We talk with Charisse Fagan about her journey and goals as a designer and illustrator! Not only is she opening her own shop this year but she also shares what a designer portfolio is and why she's building one.
The insight Charissa shares on designing what she loves, why she designs, and the limitless beliefs that push her to achieve her dreams is so inspiring.
You can find Charisse here:
https://www.instagram.com/charissefaganstudio/
https://linktr.ee/charissefagan
We talk with Lindsay Rose who is the EVP for Mom’s Best Friend in Dallas. Mom’s Best Friend is a 22-year-old company that provides families with nannies, babysitters, child educators, housekeepers, senior care, and even personal assistants!
During this time of COVID, it is more important now than ever for Lindsay Rose’s company to reach an audience of parents and families who need help while working from home or having their children virtually attend school.
Her passion for family and Mom’s Best Friend radiates. We learn about her company and her daily work life in this podcast episode.
Show notes
00:43
Intro
4:51
the 5 Questions
15:00
Being a stay at home mom is a full time job just as much as a working mom balancing both jobs
18:04
A lot of parents are working from home right now – finding a solution so you can be home and work without watching your children at the same time is important
20:34
The nannies that work for Mom’s Best Friend are professional and creatively working around COVID
23:33
What is the most common ask and top reason that a mom comes to Mom’s Best Friend?
27:43
Mom’s Best Friend has nannies but also babysitters for different needs
30:43
What is the cost of hiring through Mom’s Best Friend?
33:13
What is Lindsay Rose’s typical work day like?
35:15
Madeline asks if they also work with single dads because their main client is a mother
36:38
Mom’s Best Friend also works with Personal Assistance jobs and matches them with clients! It’s less popular than their nanny services but something they are good at
37:53
Families tend to hire two services from Mom’s Best Friend such as nanny and a housekeeper
39:15
How has Mom’s Best Friend been affected during COVID?
41:23
What are some of the common issues Lindsay Roses sees within her company and with clients?
44:14
What is Lindsay Rose’s most rewarding part of her job?
49:30
The game of This or That
You can find Mom’s Best Friend here:
Taylor Swift’s newest album, Folklore, came out and all Harlee and I could talk about was her creative process and authenticity in this album and how it inspires us as artists.
All creatives can learn from each other and so much that Taylor has done and just released holds insight for us on how to stay true to you, collaborate with others, and create the environment needed to build your vision.
Show Notes:
00:43
Harlee reads Taylor Swift’s letter to her audience about Folklore
2:37
Harlee and Madeline start talking about their experience in growing up with Taylor Swift songs
10:32
We talk about how Taylor chose the name Folklore for her album and how her songs support this theme as well as how she produces her music
15:43
Folklore is huge on collaboration with other artists. We talk about the importance of this and how it stems from COVID
23:43
How we can learn from Taylor’s creative process!
34:53
Madeline asks what some of Harlee’s favorite lyrics from Folklore are
38:54
This is important - Showing your creative process to your audience and not judging your own process and art
44:03
We tie in the creative process by comparing Taylor Swift’s albums over the years and how Folklore sounds different than anything else that Taylor Swift has released
You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:
Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/
We talk with Mary Robb who is the founder of Social Practice TX, which is a social media strategy agency based out of Dallas, Texas! Her company specializes in helping doctors and businesses while providing flexible jobs for creatives.
We talk marketing tips for social media platforms, networking, resources to use, and Mary’s lifestyle and passion that led her to own this company and grow it!
Show Notes:
00:20
Intro
2:20
The 5 Questions
9:55
Madeline asks Mary when she started her business, how did it scale, and where Mary’s inspiration came from
14:50
What is a great way a photographer can cross-platform digital marketing?
19:58
The importance of being responsive and engaging on IG for the algorithm to favor you
20:37
Mary’s resources that she loves to use and recommends to clients such as scheduling and newsletter apps
23:20
How much should a business owner show of their personal life and opinions on their Instagram?
27:30
5 things creative entrepreneurs aren’t doing in their digital marketing and social media strategy but they should be
34:05
What is Social Practice TX office space like?
