Way Beyond Ordinary Women

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Intimate and real conversations with Minneapolis area women who are running multi-million dollar businesses. How they've done it, what they've learned and what comes next. Connect further with Sheri at WayBeyondOrdinaryWomen.com sheri@waybeyondordinary.com

Sheri Bennefeld


    • Jul 25, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 32 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Way Beyond Ordinary Women

    Ep 32: Teresa Thomas of 50 Fun Things - Smart networking that propels you and your business forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2019 48:22


    Networking expert Teresa Thomas has over 20 years of experience as a professional connector and in this episode, Teresa shares her story and how we can be smarter in how we network today! Teresa is the director of MN Women in Networking and the visionary behind the Win/Win Connects networking model. In addition to everything Teresa does in the networking space, she also founded 50 Fun Things! I'm so excited for you to hear from Teresa and at the end, we even reveal a collaboration that Way Beyond Ordinary is doing with 50 Fun Things! Check out the show notes for the links and resources mentioned in this episode. Thanks for listening! I hope to see you at Rock What You Got, and if not, let me know what ways you are networking this year. Talk to you soon! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode32

    Ep 31: Hilary Weinstein of HLW Therapy - Eating Disorder Recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2019 35:53


    This is a very special episode and unlike one that we've released so far. Today on the show, I talk to Hilary Weinstein of HLW Therapy about eating disorders. Hilary is a psychotherapist that treats women and men for eating disorders and she herself is recovered from an eating disorder. We dive into her story and recovery, how that has equipped her to start her own practice, and what advice she would have for other women in a similar field. Thanks for joining us today! Find Hilary at HLWTherapy.com and check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode. Talk to you soon! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode31

    Ep 30: Erin Twamley of ErinEDU - Creating Excitement Around STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2019 40:24


    What do you picture when you think of a scientist? On today's episode I'm talking with Erin Twamley, a scientist, educator, and author! Erin's mission is to educate grade school kids on the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)! Through her business, ErinEDU, Erin is creating fun ways to educate kids, get them excited about STEM topics, and introduce them to role models that are working in STEM fields today. We talk about how Erin has taken this business to three different continents, how her business model has changed, and what her struggles have been in the last 3 years. Thanks for listening! Check out the show notes for the links and resources mentioned in today's show. If you enjoyed this episode, consider writing a review on Apple Podcasts! Talk to you next week! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode30

    Ep 29: Gina Horkey of The Horkey Handbook - Hire or Become a Virtual Assistant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2019 52:51


    We're talking all things Virtual Assistant in this episode and if you don't know what a Virtual Assistant is you will by the end! Gina Horkey of The Horkey Handbook helps others find and become kickass VAs. She shares a lot of great advice in this episode so if you have an online business you won't want to miss it! Thanks for listening! Check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in today's show. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast wherever you listen! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode29

    Ep 28: Heather Vickery of Vickery and Co - Building a Business with Bold Intention

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2019 39:56


    I can't wait for you to meet today's guest, entrepreneur and success coach, Heather Vickery! As a public speaker, coach, and writer, Heather empowers her clients with the tools they need to live bold and meaningful lives through her story of personal bravery, perseverance, and resilience. In this conversation, Heather and I talk about her 20 years in business, the many projects she's passionate about right now and so many of the lessons she has learned along the way. I loved Heather's tip on a "Wins-only" accountability partner - don't miss that part of the episode! Find Heather at VickeryandCo.com and check out the show notes for all other links and resources mentioned in this episode. Thanks for joining us today! Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss a show. SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode28

    Ep 27: Susan Elwer of Spoonful Apparel - Inspiring Apparel that Helps to End Childhood Hunger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2019 36:57


    What you do if you heard that a child went the first half a school year without lunch? Susan Elwer found herself in this exact position in 2016 and knew she HAD to do something about it. Susan herself grew up in a single parent household that relied on welfare and couldn't standby not being part of the solution to end childhood hunger. Susan launched Spoonful Apparel (formerly Hands & Feet) in 2017 which creates apparel with inspiring messages and donates 50% of its profits to organizations who are working to end childhood hunger in the United States. In this episode we talk about Susan's first few years in business, their long-term vision, and unique localization strategy for giving back! Find Spoonful Apparel at SpoonfulApparel.com and check out the show notes for Susan's offer plus the links and resources mentioned in this episode! Thanks for spending time with me today! Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss a show. Talk to you soon! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode27

    Ep 26: Susie Moschkau of Flip 'Em The Bird - Utilizing the Power of Relationship Marketing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2019 33:46


    Like so many of us, our guest today had the entrepreneur bug for about as long as she can remember. One day Susie Moschkau decided she was finally going for it, from there Flip 'Em The Bird was born! Susie left her corporate job in digital marketing to create soft, comfy products, that give people a voice when they don't have the words. Listen in to hear why Susie loves to swear, how she's giving back to the community, and what she would have done differently when she first began Flip 'Em The Bird! Thanks for listening! Find Susie at FlipEmTheBird.com and check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode! Enjoying the show? Subscribe and share this episode with a friend! Talk to you next week! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode26

    Ep 25: Kathy Flaminio of 1000 Petals - Rooting Mindfulness and Movement into the Heart of Our Communities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2019 50:12


    The work that Kathy Flaminio does is nothing short of amazing. In this episode, I speak with Kathy who is the founder of 1000 Petals, a training and consulting company on the science and practice of mindfulness, movement and social/emotional learning. We dive into not only what 1000 Petals does but the impact the work is having on the Twin Cities and beyond. Kathy shares how her previous life experiences have brought her to where she is today and what advice she would give a woman just starting out in business. Thanks for listening to this episode! Head over to the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned. Find Kathy at 1000-Petals.com! Thanks again and I'll talk to you soon! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode25

    Ep 24: Melissa Dinwiddie of Creative Sandbox Solutions - Solving Problems through Play

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2019 49:16


    This episode is for all the creatives! Which if you're an entrepreneur, you're likely pretty creative. Our guest today, Melissa Dinwiddie, is an artist who is currently using that skill in a consultancy that helps companies act decisively by making their teams' ideas visible so they can make sense of complex situations. She does this using the power of play and visual thinking, her main tools being LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®—which lets people "think with their hands" in 3D–and graphic recording/graphic facilitation—which gets people's ideas up on the wall in 2D. In this episode, we talk about her unique journey and the ups and downs that have led her to where she is today! Thanks for listening! Find the links and resources mentioned in this episode on the show notes. And if you enjoyed this episode, let me know by writing a review for the show! Talk to you next week! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode24

    Ep 23: Carla Scholz of Soak It Up - Crowdfunding Your Next Product

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2019 38:48


    Our Way Beyond Ordinary Women today, Carla Scholz, has paired her talent as a business owner and her passion for conservation into a company called Soak It Up which produces a paper towel alternative! Carla is about to launch a brand new product called a Clard (a cloth greeting card) and shares with us the process of crowdfunding in this episode. Carla shares what resources she has used to bring Clards to life and how you can support her as she launches! Thank you for listening! Check out the show notes for the links and resources mentioned in this episode. If you enjoyed this episode, consider writing the show a review or sharing it with a friend! Anything helps in getting the word out about the amazing women of Minnesota. Talk to you next week! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode23

    Ep 22: Kateri Ruiz of MAIA Community - Building a Community of Women Business Owners

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2019 52:42


    There is at least one thing that you, me, and our guest today certainly have in common and that is being a big supporter of women business owners! Kateri's story is unlike one we have heard before on The Way Beyond Ordinary Women podcast. This episode will encourage you and inspire you to become more of a women conscious consumer and give you tangible ways to support other women in business. Check out the MAIA community HERE and head over to the show notes for all of the other links and resources mentioned in this episode! Thank you for listening! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode22

