Episode 35: Raising Confident & Polite Kids: How Junior Assembly is Shaping the Next Generation

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, host Kellie Hoover welcomes special guest LeShea Perkins, founder of the Junior Assembly program in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie. Junior Assembly is designed to help children develop timeless social skills—that build confidence and prepare them for success in school, community, and future careers.

LeShea shares how her daughter’s experience in a long-standing Gastonia program inspired her to bring etiquette classes for kids to York County. What began as an exclusive, invite-only program has transformed into a welcoming, inclusive space where both girls and boys can grow. With a focus on confidence, character, and connection, Junior Assembly equips children to thrive in real-life situations—whether it’s speaking up in a group, handling themselves at a formal dinner, or showing up with confidence at school dances and job interviews.

Episode Highlights:

• From Exclusive to Inclusive: Learn how LeShea reshaped Junior Assembly from a hush-hush tradition into an open etiquette program for children in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie.
• Why Etiquette Matters in Today’s Digital Age: With kids spending more time on screens, many struggle with basic face-to-face interactions.
• Confidence for Life: From table manners for kids to writing thank-you notes, Junior Assembly teaches life skills that extend into adulthood, professional networking, and leadership.
• Parent Success Stories: Hear how families are already seeing the impact—from children using etiquette at home to teens approaching job interviews and school dances with confidence.
• Program Structure: Running from September through April, Junior Assembly includes eight themed monthly events covering dining etiquette, ballroom dance lessons, social media etiquette, and communication skills for grades 4–8.
• Quick Parenting Tip: LeShea’s simple advice—“put the phones away and acknowledge people when they walk into the room”—is a small but powerful way to model and encourage respect at home.

Final Takeaway:

Raising children who are confident, kind, and socially aware doesn’t happen overnight—it takes practice, exposure, and guidance. The Junior Assembly in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie gives kids a safe, structured environment to step away from screens and practice real-world skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Whether it’s polite introductions, table etiquette, or dance lessons for kids, these experiences help shape respectful, capable young adults who are ready to shine in school, family life, and the workplace.

If you’re a parent searching for confidence-building programs for kids, children’s etiquette classes near Fort Mill, or simply a positive weekend activity, Junior Assembly is more than just a program—it’s an investment in your child’s future.

Call to Action:

- Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform
- Sign up for the Women of Fort Mill podcast newsletter
- Follow the podcast on Instagram @womenoffortmill
- Tag the hosts and share what inspired you from this episode

Junior Assembly website: juniorassemblyofyork.com

Facebook page: Fort Mill Junior Assembly

Support the show

Let's connect

• Follow Women of Fort Mill Podcast on Instagram: @womenoffortmill
• Rate and review the podcast wherever you listen.
• Message us with your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.
• Join our email list for updates and event information.

Episode 34: Finding Balance: 3 Daily & Weekly Habits That Align Business and Personal Goals

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, hosts Kellie Hoover and Leah Williams take listeners behind the scenes of their own lives to share the simple yet powerful habits that help them stay aligned with both business and personal goals. From launching the podcast at the start of the year to navigating booming businesses and evolving family priorities, Kellie and Leah reflect on how much life has shifted—and how intentional habits make all the difference.

This conversation is about more than productivity tips; it’s about creating space for growth, connection, and joy. Whether you’re a busy entrepreneur, a professional balancing career and family, or a woman seeking inspiration to live with more intention, this episode offers practical strategies you can adopt right away.

Episode Highlights:

The Power of Lifelong Learning: Leah shares how swapping music for podcasts during workouts (like her favorite Diary of a CEO) doubles her time investment, fueling both physical health and personal growth.

Daily Vision Practices: Kellie explains how brushing her teeth with her non-dominant hand while reading her vision statement reactivates the brain and keeps her focused on long-term goals.

Networking on the Move: Leah revisits her walking networking groups, a creative way to connect with women, build community, and stay active—without adding more “coffee dates” to an already packed schedule.

Healthy Boundaries with Technology: Kellie reveals how setting phone and social media limits reduces stress, prevents burnout, and creates space for deeper focus.