36:02
Do we wait for clients to come to us or do we come to them? How do we reach out to clients?
39:44
What is a dream brand that Mary wants to work for?
40:42
Where Mary got her networking talent from
55:10
What is Mary’s absolute favorite part about her job?
45:50
Mary shares from her heart: dive in and don’t wait for permission
48:00
The Game of This or That
You can find Mary here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/socialpracticetx/
Website: http://social-practicetx.com/
IG for Mary’s Blog: https://www.instagram.com/thecandidmillennial/
Website for Mary’s Blog: https://www.liketoknow.it/thecandidmillennial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryerobb and https://www.linkedin.com/organization-guest/company/socialpracticetx
We are honored to have Anastasia Chomlack on as our guest speaker. We heard about Anastasia from her Gratitude Sessions, where she started a movement of photographers offering free sessions to essential workers during COVID-19. We talk about how she set this up where all parties benefited and people felt appreciated.
Anastasia also is very passionate about creating a sustainable, inclusive, and humane brand. She is a branding photographer and also runs a wedding business with associates called The Whistler Wedding Collective!
We talk humanity, personal journeys, branding, running a business with associates, and gratitude.
Show Notes:
00:20
Intro
3:23
The 5 Questions
11:00
What is The Whistler Wedding Collective?
We also talk about competition vs community, not saying yes to every client, and the importance of saying no
20:47
How Anastasia’s workshops and mentor sessions go
23:48
Anastasia’s other business: Anastasia Creative
It’s her branding photography business that is a full experience and package
27:10
What is a brand? What is an ethical, sustainable brand? How are we showing up and creating transformation?
31:45
Anastasia has shown her authentic journey in her brand. We ask how she does it – she has gone through a lot, involving cancer, so she opens up about how that transformed her and her brand
38:30
Anastasia’s personal journey led to her now branding photography business, Anastasia Creative, and her why
41:26
Anastasia is the one that started the One for One Essential Worker Gratitude Sessions and it spread like wildfire!
49:49
Anastasia has an anti-racism and inclusion page on her website – she is hoping that more creatives and entrepreneurs will also think about their brand in this direction as well
This topic flows into BLM, COVID-19, and 2020 in general
1:02:52
Anastasia reads a manifesto that she and her friend wrote
1:04:03
This or That
You can find Anastasia Here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiachomlack/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thewhistlerweddingcollective/
Website: https://anastasiacreative.com/#/
Website: https://anastasiaphotography.ca/
Josiah has been on a previous episode with his partner, Harlee, who are a photography team. On this episode, we are highlighting Josiah as an individual because he has natural leadership skills, lives creatively, and is a ranch manager. His job requires innovative thinking, discipline, and adaptability every day.
Hear about Josiah’s story and life as he gives us wise words on knowing self-value and prioritizing happiness!
Show Notes:
00:20
Intro – Josiah gives us his background of growing up to where he is now
2:28
The 5 Questions
6:15
Josiah explains what his career as a ranch manager entails and it’s not what people typically think it is!
9:20
Madeline asks Josiah about his creative side
14:10
“How do you define yourself as a leader?”
15:08
Have you heard of what it means to be a T Person or an X Person? We cover this topic and how Josiah is an X Peron!
20:58
Understanding how Josiah thinks and how his job works with creating streams of revenue
24:50
Josiah gives advice on how to be a good leader
25:52
We talk about what it’s like to work under a boss or with co-workers who are toxic or bad leaders
26:30
Josiah talks about when leadership became important to him as a kid
28:10
Certain leaders’ words and philosophies have inspired Josiah. We talk about how our perspectives on life are everything
31:10
Prioritizing your happiness and value is important!
32:23
Josiah’s life goals and values
34:45
We talk about Josiah’s traits that make him so creative and a good leader. Is Josiah a logical person or more intuitive? More hands on? An out of the box thinker?
