Stand to Serve

Meet Sam Coil of Branded Bills. Sam built an empire from humble beginnings using a utility knife, a scrap of leather and a hand forged iron brand. He sold 30 hats in one day by wearing his creation to work. In the next six months, he sold 80 hats that he made by hand at home after working a full day at his other job. He now owns a large apparel brand, Branded Bills, that sells made to order quality products and has exclusive merchandise partnerships with individuals like Cameron Hanes and Adam Greentree. From side hustle to apparel success story, Sam continues to live on his own terms and stay true to his path. There’s no right way to do any of it. My hope is that by hearing Sam’s journey it will help you dive deeper into your own. I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation. Tune in now! EPISODE SHOW NOTES: standtoserve.com/episode37/ JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY: www.instagram.com/standtoserve/ JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: www.facebook.com/standtoservepodcast/

The whole reason I’m doing this podcast is to highlight the people who are living the life they’ve defined for themselves. The people who shut out outside distractions and dive into serving the world we live in by being themselves. I love the conversations I've had on this podcast, and it serves me to be reminded that there’s no right way to do this. The right way is what's right for you and what's right for me and hearing others’ stories opens my mind up to that. In this episode, I share my story of hosting my first Intro to Handlettering Workshop at The Local, and the lessons I learned along the way. I had to work through mindset shifts, ultimately take action (aka burn.my.boats) and approach the results with a whole lotta grace. Is there a project calling to you but you're not sure where/how to get started? I put together a free worksheet for you to help you journal, reflect and give you the freedom / permission to do / host / schedule / sell your first *thing*! Download the worksheet over on the Stand to Serve show notes and listen in to hear the full episode now! EPISODE SHOW NOTES: standtoserve.com/episode36/ JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY: www.instagram.com/standtoserve/ JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: www.facebook.com/standtoservepodcast/

Do you believe that by creating a space that inspires you, your life will launch from there? These were words of wisdom given to our guest, Morgan Molitor, and she’s taken that advice to heart and continues to design a life that lights her up. Not only have Morgan and her husband, Jamie, created an inspirational space for their family, but they also help others express themselves by creating spaces that feel good to them. “You need to make your happy place in your home, no matter if it’s on-trend, no matter if it’s other people’s style, do your own style.” She and Jamie started a DIY blog, construction2style, in 2012, and since then their blog has evolved into a full-service design and build interior residential and small media company based in Minnesota. In this episode, you’ll hear how Morgan and Jamie’s blog launched into a full-time husband & wife team, how to be more transparent with your clients, tips to create a space that speaks to who you are, and how to listen to your audience and give them what they need. I admire Morgan and Jamie’s work and am so excited for you to hear their story. So grab a cup of coffee and listen in. EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://standtoserve.com/episode35/ JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY: https://www.instagram.com/standtoserve/ JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/standtoservepodcast/

When do you feel like your truest self? This week on the podcast I chat with Eliza Raney, Owner and General Manager of Skogen Kitchen, an innovative restaurant in Custer, South Dakota. Eliza shares how she and her husband (and Executive Chef) are pursuing a life aligned with their truest selves, and the mindset shifts that have changed everything. “My truest self is a full dining room, and I’m hopping around opening up bottles of wine, getting to know our guests, seeing our regulars, laughing and enjoying life.” Skogen Kitchen is a legend, and Eliza and Joseph's story is just as good as the food they serve, the menu they’ve curated, and the brand they’ve built. In this episode, you’ll hear how to move past your fear and doubt when taking big risks, how to share your creativity with the world in a meaningful and vulnerable way, and how to look past social norms to uncover your truest self. “No one lives your life but you and you have to be happy.” You don’t want to miss this conversation; tune in now! EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://standtoserve.com/episode34/ JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY: https://www.instagram.com/standtoserve/ JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/standtoservepodcast/

