Brave Looks Good On You: Recent Episodes
Julie Walker & Melissa Polk
Hey Y'all! We're Julie + Melissa and we are thrilled you've found us! We’re lifelong friends and entrepreneurs who want to help other women start and build profitable businesses. For more than a decade, each of us has built thriving event-based businesses. We know the ins and outs of starting a business, growing and scaling a business, and pushing ourselves to grow as leaders along the way. We are on a mission to help you begin your journey of starting and running the business of your dreams. We can honestly say that the adventure itself will help shape you into the person you were always meant to be.
We know one of the hardest parts of starting a business is, well, starting. Do you find yourself not knowing where to start or even what business you want to begin? Many of us doubt ourselves and our abilities and end up standing still - paralyzed with fear. If that’s you, you aren’t alone!
Our goal is to provide authentic perspective, motivation, inspiration, and clear, actionable steps to get you going in the right direction. Let’s lean in together as you move forward toward the life you were designed to live!
And remember, brave looks good on you!
Embracing Change: Strategies for Growth and Handling Life’s Surprises
Hey y’all! We recorded this special episode while we were together in San Antonio a few weeks ago. We dive into the theme of embracing change. Since we’re both experiencing personal and business transformations, we wanted to sit down and talk candidly about how to navigate life's inevitable shifts. From personal anecdotes to actionable strategies, join us as we discuss how to approach change with courage and optimism.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Recognizing When Change Is Necessary: Discover how to identify the signs that it's time for a change, both in personal life and business.
- Preparing for Change: Strategies for planning and adapting to new circumstances effectively.
- The Power of Support Systems: Learn the importance of having a strong network of friends, family, and professionals to lean on during times of change.
- Managing the Stress of Uncertainty: Tips for staying calm and collected when facing the unknown.
- Celebrating Milestones and Embracing the New Normal: Why acknowledging progress and adapting to new realities is crucial for growth.
Featured Quotes:
- "In any given moment, we have two options: step forward into growth or step back into safety." — Abraham Maslow
- "We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are." — Max De Pree
Special Announcements:
- New Podcast Format: Exciting changes are coming to Brave Looks Good On You! We’re taking some of the summer off from releasing new weekly episodes, but don’t worry, we’ll be back soon!
- Project Launch: We are collaborating with Emily Hill on an online course called Epic Influence, designed to empower influencers and community builders.
Embrace change, face challenges with courage, and remember, every step forward is a step towards growth. We'll see you next season!
Links:
Epic Influence - interested in finding out more about the online course we are creating with Emily Hill of Texas Grocery Finds?
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Jessica Pierce's New Fight: From Defense Intelligence to Battling Dementia
In this captivating episode of "Brave Looks Good on You," we sit down with Jessica Pierce, a recent retiree from the Department of Defense, who has transitioned to a groundbreaking role in dementia prevention. Jessica shares her fascinating background in counterterrorism and geospatial intelligence, and how her career led her to a new mission in functional medicine as the owner of Longevity Architects.
Her transition might seem a leap, but she explains how the skills she developed in her previous role have been crucial in her current endeavor to combat the onset of dementia through the Bredesen protocol.
We dived deep into a personal story that sparked Jessica’s career pivot. After witnessing the effects of Alzheimer's in her family, Jessica was driven to learn and apply the Bredesen protocol, not only to help her mother but also to assist others facing similar threats. This protocol offers hope and practical strategies for preventing and reversing cognitive decline, rooted in a comprehensive, data-driven approach to health and wellness.
Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to embrace a new path, especially one that promises to improve not only your life but also the lives of others. Tune in to hear how embracing change and facing challenges head-on can lead to fulfilling and impactful new beginnings.
Jessica is a national board-certified health coach (NBHWC) and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) with specialized training in prevention and reversal of Alzheimer's disease (ReCODE 2.0).
Links:
Longevity Architects
Get Jessica's 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor for Anyone Who Wants to Thrive to 100!
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NYC & St. Martin: Family Trips, Wedding Plans & Business Updates
In today’s episode of "Brave Looks Good on You," we’re diving into our spring break adventures and catching you up on what’s been happening in our lives.
First up, Julie took a family trip to NYC to visit her daughter, Chloe. She’s been living there since last August and has really found her stride in the city. Watching her run in the New York City half marathon was a highlight for sure. It’s pretty amazing to see her so confident and at home in such a bustling place.
Melissa headed to St. Martin, revisiting a favorite spot of hers. She's got some funny stories about snorkeling—let's just say it involves overcoming a few fears—and relaxing on those iconic beaches.
On a different note, we're both in the thick of wedding planning for our sons. Yes, both of our boys are getting married soon! Julie's son is having a beautiful outdoor wedding in Colorado, while Melissa is planning a cozy Christmas ceremony. It's been quite the adventure learning the ropes of wedding planning from the groom's mom perspective.
We’ve also been busy with some exciting business developments. We're putting together a new course that's shaping up nicely—more details on that soon. And of course, there’s always something new and challenging around the corner, which keeps us on our toes.
So, that’s a little snapshot of our lives lately. From city streets to sunny beaches to walking down the wedding aisle, it’s been busy but good. Tune in to hear all about these stories and more, as we share about all these adventures. Thanks for joining us on this journey!
Links:
Boomerang Boat Charters in St. Martin
Chloe's move to NYC Episode 35
Compliments of Chloe
Texas Grocery Finds and on Instagram
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Maximizing Life's Moments: Navigating Time Use Across Six Life Stages
In today's episode, we're delving deep into the American Time Use Study that has opened our eyes to how we allocate our time across different stages of life. This discussion is particularly poignant as we both celebrate turning 50 recently, a milestone that brings reflection and a renewed focus on intentional living. We break down the study's six shocking statistics that outline the typical American's time allocation from birth through old age, offering insights and practical advice on making the most of the time we have.
In This Episode:
- Introduction to the American Time Use Study: We introduce the study's approach to analyzing how different age groups spend their time, setting the stage for a detailed discussion on each of the six defined life stages.
- Stage 1: Birth to Age 18 — Family Time Peaks: The study reveals that the most time spent with family occurs before turning 18. We discuss the implications of this finding and share personal reflections on valuing family time.
- Stage 2: Ages 20-60 — Dominance of Work Life: With four decades often spent in the workplace, choosing a positive work environment is crucial. We talk about the long-term impact of work relationships and environment on overall well-being.
- Stage 3: The Decline of Friendships: Post-18, time spent with friends begins to wane, hitting a low at age 29. We explore why this happens and how to maintain these important relationships despite life’s changes.
- Stage 4: Choosing a Life Partner: Recognizing the lifelong impact of this decision, we emphasize the importance of choosing a partner who aligns with your values and with whom you can envision a lifelong journey.
- Stage 5: Increasing Solitude Post-40: As we grow older, solitude becomes more prevalent. We discuss how to embrace and find joy in solitude, ensuring it enriches rather than detracts from life.
- Stage 6: Parenting and Empty Nesting: The time spent with children is concentrated in the years before they reach adulthood, with a sharp decrease once they do. We offer strategies for maintaining strong relationships with adult children.
Key Takeaways:
- Make Family Time Count: Understanding the limited time frame for maximum family interaction can inspire more meaningful and intentional family engagements.
- Prioritize Workplace Happiness: Given the significant chunk of life spent at work, fostering a healthy work environment is essential for long-term happiness.
- Keep Friendships Alive: We discuss the importance of actively maintaining friendships and adapting social circles as life evolves.
- Thoughtful Partner Selection: Choosing a life partner is a monumental decision, and we stress the importance of thoughtful consideration about this life-altering choice.
- Embrace and Enjoy Solitude: Learning to appreciate alone time is crucial as its frequency increases with age.
- Engage Actively with Your Children: Even as children grow and become independent, finding ways to remain an influential and supportive presence in their lives is key.
Thank you for tuning in. We hope this exploration into the stages of time use empowers you to make informed decisions about how you spend your time. Remember, it's never too late to adjust your course and make the most of the time you have. Be the architect of your own life, and make choices that let you live fully and joyfully.
Links:
Mel Robbins Episode: This one study will change how you think about your entire life.
World Economic Forum: Who Americans spend most of their time with.
Our World in Data: Who do we spend time with across our lifetime?
Our World in Data: How do people across the world spend their time?
Our World in Data: One-person households becoming increasingly common.
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Embracing 2024 Business Trends: Essential Insights for Women Entrepreneurs
Hey everyone! We dove into a Forbes article that's all about the business trends for 2024. We didn't just skim through; we dug deep to make these trends more relatable and useful for women entrepreneurs like us. We wanted to break down the tech stuff and mix it with that essential human touch, which we all know is the heart of our businesses.
In our chat, we explored how AI isn't just a techy tool but a real helper for any business, making our tasks easier without losing our personal voice. Remember Episode 71 where we talked all about using AI tools like ChatGPT? We're still all about making tech work for us without letting it take over.
We also got real about the economy's ups and downs and how, as women entrepreneurs, we can navigate these with savvy and style. We discussed the importance of keeping that personal touch in our businesses—how making our customers feel seen and understood is totally irreplaceable by any AI.
And you know, with all the talk about remote work, Julie reflected on how grateful she is to live in an era where she can work from virtually anywhere. It's a game-changer for maintaining that work-life blend (not balance, because let's be real, it's never perfectly balanced!).
So, if you're curious about making your business more dynamic and ready for the future, or if you just want some company while you tackle your entrepreneur journey, give this episode a listen. We're here to share what we learn, laugh a bit, and maybe just inspire each other to be a little braver every day. Because, let's face it, bravery looks good on you! Tune in and let's get excited about what 2024 has in store for us.
Links:
Episode 71 - Maximizing Creativity and Efficiency: How Chat GPT Transforms Our Podcast Production
Download our FREE eBook, ChatGPT: Unlocking its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life!
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From Teacher to Cheese Artist, Kerry Hymas of Harvest & Graze Shares Her Incredible Journey to Entrepreneurship
We had a great time chatting with Kerry Hymas from Harvest and Graze. Her journey from being a public school teacher to diving into the world of charcuterie is really incredible. Kerry shares how her decade-long teaching career and her mother’s influence as a long-time educator shaped her own path before she took a creative leap into entrepreneurship.
Kerry’s venture into charcuterie began quite spontaneously at her mom's 60th birthday party, where she crafted an elaborate charcuterie board that spanned a 10-foot island. The board was a hit, inspiring her to consider turning this passion into a business. Despite the daunting aspects of starting up, Kerry’s love for hosting and entertaining fueled her decision to push forward.
The turning point came when her mother-in-law showed her an Instagram post that sparked the idea that this could be more than just a hobby. This led to a whirlwind of activity, from brainstorming business names on a drive home to navigating the complexities of food laws with helpful guidance from a surprisingly supportive health department official.
Kerry also dives into how she utilized a ghost kitchen to comply with food safety regulations, allowing her to expand her offerings from the comfort of a professional setting without the overhead of owning a physical space. Her story is a vibrant tale of community support, creative passion, and entrepreneurial spirit, showing how she turned a simple idea into a thriving business that combines her loves of teaching, hosting, and creating beautiful, delicious food.
For anyone who's ever thought about turning a passion into a profession or adding a little creativity to their culinary endeavors, Kerry’s journey from choir teacher to charcuterie connoisseur is truly inspiring. She wraps up by sharing some tips for anyone looking to create their own charcuterie boards at home, emphasizing the joy of mixing flavors, textures, and colors to create something uniquely satisfying. Tune in to hear how Kerry crafts not only beautiful grazing boards but also a vibrant, fulfilling life that blends family, creativity, and business.
Links:
Harvest and Graze Website
Cross Creek Sandwich Shop in Conway, Arkansas Website
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Mastering Daily Decisions: Navigating Life's Choices with Confidence and Courage
Welcome back! Today's discussion dives into a topic that resonates deeply with everyone: decision-making. Melissa shares her exhausting experience of making countless decisions during a recent two-week event, sparking a deeper conversation about the number and impact of daily decisions.
Did you know that the average person makes about 35,000 decisions each day? This episode explores not just the sheer volume of choices we face but also the distinction between two types of decisions:
- Type 1 Decisions: These are significant choices with long-lasting effects, often requiring careful thought and consideration due to their irreversible nature.
- Type 2 Decisions: More common and less impactful, these decisions should be made quickly as they usually don’t have lasting consequences.
We delve into the "51 Percent Rule," a strategy suggesting that for significant decisions, being just 51% sure can be enough to take action. We discuss how overthinking can paralyze progress and share personal anecdotes to illustrate the practical application of this rule in both personal and professional contexts.
This episode is not just about making decisions but about making them wisely and bravely. Whether it's choosing what to have for lunch or making a career-altering move, the way we make decisions shapes our lives. We encourage you to embrace both the small and significant choices with courage and to remember that not making a decision is, in fact, a decision.
Join us as we unpack these insights and offer encouragement for anyone facing decision fatigue. Remember that each decision, no matter how small, contributes to the larger picture of our lives. So tune in, get inspired, and remember—bravery isn't just about the big moments; it's about the many small choices we make every day.
Links:
Inspired by The Mel Robbins Podcast - The 51% Rule
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Swimming Through Fog: A Story of Resilience and Vision
We've got a story to share on today's episode that really inspired us. It's about Florence Chadwick, a swimmer who, in 1952, attempted to swim from Catalina Island to the California mainland. This story isn't just about her physical journey through 20 miles of open ocean, but about the mental battle she faced against dense fog and the unknown.
Imagine this: Florence, faces fog so thick on her swim day that she can't see the support boats nearby. Despite the adverse conditions, she swims for nearly 16 hours. But, overwhelmed by the fog and unable to see the shore, she quits, only to learn she was less than half a mile away from her goal. Florence later said, "All I could see was the fog. I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it."
This moment is a profound reminder of how easily we can become consumed by the 'fog' in our own lives—obstacles, fears, and the uncertainties that cloud our vision and goals. Yet, Florence's story doesn't end there. She returns two months later, conquers the swim, and even sets a faster time, proving that with determination and a clear vision, any challenge can be overcome.
Florence's journey resonates deeply with us, both in our personal and professional lives. It's taught us the importance of persistence, the need for a clear goal, and the value of a support system. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea that, even when we can't see the finish line, continuing to move forward can lead us to achieve greatness. And it's a great reminder that, no matter the fog we face, brave looks good on you!
Links
Florence Chadwick
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Embracing Your Dreams and Navigating Brand Identity with Suzette Garcia: A Guide to Personal and Professional Empowerment
In this episode, we have the incredible Suzette Garcia joining us. Suzette is a licensed certified coach, a creative consultant, and a beacon of inspiration for women navigating their brand identity and personal growth. Here's what we unpacked in this enlightening conversation:
Key Takeaways: * The Power of Permitting Yourself to Dream: Suzette shares her wisdom on the importance of allowing yourself to want what you truly desire, shedding the societal pressures and embracing your personal aspirations. * Elevating Your Awareness: We discuss the significance of becoming conscious of your desires and the barriers that may stand in your way, offering strategies to shift your focus and overcome these challenges. * Directing Your Focus: Suzette introduces the concept of using visual tools like vision boards to manifest your dreams and aspirations, emphasizing the role of visualization in goal setting. * Taking Purposeful Action: We delve into the steps to translate your dreams into actionable goals, highlighting the importance of daily reminders and consistent effort towards achieving what you desire. * Embracing Imperfection: We explore the liberation found in accepting imperfection, discussing how embracing our flaws and setbacks can lead to true growth and fulfillment.
Episode Highlights: * Suzette's Unique Background: From an art history graduate to a project management certificate holder, Suzette's diverse background contributes to her unique approach in coaching women. * The Concept of Brand Identity: Suzette breaks down the misconception of a brand being a product, offering insights into how brands live in the perception of the audience and how to influence that effectively. * The Role of Mindset in Achieving Goals: The conversation takes a deep dive into the conscious model taught at the Life Coach School, emphasizing how our thoughts about circumstances lead to our feelings, actions, and ultimately, our results. * Practical Steps to Visioning and Goal Setting: Suzette provides a comprehensive walkthrough on creating a vision board, from permitting yourself to dream to taking purposeful actions towards those dreams.
We challenge you to take the first step towards embracing your dreams today. Start by permitting yourself to want what you want, and consider making your own vision board. Remember, Brave Looks Good On You, and it's time to step into the life you deserve.
Links
Book a Discovery Call with Suzette
Suzette’s Website
Suzette’s FREE Vision Board Template
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Melissa Takes on Pickleball: A Tale of Spontaneous Bravery
Welcome back to another "shorty" episode of our podcast, where today's story is a delightful mix of humor and unexpected courage. It's all about Melissa's first-ever foray into the world of pickleball—a sport that proves you don't need to be an athlete to have a blast... or to learn a thing or two about yourself.
Highlights:
- Pickleball and Perseverance: Melissa dives headfirst into a spontaneous pickleball lesson, challenging her dislike for spontaneity and her self-proclaimed non-athleticism. With a group of enthusiastic, albeit more experienced, players, Melissa finds herself in the thick of learning a new sport, complete with its own lingo like "dinking" and "the kitchen."
- Spontaneous Bravery: Julie applauds Melissa's unexpected decision to join the pickleball session. It's a reminder that sometimes, life's most memorable moments come from unplanned adventures.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace the Unexpected: Life's richest experiences often come from the most spontaneous decisions. Dare to step outside your routine.
- Everyone Starts Somewhere: Trying something new is the first step towards growth. Don't be afraid to be a beginner.
- Find Your Community: Whether it's pickleball, podcasting, or any other pursuit, surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals can make all the difference.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Every attempt, no matter the outcome, is a victory in itself. Celebrate the effort, not just the achievement.
