We Built This Life

Episode 35 with Kari Miller of Tiny Dog Press is about growing a small business at your own pace, and more. When a friend asked Kari Miller to print his wedding invitations, she saw that his fiancé at the time had created an illustration of Baltimore's “Greatest City in America” bench for their RSVP card. Kari thought the image would make a great card, and this was the beginning of Tiny Dog Press. In this episode, Kari talks about: ·       How she discovered her niche in cards even though she doesn't consider herself a “word person”; ·       How she developed the theme for her cards; ·       How she navigates conversations about small business pricing with customers; ·       What she is most proud of (hint: it has to be do with finances); ·       How she works to keep her small business from being too all-consuming and ultimately find balance in her life; and more. Thank you for listening! Follow Tiny Dog Press on Instagram! Follow We Built This Life on Instagram! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

Episode 34 with Tiera Chin of Yorktown Spice is about when a family recipe inspires a small business. In 2021, Tiera Chin was working full-time in the healthcare industry while raising two little daughters, the youngest of which was 4 months old at the time. This is also when she launched her new small business, Yorktown Spice, featuring her crab sauce that was inspired by family recipes. In this episode, Tiera talks about: ·       The actual steps she took to get her food product-based business off the ground, from food safety and thinking about how to make her product shelf stable to graphic design and marketing; ·       What she has learned about balancing time and priorities, particularly from juggling her full-time job, her role as a mom, and the launch of her business; ·       Facing fears and uncertainties as an entrepreneur and how she responds; ·       Her best advice for other entrepreneurs; ·       What she wishes consumers knew about small businesses; and more.     Mentioned on this Episode: ·       Yorktown Spice's website ·       SCORE Greater Baltimore (find a mentor + resources for small business owners) ·       SCORE main page (find small business resources in your city) ·       Where to Find Yorktown Spice in Maryland ·       Yorktown Spice on Amazon   Follow Yorktown Spice on Instagram! Follow We Built This Life on Instagram!   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

Episode 33 with Erin Scott from the Believe in Dog podcast and Erin Scott Podcasts is about when a hobby leads to a small business. In 2019, Erin became a cancer survivor and decided to start saying yes to the ideas that excited her. She started the Believe in Dog podcast to tell heartfelt stories about the powerful connections between people and their dogs. Believe in Dog is now a top 5 podcast globally, and Erin went on to co-host a second show, The Alternative Dog Moms podcast. Now, Erin is focused on leveraging the skills she's learned as a podcaster into a small business, Erin Scott Podcasts, to help other podcasters launch their own shows. In this episode, Erin talks about: ·       How her cancer diagnosis and treatment led to her starting a podcast; ·       Finding confidence as a podcaster; ·       The conversations she's had on her show that have stuck with her; ·       How she has found gaps in the pet industry market and created products in response to that, including the Dog Health Journal; ·       When she knew that advice she was giving as a hobby podcaster could be the beginnings of a small business; and more. Mentioned in this Episode: ·       Believe in Dog podcast ·       The Alternative Dog Moms podcast ·       Erin the Dog Mom  ·       The Dog Health Journal ·       Erin Scott Podcasts (coming soon!) Follow Erin the Dog Mom on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

  Episode 32 of We Built This Life with Rebekah Murray from Dare & Co. is about mental challenges in entrepreneurship—and the rewards that come with getting through them. In 2014, Rebekah Murray, an entrepreneur throughout her adult life, was looking to transition from international wedding photography to something new. Her parents suggested she start a clothing line. Three years later, Rebekah launched Virginia Dare Dress Co. with a line of timeless, high-quality women's dresses. In 2020, she added heartfelt gift boxes to her offerings. And today (May 18th, 2023), she unveiled her new brand name: Dare & Co. On this episode, Rebekah talks about: ·       The various outlets she used to launch her company, from a Kickstarter to a Facebook focus group; ·       An unexpected outcome in her business due to customer interest; ·       How she has dealt with challenging life seasons while still being an entrepreneur who needs to keep her business going; ·       What success as an entrepreneur looks like to her; ·       Her best advice for other small business owners (I think anyone launching something in public will identify with this); and more. A Few of My Favorite Dare & Co. Products: ·       Samantha Wrap Dress ·       June Floral Dress ·       Floral Apron ·       Cookie Hello  ·       Get Well Care Package  ·       Cottage Kitchen Follow Dare & Co. on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

Episode 31 of the We Built This Life podcast with Ashley Williams from Clymb (@clymb_up) is about persistence and mindfulness and how these two skills were assets as Ashley built her own company. In 2018, Ashley Williams, a former educator and school leader in Baltimore City, founded Clymb (then known as Infinite Focus Schools), her company that produces emotional health software for school-aged children. In this episode, Ashley talks about: ·      The steps she took and resources she used to build Clymb from an idea to a thriving small business; ·      The benefits of learning emotional regulation and coping skills in childhood—and how these skills carry into adulthood; ·      How Clymb works to help children build these emotional health skills; ·      How Ashley has used these skills herself to respond to challenging feelings that came in her early days of entrepreneurship; ·      her take on an underrated skill in business—and in life, and more.   Mentioned in this Episode: ·      Clymb, Ashley's company that produces emotional health software for children ·      The Johns Hopkins Social Innovation Lab ·      Innovation Works at the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University   Follow Clymb on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!  