    Ep 21: Monique Berg of Big Ink & Berg Industrial - How Systems and Mentors Have Led Her to Lead Two Successful Businesses

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2019 47:43


    Get ready to throw all your excuses of "I don't have enough time" out the window because in this episode I'm talking with Monique Berg of Big Ink AND Berg Industrial! That's right, she is a wife, mom, and running two businesses at the same time. Between the two businesses that are definitely polar opposites one being of the creative mindset and the other engineering mindset, Monique has been able to keep herself challenged and growing everyday. In this episode she shares how she balances the commitment to two businesses plus a personal life and how it all boils down to support. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, support our amazing guests and the show by writing a review or by sharing this episode with a friend! I so appreciate it! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode21

    Ep 20: Amber Filip - LOLLiDALE - Disrupting The Greeting Card Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2019 28:29


    What makes today's Way Beyond Ordinary Woman so unique is that her product did not exist before! Amber Filip, owner of LOLLiDALE, shares how she created such a unique, fun, and practical product and what she's doing to get the word out. Amber has an exclusive offer for us too! If you use the code BEYOND you can get 2 Sock Cards for $20 at LOLLiDALE.com! Thanks so much for listening! Also, subscribe to the podcast and write a review! This is how we reach a larger audience so these women's stories can be spread! Thank you for your support and I'll talk to you next week! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode20

    Ep 19: Sheila Harris of Preferred Speakers - Lessons From the Owner Of a National Speakers Bureau

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2019 36:22


    How would you like some insider information from the owner of one of the premier speakers bureaus in the countries? In this episode, I talk with Sheila Harris of Preferred Speakers about how she has successfully kept the business relevant after taking it over from her parents, her advice for listeners interested in become professional speakers, and why it's so important to invest in your business and craft. Check out the show notes for the links and resources mentioned in today's episode and if you enjoyed this episode, share it with another way beyond ordinary women or let me know your thoughts by writing a review. Thank you for listening and talk soon! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode19

    Ep 18: Wendy Benning Swanson/Verum Technical - Using the Courage of Loss and Grief to Launch a Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2019 40:17


    It can take a tragic event to propel us into doing the thing we've always wanted to do and that's the case for Wendy Benning Swason who started her own staffing business after the death of her husband 10 years ago. In this episode, Wendy shares her biggest struggles in building a successful business in a crowded industry and how she's creating a company culture that attracts and retains the best employees. Wendy's book on grief is available now on Amazon - find it here! Check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode. Thanks for listening and have a way beyond ordinary day! SHOW NOTES: www.waybeyondordinary.com/episode18

    Ep 17: Dara Beevas/Wise Ink - How Two Women Business Owners Are Helping Change The World Through Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2019 46:20


    Wise Ink is a woman-owned creative publishing agency for game-changers! At their core, co-owners Dara and Amy are book lovers that have learned a thing or two about publishing over the years. And in this episode of the Way Beyond Ordinary Women Podcast, we are chatting with Dara Beevas about the world of publishing and how Wise Ink got started! You don't want to miss Dara's wise words for any woman that wants to write a book or start their own business! Check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned. If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or writing us a review. Thank you and talk to you next week! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode17

    Ep 16: Jennifer Mackay-Mary/Everyday Style - Don't Be Afraid to Pivot

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2019 55:10


    Have you ever walked into your full closet, looked around and said, "I have nothing to wear!" Well if you're like most women you probably do it everyday, I know I do! If that's you, you're going to love this episode with wardrobe stylist, Jennifer Mackay-Mary! Jennifer is the owner of Everyday Style and she has made it her mission to help women stop saving style for special occasions. In this episode, Jennifer shares how she built her business years ago and how she recently rebranded and transitioned her business from service-based to a digital product. Not only will you get business tips in this episode but also style tips! You definitely don't want to miss it. Get Jennifer's Mini Capsule Guide here and check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode! Thank you for listening, I can't wait to chat next time! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode16

    Ep 15: Kjersten Merila/Her Spirit Vodka - Funding Women Entrepreneurs One Drink at a Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2019 50:32