Have you ever taken a leap of spontaneity that led to an unexpected lesson or adventure? We'd love to hear your stories of spontaneous bravery and how they've shaped your journey. Remember, being brave looks good on you, in pickleball and in life.
Links
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Efficient Homes, Happier Lives: Alyssa Beaird's Guide to Mastering Home Operations
In this episode, we had the pleasure of diving into the world of home operations, organization, and emergency planning with Alyssa Beaird, the visionary behind A. Marie & Co. Alyssa's journey from the corporate realm to entrepreneurship is inspired by her childhood experiences and the realization that managing a home isn't vastly different from running a business. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional in our home lives to achieve our financial, family, and faith goals.
Alyssa shares her unique approach to transforming homes into efficiently run operations, underscoring the necessity of clear goal-setting, communication, and understanding the "why" behind our organizational struggles. Whether it's dealing with postpartum anxiety or simply feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind, A. Marie & Co. offers tactical tools to help families navigate through these challenges with grace.
One of the most impactful takeaways from our conversation was the concept of home operations - a term Alyssa believes she coined. This approach treats the home like a business, focusing on day-to-day management and making informed decisions that align with the family's overarching goals. Alyssa also touched upon the vital difference between home operations and organization, and the role of emergency planning in ensuring family safety and security.
We encourage you to reflect on how you can apply Alyssa's insights to your own lives, recognizing that being brave doesn't always mean taking grandiose steps; sometimes, it's about the courage to make small, intentional changes in our homes and lives. For those looking to dive deeper, Alyssa has generously offered a promo code for exclusive insights into leveling up home operations and organization!
Links
A Marie & Co.
Use code BRAVE24 for a free on-site (if you are local to the San Antonio area) or virtual consultation for any service!
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Creating Lasting Impressions: The Power of Making Others Feel Welcome
Welcome back to another episode where we dive into the importance of the impact you leave on others. Today, we're inspired by a timeless quote from Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This episode isn't just about the words we say or the actions we take; it's about the lasting impression we leave on those we interact with, in business and in life.
Join us as Melissa shares a personal story from a recent hot yoga class that left her reflecting on the importance of making everyone feel welcomed and valued, especially in new or intimidating environments. Despite the heat of the class, it was the cold reception that sparked our conversation on how businesses and individuals alike can influence the energy in a room and make a positive difference in someone's day.
We also discuss the new initiative in Julie's entrepreneurial circle, Babes Support Babes, and how being an ambassador for welcoming newcomers can transform an organization's culture and success. We explore the simple yet impactful ways we can all contribute to making our spaces more inclusive and supportive, reminding us that bravery isn't just about facing our fears—it's about extending a hand to those who are navigating their own.
This episode is a call to action: to be intentional in our interactions, to lead with kindness, and to remember that our legacy is not just what we achieve, but how we make people feel along the way. Whether you're stepping into a new class, leading a team, or simply going about your daily life, remember, your bravery in these moments not only looks good on you but can make all the difference in someone else's experience.
Links:
Babe Support Babes
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Finding Balance: How Tiffeny Crow Inspires a Healthier, Happier Life Through Fitness
In this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Tiffeny Crow, an inspiring personal trainer and fitness instructor at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. With an impressive 30-year journey in group exercise and 15 years as a personal trainer, Tiffeny's story began with a fitness competition win that sparked her lifelong passion for wellness. She’s all about the power of exercise and healthy eating to boost our mental health, strengthen our bodies, and enrich our lives.
Tiffeny’s energy is infectious, and it’s easy to see why she’s been such a big part of Melissa’s fitness journey for nearly a decade. Tiffeny brings a personal touch to her work, tailoring her approach to meet people where they are in their fitness journey, whether it’s college students or community members, making every class unique and engaging.
During our chat, Tiffeny delved into the sometimes confusing world of nutrition and fitness, shedding light on the simplicity of eating well and staying active. She cuts through the noise of diet trends with a straightforward philosophy: if it’s made by nature, it’s probably good for you. She also shared some simple yet effective tips for anyone looking to improve their health, emphasizing the importance of starting small and being consistent.
Tiffeny's approachable take on fitness, focusing on gratitude, embracing where you’re at, and the small steps we can all take towards a healthier lifestyle, really struck a chord. Her belief in the power of movement and nutrition to transform our mental and physical health is a reminder that being brave enough to start is the first step to any change. So, whether you’re lacing up your shoes for the first time in years or looking to shake up your routine, remember, brave looks good on you!
Links
That Sugar Film
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Maximizing Creativity and Efficiency: How Chat GPT Transforms Our Podcast Production
Hey y'all! We’re excited to dive into a topic that's truly transformed the way we approach not just podcasting, but also how we tackle challenges and creativity in our everyday lives. Our guiding mantra, "work smarter, not harder," has never been more relevant, especially as we explore the innovative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Chat GPT, and its incredible impact on our work.
Over the past year, Chat GPT has become an indispensable tool for us. It's reshaped our podcast production process, from brainstorming episode topics to scripting and editing. If you're new to AI or hesitant about its capabilities, we're here to share our journey and hopefully open your mind to its potential. It’s not just for podcasting - we think everyone can find it useful!
What is Chat GPT? Chat GPT is a powerful AI developed by OpenAI, designed to understand and generate human-like text. It's not just for writing; it's a versatile tool that assists us in various aspects of producing our podcast, "Brave Looks Good on You."
Our Process with Chat GPT Idea Generation Melissa, the creative force behind our episode topics, sometimes hits a creative block. That's where Chat GPT shines. It suggests fresh topics and even helps with scripting intro segments. This AI tool acts like a co-writer, offering endless energy and creativity.
Script Writing and Editing Chat GPT assists us in drafting episode scripts and refining our ideas. It's like having a tireless co-writer who ensures our grammar, clarity, and tone are on point. Over time, Chat GPT learns our preferences, allowing for a more personalized output.
Show Notes and Social Media After recording, Julie handles the editing and the creation of show notes and social media content. By feeding the episode transcript into Chat GPT, it generates concise, engaging show notes and social media posts. This not only saves time but also maintains our voice and style across platforms.
The Impact of AI on Our Work Incorporating AI into our workflow has been nothing short of revolutionary. It's enabled us to focus more on the creative aspects of our podcast, leaving the repetitive and time-consuming tasks to our AI assistant. This technology has allowed us to work smarter, not harder, and significantly sped up our production process.
For anyone apprehensive about integrating AI into their work, we encourage you to give it a try. The efficiency and creativity it brings to the table are invaluable. Remember, it's about making the most of the tools available to us, and AI is a powerful ally in our quest to produce meaningful and engaging content.
Links
Descript, our podcast editing tool (it’s awesome, BTW)
Our Chat GPT ebook
Chat GPT
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Embracing Visibility: How to Authentically Show Up and Shine in Your Business
In this empowering episode we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of putting yourself out there in the digital age. Addressing a topic many of us grapple with, we share personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and heartfelt advice on how to show up authentically in both life and business.
What You'll Learn: * The Importance of Being Seen: Understand why it's crucial to be visible and authentic, especially in a world cluttered with content. * Overcoming the Fear of Spotlight: We discuss our personal experiences with stepping into visibility and how we've navigated the discomfort. * The Power of Authenticity: Learn why showing the person behind the brand can give your business the edge it needs in a competitive landscape. * Building an Engaged Community: Strategies for creating a space that reflects your true self and attracts the right audience. * Dealing with Rejection: Insightful advice on how to reframe rejection as a stepping stone to greater opportunities. * Networking Tips for Introverts: Discover non-cringey networking strategies that can help introverts shine. * The Role of Storytelling: How sharing your unique journey can create memorable connections with your audience. * Creating Your Badass List: A challenge to acknowledge your achievements and boost your confidence as you push through fear and imposter syndrome.
Call to Action: We challenge you to create your own Badass List this week. Reflect on everything you've accomplished, big or small, and allow yourself to be impressed by your own journey. Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on social media using #BraveLooksGoodOnYou and let us know how making your list has empowered you!
Connect with Us: We love hearing from you! If this episode inspired you, or you have stories to share about your journey to being seen and heard, reach out to us on Instagram @BraveLooksGoodOnYou. Let's continue the conversation and support each other in our journeys.
Final Thoughts: Remember, stepping out of your comfort zone and showing the world your true self is not only courageous but deeply impactful. You never know who needs to hear your story, learn from your experiences, or be inspired by your authenticity. Let's be brave together.
Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode and want to stay updated on new releases, make sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. We'd love for you to leave us a review, so we can reach and inspire more listeners like you.
Links:
Jen Gottlieb on Amy Porterfield’s podcast
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Celebrating Female Friendship and Empowerment: Unpacking the Essence of Galentine's Day
Did you know, Galentine’s Day is the day before Valentine’s Day? We decided to reflect on Galentine's Day, it got us thinking way beyond just the fun of celebrating with gal pals on February 13th. Our conversation, like a good cup of coffee, was rich, deep, and left us feeling energized about the power of female friendships and solidarity. Here are some of the gems from our talk:
- The "Aha" Moment about Galentine's Day: So, Galentine's Day, right? Who knew it sprouted from an episode of "Parks and Recreation"? We sure didn't! It's pretty cool how a made-up holiday meant to celebrate female friendships has become a thing we actually get excited about. It's like we've been given this official day to just say, "Hey, you're awesome!" to the women in our lives, and we’re all for it.
- The Sisterhood Boost: Chatting about the importance of women supporting each other really hit home with us. In a world where it's so easy to fall into the comparison trap, being reminded of the magic that happens when we lift each other up is a breath of fresh air. Sharing stories about the local female entrepreneur group Julie stumbled upon last year really brought this point home. Imagine a place where competition takes a backseat to encouragement and support. It's real, and it's fantastic!
- Choosing Abundance Over Scarcity: Thinking in terms of abundance rather than scarcity isn't just some fluffy concept; it's a powerful mindset shift. Celebrating another person's success doesn't make your slice of the pie any smaller. In fact, it might just make the whole pie bigger. And who doesn't want more pie?
- Rethinking Competition: We'll admit, seeing others as competitors comes honestly to some, especially in business. But here's the kicker: viewing competition as a motivator rather than a threat can actually be quite freeing. It's about appreciating what makes each of us unique and learning from one another. It's not about being less competitive but about making competition work for us, not against us.
- Saying Thanks with Action: Melissa issued a challenge and that’s the idea of sending a thank you note to someone who's made a difference in your life. Yes, it's a simple thing, but imagine the impact of this gesture. It's about creating a ripple effect of positivity and appreciation, something we’d like to put into practice.
- Making Every Day Galentine's Day: Why limit celebrating women to just one day? Let's make it a year-round thing. Supporting, celebrating, and uplifting the women around us should be as natural as breathing. It's about building a community where everyone feels valued and empowered.
This chat reminded us of the incredible impact we can have on each other's lives. As we move forward, let's keep the spirit of Galentine's Day alive every day. Let's be the cheerleaders, the confidantes, and the champions for the women in our lives. Here's to more laughter, more support, and more empowering moments shared among us. So, to all the amazing women out there, remember: we're better together, and every day is a chance to celebrate that.
Links
Parks and Recreation episode about Galentine’s Day
Chick-fil-A’s Valentine’s Day specials
Babes Support Babes in San Antonio
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Embracing Intentional Breaks: Transform Your Life with the Power of Pausing
We enjoyed delving into the crucial need for establishing intentional breaks to foster transformation in both our personal and professional lives.
Highlights from This Episode:
Embracing Intentional Breaks: We tackle the often overlooked importance of taking breaks. We discuss how the societal expectation of constant productivity makes us hesitant to pause, despite its potential to significantly transform our lives.
Reflecting on Hustle Culture: We revisit our previous conversation in Episode 43 about shifting perspectives on hustle culture, where we discovered that being perpetually busy doesn't guarantee success. This episode expands on finding balance, setting boundaries, and rediscovering joy beyond work commitments.
Recognizing the Need for a Pause: We identify key signs indicating the necessity of a break, such as constant fatigue, a drop in motivation, and a rise in irritability. Acknowledging these symptoms early can help avert the risk of burnout.
Six Practical Strategies for Taking Breaks: We share actionable tips for incorporating pauses into daily routines, which include time blocking, planning digital detox days, establishing mindful mornings, spending time outdoors, pursuing hobbies, and arranging vision retreats. These strategies help to clear the mind, stimulate creativity, and renew emotional energy.
Personal Experiences with Pauses: Julie shares how taking Fridays off and disconnecting during weekends is rejuvenating, while Melissa talks about the joy and relaxation she finds in reading for pleasure, highlighting its positive effects on her sleep and creative thinking.
The Essential Nature of Pauses: We emphasize that taking intentional breaks is not just beneficial but vital for maintaining overall well-being. It allows for mental decluttering, fosters creativity, and provides much-needed emotional refreshment.
Encouragement to Take Action: We conclude with a reminder that acknowledging the need for breaks is an act of courage. Being intentional with our time and recognizing when to pause can remove the guilt associated with it, making us more effective and fulfilled in all areas of life.
Links:
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Ep 67 - Flying High: Exploring Bravery in Life and Football Inside the Kelce Documentary
Hey everyone! We're diving into the awesome story of NFL star Jason Kelce, as seen in the 2022 Kelce Documentary on Amazon Prime. We kick things off with some lyrics from Guy Clark's "The Cape" – a song that's all about taking life as a big, bold leap of faith. This tune really hit home, especially in this one part of the documentary where Kelce walks onto an empty football field, making us think about all the big jumps we take in life.
We chat about Kelce's journey, from his early dreams to his grind as a walk-on at Cincinnati, and how he made it to the NFL, even as a sixth-round pick. The guy has had a 13-year rollercoaster ride with the Philadelphia Eagles, complete with surgeries and tough times, showing just how tough and passionate he is about football. Then, there's this crazy twist where he and his brother, Travis, end up facing off in the Super Bowl finals – talk about family drama!
Next up, we talk about Kelce's life outside football. He's been wrestling with the idea of hanging up his cleats and what comes next. He's trying out stuff like cattle farming, podcasting, and real estate, looking for that next big thing. We also get into his personal life, like how tight he is with his brother Travis and how his family's been there for him every step of the way.
Throughout our chat, we highlight some cool quotes from Kelce that really stuck with us. He talks about the importance of believing in yourself, pushing through discomfort, and staying true to who you are. These nuggets of wisdom help us explore themes like bravery, resilience, and facing the unknown.
The documentary is not just for football fans – it's for anyone looking for a bit of motivation in life. We encourage you to believe in yourself, be who you are, and take those big leaps. Just like Jason Kelce, with the right attitude, you can really soar. Remember, embracing your journey, no matter how tough, always makes you brave. So go out there and fly high!
Links:
The Cape, by Guy Clark
Kelce, the documentary on Amazon Prime
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The Cape by Guy Clark
Eight years old with a floursack cape
Tied all around his neck
He climbed up on the garage
Figurin' what the heck
He screwed his courage up so tight
The whole thing came unwound
He got a runnin' start and bless his heart
He headed for the ground
He's one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape
All grown up with a floursack cape
Tied around his dreams
He was full of spit and vinegar
He was bustin' at the seams
He licked his finger and he checked the wind
It was gonna be do or die
He wasn't scared of nothin' boys
And he was pretty sure he could fly
He's one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape
Old and grey with a floursack cape
Tied all around his head
He's still jumpin' off the garage
Will be till he's dead
All these years the people said
He's actin' like a kid
He did not know he could not fly
So he did
He's one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape
Overcoming Overthinking, Wandering, and Overstriving: The Path to Bravery in Business and Life
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of our podcast where we dive deep into understanding three types of people we often encounter in our personal and professional lives - and honestly, these could be us too.
-
The Overthinker: We discuss the "Overthinker" who has clarity on what they want but hesitates to take action. We've all been there, right? Researching endlessly and then getting paralyzed by decision-making. We talk about how to combat this tendency by breaking tasks into micro-actions, challenging negative thoughts, and setting timers or due dates for decisions.
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The Wanderer: Then, we move on to the "Wanderer" - those who have many great ideas but struggle to complete them due to self-doubt or distraction. Our solutions? Focusing on one thing at a time, reconnecting with the 'why' behind each idea, and setting clear goals and milestones.
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The Overstriver: Lastly, we touch upon the "Overstriver" - the relentless go-getters who find it hard to take breaks and often equate their self-worth with their productivity. We suggest taking intentional breaks, celebrating the journey, and setting boundaries for work and personal time.
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of self-awareness and recognizing patterns as the first step in building the life and business you desire. We encourage you to download our free quiz to find out where you fall among these types.
Personal Reflections: We share our own experiences with these tendencies. Melissa admits to being a mix of an overthinker and overstriver in different aspects of her life, while Julie sees herself more as an overthinker in projects.
Our Takeaway: We want to remind y’all that despite the doubts and challenges, it's the brave steps forward that make the most compelling stories. We encourage you to come out of your huddle, get into the game of life, and remember that brave looks good on you!
Links:
Discover Your Action Style
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Embracing Change: Raw & Unfiltered Insights from Lifelong Friends
Hey y'all! We're thrilled to kick off 2024 with a fresh approach to our podcast. Today's episode is all about embracing the new: new year, new us, and definitely new content!
We've noticed that our listeners enjoy the raw, real moments - the bloopers and behind-the-scenes glimpses. So, we're leaning into that with our 'shorty' episodes, focusing on a range of topics from everyday bravery in business to inspiring moments in movies or TV shows.
