Episode 228 -- Panel for Celebrate Small Business Month Stella Williams Bailey and Christy Ashby -- So You Think You Can't Start Over? Watch These Women!

What does it truly mean to stomp to your own drum as a woman entrepreneur? In this heartfelt celebration of Small Business Month, we sit down with two extraordinary women who've built businesses around their authentic passions.

Stella Williams Bailey brings three decades of wisdom as a motivational speaker and communications coach, sharing how she rebuilt her business after her husband's passing while caring for elderly parents. Her insight on community-building and maintaining professional relationships reveals the human connection at the core of entrepreneurial success.

Meanwhile, wildlife photographer Christy Ashby takes us on her journey of leaving a 24-year teaching career to pursue her true calling. Her adventures photographing wildlife across Brazil, Iceland, and Guatemala demonstrate how following your passion can open unexpected doors and build global connections.

Together, they tackle the real challenges of entrepreneurship—the moments they nearly quit, the struggle to balance responsibilities when you're doing it all yourself, and finding confidence when the path feels uncertain. Their candid conversation about self-care reveals how many women struggle to prioritize themselves, yet must learn to "love yourself before you can truly love others."

Both women share practical wisdom about celebrating small wins, finding support systems, and defining success beyond financial metrics. Their stories prove that business growth happens during the hard times, and that failure isn't just inevitable—it's essential for learning and evolution.

Whether you're running a business from your kitchen table or scaling to the next level, these women's journeys will remind you that authenticity and resilience are the real keys to entrepreneurial fulfillment. Ready to stomp to your own drum? These inspiring stories might just give you the courage to take that next bold step.

What small business dream have you been hesitating to pursue? Listen, get inspired, and share your thoughts with us!

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