42:55
The Game of This or That
You can find Josiah here under Polich Company Photography:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polichcompany/
Website: Polichcompany.weebly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polichco/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/polichcompany/
Amanda Jewell is an influencer based out of Dallas and Austin, Texas. We have had her on our show before and brought her on again because she often talks about manifestation and how it works with the Law of Attraction.
Amanda manifested getting into UT Austin and even created content on how to transfer there, which is one of her most popular pieces of content as an influencer!
We talk about manifestation, mindset, and how to flip the switch to use the Law of Attraction in our favor.
Show Notes:
00:20
Intro
2:52
What is manifestation and Law of Attraction?
13:26
How Journaling for Law of Attraction works
17:25
Working on our subconscious and the power of visualizing
20:27
Vision Boards!
24:30
Being in a state of gratitude is important and how the pandemic can open our eyes to what we already have
28:23
Generating Positive Energy
30:07
We ask Amanda to tell personal stories of what she has manifested
53:32
Back to Vision Boards: How To
55:48
Amanda gives us books to read to learn about Law of Attraction and Manifestation
You can find Amanda here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamandajewell/
Website: https://theamandajewell.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/amandajewell
We talk with Caitlin of Meraki Media Management as she enlightens us on how to add value to your clients and how to stand out in a saturated market.
We discuss cold calls and dms, using video to show your business brand, and understanding client’s pain points and desires to better serve them.
Caitlin has worked towards success in marketing and her passion is radiant. She knows that marketing is more than numbers, patterns, and analytics. Caitlin leads with empathy and communications and teaches us how we can do the same!
Show Notes:
00:20
Intro
2:03
The 5 Questions
7:28
Caitlin gives us an in-depth background to how her business began
1:10
Caitlin talks about her mission statement and core values. This topic leads into value and quality over quantity
18:33
Caitlin describes how to pitch to potential clients by using free value and emotions
22:58
What is a sales funnel? We talk about generating leads and what it can do for your business
26:26
To Instagram Live or not to Instagram Live
27:33
Coming from a place of service on IG is key
29:33
How do you stand out amongst the crowd and show the unique value you offer on Instagram? Caitlin explains how video, open communication, and expectations are essential.
35:58
Caitlin talks about how her clients are both business to business and business to customer. We talk her passions, empathy, and understanding clients’ pain points.
42:10
Caitlin talks about her growing pains running a new business – learning what clients to say yes or no to
50:20
How to make your Instagram unique and stand out to catch your audiences’ eye
51:44
What is the meaning behind the name Meraki?
53:33
Creative Entrepeneurship comes from the soul and is a deep rooted passion!
58:24
The Game of This or That
Where to find Meraki Media Management:
https://www.instagram.com/meraki_media_management/
https://linktr.ee/meraki_media_management
https://www.merakimediamanagement.com/
Sophie of Sophie Bee Art is a Scientific Illustrator. She has worked for the CDC, has a degree in Scientific Illustration, and is currently earning her Masters of Public Health.
Her love for art, biology, and helping others become more aware and healthy through illustration fuels her passion and the career path she has taken.
We talk with Sophie about how she became a scientific illustrator, her career goals, the commissioned artwork she creates, and what inspires her to do what she does.
This episode is perfect for you science AND art lovers!
Show Notes:
00:20
Intro
1:55
Sophie explains how she got into scientific illustration -
Hint: She started as a biology major and art minor and then discovered her major from there!
6:05
Sophie explains the process of learning the anatomy and biology of a subject in order to illustrate it properly and artistically.
9:04
The 5 questions we ask every guest.
13:45
Sophie explains the inspiration of her interests in science, public health, and art.
15:39
We talk more about her commission artwork!
18:53
Details on Sophie’s CDC job: She was a public health associate in a highly competitive program. She was accepted and moved out to Reno for the job position.
23:56
Sophie and our host, Harlee, met in Reno because Harlee grew up in that area. They met when Sophie had her CDC job so we talk about their friendship!
26:59
Sophie is currently quarantined in Atlanta where she is from. We ask how that is affecting her creativity and business.
30:12
Madeline asks Sophie what her favorite thing to draw is!
32:02
Sophie talks about the classes she’s studying in her Scientific Illustration Master Program. Sophie explains how Digital Storytelling, which is one of her classes, is a way she will continue to utilize her talent and passion to help others.
39:22
We ask Sophie to share her goals. She wants to create bigger prints and have her work shown in museums. As far as public health, she would love to work in health communication and to make a difference in the lives of others.
41:25
Harlee asks Sophie what her favorite art piece that she’s ever created is. Sophie is smart with how she creates her work in order to save it!
43:40
We have this notion that science-minded, structured people are organized and that creative, freethinking, artists are scattered brain. We ask Sophie where she falls on this spectrum!
45:41
Sophie tells listeners that she’s open to help anyone interested in scientific illustration!
46:33
The game of This or That!
You can find Sophie here:
https://www.facebook.com/sophiebeeart/
Harlee is one of the hosts at Creative Banter and her partner, Josiah, is also her photography and business teammate!
We dive in to get to know them more! They talk about what it’s like to work together, business and photography, and their outdoor ranch living.
Show notes:
00:20
Intro:
How did Polich Company become a team? Harlee was already a photog running a business before they became a duo! It’s pretty cool how they started working together
4:50
Harlee and Josiah talk about the benefits of being a team for wedding photography – especially as two different genders.
6:40
Living on a ranch influences their creative style and makes their business more unique!
9:43
How do Harlee and Josiah stay inspired and what are non-photography things that keep them creative?
12:20
Advice that Josiah and Harlee have been told in the past that affect them still today to be the best business owner and creative in life.
14:24
Harlee and Josiah talk about re-occurring struggles they face as business owners.
16:00
Advice Josiah and Harlee can give to new photographers looking to start a business and to couples who want to work together.
18:25
I ask what their ideal dream shoot is! Harlee loves adventure wedding photography as it’s very outdoorsy. We talk about rock climbing on couple’s photoshoots and as a hobby.
22:18
Is there a photography session they would NEVER want to do?
23:49
Harlee and Josiah live on a lot of land and would like to start doing styled shoots on their property.
24:08
If Polich Company’s creative work were edible, then what would it be?
25:18
Josiah shares a wedding story when Harlee had to stand up to an uninvited guest at the wedding in order to do her job as well as help the bride out! Sometimes being a wedding photographer means dealing with conflict and difficult people.
27:10
Josiah and Harlee have two different favorite parts of weddings as photogs. What are they?
28:23
Harlee and Josiah talk about their favorite types of shoots to do in their business. They had a recent shoot, which turned out to be favorite because it included a surprise proposal!
30:59
I ask Harlee and Josiah if they are romantics. One is and the other isn’t!
34:35
Josiah gives advice to couples that work together!
You can find Polich Company here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polichcompany/
Website: Polichcompany.weebly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polichco/
Amanda Jewell is an influencer based out of Dallas and Austin, Texas.
She has a system on creating meaningful content across multiple platforms that drive traffic and reach an audience. She helps others by posting about her life, such as her successful YouTube video on how she got into her dream college.
We talk about the rise of influencer marketing, how to brand with value, and her current undergrad major in Advertising.
Influencers are shaping our market and are on the rise. Amanda has taken the journey of trial and error, hard work, and consistency to get where she is today. She loves to be in front of the camera, to help others, and to be her genuine self by living her best life so being an influencer is meant for her.
Show Notes:
00:20
Amanda introduces herself and why she became a content creator.
3:60
Throwback memories to MySpace and how influencers existed even then.
5:31
The 5 Questions!
9:50
Amanda tells us a big oops story of her as a child, which dates back to the beginning of her influencer passion being in front of the camera.
12:31
Amanda talks about her bigger goals for the future as an influencer and we dive into how it is important for young people to be exposed to big picture thinking.
20:47
Amanda has found great success as an influencer creating content on how she got into The University of Texas at Austin.
24:40
We dive into the polarizing effect that influencer marketing can have when it’s not offering value versus when it works. Amanda gives her honest insight to influencer work and its process.
29:53
Amanda gives advice to beginner or future influencers on how to focus on brand over sales.