Welcome to Episode 30 of the We Built This Life podcast! I'm your host, Jennifer Walker, and I'm talking this week about six small businesses that make low waste or sustainable products and that you can support for Earth Day 2023. I'll share my favorite products from these businesses or the products I am hoping to try in the categories of personal care, reusable items, cleaning, clothing, and planners. You can also check out the We Built This Life podcast archive for more ideas. Thank you so much for listening! Follow We Built This Life on Instagram 6 Small Businesses to Support this Earth Day: ·      Good Juju ·      Marley's Monsters ·      Branch Basics ·      Evolverie ·      Tradlands ·      Wisdom Supply Co. Products Mentioned in this Episode: ·      Good Juju Shampoo Bar for Normal/Balanced Hair (Keep these bars on a soap saver—I use these inexpensive ones from Osmia) ·      Good Juju Conditioner Bar for Normal/Balanced Hair ·      Good Juju Laundry Strips ·      Who Gives a Crap Toilet Paper (They have recycled toilet paper and premium toilet paper made of bamboo. We used to use the premium version, and it is nice!) ·      Marley's Monsters UnPaper Towels ·      Marley's Monsters Bowl Covers ·      Marley's Monsters Coffee Filter ·      Dish Washing Block ·      Branch Basics concentrate ·      Branch Basics starter kit (plastic or glass) ·      Branch Basics Oxy Boost ·      ThredUp ·      Tradlands Dresses ·      Wisdom Supply Co. Binders ·      Wisdom Supply Co. Notebooks ·      Wisdom Supply Co. Planners ·      Baltimore Compost Collective Resources Mentioned in this Episode: ·      History of Earth Day ·      Acure Recycling Program ·      How My Family Has Built a More Low Waste Lifestyle, We Built This Life Episode 8 ·      How Designer Amy Homan Built a Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Company, We Built This Life Episode 7 ·      National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes, and Recycling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ·      Mapping Urban Access to Composting Programs (I can't find a master list of composting programs in the U.S., but you can search for your city/state/community)

Episode 29 of We Built This Life with Mandy Memmel of Hon's Honey is about building relationships and community and helping women rise through social enterprise. After spending a decade serving the community of Curtis Bay in Baltimore, Mandy Memmel founded Drink at the Well (The Well) to provide an opportunity to build relationships, as well as a range of support services, for women experiencing trauma, including addiction, abuse, and/or generational poverty. Five years later, Mandy took the next step for her nonprofit and opened Hon's Honey, a social enterprise business. Hon's Honey offers local honey, bath and body products, and gifts, all made with raw local honey, beeswax, or royal jelly powder. But most importantly, the business provides stable employment and financial independence to women from The Well. In this episode, Mandy talks about: How the decade she spent mentoring women and building relationships in Curtis Bay led to this idea of opening a nonprofit, The Well, and how she has built trust in the community through the years; How The Well provides a range of support and community to women, from making sure they have basic needs to helping them build their own life plan through the COR Life Mentorship Program; How she got Hon's Honey off the ground and developed the concept of The Hive for her business model; A critical thing to consider when hiring within the nonprofit world, and how Mandy approaches her role as manager to an organization with a number of employees; The challenges, what she is most proud of, and what she wishes she knew when she started her nonprofit and social enterprise business. Mentioned in this Episode: Drink at the Well (The Well) Hon's Honey Hon's Honey Specialty Honey Flight Hon's Honey “Warsh” Soaps Follow Hon's Honey on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

Episode 28 with Emma Reisinger of Yellow House Farm is about finding your place in the industry that interests you, even if the road is slightly winding to get there. Since 2017, Emma has owned Yellow House Farm, her small business that started as a tiny farm and CSA outside of her yellow house in Baltimore's Waverly neighborhood. Today, the business has evolved to focus on ecological gardening and landscaping. In this episode, Emma talks about: How she found her place within agriculture and built Yellow House Farm while working as a line cook (which she describes as essentially working one job to support the other); Her business strategies for CSAs vs. farmers' markets; Her ideal clients, and how she manages people as a leader and a boss; How her business has evolved to focus on ecological gardening; and The romanticizing of farming as a lifestyle and the reality of her experience with finances as a business owner in the agriculture industry. Yellow House Farm's website Follow Yellow House Farm on Instagram (Emma is not active on this account, but you can check out some old content) Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

Episode 27 is a small business story about saying yes to opportunities and having the courage to follow new paths. After moving to Baltimore in 2014, Kate Christian—who had worked as a business analyst, a boat captain, and as chief operating officer for a company that made at-home STD tests—got a gift certificate to the Station North Tool Library from her wife. She took a cutting board class, fell in love with working with wood, and ultimately found a new career path. Today, Kate owns Bliss Woodworks, which specializes in custom woodworking projects and furniture like vanities, bookshelves, tables, wardrobes, and more. She also teaches one-on-one classes on topics like buying rough sawn lumber and project planning, and offers private instruction in her large studio space. In this episode, Kate talks about: Her early careers before she discovered woodworking; Why that cutting board class was so pivotal for her, how she approaches her woodworking projects, and how she built Bliss Woodworks; Taking big leaps and when she knew it was time to do so, such as when she moved from a 200-square-foot studio space to a 1,200-square-foot warehouse; The psychological challenges of being a business owner, as well as her successes and advice for other small business owners; Evolving as an entrepreneur and what her vision is for Bliss Woodworks going forward; and more. Follow Bliss Woodworks on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Mentioned in this Episode: Bliss Woodworks, Kate Christian's Baltimore-based small business specializing in custom woodworking projects and furniture and one-on-one classes Station North Tool Library, a nonprofit tool-lending library that offers 30,000 tools, 30 classes, and more Made in Baltimore, an organization that supports makers and manufactures in Baltimore City (and is a great place for consumers to learn about Baltimore-based small businesses) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