This year is all about laughter, alongside useful insights for all the business owners out there. We're tweaking our format to give us more time to focus on building our business, creating digital courses, and working on exciting new projects.
In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane, sharing fun facts like how our podcast is played in five countries (though we're not sure which ones yet!). We also dive into our initial fears and challenges with podcasting - remember those cringey, scripted early days?
Then we shift to discussing our journey as lifelong friends, despite not having met until we were young moms. Our friendship has stood the test of time and distance, and now, with the help of technology, we're closer than ever, collaborating and keeping each other accountable.
We also get personal, sharing updates about our families. Can you believe Julie’s youngest is about to graduate college and get married? And Melissa talks about her family dynamics and wedding plans.
We wrap up by touching on the importance of having someone in your life who complements your strengths and weaknesses, especially in business. And of course, we can't forget our beloved pets - Julie's Pickles and Melissa’s two dogs, Remy and Briggs.
As a little teaser for our next episode, we're planning to break down the Kelce documentary. We've got a lot of thoughts and funny takes on it, so stay tuned!
Remember, as you go about your week, brave looks good on you!
Links:
Kelce Documentary
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Empowering Women to Embrace Their Greatness with Lyndsay Hume: Discovering Purpose and Overcoming Self-Doubt
Hey y'all! In this episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Lyndsay Hume, an amazing writer and certified empowerment coach. Lyndsay has an incredible journey, transitioning from a trained therapist to a coach dedicated to helping women achieve their dreams and live lives they love with ease. We first crossed paths with Lyndsay at a live event in San Antonio, and her energy and insights immediately captivated us.
Lyndsay shared her unique approach to coaching, focusing on the idea that every woman already possesses the greatness within herself. She believes that our purpose is a gift and that we are inherently equipped to achieve it. This perspective was truly enlightening, as it challenges the common narratives of self-doubt and the societal conditioning that often holds women back.
A significant part of our discussion revolved around the concept of desire and its role in discovering and fulfilling our life's purpose. Lyndsay emphasized the importance of acknowledging and nurturing our desires, as they are indicative of what we are truly meant to do. This insight was paired with practical strategies to overcome the self-doubt and fear that often accompany the pursuit of our goals.
One of the most impactful parts of the conversation was Lyndsay's take on dealing with negative emotions. She advised us to view emotions as mere vibrations in the body, not as indicators of truth. By understanding and accepting our feelings, we can neutralize their impact and continue to move forward towards our goals.
Lyndsay also gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming book. It promises to be a compact yet powerful guide filled with life coaching insights and strategies, aimed at helping people lead more intentional and fulfilling lives. We are eagerly anticipating its release!
For those wanting to connect with Lyndsay and learn more about her work, she's most active on Instagram at @lyndsay_lifecoach. You can also join her email list for regular insights and updates by contacting her directly at lyndsay@lyndsayhume.com.
Links:
Lyndsay Hume's website
Find Lyndsay on Instagram @lyndsay_lifecoach
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Transforming Health Through Joyful Nourishment: Lia Huber's Journey to Real Food and Mindful Eating
We had the pleasure of hosting Lia Huber, the visionary founder and CEO of The Nourish Evolution. Our conversation with Lia was nothing short of inspiring, as she shared her transformative journey from battling health issues and struggling with her relationship with food to becoming a leader in promoting a life enriched through real food. Lia's background is impressive; she's not only the driving force behind The Nourish Evolution but also an accomplished writer featured in several prestigious publications and media outlets.
Lia opened up about her personal struggles, including her fight with weight, a lupus diagnosis, and a harrowing cancer scare, all of which fundamentally changed her approach to nutrition and joy in eating. Her story is a testament to the power of redefining one's relationship with food, emphasizing not just the nutritional aspect but also the joy and connection found in meals. This approach is vividly captured in her memoir, "Nourished," where she delves into her journey of food, faith, and enduring love.
Throughout the episode, Lia provided practical cooking advice and insights into her cooking philosophy. She stressed the importance of loving vegetables, cooking efficiently, and striking a balance between the joy of cooking and the necessity for quick, nourishing meals. Additionally, she highlighted her various courses and resources designed to assist others in their journey to better health through real food. These include a real food reset program, a home cooking school, and her innovative online meal planning program, 'Cook the Seasons'.
One of the most compelling aspects of our discussion was Lia's emphasis on the role of mindset in eating. She advocates for a positive narrative around food, explaining how it profoundly impacts our eating habits and overall health. Her message is clear: real food, consumed joyfully and mindfully, is not only sustainable but transformative.
Lia's journey and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their relationship with food and, by extension, their overall well-being. We encourage our listeners to explore Lia's resources and consider how adopting a new approach to eating can lead to a more fulfilled and healthier life.
Links:
Lia Huber Website
The Nourish Evolution
Free Course: Easy Weeknight Meals
Real Food Reset
Home Cooking School
Cook the Seasons
Nourished: A Memoir of Food, Faith & Enduring Love
Shawn Mullins - “Lullaby”
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Christmas Traditions and Memories: Navigating the Holidays with Bravery and Joy
Happy week between Christmas and New Year’s! Does anyone know what we’re supposed to be doing?
In today's episode, we're diving into the heartwarming realm of holiday memories and traditions. We reminisce about our family traditions during the holidays, ranging from quirky decorating habits to cherished food recipes. Melissa shares a unique tradition in her family - a tree skirt adorned with handprints of her children, a sentimental project that began when her kids were just toddlers. Julie brings up a handmade advent calendar crafted by her mother, a treasured heirloom that's been part of her family's Christmas for decades.
We also chat about the odd, disoriented feeling during the week between Christmas and New Year's. It's a time when routines are thrown off, and you're not sure whether to relax or be productive. We share tips on how to handle this period, including tidying up holiday decorations and preparing for the new year.
Not surprisingly, a significant part of our discussion revolves around food and family. From Julie’s family's preference for shrimp-filled twice-baked potatoes to her Mother-in-Law’s traditional ginger cookies called Pepperkakor, handed down from her Swedish family roots, we emphasize the importance and warmth of family recipes.
Adapting to changes in family dynamics, especially as children grow up and start their own families, is another topic we delve into. We talk about embracing these changes and welcoming new family members, highlighting the importance of being flexible and open to evolving traditions.
Our conversation takes a lighter turn as we reminisce about the types of gifts we put in stockings and share some memorable gifts from our childhood. These stories not only bring back fond memories but also teach valuable life lessons about gratitude and the true spirit of giving.
We also touch on the emotional aspect of the holidays. We acknowledge that it can be a challenging time for many, whether due to the loss of a loved one or family tensions. We encourage y’all to find positivity, introduce new traditions, and be the change in the room during tense situations.
Y’all, we’re excited for the upcoming year. We’re looking forward to new projects and encourage you to face 2024 with determination and bravery.
Happy New Year!
Links
Shrimpy Potatoes
Left Right Center
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Brave Release: The Transformative Power of Letting Go of Grudges with Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Stephanie Porter
We’re thrilled to chat with Stephanie Porter, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, to discuss the topic of grudges and how to best deal with them. We delve into what grudges are, why people hold onto them, and how they can impact individuals and relationships. Stephanie provides insights into the psychological aspects of grudges, emphasizing that they often stem from unprocessed pain and hurt. She explains how grudges can lead to bitterness, insecurity, and even physical health issues.
The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging one's feelings and processing the hurt before it turns into a grudge. Stephanie offers practical advice on daily practices, such as journaling and using feelings lists, to help individuals work through their emotions. She also encourages forgiveness and choosing how to respond in situations that trigger negative feelings.
We discuss when seeking professional help, like therapy, is advisable, and Stephanie emphasizes that seeking help should not be seen as a weakness but as a brave step towards healing and letting go of grudges.
The long-term benefits of successfully letting go of grudges are highlighted, including regaining personal power, improving emotional and physical health, and living in peace. Stephanie's passion for helping individuals and couples navigate forgiveness and restore relationships shines through in the episode.
If you are interested in reaching out to Stephanie for therapy services, please visit her website at www.stephanieporter.org. She is licensed to practice in New Mexico, Indiana, and Texas and sees patients both in person and virtually.
Links
Stephanie Porter website
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Speakeasy with Julie & Melissa: Unraveling the Public Speaking Knot
We’re tackling a topic that gives most of us the jitters: the fear of public speaking. Did you know that public speaking is the number one fear on entrepreneurs' lists, even ranking higher than the fear of death?
In this episode, we dive deep into strategies to overcome the fear of public speaking, whether it's speaking on a stage, addressing a PTA meeting, or even going live on social media.
We share seven valuable tips to help you conquer your fear:
-
Preparation: Know your material inside and out. Familiarity with your content reduces anxiety.
-
Practice: Rehearse your speech, even in front of a mirror or a camera. Practice builds confidence.
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Deep Breathing: Use deep breaths to reduce anxiety and calm your nerves.
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Positive Visualization: Visualize a successful speech and trick your brain into being excited rather than fearful.
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Familiarize Yourself with the Venue: If possible, visit the location beforehand to get comfortable with your surroundings.
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Engage with Your Audience: Make eye contact, ask questions, and encourage participation. Engaging with your audience can ease your nerves.
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Accept Mistakes: Understand that mistakes will happen. Be prepared to recover gracefully and continue your speech.
We also share personal stories of our early experiences with public speaking and how we've grown to overcome our fears. Remember that facing your fear of public speaking is a journey, and it gets easier with practice.
So, whether it's speaking on stage or any situation that makes you nervous, we hope these tips help you feel more confident and less anxious. Remember, brave looks good on you!
Links:
Weekly Obsessions:
Lapel Mic
Phone Stand
Portable Charger
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Breaking Free from Self-Rejection: Embrace Your Inner Confidence
We're diving deep into the often-unspoken topic of self-rejection. We bet many of you can relate to this in some aspect of your lives. We confess that we've both struggled with it personally and professionally, and we're here to tackle why we engage in self-rejection and how it can affect us.
Throughout the episode, we uncover the roots of self-rejection, touching on societal pressures, fear of failure, and the detrimental impact of comparison. We emphasize how this pattern can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. However, we also shed light on actionable steps to overcome self-rejection, such as cultivating self-worth, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-compassion.
We share our own journeys, from weight struggles to professional challenges, and we encourage our listeners to take note of how they may be self-rejecting without even realizing it. By addressing self-rejection head-on, we can learn to redirect our thoughts, build healthier self-images, and ultimately move towards personal growth and success. Join us on this empowering episode as we confront self-rejection and strive for self-improvement together.
Links
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The 2023 Brave Holiday Gift Guide: Discover + Celebrate Some of Our Favorite Things
In this special episode we kick off the show with a post-Thanksgiving chat, sharing our holiday experiences and traditions. We discuss Julie’s non-traditional Thanksgiving menu and the joy of spending quality time with family. After taking some time off, we’re excited to dive into our highly anticipated second annual holiday gift guide!
We’ve created a handy Holiday Gift Guide with all the links and discount codes in one spot! Click here to grab it!
Big thanks to all the entrepreneurs who participated in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide! We appreciate your generosity to pass on some discounts to our listeners!
Stylin Brunette
Especially For You
The Carmel Soap Company
My Financial Snapshot
Bradley Kellie
Bling it On
Nat Marie Design
Forever Linked AR
Topanga Scents
Jaab Med Spa
Santa’s Bag app for keeping track of gifts
Brave Holiday Playlist
Holiday Gift Guide
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The Gratitude-Confidence Link: Building Unshakeable Confidence and Achieving Transformative Success through the Power of Thankfulness
Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! Today, we're diving into a powerful topic: the connection between gratitude and confidence.
The Decision to Climb
Think about this for a moment: when you're going through a pivotal time in your life, personal or in business, one day, you'll look back and realize that was the moment things shifted for the better. But we often don't realize it while we're in the thick of it.
It's true; we only recognize those moments of transformation once we've stepped through them and look back with gratitude.
Gratitude Supplies
To embark on this journey of gratitude and confidence, we first need to decide to climb. We acknowledge the need for change and set our sights on a life filled with gratitude and confidence.
With that decision made, we gather our supplies, which can include tools like a gratitude journal or a commitment to acknowledging the good in every situation.
The Ascent
Phase three is where the ascent begins. We start practicing gratitude, expressing it regularly, and gradually building our confidence. It's like taking one step at a time up the mountain.
As we climb, we make small changes and see ourselves differently. We're flipping the script in our minds regarding all aspects of our lives and businesses.
Overcoming Obstacles
Just like a mountain climb has challenges, real life presents obstacles. But when we're grounded in gratitude, we can use these challenges as opportunities to grow and find the positive.
It's all about turning adversity into advantage. We gain confidence by recognizing our small wins and building resilience.
Reaching New Heights
Reaching new heights is where we embrace gratitude for ourselves and our journey. We acknowledge our progress, recognize our own worth, and celebrate our achievements.
At this stage, we realize that we're capable of reaching the peak and deserving of the view from the top. We've grown into a more confident version of ourselves.
Enjoying the View
Finally, we arrive at the summit, and it's time to enjoy the view. We reflect on how far we've come, appreciate the journey, and acknowledge the people who helped us along the way.
Remember that joy can be contagious, and our journey inspires those around us. So, let's make the climb a joyful one and inspire others to do the same.
We encourage you to take that first step on your own journey. Whether you're starting or in the middle of a climb, remember that you have what it takes to reach new heights and build your confidence along the way.
We're grateful for each one of our listeners, and we hope that our podcast motivates you to embark on your own journey of gratitude and confidence. Always remember, brave looks good on you.!
Links
The Forbes article that inspired this episode.
The leather journal Melissa loves, especially for guys.
HumanKind: Changing The World One Small Act at a Time Book
Episode 28 - Interview with Author, Brad Aronson
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BTS: A Week of Business Adventures and Inspiration
We're taking you behind the scenes of Brave Looks Good on You, and here's a fun fact: We live in different states—Julie's in Texas, and Melissa in Arkansas. Despite being lifelong friends, we don't get to see each other in person very often.
Recently, we spent a week together in San Antonio to get some work done and have some fun. We had a live event, a photo shoot, and, of course, some hilarious moments during our time together. We thought it would be great to give you a peek behind the curtain, sharing our goals for the trip, including what we accomplished and some of the funny things that happened along the way.
We spent a lot of time preparing for this time together, creating to-do lists and making plans. One of our goals was to visit some of the people we've interviewed over the past year who live in the San Antonio area. We managed to do that, including a visit to Opal and Onyx cookies to see Hilary.
We kicked things off with a trip to Austin to meet one of our clients for lunch, and it was delightful to finally meet her in person after months of Zoom calls. We discussed our projects and looked forward to releasing our work to the world in January.
The next day was jam packed with a hair and make-up session followed by a photo shoot for updated headshots. Later that evening, we hosted our live event at BSB, which was a fantastic experience. It was a sold-out, ticketed event, and the participation and energy in the room were incredible. It was a proud moment for both of us, stepping outside our comfort zones.
The rest of the week was a mix of work and fun, with brainstorming sessions, podcast planning, and walks in Julie's beautiful neighborhood.
Overall, this trip was a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time, but it reaffirmed our commitment to our business and the connections we've made. It reminded us that hard work pays off and that, even though we may not be exactly where we want to be, we've come a long way and have gained clarity along the journey. So, remember, getting started is key, and done is better than perfect. Brave truly does look good on us.
Links
Opal & Onyx Cookies Website and Episode
The book Melissa read The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
BSB - Babes Support Babes where we hosted our Live Event
Sticky Note Party Episode
NobiliTea
HEB and Episode
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss, Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - Praline (Deep Nude)
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Soft Matte Lip Cream, Lightweight Liquid Lipstick - Rome (Medium Nude)
Big Sexy Powder Play
Surfer Girl Texture Play
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Reflecting on One Year of Podcasting: Our Podcast Journey and Lessons Learned
We can hardly believe it, but we're celebrating a significant milestone today – our podcast's one-year anniversary! It's been an incredible journey filled with brave stories, inspiring entrepreneur interviews, lots of laughter, and hopefully, some valuable insights and fun for all who've been tuning in each week.
As we take this moment to look back on the past year, we can't help but feel grateful for the amazing community that has grown around our podcast. Whether you've been with us since day one or you're just joining us for the first time, your support has meant the world to us.
During this episode, we want to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into our podcasting adventure. We'll be sharing some of our favorite moments, reflecting on the challenges we've faced, and discussing how our show has evolved over the past year.
One of the things that has brought us immense joy is the opportunity to create free resources for our audience. We've seen many of you download and engage with these resources, and it's incredibly fulfilling to know that they've been helpful on your personal and professional journeys. For those of you who haven't checked them out yet, we'll be revisiting some of our top favorites, including our "Idea Igniter or Detailed Doer" quiz, designed to shed light on your work approach, and our Chat GPT ebook, an exploration of AI applications that can be both professional and personal game-changers.
Now, let's talk about the podcast's evolution. When we first started, we'll admit we were a bit nervous about being unscripted. Julie, especially, was more comfortable with structured content, and we used to read from 15-page scripts – which means Melissa had to write all that content prior to each recording! But as the year went by, we've learned to embrace spontaneity and roll with the punches. Bloopers? We've embraced them wholeheartedly. Our now unscripted style has allowed us to be more authentic, and we've discovered that some of our best moments happen when we're just being ourselves.
Speaking of being ourselves, our initial focus was solely on business-related topics. However, as the year unfolded, we realized that bravery extends beyond business ventures. It encompasses all aspects of life. So, we've pivoted, and our podcast now explores the courage it takes to pursue any dream or goal, whether personal or professional. We've discovered that our business and personal lives are intrinsically connected, and we're excited to continue this journey of exploration.