    "Half back to her" is the motto of Her Spirit Vodka, a company on a mission to give back and help fund women entrepreneurs. The vodka? Well that's just a fun way to do it! Kjersten Merila, co-founder of Her Spirit Vodka, is our Way Beyond Ordinary Women this episode and she shares how her and her husband got this company off the ground and how they're making a tangible difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs. Kjersten shares their struggles and how her and her husband's opposite personalities work together in building a business. Check on the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode and don't forget to clear your calendar for the Lowertown Pop event on March 30th! Thanks for listening and I'll talk to you next week! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode15

    Ep 14: Nicole Middendorf/Prosperwell Financial - Turning Your Pain into Your Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2019 42:22


    Were you raised to not talk about money? We are turning that notion upside down in today's episode with financial advisor, Nicole Middendorf! Nicole shares how to grow in confidence with not only your money but when setting and accomplishing your goals and she shares the two things you need to reach any goal. Check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode! Thank you for listening! Head over to the Way Beyond Ordinary Women Facebook group to let us know what you loved about this episode. Talk to you soon! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode14

    Ep 13: Mary & Jessica Ottman/Siena Soap Company - Working as a team

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2019 28:44


    Siena Soap Company was started from one family's need and grew into a mother-daughter business led by Mary and Jessica Ottman! In this episode of the Way Beyond Ordinary Women Podcast, Mary and Jessica share the growth of Siena Soap, what marketing strategies have been working, their struggles as a business and as a team, and how they're helping women all over Minnesota. Check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode and head over to Facebook to let us know your takeaway from Mary and Jessica! Thanks for listening! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode13

    Ep 12: AJ Buckner/MN Brands for Good - There is never a right time to start

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2019 37:51


    Have you been saying, "When I'm 35 I'll start my business," then, "When I'm 40 I will!"? That was AJ Buckner and her business partner, Gina Moore, for years! They finally just did it! In 2018 they launched MN Brands for Good, an organization that brings together emerging Minnesota brands to raise funds for students and groups all over the state of MN. In this episode, I speak with AJ about how their novel approach to fundraising is changing the industry, how they plan to keep giving back, and what their current struggles are as a new business. Thank you for listening! If you've been listening to the podcast for awhile, let me know what you think by writing a review! Find all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode12.

    Ep 11: The 4 Key Steps to Finding or Forming a Successful Accountability Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2019 20:06


    What does it take to find or form a really successful accountability group? This episode of the Way Beyond Ordinary Women podcast is special because it's my first solo episode! Listen in to hear what really makes an accountability group great and how these 4 key steps can help you find or form your own! Head over to WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode11 for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode! And let me know what you think of this episode by writing a review on Apple Podcasts! Thanks for listening and talk to you next Tuesday!

    Ep 10: Dr. Cassie Wilder/Minneapolis Integrative Medicine Center - Creating a business model that works for you

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2019 28:46


    Hormones, gut health, women's health - we talk about it all with Dr. Cassie Wilder on this episode of the Way Beyond Ordinary Women podcast! Dr. Cassie Wilder is a functional medicine doctor and founder of Minneapolis Integrative Medicine Center. She is a primary care physician but has a special passion for helping women optimize their hormones, thyroid and adrenal health as well as correct digestive concerns. Tune in to hear how Dr. Cassie is helping women in the MN area and how she has found success with a business model not typically found in the medical field. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by writing a review! Check out the show notes for all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode. Thank you for listening! SHOW NOTES: www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode10

    Ep 9: Heidi Mueller/Excelsior Candle - Let Your Passion Drive You

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2019 28:35


    Up until recently, Heidi of Excelsior Candle was working two jobs while growing her passion business of candle making! She started out melting wax in pots on her stove with bottles of scents scattered everywhere and now her candles can be found in multiple locations throughout MN and on Amazon! Tune into this episode of Way Beyond Ordinary Women to hear Heidi's story of growing Excelsior Candle Co and her path as a committed entrepreneur! Check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode. Thanks for listening! SHOW NOTES: www.waybeyondordinary.com/episode9