I’ve met a lot of amazing people through social media, specifically Instagram. Some of my very best friendships started with a DM on this app. My friendship with Maddie Peschong is no different. I was drawn to Maddie by how she shows up online; her IG stories are some of my favorites because she shares who she really is. So who is Maddie Peschong? Maddie is a photographer based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a passionate learner, a wife, a mom, and an educator. After working in the digital media and marketing space and side hustling for eight years, she realized she was burning the candle at both ends and felt the pull to take her photography full time. On July 1st of last year, Maddie went full time with her photography business, and since then she’s created additional passive income streams as a creative to be able to be paid without having to be away from her family. In this episode, you’ll hear how Maddie has learned to turn up her own inner voice and turn down the voices of others, how she’s learned to redefine success for herself, how to start small, and how she’s used out of the box thinking to create passive income in her business. Maddie is an amazing human who shares her story just as well on the podcast as she does on Instagram; I can’t wait for you to tune in! EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://standtoserve.com/episode33/ JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY: https://www.instagram.com/standtoserve/ JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/standtoservepodcast/

You know the feeling you get when you walk into an Anthropologie? Everything is curated from the smells and the eclectic aesthetic to the collection of goods and how their products feel. In the same way, Freckled Fox, a boutique in Spearfish, South Dakota, appeals to all of the senses. The vibe and atmosphere is dangerous; you'll want to buy ALL the things. In this episode, I interview Amanda Goetz, co-creator of Freckled Fox, a boutique I’ve been ooohing and ahhing over since it opened in 2017. Amanda and her mom, Beth, run the shop together, although it’s been a family affair from day one. From thrifting for vintage one-of-a-kind items to rummaging for pieces to repurpose, the Goetz family has cultivated a place where you feel the love and warmth that went into creating it. You’ll hear the story of how Freckled Fox came to be, how you can spread positivity each and every day, how to stand out as unique in the marketplace, some of the challenges Amanda faces a business owner and tools you can use to turn down the digital noise. Amanda is a storyteller, is open to new opportunities, and I can’t for you to hear more from her. Tune in now! EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://standtoserve.com/episode32/ JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY: https://www.instagram.com/standtoserve/ JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/standtoservepodcast/

I don’t have time. I can’t pursue my dreams because I might fail. It’s too late to change. Have you ever said a version of one (or all) of these limiting beliefs to yourself? In this episode, I chat with Allie Siarto about how she’s learned to reframe limiting beliefs like these and live a life of impact on her own terms. Allie is a wedding and portrait photographer based in East Lansing, Michigan, podcast host, Rising Tide Society leader and published author. She’s also a mom, wife, and zero-waster who tackles life by experimentation. “If I approach everything as an experiment then I can’t fail.” Allie shares how you can redefine success for yourself, how to grow a community based on genuine connection (over growing a following on Instagram) and tools you can use to overcome mindset blocks and limiting beliefs. This conversation will inspire you to get started on some thought work! Tune in now!

Small town living's great right? It’s slow-paced, you’re not constantly fighting traffic, there’s a lower cost of living, and don’t forget the quirky small-town traditions. But what happens when you move back to your small town after climbing the corporate ladder only to realize readjusting to small-town life isn’t as easy as you thought it’d be? Meet Rebecca Undem. Moving back to her hometown of Oakes, North Dakota (population 1,800), left her feeling out of place and discouraged. But this transition ultimately led her to leave her safe, comfortable full-time job to pursue a career connecting with other women and encouraging them to live life on their terms. “We need to know who we are and what really matters because it drives all of our decision making.” Rebecca is now a professional speaker, author of How Mommy Got Her Groove Back and is on a mission to empower women in rural communities across the country. She is gifted at talking about topics that aren’t often discussed in society and is sharing her gift every week on the Small Town Big Talk Show. Rebecca has an incredible story and so much wisdom to share. Tune in now! EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://standtoserve.com/episode30/ JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY: https://www.instagram.com/standtoserve/ JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/standtoservepodcast/

