The Point is Progress

On this episode, I chat with Shannon, owner of Shop Fine Flowers. Like many entrepreneurs, Shannon didn't plan to go down this road. It wasn't a dream or goal, but others saw it in her before she did. Having been raised by entrepreneurs, Shannon had a good model, but was sure she didn't want to follow in their footsteps. One day a friend sent her a picture of a space for lease. The rest is history. Shannon also shared openly about her experiences going through anxiety and what she does now to support balance in life and work. She's fun, honest, and designs amazing arrangements for any occasion! Check out her site and order something that will make you or a loved one smile! https://shopfineflowers.com/

On this episode, I chat with Jaime Festa, of Trio Fudge. Jaime stepped outside her comfort zone to do this podcast and it was so fun! We covered so many topics and I loved her honesty about her experiences. From growing up and moving schools every few years to relationships to breaking old habits and so much more, Jaime shared how she learned things about herself and how she is making conscious choices to do things differently - in life and in business. We chatted about topics that not only entrepreneurs can relate to, but anyone on the journey towards progress can connect to. She started this business with her husband and brother while being a stay at home mom. Jaime got inspiration from her children who have severe allergies - wanting to create a place where they, and others, could enjoy fudge the same as everyone else. If you are starting a business or thinking about it, I definitely recommend listening to Jaime's story.

On this episode, I chat with Dillon Cafiero, owner of Edgar Allan Joe, a whole bean and ground coffee delivery service. Dillon talks openly about his personal struggles growing up - being bullied, personal insecurities, and the common wall men build up when facing challenges. Through his many life experiences - be it growing up with 3 brothers, not knowing what he wanted to do, and many, many jobs - he has remained committed to understanding himself better through constant exploration. He is honest that it hasn't always been easy, and yet, he keeps going. A job at Disney, a roommate and a love for coffee and bringing people together, was the beginning of what is now, Edgar Allan Joe. Dillon is on a journey to take coffee to the next level. His passion is inspiring and his coffee is really good - and I can honestly say I don't like coffee so for me to say this - it really is good! Order today from his site! https://www.edgarallanjoenj.com/

On this episode, I chat with Danielle Angel, owner of Freedom Rocks. Danielle is so candid with ALL of her experiences. From feeling isolated in school to working through an eating disorder to dropping out of med school TWICE to building a business she loves, we really covered so much. So many young women need to hear her story because it will inspire you and remind you that the path to success really does take so many twists and turns. And, sometimes, you just have to keep going even if you're not sure where you'll end up. I loved hearing about what she has created for her community and her team - a culture where people feel connected and taken care of. Her shop, located in Asbury Park, NJ sells healing crystals - visit them in store or shop online! www.freedomrocks.co

On this episode, I chat with Jennifer Chavez, owner of Babes in Business, a community of women supporting women. So many of the topics we covered are so relatable to women - struggling to make friends, the pressures we put on ourselves, the challenging conversations we have about choosing to have children, and so much more. Jennifer is honest about her journey and I was inspired in just a short conversation with her. Jennifer's desire to connect and empower women through this tribe is so needed at a time when it can be difficult to find other women who build you up. And, as with many guests, her business grew out of her vision to provide something better than what existed before her. You will definitely take some good nuggets away from this chat. Check out how you can become part of the tribe and get connected today! www.babesinbusiness.com

On this episode, I chat with Laura Compton of Permanently Poppin', an online women's clothing boutique completely operated by women. Laura shares about growing up in a supportive home and how that shaped her confidence. her unique experience with postpartum, and her journey in the corporate world and how it led to her starting her own business. Through each step, she developed new skills, an understanding of herself, and learned to keep going, no matter what challenge came her way. She shares some great advice for young entrepreneurs and is still learning herself. Her shop specializes in leggings but carries many other items including an Ave collection and carries sizes 0-26 so that all women feel welcome shopping with her. Check out her shop today! Use code PROGRESS for 25% off at checkout! www.permpoppin.com

On this episode, I chat with Carla Bushey. Carla and her husband, Rich started and run Oak Hill Farms. I can't tell you how amazing this episode is in a short paragraph, you are just going to have to listen to it! We went through Carla's life journey - all of it. From growing up in Peru to immigrating to the US, experiencing the divorce of her parents, her own divorce and finding love again. Once again, I am humbled and amazed by a guest willing to share such personal stories that I know will resonate with many listeners. Carla's authenticity warmed my heart and brought a tear to my eye as we spoke. I actually felt like we'd known each other for years as we got to talking. Carla and Rich learned everything by trial and error and have built a beautiful gathering place where they sell their many products ranging from beauty to maple syrup and much more! You can even enjoy brunch with their alpacas! Visit their farm today & you'll quickly feel the love for their family and their community. https://oakhillfarmsnj.com/

On this episode, I chat with Max of AMP'D Fitness. I first met Max during the pandemic when he started teaching fitness classes outside after the gym he worked at had to shut down. I knew his passion and determination would turn into something at a time when most people just pressed the pause button on work. And he did just that. In less than 2 years, Max opened not one but two dedicated gyms. Max is not a stranger to challenges and taking risks. He grew up racing dirt bikes. And he was really good at it. His last race changed his life forever in more ways than he even expected. He talks vulnerably about this and other experiences that have shaped him and his path in life. We talk about depression, losing life long friends, and becoming emotionally aware as an adult male. Max sees all of his challenges in life as lessons in how to keep moving forward. His ambition and dedication to making his dreams a reality are what great leaders are made of. You will be inspired and rooting for his success after hearing his story. Take a class with him and get to know him, you'll be a better human for it. Check him out at AMP'D Fitness!

On this episode, I chat with Kacey Roy of Kate & Company. Kacey has worked with her mom since college and was hooked from the very first day. Her mom started this business on her own with no education on how to run a business, she started it with passion and hard work. From family values to what it takes to have a strong marriage and raise teenagers to working with her mom all these years, we talk about it all. Kacey's authenticity and bravery to talk about some of the hardest things - unexpected hard times and experiencing a miscarriage, gives us a reminder that we all face challenges. Her willingness to talk about hard topics means someone else feels a little less alone. And isn't that why we're all here? And I loved chatting about the future of Kate & Company as Kacey transitions into managing the store herself. Kacey is a ball of joyful energy that is contagious. You'll love her, her story and the store - a beautiful furniture boutique with the most sought after styles at the shore! @kateandcompanynj

On this episode, I chat with Brian Grable, owner of BKG Reptiles. Brian is realer than real. I am always impressed by my guests and he is no exception. Our society needs more men who are willing to be vulnerable and honest about their experiences - Brian does that for us in this episode. We chat about his childhood being raised by an abusive father, how he struggles to not repeat the same patterns, the humility he shows to his own children when he makes a mistake, getting addicted to pain killers, and, of course, how reptiles have become part of his healing journey. It is clear how much joy Brian finds in his work, not just with the reptiles, but with the people he gets to interact with everyday. Brian cares deeply about making connections and building a community. His gratitude for everything that has happened in his life - the good and the bad - reminds us all that every part of our journey is necessary for growth. I am thrilled to bring you this episode! Please check out his shop in Keansburg, NJ and you'll see why it's easy to enjoy his company! @bkgreptiles

On this episode, I chat with Ashley Crosby of Illustrations by Ash. She started this business as her "pandemic baby." Ashley is a breath of fresh air, down to earth, humble, and way talented. We discussed her experience with anxiety - what helped and what didn't, how her parents created a loving home, the heartbreaking loss of her father, and what she is learning about herself as a newly married woman. Her insight as a young female is inspiring and she is proof that we really can learn from others - even people who are younger than us! Her art is creative, witty, and uplifting. She is only just beginning this journey of entrepreneurship and her determination will surely take her very far. Check out her IG or find her at a local vendor fair to buy her stuff! Check her out - @illustrationsbyash_

On this episode, I chat with Liz Hamill of L Studio in Red Bank. Unexpectedly, about 7 years ago, she was offered an opportunity to buy the studio where she was working. Despite not feeling ready and handling a TON of other things at the time, she jumped in. She was just 27 years old. For anyone looking to start or buy a business, Liz's experience will surely make you feel like you can do it too. Liz shares openly about not really knowing what she was doing at first, her struggle with anxiety and depression, and navigating life as a pregnant soon-to-be mom for the first time right now. Her honesty about this experience is so valuable to other women going through similar challenges. I value her ability to be authentic with our listeners because I know her story will help many others. She shares what worked for her and how she continues to use strategies she learned many years ago with new situations. From life to business, she is an inspiration and I know you will love her story. She is a color specialist and prides herself on creating a culture where clients feel special and well taken care of at the studio. Check them out - you won't be disappointed! lstudionj.com

