This week on Christy’s Corner, I unpack how one frustrated woman accidentally sparked a viral movement — and how small business owners can do the same. If you’ve ever felt overworked, underpaid, or simply over it, this one’s for you. From marketing myths to the messy middle, this episode is equal parts real talk, laughter, and strategy. 💡 Topics: How movements really start The “MVP” mindset: show up, even when it’s messy Why emotion and authenticity beat algorithms every time The Being Super Method (and how to activate your inner hero) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with repeat guest Jeff Chandler, owner of ZJAK Technologies, to unpack the world of AI, cybersecurity, and small business tech solutions. Jeff shares insights on protecting your business from cybercriminals, avoiding shiny-object syndrome with new tools, and keeping technology practical and effective for everyday operations. From AI-powered platforms to the basics of staying safe online, this conversation is packed with real-world tips for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to scale with confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right tools, when to outsource, and how to keep things simple in a noisy tech world—this episode is for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dee Dee Taylor, owner of 502 Hemp and President of the Kentucky Hemp Association, returns to Small Business Success Talk for an update on the challenges and victories in the hemp industry. From Kentucky legislation to federal battles, Dee Dee shares the inside story of lobbying, integrity in business, and why hemp products matter for both customers and communities. This candid conversation dives into entrepreneurship, politics, and perseverance in a shifting industry. If you’ve ever wondered how small business owners fight back against powerful lobbyists—or how passion and integrity keep a business moving forward—this is the episode you need to hear. Join the Success Builders Launchpad community HERE: https://smallbusinesssuccesstalk.biz/ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR https://502hemp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special “Christy’s Corner” episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood opens up about navigating one of the most chaotic seasons of her business and personal life. From unexpected financial hits and rebranding on the fly, to rebuilding from scratch and letting go of her team, Christy shares real, unfiltered insights on finding calm, making bold decisions, and leading with clarity through change. Packed with practical tools—like her simple yet powerful “Centering Protocol”—and seasoned with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone facing uncertainty. Learn how to reset, refocus, and take the next best step… even when the world feels upside down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Small Business Success Talk, I sat down with Kent and Wes Harris of TelScreen—a Louisville-based company helping eye doctors communicate more effectively with their patients. Their story includes humble beginnings, a powerful medical save involving a brain tumor, and some surprising laughs. They’re proof that innovation doesn’t always come from Silicon Valley—it often starts with a question from a single doctor and a willingness to figure it out. 🎧 Listen in to hear about: Why today’s eye doctors need better communication tools How TelScreen’s tech fits with the practice, not just in it Their hilarious “tick in the eye” story (yes, really) And how their systems support evidence-based care—without hype. 🎙️ Episode Link: https://smallbusinesssuccesstalk.biz/s3e10-from-eyepiece-to-evidence-telscreens-tech-transforming-eye-exams/ #TelScreen #SmallBusinessSuccessTalk #HealthcareInnovation #OptometryTech #StartupStories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when two powerhouse women—one a former Nestlé executive and certified leadership coach, the other a yoga instructor and education leader—meet in Louisville, KY and both get knocked flat by allergy season? They build a wellness center unlike anything else in the region. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with Anna Shulgina and Dasha Grankina, co-founders of Bodhi Salt, a luxurious-yet-approachable 2,400 sq.ft. wellness center designed to help families heal naturally through salt therapy, cedar steam barrels, red light therapy, kids programming, and more. 🌍 Learn how their global experiences, scientific approaches, and holistic traditions came together to create a business that’s thriving—with purpose. 💡 Get their take on entrepreneurship, parenting, leadership, and why building a business with heart (and salt!) matters now more than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do dance, casting, and dog poop bags have in common? Kim Swanson. In this inspiring episode of Small Business Success Talk, Kim shares her journey from being a single mom crying in her car to launching a thriving dance studio, building a successful casting business, and founding SHŪNŪ, an eco-conscious dog product company that gives back to veterans. From church basements and Emmy-winning commercials to a life-changing win on The Price is Right, Kim’s story is a testament to faith, hustle, and trusting the roadmap of possibility. Tune in to hear how Kim turned passion into purpose—and get ready to rethink what’s possible for your own entrepreneurial path. www.castingbykim.com SPONSOR: https://502hemp.com/ and https://812hemp.com/ https://smallbusinesssuccesstalk.biz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a Deadhead entrepreneur becomes one of Louisville’s top attorneys and co-founds a powerhouse law firm in just one weekend? Meet Libby Gray, co-founder and managing partner at Gray Ice Higdon. In this episode, host Christy Smallwood digs into Libby's unconventional path from friendship bracelet slinger to federal court litigator, and how her firm is redefining law firm culture through inclusivity, intentional leadership, and business-savvy legal expertise. Whether you're navigating non-competes, scaling your business, or just trying to avoid costly legal pitfalls, Libby's insights are pure gold. Discover how commercial law, intellectual property, and strategic contracts can make—or break—your business. 🎧 Learn how to protect your business, lead with integrity, and build something meaningful with your name on it. 