Welcome to Episode 26! For this episode, I'll talk you through a fun holiday gift guide highlighting 10 small businesses in a few categories: jewelry, planners and stickers, skincare/body care, photos and related products, wood creations, clothes for kids and adults, gift boxes, and, briefly, home goods. For the most part, I've either already purchased amazing products from these businesses or I plan to this month.  You can also check out the We Built This Life podcast archive for more ideas.  Thank you so much listening! Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Mentioned in this Episode: Sela Designs Annie Hoop Earrings Sela Designs Known Necklace Sela Designs Leopard Cork Jo Earrings International Justice Mission (IJM) Ashley Shelly Luxury Lined Notebook – “You are Magic” in Lavender Ashley Shelly Planners (Daily, Weekly, Monthly) Once More with Love Annual Holiday and Celebration Stickers Once More with Love Sports & Fitness Stickers Once More with Love Prescription Pills, Medications, and Vitamins Reminder Once more with Love Wedding Stickers Beauty Heroes Integrity Botanicals SoBotanical Deep Repair Hand Cream SoBotanical Neroli Hydrolat SoBotanical soaps Persnickety Prints Photo Calendars Persnickety Prints ornaments Persnickety Prints photo prints Persnickety Prints holiday cards L. Kriss Studio for beautiful wooden creations Virginia Dare Dresses & Gifts Cookie Hello Box (the Cookie Hello can also include tea instead of coffee) Virginia Dare Dresses & Gifts Friendly Hello Box Virginia Dare Dresses & Gifts Farmhouse Christmas Box Tutti Frutti Clothing organic leggings Fair Indigo Women's Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Crew Neck Shirt Fair Indigo Men's Organic All-Cotton Long Sleeve Crew Neck Shirt Jaclyn James Company Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

During the pandemic, Nina Ross' full-time job suddenly became part-time, and she needed something to do with the extra hours in her week. Her family holds cookie parties every December, and these are some of Nina's most cherished memories.So Nina started baking again to fill her free time and gave the dozens of cookies she made to friends and family. After a few months of this, Nina decided to turn her passion into a small business and founded Nina's Cookie Explosion, a company that offers specialty and customizable cookies and doughs, in September 2020. In this episode, Nina talks about: How she got Nina's Cookie Explosion off the ground and how her most popular products are not necessarily what she anticipated; How she balances her day job, which is now full-time again, with being a small business owner; How she builds collaborations both through organic connections and intentional outreach; Her big break when it felt like her business started to experience exceptional growth; How she views rejection as an opportunity for growth and learning; and more. Follow Nina's Cookie Explosion on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Mentioned in this Episode: Nina's Cookie Explosion's website, where you can order specialty and customizable cookies and doughs. WJZ story, “Coffee with: Nina's Cookie Explosion” **Please note that I mistakenly said that Nina was supporting the Tyanna Foundation through her November Cookie of the Month. In November, she is actually supporting the Maryland Food Bank. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

While she was a student at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore-based artist and muralist Jaz Erenberg worked on her first community-centered art piece with the homeless population residing along Falls Way. Then, around graduation, Jaz was part of artist Michael Owen's HOME Artist Residency. This opportunity allowed her to continue to focus on public art while painting her first mural, a large, quote-filled piece in Highlandtown that centers on the theme of “What is home?” Today, Jaz is an independent muralist with 25 brightly-colored works throughout Baltimore, including one on the exterior of her home in Upper Fell's Point. In this episode, Jaz talks about: How she developed her style as an artist and the process behind five of her pieces and projects, including the Highlandtown mural and her work with the East Baltimore Midway neighborhood as a Designer in Residence with the Neighborhood Design Center; How she engages communities in her art, how this process has evolved over time, and how her background as a teacher has been an asset in her work; The time when she was contemplating leaving teaching to focus on her work as an independent muralist and how she reached this decision; What she wishes she knew when she started her business, her advice for other artists, and more. Follow Jaz Erenberg on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Mentioned in this Episode: Jaz Erenberg's website, where you can see photos of her work and to learn about her services, including residential, commercial, and community murals. The Designer-in-Residence program at the Neighborhood Design Center Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

  Michele Dickinson had been building her successful corporate career at a large investment firm for more than a decade. But after having her third baby in 2018, she started to think about her life's purpose and began to feel she was meant to be doing something else. Michele ultimately became a life and business coach who focuses on helping women build legacies and make a difference in the world through entrepreneurship and online businesses. In this episode, Michele talks about: When she reached her own turning point professionally and began to feel a nudge to shift away from her corporate career; How she found her first client and refined her offerings, including private and group coaching, and a few examples of clients who have made major shifts while working with her; Building community on social media and how she strives to share vulnerably and authentically while also providing value; Money, pricing, and knowing your own worth; Finding balance as a business owner; a consultant at her corporate job, a position she held until recently; and a wife and mom of three. Follow Michele Dickinson on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Mentioned in this Episode: Working Moms Wanting More Soul Circle, Michele's Facebook group Intuitive: Speaking Your Truth, a multi-author book. Michele wrote Chapter 11, “A Sixth Sense: The Call of the Soul.” Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

