What does it mean to truly walk your own path while supporting others on theirs? In this fabulous conversation with Kristie Chandler, we explore the delicate balance between personal growth and professional leadership.

Kristie shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the hospitality business (complete with a family restaurant and a bed and breakfast in Natchez, Mississippi) to becoming an educator specializing in human development and family science. Her story reveals how seemingly disconnected experiences—from hospitality to residence hall director to orientation leadership—weave together to create a unique professional journey. "No job is a waste of time," a sentiment that resonates throughout Kristie's career path.

The conversation takes compelling turns as we talk of what makes an effective leader in today's world. Kristie's philosophy centers on speaking truth in love, focusing on people's strengths rather than deficits, and creating collaborative visions rather than dictating direction. She candidly shares personal challenges that shaped her perspective, from health scares to the difficult balance of career ambitions and family priorities, offering listeners valuable insights on maintaining identity beyond professional titles.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Kristie's approach to teaching controversial subjects like family law and policy. Her commitment to walking "the middle line" while encouraging students to develop their own values-based opinions demonstrates an admirable educational ethos. She makes the idea of education exciting and relevant. Similarly, her passion for international education reveals how stepping outside comfort zones creates optimal conditions for profound personal growth.

We talk about having your close group of friends and those in your inner circle who are there for you. Whether you're navigating career transitions, seeking to be a more effective leader, or simply wanting to live more authentically, Kristie's wisdom on intentional community-building and lifelong learning offers practical guidance for stomping to your own drum while helping others find their rhythm.

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

What happens when everything you've built crumbles and you're left to rebuild from scratch? Stephanie Watts knows this journey intimately. Once a successful nurse and pharmaceutical developer, her life took a devastating turn when severe illness struck, eventually diagnosed as Lyme disease after years of misdiagnoses and deteriorating health.

In this deeply moving conversation, Stephanie reveals how rock bottom became the foundation for something beautiful. "I realized through all of this that no one was going to come save me," she shares with remarkable candor, detailing her path from survival mode to thriving. After spending decades trying to fit into spaces where she never belonged and facing both professional setbacks and personal trauma, Stephanie discovered that safety—the most basic human need—had always been missing from her equation.

The wisdom Stephanie shares feels hard-won and genuine. She distinguishes between wishing (planting seeds then immediately digging them up) and realizing dreams (planting seeds and trusting the process). Her reflections on failure are particularly powerful: "Strength is showing up when everything inside of you wants to give up, when you have justifiable reasons to give up." For anyone who's been paralyzed by perfectionism or fear, these words offer sweet liberation.

Today, Stephanie has transformed her painful journey into Vitality Wellness Apothecary and Market in Wetumpka, Alabama—a sanctuary where people can find healing, community, and acceptance. Her approach embodies what she calls the "open hand method," releasing the scarcity mindset that once kept her trapped. Perhaps most beautiful is witnessing how her personal healing extends across generations, as she finds profound joy in being "Lolly" to her grandson Clay.

Whether you're facing health challenges, navigating life transitions, or simply seeking to live more authentically, Stephanie's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with her mission by visiting the store, joining one of their community events, or exploring their holistic offerings—because as Stephanie reminds us, "You're stronger than you think you are."

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

Niki Tsekareas never thought a retreat to Greece would completely transform her life, but that's exactly what happened. In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about the moment she realized she needed more than her identity as "Niki Peter's wife" or "Georgios' mom" – she needed to rediscover herself.

With remarkable candor, Niki shares her journey from feeling lost to launching her own interior styling business at age 44. "I wasn't doing things that were giving me purpose," she explains, describing how she transformed a spare bedroom into a dedicated workspace filled with plants, journals, and reminders to stay accountable to herself. Her approach to interior design comes from a deeply personal place – creating spaces that truly reflect who her clients are rather than following trends.

The conversation takes several profound turns as Niki reveals her struggles with depression, her extraordinary seven-year fertility journey, and how she maintains her Greek heritage through traditions like name days and community celebrations. What emerges is a portrait of remarkable resilience, with Niki developing daily practices that keep her motivated even on the hardest days.

Most powerfully, Niki offers wisdom that resonates far beyond her personal story: "Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do or have something that you want." Her transformation from uncertainty to purpose serves as inspiration for anyone standing at the threshold of change, wondering if it's too late to pursue their dreams.

Join us for this moving discussion about identity, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the courage to finally put yourself first. If you've ever felt defined by your relationships to others rather than your relationship with yourself, this episode will speak directly to your heart.

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

Behind every thriving small business stands a woman with a powerful story—a journey marked by purpose, passion, and perseverance in the face of doubt. In this special Small Business Month episode, we reunite with three extraordinary entrepreneurs who've been transforming their visions into reality.

Dr. Kuanita Murphy shares how her digital publication, Rural Leader Magazine, emerged from a pivotal moment when academic doors closed, revealing her true calling to spotlight talent from overlooked small communities. Her powerful tagline, "What you do matters," has been driving her mission since 2014.

Theodora Miller takes us through her remarkable transition from 30 years in the corporate world to becoming a full-time artist after a brain injury led her to discover painting's healing power. Now preparing to launch her first home collection of painterly wallpaper and textiles, she candidly reveals how creating art became both her therapy and soul's purpose.

Eloise Stewart, celebrating nearly a decade with her branding company, reflects on building from a one-woman show to leading a team that helps businesses discover and communicate their authentic identities. Her evolution demonstrates how following unexpected paths can lead to fulfilling work that perfectly aligns with your strengths.

These women don't sugarcoat entrepreneurship. They openly discuss battling self-doubt, learning their value, navigating creative burnout, and building sustainable businesses through systems, boundaries, and financial savvy. Their challenges—from perfectionism to pricing struggles to feeling isolated—mirror obstacles many business owners face.

