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Renee Fraser – Founder & CEO of Fraser Communications and Advocate for Women on Boards

January 19, 2022 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Renee Fraser on She's Got Moxie with Joy Chudacoff

Today’s guest Renee Fraser is the CEO of Fraser Communications and host of The Deciders radio show and podcast. Fraser Communications is an ad agency with clients including Lexus, Hyundai, USC, East West Bank. As the CEO of the leading woman-owned and woman-led agency in Southern California, Renee is a dedicated advocate for women in leadership and force for good who is active on the 20/20 Women on Boards in Los Angeles initiative.

Renee is a pioneer and tireless advocate for getting more women on boards. In this episode, she and I talk about the event that made her start her own advertising and marketing company 23 years ago and how she prioritizes family. She also shares advice for women in corporate who are thinking about leaving their jobs and why women struggle with the juggle.

Listen in to Renee and I talk about why it pays to make friends with everyone, how women are making a difference sitting on boards, and how it’s changing the world.

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

Most of the perspective that has been shared has been from white men.” – Renee Fraser

Show Notes:

  • From Zero dollars to 35M all while raising three daughters
  • The Wake-Up Call at her daughter's 3rd Birthday
  • Excellent (No Cost) Tips to Generate Consistent Referrals
  • Coping Skills for moving through the really tough days
  • A 65M business loss and how she pulled through
  • Sage wisdom on building a business while raising a family
  • The question she asked her ‘twenty-something’ daughters and the SILENCE while she waited for the answer
  • The Importance of the dinner table (besides eating dinner)
  • The statistics on what happens to a company when they have women on their boards

I decided I wasn't going to focus on video games, beer, or motorcycles.” – Renee Fraser

Connect with Renee Fraser:

LinkedIn | The Deciders | Blog | Fraser Communications

I wanted to do well by doing good.” – Renee Fraser

Amy Luftig Viste – A Woman’s Perspective on Co-Owning a Winery in Los Angeles

January 13, 2021 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Amy Luftig Viste on She's Got Moxie with Joy ChudacoffAmy Luftig is the co-owner of Angeleno Wine Company in Los Angeles. She began her career in public health, however, after moving west to Los Angeles and volunteering to help a winemaker during a “harvest” she found “love at first sight” (or in this case love at first harvest).

Amy fell head over heels with the day-to-day routine in the vineyard and decided that she should follow her dream. She started with an idea, a passion for vino and along with her partner, turned it into a business.

On today’s episode of She’s Got Moxie, Amy tells us all about her transformative internship experience, the wine history of California, and how she developed her knowledge in wine. She also talks about her journey to co-own the company, her perspective on running a successful Kickstarter campaign and her best action steps to get visibility, and more.

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

One of the things that you have to learn as a winemaker is to trust your instincts.” – Amy Luftig Viste

Show Notes:

  • The Clarifying QUESTION that changed everything for Amy (it is a question that EVERYONE should ask themselves)
  • She volunteered to work for free and through the process found her “true calling”
  • A great STORY on how she secured FUNDING for Angeleno Wine (it involves a ghost and pouring a bottle of wine on a grave!)
  • She takes you on her step-by-step grass roots journey – GEMS!
  • How they decided on their LOGO that sits squarely in the center of every bottle
  • The “Secret Sauce” to a Super Successful Kickstarter Campaign
  • What it is like to be one of the few women in a male dominated industry
  • The mentality Amy adopts to show up for her business each day
  • Her perspective on how to make a Business Partnership work
  • And So much more!

We literally started this with no money in our pocket.” – Amy Luftig Viste

Connect with Amy Luftig Viste:

Facebook | Instagram | Angeleno Wine Co.

The most important thing is to trust your business partner with your life.” – Amy Luftig Viste

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 on She's Got Moxie with Joy ChudacoffJean 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

Kerrigan Behrens on She's Got Moxie with Joy Chudacoff

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

LaDawn Townsend – Strategic Advisor & CEO of The VOS Group

September 2, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

LaDawn Townsend on She's Got Moxie with Joy Chudacoff

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

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

July 8, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Lisa Cook on She's Got Moxie with Joy Chudacoff

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

Stacy Blackman – Serial Entrepreneur and CEO/Founder of Stryke Club Acne-Fighting Skincare

April 1, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Stacy Blackman on She's Got Moxie with Joy Chudacoff

My guest Stacy Blackman, CEO and founder of Stryke Club, is truly a serial entrepreneur.

She’s been at the helm of three different (quite successful) start-up companies in three different industries – wedding, MBA consulting and now skin-care for teenage boys.

