Katie Chin – From Former Senior VP at Fox to Celebrity Chef, Caterer, and Cookbook Author

December 9, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

It all started with a wok, a roll and a dream…

She’s shared her Asian culinary delights on the Today Show, at the White House, Iron Chef, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and more.

My guest today, Katie Chin, is a celebrity Chef, caterer, cookbook author and food blogger. She is the author of the award-winning bestseller Everyday Thai Cooking and her latest cookbook, Everyday Chinese Cookbook: 101 Delicious Recipes from My Mother’s Kitchen. Katie is an amazing woman, as much as she is an amazing chef.

Katie grew up working in the kitchens of her mother, Leeann Chin’s restaurants in Minneapolis, but she decided to pursue a career in the marketing industry for film and television in Hollywood. With time, she realized her real passion was not in Hollywood, but in her culinary roots.

Katie shares the incredible story of her mother’s road to entrepreneurship as a Chinese immigrant to the United States. Though Katie was her daughter, Leeann Chin was the toughest boss Katie ever had. Katie talks about her own entrepreneurial journey, how she created a mother daughter-cooking brand, her best action steps to grow her business, how she made a name for herself on her own after her mom passed away, and more.

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

When a door closes, climb to the window.” – Katie Chin

Show Notes:

What it was like to own a business with her Mom
The #1 Essential to getting lots of media exposure – LOVE this Gem. Anyone can do it!
Her BIGGEST obstacle in business
The danger of getting too much advice from others
The moment she knew it was time to leave Hollywood to go back to her culinary roots
Where she places her Trust
How Katie found her own entrepreneurial path after her mother passed away
Katie’s best action steps to growing her business
Her biggest challenges so far as a woman entrepreneur
How Katie has pivoted her business during the pandemic – GENIUS!
Her Passion for supporting women entrepreneurs really comes through

You should never dream harder than you work.” – Katie Chin

Connect with Katie Chin:

Facebook | Twitter | Chef Katie Chin

If you work really hard and believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.” – Katie Chin

Jean Freeman – CEO of Zambezi & One of the Biggest Female-Owned Businesses in Los Angeles

December 2, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Jean Freeman is at the helm of one of the largest certified female-owned advertising agencies AND one of the biggest female-owned businesses in Los Angeles.

Jean has turned Zambezi into a thriving advertising agency with a revenue of projected 75 million dollars. She’s also become a leading advocate for the advancement of women in business.

On today’s show, Jean is going to share what being a CEO in a busy city like LA really means, her best productivity tips, how she manages a growing business while being a mom to two children under the age of 13, the importance of creating a sustainable business, and her criteria for decision-making in her business. She also talks about her business experience with NBA legend Kobe Bryant and the moment she was named a “Working Mother of the Year” by She Runs It!

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

In women’s entrepreneurship, we get to rewrite the rules of entrepreneurs.” – Jean Freeman

Show Notes:

Her business partnership with NBA legend Kobe Bryant
Why Corporate America does not support the needs of women in the workforce
How entrepreneurship runs in Jean’s family and what she has learned
The moment she recognized she was on to something with Zambezi
The benefits that come about when kids see their parents working
Tips on creating a sustainable business
The BEST strategy is always Actionable
Her advice on decision-making
Why Alignment is important in all aspects of business
And much, much moree

You are going to make some wrong calls, but that is ok, I think it’s more about how you respond to wrong calls.” – Jean Freeman

Connect with Jean Freeman:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Zambezi

Align yourself properly with the types of businesses that will be long-term partners.” – Jean Freeman

Kerrigan Behrens – From Wall Street to CBD with the Co-Founder of Sagely Naturals

October 21, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

My guest today, Kerrigan Behrens, co-founder of the CBD company, Sagely Naturals, shares her entrepreneurial journey from finance to CBD.

Kerrigan started her career in the financial market on Wall Street. Around this time, she developed persistent back pain that doctors couldn’t seem to diagnose. A friend told her about CBD and she became interested in trying it for pain relief. At first she doubted that CBD would be able to help her, but after trying some CBD honey (and feeling pain relief within 30-minutes), she changed her mind. The experience led Kerrigan to leave her career on Wall Street and embrace entrepreneurship and co-found Sagely Naturals.