Smart Use of Calendars: Leah’s simple reminder system ensures important tasks and follow-ups don’t get lost in the shuffle of daily life.

Family First, Always: Kellie shares how she schedules intentional one-on-one outings with her teenage daughters, creating cherished memories and strengthening their bond even during the busiest seasons.

Final Takeaway:

1. Small habits create big impact – Success isn’t just about giant leaps; it’s built from small, intentional practices repeated consistently.
   
   
2. Boundaries protect energy – Managing technology, notifications, and schedules mindfully frees up time for what truly matters.
   
   
3. Relationships need intentionality – Whether it’s with clients, peers, or family, meaningful connection requires planning and prioritization.
   
   
4. Growth is non-negotiable – Stay curious, keep learning, and always invest in yourself alongside your business.
   
   
5. Balance is possible – By aligning daily and weekly actions with long-term vision, women can thrive in both business and personal life.
   
   

If you’ve been searching for motivation to restructure your routines, reclaim your time, or bring more joy into your everyday life, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take action.

Call to Action:

- Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform
- Sign up for the Women of Fort Mill podcast newsletter
- Follow the podcast on Instagram @womenoffortmill
- Tag the hosts and share what inspired you from this episode

Support the show

Let's connect

• Follow Women of Fort Mill Podcast on Instagram: @womenoffortmill
• Rate and review the podcast wherever you listen.
• Message us with your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.
• Join our email list for updates and event information.

Episode 33: Confidence After Kids and Truly Rebuilding the Woman in the Mirror

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, co-hosts Kellie Hoover and Leah Williams tackle a topic that resonates with countless mothers: finding and rebuilding your identity and confidence after having kids. They share their personal experiences with the dramatic changes that come with motherhood—from physical shifts to changes in priorities and self-perception. Leah opens up about the "big shift" she experienced postpartum, feeling insecure and questioning, "Who am I in this role now?". Kellie explains that as women, we often put ourselves on the back burner, and our identities can become solely focused on being a mom. They discuss how this can lead to a feeling of being a "failure," especially for women who are used to being "high performing" in other areas of their life. The key, they agree, is not to lose yourself completely but to embrace the change and intentionally reconnect with who you are.

Episode Highlights:

The "Mom Identity Crisis": Leah and Kellie explore why many moms experience a hit to their confidence. Leah points out that motherhood is unpredictable and that the "formula" that often works in other aspects of life doesn't apply to raising kids. She also mentions the physical changes and the pressure to excel, which can make a new mom feel like a failure from day one.

Small Steps to Rebuild: Kellie emphasizes the importance of starting small when it comes to self-care. Her top tips include:

• Move Your Body: Physical activity, whether it's a walk with a friend, a gym class, or playing pickleball, releases endorphins and improves your mood.
• Start Your Day for You: Take just five minutes in the morning for yourself, whether it's reading, journaling, or simply sitting in silence.
• Ditch the "Head Trash": Let go of the belief that a workout has to be perfect or that you have to look a certain way to exercise.

The Power of Mindset & Community: Leah stresses the importance of curating your social circle. She explains that it's okay for your friendships to change as you grow and that surrounding yourself with people who support your journey is crucial.

Leading by Example: Kellie shares that one of the best examples she's given her teenage daughters is showing them that she prioritizes herself, demonstrating that it’s not selfish to take care of your own well-being.

Final Takeaway: Confidence after kids isn't about "reversing" who you've become, but rather about creating the best version of yourself. It's about giving yourself grace, celebrating small wins, and being disciplined about a few small habits that lead to growth. Remember, you are more than just a mom.

Call to Action:

Share this podcast episode on social media
- Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform
- Sign up for the Women of Fort Mill podcast newsletter
- Follow the podcast on Instagram @womenoffortmill
- Tag the hosts and share what inspired you from this episode

Support the show

Let's connect

• Follow Women of Fort Mill Podcast on Instagram: @womenoffortmill
• Rate and review the podcast wherever you listen.
• Message us with your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.
• Join our email list for updates and event information.