Bethany McDaniel – Launching a Business With Just $250 – CEO & Founder of Primally Pure

September 9, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

After struggling with acne and skin sensitivity as a teenager, my guest Bethany McDaniel, CEO & Founder of Primally Pure decided to dive deep into the power of real food & natural ingredients. In her deep research and self-education process, she uncovered the knowledge that there were a lot of toxic ingredients found in deodorant which led her on a journey to make her own. She found something that worked for her but unfortunately, her hubby wasn’t too excited to try it so she had to get busy and find another way to win him over. This is when Primally Pure, was born.

On this episode, Bethany talks about how she started her business with only $250, as well as her deodorant tube disaster of 2017 – which was a good reminder of the ebb & flow of entrepreneurial life. Bethany also talks about her best action steps, how contacting influencers helped her grow her business, and much more.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

I’m a firm believer that you can do so much with very little.” – Bethany McDaniel

Show Notes:

How her early days as a staff WRITER got her thinking about owning her own biz
WHY she chose Deodorant as her first product (Her hubby wasn’t too excited)
How a $250 purchase got the ball ROLLING to a multi-million dollar company
The #1 ingredient to her early success (I love the SIMPLICITY of this)
How her LEADERSHIP has changed from the early days
The 2017 Deodorant Tube DISASTER that taught her an important life lesson
The Business ADVICE she hears that she absolutely does not agree with

Knowing what it is to be an entrepreneur, there are always going to be struggles and things rarely go as planned.” – Bethany McDaniel

Connect with Bethany McDaniel:

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Primally Pure

It’s like this puzzle that you constantly have to tweak and figure it out all the time.” – Bethany McDaniel

LaDawn Townsend – Strategic Advisor & CEO of The VOS Group

September 2, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

My guest today, LaDawn Townsend, understands entrepreneurial disappointment. She was turned down 35 times for a business loan before starting her business, The VOS Group.

In other words, LaDawn knows how to handle a “no” – which is one of the reasons why she created The VOS Group, a company that helps business owners increase their revenue and streamline processes to create a stable foundation that deepens the customer base.

LaDawn is trained in Six Sigma Green Belt process improvement and Technology Project Management, delivering quantifiable results for her clients. Her “career” started early on when she was growing up working alongside her family in their business.

On today’s podcast, LaDawn shares how she survived after getting so many no’s, the reason she kept her corporate job while growing her business, how she earned the trust of business owners, all the ups and downs of her trajectory and the challenges of being a black woman in business. She also talks about the importance of your company’s annual numbers and how you should work under a positive vibration.

We also explore her thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and her ideas on how to approach race, diversity, and opportunities for minorities in our communities.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

You are missing an element when you don’t have diversity.” – LaDawn Townsend

Show Notes:

HOW she moved beyond 35 NO’s when asking for a business loan
How her “Trust Google” strategy helped figure out the next steps in her career
WHY she kept her corporate job while growing her business
The QUESTION people avoid that’s key to growth
Simple back-to-basics Tips on Growing your Side Hustle while working a F.T. Corporate job
How and when she knew it was time to leave her Corporate Job behind and “go for it” in her business
The difference between the busy work and the productive work in your business
How to earn the trust of business owners
Her thoughts on approaching racial bias, opportunities for minorities & how she’s processing this time in the world

Sometimes when we stay too long in one position, we need to be pushed into our purpose.” – LaDawn Townsend

Connect with LaDawn Townsend:

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | LaDawn Townsend

Everyone has a relationship with money.” – LaDawn Townsend

The Power of ONE

August 27, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

This is from one of my Instagram LIVES (I’m LIVE every Thursday at 7amPT – grab your coffee and join me!)

There is power in asking yourself Powerful Clarifying Questions. This video will not only share a question I’ve used in my own business but one that I have shared with all my private clients over the years. Take a listen. You’ll discover:

How ONE Powerful Question can help you move instantly into Next Level Vision thinking
How SIMPLE this Solution is once you break it down (I help you do that)
The slightest SHIFT can sometimes make the Biggest IMPACT
Examples of how to use this powerful question in both your business & your personal life

Click on the video below to listen-in:

This is EXACTLY where we’re headed in my private membership group, ALIGN online. We’re focused on finishing 2020 strong. If you’ve decided not to “cancel” 2020 and unearth the GOLD that will come out of this time for you and your business, head on over to https://smartwomensolutions.com/align-online, fill out an application and join us!