Karoline Rose is an entrepreneur who’s used the hardships in her life to make her own rules. Her tenacity led her to create a brand that helps others in the agricultural industry to develop and grow their businesses. I’ve followed Karoline on social media for years, and what she creates and puts out into the world continues to resonate with me. Karoline is a big picture thinker who knows what works and isn’t afraid of trial and error to turn the dial and bring in more revenue. She works in her zone of genius and outsources the rest. “I do what I am best at, and then I hire people who are experts in their industry.” In this episode, Karoline shares how two strokes in high school impacted her life, how she blocks out all of the noise to be her most creative, and one quality she has that continues to take her to the next level. No matter where you are in your career or what industry you’re in, this conversation is relatable and will leave you with clear takeaways for your life and business. I can’t wait for you to hear from Karoline; listen now! EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://standtoserve.com/episode29/ JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY: https://www.instagram.com/standtoserve/ JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/standtoservepodcast/

Lauren Bongiorno’s story and essence are so well aligned with how Stand to Serve shifted in Season 2. Lauren and I both had the honor of being part of Amy Jo Martin’s Renegade Brand Bootcamp last fall and spent three months learning and growing together. I grew to appreciate, respect and look up to her and how she’s paving the way for the space she’s stepping into. Lauren was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes, when she was 7 years old. This impacted every area of her life, and as she tried to navigate this illness and learn how her body worked she recognized a major lack of support from the healthcare system. Lauren set out to find a way to be healthy, manage her diabetes and feel balanced and happy in her own body. Lauren is now an entrepreneur, diabetes health coach, author of the Diabetes Health Journal, and dedicates her time to giving people with diabetes the tools they need to become strong and empowered. In this episode, Lauren and I talk about what events led her to choose the path she’s on now, how she lives a life of mindfulness and self-reflection, and strategies you can implement to approach health, wellness and business in a holistic way. “I think everybody has to look at their lives and reflect on the recurring themes because they’re trying to tell you something.” This conversation is so good; I dare you not to take notes. Listen now!

This week’s episode is different from past episodes on the podcast. This is the first episode recorded in front of a live audience. For those who may not know, I quit my job last August, and in January I opened a co-working space, The Local, in my small town of 6,000 people. To foster this change, I needed quiet. I needed space. I found guidance and comfort at a very special place in the Black Hills. An 80-acre sanctuary created by an unlikely person: "a Nebraska farm kid, who happened to have some extraordinary experiences that allowed him to see a new world of love, compassion, tolerance, and forgiveness." That person is Dave Snyder. Dave is the founder and caretaker of Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary, author of The Turkey Shack, and self-proclaimed pig farmer. In this live conversation with Dave, he shares his story in an open and vulnerable way, how he’s learned to embrace change throughout his life, and how he’s using his story to help others reflect on their own journeys. “I don’t feel my life is really about me. There’s a bigger picture playing in all of our lives.” Whether you’re in the midst of your own change journey, or if you can look back and see the path that's led you to where you are today, you don’t want to miss this episode. Listen now!

Brit Kolo is the creator and the mastermind behind Marketing Personalities, a company whose tagline is, "you shouldn’t have to feel fake & salesy to grow your business." What's rad about Brit is that she helps give permission to ditch every preconceived notion you've ever had about selling your product and/or service, and instead base your entire marketing strategy around who you are as a human. Brit is a deep feeler who loves deep conversation and is a believer in better. Her goal is to make this life awesome for herself and others by being the person she's meant to be: herself. “You don’t have to be anybody other than yourself and you’re not here to be anybody but yourself.” Promoting and selling is something I've struggled with since quitting my 9-5. This conversation with Brit validates the belief that running and growing a business doesn't have to feel icky. Instead, marketing your business can serve in the best way possible. Brit shares tips on how to tap into our inner voices, how to remove the noise of the outside world, and how to have faith in your calling. This episode encourages a greater sense of purpose and is an inspiring chat you don't want to miss! Hear more from Brit in this episode!

