn - and how the world is better now! Always positive, always hopeful... Michael is the best friend you wish you had!
If you want to connect with Michael, stop in at the Exceptional Bean and say hello. Also, buy something.
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
The Room Mates get a chance to sit down with Dawn Fry. Dawn talks about her choice to head to law school and how being a mother of a child with special needs shaped her journey of practicing law. Whether it is her work with the Putnam County School Board, Teaching at TN Tech, helping with adoptions at Hope Center or advocating for the Exceptional Bean - Dawn's ambition is focused on the opportunities she finds to help her community and those in the most need.
You can learn more about Dawn fry by reaching out to her through her law firm: Fry, Fry, Knight & Looper
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
Natalie and Cigi reflect on the second Room Mates sale and how successful it was. They also look at the huge differences between it and the first one. Cigi talks a little about how they are starting to see some patterns, even though some items that sold great the first time didn't win this time. Natalie also brings up the possibility of holiday specific decor starting to roll out in the fall.
Find us online (and subscribe for updates) at www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
Natalie and Cigi talk a little bit about Michael J Fox and his words on gratitude. When faced with hardship, he says "With gratitude, optimism is sustainable." Cigi talks about the pressure of negative emotions, but the power of choosing positivity. Remembering, and focusing on, the positive helps you to sustain optimism when choosing a negative outlook on life would be easier. Everybody gets stressed out and has hard days - choosing to be grateful for the things in your life every day helps to lessen the stress you feel.
find us online: www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
Natalie and Cigi challenge us to ask the question: "What do I want to get out of life?" Cigi talks about how she was intimidated by successful people and never felt like she belonged - but as she stayed committed to her work this started to fade away. Natalie talks about how success in business requires commitment and conviction to keep going and understanding that over time commitment breeds success.
find us online: www.roommateshomedecor.com
on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
Cigi and Natalie talk about how they have seen their businesses grow because of the opportunity they have created. Cigi also talks about the importance of young people understanding that their jobs are great opportunities to learn new skills and hone their talents. Remember, creating opportunities for others - creates opportunities for you as well.
Find us online: www.roommateshomedecor.com
and on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
Natalie and Cigi talk about the importance of focus when you are starting a new business or accomplishing anything in your life. Natalie offers up the idea that you need to have tunnel vision, focused on the goal, to ensure success.
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or on instagram: @roommateshomedecor
Natalie and Cigi talk about their business experiences with "connectors" and how they have found that being connectors is a great way to find success. Natalie shares the keen wisdom that "connecting people makes you future money, not now money" and Cigi adds some context that seemingly small connections can end up being a lot bigger wins in the future. The theme of the whole episode is that if you want to be successful in business, then commit to being a connector of people. This means you are gonna have to plug into your community - and lucky for you there are a lot of opportunities for that if you keep your eyes open.
Find Room Mates online:
Room Mates Website : roommateshomedecor.com
Room Mates on Instagram : @roommateshomedecor
Cigi and Natalie spend time discussing what good customer service looks like as they share an epic fail they experienced with a Room Mates vendor. They both agree that good customer service, and being willing to go the extra mile, not only makes you a successful business - but also a successful employee.
The Roommates also talk about how in the early days of starting a business, you need to be putting it before everything - and that isn't for everyone. With a Tom Hanks quote "The hard is what makes it great", they admit that most people think they want to be the boss "until they have to do boss..." Don't worry, they keep it PG (or at least their editor does).
Find Room Mates online:
Room Mates Website : roommateshomedecor.com
Room Mates on Instagram : @roommateshomedecor
Nat and Cigi talk about how success looks different for everyone and that we all have to figure that out and pursue it. Although success might look different, the results seem similar: Happiness and Joy. You are the one that defines what a good balance looks like.
Natalie talks about the power of understanding the enneagram for a team of people and they both discuss the timeless truth that no one succeeds alone.
Find Room Mates online:
Room Mates Website : roommateshomedecor.com
Room Mates on Instagram : @roommateshomedecor
Cigi and Natalie discuss the importance of helping other people - especially when they are starting out with a new business opportunity. The investment in helping others ALWAYS comes back around. Nat shares a quote with us this week as well:
"Who you are, while you do what you do, is more important than what you do."