Melissa, with her knack for generating ideas and conducting research, has been instrumental in shaping the podcast's content. She's also the one who tirelessly sends DMs to Mel Robbins, one of her dream guests. On the technical side of things, Julie is the wizard behind the scenes. She handles all the post-recording work, from editing to publishing. It's a partnership that has truly blossomed over the past year.
For those of you who are considering starting your own podcast or pursuing a creative endeavor, we have some advice. Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. There is an audience out there waiting to hear your unique message. Just take that first step and see where it leads you. We've learned that starting imperfectly is better than never starting at all.
Throughout the year, we've had some fantastic moments. One of our favorites is the time we couldn't stop laughing during a recording – it lasted a remarkable eight minutes and 14 seconds! Laughter is something that's become a constant in our work, and it's something we truly treasure. Additionally, we've had the privilege of meeting some of the incredible people we've interviewed in person, sharing cookies and coffee with them, which has been a highlight for us.
As we celebrate one year of brave stories and laughs, we want to thank you, our amazing audience, for your unwavering support. We're thrilled about what the future holds and can't wait to continue this journey with all of you. So stay tuned, because who knows, maybe our dream guests will join us, and we'll have some exciting surprises in store for the next year!
Links
Idea Igniter or Detailed Doer Quiz
ChatGPT: Unlocking its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life!
Mel Robbins
Interested in our upcoming course, “Podcast Creation Made Simple: A Beginner's Roadmap From Start To Finish”? Click to join the waitlist!
My Pet Peed
Custom Dog Tags
Dog Chews for Joint Health
Episode 41: Tarra Hardeman, Founder of the Carmel Soap Company, Created What Was Missing In Her Life: A Natural Skincare Brand
Episode 42: Faithful Creations: Jewelry, Stories, and Empowerment with Kellie Cutsinger of BradleyKellie.com
Episode 43 - We Need to Address the Hustle Culture
Episode 44 - Elevating Your Entrepreneurial Image: Crafting Style and Brand with Diamond Ariel
Episode 46 - From Risk-Taking to Real Estate Success: A Journey of Empowerment with Alisa Cox
Episode 47 - Masterclass in Spa Success: Claudia Aceves Shares Her Blueprint for Empowerment and Growth
Episode 48 - Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone: Practical Steps Towards Your Future Self
Episode 49 - Turning Financial Expertise Into Entrepreneurial Empowerment with Karie Huber of KL Bookkeeping Services
Episode 52 - Empowering Your Financial Journey: My Financial Snapshot's User-Friendly Tools and Expert Content Led by the Founder & CEO, LB Hudson
My Financial Snapshot website, promo code “BRAVE20” to get 20% off your subscription!
Join our Newsletter
Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!
Building a Powerful Brand Identity: Strategies, Expert Advice, and Real-World Examples with Nat Alves of Nat Marie Design
We’re absolutely ecstatic about our interview with Nat Alves. Nat is a powerhouse when it comes to helping small businesses craft and create their brands. Having met her in person, it’s evident that her passion shines through in every conversation and every piece of work she touches.
In today’s episode, we cover a wide range of topics, all centered around the crucial role branding plays in the success of small businesses. Here are some of the key points we discuss:
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Nat’s Journey to Becoming a Solopreneur Nat walks us through her impressive journey, sharing insights from her corporate experiences to her transition into the entrepreneurial world.
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The Move to San Antonio and Embracing Small Businesses
Hear about Nat’s brave decision to move to San Antonio right after her wedding, her initial experiences in the city, and how she found her love for working with small businesses.
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The Layoff that Led to Full-Time Entrepreneurship Discover how a layoff from her corporate job became the catalyst for Nat to dive into full-time business ownership, a transition that proved to be a blessing in disguise.
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Building a Brand Over a Business Nat provides invaluable advice on why it’s crucial to focus on building a brand rather than just a business. She stresses the importance of creating an emotional connection with consumers and shares practical tips on how to define your brand’s purpose, mission, target audience, and personality.
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Brand Guides Keep Your Messaging Aligned
Nat emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive brand guide to maintain consistency and coherence in brand presentation. Here’s a summary of the key elements she mentioned should be included in a brand guide:
Logo: * Element 1: Simple, but with a unique edge. * Element 2: Convey a feeling or a theme. * Element 3: Have a logo family.
Color Palette: * Primary Colors: Main colors that represent the brand. * Secondary Colors: Additional colors to complement the primary palette. * Usage Guidelines: Specific contexts for using each color to maintain consistency.
Typography: * Font Styles: Defined fonts for different textual elements (headings, body, captions). * Hierarchy: Guidelines on how to use various font sizes and styles together.
Imagery: * Style: A consistent style or theme for images associated with the brand. * Usage: Guidelines on how and where to use images to enhance brand messaging.
Voice and Tone: * Writing Style: A clear and consistent style of writing that reflects the brand’s personality. * Tone: The emotional tone that should be used to communicate with the audience.
Other Brand Elements: * Patterns or Icons: Any additional graphical elements that are part of the brand identity.
Dos and Don’ts: * Guidelines: Clear instructions on what to do and what to avoid to maintain brand integrity.
By providing these elements in a brand guide, businesses ensure that every point of contact with customers reflects a consistent and coherent brand image. This helps in building a strong brand identity that resonates with the target audience and stands out in the market.
Conclusion This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to understand the ins and outs of branding for small businesses. Nat’s expertise and passion for branding are evident throughout the conversation, providing listeners with actionable insights and a deeper appreciation for the role of branding in business success. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey through the world of branding with Nat Marie Design!
Links
Nat Marie Design and @natmariedesign on Instagram
Building a Brand free download by Nat Marie Design
Canva
Creative Market
Shutterstock
Behance
Dribble
Join Julie & Melissa for Virtual Coffee!
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Empowering Your Financial Journey: My Financial Snapshot's User-Friendly Tools and Expert Content Led by the Founder & CEO, LB Hudson
We're thrilled to introduce you to LB Hudson, the Founder and CEO of My Financial Snapshot, and we can't wait to dive into the world of finance with him. Now, if the word "finance" makes you want to tune out, don't do it just yet. LB is here to explain why managing your finances can be painless and straightforward. He's got an incredible background in public accounting, and he transitioned into helping individuals and entrepreneurs make sense of their finances in a way that's easy, understandable, and affordable.
LB has an impressive background that uniquely positions him to help others navigate the complex world of finances. He's been an entrepreneur since his early teens, which means he's no stranger to taking risks and forging his own path. After earning his degree in accounting and finance from Ouachita Baptist University in 2016, he gained invaluable experience by spending several years in the field of public accounting, with a specific focus on tax matters.
But what truly sets LB apart is his passion for simplifying finance and making it accessible to all. This drive led him to create My Financial Snapshot, a platform that provides easy-to-use financial tools and essential educational resources. With LB's unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and financial expertise, he decided to take the leap and dedicate himself full-time to making financial management more straightforward and affordable for individuals and small business owners alike.
My Financial Snapshot isn't just about numbers; it's about empowering people to gain control of their finances. LB recognized that traditional methods of financial management often left people feeling overwhelmed and confused. That's why he embarked on this journey to bridge the gap between financial expertise and everyday people's needs. His platform offers tools and resources that not only help you understand your finances but also instill confidence in your ability to manage them effectively. So, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or someone just starting to take charge of your financial future, LB Hudson's My Financial Snapshot has something valuable to offer.
We've got a special treat for our listeners. LB is generously offering a 20% discount on My Financial Snapshot subscriptions with the promo code "BRAVE20." So, if you've ever felt overwhelmed by finances, now might be the perfect time to take the leap and get your financial house in order.
Links:
My Financial Snapshot website, promo code “BRAVE20” to get 20% off your subscription!
IG: my_financial_snapshot
FB: My Financial Snapshot
Join our Holiday Gift Guide podcast episode HERE!
Join Julie & Melissa for Virtual Coffee!
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Unleashing Your Superpower: The Brave Approach to Getting Things Done - Live Presentation Special
We’re excited to share the highlights from our recent podcast LIVE event we did in collaboration with Babes Support Babes, an organization in San Antonio that brings women entrepreneurs together to share ideas, collaborate, and support one another. We were invited to be speakers at their live event, and we're excited to share our experience with you.
The theme of the night was all about a fall reset, nurturing self-belief, and embarking on a journey to finish 2023 with amazing strength while getting things done. We delved into the different approaches people take to getting things done based on their personalities and giftings.
During the event, the audience members completed a questionnaire that helps determine how we approach projects and goals based on our personality types. We divided people into two categories: idea igniters and detailed doers. In case you don’t already know, Melissa is an idea igniter, while Julie is our steady, detail-oriented detailed doer.
We want you to take the questionnaire for yourself. Here’s the LINK!
The key takeaway is that neither type is better or worse; they are superpowers in their own right. We need to recognize and leverage our strengths and acknowledge our weaknesses. Melissa is usually bursting with ideas but may struggle with implementation, while Julie excels at turning those ideas into actionable plans.
So, let's discuss how to make the most of our strengths based on our types.
For the Detailed Doers - Tips To Rise Above the Details:
- Implement Innovation Hours: Schedule time in your weekly routine to explore new trends or strategies, even if it's outside your comfort zone. This allows you to think creatively about your business or projects.
- Take Small, Calculated Risks: Allocate a portion of your resources, whether it's time or money, to try new projects or learn new skills. This helps you avoid getting stuck in a rut and keeps your business evolving.
- Broaden Your Scope: While diving deep is a strength, periodically step back and reevaluate your priorities. Make sure you're still on the right path and that your efforts align with your current goals.
For the Idea Igniters - Tips to Make the Dream a Reality:
- Focus on the Brilliant Few: Prioritize your ideas by focusing on the most realistic and achievable ones. Don't get overwhelmed by the sheer number of ideas.
- Map Out Your Dream: Break down your big ideas into small, manageable tasks, and challenge yourself to be a list maker and, more importantly, a list follower.
- GSD - Get Stuff Done: Your enthusiasm is a double-edged sword; it can ignite or consume you. Manage your creative flow by setting up “idea sprints” and then allocating specific times in your day when you do nothing but the things on your to-do list.
Remember, whether you're an idea igniter or a detailed doer, your superpower is unique and valuable. Find ways to work with others who complement your strengths, seek an accountability partner, and keep moving forward confidently. Don't let self-doubt hold you back because BRAVE looks good on you!
And one more thing, we're introducing something new – sharing our current favorites each week, from fashion to lifestyle. So, in this episode, we shared what we wore to the event.
Links:
Join our Holiday Gift Guide podcast episode HERE!
Babes Support Babes in San Antonio
Are you an Idea Igniter or Detailed Doer? Take the Questionnaire
Julie, Christine, & Melissa at the Live Event at BSB!
Julie’s Blazer
Julie’s Pink Pants
Melissa’s Jumpsuit Dupe
Join Julie & Melissa for Virtual Coffee!
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Social Media: Tips to Help You Today!
Hey y’all! We're excited to dive into the world of social media today. We'll talk about the constant evolution of social media and why it's crucial to stay informed. Plus, we’re sharing some cool tips we learned at a recent social media workshop! We hope you’ll pick up some nuggets in this episode that will help you as you promote your business.
Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on August 23, 2023, so keep that in mind as you consider the info we share here. As we all know, details regarding social media are constantly changing.
Learning from Past Experiences
- Melissa shares an experience from when we recorded a social media episode nine months ago.
- We reflect on our experiences and acknowledge that the information we shared then is now outdated.
The Power of Instagram Reels
- Instagram Reels have become a significant trend lately, and guess what? We love watching them.
- Initially, Melissa was hesitant to learn how to create Reels, but her youngest son taught her how, and it turns out, it's worth it. Reels are engaging and diverse.
Strategic Content Planning
- Planning is key. We recommend setting aside a couple of hours to plan your social media content for an entire month.
- Utilizing scheduling tools like Planoly or Zoho Social can help you maintain consistency and manage multiple platforms effectively.
The Value of Relevant Hashtags
- Hashtags play a crucial role in increasing your post's visibility. We were surprised to learn that using up to 30 hashtags is ideal.
- We share a tip about using Chat GPT to generate hashtags, making it easier to find the right ones.
Building a Community
- Building a community is more valuable than just accumulating followers. Interacting with your audience is key.
- We've found that authenticity and sharing our personal sides resonate well with our followers.
Scheduling and Consistency
- Scheduling your posts is a game-changer. It ensures consistency and saves you from last-minute hassles.
- Tools like Meta's scheduling feature allow you to customize posts for different platforms while maintaining your schedule.
Leveraging Location Tags
- Tagging locations, even if it's just a city or state, can help people find your business or content.
- We share the importance of location tags and how they can improve discoverability.
Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
- To sum it up, be authentic, stay consistent, and focus on building a community rather than just chasing followers.
- We encourage you to be brave, share your stories, and connect with your audience on social media.
Links
Planoly
Zoho Social
Plann
Meta Business
Join Julie & Melissa for Virtual Coffee!
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Turning Financial Expertise Into Entrepreneurial Empowerment with Karie Huber of KL Bookkeeping Services
In this episode, we sit down with Karie Huber, a recent entrant into the world of entrepreneurship, who made the leap from a full-time job to pursuing her passion for helping small businesses with their finances. Karie’s journey began over 15 years ago with her various roles within the financial services industry.
She shares her story of realizing the need for more flexibility and community involvement, which led her to join her son's school PTO as treasurer and ultimately discover her passion for small business bookkeeping.
Karie discusses the challenges of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship, the importance of effective bookkeeping and budgeting, and offers valuable tips for those looking to manage their finances more intentionally. She also highlights her virtual bookkeeping services and her plans to expand her offerings in the future.
Karie’s story is an inspiring example of seizing the moment and pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams, and her expertise in financial management shines through in this engaging conversation.
Links
KL Bookkeeping Services
Instagram: @klbookkeepingservices
Facebook: KL Bookkeeping Services, LLC
Join Julie & Melissa for Virtual Coffee!
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone: Practical Steps Towards Your Future Self
We’re excited to explore the theme of leaving our comfort zones and the impact it can have on personal and professional growth. In this episode, we reflect on the challenges and benefits of stepping outside of familiar boundaries, sharing personal stories and practical tips along the way. We provide valuable insights and actionable advice for those looking to overcome fear and complacency to pursue personal and professional development.
Key Takeaways:
- Leaving your comfort zone is essential for personal and professional growth, even though it can be challenging.
- Staying in your comfort zone can hinder your aspirations and lead to missed opportunities.
- To grow in business, consider taking on new responsibilities, networking more aggressively, practicing public speaking, and investing in new opportunities.
- In life, try traveling solo, learning a new skill, saying "yes" more often to new experiences, taking on physical challenges, and practicing vulnerability.
- The more you step out of your comfort zone, the easier it becomes, building competence and confidence.
- Embrace change and keep pushing your boundaries, as life truly begins at the end of your comfort zone.
Links
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Masterclass in Spa Success: Claudia Aceves Shares Her Blueprint for Empowerment and Growth
We’re thrilled to introduce our special guest, Claudia Aceves, who is not only a skilled artist but also a phenomenal businesswoman. She's the owner of Vanidosa Beauty Studios, an upscale spa located in San Antonio. Her expertise includes permanent makeup services, microblading, powder brows, and more! She's also developed her very own skincare line and professional beauty courses. Get ready for a delightful and eye-opening conversation!
Key Points * Introduction to Claudia Aceveses and Vanidosa Beauty Studios: Claudia specializes in a range of beauty services and has her own skincare line. * Teacher at Heart: Claudia believes in sharing knowledge and has hosted masterminds for beautypreneurs and vendors. * No Woman is an Island: The importance of lifting each other up in the industry and building bridges for success. * Business Advice: The focus is on scaling a business, knowing when to delegate, and utilizing professional services to enhance business growth. * Role of SEO and Marketing: Claudia highlights the importance of not trying to do everything yourself and bringing in experts in areas where you're not skilled. * Financial Investment in Business: Claudia explains that sometimes spending money to make money is a smart business move, especially when it saves you time. * Building a Team: The balance between solopreneurship and incorporating team members for more effective work and quicker growth. * Goal Setting: Claudia urges beauty industry professionals to make a plan and budget, instead of just following trends or going with the flow. * Evolution of Claudia’s Career: From working on movie sets to focusing on client-based services and eventually moving into permanent makeup and teaching.
Notable Quotes * "We need to help and elevate each other and create bridges of success." * "It takes 10 years to become an overnight success." * "We have to start thinking of ourselves as CEOs, not just small business owners." * "Many hands make for light work."
Links
Vanidosa Beauty Studios
Instagram - @vanidosabeauty
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
From Risk-Taking to Real Estate Success: A Journey of Empowerment with Alisa Cox
We're thrilled to chat with the incredible Alisa Cox, a true force of determination and a single mom who's making waves in the world of real estate entrepreneurship. Get ready for an uplifting conversation about taking leaps of faith, embracing challenges, and building a thriving business in the world of real estate.
Alisa talks about her family's entrepreneurial background and how the idea of ownership was instilled in her at a young age. She took a leap of faith by leaving her corporate job to start her own online boutique, even though it didn't go as planned. Her message: one business failure doesn't define your overall success.
Transitioning to real estate, Alisa and her business partner, Kandace Lauderdale, established a women-owned real estate team. They are on a mission to empower women to achieve wealth through real estate ventures. They share their experiences with home renovations, investing, and designing for clients and their own projects.