🔎 Topics covered: • Starting a law firm from scratch • Legal essentials for entrepreneurs • Managing business partnerships • Preventing costly litigation • Building inclusive, values-based culture • Why every small biz needs an attorney (ASAP) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a former Microsoft exec buys a chocolate factory, reinvents the brand, and turns it into a movement? In this deliciously inspiring episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind Maeve Chocolate (formerly Seattle Chocolate). Founder Jean Thompson shares how she went from investor to CEO, tackling imposter syndrome, supply chain challenges, and brand transformation—while daughter Ellie brings in a fresh Gen Z perspective, helping the company transition to a more vibrant, purpose-driven brand. They spill the cocoa beans on: Reinventing a legacy brand while staying true to your mission Why the cocoa industry is more complex than wine Building a female-led, impact-driven chocolate business How storytelling, sustainability, and bold packaging win over conscious consumers Preparing the next generation for leadership (and legacy) If you love chocolate, entrepreneurship, or stories of brand transformation with heart—this one’s for you. 🌎 Learn more about Maeve Chocolate: https://maevechocolate.com 🎧 Subscribe for more small business success stories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your story was the one thing that could shape generations to come? In this heartwarming and powerful episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy Smallwood sits down with David Sermersheim—corporate leader by day, founder of Celebrate Audio by passion—to uncover how storytelling is the most underutilized yet impactful tool in business today. David shares how a personal voicemail at a wedding changed everything for him, leading to a calling to help families and businesses preserve their legacies through audio storytelling. From bringing corporate values to life to capturing once-in-a-lifetime wisdom from loved ones, this episode dives deep into how stories are more than memories—they're the blueprint of success, connection, and legacy. 💡 Whether you're a founder, team leader, or family business owner, this episode will move you—and might even make you cry (in a good way). 🔗 Learn more about Celebrate Audio: [insert website or link] 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with leaders making waves in small business success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Kathryn and Todd Zeigler—Broadway veteran, lifelong creatives, and founders of Iron Pirate Publishing. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, we explore their journey from theater and television to launching a book that sparked a movement. We talk creative business, family dynamics, making an impact through storytelling, and what real success looks like. Hosted by Christy Smallwood, who also happens to be one of their proud partners. Get ready for deep laughs, big takeaways, and serious heart. 🎧 Featuring: Kathryn & Todd Zeigler 📍 Iron Pirate Publishing – Kissimmee, FL 💥 Topics: Autism advocacy, publishing journeys, theater roots, creative entrepreneurship, business partnerships 🌐 More info: thespectrumseriesbooks.com | christysmallwood.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jess Pettitt joins Christy Smallwood on Small Business Success Talk to dive into the realities of running a speaking business, balancing purpose with profit, and navigating tough conversations. With her signature humor and deep insights, Jess shares how small business owners can create lasting change, build authentic workplace cultures, and align their values with real actions. They discuss the power of asking better questions, taking control of urgency, and staying true to your mission. Jess also talks about her new book, Almost Doing Good, and the unexpected viral moment that put her in the spotlight. This episode is packed with practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions to help entrepreneurs lead with impact and authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy sits down with marketing expert and entrepreneur Amy Torres for a deep dive into AI, branding, and the evolving landscape of business growth. Amy, the powerhouse behind Director of Marketing Inc., shares how AI tools are revolutionizing decision-making, streamlining cash flow management, and creating new opportunities for small business owners. They also discuss: The impact of AI on marketing and business strategy How to integrate AI without losing the human touch Personal branding and the power of consistency The importance of short-form video and digital storytelling Building a business that gives you the freedom to do what you love Plus, Amy and Christy share their experiences navigating business pivots, rebranding, and the power of showing up authentically. If you're a small business owner looking for practical insights, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable strategies. 🎧 Tune in now and start making your own kind of success! 🔔 Subscribe now to stay tuned for new episodes featuring small business owners, best practices, and expert advice to help you thrive in 2025! Follow us or reach out! https://m.mtrbio.com/smallbusinesssuccesstalk Connect with Christy! #SmallBusinessSuccessTalk #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessStrategy #Resilience #WomeninBusiness #SmallBusiness #Business #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙 Welcome Back to Small Business Success Talk! 🎙 After a brief hiatus, host Christy Smallwood returns with exciting updates and a fresh perspective for 2025! In this episode, Christy shares the behind-the-scenes journey of navigating a chaotic 2024, including a car accident, business shifts, and a major rebranding effort. She opens up about hitting rock bottom, rebuilding with purpose, and implementing strategic changes to level up her businesses—and this podcast! 