For about a decade, Aaron Dante was one of the hosts of an annual party called No Pix After Dark. So in 2018, when he was planning to start a podcast to tell positive stories, he used the same name. Back then, the people who came to his parties—which had grown to about 1,000 attendees, including his college friends and their friends—naturally became his audience. Today, the No Pix After Dark podcast has nearly 200 episodes, and Aaron has several corporate partners and sponsors and just celebrated his third consecutive Reader's Choice Award for “Best Podcast” from The Baltimore Sun. (Photo cred: Schaun Champion) In this episode, Aaron talks about: How No Pix After Dark's focus shifted to Baltimore, and how he'll be expanding to include areas outside of the city in episodes to come; Boundaries and how Aaron balances working full-time and being a dad to two young kids with his regular podcast schedule; How Aaron managed the time when he wasn't sure he should continue his show—a common feeling after doing a project like podcasting for a while—and the experience that made him want to keep pushing forward; How he got his first sponsors and developed relationships that led to corporate partnerships; What's next for the No Pix After Dark podcast, including the new season in the fall and some hints into a Patreon page that Aaron plans to launch; and more. Follow No Pix After Dark on Instagram Follow We Built This Life on Instagram Mentioned in This Episode: No Pix After Dark podcast Episode 35, “Mrs. Robinson, We Need to Talk” – Aaron interviews his mom, a breast cancer survivor Episode 37, “Family and Fatherhood Part I” – Aaron and his cousin Demetrius talk about being fathers and how this role has changed them. Episode 57 “Aaron, I Have COVID” – Aaron interviews Karen, who at the time was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. This episode dropped on March 20, 2020, at the very beginning of the pandemic. Episode 76 NoPixAfterDark Round Table Part I and Episode 77 Part II - Four guests talk about race, Black history, and the police. Episode 79: “The Camera Always Eats First” – Aaron interviews Simone, a Baltimore-based food blogger with CharmCityTable Episode 84: Florida COVID-19 Whistleblower Story Featuring Rebekah Jones Episode 90: New Era of Black Podcasters Episode 105: CAnE Collective Episode 108: The Notorious Stoop Storytelling Series Featuring Jessica Henkin and Laura Wexler Episode 178: Ashish Alfred, Owner of No Way Rosé and Duck Duck Goose Episode 185: Baltimore Pride Week Featuring Unique Robinson and Kenneth Morrison Baltimore Beat – A Black-led, Black-controlled nonprofit newspaper and online outlet Charm City Media Collective Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!  

Episode 21 of the We Built This Life podcast is about 7 Tips for Reaching Personal Goals. Last month, I reached my big personal goal of 20 podcast episodes, which is a number I have been working toward since starting my podcast in September of 2019. In this episode, I talk about the steps I took to reach this goal, including: Finding time; Dealing with feelings of rejection and protecting the ego; Making adjustments along the way; and more. I also talk about why I started this podcast and my new goals going forward. Although I focus on the steps I personally took to reach my podcasting goal—I mainly speak in terms of my own experience so as not to seem like an expert—I think you can apply these tips to whatever personal goal you are working toward, whether it's podcasting or something else. As always, thank you so much for listening! Mentioned in this episode: Elise Blaha Cripe's website – She has a lot of content about goals including a book (Big Dreams, Daily Joys) and a recent podcast episode about how she keeps track of her plans (five episodes back at the moment). You can find both of these on this website. Get to Work Book – Elise Cripe's planner plus goal setting book. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com (but getting in touch through IG DM is better!)!

Theresa Cangialosi was drawn to essential oils in the 1980s, long before they were readily available in the United States. She was one of the first people to start an aromatherapy bar in the U.S. and has had some form of this type of retail space for more than 30 years. Today, SoBotanical, Theresa's aromatherapy apothecary in Baltimore, has two retail locations and a warehouse; carries essential oils, as well as its own skincare, haircare, and specialty lines; and offers education and events on a variety of topics related to aromatherapy. In this episode, Theresa talks about: Her connection to essential oils, what it was like being one of the first people in the U.S. to open a business that focuses on aromatherapy; and how her business has evolved over more than three decades; The benefits of essential oils, particularly during end-of-life care; What she wishes she knew when she started her business; Her advice for other small businesses owners (hint: don't let the need for perfection keep you from getting your thing out there); and much more. Links Mentioned in This Episode: SoBotanical (Aromatherapy + Apothecary) SoBotanical's SoBo Black Soap SoBotanical Deep Repair Hand Cream SoBotanical Soaps (I'm actually not sure they offer the “soap bar” as mentioned in this episode, but here's the collection of their soaps that are available online) SoBotanical Roman Chamomile Hydrolat Follow SoBotanical on Instagram! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow and get in touch on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

Episode 19 of We Built this Life is Part 2 of a three-part series about my experiences with naturopathic care for skin issues and more. This episode focuses on my seven tips for dealing with eczema and Grover's disease. I'll cover resources, products (beauty, clothing, home), and supplements that I have found to be helpful in addressing itchy skin and rashes. Many of the products I mention are made by small businesses, which ties back in to the podcast's original (and hopefully soon to be again) focus on entrepreneurs and small business owners. I'll also talk about my experience with food elimination for skin issues, which is when you give up certain foods for a limited time and then reintroduce them to see if they trigger a reaction on the skin or otherwise. Basically, eliminating many foods at once did not go well for me, but I did successfully test a few foods, some of which did cause a reaction on my skin after being reintroduced. This continues to blow my mind. Finally, the disclaimer: This episode is intended to simply give an idea of one person's experience with trying to heal eczema and Grover's disease. Especially when it comes to supplements, please do you own research or talk to your provider to see if they will work for you. Thank you so much for listening! Mentioned in this episode: Osmia Organics Instagram account The Healthy Skin Show Podcast Grover's Disease Support Group on Facebook Ice packs FlexiFreeze ice vest (I haven't tried this, but could be a good option if you get very itchy in the heat) Osmia Itchy Body Kit Osmia Facial Soaps Avène XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Cream Everyone Nourishing Lotion, Citrus + Mint Province Apothecary Healing Eczema Balm EmuaidMAX First Aid Ointment SoBo Black Soap by SoBotanical Osmia Oh So Body Soap Violets are Blue Magnesium Deodorant Evolverie Knit Tiered Maxi Skirt in Black Vetta Blossom Capsule (100% tencel) Vetta The Boyfriend Shirt AirDoctor Air Purifier (I do not have personal experience with this brand, but this might be a good place to start in your research) Branch Basics for laundry detergent, hand soap, cleaning products* RiseWell Toothpaste Molly's Suds Dish Soap NOW Foods Biotin 1,000 mcg HMF Super Powder (I get this through my ND so I don't have experience with the company linked here.) L'Amour et la Musique on Patreon and YouTube Radiant Life Desiccated Liver Vitamin E – lots of brands out there at different doses to investigate Skin Friend supplements The Eczema Detox by Karen Fischer *This is an affiliate link. If you choose to use it, I thank you so much!