Alisa discusses her dreams of creating online courses, webinars, and retreats to empower women interested in real estate. She believes in fostering supportive communities and being surrounded by like-minded individuals who nurture growth and innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- Taking the first step towards your dreams, even if uncertain, can lead to growth and success.
- Confidence and self-discovery often come through overcoming challenges and learning from experiences.
- Building skills through DIY projects and hands-on learning can be empowering.
- Finding a support network and utilizing available resources are crucial for growth.
Links
Instagram - @alisacoxsatx, @wholeheartedrealestate
Wholehearted Real Estate
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Let's Check In: A Breakdown of our Brave Looks Good On You Podcast After Quarter 3
We’re here for a special Q3 check-in episode. It's hard to believe how time has flown since we started this podcast, and today we're excited to take a trip down memory lane and review the fantastic episodes we aired in May, June, and July of 2023. Our theme of bravery has been a constant thread, and it's been incredible to see how it's woven through each episode.
Let's dive in and relive some of the highlights from this quarter. In Episode 28, we had the honor of speaking with Brad Aronson, a national bestselling author. His book HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time, left us inspired with its emphasis on the power of small acts that can make a big difference in the world. The stories he shared truly showcased the impact of everyday kindness.
Episodes 30 and 31 were a special treat where we engaged directly with our listeners. Answering your questions about business, life, and everything in between was so much fun. It allowed us to share our personal experiences and insights in a more candid way.
Episode 32 introduced us to Emily Hill, an Instagram influencer highlighting the HEB grocery chain. Her journey from the corporate world to social media influence is fascinating. Learning about her business knowledge and strategies was truly eye-opening.
Mindset took the spotlight in Episode 33 as we delved into how it shapes both small business and life goals. We shared 7 Practices to Go From Fixed Mindset to Growth Mindset, which you can download for free!
Episode 34 was all about embracing technology as we explored the potential of AI and ChatGPT. We even created our first eBook using this technology, opening up new horizons in content creation and productivity.
Our hearts swelled with pride in Episode 35, where we had a candid chat with Julie’s daughter, Chloe. She shared her journey of quitting her job and embarking on a solo trip to Europe. Her bravery in stepping out of her comfort zone was truly inspiring.
In Episode 36, where we discussed the power of stepping beyond our boundaries. Reflecting on our own growth and pushing through fears was both enlightening and empowering.
In Episode 37, we had an insightful conversation with Kristin Collins, a counselor who recently transitioned to owning her own practice. Her journey from corporate to private practice was enlightening, and her tips for growing a business were incredibly valuable.
Gail Gioffredi, a business coach and mentor to Melissa, took center stage in Episode 38. Her journey from direct sales to corporate consulting was filled with lessons and insights for everyone, both personally and professionally. Her perspective on seizing opportunities resonated deeply with us.
Lastly, in Episode 39, we spoke with Christine Brinkman, the founder of Babe Support Babes co-working space. Her commitment to building a community of empowered women entrepreneurs was truly heartwarming.
As we wrap up this quarter, we're thrilled to announce our upcoming collab event "Brave Looks Good on Babes" with Babes Support Babes. We want to engage with you, our listeners, more than ever. We're here to listen, learn, and continue growing together. Remember, BRAVE looks good on you, and we can't wait to see what the next quarter holds.
Links
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Elevating Your Entrepreneurial Image: Crafting Style and Brand with Diamond Ariel
We loved chatting with Diamond Ariel, a personal stylist who helps entrepreneurs align their personal style with their personal brand. Diamond describes herself as a Rihanna-loving, Oreo-eating, wine-drinking personal stylist who aims to help her clients look as good as they feel. We delve into Diamond's journey and her approach to helping entrepreneurs create a memorable personal brand through their style.
Diamond's personal style is inspired by celebrities like Rihanna. She emphasizes boldness, versatility, and a touch of controversy. She loves patterns, colors, and ruffles to express her personality and communicate that she's fun, unapologetic, and approachable. Diamond's passion for fashion was ignited by shows like "That's So Raven" and Rihanna's influence, leading her to pursue her dream in the fashion industry.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Diamond worked in various roles, including at TJ Maxx, Neiman Marcus, and eventually at Amazon as a stylist. She was involved in curating and styling collections, assisting with virtual try-ons, and more. However, Diamond's entrepreneurial journey truly began when she ventured into personal styling. Her initial foray into launching a membership community led her to pivot and eventually focus on serving entrepreneurs.
Diamond's transition to entrepreneurship was accelerated when Amazon laid her off. Though initially overwhelming, Diamond embraced the opportunity to fully commit to her business. She offers various packages to entrepreneurs, including event styling and retainer packages ranging from three to twelve months. Her process involves creating a vision board, aligning personal style with brand intentions, and developing a digital wardrobe to simplify outfit choices.
Diamond also shares the top three style mistakes entrepreneurs often make. First, not creating a vision for their style leads to impulse buying and a closet full of unwanted items. Second, lacking intentionality while shopping can result in confusion and dissatisfaction. To avoid this, Diamond recommends making a shopping list and asking specific questions about each purchase. Lastly, not dressing the part can hinder credibility. Diamond advises dressing like the authority in your field to make a lasting impression.
Overall, Diamond's journey from her love of fashion to becoming a personal stylist for entrepreneurs is a story of alignment, authenticity, and empowerment through personal style. Her insights encourage entrepreneurs to leverage their style as a powerful tool to enhance their personal brand and make a lasting impact.
Links
Diamond Ariel website
We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
Styling Experience
More Than Style ebook
5 Must Know Style Tips to Create a Memorable Personal Brand
IG: queen_ofdiamonds
FB: Diamond Dyson
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
We Need to Address the Hustle Culture
In this episode, we explore the damaging effects of the hustle culture and provide actionable strategies to shift our focus towards thriving. Plus, we discuss how the hustle culture promotes overworking and burnout, often fueled by social media and economic pressures. Of course, this burnout also leads to negative consequences on our physical health, mental well-being, and relationships.
Tangible Steps for Shifting to Thriving:
- Prioritize Rest and Relaxation:
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We emphasize the importance of taking breaks, setting boundaries, and using our vacation time to recharge.
-
Effective Time Management Strategies:
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We share tips like task prioritization, delegation, and the significance of taking regular breaks.
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Embrace Self-Care:
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We explore the power of engaging in activities that rejuvenate us, being present in the moment, and avoiding distractions.
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Challenge the Hustle Mentality:
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We discuss changing our mindset from constant hustle to embracing a thriving approach in all aspects of life.
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Take Meaningful Time Off:
- We encourage listeners to prioritize vacations, mental health days, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.
We invite you to join us in our mission to transition from the hustle culture to thriving, not just in our work but in every aspect of our lives.
Links
Episode 22: 5 Ways to Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions and Procrastination When Running Your Business
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Faithful Creations: Jewelry, Stories, and Empowerment with Kellie Cutsinger of BradleyKellie.com
We're thrilled to have Kellie Cutsinger from BradleyKellie.com as our guest. Bradley Kellie is a faith-forward online jewelry store based in Texas, founded by the husband and wife duo Bradley and Kellie Cutsinger. Each piece in their collection is uniquely designed in-house and undergoes a personal, non-industrial process from the original sketch to hand casting and finishing.
Highlights:
- Kellie's background and family: Kellie and her husband are both from Texas and met in the church. They have four children and moved to a smaller town to create a business together.
- Entrepreneurial journey: Kellie was previously in the hotel business while Bradley was involved in banking and real estate. Kellie transitioned from event planning to alternative medicine and healing her family's health issues.
- Creation of Bradley Kellie: The couple decided to start their own business, combining Kellie's networking and social media skills with Bradley's real estate expertise. During the lockdown, they began designing jewelry pieces and building their concept.
- Storytelling through jewelry: The Bible's parables and stories inspired their Christian jewelry line, where each piece tells a unique story.
- The 99 for 1 Collection: The story of the lost sheep inspired this collection. The pieces are conversation starters and reminders of seeking the lost.
- Challenges and bravery: Kellie shares the challenges of putting their designs out into the world and dealing with both rejection and acceptance. Their experience with wholesale accounts and seeking opportunities has required bravery.
- Ambassador program: Kellie introduces their ambassador program, Team 99 for 1, aimed at empowering young adults to share Christ's message. The program will offer tools, stories, and support to encourage ambassadors' efforts.
Remember, you can find their stunning jewelry collection at BradleyKellie.com, and don't forget to use the discount code “BraveandBoldJ119” for 15% off your purchase until Oct 30th, 2023.
Would like to nominate a Faith Hero?
More info about the Ambassador Program
BradleyKellie.com
Instagram: @bradleykelliedesign
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Tarra Hardeman, Founder of The Carmel Soap Company, Created What Was Missing In Her Life: A Natural Skincare Brand
In this episode we chat with Tarra Hardeman, the creator and owner of the Carmel Soap Company. Tarra shares her inspiring journey from accidental entrepreneur to a successful natural skincare brand. She reveals her passion for educating people about honest and natural skincare and how she turned her disappointment with typical soap products into a thriving business. Get ready to learn about skincare essentials and the art of handcrafting soap products.
Episode Highlights:
- Tarra discusses her background as a business manager for the federal government and how the desire to be a full-time mom led her to start a school from home. The turning point was her disappointment with a brand name baby wash that contained harsh chemicals and a lot of water. Determined to find a natural alternative, she embarked on a self-education journey that eventually gave birth to the Carmel Soap Company.
- Tarra emphasizes the importance of keeping skincare simple. She shares that the skin needs cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturization, and it doesn't have to be a complicated multi-step process. The focus should be on natural ingredients and what the skin truly needs.
- Tarra shares how the Carmel Soap Company offers personalized favors for special events like weddings and corporate partnerships with luxury hotels. Tarra highlights the significance of customer-driven growth and building strong relationships in expanding a business.
- Tarra recently opened her first retail shop with office space and a workshop. She’s really excited about hosting outdoor events and workshops in the spacious outdoor area, providing wellness and self-care experiences to customers.
Links:
The Carmel Soap Company
Instagram: @carmelsoap
Babes Support Babes
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Let's Check In: A Breakdown of our Brave Looks Good On You Podcast After Quarter 2
(February, March, and April 2023)
We recorded this episode on May 31, 2023. We loved recapping some of our favorite episodes over the past three months + we shared how the direction of our business is going in a very exciting direction!
Episodes we recapped:
-
Self-Awareness, Using the Enneagram As Your Guide, Is the First Step to Rediscovering Who You Are. Erin Slutsky - Accredited Enneagram Practitioner and Coach
- Enneagram Test
- Let's Chat About Sing 2: This Film Shows Us To Be Brave As We Never Stop Chasing Our Dreams
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Unlock Your Inner Brave: Courage Quotes and Reminders to Inspire You
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Babes Support Babes
- What Happened When I Was Brave: Using Tools To Conquer My Fear!
- Starting an Online Business And Fighting The Imposter Syndrome: A Chat with Pam Wiselogel
- When Your Family and Friends Don't Support Your Business Idea or Life Goal: How to Overcome the Naysayers
- A Chat with Amanda Bartel, Owner of White Lotus Pottery; How She Discovered Her Passion and Turned it into a Business
- Entrepreneur Beth Legge Turned Her Passion Into Two Thriving Businesses
- A Chaos to Clarity Conversation with Entrepreneur Darnell Brown As It Relates To Doing the Work That Lights You Up
We hope you enjoyed the Bloopers - we had fun remembering the funny times we’ve shared as we’ve been creating this podcast!
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Can't Find What You're Looking For? Go Start It, Sister! Christine Brinkman, Founder of Babes Support Babes, Shares Her Story
A passionate entrepreneur and a strong advocate for women's empowerment, Christine Brinkman founded Babes Support Babes in 2018 as a small business market for women. Since then, it has grown into a beautiful community, with a membership of over 100 women. BSB provides a networking space for women entrepreneurs, with the foundation of friendship being the key.
As a leader, Christine's goal is to empower women to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams fearlessly. She believes that with the right support, encouragement, and resources, anything is possible.
As Christine shared her background, were captivated by her innate desire to bring people together and create a sense of community, which has been her passion since childhood. Transitioning from being a teacher to a stay-at-home mom, she experienced feelings of loneliness and isolation. Seeking solace in her love for sewing, she organized a pop-up market for women with handmade businesses. This events not only provided a platform for showcasing their creations but also fostered a supportive community where women cheered for each other's success.
Initially, it was meant to be a one-time market, but the response from vendors was overwhelming. They yearned for more of that genuine camaraderie and support.
The rapid growth of the BSB membership led Christine to realize the need for a physical space to accommodate the expanding community. In 2022, the BSB Co-space became a reality—a place where women could come together, work, and build relationships. It was awe-inspiring to hear about the transformation of the space from a co-working area during weekdays to a versatile event venue on weekends, hosting a range of gatherings. BSB Co-space truly became a haven for women to connect, inspire, and pursue their dreams.
We are so impressed with Christine's vision and the incredible community she has built in such a short span of time. The impact of BSB in providing a safe space for women to share their dreams without fear of judgment is truly commendable.
We are already looking forward to our next opportunity to partner with Christine and Babes Support Babes!
Y’all go follow Christine on Instagram at @bsbsatx for inspiration! Even if you don’t live in San Antonio and aren’t close enough to join in person, you’ll enjoy her sweet spirit and learn something about growing a community!
Links
Babes Support Babes
Instagram: @bsbsatx
Episode 4: From a Cottage Baker and Farmers Market Vendor to Creator of Opal and Onyx Cookie Co: A Conversation with the Owner, Hilary Deville
Miranda James - Stylist Instagram: @mirandajamesstudio
SheSpace - CoWorking in Houston
Brittany Paul - Branding Photographer in San Antonio
Episode 36: What Happened When I Was Brave: Using Tools To Conquer My Fear!
Questions for us? We'd love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Brave Does Look Good on Everyone: Insights from Successful Direct Sales Executive and Business Coach, Gail Gioffredi
In this episode we sit down with Gail Gioffredi, a seasoned professional in the MLM direct sales world. Gail shares her inspiring journey of how she supported herself and her son by running a successful direct sales business. With her expertise and experience in both the corporate and sales fields, Gail has built a thriving business and become a persuasive and empathetic communicator, inspiring and motivating leaders and teams to achieve extraordinary goals.
Episode Highlights:
Gail's Journey in Direct Sales (2:14)
- Gail reflects on her entry into direct sales as a young mother and the financial struggles she faced.
- A chance encounter at a Tupperware party sparked her interest in the industry.
- Gail shares her initial challenges and the skills she had to develop to succeed.
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She highlights her achievements in building three multimillion-dollar teams and providing for her son's upbringing as a single mom.
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Embracing Direct Sales Opportunities (8:45)
- Julie shares her personal experience with direct sales, recalling her involvement in a scrapbooking company.
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Gail emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and not leaving any regrets about not trying.
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Gail's Role in Direct Sales Consulting (11:00)
- Gail discusses her current role as a consultant for direct sales companies, helping them with their vision, strategies, compensation plans, and more.
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She highlights her partnership with Topanga Scents and her contributions to the company's growth.
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Gail's Advice for Success in Direct Sales (13:36)
- Gail shares her top 10 steps for achieving success in the direct sales industry.
Links:
Find Gail Gioffredi on
Topanga Scents
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Embracing Entrepreneurship: Kristen Collins' Journey to Starting a Counseling Practice
We sat down with special guest Kristin Collins, a budding entrepreneur and seasoned counselor. We discussed Kristin's journey of starting her own counseling practice and the importance of finding connection, self-worth, and purpose in life. Join the conversation as we explored Kristin's path from teaching to counseling, her role in building a successful counseling program, and the stirring in her heart that led her to pursue her own practice.
We’re excited to share the “beginning” story of Kristin’s entrepreneurial journey and look forward to following her over the next year!
Links
Kristin Collins Counseling https://www.collinscounseling.net
Instagram: @collins.counseling
Genesis Behavioral Health https://genesisbehavioralhealth.org/
Babes Support Babes https://www.babessupportbabes.org/
Leslee Owen, Kristin’s mentor. Mission & Motherhood Podcast https://lesleeowen.com/
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
What Happened When I Was Brave: Using Tools To Conquer My Fear!
We were invited to speak at a recent Babes Support Babes group of women entrepreneurs. The owner, Christine Brinkman, had heard our podcast episode 17 - about Unlocking Your Inner Brave and wanted us to share that message during one of their monthly meetings.
Our initial thoughts were “Wow - what an honor to be asked”! We talked about it and even seriously considered how we could get Melissa to Texas to go with Julie. Once reality set in, Julie decided she needed to “practice what she preaches” and she bravely accepted the offer to speak.
As luck would have it, The Mel Robbins podcast episode that came out the day Julie was prepping for the presentation called “4 Simple Tools to Conquer Your Fear” proved to be a great resource for Julie! It was all about research done regarding performance and feeling nervous and that with a simple reframing method, I could prevent my fear of public speaking from keeping me on the sidelines. You see, I WANT TO WANT to be a good speaker! I’ve just always been so nervous that I forget what I need to say, my voice cracks, and I feel very stiff and boring. I love listening to speakers who are at ease and who enjoy being in the spotlight.
Mel even explains how the techniques actually leverage your body chemistry, physiology, and your neural pathways to your advantage. Instead of letting fear take over, you can actually trick your brain into thinking you are excited about something you are really afraid of doing. So, that’s what I did.
Y’all. It worked.
I made it through my presentation. The voice inside my head was telling me “I’m excited” even up to the very second I began talking from the front of the room. I’m certain I didn’t say all my lines just as I’d planned. I for sure looked at my notes more than I wanted to. But, I did it! And my biggest hope was that the talk would be an interactive conversation, so I wouldn’t have to talk the whole time. And it was. The group of ladies actually responded to my questions!