On this episode, I chat with Ming, co-founder of A Shared Universe, a podcast recording studio. He, along with co-founder Mike Zapcic, are the men behind how I get this podcast out to you. It was a so fun getting to know Ming! If you don't know him, you're missing out. He's super funny, kind, and so easy to talk to. And, he know A LOT about a lot of things. I think we only scratched the surface on this one even though we chatted for over an hour. You'll learn about his experience moving constantly as a kid, working with THE Kevin Smith AND Ben Affleck, losing his brother suddenly, and how he still faces challenges explaining his career path to family. He's relatable, he's an open book, and he's just plain fun to be around - I laughed a lot and I think you will too. Theirs is the only podcast studio in Monmouth County. If you're interested in podcasting, I definitely recommend you reach out to them and book a session - with a friend, family member, whomever! You'll have a blast. There are 2 studios - one at Bell Works and a brand new one in Red Bank. Check them out - https://www.ashareduniverse.com/

On this episode, I chat with Aleks and Maks, the twins behind 3BR Distillery in Keyport, NJ. If you grew up in a Russian home, you'll appreciate their candor in talking about their experiences with high expectations growing up. Being raised by immigrant parents who came to the US with nothing, they learned how to be disciplined - a quality that likely led to their perseverance today. You'll learn all about their struggles, an accident that spurred their dream, and Oleg - their grandfather who was distilling (illegally) and the age old pea vodka recipe that these guys are using today to take the industry by storm. It was a trip getting to know their story and hearing about their big dreams - which I'm pretty certain will come true! Check them out - https://www.3brdistillery.com/

On this episode of The Point is Progress, I talk to Christina, of The Perfect Perk about how she connected with owner, John Grillo. She immediately went to work with him to build a brand that took this already well known shop to the next level. We discuss how the twists and turns of life prepared her for supporting the growth of the shop, and how her fearless nature was cultivated by her upbringing. Fun fact - she was working for a shoe company before working for Perfect Perk! She, no doubt, inspires and motivates people with her energy and passion. You MUST check out their shop - their coffee and treats are second to none! https://perfectperknj.com/

On this episode, Brad and Lula talk openly about their life journeys and what brought them together. Lula's experience moving to the states from Peru and Brad's early struggles with changing family dynamics have impacted them and changed the way they live today. Second marriages, eating disorders, losing a parent early in life, and addiction are just some of the topics covered with these two. Their passion for health & fitness is what brought them together and fuels their work in the food industry. Together, they own and operate, Spring Lake Seafood which brings local seafood with a modern twist to this community. Check them out - https://www.springlakeseafood.com/

On this episode, we talk about Brent's years in the Catholic school system, the one sentence that changed his college experience, and how his company started from a funny idea about a coffee table book. What I love about his story is that his 15 year old self wouldn't recognize him today. From not having much direction as a young adult to being hooked on self improvement and leaving a positive impact, you'll definitely find something to relate to. Look out Tommy Bahama, there's a new chair in town - order yours today on their site! Low Tides Ocean Products - https://lowtidesop.com/

On this episode, we talk about Necole's experience growing up with a parent with an addiction, figuring out how to raise young adults as a single parent, and how her shop sprouted during some emotional times in the middle of a pandemic. Necole's shop is deeply tied to her family and a passion for the art she creates. She is vulnerable and genuine - and teaches us how to keep going even when it's hard. Check out her shop for some really unique gifts from Necole and other vendors!

On this episode, we talk about Angela's experience with bullying, post partum depression, and working with women in domestic violence situations. Her practice aims to empower women and support people experiencing fertility struggles, among many other services. My biggest takeaway: this beautiful practice makes getting help and support easy - you're in good hands with Angela and her team.

On this episode, we chat about Kayla's life growing up with 3 brothers and a single mom, dropping out of high school, and the path that led her to her passion - waxing! Her energy and her grit make it possible for her to face all the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She has quickly made a name for herself in her industry and she is just getting started!