The Point is Progress
We're often so consumed by life and figuring out how to do it right or perfectly that we forget the most important part - that the very point of life is progress, and we can only accomplish that together. Through storytelling style interviews of local small business owners, I will bring you into the hearts and minds of the people you encounter everyday. We will discuss the many aspects of life - there’s no telling where our conversation will go. Let’s join together on this journey, to learn from and with each other, and to grow our capacity for greatness through kindness, empathy, and connection.
Episodes
On this episode, I chat with Shannon, owner of Shop Fine Flowers. Like many entrepreneurs, Shannon didn't plan to go down this road. It wasn't a dream or goal, but others saw it in her before she did. Having been raised by entrepreneurs, Shannon had a good model, but was sure she didn't want to follow in their footsteps. One day a friend sent her a picture of a space for lease. The rest is history. Shannon also share...
On this episode, I chat with Jaime Festa, of Trio Fudge. Jaime stepped outside her comfort zone to do this podcast and it was so fun! We covered so many topics and I loved her honesty about her experiences. From growing up and moving schools every few years to relationships to breaking old habits and so much more, Jaime shared how she learned things about herself and how she is making conscious choices to do things differently - in...
On this episode, I chat with Dillon Cafiero, owner of Edgar Allan Joe, a whole bean and ground coffee delivery service. Dillon talks openly about his personal struggles growing up - being bullied, personal insecurities, and the common wall men build up when facing challenges. Through his many life experiences - be it growing up with 3 brothers, not knowing what he wanted to do, and many, many jobs - he has remained committed to und...
On this episode, I chat with Danielle Angel, owner of Freedom Rocks. Danielle is so candid with ALL of her experiences. From feeling isolated in school to working through an eating disorder to dropping out of med school TWICE to building a business she loves, we really covered so much. So many young women need to hear her story because it will inspire you and remind you that the path to success really does take so many twists and t...
On this episode, I chat with Jennifer Chavez, owner of Babes in Business, a community of women supporting women. So many of the topics we covered are so relatable to women - struggling to make friends, the pressures we put on ourselves, the challenging conversations we have about choosing to have children, and so much more. Jennifer is honest about her journey and I was inspired in just a short conversation with her. Jennifer'...
On this episode, I chat with Laura Compton of Permanently Poppin', an online women's clothing boutique completely operated by women. Laura shares about growing up in a supportive home and how that shaped her confidence. her unique experience with postpartum, and her journey in the corporate world and how it led to her starting her own business. Through each step, she developed new skills, an understanding of herself, and ...
On this episode, I chat with Carla Bushey. Carla and her husband, Rich started and run Oak Hill Farms. I can't tell you how amazing this episode is in a short paragraph, you are just going to have to listen to it! We went through Carla's life journey - all of it. From growing up in Peru to immigrating to the US, experiencing the divorce of her parents, her own divorce and finding love again. Once again, I am humbled and a...
On this episode, I chat with Max of AMP'D Fitness. I first met Max during the pandemic when he started teaching fitness classes outside after the gym he worked at had to shut down. I knew his passion and determination would turn into something at a time when most people just pressed the pause button on work. And he did just that. In less than 2 years, Max opened not one but two dedicated gyms. Max is not a stranger to challeng...
On this episode, I chat with Kacey Roy of Kate & Company. Kacey has worked with her mom since college and was hooked from the very first day. Her mom started this business on her own with no education on how to run a business, she started it with passion and hard work. From family values to what it takes to have a strong marriage and raise teenagers to working with her mom all these years, we talk about it all. Kacey's aut...
On this episode, I chat with Brian Grable, owner of BKG Reptiles. Brian is realer than real. I am always impressed by my guests and he is no exception. Our society needs more men who are willing to be vulnerable and honest about their experiences - Brian does that for us in this episode. We chat about his childhood being raised by an abusive father, how he struggles to not repeat the same patterns, the humility he shows to his own ...
On this episode, I chat with Ashley Crosby of Illustrations by Ash. She started this business as her "pandemic baby." Ashley is a breath of fresh air, down to earth, humble, and way talented. We discussed her experience with anxiety - what helped and what didn't, how her parents created a loving home, the heartbreaking loss of her father, and what she is learning about herself as a newly married woman. Her insight as...
On this episode, I chat with Liz Hamill of L Studio in Red Bank. Unexpectedly, about 7 years ago, she was offered an opportunity to buy the studio where she was working. Despite not feeling ready and handling a TON of other things at the time, she jumped in. She was just 27 years old. For anyone looking to start or buy a business, Liz's experience will surely make you feel like you can do it too. Liz shares openly about not re...
On this episode, I chat with Ming, co-founder of A Shared Universe, a podcast recording studio. He, along with co-founder Mike Zapcic, are the men behind how I get this podcast out to you. It was a so fun getting to know Ming! If you don't know him, you're missing out. He's super funny, kind, and so easy to talk to. And, he know A LOT about a lot of things. I think we only scratched the surface on this one even thoug...
On this episode, I chat with Aleks and Maks, the twins behind 3BR Distillery in Keyport, NJ. If you grew up in a Russian home, you'll appreciate their candor in talking about their experiences with high expectations growing up. Being raised by immigrant parents who came to the US with nothing, they learned how to be disciplined - a quality that likely led to their perseverance today. You'll learn all about their struggles...
On this episode of The Point is Progress, I talk to Christina, of The Perfect Perk about how she connected with owner, John Grillo. She immediately went to work with him to build a brand that took this already well known shop to the next level. We discuss how the twists and turns of life prepared her for supporting the growth of the shop, and how her fearless nature was cultivated by her upbringing. Fun fact - she was working for ...
On this episode, Brad and Lula talk openly about their life journeys and what brought them together. Lula's experience moving to the states from Peru and Brad's early struggles with changing family dynamics have impacted them and changed the way they live today. Second marriages, eating disorders, losing a parent early in life, and addiction are just some of the topics covered with these two. Their passion for health &...
On this episode, we talk about Brent's years in the Catholic school system, the one sentence that changed his college experience, and how his company started from a funny idea about a coffee table book. What I love about his story is that his 15 year old self wouldn't recognize him today. From not having much direction as a young adult to being hooked on self improvement and leaving a positive impact, you'll definite...
On this episode, we talk about Necole's experience growing up with a parent with an addiction, figuring out how to raise young adults as a single parent, and how her shop sprouted during some emotional times in the middle of a pandemic. Necole's shop is deeply tied to her family and a passion for the art she creates. She is vulnerable and genuine - and teaches us how to keep going even when it's hard. Check out her s...
On this episode, we talk about Angela's experience with bullying, post partum depression, and working with women in domestic violence situations. Her practice aims to empower women and support people experiencing fertility struggles, among many other services. My biggest takeaway: this beautiful practice makes getting help and support easy - you're in good hands with Angela and her team.
On this episode, we chat about Kayla's life growing up with 3 brothers and a single mom, dropping out of high school, and the path that led her to her passion - waxing! Her energy and her grit make it possible for her to face all the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She has quickly made a name for herself in her industry and she is just getting started!
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