  I'm breaking from this show's normal format today to tell a story about my experience with naturopathic medicine. I'll cover why I sought out this type of care (eczema, Grover's disease), how this type of care was structured, what tests I had done, and my treatment plan/recommendations from my naturopathic doctor (ND).  This episode is intended simply to give an idea of one person's experience with naturopathic medicine. How this type of care is structured and more may and probably will vary depending on the ND, and all of the treatment recommendations mentioned here were tailored to me for my specific situation. Please take this episode as an example not health advice.  Thank you so much for listening!  Mentioned on this episode: What is a Naturopathic Doctor? – American Association of Naturopathic Physicians The Eczema Detox by Karen Fischer (I said “diet” on this episode, but it's “detox”) Year of No Sugar by Eve O. Schaub Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

Rachel Wagner's path to fitness company franchise owner began in a pub with a near stranger about 7 years ago. This is when Rachel, a former teacher and a mom to one young daughter at the time, got to talking to another mom about how FIT4MOM Baltimore City, a company that offers fitness classes and community for moms, was going up for sale. The two didn't have more than a passing relationship, but they decided to go into business together. Today, Rachel, now a mom of 2, is the sole owner of FIT4MOM Baltimore City. On this episode, Rachel talks about how she has taken on the role of business owner without having a background in business; how she has shaped FIT4MOM Baltimore City, an already-existing business when she bought it, and made it her own; how she transferred into sole ownership of FIT4MOM Baltimore City and how she got through her most challenging year as a business owner; and the biggest lesson she has learned along the way. Rachel also discusses FIT4MOM's (the national organization) United in Anti-Racism/United in Motherhood initiative and how she is striving to share resources and offer safe spaces for dialogue within her community in Baltimore City about racism and white supremacy. FIT4MOM programs are available in more than 2,600 locations throughout the country with 310 franchise owners like Rachel who are running their own FIT4MOM businesses. This is the fourth episode in a series highlighting small businesses in Baltimore. Mentioned in this episode: FIT4MOM Baltimore City Main Page FIT4MOM Baltimore City Programs FIT4MOM Baltimore City United in Anti-Racism/United in Motherhood Resources FIT4MOM Guide to Black-Owned and Black-Created Businesses in Baltimore Body Kindness by Rebecca Schritchfield, RDN The Body Liberation Project Follow FIT4MOM Baltimore City on Instagram Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com

Writer and Director Jerron Johnson realized his dream when he started his podcast, Hidden Know-Hows. In this episode, he'll talk about growing up in a small North Carolina town that didn’t offer many options for young people in terms of activities and future opportunities and finding his place and his voice through writing. Jerron will also talk about Hidden Know-Hows, his podcast that focuses on conversations with creative people who are doing amazing things but maybe not yet getting the recognition they deserve. (Hence the “hidden” part of the show’s name.) He’ll share the episodes that still stick with him, his biggest challenges and accomplishments, the power of patience and staying the course, and what he has learned along the way. And if you want to check out my episode, I was very honored to be Jerron’s guest on Episode 29 of his show.  Mentioned in this episode: The Hidden Know-Hows Podcast The Experiment that Shows the Power of Negative Words: I think this might have been Dr. Masaru Emoto’s rice experiment, and if not, this experiment sounds similar. The link shows how you can recreate this experiment at home (maybe a fun project for kids!) Episode 16 with Duran (Hidden Know-Hows) Episode 20 with Big Katt/El Grande Gato (Hidden Know-Hows) Episode 5 with Oliver from The 76 Club (Hidden Know-Hows) Episode 35 with Danny Viiirgo (Hidden Know-Hows) Episode 29 with We Built This Life (Hidden Know-Hows): I was so excited to be a part of Jerron’s podcast. You can listen to my episode of his show here! Follow Hidden Know-Hows on Instagram! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

Parents Mora and Henry Reed had a big year in 2020: They got married and started their business, Zoe & Co. Candle Company, both during the pandemic. Since launching Zoe & Co. in May, they've met all of their targets and have seen steady growth.  In this episode, Mora and Henry talk about how they began making their hand-poured soy candles as a hobby and how an unfortunate job loss during COVID times led them to turn their hobby into a business. They’ll also talk about their creative process and building a brand for their candles, how their products have evolved over the last nine months, how they balance being a couple, business partners, and parents to 3-year-old Zoe, and their biggest successes and challenges during Zoe & Co.'s first year. This is the third episode in a series highlighting small businesses in Baltimore.  Mentioned in this episode: Zoe & Co. Candle Company – Mora and Henry’s business that offers candles that currently fall under five scent profiles: fall & holiday, fresh & clean, relax & unwind, masculine, and floral. “Is It Insane to Start a Small Business During Coronavirus? Millions of Americans Don’t Think So.” The Wall Street Journal. September 2020. “It’s a Terrible Time for Small Businesses. Except When It’s Not.” The New York Times. December 2020. Tortuga Kombucha – The first episode in the Baltimore series featured Davon Pulliam from the tea-focused kombucha company, Tortuga Kombucha. Row House 14 – The second episode in the Baltimore series featured Heidi Shenk from Row House 14, an independent stationery brand. The “Sweater Weather” candle – The candle I have and love, which has notes of pecan, cedar, cinnamon, chrysanthemum, apple, berry, and green leaves. The “For the Love of Chocolate” candle – The first candle on my wish list with notes of sugar, cream, walnut, fudge, vanilla, and butter. The “Roxanne” candle – This candle has notes of jasmine, fresh lavender, musk, cedar, and Asian sandalwood. It reminds Mora of her mom, whose middle name is Roxanne. Follow Zoe & Co. Candle Company on Instagram! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