31:30
As an influencer, is it better to reach out to a brand to work with them if you are already a loyal customer or if you are new and want to review a product?
33:23
Amanda is majoring in advertising – we ask her how influencer marketing affects high dollar and high production advertisement.
38:57
Harlee asks how photographers can work with influencers to market their own work.
43:52
We ask Amanda what her favorite topic in college under her Advertising major is!
45:29
Amanda goes more into detail on how she’s helping teach others to become influencers. Hint: she now has an e-book!
46:44
As an influencer, how do you reach generations above millennials to show them the importance of using this form of marketing?
52:17
This or That
You can find Amanda here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamandajewell/
Website: https://theamandajewell.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/amandajewell
Creator Jewels is a creative leader: a musician, a brand strategist, and the CEO of How To Be Social – a talent agency full of creatives who work with companies on strategies.
We have a deep conversation with Creator Jewels on what she has accomplished at such a young age and what she is currently working towards in her life and company.
We dive into Creator Jewels’ artistic interests, her career journey, her background, and more. Having a one on one with a leader in our Dallas community, a young and driven CEO, and an overall artist is inspiring to Creative Banter Podcast.
Show Notes:
00:20
Intro
1:58
5 Questions and a conversation on consistency, discipline, and hard work.
15:30
We talk about personal and career struggles and how Creator Jewels has overcome them in creating How To Be Social.
20:30
How To Be Social – the foundation and origination of it for Creator Jewels!
22:03
Jewels talks about the failures that led to success or good lessons learned.
23:57
Jewels talks priorities in life and her goals with HTBS.
25:53
What is a non-work related passion of Creator Jewels that she enjoys? Hint: anime!
26:40
Creator Jewels is a musician and she talks about the music journey she is on. We also talk TikTok and exploring content creation.
32:45
If Creator Jewels could give advice to her 15 year old self then what would she say?
36:27
What does a typical day in Creator Jewels’ life look like?
39:47
Jewels asks us what we want out of Creative Banter Podcast.
42:30
This or That
Find Creator Jewels and HTBS here:
Website: https://www.howtobesocial.com/
Website: https://officialcreatorjewels.com/thegoodstuff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtobesocial_/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorjewels/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuVMr3MWkSgZsjGCG0F00Xw
Danielle Obe has created a product and brand called Nemes – it’s a simple and revolutionary aquatic headscarf that allows all people with hair to enjoy water activities while protecting their hair from water and damage.
Danielle’s beautiful story of being a young swimmer but giving it up due to the complicated maintenance of water and chlorine on hair but then seeing her daughters relive these same issues is what inspired Danielle to take action and solve this problem.
We talk about how her product is unique and there’s nothing else like it. Her product is greater than simply protecting hair – it can revolutionize culture and change statistics, especially for BMEs (black, Asian and minority ethnic).
We dive deeper into her story, how her product has such impact, and where she sees her brand in the future.
Show Notes:
00:20
Madeline found Danielle’s product highlighted on BBC and immediately reached out because she was so inspired by Danielle’s passion and product that was more than a business but instead focused on helping others and pushing for a positive change.
3:05
Danielle introduces herself and her story that naturally led to her business and newly launched product –Nemes.
11:30
While in the trial and error stage of creating the aquatic headscarf, Danielle notices how healthy and moisturizing the product is for her daughter’s hair!
13:11
Danielle’s daughter’s friends and their moms all want one now. Danielle noticed that many people were using the product outside of the pool like in showers.
15:45
Men were starting to use the headscarf but didn’t know how to tie them so Danielle created a way for men to wear them and tie them like a do-rag.
16:30
BMEs (black, Asian and minority ethnic) were using the headscarf but not for swimming – so Danielle begins to dive into why BAME aren’t swimming and brings this issue to light and takes action to solve this issue.
17:50
Danielle teams up with others to get BMEs swimming by creating The Black Swimming Association in partnership with Swim England who then endorsed Danielle’s product Nemes.
19:22
Now Danielle is launching Nemes and the pre-orders skyrocket.