On today’s show, Kerrigan shares how she and her co-founder bootstrapped their business with only 30k and how they made their business profitable in just 6 months. She shares the difference between CBD and THC, the medicinal benefits of CBD, and the first steps to create an approachable consumer brand, the importance of resilience, 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 knew before we even started the company that there was a market for it.” – Kerrigan Behrens

Show Notes:

The FIRST step to create an approachable consumer brand
How she took the pain she was having and turned it into a passion
How she and her co-founder bootstrapped the business with 30K and made a PROFIT in just 6 months
She’s got Big INFLUENCERS like Cameron Diaz and Zoe Saldana loving the product
She realized that CBD needed a MAKEOVER and she was excited to take that on
The difference between CBD and THC
How Kerrigan took advantage of starting a company in Los Angeles
How they became the Top SELLING CBD Topical product in the country (they are in over 12,000 retail outlets now)
The key characteristics that have gotten Kerrigan through challenging times (while giving birth to her first child during the pandemic)
We talk a lot about the BEST Books we’ve read – the ones that are “real changemakers”
And much, much more…

For every success there are multiple failures.” – Kerrigan Behrens

Connect with Kerrigan Behrens:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Sagely Naturals

Perfection is just not possible, so live with that realization and just take steps to make progress as you go.” – Kerrigan Behrens

Mikaila Ulmer – CEO & Founder of Me & The Bees Lemonade (She’s Celebrating a Decade in Business and She’s Only 15)

October 14, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

My guest today, Mikaila Ulmer, is back for interview #2! She was originally on the show back in August 2018. This is a special year for Mikaila because she is not only celebrating a decade in business but she’s also published her first book, Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid!

With her very positive “can-do” attitude, Mikaila tells us how getting stung by a bee twice in one week, led her on a journey to understand the importance of bees to the environment. Ultimately, this became the gateway for her to enter her lemonade into a local business fair. (Today, Me & the Bees Lemonade is sold in over 1,500 stores nationwide!)

She also shares her Shark Tank experience, as well as the moment she had to understand the legal side of entrepreneurship and the impact it can have on your brand.

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

Create a product that appeals to the most people, you can’t please everyone, so don’t try. Stay true to your mission and focus on helping your mission.” – Mikaila Ulmer

Show Notes:

How showcasing her lemonade in a local business fair when she was 4-years-old led to having her lemonade in over 1,500 stores today
Her simple, easy, first steps to get the word out about Me & the Bees Lemonade
She reminds us to always be minding our ABC’s! (Always Be Curious) This ONE attribute got her into her first restaurant.
What it was like to be a contestant on Shark Tank (her parents initially said NO when she was offered a spot) but her persistence paid off!
The importance of a hand-written “Thank You” note
Her “Face on the Bottle” moment and how that impacted her brand
What it’s like to be in online school during the pandemic while running a business
Understanding the “legal” side of entrepreneurship came early (she was only 8-years-old) and the important lesson she learned. “Lose the battle. Win the War.”

It’s not just about the products you sell, but the stories you tell.” – Mikaila Ulmer

Connect with Mikaila Ulmer:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Me & the Bees

Don’t be discouraged by life’s little stings, get back up and spread your wings!” – Mikaila Ulmer

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

Alli Webb – Talking “No Cuts, No Color, Just Blow-Outs” as the Founder of Drybar and Co-Founder of Squeeze

January 14, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Drum roll please! We’re celebrating our 100th Episode of ‘She’s Got Moxie!’ And…I’ve got the perfect guest to share with you! Alli Webb!

It all started with her curly hair and a huge hole in the marketplace. This woman is a DISRUPTER.

After spending 15 years as a professional hairstylist, Alli left the professional hair industry in 2005 to start a family, but decided to find a way to continue pursuing the creative side of hairstyling at a new-mom pace. She began offering affordable in-home blowout services to her mommy friends and the demand was so great, she realized it was time to park her car and build what’s become a blockbuster success – The Drybar.

***On opening day (during a recession no less) there was a line out the door. She knew she was on to something.

Nearly a decade later and over 150 locations across the U.S., Alli Webb’s genius Drybar concept has exploded into a nationally recognized and highly sought-after brand.

Alli has been named one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, featured on Fortune magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, Marie Claire’s “Most Fascinating Women” and recently Inc. magazine recognized her as one of “The 100 Women Building America’s Most Innovative and Ambitious Businesses.” She’s also been featured on Shark Tank and hosts her own podcast with her brother & business partner Michael, “Raising the Bar.”