Nearly a decade ago, Heidi Shenk, a middle school teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools at the time, began illustrating at night as a way to relieve stress after long days in the classroom. She opened an Etsy store for her greeting cards and other stationery-type products and got her big break when a major retailer ordered 2,000 of her cards. This made Heidi think that her part-time side hustle could actually become her full-time business. She left teaching in 2013 and began working on Row House 14 full-time. In this episode, Heidi talks about the highs and lows from her career in teaching, how she got into design and her first shop on Etsy, and that big break that pushed her to leave her teaching position and focus on Row House 14. She’ll also touch on how she decided on the style for her cards (often funny + drawing on what’s relatable; see her social distancing card line), where she gets inspiration for new designs, and how she began working with wholesalers/retailers, and her successes and challenges that have come with launching and running her business. This is the second episode in a series highlighting small businesses in Baltimore. To find more amazing small businesses in this city, check out Made in Baltimore’s business directory. Mentioned in this episode: Row House 14 – Check out Heidi’s line of Valentine’s cards in particular for the upcoming holiday Zoe & Co. Candle Company – Sneak peek at the next episode! These candles + Heidi’s cards/products would make a great gift for loved ones. Follow Row House 14 on Instagram! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

Chef Davon Pulliam had his first taste of kombucha at an early morning farmer’s market in Baltimore about five years ago. He began making his own kombucha as a hobby, then opened his business three years later. Tortuga Kombucha offers several varieties of kombucha that showcase the teas' natural flavors, including Oolong, Jasmine, and Genmaicha. Today, Davon, who has left the restaurant industry for the moment, runs his business while taking care of his young daughter. In this episode, Davon talks about his experiences as a culinary school student and a chef, how his goal-oriented nature propelled him to be a sous chef by age 25 and a chef by age 30, how he built Tortuga Kombucha and why he decided to highlight the flavors of the teas he uses in his products, and how he is shaping his business to represent what is important to him, including moving at a slower pace (hence the "Tortuga" in his business name) and taking time for loved ones. This is the first episode in a series highlighting small businesses in Baltimore. To find more amazing small businesses in Baltimore, check out Made in Baltimore’s business directory. Mentioned in this episode: Tortuga Kombucha – Read about Davon’s kombucha flavors and buy individual bottles or join the Kombucha Club Kombucha Brewers International How to Run a Business Debt-Free by Dave Ramsay A few restaurants where Davon has worked: Petit Louis Bistro, Baltimore La Cuchara, Baltimore ANXO, Washington, DC 5% Wine Bar, Baltimore Follow Tortuga Kombucha on Instagram! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

For Episode 12, I talked to two full-time working moms, Kate Schauer, whose son is 12, and Nicole Santacroce, whose kids are nearly 6 and 3, about how they are balancing work, virtual learning, pre-existing health challenges, anxiety, communicating with partners, and more during this time of COVID-19. I hope this episode offers other moms some commiseration, as well as ideas for specific tactics that can help them deal with these stressful, challenging times. Also, a note: Kate, Nicole, and I all recognize that many, many families have been devastated by COVID-19. We are lucky because we haven't lost loved ones to the virus, had our employment drastically affected, or had to go outside of the home to work when the virus was spreading the most. This episode is not about the most traumatic, horrible events of this time. Instead my goal was to focus on this one population—working moms with kids—and dig in about the daily challenges just within this bubble of parenthood. Thank you so much for listening! Essays to Read Around This Topic (I'll add to this list, but here are a few to start): "'I'm Going to Physically Explode': Mom Rage in a Pandemic." The New York Times.    "Raising an Only Child During the Pandemic Means I Have to Be My Son's Friend and Parent." Good Housekeeping.  "The pandemic introduced my kid to Fortnite. Should I shut it down?" The Washington Post. (Including this one because Kate actually talks about Fortnite and how her son started playing during the pandemic. Seems timely for other moms who have pre-teen kids.)   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

The We Built This Life podcast has been around for one year! (Plus a few months, but that's a small detail...) When I started this podcast in May 2019, my goal was to complete 10 episodes. And in May 2020 I reached that goal. I’m calling this collection of episodes “Season 1” this, Episode 11, celebrates the 10 stories told so far. The first six lessons come from the amazing guests who have been on this show, and the next four lessons come from my own experience starting something new (and even though this new thing for me is podcasting, I think the lessons could apply to anyone starting something new, whether it be a business, program, or something else entirely). If you’ve never listened to We Built This Life before, this episode can also serve as a brief summary of sorts of the first season. Lessons From This Episode: It’s okay to pivot your career (and pivot it back again). Be honest with yourself about how you feel about money and what it means to you so you can set goals accordingly. Trust your intuition. You can build a business with kids at home. You also can build a business with limited time (even though the progress might be slower.) When you hit roadblocks in your business, try making a little tweak and things might fall into place. Get more mileage out of work you’ve already done. Know yourself and design your business around that. Don’t take anything too personally. Set goals for your season of life. Guests Who Have Been on the Show: Episode 2 – Ryan Sullivan, Realtor with ExecuHome Realty Episode 3 – Mercedes Lyson, Beauty Journalist at L’Amour et la Musique and Podcast Host at Your Purpose is Beauty. Patreon, YouTube, Instagram. Episode 4 – Ashley Shelly Trotier from Ashley Shelly, which sells stationery products like planners and notebooks. Instagram. Episode 5 – Emily Silverstein from Urban Oreganics. Instagram. Episode 6 – Acyuta-bhava (Adam Elenbaas) from Nightlight Astrology. @nightlightastrology on Instagram. Ashley Litecky Elenbaas of Sky House Herb School. @skyhouseherbs on Instagram. Episode 7 – Amy Homan of Evolverie, a sustainable and ethical clothing company. Instagram. Episode 9 – Kenneth Yee, Abstract Artist.  Episode 10 – Ashleigh Becker of Sela Designs, a nonprofit jewelry company. Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my NEW website (where you can sign up for my new newsletter), follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