 

 

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

No one really knows the way, we are all flying a little bit blind.” – Stacy Blackman

Show Notes:

  • The #1 QUESTION to ask yourself before diving into your next venture
  • How 9/11 shaped her second start-up and what we can learn in this time of COVID-19
  • The one “HABIT” she had to break to keep going every day
  • Why we always need to be ready to PIVOT
  • How you can make the most of difficult situations
  • How to build a VIRTUAL team committed to your business vision – there’s one ESSENTIAL Ingredient

I'm very organized and I really do map out most of my day.” – Stacy Blackman

Connect with Stacy Blackman:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Stacy Blackman

Begin before you are ready.” – Stacy Blackman

How Collaboration Can Lead to More Consistent Cash Flow & Double Your Revenues

March 4, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

She's Got Moxie ShowToday’s episode is from a recent Instagram Live on how collaboration with others can lead to consistent cash flow and double your revenues.

I share why it’s key to collaborate with entrepreneurs who are serving a similar customer-base, tips to connect with others and more.

 

 

 

 

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

We've got to be the atta-girl club. We've got to help each other out.” – Joy Chudacoff

Show Notes:

  • Real life examples on how to determine what a good collaboration might be for you
  • How to create MASTERFUL connections that matter
  • Why time spent building relationships is far more important than a social media post
  • Action Steps you can take today to get your next profitable collaboration going
  • How the DM can be the DL to your next big opportunity
  • Isolation in the entrepreneurial world and how collaboration can bring more Joy to your biz

These great partnerships are made by giving and getting.” – Joy Chudacoff

Tara Mackey – How Consistent Blogging Led to Becoming the CEO & Founder of Genetix Skincare, and a #1 Bestselling Author

February 19, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Tara Mackey on She's Got Moxie with Joy Chudacoff

My guest today, Tara Mackey, is the CEO & Founder of Genetix, a #1 bestselling author, and the founder of the award-winning company and blog, The Organic Life.

Tara has been researching, testing and writing about organic skincare for nearly a decade. Her company, Genetix, is most well-known for its 100% Organic breast enhancement oil and a line of organic skincare products as well.

Tara's skincare treatments have been featured worldwide by popular media outlets such as Forbes, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Women's Health, Oprah and others.

On today's show, Tara talks about the #1 tip to creating an award-winning blog, the ONE Action Step she took with her first product that catapulted its success and what she wishes she would've known early on as an entrepreneur.

 

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

If you have a desire for something and a love in your heart, just because the world doesn't understand it yet that doesn't mean that it is not the correct thing to do. And if you really feel like this is your mission, keep going.” – Tara Mackey

Show Notes:

  • The blog post that went viral and helped her gain tremendous visibility
  • Tips on how to grow a loyal following by blogging
  • The #1 tip to building a successful business
  • Why she focuses on the BRAND rather than the PRODUCT
  • The MOMENT Tara realized that her product was needed now more than ever
  • Her tips on how she overcame judgement, fear, and criticism
  • The key to investing in many entrepreneurial projects

We can't do everything all at once.” – Tara Mackey

Connect with Tara Mackey:

Twitter | Instagram | The Organic Life | Genetix

“Prioritizing is really the number one thing you have to do if you want to be successful everyday.” – Tara Mackey

Sarah Robinson + Noria Morales – Creating an Imaginative Play space for the Modern Family as Co-Founders of The Wonder

January 8, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Sarah Robinson + Noria Morales on She's Got Moxie with Joy Chudacoff

My guests today, Sarah Robinson and Noria Morales, are co-founders of The Wonder, an absurdly playful members space for families.

The idea for The Wonder came about after Sarah had her first child and struggled to find a fun, whimsical play space that was creative. Not only is The Wonder a play space, but it also has a library, stroller detailing, cafe, a grown-ups only workspace and more.

I think you'll love today's show as Sarah and Noria talk about how they started this business venture, what's it is like working together as co-founders, how they raised money 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's so much more about the execution then it is about the idea.” – Sarah Robinson

Show Notes:

  • WHY Sarah and Noria decided to start The Wonder
  • REAL talk about the challenge of building a business while raising children (Sarah was working in the delivery room while birthing her second child!)
  • The Action Step they took BEFORE The Wonder opened to generate interest- GENIUS!
  • The importance of screen-free time for kid
  • HOW they make their partnership work
  • The PAINFUL story when one started to doubt the business idea would make it
  • Why it’s important to know what time of day you are most creative and focused
  • Their favorite quote that keeps them going
  • WHY talking to people about a VISION is more powerful than anything else you can do
  • The ticket to turning your ideas into reality – it’s all about the Execution

You've got 18 summers with these kiddos. You want to make the most of that time.” – Noria Morales

Connect with Sarah and Noria:

Facebook | Instagram | The Wonder

Any good idea, I guarantee you, there's thousands of people in the world who have had the same idea. And it's – who's actually getting out of bed and making it happen?” – Sarah Robinson and Noria Morales

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