On this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Maren Bean, owner of X’Core Northbay, with locations in Petaluma, San Anselmo, and soon-to-open Novato.

We talk about how Maren stepped into studio ownership, what makes the X’Core workout so effective, and why it has become such a powerful part of so many people’s weekly routines. She shares what it really takes to grow from one boutique fitness studio to multiple locations — all while maintaining a strong sense of culture, connection, and community.

If you’ve ever wondered whether this style of workout is right for you, felt intimidated to try something new, or are looking for a 45-minute class that delivers real results, this episode is for you.

More than just fitness, X’Core is about building confidence, strength, and a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome. This conversation will leave you feeling inspired — and maybe ready to book your first class.

You can find X’core on Instagram at @xcorenorthbay and on the web at xcorestudio.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Mary Orellana, the owner and founder of Lovey Coffee Co. — a woman-owned, small-batch coffee roaster rooted right here in Sonoma County.

Mary shares her journey from a lifelong love of coffee to building a business centered on community, ethical sourcing, and connection. We talk about what it really looks like to start a coffee company from the ground up, the meaning behind the Lovey Coffee name, and what it’s like being “your local coffee lady” at pop-ups, events, and weddings throughout the area.

She also opens up about the hands-on nature of small-batch roasting, the learning curves of entrepreneurship, and what success looks like to her today. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a small business supporter, or someone dreaming of starting something of your own, this conversation is full of heart, honesty, and inspiration.

Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this one.

You can find Lovey Coffee Co. on Instagram at @loveycoffeeco and loveycoffeeco.com

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

In this heartwarming episode, Amy sits down with Linda and Isaak Cermak, the married duo behind Sonoma County’s well-loved Red Bird Bakery — a place that feels like stepping into someone’s home kitchen the moment you walk through the door. Together, they share the story behind the name, the roots that inspire their craft, and the early mornings spent “listening to the dough” and growing their business.

This conversation unfolds like a slow, comforting bake: full of intention, creativity, and a deep love for nourishing their community. From the delicate layers of Linda’s pastries to Isaak’s artisan loaves shaped by decades of craft, you’ll hear how the Cermaks built a bakery centered on warmth, connection, and the simple joy of feeding people well. It’s a celebration of small town magic, shared dreams, and the beauty of building something meaningful together.

You can find Red Bird Bakery at 556 East Cotati Ave in Cotati and 463 Sebastopol Ave in Santa Rosa. You can also find them on Instagram at @redbirdbakery and redbirdbakery.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

Poppy’s was already one of downtown Petaluma’s most charming destinations — a cheerful, thoughtfully curated toy shop where families could find something special for every child. But since our last episode together, owner Kate Brown has taken her dream even further, transforming Poppy’s into a true community hub.

In this episode, Kate shares the heart behind her expansion and what it’s been like to grow from a retail space into a multi-faceted gathering place that now includes a cafe (with boba!), a Homework Club, and a packed calendar of creative events. We talk about how she’s reimagined what a local store can be — a spot where families linger, friendships form, and community comes alive.

As the holidays approach, Kate also gives us a peek at what’s in store this season — from gift ideas that spark joy to festive drinks that make shopping a little sweeter. Whether you’re a parent, a local shopper, or just someone who loves seeing small businesses thrive, this episode will leave you inspired to shop local, slow down, and savor the magic of connection this holiday season.

You can find Poppy’s at 136 Petaluma Blvd N in Petaluma, @poppyspetaluma on Instagram, and poppyspetaluma.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year — and no one spreads the holiday spirit quite like Alyssa Romano, owner of Shades of Green Holiday Design. Based in Petaluma, Alyssa and her talented team specialize in transforming corporate offices, hospitality spaces, and local businesses into festive, elegant holiday showcases.

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, Amy chats with Alyssa about how her creative career evolved into a full-service holiday design company that helps businesses take the stress out of seasonal decorating. From sparkling trees and lush garlands to tasteful lighting and timeless color palettes, Alyssa shares how she brings warmth and magic to spaces big and small — all while helping companies create an inviting, joyful atmosphere for their teams and customers.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into large-scale holiday installations, this year’s most popular design trends, and how Alyssa keeps the spirit alive year-round. Plus, she shares whether she’s hiring for the busy season and offers tips for making your own décor stand out this holiday.

You can find Shades of Green at shadesofgreenholidaydesign.com and @shades_of_green_holiday_design on Instagram.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

Step into The Reform Room, Petaluma’s newest Pilates boutique where strength meets serenity. Owner Jess Cain has created a space that’s as beautiful as it is intentional — think exposed brick, lush greenery, warm lighting, and top-of-the-line reformers. From the moment you walk in, there’s an immediate sense of calm, balance, and care (and yes, the chilled eucalyptus towels after class are as amazing as they sound).

But what truly sets The Reform Room apart is the vision to create a space that’s welcoming for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned Pilates lover or stepping onto a reformer for the very first time, Jess wants each person who walks through her doors to feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her classes are designed to meet people where they are — helping clients build strength, confidence, and connection at their own pace.

In this episode, Jess shares the inspiration behind opening The Reform Room, the journey that led her to Pilates, and how she’s building a community centered around wellness, inclusion, and genuine care. Whether you’re new to Pilates or just love discovering hidden gems in Petaluma, this conversation is your invitation to slow down, stretch, and reform your mind-body connection.

You can find The Reform Room at 221 Water Street, Suite B in Petaluma, @the_reform_room on Instagram, and thereformroompilates.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

On this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Jennifer Pezzolo, owner of Pezzolo & Co., a premier staging and design business based in Petaluma. Known for her high-end transformations, Jennifer shares how staging creates that all-important first impression for buyers, why her outlet store has become a local favorite for furniture finds, and the fun behind her warehouse sales. We also talk about life as a longtime Petaluma resident and mom, and how community and creativity go hand-in-hand in her work.

You can find Pezzolo & Co. at 850 Lindberg Lane, Suite C in Petaluma, @pezzoloandco on Instagram, and pezzoloandco.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

Today on Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Sherill Le, owner of Obsessed, and her right-hand woman, Denise Trevino. Obsessed is a downtown Petaluma boutique that’s all about fun, style, and helping women feel confident in what they wear. We’ll dive into Sherill’s journey of starting the shop, Denise’s perspective from behind the counter, and how Obsessed has become more than just a store—it’s a place to connect, laugh, and, yes, get a little obsessed with fashion.

You can find Obsessed at 98 Western Ave in Petaluma and @obsessedshop on Instagram.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.