The magic starts when you step outside your comfort zone and that takes BRAVERY! Did I want to decline the offer to speak? Yes, I did. Am I so glad I didn’t? Yes, I am. Not only did I make some new friends, decide to join this sweet community of Boss Babes, find some amazing women to interview, and take a brave step in getting better at public speaking, I also ENJOYED myself. Like, dare I say I liked giving the presentation. Does that mean my fears are conquered? No way. I’ll be scared again the next time….but now I have this special memory and know I want to go there again.
Links
Episode 4: From a Cottage Baker and Farmers Market Vendor to Creator of Opal and Onyx Cookie Co: A Conversation with the Owner, Hilary Deville
Babes Support Babes owned by Christine Brinkman Website and on Instagram @bsbsatx
Episode 17 - Unlock Your Inner Brave: Courage Quotes and Reminders to Inspire You
The Mel Robbins Podcast episode that helped Julie - Incredible Research From Harvard: 4 Simple Tools to Conquer Your Fear
Questions for us? We'd love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Interview: Chloe Walker - Are you brave enough to quit a job?
We’re excited to introduce our special guest, Chloe Walker, who happens to be Julie's daughter. Chloe recently made some significant changes in her life and decided to embark on a backpacking adventure in Europe.
Chloe shares her decision to leave her job and take on this new adventure. She explains how she’s always had a desire to travel, especially after missing out on studying abroad in college. Chloe talks about her parents' surprising support for her decision to quit her job and pursue her passions.
Chloe shares some of her travel plans, mentioning that she and her friend will visit London, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece. After her friend returns home for work, Chloe will continue her solo adventure in Italy before being joined by her mom for the last two weeks in Italy and Switzerland.
Chloe plans to document her travels on her Instagram account called @casadelachloe, which she started this year as a creative outlet.
Links:
Chloe's Travels on Instagram: @casadelachloe
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Chat GPT: Unlocking Its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life
We're excited to talk about something really cool today. We've been keeping it under wraps, but now it's time to spill the beans. We've created a free ebook to go along with it too, so get ready!
We're diving into AI (artificial intelligence) and specifically ChatGPT. Trust us, it's not as intimidating as it sounds, and it can revolutionize your business and everyday life.
ChatGPT is like having your own personal AI assistant. It's a language model developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like responses to your questions. It's trained using tons of internet info and can even learn your style and preferences.
Think about the possibilities for your business. From generating copy content to assisting with customer support, ChatGPT is a game-changer. And it's not just for business, it can enhance your personal life, too. It recommends books, helps with travel planning, and even assists with meal prep.
Here's the best part: it's free to use right now. We've even created an ebook called "ChatGPT: Unlocking Its Potential for Your Business + Everyday Life" to guide you. It's packed with practical tips and real-life examples to simplify your life and boost your business.
So, join us as we explore the amazing capabilities of ChatGPT. It's like having a knowledgeable friend you can chat with about anything. Get ready to embrace AI and take your life and business to the next level!
Links:
Chat GPT: Unlocking Its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life free ebook!
Today Show when Katie Couric & Bryant Gumble were talking about email and the new internet.
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Chat GPT: Unlocking Its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life
We're excited to talk about something really cool today. We've been keeping it under wraps, but now it's time to spill the beans. We've created a free ebook to go along with it too, so get ready!
We're diving into AI (artificial intelligence) and specifically ChatGPT. Trust us, it's not as intimidating as it sounds, and it can revolutionize your business and everyday life.
ChatGPT is like having your own personal AI assistant. It's a language model developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like responses to your questions. It's trained using tons of internet info and can even learn your style and preferences.
Think about the possibilities for your business. From generating copy content to assisting with customer support, ChatGPT is a game-changer. And it's not just for business, it can enhance your personal life, too. It recommends books, helps with travel planning, and even assists with meal prep.
Here's the best part: it's free to use right now. We've even created an ebook called "ChatGPT: Unlocking Its Potential for Your Business + Everyday Life" to guide you. It's packed with practical tips and real-life examples to simplify your life and boost your business.
So, join us as we explore the amazing capabilities of ChatGPT. It's like having a knowledgeable friend you can chat with about anything. Get ready to embrace AI and take your life and business to the next level!
Links:
Chat GPT: Unlocking Its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life free ebook!
Today Show when Katie Couric & Bryant Gumble were talking about email and the new internet.
Questions for us? We’d love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
How Your Mindset Can Make or Break Your Small Business or Life Goals
Let’s dive into something that WE have control over. It’s what sets the tone for our days and the way we approach and live our lives. It’s our mindset. And as cliche as the saying “mindset matters” has become, it’s true. When we are ready to tackle building or growing that business, taking on a lifestyle change like weight loss or a health journey, raising our kids, or caring for our marriages…the way we think guides our successes (and our failures!).
This topic really is important to us and we know it will resonate with you as well. We have had to think about all of this as we approach this podcast and the business we are building. So, it’s the perfect time to focus on how we think and take a close and personal look to see if we need to flip our internal scripts!
Mindset is defined as a series of self-perceptions or beliefs people hold about themselves. Our mindsets determine our behaviors, outlooks and mental attitudes.
We discussed the 7 Practices to Go From Fixed Mindset to Growth Mindset. Download that FREEBIE right HERE!
Imagine living life with zero uncertainty and working through the beliefs that feed that uncertainty.
Your journey is yours and yours alone. It won’t look like anyone else's. And guess what? That’s okay…there is only one YOU! And you know what we say about that, right? Brave Looks Good on You!
Links
Download the FREEBIE: 7 Practices to Go From Fixed Mindset to Growth Mindset
Topanga Scents
Episode 22 - 5 Ways to Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions and Procrastination When Running Your Business
Questions for us? We'd love to answer!
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
HEB Obsessed: The Journey of an Instagram Influencer, Emily Hill
Welcome to our conversation with Emily Hill - a Texan and the creator of the account HEB Obsessed. She has over 72,000 Instagram followers, so she’s legit!
Listen in as Emily talks about her journey as an influencer and offers tips on how to succeed in the industry. From navigating HEB and affiliate marketing, she shares how she has created a business that allows her to work from home.
Find Emily on
Instagram @heb_obsessed
YouTube
HEB Obsessed
Links:
Fandango
Rotten Tomatoes
Little Cajun House - Molly
Austin Monthly Article
You Asked! We Answered! Being Brave with Julie & Melissa - Part Two
In today’s episode, we’re going to be a little candid with y’all. We’re actually going to answer some of the questions you all have asked us! Did you know you can do that? We love hearing from you and can’t wait to dive into answering some of the things you’ve asked us!
Links
Questions for us? We'd love to answer!
Melissa loves to shop at Dillards, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Anthropologie, Athleta, All Birds, On Clouds, Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, DSW, Nordstrom Rack, Amazon Overalls
Julie loves sushi at Uniko in San Antonio for special occasions.
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
You Asked! We Answered! Being Brave with Julie & Melissa - Part One
In today’s episode, we’re going to be a little candid with y’all. We’re actually going to answer some of the questions you all have asked us! Did you know you can do that? We love hearing from you and can’t wait to dive into answering some of the things you’ve asked us!
Links
Questions for us? We'd love to answer!
Big Boo Cast Podcast
Online Marketing Made Easy Podcast
Goal Digger Podcast
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Taking What We Learned From Author Brad Aronson + Applying It To Our Businesses
As a follow-up to our interview with Author Brad Aronson, we wanted to share some ways Brad suggests on how we can easily inject fun and celebration into our personal lives and within our businesses.
- Celebrate everyday
- Start a new holiday
- Celebrate to raise funds
- Help a stranger to celebrate
- Have fun even in though times
Brad Aronson is a husband and a dad, and when he's holding the parenting reins, he likes to go all out. For him that means leading an egg drop competition from the third-floor window of his family's home or heading up indoor games of baseball and hockey, and then having to explain why something else is now in pieces. Luckily, his wife, Mia, is understanding.
Brad loves teaching entrepreneurship to youth in Camden, NJ. Everyone in his class starts their own business, which has led to many adventures in entrepreneurship.
One day, Brad hopes to be famous for co-founding a national holiday that features a seven-foot-tall orange tree and more than fifty stuffed monkeys (see chapter nine in HumanKind). In the meantime, he works with tech startups and writes books.
Brad is the author of the National Bestseller HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time. This heartwarming read shares real-life, feel-good stories about how one small deed can make a world of difference.
"Elegant and wise" (Deepak Chopra), "The most uplifting and life-affirming book in years." (Forbes)
All proceeds from his book go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Brad and his family— his wife, Mia, their son Jack and their dog Perry—live in Philadelphia.
Links
Human Kind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time
Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Changing the World One Small Act At A Time:A Conversation with National Best Selling Author, Brad Aronson
Brad Aronson is a husband and a dad, and when he's holding the parenting reins, he likes to go all out. For him that means leading an egg drop competition from the third-floor window of his family's home or heading up indoor games of baseball and hockey, and then having to explain why something else is now in pieces. Luckily, his wife, Mia, is understanding.
Brad loves teaching entrepreneurship to youth in Camden, NJ. Everyone in his class starts their own business, which has led to many adventures in entrepreneurship.
One day, Brad hopes to be famous for co-founding a national holiday that features a seven-foot-tall orange tree and more than fifty stuffed monkeys (see chapter nine in HumanKind). In the meantime, he works with tech startups and writes books.
Brad is the author of the National Bestseller HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time. This heartwarming read shares real-life, feel-good stories about how one small deed can make a world of difference.
"Elegant and wise" (Deepak Chopra), "The most uplifting and life-affirming book in years." (Forbes)
All proceeds from his book go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Brad and his family— his wife, Mia, their son Jack and their dog Perry—live in Philadelphia.
Links
Human Kind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time
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Brave Looks Good On You
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Let's Check In: A Breakdown of our Brave Looks Good On You Podcast After One Quarter
POV: What we thought hosting a podcast would be vs. what it’s really been. First Quarter Check-In.
We recorded this episode on the day after Valentine’s Day. How do you feel about this holiday? Do you want presents? Flowers? Do y’all have any traditions?
From what began as an off-handed friend conversation of, “we should have a podcast one day” to “okay, let’s actually do this!”...
Tune in to find out what we’ve learned (it’s been a lot!) in the first three months of podcasting.
Links:
We wanna talk with you! Join us for a virtual coffee date and we'll send you a $5 ecard to Starbucks!
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Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Entrepreneur Beth Legge Turned Her Passion Into Two Thriving Businesses
We’re excited to talk with Beth Legge today. We actually do know each other in real life because we both live in the San Antonio area. We’ve crossed paths many times over the past several years and I’ve really enjoyed watching her blossom as an entrepreneur. In fact, she has her hands in several businesses and we can’t wait to learn more about her endeavors today!
We think you’ll take away several nuggets from today’s conversation, but my favorite thing about Beth is how she handles the “Imposter Syndrome” - the lie we tell ourselves that “someone else is already doing that” so there’s no need for me to do it.
In fact, I’ve actually seen Beth SHARE social media posts by her direct competition on her pages. She is lifting up others in her own community and I have to tell you that is a serious breath of fresh air! We like to say there’s room at the table for everyone!
Links:
Boerne Handmade Market
Balloons By Beth
Vault Fostering Community
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Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
The Story of Colonel Sanders: How He Believed In His Product And Never Gave Up On His Dream to Franchise Despite Many Hurdles
Failure to success stories always inspire you and usually leave you thinking - "what if?" What if this had never happened? What if this person hadn’t followed their dreams? What would that mean? What made them persevere not really knowing if the end result would be good or that they would even be successful? Let's get cozy and talk about one of these stories today.
This story started way back in 1890! This person was born in Indiana and at age 6 lost his father. And not only that, his father's death caused him to be left at home alone with his siblings while his mother had to work. He had to cook for his siblings. He later said this caused him to grow up quickly and become a tough person. By 7th grade, he dropped out of school and became a farm hand.
At age 16, he faked his age so he could join the US Army. He served in Cuba for a few months but then was honorably discharged. The Kentucky governor at the time issued him an honorary Colonel. Are you thinking you know who this story is about yet?
Tune in to hear how Col Sanders believed in his product and never gave up on his dream to franchise, despite many hurdles!
Links:
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Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, BRAVE looks good on you.
A Chat with Amanda Bartel, Owner of White Lotus Pottery: How She Discovered Her Passion and Turned it into a Business
Amanda Bartel is the owner of White Lotus Pottery. Her studio is located in College Station, Texas. We actually met Amanda through Julie’s daughter, Chloe, who wrote an article for a local publication and featured Amanda’s business. (March 3, 2021: Maroon Weekly). We think you’ll love hearing about how Amanda shifted careers as an occupational therapist to a potter and entrepreneur!
Links:
White Lotus Pottery
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Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, BRAVE looks good on you.
When Your Family and Friends Don't Support Your Business Idea or Life Goal: How to Overcome the Naysayers
In this episode, we will share three tips to help get you through those moments when you are introducing your ideas or goals to your closest family and friends.
A lot of us have all been there, or we fear being there. It’s when we share an idea or thought and we sense that the other person or people don’t agree or aren’t sure what to say. It’s that whole thing of, “I am not going to say this to your face, but the lack of enthusiasm on my face is telling. Because to be honest, I think you have lost your mind. There is really no way you can make this happen.”
Whether it’s your huge business idea, you deciding to change careers or jobs, or your decision to move or lose weight…when the people around you – (especially the ones you really care about) criticize your dreams or ideas – or maybe they just don’t really get why you are trying to do it. It’s never fun. In fact, it can feel extremely defeating. I don’t know about you, but it feeds into my own doubts. When I sense that lack of enthusiasm or support about my idea, I can let that get in the way of my original vision.
So, first, we need to talk about why we care so much about what others think of us, what is actually happening when they disagree or don’t approve. There really can be way more going on there than you realize, so this is a good topic to dig into. We will talk about the why and the what behind the naysayers (especially those close to us) and provide some tips to get through it! And in the meantime, you will likely learn a lot about yourself and feel more confident in your idea.
Some people really do fear taking risks and seeing others take risks. There are people who are natural risk takers and there are others who always play it safe. When you are talking to those who tend to play it safe, your big dreams and goals can set off warning bells. It can make those who care about you the most worried. Their first reaction might be to save you from doing something wrong or something risky. Tip 1: Remember, these people have great intentions usually. Tip 2: Your actions and the results you get from them can make others think about their own life choices. You might be touching on a nerve that you didn’t even know existed. Tip 3: Don’t let someone else dim your light just because they are doubting you.
When we have to stand up for our idea or our goal or dream, it can make us more committed to the outcome and the process. Sometimes disbelief in our abilities can make us question our dreams BUT in doing so, YOU get to decide what you do with that. You can take all of that to reinforce your way, course correct and change your plans some if you need to. But, when you use the doubts or fears of others as leverage to keep pushing forward…it can make for quite an amazing underdog story one day.
Links:
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Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, BRAVE looks good on you.
5 Ways to Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions and Procrastination When Running Your Business
Being an entrepreneur is not easy and can be a lonely place at times. Today we are talking about staying focused while working on our businesses. Whether you are still dreaming, planning or thinking, or if you are hitting the ground running, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done. So, being focused is very important to keep moving forward.
With the right planning and strategies in place, you can stay on track and avoid procrastination as much as possible.
Tune in to hear tips for staying focused when starting (or recharging) your business. These can also apply to anything you are working on personally as well!
- Set specific times to work and stick to them
- Keep a to-do list
- Organize your workspace
- Forbid yourself from doing certain things
- Take small breaks to reset your brain
Links:
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Gail Geofreddi's email address (Melissa's coach)
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, BRAVE looks good on you.
We’re excited to chat with Pam Wiselogel, business woman, entrepreneur, and drop shipping expert. We know you will love this episode as we talk about starting an online business and fighting the Imposter Syndrome.
While transitioning from the “Corporate World”, Pam built a high-ticket dropshipping e-Commerce business from scratch to a multi-million dollar business, all from the comfort of her own home. She is most proud of the fact that it is run by an all-female team. Her vision when she started was to provide excellent careers, along with a great home-life balance, for her female team members.
Listen in to learn a little more about the drop shipping industry! Pam also shares her tips for getting started with your own WFH or online business. Plus, she will also share a little about that dreaded Imposter Syndrome we have talked about before.
Links:
Patio and Pizza Outdoor Furnishings
WFH Adviser
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, BRAVE looks good on you.
Why building and growing an email list is crucial to the success of your business (Part 2)
Welcome to the second part of our two part series on the importance of building your email list for your business. In the first episode, we covered the reasons WHY you need to build and grow your email lists! So, let’s jump right in to HOW we do it! Since we will be talking about 6 great strategies for building your email list, we wanted to make it easy for you. You can grab our FREE Worksheet to the 6 Effective Ways to Grow Your Email List.
6 great strategies for building your email list
- Build a Landing Page!
- A lead magnet
- Power of Video
- Host an Event
- Have Calls to Action
- Confirmation Emails to Welcome Should Hit Pain Points and be Genuine
Links
6 Effective Ways To Grow Your Email List
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Why building and growing an email list is crucial to the success of your business (Part 1)
This episode will cover WHY you need to build and email list and the next episode will cover HOW to make it happen. So, you will want to make sure to listen to both.
We realize some might think that building an email list might sound antiquated. With all of the social media platforms, you might even wonder if it’s necessary. So that is why we wanted to dive into why an ever growing email list is crucial to the success and growth of your business. This is true if you have had a business for a while or if you are just getting started!
Email is the perfect way to gather an audience of people who are interested in hearing about new products and services from your business. It really isn’t hard once you get a system in place!
So, add this one to your list of things you know you need to tackle, but start out simple so you don’t get overwhelmed. Remember, you can do this one step at a time. So, snag our FREE 6 Effective Ways to Grow Your Email list.
Links
6 Effective Ways To Grow Your Email List
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
ConvertKit
Mail Chimp
GoDaddy
Constant Contact
Kajabi
FTC guidelines
Darnell Brown is a certified growth strategist, educator, and designer who gives creative entrepreneurs the tools, clarity, and flexibility to do the work that lifts them up. Combining courses, podcasting, and strategies, he shares proven, empathetic insights from over 200 clients of all shapes and sizes. His clients include Band–aid, Passport Parking and Dev/Color. You can learn more about him on his website, Bulletproof Hustle.
Darnell will help others reclaim their time so they can take on the projects that fulfill them. Together, people will go from overwhelmed and indecisive to balanced and flexible, giving them the freedom to stop doing what no longer moves them and more of what does. That is a really powerful and exciting statement!
We are thrilled to talk to Darnell today about How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Launch that Business in 5 Steps!
Links:
Darnell has a FREE gift for our listeners! Click to get your copy of Tomorrow Starts Tonight!
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, BRAVE looks good on you.
Unlock Your Inner Brave: Courage Quotes and Reminders to Inspire You!
Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to take the next step? Or perhaps you are just not feeling brave enough to take a risk or make a change? Whatever it is, if you're feeling stuck and your courage is lacking, today’s episode and these courage quotes will inspire and motivate you to take action and unlock your inner brave!
The person that is afraid and waits for the stairs that will never come. They want to know all of the probabilities. They want time to prepare. They want assurances. They hope for a reprieve. They will give things up to get these things. The biggest thing they're giving up is this exact moment of opportunity that will never come back!
A quote that has helped me through the years is that “There is No Elevator to Success”. You must take the stairs. Going after a dream is hard. And that is okay!
What does it mean to be brave?
Before we dive into these inspiring courage quotes, it's important to first understand what it means to be brave. Being brave is not about being fearless, but rather it is about being willing to face your fears and take action in spite of your fears. It is about having the strength to move forward and confront whatever challenges may come your way. It is about having the courage to stand up for yourself, your beliefs, and what you know is right.
At its core, bravery is about having the courage to live your life on your own terms and to take risks that might lead to a better future. It is about having the strength to take action despite the fear or uncertainty. It is about having the willpower to push through challenging times and trusting that you have the ability to make it to the other side.
Being brave doesn't mean that you won't feel scared or overwhelmed at times. It simply means that you will not let those feelings stop you from taking the steps that you need to take to reach your goals.
Courage Quotes to Inspire You
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." - Brene’ Brown
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway." -John Wayne
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'" -Eleanor Roosevelt.
"Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don't have the strength." -Theodore Roosevelt
"You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you." -Mary Tyler Moore
"Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it with use." -Ruth Gordon
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." -Nelson Mandela
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow”. - Mary Anne Radmacher
We hope you take these courage quotes to heart and don't be afraid to take risks and face your fears. Have the courage to live your life on your own terms and to take the steps needed to reach your goals. Have the strength to push through challenging times and trust that you have the ability to make it happen.
Links
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, BRAVE looks good on you.
Let's Chat About Sing 2: This Film Shows Us To Be Brave As We Never Stop Chasing Our Dreams
In addition to being an adorable movie, where the main character is voiced by none other than Matthew McConaughey, the film highlights the importance of chasing your dreams, no matter what obstacles you face. Pursuing any dream isn’t easy, and this film shows there will always be naysayers and those who are unsupportive. It also reminds us to not be fearful as we chase the life we want to live.
This movie is packed full of great songs that will have you singing and dancing from the opening scene! In the first song: “Let’s Go Crazy”, the song lyrics are changed from Prince’s original, but basically the theme of this song is about doing what you want to do! “If you don’t like the world you’re living in. We’re all gonna die, so let’s live the life we want now!
Nana tells Buster “anyone who follows their dreams is bound to face a lot worse than a dip in the canal! She ultimately tells Buster that if he believes he’s “good enough” then he must fight for what he believes in.
OMG - what did I just commit myself to? I finally got my break but now how do I pull this off? They have a myriad of emotions! Excitement, disbelief, doubt (that they can find and convince Clay to be in their show)
After overcoming many struggles, the cast managed to fill the theater for their “One night only” performance of “Out of this world”.
Johnny puts on an excellent performance on piano, signing and dancing/sparring to “Sky” by Coldplay. His mean choreographer jumps into the show and tells Johnny “he will never be great”. Johnny looks very defeated until Nooshy starts the drumbeat and motivates Johnny to get back up and fight. Eventually, the mean guy accepts defeat.
Sometimes all we need is the support of our team to keep us going through a difficult time!
“Joy” - Porsha’s routine. Mr. Crystal arrives just in time to see Porsha’s performance.
Her song is about not living in regret. She wants to feel pride and shame, taste love and pain, don’t wanna look back and say “it could have been me”
Meena and Darius perform to “Say A Little Prayer” as she pretends Darius is actually Alfonso (the ice cream guy) so she can get into her role and pretend that she loves Darius. Their performance was right on! Meena and Alfonso plan to meet up after the show.
Sometimes, you just have to envision your future and be brave enough to make it happen!
Rosita initially had stage fright and didn't want to jump off the platform. Until she sees that Moon has been tossed into space by Mr. Crystal and she doesn’t think twice about jumping to rescue Moon. “I’m stronger than I’ve been before”!
Oftentimes it’s easier to be brave for someone else than it is for ourselves!
Finally, as Ash and Clay Calloway prepare to take the stage, Clay panics and has regrets about agreeing to perform and he says it’s a mistake because it’s been so long since his last performance. So, Ash goes on alone and starts singing U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by herself and the audience joins by singing with her. And then, Clay starts the guitar riff and joins her on stage. The crowd goes wild. Clay remembers how much he loves performing!
He did it scared! But he did it anyway!
Cast (IMBD):
Matthew McConaughey (Buster Moon)
Reese Witherspoon (Rosita)
Scarlett Johanson (Ash)
Bono (Clay Calloway)
Links:
Sing 2 Spotify Playlist 1
Sing 2 Spotify Playlist 2
Brave Looks Good On You
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Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, BRAVE looks good on you.
Self-Awareness, Using the Enneagram As Your Guide, Is the First Step to Rediscovering Who You Are. Erin Slutsky - Accredited Enneagram Practitioner and Coach
We hope today’s episode with accredited Enneagram practitioner, life coach, speaker and author, Erin Slutsky, will be a breath of fresh air and really motivate you as you gain self awareness. By knowing your values, personality, needs, habits and emotions, and how they affect your actions and the actions of others, you will be able to better manage your stress, make better decisions and ultimately lead others to do the same. Wow…that is big!
We are self professed Enneagram fans and have used this tool for several years in our professional and personal lives. In doing some research, one of the biggest indicators of success for entrepreneurs isn’t money or intelligence or some of the other things you might expect…it’s self-awareness. And then to go further, it’s to use that self-awareness and apply it to how you run your business and how you treat others. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is extremely important when starting or scaling a business, and in your personal life as well.
If you don't even know who you are, what you value, what your purpose is, how can you be authentic?
Self-awareness, using the Enneagram as your guide, is the first step to rediscovering who you are.
Transformation takes
- Clarity of your situation
- Courage to take a step
- Confidence to make decisions
Links
Erin Slutsky Coaching
Take the Enneagram Assessment
Erin’s What Brave Looks Like For Each Type
Erin’s Self Awareness Academy
Brave Looks Good On You
Can you meet us for coffee? Meet us for a one-on-one short zoom call & we will send you a Starbucks ecard. Sign up HERE!
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Why Building a Brand is More Important than the Actual Business
That title is a pretty big and bold statement. But, we will tell you that once we started really digging into the idea of branding over business, we found some awesome examples and things to share with you.
This episode is going to get your wheels spinning for sure as we look at what branding really is, why it matters to your success and how you can apply this to your own business, product or service!
Yes, I think this information will be valuable no matter where you are in your journey. Whether you still have an idea in your head or if you have started your business, this could be a game changer for you! I want you to think about the brands or people you follow. What is it about them that makes you look at their social media or their websites? What makes you read or listen to what they have to say?
What exactly is branding? This is a method used to build a strong, positive connection between a brand and its customers. It can help grow your customer base quickly, improve customer loyalty and help increase sales. You need to know what your brand stands for and who it serves. This is key in today’s world that moves so quickly! Branding is not a new concept at all. It’s been around for decades, but it was altered somewhat by the digital age and how much information consumers get each day.
So, for a minute, let’s separate out the "Business" from the "Brand". This will help you gain a better understanding of the two and how it can impact your own business/brand! So, the Definition of a Business: an organization that markets a product, service or opportunity. It’s a thing or place that is serving an offer or product. The definition of a Brand is: the image and personality that the business applies to its offers.
A brand can survive longer than a business. While businesses can come and go (or even evolve and change), the brand will remain. A brand is a part of your legacy and YOU are in charge of how that looks. It is the meaning that people associate with your business, product or service. It is how your customers (& potential customers) view you and what you are offering. Your brand embodies who you are, what you stand for, and what you want others to really know about your business.
That brand is what can help you retain customers, attract new ones, and eventually become profitable. And better yet, it is what sets you apart from the competition and makes you memorable. When it comes time for them to choose the photographer for their child’s first birthday cake smash pictures, YOU stand out to them, because they like your BRAND. You are the one that they want to capture that special milestone. And this can be true of any type of business – the bakery that is your go-to, the caterer you always call for parties, the influencer you watch for clothing suggestions for the next season…I think you see where we are going with this! Yes, you like their products, but even more than that, you like THEM!
YOU and who you are. Be funny, be authentic, and know who you are and that you are so much more than what you are selling. You owe that to your audience! YOU are valuable and have so much to offer. The brand is the vehicle to allow you to truly connect with your audience.
Grab a notebook, or make notes on your phone. We want you to brainstorm - who are you really? What’s the voice behind what you are offering? What sets you apart from your competition? What is YOUR story? What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? And how can you tie all of that into the business you are creating?
Links
Knowing Your Ideal Customer (ICA)
Mikey Likes It – Life Cereal Commercial
Extra Gum Commercial. Other Extra Commercials
Elevate Creative - Kalen Kemp - thanks for taking our headshots!
Chips Ahoy dessert recipe
Trello
Brave Looks Good On You
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
4 Keys for Canva Success: A Conversation with Canva Expert, Brenda Cadman
We are so excited about our conversation today with Brenda Cadman. We actually “met” Brenda online and bravely invited her to be a guest on our podcast.
Brenda has spent more than two decades supporting businesses with their website development needs. She now focuses on teaching entrepreneurs how to use Canva more effectively and efficiently.
Brenda has taught thousands of small business owners through her courses, and in particular, she loves to help business owners tame their “hot mess” Canva accounts by creating an organizational system that ensures they can spend less time in Canva, and more time doing what they love. And we love this because you know we’re always wanting to work smarter, not harder!
This is a topic that can help the person who isn’t afraid of digging into something new AND the person who hesitates when it comes to creating graphics or anything creative. Canva is super easy to learn, and actually FUN once you figure out the basics! And now, after just a few months in, Melissa is designing most of the graphics we are using for social media for this podcast - in Canva of course!
Tune in to hear Brenda share “The 4 Keys for Canva Success”
- Choose the right plan
- Get organized
- Setup & consistently use the brand kit
- Use templates
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Links
Brenda Cadman
Free: Create Your Canva Filing Cabinet in 5 Days
Brenda’s Free: How to Use Canva Facebook Group
Brave Looks Good On You
Sometimes we can find ourselves doubting our decisions and being afraid to do the next hard thing. So, we thought we would do something a little different today. We found some quotes about fear that we’d like to share. We think these might resonate with you, too. We are going to go through them, talk about them and share a little about how we have stepped through some of these things. Join us while we tackle our fears and have an honest conversation about how to keep pushing forward.
Common Fear Quotes
- A decision to be fearless is a decision to be proud.
- Confidence is the courage to continue and the belief in your ability to do so.
- Fear doesn’t feed success; only determination does.
- Don’t fear failure, fear being in the exact same place next year.
- It’s better to try and fail than to not try at all.
- Mistakes are simply lessons that help you grow.
- Failure should never be an option; it should be a stepping stone.
- This too shall pass. Everything always does!
We hope these quotes and our discussion motivated you in some way. I know that it helped us as we discussed fear and things that keep us in one place too long. When you think of your life a year from now, do you want to be in the exact same place? Most of us would answer no, so we hope you take today’s discussion and apply it to what might be holding you back in your business or in your life and let’s push past them together! The name of our Podcast, Brave Looks Good on You was chosen by us for a reason. We know from our own experience, it takes a lot to be brave and take those brave steps. But, you know what? We can and we will! So, keep tuning in each week as we all work on moving forward toward our dreams.
Remember friends, Brave Looks Good on You.
What stops us from starting? Or what stops us from continuing? Oftentimes, continuing can be as much of a struggle as getting started. During this conversation, I want you to keep one thing in mind. Life is NOT a still photograph. It’s a motion picture that’s always moving. In other words, we cannot judge ourselves and our situation by this exact moment because life keeps on keeping on. And if we want to get off those sidelines and into the game, as in building the life we really want and the business we desire, then we have to remember that we are not the sum of who we are right this very second. On the other side of the next journey will emerge someone altogether different. And that someone will be a person who jumped in, got going, learned some lessons and made things happen. Remember the vertical wall analogy we’ve talked about before? If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to Episode 1 if you are identifying with this topic already.
I want you to imagine you are a football player and you’re standing on a football field. Okay, so picture this…you have practiced for months in the heat of summer and the season has finally begun. You are all dressed out and you’re so excited to finally get the game going. The stadium is full of cheering fans who are wearing your team’s colors and it’s go-time. The kick-off happens and now it’s time to call the next play. So, the starters (you are a starter) come together on the field in a huddle. The coach calls the play so that all of you know what to do next. You have studied these plays, you have watched the game tapes of the other team, so when the coach says “34 Dive”, you immediately know what to do. You all yell “let’s go” and then immediately, all of the offense, including you, run back to the sidelines and sit down on the bench. Nothing happens on the field. You went to all of the practices, you memorized all the plays, you are in tip-top shape, the play has been called in the huddle, but instead of snapping the ball and running the play, you just retreat to the sidelines. This is the BEST analogy of what it looks like when we plan, practice, prep but NEVER actually execute our ideas or our dreams. Ewwww, it’s such a downer, right? I bet you’ve even been a fan who was watching someone else take the field but then never actually finish the play. You feel sad for them, too, don’t you? So, let’s dive into why we might be getting stuck just before running the play and what we can do to change that!
Let’s look at these 3 types of people. Think about where you find yourself:
1 - Never Really Launch People - This is the person who has clarity on what you want, but you are hesitant to take action because you are an OVERTHINKER! This leads to stagnation and then you become fixated on what could go wrong vs what could go right. This puts you into a survival mode and it means that your fears are winning. For these people, we say - fortune sides with those who dare!
2 - Running on a Hamster Wheel People - This is the person who starts a lot of things. You have some really great ideas, and you feel fairly confident in those ideas. However, you have so many plates spinning that you really can’t complete one. And because of your inability to complete something, doubt creeps in. That self-doubt causes you to question if you have made any right decisions and you convince yourself that the grass is probably greener somewhere else. Which leads you to yet another idea - abandoning the ones you were focusing on. This person also tends to become bored with their ideas and then loses motivation because they forget why they got started in the first place. Remember, motivation can wane and that’s when we have to rely on SELF DISCIPLINE to keep pushing us forward.
3 - Destination vs. the Process People - This person has a really hard time sitting still!! They are the go-getters. They’re the ones who push themselves so incredibly hard and never give themselves a break. They are go, go, go all the time! These people even feel guilty if they stop working or focusing on that project or job. What happens here is that you begin to feel like you and your work are never enough. Productivity guilt leads to feelings of failure and inadequacy. This person never really experiences or gets the satisfaction of success. And the work loses its meaning for you because of the self-imposed demands you have placed on yourself.
Can you relate to any of these scenarios? Now, let’s come out of our huddle and get on the field - here’s how we can do it with actionable steps!
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Plan Your Small Goals
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Stop Waiting for Perfection
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Share Your Goals with Someone Else
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Commit to the Process, Not the Outcome
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Set Aside Dedicated Time
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Remember to Celebrate Your Small Wins
We all have dreams and aspirations, but often never take action and follow through with them. Don't let this affect your entrepreneur journey. If you aren't sure how to start or what you should do next to keep going, make a list of the to-do’s. And then prioritize them. Check out Episode 10: Sticky Note Brainstorm Session for some ideas on how to do this.
We’re repeating this mantra “Done is Better than Perfect” over and over lately. Starting something new does take work. And I’m not discounting the fact that you should make wise decisions, thoughtful plans, and consider possible outcomes, but I am saying that harping on every single minute detail does cost you valuable time and even money. When your plans are solid, it’s time to run the dang play! Do the thing you’ve worked for, even if you don’t have all the answers. You’ll figure it out as you go. That’s why you get 4 chances to go 10 yards. Even in football, you can’t meet your goals on the first try every time.
Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running” You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com. Plus, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a question for us? You can ask right HERE! We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts! Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.