20:39
“It’s not just BMEs who had issues. It’s everyone! But because the standard swim cap has been the go to, no one has really bothered to think, “Is there another way?” but just embrace that as the norm so therein began my journey into Nemes.”
21:00
What is the meaning behind the name Nemes?
24:07
Danielle’s passion and journey behind Nemes is the real beauty of being an entrepreneur.
25:05
Danielle’s business journey is also her journey back into aquatics.
28:05
The 5 Questions!
33:53
Danielle talks about her love for water and how much it helped her as a child so her journey with Nemes reuniting her with water is very meaningful for her.
35:32
Danielle talks about how a journey starts from way before people take notice and where she sees Nemes in the future!
38:25
Danielle now wants to reach clients globally so people all around the world can have this premium quality product.
42:10
Madeline asks Danielle where she sees Nemes in years to come and how much positive change it will provide.
Where you can find Nemes:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mywaterproofscarf/
Website https://www.mynemes.com/
Grace Duong is a designer, artist, and author. She designs and sells her own Tarot cards called Mystic Mondays, which she started completely on her own on and found success by selling them on Kickstarter. Her Tarot cards now sell in places like Urban Outfitters and Barnes & Noble and have been featured on major sites such BuzzFeed. She also has an app, more apparel and product, and runs a YouTube channel around her brand.
Grace’s vision for creating around her passions, working hard from the ground up, and branding true to herself is an artistic and entrepreneurial journey that is inspiring and can help guide others.
Show Notes
00:20
Grace introduces herself and talks about how she found herself creating and selling tarot cards.
5:25
Grace talks about who supported her Kickstarter campaign - hint: it’s not family and close friends and we talk why. This also leads into how Grace got into Tarot card reading.
9:53
The 5 Questions!
14:22
What was Grace’s journey towards Tarot cards?
17:47
What is Tarot?
22:15
Grace discusses when she realized she was attracted to design and illustration at such a young age.
25:46
Grace’s Tarot cards have been featured and are sold in so many amazing places. She also does more than sell Tarot cards so we dive deeper into her other products and her app!
30:45
Grace breaks down how she created Mystic Mondays and the kickstarter process she went through. It was not easy and there were a lot of lessons learned.
46:50
This or That!
Find Grace Duong Here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/grace.duong/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mysticmondays/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC74H6HtV6XAnfyfMTI1-Rzg
Website: https://mysticmondays.com/
We talk with Lindsay of Guilded Blooms Communications and Socially En Pointe. Lindsay is a digital marketing and communications professional with a passion for creativity, teaching, and entrepreneurship. She mentors women who want to succeed in their businesses in this digital world, runs workshops and a community, and has a full team of interns and employees. We learn more about what Lindsay does, her background and passions, and we talk about one of her niche target audiences and business focuses – introverts! Or what Lindsay so cleverly calls her clients – intropreneurs.
Show Notes:
00:20
Lindsay introduces herself. We learn about how her two businesses, Gilded Bloom and Socially En Pointe, came to life.
2:24
“I’m mentoring introverted women who are wanting to be social media marketers or digital specialists or web designers and I'm working with all these amazing women and coaches who are seeing or have seen introvertism as a negative in their business so we are working on their mindset to look at how it’s really positive and how it actually sets up you for success in business!”
3:00
We talk about Lindsay’s focus on introvertism in her business.
5:10
BOUNDARIES
5:55
The 5 Questions
15:28
Decision making psychology.
20:07
When did Lindsay realize she was meant to do what she’s doing?
22:30
Lindsay has a community for Socially En Pointe – it’s new and brings more support to her audience.
25:47
Lindsay mentors her clients – what does she teach and what are the outcomes?
29:41
Lindsay is a genius at always creating helpful content on her IG with stories, going live, putting out templates, etc. She builds trust and loyalty through her brand by doing this. Lindsay talks about her favorite part of doing this as well as her favorite things to teach.
34:05
We dive deeper into what Lindsay does through her mentorships and Gilded Bloom business.