Ashleigh Becker began making jewelry as a way to relieve stress and boredom after her first child was born. Then, wanting to raise money for a mission trip for her husband, Ashleigh went to her first craft show, where she realized there was a market for her designs. Today, Sela Designs sells handmade jewelry and donates 100 percent of the profits to charity. In this episode, Ashleigh talks about how her interest in jewelry design developed despite being someone who was never particularly into art; how she built her business while being a stay-at-home mom to four kids and how she dealt with Sela Designs’ slow growth as a result; the radical generosity giving model that Sela Designs is built on, the organizations and projects Ashleigh and her company support, and why she gives 100 percent of her profits to charity; and what she wishes she had known when she first started her business. Mentioned in this episode: Sela Designs Handmade Jewelry Sela Designs Piece of the Month (a special discount on a particular piece released on the 1st of the month) IF:Gathering – an organization that Ashleigh has collaborated with Fair Indigo – an organic clothing company that sells a few of Ashleigh’s pieces 100 percent of Sela Designs’ profits are donated to nonprofit organizations and to support specific projects. Here are some of the organizations that Sela Designs’ supports: Ebenezer Grace Children’s Home charity: water Mercy House Global Follow Ashleigh Becker and Sela Designs on Instagram! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

More than a decade ago, Kenny Yee would often wander the streets of Chelsea in New York City, drifting in and out of galleries to look at art. This is where he learned about color, form, and texture. Then he’d go back to his basement apartment in Queens to paint. He had a side hustle of sorts then, selling his work to several collectors in New York. Now he lives in Baltimore and works full-time as an admissions counselor, but he still considers himself a serious painter and makes time for this practice. In this episode, Kenny talks about his early days as an art educator and a painter in New York and Baltimore, how his style has evolved, the influence that kids’ art has had on his own work, and whether he’ll eventually have a desire to make his painting practice into something more or whether doing something he loves is fulfilling on its own. Mentioned in this episode: Kenny Yee’s website (see his paintings here) Church Street School for Music & Art in New York Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore School 33 Art Center in Baltimore (galleries and studio space) The John Fonda Gallery at Theatre Project in Baltimore Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

When I was pregnant with my first child in 2012, I was interested in using cloth diapers to reduce waste (and save money), and I've been slowly making more swaps in our home ever since. In Episode 8, which releases around Earth Day, I talk about my favorite swaps--and the ones that I think have made the most impact--for the kitchen, the closet, and the bathroom, as well as the cleaning products we use and some swaps I’m thinking about for the future (like alternatives to conventional toilet paper). Mentioned in this episode: UNpaper Towels from Marley’s Monsters Bowl Covers from Marley’s Monsters Planetbox for lunch boxes Find a Local CSA Baltimore Compost Collective Branch Basics for cleaning products (especially laundry detergent and hand soap!) Jessica Rey Swimwear Evolverie for sustainable and ethical clothing VETTA Capsule for capsule wardrobes Menstrual cups (I have a Diva cup) Moon pads from Marley’s Monsters Toilet paper wipes out 270,000 trees a day worldwide, National Geographic Society Newsroom via World Watch magazine, April 16, 2010 (an old article and the headline says “27,000” while the story says “270,000” so this needs more research, but an interesting place to start) I can’t find the link about bamboo maturing in five years and oak taking 112 years—and this needs more research definitely—but I’ll add it in if I eventually locate it Toilet UNpaper Roll from Marley’s Monsters Bamboo toilet paper from Who Gives a Crap Follow @webuiltthislife on Instagram! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

In 2017, Amy Homan took a fashion design course. Today, she has her own fashion line and a sustainable and ethical clothing company called Evolverie. In this episode, Amy talks about the 16 years she spent working in collections, the rise and fall of her wedding décor business, and the ups and downs of designing and producing a fashion line. We also get into the financial challenges that can come with owning a business, the power of relationships, and Amy's commitment to building a company that is supporting the environment and paying people a living wage for their work. Mentioned in this episode: Evolverie Clothing* – Amy Homan’s fashion business A Stylish Design (Amy’s wedding décor business on Etsy) Factory 45 Fashion Design Course The True Cost documentary (currently on Amazon Prime as of 3/7/2020) “What the Rana Plaza Disaster Changed About Worker Safety.” Racked.com. April 13, 2018. “Retailers Split on Contrition After Collapse of Factories.” The New York Times. April 30, 2013. Modular Maxi Dress Final Samples video. The dress will be released in April 2020. Yellowcake Shop, a contemporary clothing company from Valerie Mayén, Project Runway alum TELAstory, a fashion production company in the Philippines “The fashion industry emits more carbon than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Here are the biggest ways it impacts the planet.” Business Insider. October 21, 2019. Follow @evolverieclothing (Amy Homan) on Instagram * This is an affiliate link—you get 15% off, and I get a $20 gift card if you make a $75 purchase. (Use code ref4040860for the discount.) You can definitely look up Evolverie on your favorite search engine if you prefer. If you do choose to use the link, thank you so much! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com!

