Episodios

  • S3E9: From Allergies to Entrepreneurship: How Two Global Leaders Built Bodhi Salt Wellness Center

    S3E9: From Allergies to Entrepreneurship: How Two Global Leaders Built Bodhi Salt Wellness Center
    Jul 10 2025
    What happens when two powerhouse women—one a former Nestlé executive and certified leadership coach, the other a yoga instructor and education leader—meet in Louisville, KY and both get knocked flat by allergy season? They build a wellness center unlike anything else in the region. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with Anna Shulgina and Dasha Grankina, co-founders of Bodhi Salt, a luxurious-yet-approachable 2,400 sq.ft. wellness center designed to help families heal naturally through salt therapy, cedar steam barrels, red light therapy, kids programming, and more. 🌍 Learn how their global experiences, scientific approaches, and holistic traditions came together to create a business that’s thriving—with purpose. 💡 Get their take on entrepreneurship, parenting, leadership, and why building a business with heart (and salt!) matters now more than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 11 m
  • S3:E8 From Dance Studios to Casting Calls: Kim Swanson on Starting Small and Dreaming Big

    S3:E8 From Dance Studios to Casting Calls: Kim Swanson on Starting Small and Dreaming Big
    Jun 18 2025
    What do dance, casting, and dog poop bags have in common? Kim Swanson. In this inspiring episode of Small Business Success Talk, Kim shares her journey from being a single mom crying in her car to launching a thriving dance studio, building a successful casting business, and founding SHŪNŪ, an eco-conscious dog product company that gives back to veterans. From church basements and Emmy-winning commercials to a life-changing win on The Price is Right, Kim’s story is a testament to faith, hustle, and trusting the roadmap of possibility. Tune in to hear how Kim turned passion into purpose—and get ready to rethink what’s possible for your own entrepreneurial path. www.castingbykim.com SPONSOR: https://502hemp.com/ and https://812hemp.com/ https://smallbusinesssuccesstalk.biz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 7 m
  • S3:E7 From Bracelets to Boardrooms: Building a Law Firm with Heart

    S3:E7 From Bracelets to Boardrooms: Building a Law Firm with Heart
    May 28 2025
    What happens when a Deadhead entrepreneur becomes one of Louisville’s top attorneys and co-founds a powerhouse law firm in just one weekend? Meet Libby Gray, co-founder and managing partner at Gray Ice Higdon. In this episode, host Christy Smallwood digs into Libby's unconventional path from friendship bracelet slinger to federal court litigator, and how her firm is redefining law firm culture through inclusivity, intentional leadership, and business-savvy legal expertise. Whether you're navigating non-competes, scaling your business, or just trying to avoid costly legal pitfalls, Libby's insights are pure gold. Discover how commercial law, intellectual property, and strategic contracts can make—or break—your business. 🎧 Learn how to protect your business, lead with integrity, and build something meaningful with your name on it. 🔎 Topics covered: • Starting a law firm from scratch • Legal essentials for entrepreneurs • Managing business partnerships • Preventing costly litigation • Building inclusive, values-based culture • Why every small biz needs an attorney (ASAP) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 m
  • S3:E6 Rebranding with Purpose: How Maeve Chocolate is Reinventing the Industry—One Bar at a Time

    S3:E6 Rebranding with Purpose: How Maeve Chocolate is Reinventing the Industry—One Bar at a Time
    May 13 2025
    What happens when a former Microsoft exec buys a chocolate factory, reinvents the brand, and turns it into a movement? In this deliciously inspiring episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind Maeve Chocolate (formerly Seattle Chocolate). Founder Jean Thompson shares how she went from investor to CEO, tackling imposter syndrome, supply chain challenges, and brand transformation—while daughter Ellie brings in a fresh Gen Z perspective, helping the company transition to a more vibrant, purpose-driven brand. They spill the cocoa beans on: Reinventing a legacy brand while staying true to your mission Why the cocoa industry is more complex than wine Building a female-led, impact-driven chocolate business How storytelling, sustainability, and bold packaging win over conscious consumers Preparing the next generation for leadership (and legacy) If you love chocolate, entrepreneurship, or stories of brand transformation with heart—this one’s for you. 🌎 Learn more about Maeve Chocolate: https://maevechocolate.com 🎧 Subscribe for more small business success stories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h
  • S3:E5 - Why Every Business Needs To Capture Its Origin Story