Whether you're contemplating starting your own venture or already in the trenches of entrepreneurship, these transparent conversations offer both practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Their unanimous advice? Understand your "why," build a supportive community, give yourself permission to learn as you go, and remember that starting something meaningful always requires courage—but the journey is worth it.

Listen in and get inspired by women who aren't just chasing dreams but bringing them to life one challenging, rewarding day at a time.

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

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

The heartbeat of America pulses through its small businesses. In this special Small Business Month episode, Amy Stackhouse brings together an incredible panel of women entrepreneurs who are making waves in diverse industries while strengthening their communities.

Meet Heather Jo Clark, former UFC fighter who boldly stepped out to become the first woman in a system of 200 worldwide martial arts gyms to open her own facility without a male counterpart. Listen as Mena Teijeiro shares how she transformed 153 acres of woodland into a retreat center where people reconnect with nature and their authentic selves. Discover how Diane Castro and store manager Catherine Shipp created more than just a bookstore—they built a community gathering place where strangers become friends. And learn from Sarah Bradley, a marriage and family therapist whose rural practice is healing families in ways that ripple throughout her small town.

These women candidly discuss pivotal moments in their entrepreneurial journeys, from packing up a car and trailer to start fresh in Florida, to standing alone at city hall fighting for permits, to realizing that the impact of their work extends far beyond financial success. They share practical wisdom about overcoming obstacles, building confidence as women leaders, and preventing the burnout that threatens many passionate business owners.

What makes this conversation so powerful is how these diverse entrepreneurs reveal common threads in their experiences—the challenge of navigating regulations and permits, the struggle to set boundaries without sacrificing service, and the deep satisfaction of creating spaces that transform lives. Their strategies range from cold plunges and sunshine dancing to delegating tasks and learning to celebrate small victories.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or dreaming of starting your own venture, this episode offers genuine insights from women who've discovered that the path to success isn't about following someone else's roadmap—it's about stomping to the beat of your own drum while staying connected to the communities you serve. Join us for this inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and the extraordinary impact of small businesses led by passionate women.

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

Mary Zimmerman's extraordinary 29-year journey with Mary Kay Cosmetics reveals the beautiful intersection of faith, family, and entrepreneurial spirit that has defined her remarkable career. What began with winning a gift basket at a bridal fair transformed into a life-changing business opportunity when Mary, then a government social worker and military spouse with three young children, took a $100 leap of faith that would forever alter her family's trajectory.

The path wasn't always smooth. Mary vividly recalls the emotional toll of her previous career – crying before work, stomach pains, and the desperate desire to be home with her children. When a Mary Kay consultant asked three simple questions: "Do you like people? Do you like the product? Are you willing to learn?" Mary found her answer. Within six months, she was earning enough to resign from her government position, beginning a business journey that would see her through raising four sons while building one of Mary Kay's top 1% of sales units nationwide.

Throughout our conversation, Mary's commitment to her core values shines through. "God first, family second, career third" isn't just a catchphrase – it's her lived reality. This philosophy guided her through the challenges of military relocations, community skepticism, and the constant evolution of her business from paper planners to virtual consultations during COVID (which surprisingly became her unit's highest-earning year). Through it all, Mary has earned an impressive thirteen Mary Kay career cars, a tangible symbol of her consistent excellence and relationship-building skills.

What makes Mary's story truly compelling is her approach to business as ministry. She views each skincare session as an opportunity to connect deeply with women, creating safe spaces where vulnerability and authentic conversation flourish. "When you sit with a woman face to face and she takes off her makeup... she's going to tell me so many things that she doesn't even realize she's telling me," Mary shares. These "paychecks of the heart" – witnessing transformations in confidence and spirit – sustain her through cancellations and disappointments.

Ready to discover how faith, perseverance, and a passion for uplifting others can create both professional success and personal fulfillment? Listen in as Mary reminds us all to find joy in every day and shares wisdom only decades of balancing ambition with authentic relationships can provide.

Subscribe now for more inspiring conversations with women who are changing their worlds through passion, purpose, and unwavering determination!

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

There's something powerful about watching women carve their own paths in the business world—especially when they're doing it completely on their own terms. In this heartfelt discussion celebrating Small Business Month, we're peeling back the curtain on what happens when women decide to turn their passion into purpose and build companies that authentically reflect who they are.

Laura Flowers and Becca Morson join me to share the catalysts that pushed them to create their businesses. Laura reveals how feeling boxed-in as a school psychologist led her to launch her life coaching practice infused with Reiki and energy healing, while Becca explains how her desire for work-life balance and meaningful impact drove her to create Stacked Intent, helping people build healthier relationships with themselves. Both women articulate that beautiful moment when you realize you can create something that combines all your talents, interests, and values—with no rules about what pieces of yourself you're allowed to bring to the table.

We dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship that nobody warns you about—managing your relationship with money (including Becca's fascinating "Waffle Theory" approach to budgeting), setting boundaries when work and home life blur together, and finding your community of fellow entrepreneurs who become your lifeline of support and accountability. The conversation explores how business ownership shapes not just your professional life but transforms your relationship with yourself, requiring intentionality in ways you might never have experienced before.

Whether you're already running your own business, dreaming about taking that leap, or simply appreciate stories of women creating their own destinies, this episode offers both practical wisdom and profound inspiration. As Laura beautifully puts it, "If you have a dream within you, a nudge that just won't go away, it is 100% there for a reason." Ready to explore what might be possible when you fully trust yourself? This conversation will light the way.

Connect with Laura Flowers at LauraFlowersLLC.com and Becca Morson at StackedIntent.com to explore how they might support your journey toward authenticity and purpose.

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