Links
Episode 1: Be Brave and Overcome Your Fears: How to Start the Business of Your Dreams
Episode 10: Sticky Note Brainstorm Session
Brave Looks Good On You
A few weeks ago, we made a post on Facebook and Instagram showing some behind-the-scenes of us launching and preparing for this Podcast. One of the pictures included a bunch of yellow and green sticky notes all over our work table and Melissa’s wall! We mentioned that we had a sticky note brainstorming session to help us get a lot done. And, you all loved it! In fact several asked us to do an episode about how to do one! And you know what? We loved that idea (thanks Jamie for being the first to suggest it) because it is a GREAT way to get all of your thoughts and ideas out of your head and onto paper. And for some reason (I think you will see why), the end result is less intimidating than a big list on a sheet of paper.
There are several reasons why you might want to hold a sticky note brainstorming session. Narrowing down your business ideas, coming up with a new marketing strategy, developing Social Media content, finding a name for your company, or coming up with product ideas are just a few. During this episode, you will be inspired to have your very own sticky note brainstorming session as you think through the business you are hoping to begin OR you can try this for really any work or home project!
Links
Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up and Running
Questions for Us?
Brave Looks Good On You
Post-It Notes
Spencer Silver
Julie Austin of Create for Cash
Today, we are going to do something a little different. Melissa heard a great story a few weeks ago and immediately thought our listeners would love it too. It’s a true story of someone with grit, determination and a dream. We feel like that is what each of us has as we strive to make our own dreams come true. So, let’s listen in as Melissa tells us the story that really inspired her! I think YOU will be inspired in this episode, too.
Links
Questions for Us?
Brave Looks Good On You
If you’re new to the world of business and marketing, you might be wondering what a lead magnet is and how it can help you build your business. To be honest, until a few months ago, we didn't really know what this was. But, now we’ve done the research and guess what? We were already creating and using these - we just didn’t know the fancy name!
In today’s episode, you can expect to learn the “what”, “ why” and the “how” regarding all things lead magnets and how they will help you to grow your business by building your email list and converting customers!
Let’s clearly define what a lead magnet is! A lead magnet refers to a type of marketing strategy where you give away something free in order to gain attention. Once that potential customer takes you up on your free offer, you are able to lead them somewhere else. It sounds sort of mysterious. Where would you be taking people? It would be to your website or a landing page containing more information that they want to know about. We’re going to share everything you need to know about lead magnets and why using one is so beneficial to expanding your audience and in turn, your email list!!
So, when we were preparing for this podcast topic, Melissa thought it would be fun to create a fake business, “Fakery Bakery”, so we could give you examples of lead magnets for her imaginary business.
An example lead magnet, for this pretend business of ours, might be something that pertains to choosing the perfect cake to go with your party theme OR the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe. It’s something that would be of interest to someone who would buy your food or use your catering services.
So, let’s discuss how you actually create a lead magnet. Make sure you know who your target audience is. For example, if you own a dog grooming business, your lead magnet would NOT be the 5 Ways to Stretch before working out. I mean, I know that sounds elementary, but it really is important that the lead magnet attracts the people who would eventually bring their dog to you to groom. Make sure to listen to our Ideal Customer Avatar podcast (coming soon!). We even have a FREE worksheet for that too!
When creating your Lead Magnet:
- Pick Something Useful and helpful
- Make it Relevant
- Keep it Short
7 different kinds of Lead Magnets
- Cheat Sheet or Checklist
- Guide or Roadmap
- A Workbook
- A Quiz
- Free Video or Audio Training
- A Challenge
- A Free Course
Links
7 Lead Magnets That Convert
Fakery Bakery - Lead Magnet Example
5 Step Guide to Knowing Your ICA: Ideal Customer Avatar
Canva
Brave Looks Good On You
Starting a business from scratch can be a huge undertaking, but this family banned together to make it happen. From branding meetings in their living room, to constructing the first coffee stand, it was a dream come true for all of them.
Listen in as Jerrine Henson tells a story of how grit & determination built the business of their dreams.
Find a 7 Brew near you!
We thought a Holiday episode where we share some of our favorite female owned and operated businesses and products would be so much fun! Our hope is that you discover some great products for holiday gifting (or for yourself) AND be inspired by these women who are busy working their own businesses! They are making it happen! Even though we love the stores and products we talk about today, we didn’t necessarily know the stories and the why behind the entrepreneurs before we talked to them recently. Well, we LOVED getting to know these female entrepreneurs and the “why” behind what they are doing.
We also asked some of these ladies the bravest things they have done when it comes to their businesses. You are going to love hearing their stories and their bravery! Each one of these businesses and their websites are linked to make your Holiday shopping so easy. And, they are not endorsements or paid ads…we are just shouting them out because we love their stories and their products and we think you will too!
Click HERE to let us know your top 3 favorite shops! We’ll draw a winner from each shop (on December 21, 2022) to win a gift certificate!
Little Bloom Clay Co
Created by Mom, RN and Lactation Consultant, Nicolle! She started making clay earrings for herself after the birth of her second baby because she felt like she had lost a bit of herself after having. She LOVES seeing her creations on her customers (so if you buy from her, send her a pic - she would love that). She also loves to create custom pieces for any special occasion too.
Free shipping for $35+ orders. You can also find her work on Instagram at Little Bloom Clay Co. If you pick this as one of your three, you might win $35 in products.
IG - @littlebloomclayco
Hand Me Up
Nicole discovered the world of ethical and sustainable fashion and dove into the environmental impacts of fast fashion as well as the humanitarian issues it creates with forced labor and unethical working conditions. Kara loves to conquer just about anything - even the fast fashion industry, so when Nicole expressed concerns about the fast fashion industry, Kara hopped on board.
They always knew they wanted to own a business together, so one day the ideas of sharing their own kids’ clothes plus the problem of overconsumption and textile waste collided into the idea of Hand Me Up. Kara wanted to make the conscious consumer decision as easy as possible for busy moms. Nicole wanted an avenue to educate the general consumer on the impact of their choices. Hand Me Up became the avenue to do both. They firmly believe moms can change the world.
It’s so fun and EASY to shop with Hand Me Up - you simply tell them the size and gender of clothing you need. They send you 7 pre-loved items styled for your child in mix and match outfits.
They’ll choose 3 tops and 3 bottoms + one bonus item. One lucky listener will win a free bag of clothing - a $40 value!
IG - @handmeup_shop
Shop Stitches by Cass on Etsy
If you have young kids OR are a pet parent, pay attention. The sweaters are hand embroidered and Cass can put any word or name on them. You have to see these to really appreciate how awesome they are. She has an array of sweater colors and thread colors, so you can customize these. She also has the cutest pet portrait sweatshirts that I have ever seen.
Cass is giving our listeners a Discount Code - how awesome is that - good through the month of December BRAVE10 to get 10% off of your order. Go check her out on Instagram and Etsy. AND one of you will be selected to get one free product of your choice!
IG @stitchesbycass
The Kitchen Store & More
This is a great place to find stocking stuffers because they have so many unique things to gift! We also love their dips, mugs, coffee, giant soup/bowl/spoon with a soup mix combo that wraps up so cute! I have given those a lot as teachers gifts and graduation gifts!
They have a fabulous website where you will find all things for the kitchen and then “the more” is an evolving mix of home finishings and lifestyle accessories. They are constantly evolving to bring the latest trends and classic items to the store and website. One of you will win a $30 gift certificate to spend in the store or online.
IG - @thekitchenstoreandmore
Topanga Scents
Erin Williams, accidental entrepreneur and Co-CEO of this company was actually a guest on episode 2. The company makes an affordable luxury laundry line with lasting scents. Each scent is different, and most come in Luxury Laundry Detergent, Fabric Spray (one of my fav products for the dryer and rugs and cloth furniture, inside of my kids shoes, closets, etc., multipurpose cleaners (safe for solid surface Countertops). They are a Network Marketing company and are actively looking for distributors.
The products make the BEST gifts. We like to bundle the travel sizes together and gift them for teachers gifts, friends and gift exchanges. The travel sizes start at $5 each. If you pick Topanga as one of your Top 3, then you might $30 in products of your choice!
Opal and Onyx Cookie Co.
Opal & Onyx Cookie Co. was initially started in 2020 by Hilary Deville as a cottage business, baking cookies in her home and selling at local farmer’s markets. And then, in August of 2021, she took the leap and opened a physical location and has since bloomed into a bustling bakery located in the Texas Hill Country. She serves delicious cookies inspired by science. She has a really cool story and you can go listen to episode 4 where Hilary shares her journey to entrepreneurship.
Hilary says, “We believe we not only provide amazing cookies, but we bake bite sized pieces of happiness!”
You can order cookies to be shipped nationwide! If you pick Opal & Onyx as one of your 3 favorites when you click the form, one of you will get a $30 GC for you to order exactly what you’d like!
IG - @opalandonyxcookieco
Sipology
If you want to be inspired by someone who shows up consistently for her customers and is truly authentic, Christina Thompson is your girl. Her videos make us laugh and always teach us something.
About 3 years ago, she went from drinking 2 pots a coffee a day to a loose leaf tea and matcha and fell in love with all things Sipology. Bluest Blueberry is what changed her taste preference and broke her longtime love affair with coffee. The Canadian company offers loose leaf tea, matcha, latte mixes, hot chocolates, powder vitamin boosts, green, soups and teaware. If you pick Christina and Sipology as one of your Top 3 on our form, you might win $30 in credit towards her products.
Simply Tiff’s
Simply Tiffs is a small batch skin care line created by Tiffany Phillips in the Texas Hill Country. Simply Tiff’s strives to provide handmade products with the purest ingredients that promote wellness in the healthiest manner.
Tiff’s background and love of science, research, and biochemistry served her well after her daughter was born with a severe dairy and soy protein allergy. Throughout continuous reading and research, a fiery passion was ignited to develop all-natural products to help not only her family, but others with their skincare, health, and wellness needs. All skincare and salves are formulated with therapeutic-grade essential oils for their healing, nourishing, and cleansing properties. One of you will win a $30 gift certificate to shop her products!
IG - @simplytiffstx
The Rustic Child
The Rustic Child Apparel Company started as a passion project of Lauren Hall’s during a hard season. She needed a creative outlet that would help her feel more like herself again; an old soul who loves being outdoors and can use her skills to be a light.
Nothing makes her feel more like herself than when she is closer to our creator, and exploring His creation. So, designing t-shirts based around nature was her ultimate dream. She wanted to use the skills given to her to capture peaceful moments that portray God’s beauty, and also inspire others to live in the light. Thus came the name, “Rustic Child.” She sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, long sleeves, beanies, and weather resistant/dishwasher safe stickers inspired by the outdoors. If you pick the Rustic Child as your Top 3 on our form, you will get a $30 credit toward one of the products!
IG- @therusticchild
EmmaLou Design Studio
From custom vinyl products, to cake toppers, cutting boards, cookbook stands, stationary and notes, custom signs, sticker labels and more, Mandi is a mom and loves being creative. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, message her for what you want! They can make it! If you pick EmmaLou Design Studio as one of your Top 3, you could win $30 in product credit!
Pomifera
This is a company that prides itself on being simple, honest and humble! Their products (for your hair, body, face and home) are amazing and they strive to have a net-zero carbon footprint.
If you pick Pomifera with Kelly as your Top 3, you could win $30 toward the product of your choice!
One thing that’s important while you are building a business is to remember to be thankful and grateful along the way. In today’s episode, we want to focus on these things from the perspective of a business owner. As Sterling Brown said, “Always have an attitude of gratitude.”
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we encourage you to write down what you’re thankful for!
We’re giving thanks for:
- Family + Friends
- Mentors + Each Other
- Our Staff Teams
- Working Smarter, Not Harder
- Online Connections
- Flexibility
- Potential
- Success
- Failures
- Listeners
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
Let's hang out over on Brave Looks Good On You!
You are in for a treat, but we want to warn you - you will be inspired AND your sweet tooth will be activated! We are thrilled to have Hilary Deville from Opal and Onyx Cookie Company join us today as she shares the brave steps she took to go all in and start the business she didn’t realize she needed. Join us as Hilary tells the story of how she went from a cottage baker and farmer’s market vendor to a bakery owner and wholesaler.
We admire Hilary's entrepreneurship and how she loves to lift up other women. She believes that when one succeeds, we all succeed! What a great outlook.
Opal & Onyx Cookie Co is located in Boerne, Texas. Many of her tasty treats are available to be shipped across the US.
Follow Hilary on Instagram @opalandonyxcookieco
Ready to start your own small business? We will show you the simple steps you need to take to get started on the path to building the business of your dreams.
If you have a great idea that you think would make a profitable business, you might be one of two types of people. The one who is ready to jump right in before doing some research, OR the one who never gets things off the ground because you aren’t sure where to start. Whether you are the one jumping without a destination in sight or the one who is hesitating, this podcast is for you.
Being your own boss, setting your own hours, and being able to work from home…what could be better than that? Starting a small business of your own is easier than ever before! However, there are things you will need to consider before you begin, but we are here to guide you along the way. We know that it takes a lot of courage and bravery to pursue your true passions. When you have finished this episode, we hope you will feel empowered with the steps you need to take to get going! Remember, everything is figureout-able, and we are here to help…so let’s get started!
Listen in as Melissa interviews Erin Williams, Co-CEO of Topanga Scents. Erin's story of embracing the journey as she became an “accidental entrepreneur” is not to be missed!
Topanga Scents, a direct sales product-based company, was created by Erin’s brother-in-law, Seth Williams in 2017. He began making the laundry detergent out of his kitchen as he personally searched for a less expensive and safer alternative to other versions that were on the market. Soon, the demand for his product grew beyond just his family and close friends, and he knew he had created something special. Before long, Erin was helping him make detergent in her kitchen; and within a year, Erin left her full-time career to become Co-CEO of this rapidly growing company. In order to maximize the number of people who could benefit from their product, they structured their company as a Direct Sales organization. So, in addition to creating an amazing product, they also leaned into designing a direct selling business! It was a busy and exciting time, and Topanga Scents has grown like wildfire!
It won’t take long to fall in love with the products and this family-owned company with a huge heart!
Check out Topanga Scents
We’ll spend some time getting to know Julie a little better today!
It was early in 2014, when our oldest child was a freshman in high school and as parents do…we started thinking about our upcoming reality that in the very near future, we were going to have a kid ready to go to college. We didn’t know how we were going to pay for it, but one thing we did feel strongly about was that we didn’t want to go into debt to send our kids to school.
My husband and I personally have such fond memories of our own college experiences that we really wanted to provide that same thing for our kids…but we had to be able to pay cash for it! And, based on our household income at the time, that was just not possible. So, after much research and of course, some influence by Melissa, we decided to purchase a Rhea Lana’s franchise in San Antonio. At the age of 40, I was now a true entrepreneur with a plan to create a business that would cash flow our kids through college. And, I was also really scared!
We’ll spend some time getting to know Melissa a little better today!
I have a degree in Psychology - that sure did make my dad scratch his head years ago because he knew that I would need to continue in school to really be able to use that degree. And in many ways, he was right, but looking back, that degree has been instrumental in my ability to understand people and how they respond to marketing and my business! I like to remind my dad that there was definitely an unexpected benefit to getting that degree.
Over 12 years ago, I purchased a franchise and started this bi-annual seasonal consignment event in South AR. I had zero business experience…ZERO! I was working a 30-hour a week job, I had 3 young boys at home, a husband who was just beyond cancer treatments, and I was scared to death. And this is the truth - I signed ownership papers and then completely ghosted everyone related to the company (including my biz partner I had for about a year) for two solid weeks.
I panicked. I was scared of all the things! What if I failed? What if I couldn’t make this work? Did I even know what I was doing? What is an LLC? What is a business plan? What is Quickbooks? Social Media? I felt way over my head. The best way to describe it is that I felt like I had just dived into the deep end and I couldn’t swim and I didn’t have a life jacket.
What really stands in our way when we are trying to launch our businesses? What is holding us back? And what can we do to push past fears or obstacles?
When we researched the top reasons that hold people back from making that leap into becoming a business owner, seekcapital.com said the number one reason is the fear of failure, followed by not knowing where or how to start. And finally, people actually fear success. This came as no surprise to us because we both felt this to our core when we were trying to get this podcast started. The fear is real and can be paralyzing.
So, I want you to close your eyes and imagine yourself standing in front of a very tall vertical wall, you really can’t even see the top because you are standing right against it. What you do notice is there are no footholds and no easy way to start climbing. To be honest, it’s just easier to stay at the bottom. Now, imagine that wall representing the business you so badly want to create and launch. You have this idea and you really want to change your life, but you feel defeated at the bottom of that wall.
And, why? Because you don’t know how to JUST GET STARTED! But, friends, you can and we are going to help you begin the climb up that wall!
Hey Y'all! We're Julie + Melissa and we are thrilled you've found us! We’re lifelong friends and entrepreneurs who want to help other women start and build profitable businesses. For more than a decade, each of us has built thriving event-based businesses. We know the ins and outs of starting a business, growing and scaling a business, and pushing ourselves to grow as leaders along the way. We are on a mission to help you begin your journey of starting and running the business of your dreams. We can honestly say that the adventure itself will help shape you into the person you were always meant to be.
We know one of the hardest parts of starting a business is, well, starting. Do you find yourself not knowing where to start or even what business you want to begin? Many of us doubt ourselves and our abilities and end up standing still - paralyzed with fear. If that’s you, you aren’t alone!
Our goal is to provide authentic perspective, motivation, inspiration, and clear, actionable steps to get you going in the right direction. Let’s lean in together as you move forward toward the life you were designed to live!
And remember, brave looks good on you!