One of the many benefits of ALIGN online is our private forum. I’m in there every day offering support, business advisory and answering questions to help you move forward and finish the year strong.

We’re taking applications now so if you’d like to learn more & jump on board, contact Kathy@SmartWomenSolutions.com or call/text 310-266-0416.

**Read all about ALIGN online:**

SmartWomenSolutions.com/align-online

The Dangers of Canceling 2020

August 19, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Thinking about “canceling 2020?” I invite you to reconsider.

This episode is from an Instagram LIVE I did last week about the “dangers of canceling 2020.” There was such an overwhelming response that I decided to make it into a podcast episode.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Entrepreneurship is not just about freedom and flexibility, entrepreneurship is about your willingness to solve problems and the quest to make your impact.” – Joy Chudacoff

Show Notes:

3 Specific Reasons why staying the course in this last quarter is Key to your business
A Personal Story from 1997 that I feel sure you’ll resonate with and how “canceling” would have cost me BIG
Why your Leadership is more important now than ever
Why it’s risky to play the “When/Then” game

In this last quarter of the year, you may stumble onto the best next thing in your business.” – Joy Chudacoff

Links Mentioned:

Learn more about my new Align Online program

Leaders lead when things are at the absolute worst.” – Joy Chudacoff

The Dangers of Canceling 2020

August 13, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

I wanted to share the replay of an Instagram Live I did yesterday. It was spot on for a lot of women entrepreneurs and I didn’t want you to miss this very important message.

Click on the video below to listen-in:

We’re taking applications now so if you’d like to learn more & jump on board, contact Kathy@SmartWomenSolutions.com or call/text 310-266-0416.

**Read all about ALIGN online:**

SmartWomenSolutions.com/align-online

Marilyn O’Toole – Demystifying The College Application Process

July 22, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

I’m thrilled to have Marilyn O’Toole, CEP (Certified Educational Planner) & Founder of The College Consortium, as my guest on today’s show.

Marilyn is an Independent Educational Consultant and College Counselor. Marilyn has been a Site Coordinator for Johns Hopkins University, Center for Talented Youth since 2005 and has been the keynote speaker at Johns Hopkins University CTY “Pathways to College” programs at UC Berkeley, UCLA, Pomona College, University of San Francisco, and University of San Diego.

In other words, she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to preparing high school students for college.

On today’s episode, Marilyn demystifies the confusing college process and shares a ton of free resources with us. Marilyn and I also talk about the changes and challenges that high school students will experience while applying for colleges during the pandemic, the importance of a powerful essay, the factors that colleges consider impressive in an application during this time, and much more.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

If you really love the school, be able to express that on and in your essay.” – Marilyn O’Toole

Show Notes:

A fresh new look at the college application process for students in 2021 & beyond
The silver lining that has taken place for students during the Pandemic
Critical questions parents need answers to before dropping their kids on campus this fall
What colleges will be focused on NOW when reviewing applications
A plethora of FREE Resources to help students to do virtual tours and apply to colleges
How to use the quarantine period to your advantage as a college-bound senior
Why SAT and ACT scores are no longer required for many colleges & what Marilyn thinks about this
Insights on how the Pandemic has changed the learning “experience” for students
The near future for Community Colleges – great food for thought here…
A personal story Marilyn shares about her own experience being a parent of a child headed to college

One of the problems that community colleges are going to experience is the quantity of people enrolling and the limited budget that we have regionally on state, local or in the city.” – Marilyn O’Toole

Connect with Marilyn O’Toole:

Facebook | LinkedIn | The College Consortium

I always suggest to students – do your research.” – Marilyn O’Toole

Cathy Alessandra – Serial Entrepreneur, CEO & Founder of YES I CAN!

July 15, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

My guest today, Cathy Alessandra, is the real definition of a serial entrepreneur who has started and built several successful businesses to help women and families.

Cathy started her very first business in 1995 out of a need she saw in her community. From there, she caught the entrepreneurial “bug.”

Along the way, Cathy faced some life altering moments which included her son’s struggle with substance abuse, challenges in her marriage, and personal health concerns. She overcame those challenges by using her “YES I CAN” mantra and her daily rituals. Now, she has turned her mantra into a business, and she is currently the Founder & CEO of YES I CAN coaching.