Megan was working in a corporate job when she stumbled on an art fair and realized her creativity was not only sitting dormant, but she didn't feel creative at all. This sparked her transition from her 9-5 to pursue a photography business full-time, and since then she's pivoted again to work as a virtual assistant.   Megan's whole marker for deciding whether she stays somewhere or if she moves on is to ask herself the question, “does this excite me?”. This idea is so well aligned with how I want Season 2 of the Stand to Serve podcast to shift. If you want to hear more about how we're shifting in Season 2, check out episode 24!  Megan is my virtual assistant and I’m excited for you to hear how we work together and how she's defined how she wants to live her life. If you're in a season of uncertainty right now, if you're curious what a virtual assistant is, or if you want to hear a story of someone defining their life this episode is for you!

When I started this podcast last year, I set out to hear and share the story of the entrepreneurs, the individuals behind the small business. The individuals with the drive, passion and the grit to create something from nothing. I set out to hear the stories of the men and women who are standing up to serve their customers, market, and communities. And that's exactly what happened. These conversations helped me make some scary decisions over the last several months. I needed to hear the stories of the entrepreneurs to help me work through my fear of leaving my 9-5 to jump into entrepreneurship. Season 2 is shifting, and the podcast will focus on conversations with people who are standing up to serve in the bravest, scariest way possible: by being who they were meant to be no matter what. I'm excited to continue on my journey of story-finding and story-telling, and am happy you're on this pursuit with me.

Kelsey’s world changed when she heard Janie, of Peak Motion Physical Therapy, speak at last year’s SDCEO conference. After hearing Janie’s story, Kelsey’s friend reached over and said, “Your time is coming.” Kelsey knew she was right, and later that day ran into an old friend whose reconnection led to the purchase of her company. Connecting with others, hearing their stories and changing perspectives is what this podcast is about, and that’s one reason this episode is so powerful. Kelsey shares how she’s learned from every opportunity she's had along the way, and how she's used each new skill to prepare her for the jump into entrepreneurship. I can’t wait for you to hear this inspirational conversation with Kelsey!

At age 23, Alana Snyder started 605 Magazine with her husband, John, after seeing a need for content for young adults to connect in South Dakota. Ten years later, the publication has become a place for people to read about life, entertainment, fashion, food & beverage, and those who are making a difference in their communities. Alana also saw a need to share wedding vendors in the Midwest, so she created Dainty Obsessions, a bi-annual Midwest publication featured in stores like Barnes & Noble. Alana has a gift for listening to what her readers want and creating content they want to see. She takes risks, studies trends, and starts new projects when she sees a need for them. She considers every year a chance to start fresh and is excited about what 2019 holds. In this episode, Alana shares how she's learned to deal with others' critiques, some of this year's new trends, how she creates a fun culture in her business, and how she juggles the magazines and her own podcast, the 605 Show. Alana has a love for people and for seeking out new adventures. “What is saving my life right now are probably all the people that I meet on a daily basis because it just reminds me why I do what I do.” Listen to our conversation now!

Sarah Enos is a dreamer, history teacher turned small business owner, founder of The Vintage Lease, and co-founder of VL Homes. Sarah's gifted at creating beautiful things and believes in the power of aesthetics to help elevate your mindset. “It’s okay to create beauty because it is important.” As a wife, mom, and entrepreneur, Sarah is passionate about intentionality and seeks to live every day with purpose. “Every day we make choices, and every day we can do small things. Sometimes small things can be really big.” Sarah's business, The Vintage Lease, specializes in event planning and design and brings big-city trends to rural South Dakota. Sarah's family business, VL Homes, offers residential remodel and design services for those in Rapid City, South Dakota and around the world. Sarah's family has set out to make an impact with VL Homes, and are in the process of building a safehouse in South Dakota to help those coming out of human trafficking. This safehouse will offer a beautiful and healing space for those coming out of a dark time in their lives. "You are worth something beautiful.” Sarah walks us through her story, how she lives a life of intention, and how she's making an impact every day. Sarah shares how you can start making an impact now, how to combat the problems you see in your daily life, and how to move past the fear of not knowing your future and instead focus on living a meaningful life today. I can't wait for you to hear from my friend; listen to my conversation with Sarah now!

This episode is different from the others in that I don't interview another amazing guest. Instead, I decided it was time for me to share a little more of my story. I started this podcast to share stories of the makers and creators who are being brave, showing up, and serving their communities. I didn't feel that I could rightfully ask others to share the raw and hard moments in their lives if I wasn't committing to doing the same. So it's time for me to get a little uncomfortable and share what has led me to where I am today. The last three months specifically have been transformational for me, and I've done a lot of soul work through meditation, reading books, and protecting my time and mental state. Every podcast guest I've had on the show has helped me think about life a little differently, and there have been moments in my career and personal life that were catalysts to make big changes and take big risks. I hope this episode is encouraging to you, just as the stories of others have encouraged me to move past the uncomfortable and the scary and to show up anyway. Listen in now!

Seven years ago Heath Johnson played publicly at a pub for the first time in his life, and now he's leading a community of songwriters in South Dakota whose goal is to support each other and showcase others' talents. Heath's vision for South Dakota Songwriters is to make the Black Hills the Nashville of the Midwest and to become a nonprofit that promotes art in the form of songwriting in the Black Hills, South Dakota and surrounding states. He also hosts his own podcast, The Heath Bar, where he features guests with interesting stories and talents and provides listeners with conversations they might hear at a pub over their favorite beer. In this episode, Heath shares his journey, how his past has shaped who is now, and how he's using his gifts to shine a light on local talent. Heath is authentic and focused on others, and this conversation is one you don't want to miss. “I don’t care what you’re doing, if you’re being honest with people, everyone’s attracted to that.”  Listen in now!

Dr. Rachel MK Headley and Meg Manke have a goal to positively impact 1 million lives by the end of 2019. Their mission is to change the way business is done; to help foster work environments where people feel satisfied, engaged, and heard. Self-proclaimed "change people", Dr. Rachel and Meg use the experience they have in the corporate world to fuel change in as many companies and individuals' lives as possible. For example, Dr. Rachel and Meg saw a disconnect between organizations offering personality tests to their employees and using what's learned with these exercises to better value others within the organizations themselves. This idea became the inspiration for their book, iX Leadership, in addition to the training and certification programs they offer to help improve performance, reduce turnover, and consequently change lives. Whether you're part of a corporation, have a small team, or are a solo-preneur, this conversation is full of helpful tips and strategies on how to create a work atmosphere that inspires change. "No matter what age you are, you want to feel valued and you want to learn and grow." I can't wait for you to hear this conversation; listen to the full episode below!

Cadey vowed not to become a wedding photographer after inheriting the title of "designated reflector holder" for her mom, who photographed countless weddings throughout Cadey's childhood. Cadey associated wedding photography to her mom being gone and wanted no part of it. Life had other plans for Cadey. During college, Cadey decided to start shooting weddings to help pay off student debt. One wedding turned into ten, and ten weddings turned into twenty. Before long, she had a book of business and it all clicked. “It chose me. I didn’t choose it.” In this episode, Cadey shares how she created an in-demand wedding photography business and continues to set herself apart from the vastly competitive market. She approaches wedding photography as a business, but also comes at it from a bride’s perspective and strives to make a stress-free experience for all of her brides and grooms. My conversation with Cadey is full of laughter, so many golden nuggets of wisdom, and *spoiler* some light rapping. That's right, Cadey raps for us! Listen to the full episode below – you don't want to miss out on this one!

Taryn and Kelsey are a dynamic sister duo who are in the midst of creating something incredible and completely unique to the Black Hills. The two of them saw a need in Rapid City for a place where moms can come to support other moms while their kids play. The idea evolved into an indoor playground where children and adults alike can be present and engage with one another, and it's become the mission of Taryn and Kelsey to bring this concept to the Black Hills of South Dakota. “It’s not a would, it’s not a should; we have to do this.” In this episode, Taryn and Kelsey chat about this passion project, when they plan on opening their doors (hint: soon!), and how they sought the support of family, friends, other businesses, and community members to make this dream a reality. I wish everyone could've seen how much I nodded my head during my chat with Taryn and Kelsey because they were right on! It's impossible not to share in the excitement of their new venture when you hear this conversation, so grab a cup of coffee and tune in to the full episode below!