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

We learned that we really need to talk to locals and make sure we really understand how the community works.” – Alli Webb

Show Notes:

How she went from a mobile blow-dry business to a brick & mortar with lines out the door on opening day
Lessons learned about growth & scaling from one store to over 150
How Drybar makes decisions when choosing locations and cities to open in
Her biggest CHALLENGE as Drybar has grown
Why slowing down is sometimes better than speeding up
Alli talks openly about the difficulty of giving up control in order to grow
Alli’s perspective on healing from her recent breakup with her husband of 16 years
How her newest venture, Squeeze, came about – she saw another big hole in the marketplace
The advice Alli disagrees with when it comes to entrepreneurship
Why it’s key to get comfortable with “leaping not knowing where you’ll land”
Why there’s no such thing as certainty – stop looking for it
What she didn’t allow early on and it was a hard lesson to learn

You have get comfortable with leaping and not knowing where you’re going to fall. And I think that’s part of the beauty of it.” – Alli Webb

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Alli Webb:

The Drybar | The Drybar – Instagram | Squeeze Massage | Squeeze – Instagram | Alli Webb – Instagram

You can’t be great for anybody else, if you’re not great for yourself first.” – Alli Webb

Kim Kovacs – Founder/CEO of MyJane, Curated Cannabis Products Delivered to Your Front Door

September 11, 2019 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

When Kim Kovacs witnessed a close relative looking and acting 10 years younger (and relieved of the pain she had suffered for years from using opioids to combat the effects of cancer), she was intrigued. She found out this positive change and outlook on life was due to the use of cannabis products and at that moment, Kim decided to get serious and learn more about everything cannabis could do to help women.

Kim saw a void in the women’s cannabis space and decided to fill it by starting MyJane – a cannabis wellness community designed to help women feel better. MyJane sends a curated box of cannabis products right to your door delivered by women ambassadors who spend time educating each customer on the products.

On today’s show, Kim has a lot to share with you. She is a serial entrepreneur and investor across multiple sectors and has raised over $100 million in venture capital for companies that she has founded.

Kim talks about how MyJane got started, her best ACTION STEPS in growing MyJane thus far, her advice on fundraising, how the movie “Groundhog Day” gets her through tough times, and much, much more.

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

Let’s ask women what they want. Before we go ahead and do anything, let’s ask.” – Kim Kovacs

Show Notes:

How the name “MyJane” came about – it truly was a Perfect Storm
Why Kim decided to get her product DELIVERED in person by Female Brand Ambassadors
The GENIUS First Step Kim took that catapulted MyJane’s early growth – Simple & Easy
The MyJane model and WHY IT WORKS
The ONE thing MyJane is doing to ensure happy, loyal customers
Where your FOCUS has to be 24/7
Managing CASH FLOW in an extremely regulated industry
Her BIGGEST challenge
Why the movie “Groundhog Day” helps get her through the challenges of entrepreneurship
Her best advice on FUNDRAISING
The advice she hears being given in the entrepreneur arena that she doesn’t agree with
The Inventor versus the Entrepreneur Concept
Her Belief about Partnerships
What she wished someone would have told her BEFORE she entered the world of Entrepreneurship

Do your research as your fundraising. Find the right investors so you don’t spend time talking to people you don’t need to.” – Kim Kovacs

Connect with Kim Kovacs:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | MyJane

Once you crack that conversation about cannabis then the flood gates are open to talk about other things and we’re freely (now) talking about different things that I don’t think women used to talk about.” – Kim Kovacs

Carly Stein – How a Chance Encounter With a European Pharmacist Turned Into The #1 Cold & Flu Product on Amazon

August 7, 2019 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

My guest Carly Stein was studying abroad when a bout of chronic tonsillitis sent her to a pharmacy in search of a cure. What she learned was kind of a miracle.

Carly is the CEO and founder of BeeKeeper’s Naturals, a company committed to “reinventing the medicine cabinet” through the healing power of bees. Her product for colds & flu is currently #1 on Amazon and she’s been recognized as a game-changing entrepreneur on the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

On today’s show, Carly talks about how to build a loyal customer base and a robust social media following, why bees have medicinal properties, how she has overcome her biggest challenges, how she has built an amazing team of loyal and passionate people and much more.

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

The amazing thing is that everything is so accessible. Every single one of us can figure it out.” – Carly Stein

Show Notes:

The FIRST step she took to give the business traction
Her SIMPLE, SIMPLE strategies to build a loyal following and awareness – “I didn’t know anything!”
Refreshing, easy to follow grass roots strategies
How to use SOCIAL MEDIA to help build your business – she should know. Her Instagram boasts over 100K followers!
Why bees have medicinal properties
She didn’t allow an inquiry from LinkedIn to throw her; instead she figured it out
The MINDSET to adopt when building a new business
How Carly overcame the biggest challenge in her business
Cash flow tips on how to handle the fluctuation in sales when you are marketing a product
Advice she doesn’t agree with in the start-up arena
The surprising new app to help with workflow
Tips for building a great A+ TEAM

What you’re doing at every single step every single day is building muscle memory. The muscle memory that you’re building is how to respond to challenges with resilience.” – Carly Stein

Connect with Carly Stein:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | BeeKeeper’s Naturals

I know that failure is not the end of a line for me. It is just a red flag that is showing me to go a different way.” – Carly Stein

Lori Caden – Belly Bandit Co-Founder and Entrepreneurial Powerhouse Creating Solutions for Women

June 5, 2019 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

After a difficult moment in the cat litter aisle at Target that sent her running from the store, my guest Lori Caden, came to the conclusion that there had to be an easier way to look and feel better after childbirth.