On today’s podcast, Cathy talks all about her experience coaching women, the philosophy behind YES I CAN, her best productivity tips, and much more.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

It was all built on a need of my own and figuring that other people needed it as well.” – Cathy Alessandra

Show Notes:

Great examples on Pivoting in business
The personal tools she used to move through a health challenge, her son’s substance abuse and an unraveling marriage – all at the same time
Cathy’s SECRET to overcoming challenges
The moment she got the idea to birth YES I CAN
Which daily routines helped her achieve success
Why Strategic YES’s and Abundant No’s have become a guiding light
Cathy’s best productivity tips as an entrepreneur
The Worst advice she hears in the Start-up arena

As my business has grown, I need to think ahead of the curve and outside of the box.” – Cathy Alessandra

Connect with Cathy Alessandra:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Cathy Alessandra

Don’t worry about all the others. Be focused on who you are so that you attract people that are meant to work with you.” – Cathy Alessandra

My NEW ALIGN online Program

July 8, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Spots are filling up fast!

We’re taking applications now so if you’d like to learn more & jump on board, contact Kathy@SmartWomenSolutions.com or call/text 310-266-0416.

**Read all about ALIGN online:**

SmartWomenSolutions.com/align-online

Lisa Cook – Making BIG Waves in Business with Lisa Cook, Founder & CEO of kidSwim

July 8, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

I met my guest Lisa Cook, on a 7am flight to LA (no makeup, no hair, no coffee) years ago and the rest they say is history.

Lisa started her business, kidSwim, the Premier Development Based Swim Education Company in Southern California, as a way to make some extra money during the summer. Armed with a flip phone, a paper calendar and a rental car, she started jumping in the pool with LA toddlers. That was 19 years ago. Since then, she, along with her instructors, have taught nearly 10,000 kids how to swim.

On today’s show, Lisa talks about her mindset behind creating her swimming empire and her children’s book, See Me Bubble, which is available on Amazon in both English & Spanish. She also shares how to push aside the ego to achieve success, advice on cash flow and much more.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Start delegating as soon as you can. Don’t wait until you feel like you are under a rock.” – Lisa Cook

Show Notes:

Her “Secret Sauce” on serving Influencers in Hollywood – this will probably shock you
The moment she recognized that it was time to get serious about her business
The astonishing (and positive) awareness that occurred as a result of the pandemic – she Now Feels Free
How her Biggest Challenge is something most would consider an asset
Why LEADERSHIP matters more than almost anything else in business
Advice she wished someone would have shared before she jumped in the water to teach that first lesson
Why waiting 24 hours can be PURE GOLD
The most important communication you can have with your TEAM that builds loyalty
And much, much, more

When the staff knows they are respected and supported, they are more willing to go the extra mile.” – Lisa Cook

Connect with Lisa Cook:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | kidSwim

Ego is your greatest enemy in pursuit of success in your business.” – Lisa Cook

Bibi Goldstein – CEO and Founder of Buying Time, Virtual Assistant Services for Your Business

June 17, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

My guest today, Bibi Goldstein, started her business 13 years ago to do personal errands for time-starved families. Her initial vision was walking your dog, picking up dry-cleaning and other tasks that busy families never seem to get to. Fast forward 13 years, Buying Time LLC has grown and morphed into something much bigger and her ideal clients today are entrepreneurs.

She quickly discovered there was a high demand for virtual support among small business owners so she jumped on board.

On today’s show, Bibi tells us all about how staying open to changes brought great success in her business. She also shares tips to maximize your cash flow, how to best engage with your support system, and much more.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

We want it to be some place where people want to work. It is not just about the hourly amount that they’re making.” – Bibi Goldstein

Show Notes:

The One ACTION Step she took that catapulted her business to another level – this will surprise you
Why “shedding some weight” in her business was a tough but smart move
How the BEST decision she made for her business was also the HARDEST
The importance of STAYING OPEN to changes in your business
Why you must make friends with your NUMBERS
WHAT keeps her motivated as an entrepreneur after 13 years in business
The interesting change she sees coming out of the pandemic in her industry
The advice she hears in the start-up arena that makes her stomach turn

A virtual assistant can do anything that an in person assistant can do, except get you coffee.” – Bibi Goldstein

Connect with Bibi Goldstein:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Buying Time

When you hire Buying Time you are hiring eight people with eight different skill sets.” – Bibi Goldstein

Show Notes:

Connect with Bethany McDaniel:

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Connect with LaDawn Townsend:

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Links Mentioned:

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Connect with Marilyn O’Toole:

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Connect with Cathy Alessandra:

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