Find Room Mates online:
Room Mates Website : roommateshomedecor.com
Room Mates on Instagram : @roommateshomedecor
Natalie dives right in sharing an analogy pulled from her calf roping experience to help her develop as a business owner. You only have control over so much, and both Cigi and Natalie encourage us to practice, practice, practice that which we do have control. This means focusing on the things you do well and developing them, but also focusing on the things within your control that you've maybe never worked on, like, controlling your emotions and understanding your customer better. Natalie talks about sometimes you have a "rope" that is simply warn out and won't perform any more and it might be time to replace it. Maybe an attitude, a system of doing things or even a product.
After the first sale, Natalie and Cigi sit down and debrief. What worked, what didn't work, who said they were quitting first, and the impact of all those who have been supporting them.
Spoiler: It was an outstanding success.
No one likes failure, but when you face it - you can fail forward. Cigi and Natalie talk about their own failures they have faced over the years with their business ventures and share how they were able to DETOUR to make sure their failures were helping them move forward. Natalie makes a great book recommendation for Matthew McConaughey's "Greenlights". Matthew isn't a sponsor, but if he is listening and would like to be - the ladies say "Alright, Alright, Alright."
Natalie and Cigi realize that this new podcast has attracted people asking their advice on starting a business. They thought the best way to be the biggest help they could is by addressing the questions they have received right here in the podcast. Sit back and take note of this great Q & A episode - and if you didn't hear your questions all answered - submit them for the next installment!
Cigi and Natalie talk about the importance of KNOWING & STAYING IN your lane. This is especially true when you are looking at a partnership. Not staying in your lane definitely reveals you as a know-it-all and that stigma is damaging. Also, when the hard days come - staying in your land and remembering why you do what you do will help you succeed. Cigi recommends evaluating your strengths and hiring for your weaknesses, and they both echo the need for a great accountant and marketing people!
Natalie and Cigi sit down to ponder the statement "Though she be but little, she is fierce."
Every business has to start somewhere, and many times that is a small place. That's okay though - that's good. Natalie talks about the humble beginnings of the Realty Firm, and Cigi remembers her 400 square foot shop at the beginning.
Not only do businesses start small, but a lot of times it is the small actions that make for the biggest impact. Making those regular small investments in your business - and into the lives of others will help you live by that golden rule and practice humility as your business, or venture, begins to grow.
Cigi and Natalie share some wisdom to consider when starting and running a successful business. Don't assume anything, have retirement savings, find people and ask questions, put in the effort and work hard.... This episode is jam packed with great advice and information.
Episode 10!!!!
Natalie and Cigi talk about the beginning months and years of a business and how you need a "marathon Mindset" for it. You probably won't be profitable right off the bat - and that is okay. Give yourself some grace - Rome wasn't built in a day. They also talk about how it is important to enter a new venture with a "worst Case Scenario" laid out so you know what the risks are.
Cigi and Natalie talk about how starting (and running) a business can take it out of you, especially in the beginning when you are investing so much time and effort. They encourage us to work hard, but never let a job or career define you.
Natalie and Cigi talk about emergency funds, taking small risks and pivoting when you face obstacles.
Cigi and Natalie sit down and talk about how you start a new business adventure. They talk about how Natalie started the Realty Firm and how they are starting Room Mates. Check out their memories of the "purpose" that propelled them into their new business and the "learning moments" of past business starts.
Cigi and Natalie are not only launching a podcast, but something else too! They have been hinting to this new adventure the last 4 episodes and now they finally reveal what they have been dreaming up and working on for months! Thats right, they are... just kidding - listen to the episode. Ha.
Natalie and Cigi discuss that hard to say word, in both business and personal dealings. You know the word - "no". They remind us that saying "no" to things and people is not only okay, it is required sometimes.
Cigi and Natalie talk a little bit about what it means to stay successful. You know this means they are going to be talking about life balance and how not to be overwhelmed. Lets take notes.
This week Natalie and Cigi discuss what life is like now and the businesses they have built here in the Upper Cumberland. Spoiler Alert - you've probably heard of them!
Natalie and Cigi talk about how they made their way to Cookeville and first became roommates. We are talking about their dreams and ambitions as they left their homes for college, their first jobs in Cookeville and they even reminisce about that first address they shared together!
Natalie Stout and Cigi England are launching their new podcast, Room Mates, where they talk about being local business owners, growing up in a small town, and saying yes to new adventures!