Episode 227 -- Small Business Celebration Panel: Heather Jo Clark, Mena Teijeiro,Diane Castro, Catherine Shipp and Sarah Bradley -- Beyond the Bottom Line: Women Building Community Through Business

The heartbeat of America pulses through its small businesses. In this special Small Business Month episode, Amy Stackhouse brings together an incredible panel of women entrepreneurs who are making waves in diverse industries while strengthening their communities.

Meet Heather Jo Clark, former UFC fighter who boldly stepped out to become the first woman in a system of 200 worldwide martial arts gyms to open her own facility without a male counterpart. Listen as Mena Teijeiro shares how she transformed 153 acres of woodland into a retreat center where people reconnect with nature and their authentic selves. Discover how Diane Castro and store manager Catherine Shipp created more than just a bookstore—they built a community gathering place where strangers become friends. And learn from Sarah Bradley, a marriage and family therapist whose rural practice is healing families in ways that ripple throughout her small town.

These women candidly discuss pivotal moments in their entrepreneurial journeys, from packing up a car and trailer to start fresh in Florida, to standing alone at city hall fighting for permits, to realizing that the impact of their work extends far beyond financial success. They share practical wisdom about overcoming obstacles, building confidence as women leaders, and preventing the burnout that threatens many passionate business owners.

What makes this conversation so powerful is how these diverse entrepreneurs reveal common threads in their experiences—the challenge of navigating regulations and permits, the struggle to set boundaries without sacrificing service, and the deep satisfaction of creating spaces that transform lives. Their strategies range from cold plunges and sunshine dancing to delegating tasks and learning to celebrate small victories.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or dreaming of starting your own venture, this episode offers genuine insights from women who've discovered that the path to success isn't about following someone else's roadmap—it's about stomping to the beat of your own drum while staying connected to the communities you serve. Join us for this inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and the extraordinary impact of small businesses led by passionate women.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff