Leading Ladies Corpus Christi

This week I'm joined by the lovely and talented Leslie Adami, weekday evening anchor for KIII 3 News, to discuss her strong family ties to the Coastal Bend, being inspired by Channel 3 News broadcasts as a child, pursuing a Communications degree at the University of Texas at Austin, cutting her teeth in the Lubbock and Austin markets before ultimately landing her dream job in Corpus Christi, and why she's learned to appreciate closed doors throughout her career in episode 200.

This week I'm joined by the mind-blowing Mirza Pearson, founder of Coastal Bend Restaurant Week and Mirza Mirely Marketing Consultancy, to discuss living and working in places like Brazil and Dubai, building brands and businesses from the ground up, what really goes into throwing multi-million dollar corporate events, rediscovering Corpus Christi as an adult, her inspiration to showcase Coastal Bend gastronomy through Coastal Bend Restaurant Week, and why she doesn't take rejection or criticism personally in episode 199.

Thank goodness for these ladies! This week I'm joined by Joanna Reed and Alyssa Moffitt, Occupational/Certified Lymphedema Therapists at Advanced Lymphedema Specialists, to discuss their much-needed services in the Coastal Bend, symptoms of lymphedema and those who are most at risk for developing the condition, the treatment options available to their patients, including Complete Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Massage, and the rewarding experience of improving their patient's quality of life in episode 198.

This week I'm joined by Dr. Kate Rodriguez LPC-S and Melica Wiley LCMFT, co-founders of Youvolve Healing Center, to discuss their beautifully balanced business relationship and friendship, the more than 100-year old Youvolve building off Tancahua St. that was formerly Dr. Kate's father's law office, why they chose their respective niches of Forensic Counseling and Couples Therapy, building a diverse and talented clinical team, and why their services are not run-of-the-mill therapy sessions in episode 197.

It was a Friday evening to remember with my last ever bonus episode guests D-Nose, Deacon, and Shot Master of the Bulls#!t & booze Podcast. Join in while we discuss their unique and enduring friendship, the podcast's divisive early days, origins of the "Shot of the Week" segment, their whiskey(s) of choice, transitioning the podcast to YouTube, and choosing not to get caught up in podcast analytics.

I'm blown away by this week's guest. Yvonne Vidal, Business Marketing Strategist and Owner/CEO of Social Butterfly Media Consulting, discusses relentlessly overcoming personal challenges, following her gut and getting hired unexpectedly in a marketing position, why her background in social work and Masters's degree in Psychology provides valuable insight for a successful business, her process for vetting potential clients, and her unique approach to leadership in episode 196.

I'm stoked to talk with Linda Rodriguez, owner of The Brewery, about her first love of baking, attending the Culinary Arts program in Harlingen where she fine-tuned her skills, following in her mother's entrepreneurial footsteps and starting Linda's Pastries, how the birth of her second son transitioned her business to something more flexible through The Brewery, what inspires her unique and delicious drink recipes, why she thrives at pop up events, and how she moved past her inner critic in episode 195.

This week I'm joined by the incomparable Pam Chavez, owner of Sam and Louie's Pizzeria in Corpus Christi, as she shares the drive behind putting in 90-hour work weeks with no days off, how the combination of her culinary, holistic nutrition, and marketing educations culminated into high quality and uniquely crafted Pizzeria menu, choosing to trek across the world for a year and ultimately changing her perspective on cooking and connecting, and how she found self-reliance in the face of adversity in episode 194.

This week I'm joined by the incredible Bhakti Sooda, Physical Therapist and owner of True Care Physical Therapy, to discuss forgoing medical school after falling in love with the PT program, how her desire to help a family member ultimately led to her becoming a business owner, the wide variety of therapies available through her clinic, how her physical therapy philosophy is different than most, and why we need to work on our balance and posture in episode 193.

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Nikela Pradier, Communications Advisor for Citgo and President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter, about the interesting events that lead her to a Communications degree, cutting her teeth in Radio news broadcasting, transitioning to TV news as an anchor/reporter for KRIS6 in Corpus Christi, finding new avenues for her skills through Public Relations and Communications Advising, the work she and her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sisters accomplish, including the Annual MLK March, and what she wishes she'd known when entering the Journalism field in episode 192.