💡 What to Expect in This Episode: ✅ The real reason for the podcast hiatus ✅ Lessons learned from unexpected setbacks ✅ Merging multiple businesses into one powerful brand ✅ The importance of setting boundaries and creating space for strategy ✅ How a "phased approach" can help you grow efficiently ✅ The Gary Vee-style content strategy she’s using to stay top of mind Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with real talk, resilience, and practical insights to help you navigate the ups and downs of running a business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Small Business Success Talk, I sat down with Jennifer Brian of Make & Muddle. What began as a single cocktail recipe has grown into a creative business with innovative syrups, collaborations, and now a brand-new book: The Classic Cocktail Revival. Jennifer shares her journey, how she’s learned to trust herself in business, and gives us a taste (literally!) of a summer-perfect spritz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of Christy's Corner! Today, Christy dives into the dynamic world of Leadership and Ownership. Whether you're leading a team or running your own business, the principles of effective decision-making, empowering others, and true leadership are crucial. Christy discusses the art of making choices that drive success, how true leaders inspire and empower their teams, and the important distinction that an owner is not always a great leader, but a leader needs to be a good one. She also shares practical tips to boost your team's morale and productivity. Tune in to gain insights on transforming your approach to leadership and making a real impact in your business. Watch now and take your leadership skills to the next level! ********************************************************************* This episode of Small Business Success Talk brought to you by Chrysaetos. Making a better human experience by building better leaders. We are the Leadership Professionals. https://chrysaetos.biz/ Eagle Eye Strategic Marketing. Meaningful marketing that creates meaningful results. https://eagleeyestrategicmarketing.biz/ Interested in booking Christy for your next event? Visit https://christysmallwood.com/, or email sidekick@eagleeyestrategies.biz for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of Small Business Success Talk with Christy Small! In this exciting installment, Christy chats with Stella Mountain of Ntaba African Safaris while on location in beautiful South Africa. Christy and Stella discuss the ins and outs of preparing for a thrilling safari trip and share stories of group adventures that will leave you longing for your own African escapade. Plus, don't miss Christy's delightful reaction to encountering penguins in their natural habitat! Learn more about Ntaba African Safaris: https://ntabaafrica.com/southern-africa-safaris/ #Tourism #Safari #SouthAfrica #NtabaAfricanSafaris #SmallBusinessSuccess #AdventureTravel #Penguins #TravelTips #GroupTravel ********************************************************************* This episode of Small Business Success Talk brought to you by Chrysaetos. Making a better human experience by building better leaders. We are the Leadership Professionals. https://chrysaetos.biz/ Eagle Eye Strategic Marketing. Meaningful marketing that creates meaningful results. https://eagleeyestrategicmarketing.biz/ Interested in booking Christy for your next event? Visit https://christysmallwood.com/, or email sidekick@eagleeyestrategies.biz for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of Christy’s Corner! In this insightful installment, "Your Business is a Living Organism," we enter the dynamic nature of businesses and how they evolve just like living organisms. Discover how empathy and understanding play a crucial role in business success and learn how emotions influence decision-making and drive the core of every business. We'll explore how personal and professional experiences shape business strategies and operations, reflecting on the journey of your business and how it has transformed since its inception. Get insights on when and why to pivot your target audience or adopt a new business model, and understand the growth stages of a business, including how it matures and ages over time. Join us as we unravel these intriguing aspects of business growth and development. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Christy’s Corner! #ChristysCorner #BusinessGrowth #BusinessEvolution #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessDevelopment ********************************************************************* This episode of Small Business Success Talk brought to you by Chrysaetos. Making a better human experience by building better leaders. We are the Leadership Professionals. https://chrysaetos.biz/ Eagle Eye Strategic Marketing. Meaningful marketing that creates meaningful results. https://eagleeyestrategicmarketing.biz/ Interested in booking Christy for your next event? Visit https://christysmallwood.com/, or email sidekick@eagleeyestrategies.biz for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a refreshing episode of Marketing Mavens, where we dive into handling unexpected challenges and staying resilient in business. In this special poolside discussion, we explore the art of pivoting when plans go awry, emphasizing the importance of self-evaluation and maintaining a clear strategic focus. Communication strategies and personal investment take center stage as we navigate the twists and turns of entrepreneurship. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that will inspire and empower your business journey! #MarketingMavens #BusinessResilience #PivotStrategy #CommunicationSkills #PersonalInvestment ********************************************************************* This episode of Small Business Success Talk brought to you by Chrysaetos. Making a better human experience by building better leaders. We are the Leadership Professionals. https://chrysaetos.biz/ Eagle Eye Strategic Marketing. Meaningful marketing that creates meaningful results. https://eagleeyestrategicmarketing.biz/ Interested in booking Christy for your next event? Visit https://christysmallwood.com/, or email sidekick@eagleeyestrategies.biz for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with special guest Kimberly Faye Greenburg for an insightful conversation about thriving in the entertainment industry. From her experiences working both in the limelight and behind the scenes to her journey as a female actor in a male-dominated field, Kimberly shares valuable insights and stories that will inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and entertainers alike. Tune in to learn about Kimberly's unique career path, her collaborations with Broadway's biggest names, and how she balanced her education while pursuing her passion. Don't miss out on this empowering discussion about claiming your rightful place in the spotlight and forging a successful career in the arts! #SmallBusinessSuccess #EntertainmentIndustry #BroadwayStars ********************************************************************* This episode of Small Business Success Talk brought to you by Chrysaetos. Making a better human experience by building better leaders. We are the Leadership Professionals. https://chrysaetos.biz/ Eagle Eye Strategic Marketing. Meaningful marketing that creates meaningful results. https://eagleeyestrategicmarketing.biz/ Interested in booking Christy for your next event? Visit https://christysmallwood.com/, or email sidekick@eagleeyestrategies.biz for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices