Key takeaways

• Catherine Kondo Arkin successfully transitioned from working in film production to owning Upper Village Blooms flower shop in Croton on Hudson
• She comes from a multicultural background (Japanese father, Mexican mother) which influences her design aesthetic
• The flower shop focuses on serving the local community while maintaining a global design perspective
• Catherine emphasizes creating unique arrangements without using traditional fillers
• The business prioritizes retail operations over large events to maintain community focus
• Social media and word-of-mouth marketing have been key to business growth

Personal Background and Early Career

• Grew up in Los Angeles in a multicultural family
• Studied history and art history at UCLA
• Worked in film production in LA before moving to New York
• Transitioned to New York for a film production job in 1983

Transition to Entrepreneurship

• Started jewelry design after divorce while raising children
• Worked at local boutique in Croton selling her jewelry
• Took over the lease when the boutique closed in 2018
• Transformed the space into Upper Village Blooms despite limited floral experience

Floral Design Philosophy

• Emphasizes mixed varieties over single-flower arrangement
• Avoids traditional fillers like baby's breath and leather leaf ferns
• Promotes appreciation for undervalued flowers like carnation
• Offers different design styles including modern, tropical, and Japanese-inspired

Business Strategy

• Focuses on retail operations over large events
• Maintains independence from order gatherers like FTD
• Collaborates with local photographer Jill Pace for social media
• Aims to expand male customer base
• Develop strategies to attract more male customers
• Continue maintaining retail focus while selectively accepting events that fit schedule
• Continue building community relationships
• Maintain independence from traditional flower delivery networks

Advice to women seeking a change

• Sometimes, you are forced to make a change. You need to own it to get over the fence and move forward. The power of speaking about what you want and manifesting it goes a long way.
• Be grateful for the opportunity to change your life. It's a privilege.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Overcoming Cultural and Familial Challenges

Kateh shared her challenging childhood growing up as one of six sisters and two brothers in a culture that undervalued girls, facing both societal and familial pressure. Despite this, her parents, who were self-taught teachers, supported her education and encouraged her to excel, even when others discouraged them. Kateh's parents managed to provide for their children through teaching and farming, and while some of her sisters pursued higher education, Kateh completed basic studies.

Kateh's Journey to Faith

Kateh shared her spiritual journey, describing how she initially rejected born-again Christianity due to her Catholic upbringing but eventually experienced a profound conversion after feeling an urgent emptiness that only Jesus could fill. She detailed how her relationship with God deepened through Bible study, leading to audible communications from God that helped her overcome self-hatred and embrace her identity. During her college years, while maintaining her academic studies, Kateh experienced both challenging spiritual transformations and moments of divine guidance, ultimately seeing God's hand in her education and career path.

Bible's Role in Personal Transformation

Kateh shared her personal experience of studying the Bible, emphasizing that while the text is a roadmap for life, it led her to a deeper relationship with Jesus through practical application and personal transformation, even when the changes were painful. She explained that the Bible's teachings, particularly those that require self-sacrifice, are crucial for true spiritual growth.

Missionary Journey of Faith and Service

Kateh answered God's call to enter the missionary field, emphasizing her commitment to serve without relying on others for financial support. She described her initial act of feeding a hungry widow, which led to more community outreach and the establishment of a school and church in the bush. Despite facing personal challenges, including homelessness, Kateh trusted God to provide for her needs while focusing on her mission to spread the gospel and help those in need.

School for War-Orphaned Children

Kateh cared for orphaned children in war-torn areas and eventually established a school and church in a village without formal education. She described how she initially took in street children, faced challenges with housing, and eventually found a permanent location where she continues to reside with some of the children. The school now has 60 students, though many more children in the village are still not attending school due to lack of education culture and financial constraints. The school operates through parent contributions of food items and occasional donations from well-wishers, and while they have a kindergarten block, the primary school classes are still held in the church building.

Divine Path to Mission Fulfillment

Kateh abandoned her accounting career to pursue a mission-focused life path, which she believes was divinely guided. She emphasized that finding God's plan is crucial for personal fulfillment, as her current mission work brings her greater satisfaction than her previous accounting aspirations would have.

Divine Appointment in Uganda Mission

Kateh's experience demonstrates the power of applying God's truth for eternal joy.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Debby Collings has experienced many ups and downs in her life from broken relationships to cancer to career changes; but, she has always managed to find her joy. Whenever she is feeling troubled or just bored, photography has been her outlet, She calls it shutter therapy, and I can attest to her incredible bird photos. Debbie jokes that she must have been a gypsy is a past life, which might explain why she has always had the urge to move around so much. She’s recently moved back to her hometown of Milwaukee to be closer to her family after realizing their support was crucial during her recovery from cancer.

Notes from podcast:

1. Debbie grew up as a corporate brat, moving around a lot; she’s still on the move, fiercely independent. She jokes around that she must have been a gypsy in a past life, which explains why she always has the urge to move.
2. As the only girl in her family, she had to do its her way if she wanted something done.
3. She often felt like college was a waste of time and frequently considered leaving, which she dd her senior year.
4. Debbie worked in broadcast sales and pharmaceutical sales but was fired after working one year for not having a degree.
5. She went back to college to famish her degree in art history and found that she really enjoyed it. Today, Debbie works for PetLink selling microchip service to animal shelters, non profits, and animal control.
6. Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, during Covid and lockdown in Colorado. Her family and extended family were incredibly supportive, and she realized she needed to be closer to family, so moved back to Milwaukee.
7. She finds her joy thru photography; it’s her shutter therapy.
8. Glady, the cross eyed bear is a remarkable story of survival and defines Debbie’s life.
9. Today, Debbie is more comfortable with herself. No longer a people pleaser, she’s become more stubborn, set in her ways, and may be another reason Debbie says she’s still single.
10. What are her words for happiness? Talk to people, don’t sit on your feelings. Find an outlet. When you’re bored or unhappy, do something that brings you joy. For Debbie, this is photography.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.