Monday Moxie

In the last Monday Moxie of season 1 (episode 17), we talk to Kathryn Kothe, the owner/operator of Cycle Pottery. We'll learn about this community pottery hub, including 1) why it's named Cycle Pottery, 2) what other successful business she created (and sold), and 3) how she collaborates with other potters in this dynamic space.

To connect with Kathryn and learn more about Cycle Pottery, please visit:

• https://...

In this week’s episode, we talk to Lindsay Fogg-Willits, the owner/operator of Art Always. We'll learn about this gem of a creativity hub, including 1) how she has been running her business for 20 years, 2) why collaboration is an important pillar of her work, and 3) how she thinks about balancing her "business baby" and her other two babies (her kids!).

To connect with Lindsay and learn more about Art Always, please ...

In this week’s episode, we talk to Adrienne Bashista, the owner/operator of Passalongs Farm and Florist. We'll learn about this flourishing flower farm including 1) how she switched from being a school librarian to a flower farmer, 2) how her business has done during the pandemic and 3) how she thinks about work/life balance.

To connect with Adrienne and learn more about Passlongs Flower Farm and Florist (and her awesome flower...

In this week’s episode, we talk to Georgie Brunton of the Miss Florence Diner in Florence, MA, and the Stepsister Cafe in East Longmeadow, MA. We'll learn about what it's like to take over a historic diner, including 1) what it has been like running a restaurant in a pandemic, 2) how she ended up owning Miss Flo's, and 3) what barriers she's faced as a female business owner.

To connect with Georgie and learn more...

In this week’s episode, we talk to Annie Lynch and Maggie Shar, the co-founders of Little Roots.  We'll hear about how they built a music business for kids that is a gem in the community (and grew a much larger reach during the lockdown in the pandemic). We'll learn about 1) how they met and decided to form a business together, 2) how they pivoted and grew during the pandemic and 3) how their not-so-little brand and busin...

In this week’s episode, we talk to Myssie Lacharite and Rosalie Black, the co-founders of The Wild Chestnut Cafe in Florence, MA. We'll learn about this brand new bakery and restaurant, including 1) what it has been like opening a business in a pandemic, 2) how their mission drives their delicious work (vegan and compassion-driven!), and 3) what it's like to run a business with your bestie.

To connect with Rosalie and Myss...

In this week’s episode, we talk to Marilyn Rivera, the owner/operator of the Florence Barber Shop. We'll learn about this all-female-run barbershop, including 1) what it was like taking over an established business), 2) why she took the plunge into working for herself, and 3) how she thinks about building a team.

To connect with Marilyn and learn more about Florence Barber Shop, please visit:

• https://florence-barbe...

In this episode, we talk to Jessica Carey of Online Fitness Rx, who started her business in the middle of the first wave of the pandemic! After a long career as a certified fitness instructor at MetLife Insurance and Mount Holyoke College, she was furloughed at the beginning of the pandemic. Because who was going to a gym to practice yoga (and there were no students on campus for her to teach). But with a nudge from her husband, sh...

In this week’s episode, we talk to Siyana Huszar, the co-founder and creative director for Marcella NYC. She built a company around the idea of empowering women through simple and easy design (minimalism with an edge!). She found a way to do so while giving back to young women, empowering girls across the world through education. We'll learn about this company that spans from Florence, MA, to New York City to Bulgaria, includi...

In this episode, we talk to Gina-Louise Sciarra, the mayor of Northampton, MA. She never dreamt she would be the mayor of Northampton when she graduated from Smith College, but a path in politics and advocacy led her to City Hall. We will learn all about that and her leadership journey, the following: 1) how life's twists and turns take us to unexpected places, 2) how she has always had a passion for political activism, and 3)...

In this episode, we talk to Emily Fox of Emily Foxtrot in Florence, MA. She had always carried a special place for dancing in her heart, but only around the edges of her regular 9-5 job. But when she was let go, she took the LEAP into starting her own business, full time! 

Emily will talk with us about the following:

• Why women might already have the upper hand with entrepreneurship,
• How she learned to identify ...

In this episode, we talk to Lexi Walter Wright of High Five Books in Florence, MA. After a long career as an editor and working in the non-profit world, Lexi decided she was tired of her commute to NYC and wanted to be in close contact with her local community.  So she opened a bookstore! Five months later, she was forced to close down in-person shopping due to the pandemic. But she's stronger than ever now!

Lexi will...

In this episode, we talk to Lora Ksieniewicz of Yoga of the Valley and Yoga on the Vine. In this thoughtful conversation, we learn about Lora's dynamic journey from corporate to the mat.

Lora talks with us about the following:

• How she ended up owning a yoga business (or two!),
• Why acceptance and hard issues are important to her work,
• How she thinks purposefully about community.

To connect with Lora and learn more...

In this episode, we talk to Laurel Anne Boyd of Ascendance Inner World Arts. In this delightfully charming conversation, we learn about Laurel's business philosophy (as well as her favorite song to dance to and favorite dance movie!).

Laurel talks with us about the following:

• How she started her business after a career working in independent schools,
• Why children are the heart of everything she does in dance,
• Why her...

In this episode, we mix it up a bit as Jess Thompson of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce talks to Dr. Megan Allen, founder and owner/operator of The Community Classroom (and host of this podcast). Megan serves the Florence community and communities nationwide with a business that offers PreK-12th grade academic tutoring and academic coaching. Plus, she loves to plan a fun community learning event or two!

Megan w...

In this episode, we talk to Carrielynn Fournier, the owner/operator of Busy Bee Cleans in Florence, MA. After being let go from her job at a dental office, she googled "businesses to start with small startup funds."  And she found that cleaning businesses were at the top of the list! So she opened Busy Bee Cleans, one of the gems of the Pioneer Valley (and social media). 

Carrielynn will talk with us about the fo...

In this episode, we talk to Tiffany Chapman of Tiffany Chapman Photography, who doubled down on her side hustle at the beginning of the pandemic. She now has a sought-after branding photography business in Florence, MA, where she works to highlight and empower female business owners.

Tiffany will talk with us about the following:

• Why compassion is important in her business,
• Why a community of women and a network have hel...