Hustle and Heart: Conversations with Culture Creators

In this episode of Hustle and Heart, Edie sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Amy Calandrino — CEO and founder of Beyond Commercial — for a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and rising through challenges.

Amy opens up about her personal and professional journey, sharing the pivotal moments that shaped her mission to empower small business owners in the world of commercial real estate.

They dive into her...

What happens when you challenge the status quo in an industry built on tradition?

This week, we sit down withKatie Meehan, a marketing strategist specializing incommercial real estate (CRE) and A/E/C industries. Katie believes that innovation starts with questioning the way things have always been done—and she’s on a mission to simplify complex processes and elevate brands through smart, strategic marketing.

Join us for an in...

On this week’s Hustle and Heart, we’re serving up a story as authentic as Helio Bernal’s hand-milled tortillas! From revolutionizing Atlanta’s pop-up scene with Real Mexican Vittles to introducing Georgia to nixtamalized perfection at D Boca N Boca, Helio’s journey is a masterclass in turning passion into impact.

But he didn’t stop at tacos. Helio’s a mentor, a visionary, and a community-builder, now partnering with Carter USA to...

Join us as we chat with Patricia Parks, a New York-born, Atlanta-based plant-based chef redefining vegan dining at All Purpose Vegan Company. With over 20 years of culinary expertise, Patricia shares her passion for plant-forward sustainability, vertical gardening, and global culinary exploration. From her innovative dishes to her YouTube adventures, Patricia inspires a holistic approach to wellness that respects every ingredient....

Today, we're excited to spotlight India Johnson, Sauce Queen, a rising culinary star in Atlanta's vibrant food scene.

Since 2021, Sauce Queen has been on a mission to create delicious products and serve the Atlanta community they know and love. What started as a venture into crafting pantry staples has evolved into a dynamic culinary experience, featuring pop-ups and events where supporters have played a crucial role in taste-test...

This week, we chat with Roshanda E. Pratt, aka The Rosho Live! With 20 years in TV news, Roshanda shares how to conquer imposter syndrome, build camera confidence, and create a winning visibility strategy. Learn how she transitioned from working behind the scenes to inspiring and empowering leaders around the globe to step into the spotlight and make their voices heard. Ready to own your story and amplify your message? Hit play n...

Join us for an inspiring chat with Chef Deb, a bestselling author, award-winning culinary entrepreneur, and founder of Chef Deb Coaching. With 20+ years in the food industry, Chef Deb shares her journey from chef to coach, offering strategies for success in culinary business, branding tips, and insights on standing out in competitive markets. Whether you're a foodie or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom to elevate yo...

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Nick Leahy, a culinary expert with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Chef Nick shares his journey from running multiple successful restaurant concepts to now offering his expertise as a consultant, helping others design, launch, and improve their own brands. We dive into his passion for food, the high standards he's set throughout his career, and the unique challenges of...

In this episode of Hustle and Heart Conversations with Culture Creators, Edie sits down with Jaime Izurieta Varea, an expert in urban revitalization and storefront design. With over two decades of experience, Jaime shares insights on the art of placemaking and how thoughtful design can foster a sense of community and belonging. From his early days discovering architecture to developing his storefront mastery approach, Jaime emphasi...

Today, we’re excited to host Kelly Valentine, a passionate advocate for #ladyowned food and beverage brands and the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Hummingbirds. Kelly shares her journey in championing female entrepreneurs, her strategic role at Hummingbirds, and her vision for empowering women in the industry. Whether you’re interested in the dynamics of strategic partnerships or looking for inspiration to support female-led...

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa, the owner and creative force behind Lisa’s Crêperie, a charming spot known for its delicious and authentic crêpes. Join us as Lisa shares her journey from a crêpe enthusiast to a successful business owner. Discover the inspiration behind her crêperie, her passion for French cuisine, and the secrets to making the perfect crêpe. Whether you’re a foodie, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone...

Today, we're excited to introduce Jen Mazer, widely known as the "Queen of Manifestation." Jen is a transformational speaker, coach, and author who has made a name for herself by turning seemingly outrageous dreams into reality. Jen's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From living rent-free in Manhattan's East Village for a decade to paying off substantial debt in record time, her life is a testament t...

Today, we’re excited to speak with Angela Hepler, a leading Restaurant Profitability Coach. Angela dives deep into the strategies and tools that can transform restaurant operations and boost profitability. From financial management to optimizing restaurant performance, Angela offers invaluable advice for restaurateurs looking to elevate their business and achieve sustainable success. Angela has extensive experience in optimizing re...