When Kari Doyle learned that her daughter had a peanut allergy at 13-months old, she went on a hunt to find a peanut butter substitute. She and her family tried out other companies but didn't find one they loved until they started making their own. Kari is a self-proclaimed fitness junkie and was doing Whole30 at the time, and started selling nut butter to her friends. Before long, Kari had 75 loyal customers out of her house and knew she could really do this thing and turn it into a full-time gig. Kari quit her job as a medical technologist and started She's Nuts!, a company dedicated to selling nut butter with minimal ingredients and low-to-no sugar. It all started with the Cinnamon Almond Pecan, the "original gangster", and now Kari offers 7 different nut butter flavors, along with products on her online store. This episode will inspire you and make you hungry for apples and nut butter! Grab your earbuds, and be ready to put an order in for your new favorite nut butter.

Brittany Pruess created a Lifestyle & Design Consulting business from her love of psychology, creative expression, and helping others find alignment with their true priorities. In this episode, we talk about how Brittany practices what she teaches other women, and how she lives a life that is truly in line with her values. Brittany doesn't allow society to define how she lives and has created a life that reflects what's important to her. You'll learn how Brittany helps her clients start living a life more in line with their value systems, and how you can move forward in your life knowing you're better equipped to make decisions for your own life. This episode will leave you feeling motivated to dig a little deeper and start living a life in alignment with who you are. I can't wait for you to hear more; listen to the full episode now!

Lane Shull is the mother of four, owner of Willow General Store, creator of Vision Piedmont, and a true visionary for her town of Piedmont, South Dakota. Lane's vision for Willow General Store was born from a block of old, dusty buildings, and from that, she has thoughtfully planned and beautifully curated a place of connection and community. Lane's mantra of "simplicity" has guided the direction of her career, the way in which she curates her store, how she connects with her historic community, and how she lives her daily life. She's intentional about finding joy in her path and having peace with watching it unfold. “The day itself can be hurtful and defeating, but overall it better be filling your bucket and feeding your soul.”  This conversation with Lane will help you breathe easier as her outlook on life reminds us all to get back to our roots and think about what's really important. I can't wait for you hear from Lane. Listen to the episode now!

Becky Tomac is the founder and creator of Oh Geez! Design, a one-woman graphic design studio located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Becky grew up on a farm and ranch in South Dakota with three creative sisters and has always had a love for making and creating things. With a background in graphic design, Becky opened her Oh Geez! Design Etsy Shop in 2007 where she offered her "I love pickles" greeting cards. A few years later, Becky's "I love cheese" and "I love bacon" designs were featured on Taste of Home and Food Network magazines that is when her business really started to take off. Becky sells her items on Etsy and sells wholesale to local shops in South Dakota and across the country. Her passion for small business, shopping locally, creativity, and building a genuine brand is evident in our conversation, and I can't wait for you to hear all she has to say! Listen to the full episode here!

Kayleigh Dixon began her career in the coffee industry as a barista at a local coffee shop in Rapid City while attending college at Black Hills State in South Dakota. She has a passion for espresso and healthy alternatives, and an even bigger passion for serving the people of her community. Kayleigh met her husband through one of her coffee shop regulars (who just happened to be his dad), and in September of 2014, Kayleigh and Christopher decided to open up their own drive-thru coffee company, Dixon. At the beginning of 2018, they were approached by another couple asking them to partner with them to open Revel Coffee House, their first brick and mortar business. Kayleigh's love for serving others started at a young age, and looking back on her life she can see this is the path that was intended for her. There are so many beautiful takeaways from this conversation; listen now!

Michelle Kane is a gardener, a Gemini, an autism mom, Director of SDCEO (Center for Enterprise Opportunity), Owner of Black Hills PR, and tries to approach everything she does with enthusiasm and gratitude. She began her career as a "company person" in corporate America. "It's just what you did." Michelle climbed the corporate ladder, eventually landing a gig as Marketing Director in the Sacramento area. In 1999, Michelle and her husband, Mike, had their son, Jack, who was diagnosed with autism at 22 months old. "Life's irony: here Mike and I, two very extroverted, talkative, outgoing people have a child who is completely nonverbal." This started them on a whole different path. A few years later in 2005, Michelle and Mike took a quiz on "findyourspot.com" (a site designed to match you with locations that fit your lifestyle and personality), and Spearfish, South Dakota appeared on their list of locations. They'd traveled through Spearfish in 1996 and liked it, so they started to daydream what life would be like in a small town. They traveled to South Dakota, bought a house in Spearfish, and decided they were going to "do this little adventure." In 2010, Beth Hottle, Executive Director of Downtown Rapid City at the time, asked Michelle to do a presentation on social media, and this began to set her apart as the local social media expert. Kyla Wright asked her to do another social media presentation, and this led Michelle to an epiphany. "Those two women inspired me to say, 'oh my god, what if I did this as my job?'" Michelle started her business, Black Hills PR, at the age of 43. Michelle's journey is inspiring, and there is so much wisdom in what she's learned along the way. "Our lives, how we get to these seats, there's a lot to unpack." She is truly pursuing her purpose as the Director of SDCEO, helping women take action and accomplish their dreams. "We have to keep encouraging each other, and being there for each other, and being supportive."  If you've ever struggled with following your intuition, this episode is for you! Michelle has made big leaps, overcome obstacles, and is living out the advice she gives in our conversation. Can't wait for you to hear the full episode — listen now!

Shannon began her career with the Division of Criminal Investigation where she worked for nearly 15 years. While she initially loved her job and excelled as a special agent, she grew complacent and before she knew it she had “lost her spirit”. It wasn’t until Shannon met her husband, Kevin, in 2013, that she realized how happy life could be outside of her demanding job. Although she struggled with the decision to leave DCI, Kevin and his “you’re not going to fail” attitude was ultimately the catalyst for her leap into the unknown. Once Shannon left DCI, she was able to “let go of some of her type A personality,” as she put it. She started gardening, learned how to cook, and learned how to sew from her retired next door neighbor. However, the transition wasn’t always easy for Shannon. “I really had to work to stay focused on my path, and not let either judgment that was there or that I was creating in my mind affect me otherwise.” After some soul searching, Shannon realized she still wanted to investigate and decided to start her own private investigation business. In March of 2016, Shannon began her business, RO Investigation and Research, LLC. She worked hard by knocking on doors and putting herself out there. “It started off with a couple of attorneys giving me a call and a chance and it really just snowballed from there.” In this episode, Shannon unpacks some of the awkward beginnings of her business, her favorite parts of being her own boss (along with the biggest challenges), the beautiful individuals who changed her life and encouraged her along the way, and how she defines success for herself. This conversation is inspiring and has so many incredible takeaways…you don’t want to miss it! Listen to the episode now!

Nick Hubbard and Kaylee Kalmbach are photographers and videographers based out of the Black Hills of South Dakota, who are bringing their passion, creativity and dreams to this world! Nick and Kaylee have been dating a year and half and their story began on Instagram, believe it or not! They became best friends after Nick reached out to Kaylee on the gram, and they started dating after a trip together to Minneapolis. They’re both full-time students at Black Hills State University, and decided to start a business together after Nick left his job at a hardware store and Kaylee left her job at a coffee shop. Over the course of their last year in business, they’ve found their unique style and consistently serve their clients with authenticity and a high-touch client experience. “A lot of people can take really good photos, but it means a lot more to the client when they look at it and can say ‘this is me, not them.’” In this episode, you’ll hear how Nick and Kaylee got started in photography, their biggest challenges in running a successful business, how they create balance working and living together, and how YOU can stay inspired when consuming from others on social media. What’s next for Nick and Kaylee? You’ll have to listen to find out! There are so many gems in this episode — you don't want to miss it!

Amber Polluck is part of a family of four who decided to dive into fine spirits production five and half years ago, an industry which was not prominent at the time in Wyoming. The Polluck’s main hobby as a family was to seek out new spots to eat and drink during their travels; to explore the best of the best in each new location they visited. Amber and her brother, Chad, a spirits collector, went backpacking through Europe, exploring the food and beverage culture while they were there. When they returned the Polluck family decided to learn how to go into the fine spirits business for themselves. They were starting from scratch, but felt confident they would figure it out with enough commitment and practice. They each came from different industries and brought their own unique talents to the business. The result was the creation of a wonderfully quirky business and a new experience for their community of Casper, Wyoming. Backwards Distillery is also active in their community. A large part of their community efforts goes towards Casper Pride, which is leading Wyoming in the LGBTQ movement. They have been instrumental in creating space in their community for causes that did not have space there and will continue to contribute to the forward motion of these causes. “There’s something to be said for businesses participating in the growth of their community, and making their community stronger.” What’s next for Backwards Distillery? You’ll have to listen to find out! “This is a treacherous point for a small business: that gray area between staying stagnant and moving ahead.” Amber’s interview is packed full of industry knowledge, and her passion for relationships and her community is evident throughout this chat over her signature cocktail! If you’ve ever wondered what goes into running a successful family business, and what it takes to make a consistent impact on your customers and your community, this episode is for you!

Jessica Simons has always been a creative soul and loved to paint and draw starting at a young age. She had a love for paper, even had a paper closet in her home, and had a dream of owning a stationery store. She started her entrepreneurial journey by setting up a kool-aid stand in her neighborhood but snagged her first real job as a photographer’s assistant where she held the reflector and learned to find the best light. Jessica majored in graphic design, and fell into photography by starting to take photos for friends and family. She shot her first wedding in 2008, and dove into wedding photography because of her passion for couples and marriage. After starting a family, she decided to shift her focus from photographing weddings to photographing families. Jessica’s journey is teaching her lessons in learning to embrace where she is in her business, to trust her intuition, and to pursue the version of success that ultimately fuels her soul. This conversation is raw, real and full of nuggets that can only come from a foggy morning chat over coffee. Jessica is relatable and full of wisdom - you don’t want to miss this one!

Today's guest is my dear friend and one of my favorite humans, Alyssa Crawford, of Alyssa Crawford Photography. I first reached out to Alyssa on Instagram to do a collaborative giveaway together. I've always admired this girl and what she's doing creatively and in her business, but once I got to know her better on a personal level, I fell in love with her work even more. I've learned so much from Alyssa's genuine heart of gold, and this episode has so many nuggets of wisdom! I can't wait to share it with you.

Samantha Schmeltzer is the owner of FIVE:thirty, a project management and website design consulting firm in Rapid City and the creator of The OWN, a network for female entrepreneurs that offers support services like administrative assistance, web presence, and office space. She also received the young entrepreneur of the year award from the South Dakota SBA. In this episode she talks about her previous career and how she realized that she would never achieve all that she wanted unless she created her own path. She's an incredible woman, doing incredible things, but she also has such a clear vision for how she wants to live her life and what really matters. You do not want to miss hearing what Sam has to say!

Sami Dietrich created a successful online boutique for her senior project in college. She leveraged social media in a powerful way and eventually opened a storefront when she found the perfect downtown location. Sami is a young entrepreneur who has made big moves. She's fearless, wise, and offers amazing advice for anyone looking to take the route less traveled. If you love an inspiring story about navigating entrepreneurship as a twenty-something, you don't want to miss this episode!

Jamie Gilcrease is an incredible woman. She runs a successful business, has cultivated a community where people show up for each other, and now is on a journey to help other women find success pursuing their passions! If hearing an inspirational story is what you're looking for today, then you'll want to listen to this conversation with Jamie.

Jackie Derksen and her husband plan on retiring at the age of 40 from side gigs like White Wooden Wedding Chairs and Bear Property Management. They're the epitome of what it means to be serial entrepreneurs. Jackie has such a clear and focused vision which drives every decision her and her husband make in their business. We had such an amazing conversation, you don't want to miss out!