38:16
What is one of Lindsay’s biggest obstacles when it comes to running a business?
39:13
Consuming content: Lindsay is an empath so she avoids a lot of content in order to protect her energy.
42:24
Lindsay talks about what it’s like to be in introvert in business and how to protect one’s energy.
46:11
How Lindsay created processes in her business to eliminate anxiety and dread so she could focus on the parts of her job she loved.
54:30
Lindsay talks about the workshops she’s offering soon which are designed for entrepreneurs during COVID-19. We also dive deeper into social media and connection.
You can find Lindsay here:
https://gildedbloomscommunications.com/
Mark Haney is an entrepreneur, a CEO, an angel investor in Sacramento, California. He runs his company called Haney Biz, which is devoted to backing local entrepreneurs. He also has a podcast and a community for entrepreneurs!
We reached out to Mark to give us insight on being an entrepreneur and filing for grants with the new federal programs during COVID-19.
Show Notes
00:20
Mark Haney introduces himself and his focus in his company and community.
1:08
How did Mark get started in his entrepreneurial career?
3:23
The 5 questions we ask every guest speaker!
12:05
Marks gives us an overview of what the new federal programs are like the Paycheck Protection Program.
14:20
How do these grants work for Sole Proprietors and LLC? What’s the difference in taking out the money for an owner’s draw versus for paying employees if you have any?
15:44
What advice does Mark give to business owners who are having to cut pay or hours or considering layoffs so their business can survive?
18:42
Are there exclusions to what type of business can apply for a grant?
20:00
What type of documentation you’ll need to prove income.
21:10
What is the CARES Act?
22:56
Mark gives insight to those who can’t file for employment to consider job positions that are currently hiring right now! Survival is key.
23:54
Mark talks about his business community where he brings in experts so entrepreneurs can learn and not feel alone during this time!
25:04
Madeline asks Mark what a positive outcome of this time can be. Mark discusses the efficiency we are learning to create through technology as well as entrepreneurs being naturally creative and having down time to let ideas blossom.
28:18
Using this as a growth opportunity is so important for us - lessons will be learned. Having a calm and positive mindset is vital during this time.
32:03
The game of This or That
You can find Mark Haney here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/themarkhaney/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/haneybiz/
Website: https://www.haneybiz.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haney-business-ventures
We interview Kayla Balserak (NASM-CPT, WLS, FNS) who helps women gain confidence and channel their inner badass through fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Kayla has a podcast, a blog, and community under The Fit Writer and her signature program for clients who sign up for her tailored coaching is called Healthy Mind Healthy Body.
We talk:
-Kayla’s background and journey
-The 5 questions we ask all guests
-What is a mind body connection?
-Kayla’s journey from depression to being The Fit Writer
-Why toxic positivity is bad and the importance of health
-Boundaries and giving value to what’s important
-Habit development and where most people fail
-Fad diets vs healthy eating
-Imposter Syndrome
-How to keep up mental health in times of stress (like COVID-19)
---------------------------------------------
Show Notes
1:09
Intro time! Kayla tells us about herself – how she quit a corporate job and instead followed her core values and passion.
2:30
“I’ve been blogging since 2012” – Kayla has a solid background with writing.
3:09
How the name, The Fit Writer, came to be.
7:48
We discuss how Kayla’s decision to stand up for herself.
10:17
The 5 questions we ask every guest.
14:40
Kayla covers Healthy Mind Healthy Body, which is her signature program.
17:20
Kayla talks about her personal transformation from depression to who she is now.
18:28
We talk about toxic positivity and giving oneself a chance with positive mindset and healthy habits.
25:21
Kayla has a community for all her clients and audience!
26:26
How do we deal with negativity from others? Limited exposure and boundaries are everything.
30:16
Kayla reviews the book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck because it showed her what is worth valuing in life.
33:00
Habit development: start small and don’t do everything at once. This is where most people end up failing.
37:39
How are fad diets today?
42:10
Kayla doesn’t have her clients count calories. She encourages clients who want guidance with portion control to use their hands.