    S3:E5 - Why Every Business Needs To Capture Its Origin Story
    May 7 2025
    What if your story was the one thing that could shape generations to come? In this heartwarming and powerful episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy Smallwood sits down with David Sermersheim—corporate leader by day, founder of Celebrate Audio by passion—to uncover how storytelling is the most underutilized yet impactful tool in business today. David shares how a personal voicemail at a wedding changed everything for him, leading to a calling to help families and businesses preserve their legacies through audio storytelling. From bringing corporate values to life to capturing once-in-a-lifetime wisdom from loved ones, this episode dives deep into how stories are more than memories—they're the blueprint of success, connection, and legacy. 💡 Whether you're a founder, team leader, or family business owner, this episode will move you—and might even make you cry (in a good way). 🔗 Learn more about Celebrate Audio: [insert website or link] 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with leaders making waves in small business success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 m
  • S3:E4 - Building A Creative Legacy with Todd & Kathryn Zeigler

    S3:E4 - Building A Creative Legacy with Todd & Kathryn Zeigler
    Apr 22 2025
    Meet Kathryn and Todd Zeigler—Broadway veteran, lifelong creatives, and founders of Iron Pirate Publishing. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, we explore their journey from theater and television to launching a book that sparked a movement. We talk creative business, family dynamics, making an impact through storytelling, and what real success looks like. Hosted by Christy Smallwood, who also happens to be one of their proud partners. Get ready for deep laughs, big takeaways, and serious heart. 🎧 Featuring: Kathryn & Todd Zeigler 📍 Iron Pirate Publishing – Kissimmee, FL 💥 Topics: Autism advocacy, publishing journeys, theater roots, creative entrepreneurship, business partnerships 🌐 More info: thespectrumseriesbooks.com | christysmallwood.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Season 3: Episode 3 with Jess Pettitt

    Season 3: Episode 3 with Jess Pettitt
    Apr 2 2025
    Jess Pettitt joins Christy Smallwood on Small Business Success Talk to dive into the realities of running a speaking business, balancing purpose with profit, and navigating tough conversations. With her signature humor and deep insights, Jess shares how small business owners can create lasting change, build authentic workplace cultures, and align their values with real actions. They discuss the power of asking better questions, taking control of urgency, and staying true to your mission. Jess also talks about her new book, Almost Doing Good, and the unexpected viral moment that put her in the spotlight. This episode is packed with practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions to help entrepreneurs lead with impact and authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 m
  • Season 3: Episode 2 with Amy Torres

    Season 3: Episode 2 with Amy Torres
    Mar 26 2025
    In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy sits down with marketing expert and entrepreneur Amy Torres for a deep dive into AI, branding, and the evolving landscape of business growth. Amy, the powerhouse behind Director of Marketing Inc., shares how AI tools are revolutionizing decision-making, streamlining cash flow management, and creating new opportunities for small business owners. They also discuss: The impact of AI on marketing and business strategy How to integrate AI without losing the human touch Personal branding and the power of consistency The importance of short-form video and digital storytelling Building a business that gives you the freedom to do what you love Plus, Amy and Christy share their experiences navigating business pivots, rebranding, and the power of showing up authentically. If you're a small business owner looking for practical insights, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable strategies. 🎧 Tune in now and start making your own kind of success! 🔔 Subscribe now to stay tuned for new episodes featuring small business owners, best practices, and expert advice to help you thrive in 2025! Follow us or reach out! https://m.mtrbio.com/smallbusinesssuccesstalk Connect with Christy! #SmallBusinessSuccessTalk #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessStrategy #Resilience #WomeninBusiness #SmallBusiness #Business #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 m