I'm very excited to share my conversation with Joslyn Doiron, Co-Host and Feature Reporter for Coastal Living, as she shares working for KENS 5 in San Antonio after graduating from TAMUCC, returning to her hometown of Corpus Christi to co-host the Coastal Bend's only lifestyle television show, incorporating her love of fashion, fitness, and fun into her day job, why she prefers to uplift others in her segment "Coastal Hero", and actively choosing love and positivity in episode 191.

This week I'm joined by the incredible Brianna J. Davis, founder and CEO of nonprofit Esperanza de Tejas, to discuss her transition from a troubled teen to earning a Master's degree in Social Work, gaining a different perspective on mental health and people's basic needs after working on the West Coast, establishing Esperanza de Tejas in Corpus Christi in 2020, the community initiatives the nonprofit prioritizes, including the Children's Free Store, scholarships and the Garden of Hope, and what she would say to her younger self if given the opportunity in episode 190

This week I sit down with Debra Scott-Brown, owner and editor of Good Vibes Live Music and lead singer of Dreaming in Color, to discuss her music inspirations, having a voice reminiscent of icon Stevie Nicks, running away to Arizona at a young age, developing and updating a comprehensive weekly list of all live music and venues throughout the Coastal Bend, her love for the local music and creative community that loves her just as much, and why she will always shine her light by being her authentic self in episode 189.

I sit down with Lillian Jamfar, owner and creator of Jamfresh Co., as she shares receiving a very direct message to start making and selling candles, her decision to go hand-made with her products, how she really feels about her 4 signature fragrances, why she strives for sustainable practices in her business, and incorporating her Iranian and Mexican heritage into her creations in episode 188.

I'm very excited to share my conversation with Rose Saldivar, owner of Casa de Samuel Event Venue and Bed & Breakfast, her daughter Candace Saldivar Montoya and granddaughters Leah and Ellie Saldivar. Listen in as we discuss the incredible story of Rose and her husband Eddie discovering the home in the 1980s, converting their 3-car garage into an apartment for her father-in-law, deciding to book their naturally beautiful property for events and getaways, involving the whole family in running the business, and Rose's signature hospitality that guarantees guests have a unique experience in episode 187.

The first in-person interview of 2023 is with Katie Nicholson, owner of Cookie and Crumb Bake Shop! She shares her experience growing up in her family-owned Hamlin Pharmacy, attending culinary school in NYC where she focused on all things bread, a brief encounter with teaching, her favorite season for baking, opening up a Bake Shop during a pandemic, and the unexpected hurdles of making everything by hand in episode 186.

I'm thrilled to interview one of my favorite content creators Abel Ozuna, published author, content creator, and host/co-host of The Local Influencers and Pop Culture After Dark Podcasts. Listen in as we discuss the inspiration behind his Southern Secrets trilogy, expressing extreme vulnerability when writing his novels, how he transitioned into podcasting, what shows he has in the works, and why he prefers to handle his own projects in this special bonus episode.

Today I'm joined by the absolute force known as Aubri Lutz, RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with Lutz Lactation, to discuss her almost 35k IG following, what inspires her informed and entertaining content, the moment she learned she could provide lactation consultations outside of a hospital setting, weeding out breastfeeding misinformation and trends on social media, her goals for 2023, and why she occasionally has to get a little spicy in episode 185.

Today I'm joined by fellow podcast hosts Jade Downing and Gina Montelongo of Woman to Woman Podcast. Listen in as they discuss becoming close friends in high school, how their shared motherhood experiences birthed their very first podcast, being vulnerable when sharing very personal topics, staying consistent, and their hopes for 2023 in episode 184.

I'm kicking off 2023 with one of the most stylish ladies I know. Natalie Flores, Hat-wearing icon and Green Bay Packers Super Fan, discusses the moment she introduced her husband Señor Cheesehead to his signature green and gold sombrero, those Draft Day and Game fits, why event planning will always have her heart, being featured in USA Today's SPORTS+ campaign, how her close friends inspire her daily, the importance of supporting Corpus Christi's local art scene, and why you should just try on the hat in episode 183.