Along with the collaboration of her two sisters, Lori co-founded their company, Belly Bandit, in 2008 and revolutionized the maternity world by introducing the first doctor-recommended, postpartum compression wrap. The Belly Bandit has had a major thumbs by Hollywood moms including Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Kourtney Kardashian.

She’s full of energy and enthusiasm and additional new clothing lines, such as “Mother Tucker” are available online and also at Neiman Marcus.

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

All of our products are solution-based products.” – Lori Caden

Show Notes:

Lori’s embarrassing moment in Target that started the idea for Belly Bandit
How she got some early traction from major celebrity moms
The “old-school” marketing technique that put them on the map and helped them get noticed
The VERTICAL MARKET that Lori never expected to go into
How her new line, “Mother Tucker” shapewear came about
What it is like to be in business with her SISTERS
The 3 questions she asks herself before she says “yes!” to a new idea
And much, much more

Don’t be scared to ask for help to get to the next level.” – Lori Caden

Connect with Lori Caden:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Belly Bandit

As soon as people started asking for it, we would cut and sew these samples and hand them out.” – Lori Caden

Heather Dominick – How to Succeed as a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur

May 22, 2019 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

When my guest, Heather Dominick, hit the million-dollar mark – it wasn’t a celebratory moment. She was burnt out, overwhelmed, and suspected that something wasn’t quite right.

That’s when Heather found out she was a Highly Sensitive Person, which is a trait that some people are born with. With that, Heather knew she had to figure out how to make entrepreneurship work for her. She became the founder and leader of the Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur® movement with her company, Business Miracles.

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

Really be willing to do the work to know who you are and how it is that you are meant to serve through your business.” – Heather Dominick

Show Notes:

What it means to be a highly sensitive entrepreneur
Heather offers INSIGHT on how to spot if you might be a highly sensitive entrepreneur
How “pushing” challenges the highly sensitive person
Her BEST Tips and coping strategies for entrepreneurs who are highly sensitive
How COPING can turn into CREATING for the highly sensitive entrepreneur
Why being highly sensitive can actually be a STRENGTH for entrepreneurs
Her most EFFECTIVE step to grow her business – BRILLIANT and surprising!
The ADVICE she hears about entrepreneurship that she absolutely DOESN’T agree with (“it’s shaming and manipulative”)
How to see yourself differently in order to overcome challenges of being a highly sensitive entrepreneur
Why Heather LOVES Pineapples and the meaningful significance they provide to her business

I remind myself daily how absolutely smack-down privileged I am to be able to be working in this space and energy of creation on a day-to-day basis.” – Heather Dominick

Connect with Heather Dominick:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Business Miracles

I don’t know it all and I’m not supposed to know it all, again, definitely not before taking action.” – Heather Dominick

Katie Chin – From Former Senior VP at Fox to Celebrity Chef, Caterer, and Cookbook Author

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

Show Notes:

Connect with Katie Chin:

Jean Freeman – CEO of Zambezi & One of the Biggest Female-Owned Businesses in Los Angeles

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

Show Notes:

Connect with Jean Freeman:

Kerrigan Behrens – From Wall Street to CBD with the Co-Founder of Sagely Naturals

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

Show Notes:

Connect with Kerrigan Behrens:

Mikaila Ulmer – CEO & Founder of Me & The Bees Lemonade (She’s Celebrating a Decade in Business and She’s Only 15)

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

Show Notes:

Connect with Mikaila Ulmer:

The Dangers of Canceling 2020

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

Show Notes:

Links Mentioned:

Alli Webb – Talking “No Cuts, No Color, Just Blow-Outs” as the Founder of Drybar and Co-Founder of Squeeze

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

Show Notes:

Links Mentioned:

Kim Kovacs – Founder/CEO of MyJane, Curated Cannabis Products Delivered to Your Front Door

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

Show Notes:

Connect with Kim Kovacs:

Lori Caden – Belly Bandit Co-Founder and Entrepreneurial Powerhouse Creating Solutions for Women

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

Show Notes:

Connect with Lori Caden:

Heather Dominick – How to Succeed as a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur

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

Show Notes:

Connect with Heather Dominick:

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