    Ep 8: Mickey Mikeworth/Mikeworth Consulting - From Welfare Mom to Prosperity Consultant

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2019 29:41


    Are you aware of your numbers, or do you shy away from them as much as possible? Mickey Mikeworth loves numbers but she gets why so many business owners don't know their own numbers. In this episode of the Way Beyond Ordinary Women podcast, I interview Mickey on how we can build a stronger business with our numbers as the foundation and what advice she'd give to women building their business now. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend and let us know by writing a review on iTunes! Thanks for listening! SHOW NOTES: WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode8

    Ep 7: Lauren VanScoy/EssenceOne - How a personal mental health struggle led to helping others

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2019 40:17


    When Lauren began looking for solutions to her own mental health challenges she discovered the power of natural essential oils and how they could help her manage her anxiety and so much more. In this episode of the Way Beyond Ordinary Women Podcast, I speak with Lauren on the growth of her product-based business and how she's helping others with their mental health nationwide! Thanks for listening! Check out Lauren's products at EssenceOne.Life and find all the links mentioned in today's episode at WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode7. Talk to you next week!

    Ep 6: Twila Dang of Matriarch Digital Media - Changing the way we talk to and about women & girls

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2019 39:58


    Twila Dang holds nothing back on her journey from Stay-At-Home Mom to CEO of Matriarch Digital Media! This episode is packed with take-aways on starting and scaling your business with the right mindset, attitude, and plan. As Twila says, you have something unique to offer and now is your time to make a difference! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by writing a review in iTunes. Thanks for listening! Show notes: www.waybeyondordinary.com/episode6

    Ep 5: Amy Lokken of Mud Modular

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2019 34:52


    Amy Lokken founded MuD in 2009 to help businesses showcase themselves in everyday places. Listen in to hear the two things that have led to her success and why having an ideas journal can help you stay focused on your vision. Learn more at MudModular.com and mention this podcast episode to receive 10% off your purchase! Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider writing a review by swiping up in your podcast app or going to iTunes! Find the show notes at www.WayBeyondOrdinary.com/episode5

    Ep 4: Ka Small of Sassy Pecan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2019 39:50


    Ka Small went from Banker to Baker with the goal to create a fun, tasty product supported by exceptional customer service. Sassy Pecan was born out of this desire and in this episode she shares valuable advice for entrepreneurs starting and growing their businesses. Order your own Sticky Doohickeys or Sweetie Cake at SassyPecan.com! Thanks for listening!

    Ep 3: Cindy Leines of CEL Marketing PR Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2019 42:30


    With over 30 years of experience, Cindy Leines, has a wealth of knowledge on building a business and brand that can grow (and change!) over the years! Cindy shares two PR tips that every business owner needs and how to create replicable systems that help your business grow. Find Cindy at CELPR.com and share this episode with someone who needs it! Thanks for listening and talk to you soon!

    Ep 1: Sara Hayden of Sara's Tipsy Pies

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2018 36:34


    Sara started her business 8 years ago when her children started school. Now Sara's Tipsy Pies is in over 50 stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin! In the first episode of the Way Beyond Ordinary Women Podcast, Sheri interviews Sara Hayden of Sara's Tipsy Pies on her business' growth and future. Thanks for listening! Find Sara at SarasTipsyPies.com and check out the show notes for all the links mentioned in this episode!

    Ep 2: April Ginsberg of MN Glow

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2018 22:56


    April is driven by helping others and that led her to creating MN Glow, a branded apparel company with a mission to keep all Minnesotans warm in the winter. In this episode, Sheri interviews April on her first winter in business, how many winter hats they've donated to Minnesotans so far and what keeps her moving forward despite the inevitable challenges. Get 10% off your own winter gear at MNGlow.com using the promo code WBOW. Check out the show notes for the links and resources mentioned in this episode. Thanks for listening!

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