I'm kicking off my birthday month with Andrea, Selina, Leandra, Kathy and Angie - my friends since elementary school - to talk, laugh, cringe and reminisce about the culture shock of being in the Gifted and Talented program, middle school fashion, boy craziness, City Skates, Hot Z-95 Love Hour, and how we got away with a LOT in this bonus episode.

I'm thrilled to share my conversation with the mind-blowing Lori Taylor, RN, MSN, FNP-BC and owner of Taylor Med Spa. She discusses growing up in both Guatemala and the United States, discovering her nursing abilities while performing migrant work with her family, how she transitioned from Family Practice to Aesthetics, why she is an advocate for continuing education and training, what to expect when you book a consultation, and why it's important for clients to listen to the experts in episode 182.

I'm very excited to share my conversation with DeAnna Rochelle Richarte, Director of Marketing at the American Bank Center, about the origins of her interest in cars and art, why she switched degrees from Mechanical Engineering to Graphic Design, how drawing and painting have become therapeutic experiences, her pride in helping bring homegrown events to the ABC, and why she won't take no for an answer in episode 181.

I'm very excited to share my conversation with Halli Castro, local author and published poet, about transitioning from a reading naysayer to prolific writer, the decision to share her innermost thoughts and feelings surrounding her life with Dystonia in the poetry collection Neuromuscular: A Poetic Exploration of Identity in Dystonia, how the idea to write about space pirates evolved into a Sci-Fi series of short stories called The Acowell Chronicles, her involvement in bringing Disability Book Week to Corpus Christi, and why authors should be mindful of responsible representation in episode 180.

In this episode I'm joined by Erika Mendez, the first certified Colon Hydrotherapist in Corpus Christi and owner of Corpus Christi Colonics and Spa, to discuss some private business

I'm incredibly honored to share my conversation with Professional Archer and USA Women's Longbow competitor Kristen Johnston about the children's movie that inspired her love of archery, ranking 15th in the world at the 3D World Championships in Terni, Italy, her new favorite story about winning her heat by 1 point in the rain, how she fell into the world of Renaissance Faires as a performer, starting a business with her husband providing quality bows that are also affordable, and why she is profoundly aware of the time she has in episode 17

I'm joined by Vonnie, co-host of Bitches Who Brunch, Oh So Petty and Popculture After Dark Podcasts, as well as owner of Vonnie's Cuppicakes, to discuss how her upbringing inspired her outgoing and honest life approach, broaching taboo topics in her live recordings of Bitches Who Brunch, how she turned her baking business into an opportunity to bring happiness to the armed forces and their families through the Smiles Across the Miles Progam in Arizona, her role as VP and COO for the Coastal Bend Creator Con coming in 2023, and how her close friends support her creative endeavors in episode 177.

I sit down with the super cool Nichole Schiller, co-owner of A.N. Ceramics, to discuss starting a ceramics business with her partner Adam Haney in late 2020, why learning to use the wheel isn't as easy as it looks on the internet, the ceramics classes she and her partner teach at the Art Center, how her surroundings inspire her beautiful designs, the scientific difference between electric and gas firing, and how she allows herself to make pieces for fun even if they're not entirely functional in episode 176.

Episode 175 - Melissa Black, owner of Blackbird Beauty by Bae Mouttet

I'm very excited to share this conversation with fellow Podcaster Kailey Diaz, co-founder and co-host of 50 States of Terror Podcast, as we discuss why she and her husband Anthony chose to highlight cryptids as the main subject of their show, their differing perspectives on whether these reported creature sightings are to be believed, the podcast's special episodes that link cryptid lore with subjects like mental health and marginalized groups, her production work on another kickass local podcast - Bitches Who Brunch, joining the Coastal Bend Creator Con in their mission to provide resources for content creators, and why she balks at the idea of being called an "influencer" in episode 174.

I am absolutely thrilled to share my conversation with Angela Murray, Professional Ballroom Dancer, Instructor and Competitor, as she shares the unique mindset that distinguishes a professional athlete, her commitment to being the best at a very young age, what it really takes to prepare for (and win) Ballroom Dance competitions, being recognized as one of the top female dance instructors in the country, lessons she's learned as a former dance studio owner, and why she's inclined to be more of a risk taker than most in episode 173.

I'm joined by Lynda Alaniz, owner of Dark Beauty Designs, as she discusses leaving a medical assistant career in women's services and starting a small business, the inspiration behind her spooky yet uplifting designs, and how addressing her mental health helps her be a better advocate for herself and others, why meeting new people and developing strong friendships is her favorite part of being a business owner, and while it may be scary to pursue your dreams, it's even scarier to do nothing in episode 172.

Super hyped to share this episode! I sit down with Kylie Justus - artist, photographer, designer and Director of Sales, Marketing and Operations for the Quad Fitness Studio - as she shares taking a special interest in the arts while at middle school in Indiana, taking a 5-year break after her undergraduate degree to explore what the world had to offer, how she ended up in Corpus Christi, TX, investing herself fully in the Coastal Bend Community and dedicating her talents to gorgeous works including the "Corpus Christi Better Together " mural at Cole Park, why the Quad Fitness Studio's main focus is the wellbeing of their clients as opposed to unrealistic expectations, and her instinct for following the perfect opportunities at the perfect times in episode 171.

Ashton Sigler, Testing and Federal Programs Coordinator for The School of Science and Technology High School in Corpus Christi, discusses the questionable Craig's List ad that started her 9+ years in education, her mentor's words of wisdom for first-year teachers, the inspiration behind getting a 4-year degree in History, transitioning to her Coordinator position during COVID lockdowns, why she prioritizes volunteer opportunities for herself and her students, and shares her most rewarding career experience so far in episode 170.

BONUS EPISODE! I'm thrilled to sit down with Jesus Hilario Hernandez, creator of Corpus Christi Originals apparel and podcast, to discuss his first love of playing music, how past choices influence our life path, choosing to learn software development when he was ready for a career change, why he is always motivated to share knowledge, starting the much-loved brand and podcast Corpus Christi Originals, and why he's focused on the legacy he wants to leave his children.

I join Lora DeLuna, owner of the Cupcake Slinger, in her beautiful Portland home to discuss her background working for Portland ISD, making the decision to bake delicious cupcakes, cookies and cakes full time, plans for a mobile bakery, where she got her innate creativity, how she's learning to balance her personal life with her very in-demand business, and advice for those who want to pursue their passion but aren't quite ready to completely quit their full-time job in episode 169.

I join Priscilla Capetillo, Federal Probation Officer and awesome local, for her Mom's delicious homemade chicken salad as we dive into her Criminal Justice career, the biggest misconception concerning the job, her most rewarding experiences to date, how she learned to streamline her work/life balance, her love of concerts and traveling, and why she thrives supporting local in episode 168.

I'm super excited to share this BONUS episode! I'm joined for tequila shot(s) and hilarity with Clint Gonzales and Jeremy Melendez, hosts of World's Greatest Complainer Podcast. Listen in as we discuss their individual creative endeavors (including Jeremy's long history as a comic artist and Clint's comedic chops), the podcast's very humble beginnings, the history behind their holiday episodes, this year's first-ever Cameo Cup: March Melee Madness, and why they may have to give up their flaming hot challenges for good.

I'm so excited to share this episode! Renita Newton, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and owner of Ree's Sweets and Savories, discusses her calling to study Counselor Education, being in the "All But Dissertation" phase of achieving her Ph.D., which qualities make an effective Counselor, becoming the first in her family to attend university and start a business, learning to cook by watching her parents in the kitchen back home in Louisiana, how the memory of her mother inspired her "Best Mom Ever" Mother's Day treat box, and her interactive self-care workshop "You Gotta Nourish to Flourish" in episode 167.

Ashley McKinzey, owner of Third Coast Spray Tans and Rebel Honey Boutique, and Victoria Lopez, Marketing Director, join me for a drink as we discuss what prompted Ashley's decision to start a mobile spray tanning business 10 years ago, how her willingness to learn through trial and error has led to a successful brick and mortar location as well as multiple lucrative side gigs, how Victoria's determination and Ashley's vision lead to one of the most harmonious business relationships ever, why the boutique and tanning salon prioritize empowering women of all shapes and sizes, and why the best ways to learn are through the 2 M's - mistakes and mentors - in episode 166.

I had the opportunity to share a tequila shot and great conversation (surrounded by beautiful plants!) with Tina Turman, owner of Planted. Listen as we discuss her background in property management, the natural inclination to run a business and make it thrive, her ties to Corpus Christi well before she moved down, the passion for setting her customers up to be successful plant owners, and why, if you're able, you should buy your plants from locally owned nurseries in episode 165.

This week's episode features fashionista Esther Izaguirre, aka Senorita Esther, sharing the impactful elementary school experience that influenced her decision to become a teacher, tips for parents to help their children transition into the school environment for the first time, how making the decision to love herself has changed her life in incredible ways, collaborating with major brands like Lane Bryant and Torrid, and how she overcame past criticism to become the incredible and fashionable woman we know today.

Listen in as I geek out over Andrea Vasquez, owner of That's What She Crafted, and her epic AutoCAD skills, how she developed her clever business name, the amount of effort that goes into each of her small-batch, handmade, polymer clay creations, the growth of her business in a little over one year, her first pop up market, and what inspires her unique designs in episode 163

I'm joined by two of my favorite local business owners, Rochelle and Marcus Lowery, as they share the origin of Trugotit LLC and the ever-growing Lemonade Stand Cosmetics, the chance encounter that led to starting their lives together, how his business sense and her creative talents skyrocketed their brand from online-only to four HEBs in Corpus Christi (while in business for only 2 years), why balance is everything when it comes to supporting your family and your business, and the importance of completely believing in your goal before pursuing it in this bonus episode.

Super stoked to share my interview with the owner of Fevered Moon Beauty Lab and Shag Wizard herself, Melissa Bratton! We discuss her small-town upbringing in Missouri, how she always knew she was going to be in the hair business from the age of 3, her signature razor cuts and shag styles that keep her clients looking cool as hell, the immense gratitude she has for everyone who has supported her, and what inspires her creatively in episode 162.

I sit down with Ericha Kemm, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, to discuss her early life as an artist and art teacher, moving to Corpus Christi and becoming involved with K Space Contemporary, how her daughter's Dyslexia diagnosis completely altered her career path, common misconceptions about what Dyslexia is and is not (and why it has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence), and how parents can best advocate for their child in school settings in episode 161.

I sit down with Tina Butler and Simoné Sanders of TABPHE CC(Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education) to discuss the organization's origin story in the mid-90s, their goal of filling voids experienced by community members through events, mentorship and outreach programs, transitioning their community coverage from higher education to school-aged children, the evolution of their annual events including this year's Juneteenth Celebration, and the background of their motto "We Exist to Assist" in episode 160.

I join Olga Miliuta, Opera singer and Voice/Piano Instructor, in her beautiful at-home studio to discuss her affinity for music at the young age of 3, being accepted in a prestigious European University for musical studies, the transition from being a well-known performer in Europe to starting over in Texas, how divine timing kept her in Corpus Christi to begin anew her musical career as a performer and teacher, why music can be a way to enrich anyone's life, and why it's never too late to pursue your dreams in episode 159.

I spent my Friday night with Alexandria Baskin, owner of Poppin Natural, to discuss the decision to develop her own natural skincare and cosmetic line, how she ended up in Corpus Christi, her first-ever Facebook Live sale, how she became involved in local pop-ups, developing close relationships with other local ladies through WES and Boss Babes of CC, and why she won't let anyone steal her joy in episode 158.

I join Rebecca Farias, owner of Paint & Picnic and Becky Bakes, for fresh cookies and hot cocoa to discuss her early business breeding rabbits, getting her CNA certification right out of high school, the popularity of her baked goods (especially the carrot cake), starting a business offering a beautiful picnic experience that includes lunch from Bien Mérité, and how she manages to be a student, run two businesses and look after her family in episode 157.

Gabby Gonzalez, aka Gabby the Aesthetician, joins me to discuss why she decided to keep her flourishing business in Corpus Christi, following her gut despite the opinions of others, the origin story behind her signature Glow Facial, those incredible before and after client photos, why there's no such thing as perfect skin, and the importance of letting your client be the main character in episode 156.