Side Hustle to Small Business

S1E4: Engineer turned leadership and team consultant helps teams reach their full potential

Maureen Monte is a Leadership and Team Consultant and author of Destination Unstoppable. Maureen began her career as an engineer but eventually realized she was more than a problem solver; she was a "people problem solver". Hear how Maureen turned her side hustle into a full time business and how you can unlock the untapped talent on your team.  

This episode originally aired on June 24, 2019.

S1E5: Going once, going twice. A fundraising auctioneer is born at a talent show

After serving in the US Army and enjoying a successful career in financial services, TiWanna Kenney found herself on stage hosting an auction. She fell in love with the work and the positive impact it can have on the lives of others. Here’s how TiWanna developed her talent and how she’s bringing diversity and inspiring change in her industry. 

This episode originally aired on July 1, 2019.

A shared sense of Pride in growing a business

These are the stories of four entrepreneurs, all a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Though their businesses span industries and states, they all have something in common: they’re navigating the challenges of starting a business while also working towards sustainable growth, success, and happiness as queer entrepreneurs. We’re excited to amplify their voices, share their perspective on what needs to change, and learn their hopes for the future.

Amplifying her clients’ voices to achieve Fame and Fortune

Do you strive for fame and fortune? Or do you just want to get your name out there? Allie Hembree Martin can help. Allie is the founder of Fame and Fortune, a social media and public relations agency increasing the online visibility of female CEOs. She works to amplify her clients’ voices using creative and forward-thinking social media strategy and PR. In this episode, Allie will share lessons learned and her predictions for how social media will change over the next few years.

Creating videos: From on-camera to full-package

Ariana Escalante has worked as an on-camera spokesperson for many years. When her clients started asking if she could offer full production services, she saw a need for a complete package video content agency. Four years later, she and her fiancé, Jon Gluck, have grown Vydeo into a successful business that provides scripting, filming, talent, and editing. They now have a stellar team and a collection of awesome clients.

Prioritizing perseverance over privilege

Corey Washington's two startups, POPA and Rishari, weren’t supposed to be companies. They were personal projects that transformed into official companies at the suggestion of Corey’s friends and colleagues. Corey now manages POPA, a clothing brand based in Atlanta, and Rishari, a creative agency serving small businesses. In all of his endeavors, Corey is committed to prioritizing perseverance, encouraging fast failure, and listening to your customers.

Planning for creativity, balance and financial freedom

Delaney Driver started Wilder Mind Events, a wedding planning business in Saint Petersburg, Florida, so she could make more money, choose a schedule that fits her lifestyle, and be in full control of the creative process when planning events. Since starting Wilder Mind, Delaney has tackled the challenges of rescheduled weddings during the pandemic, celebrated small business wins like hiring her first employee, and kept her commitment to happiness along the way.

Turning a lifelong hobby into a full-time career

Cheyenne Crawford has always been behind a camera. Taking graduation photos and prom pictures in high school, she knew that capturing moments was one of her innate talents. After Cheyenne realized that a traditional college path wasn’t for her, a chance opportunity to shift the subject of her photography emerged. She began focusing her lens on real estate. Cheyenne now works full-time capturing homes for sale in Atlanta at her business, HomeStar Photo.

Pouring beer and pivoting business models

Jen Price fell in love with craft beer during her college summer internships in Boulder, Colorado. In her free time, Jen began educating herself on the craft beer scene. She opened Atlanta Beer Boutique, which included a tasting room and tasting classes, and even started writing a book. When the pandemic had other ideas, Jen pivoted her expertise and launched a second beer-focused business, Crafted for Action.

How Rekindle Candle Co. prioritizes value in handmade goods

Matthew Mewbourne has been creating things since high school. Starting with ceramics in high school, he transitioned his maker mindset to candles while at the University of Georgia, becoming a regular vendor at the Athens Farmer’s Market. Matthew and his wife started Rekindle Candle Company after graduation and have since focused on high-quality ingredients, environmental sustainability, and prioritizing value in their wooden wicked candles.