43:53
Eating nutritious food is a mood booster but it’s also okay to not eat clean 24/7.
45:55
Kayla covers Imposter Syndrome and learns not to downplay her success.
52:15
What are Kayla’s best tips for people to keep up their mental health? We especially want to know her answer during COVID-19 as we shelter in place and physically distance.
57:02
What’s Kayla’s Hogwarts house and why?
58:25
This or That
You can find Kayla here:
Blog/Website: https://thefitwriter.blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefitwriterinsiders/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.fit.writer/
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/thefitwriter
Madeline is one of the hosts at Creative Banter and we dive in to get to know her more! She talks about her photography background, her opinions on art, and the creative community she built.
Show Notes:
00:45
What does Madeline photograph?
1:12
What type of photography is Madeline definitely not interested in?
1:40
Madeline talks about her love for both natural and studio lighting.
2:57
Madeline talks about her intuitive creativity.
3:35
How does Madeline stay original when doing a lot of the same type of shoots?
5:57
Madeline’s take on her formal photography education in college and how it does or doesn’t affect her career now.
7:30
Madeline’s advice to newbies on how best to learn photography in the start of their career.
8:53
How does Madeline handle creative mental blocks?
10:20
If Madeline’s creative work were edible then what would it be?
11:20
Madeline explains what inspired her to grow the community DFW Creatives!
15:05
Madeline expands on DFW Creatives and the retreats that the community is now offering.
16:00
What are Madeline’s creative goals for 2020?
17:00
Harlee asks Madeline, “How do you define art?” and Madeline explains how philosophical that question is to her.
21:25
What does Madeline listen to while editing? Music? Podcasts? TV?
23:52
Madeline talks about her favorite time to shoot in the day and how she is absolutely not a morning person.
27:19
Madeline talks about her upcoming Big Bend retreat that she’s planning!
Harlee and Madeline jump on a phone call to record an episode over today's holiday - St. Patrick's Day. The Creative Banter hosts love to incorporate every holiday into their sessions!
Currently, public places are shut down due to Corona so Harlee and Madeline are adjusting with studio recording and they talk about their current life updates and situations with what's going on.
We also ask for movie suggestions while we are quarantined at home! Are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day at home today? Drink a green beer and Guinness for us!
We get to know a lot about our host Heather Askins of Heather Buckley Photography in this episode! Harlee and Madeline ask her all kinds of business questions so we can learn more about her journey and passion for photography.
Learn what Heather’s photography work would be if it were edible! Hear about past struggles that made her a better business owner today and what she would tell herself five years ago now.
Heather gives us a lot of insight into being a good business owner as a creative. She’s an amazing photographer who treats her clients like royalty and we are so happy to share her words with you!
Show Notes:
00:20
Heather nervously exclaims that she hates being the center of attention haha
1:17
Heather talks about how she got into photography and what inspired her! Hint: It started with senior photography. No surprise there!
2:50
If Heather could give herself advice 5 years ago then what would she tell herself?
5:25
What non-photography things keep Heather inspired?
6:18
Heather talks about some of the best advice she’s ever been given.
7:24
On the business side, Heather talks reoccurring struggles she deals with.
9:15
Heather gives advice to young photographers just starting out.
14:10
We talk creative intuition versus practicing creativity like a muscle.
15:20
Heather talks about how she keeps her work original and true to herself.
18:23
What type of photography does Heather DEFINITELY not have interested shooting?
20:07
If Heather’s creative work were edible then what would it be?
23:00
Editing or Shooting: Which one does Heather like more?
23:27
Out of these three things, which of these does Heather focus on the most? Emotion, lighting, or composition?
25:13
Heather talks about her dream senior shoots! It includes destination shoots.
27:18
Heather expands on her senior teams and how fun they are!
29:03
If Heather was given $10,000 for her business then what would she do with it?
You can find Heather here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherbuckleyphotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherbuckleyphoto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherBphotos
You can find Creative Banter Podcast here:
Website - https://creativebanter.wixsite.com/podcast
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creativebanterpodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativebanterpodcast/
