In this episode.

I sit down with creative entrepreneur and retail shop owner Kelly Geiman to explore what it really takes to open a brick-and-mortar biz in the age of algorithms. From a fashion career in New York to founding Union in Venice, California, Kelly’s story is full of heart, hustle, and human moments. We talk about community, creativity, trusting your gut—and what happens when you build a business that feels like art.

We talk about:

The transition from fashion to entrepreneurship
How to run a retail shop without losing your mind (or your soul)
Why community is everything—especially during hard seasons
The behind-the-scenes of owning a physical space
How to use social media without letting it run your life
The power of storytelling through curation
And what it really means to lead with authenticity

Plus, I share more about HUMAN: The Personal Brand Accelerator—starting May 1st. If you’re tired of the algorithm hamster wheel and ready to build a business rooted in you, this is for you. (Details inside the episode!)

Ways to plug in
🌈 HUMAN starts May 1st — This is the program to build a personal brand that magnetizes clients without chasing trends. DM me “HUMAN” on Instagram to join for $347 before the price goes up.

🛝 Recess is the best place on the internet. Try it out for 3 months for just $165.

☎️ Follow Diana on Instagram here.

Key Episode Takeaways
✅ Owning a shop is about more than sales—it’s about story
✅ Community can carry you through the toughest seasons
✅ Your business should reflect who you are, not just what you do
✅ Social media doesn’t need to feel performative
✅ Intuition is a strategy (and a damn good one)
✅ Creative curation can build connection and loyalty
✅ There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success
✅ You get to design a business that feels like home

Episode Chapters
00:00 – Meet Kelly & the story behind Union
07:41 – Community support through hard times
10:43 – From fashion industry to entrepreneurship
16:42 – The real side of owning a retail shop
23:59 – Manifesting the perfect retail space
29:38 – Making intuitive business decisions
35:47 – The power of gut instincts
36:51 – Creating a space that tells a story
45:01 – Navigating retail logistics + overhead
51:00 – Using social media with authenticity
54:53 – Lightning round: Inspirations, dreams, and what's next

Time for another solo episode, and this one’s for anyone feeling like the algorithm is sucking the soul out of your business. We’re talking about the power of real-life connection—yes, actual face-to-face conversations—and how meeting people offline might just be the most underrated business move you can make. I’m sharing how one long walk led me to a whole new creative circle (and actual opportunities), plus why intuition and in-person energy can’t be replicated on the internet.

This one’s full of juicy updates, mindset shifts, and reminders that your dream clients and collaborators might not be scrolling—they might be sitting across from you at a matcha cafe. Let’s dive into why connection, community, and following the breadcrumbs matter more than ever.

🏕️ Camp Clarity is now open for enrollment! But we cap the number of spots to keep an intimate group. Feeling ready to finally have the business of your dreams? Join here!

🛝 Recess is the best place on the internet. Try it out for 3 months for just $165.

☎️ Follow Diana on Instagram here.

Key Episode Takeaways

✅ Your next client might be sitting next to you—don’t underestimate IRL energy.

✅ Algorithms can’t replace human connection.

✅ You’re allowed to change your business model whenever you need to.

✅ Following your intuition often leads to unexpected magic.

✅ In-person collaboration can move the needle faster than a perfect strategy.

✅ Restocking your creative energy is essential, not optional.

✅ Your business gets to feel like recess—it doesn’t have to be so serious.

✅ Community is the most powerful (and recession-proof) resource you have.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Settling into New Beginnings

01:50 – The Power of Intuition and Connection

04:40 – Embracing Recess in Business

07:48 – Following the Breadcrumbs of Opportunity

10:08 – The Importance of Community and Collaboration

12:59 – Shifting Business Models for Flexibility

15:26 – Claiming Your Desires and Setting Boundaries

18:10 – The Evolution of Camp Clarity

21:26 – The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

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Pollen is a podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs—just like you! If you enjoyed this episode of Pollen Podcast, subscribe and help us spread the word by sharing it! Your dream life is there for you to take — and you can help others find lives they can love too.

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🚀 Sign up for Jess's FREE DBE Live 3-day event happening March 20th, 25th, + 27th!

In this episode. How do you build a thriving business that actually supports the life you want—without working yourself into the ground?

In this conversation, I sit down with my mentor, Jess Glazer DeRose, to unpack how she went from being a school teacher to running a multi-million dollar coaching business—and why she ultimately shut down a $400K revenue stream to prioritize what really matters.

We talk about:

• The mindset shifts that allowed Jess to scale a business that works for her
• The best and worst investments she’s made (and what she learned from them)
• How to navigate the coaching industry’s messy landscape with integrity
• Why investing in yourself isn’t just about ROI—it’s about who you become in the process

Plus, we dive into DBE Live, an event that changed my business forever. If you’re ready to step into bigger opportunities, this is where you need to be. (Get all the details inside the episode!)

🏕️ Camp Clarity is now open for enrollment ALWAYS! But we cap the number of spots to keep an intimate group. Feeling ready to finally have the business of your dreams? Hop on the waitlist here.

🛝 Recess is the best place on the internet. Try it out for 3 months for just $165.

☎️ Follow Diana on Instagram here.

✅ Your business should support your life—not the other way around.
✅ Scaling isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what actually matters.
✅ Investing in yourself is the fastest way to grow (but not every investment is a good one).
✅ The coaching industry is full of noise—learn how to see through it.
✅ Sometimes, letting go of a revenue stream creates more abundance.
✅ You don’t have to have a big team to build a thriving business.
✅ Integrity is the key to long-term success in coaching.
✅ The right community can change everything.

00:00 - Why This Episode is a Must-Listen
02:56 - From School Teacher to Multi-Million Dollar Business Owner
06:05 - The Mindset Shifts That Changed Everything
08:53 - Scaling a Business That Actually Feels Good
12:02 - The Best and Worst Investments Jess Ever Made
14:58 - The Coaching Industry: What You Need to Know Before You Invest
17:51 - Why We Shut Down a $400K Revenue Stream
21:01 - Business, Motherhood, and Finding Balance
24:03 - The Real Reason People Stay Stuck in Their Business
28:34 - The Power of Community in Coaching
29:35 - What to Look for (and Avoid) in a Mentor
31:40 - Marketing, Manipulation, and Selling with Integrity
34:37 - Entrepreneurship in 2024: What’s Working Now
37:52 - You Don’t Have to Work Harder to Make More Money
48:14 - The Free Event That Can Change Your Business Forever