Astrologer Adam* Elenbaas and Clinical Herbalist Ashley Litecky Elenbaas started dating in September 2011. Three months later, they decided to go into business together. Based in the Washington, D.C., area, Sky House Yoga encompasses astrology services (readings, certification courses, and private apprenticeships), herbalism offerings (private consultations, an apothecary with more than 300 herbs, and an herbal apprenticeship program and teaching garden), and until recently yoga.   In this episode, Adam and Ashley talk about their early work and experiences that led them to their current careers, how they met and decided to work together, and what they do as a professional astrologer and a clinical herbalist. They also touch on how they have learned over time to define their different relationships as a couple and as business partners; how they made the difficult decision to close their yoga studio, which had been the anchor of their business in the beginning; and how it felt after committing to less traditional careers on their own to find someone else on a similar life path. *Since recording this episode a couple of months ago, Adam Elenbaas’ guru in the Bhakti yoga community gave sAdam a new initiated name, which is Acyuta-bhava Das (pronounced Ah-chew-ta baa-va Das). I refer to him as “Adam” in this episode for continuity, but he has been transitioning to his new name (or Acyuta for short) in his astrology videos and communications. Mentioned in this episode: Sky House Yoga’s clinical herbalism offerings The Nightlight Astrology School   L’Amour et la Musique on YouTube (Mercedes studied astrology with Adam and connected us! Find her podcast, “Your Purpose is Beauty,” on your favorite platform.) Video about Adam’s new name, Acyuta bhava-Das Follow nightlightastrology (Adam Elenbaas) on Instagram Follow plantswhisperyoga (Ashley Litecky Elenbass) on Instagram Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or listen on my website, follow on Instagram (where I am most active), like on Facebook, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com! Thank you for listening!

Six years ago, Emily Silverstein was a barista at Starbucks (having stepped down from her role as store manager after having her first child) who made her own skincare products at home. One day, while talking to her husband, Cory Silverstein, about how they were going to balance work and daycare with their new baby, Emily suggested listing her products on Etsy. This was the start of her company, Urban Oreganics, which makes beauty, skincare, haircare, and personal care products. Today, Cory also works with the business, which has become the sole income for the Silverstein family. Emily’s story touches on the origins of Urban Oreganics, what it is like working with her husband and how they run a business together while their kids are at home with them, how she has made a commitment to reducing waste and minimalism for her family and her business, and how she looks at the cost vs. other potential benefits gained when making tough decisions about Urban Oreganics. Mentioned in this episode: Urban Oreganics Bare Cleansing Grains (also available in detox variety) Urban Oreganics Facial Cream (my first product!) Urban Oreganics Brush Cleaner Urban Oreganics Rosewater Toner Urban Oreganics Products (beauty/skincare, bath/body, personal care, and more) Blue Jeans Go Green Denim Recycling (partners with Madewell, J.Crew, others to recycle denim) H&M Garment Collecting Lego Struggles to Find a Plant-Based Plastic That Clicks, The Wall Street Journal(latest story I found on plant-based Legos) The Nugget, the Original Play Couch Urban Oreganics VIP Facebook Group Follow Urban Oreganics on Instagram  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or listen on my website, follow on Facebook, like on Instagram, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com! Thank you so much for listening!  

Episode 4 is about Ashley Shelly Trotier, a graphic designer who sells planners, budget notebooks, and other items through her business, Ashley Shelly. While working full-time as a creative director for a weight loss company, Ashley began thinking about being more intentional with her finances, and she designed some budgeting pages to help her do so. She turned those pages into a notebook and put them up on her Etsy shop, where at the time she was selling baby shower invitations as a side hustle. That budget notebook eventually took off, leading Ashley to build her planning company, Ashley Shelly—a business she never envisioned for herself, but one that she loves and that fits her talents and personality.   Ashley’s story will touch on her early jobs in design, the steps she took to build her company, the rewards and challenges that have come with being a creative business owner, and her thoughts about building a career that fits your lifestyle and your priorities. Mentioned in this episode: Ashley Shelly website (her 2020 planners launch on October 4, 2019) Ashley Shelly on Instagram A few of Ashley’s products: Planners Budget Notebooks Daily Peace Journals Notebook Besties Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or listen on my website, follow on Facebook, like on Instagram, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com! Thank you so much for listening!

Episode 3 is about Mercedes Lyson, a sociologist who runs an online beauty blogging business called L’Amour et la Musique. Mercedes graduated from Brown University with a PhD in sociology and spent a few years working in research. Along the way, she began making beauty videos on YouTube. Her business has grown to include a thriving page on Patreon, a subscription-like service where people can support content creators by paying a monthly fee in exchange for various perks, such as additional content. Today, Mercedes runs L'Amour et la Musique while staying home full-time with her young son.  Mercedes’ story will touch on why she was drawn to sociology and some of her work in the field, how L’Amour allowed her to expand on her long-held interest in beauty, and how she has figured out where she wants to fit in within the online space. Mercedes also talks about influencing vs. journalism, as well as her interest in music and her work as a DJ, which is an extension of L’Amour et la Musique (loosely translated to Love & Beats).  Mentioned in this episode: L’Amour et la Musique on YouTube L’Amour et la Musique on Patreon L’Amour video: July Beauty Heroes Review feat. Graydon Skincare & Phyto-Retinol/Skincare Philosophy Discussion Beauty Heroes A few of Mercedes’ videos: 9+ Months of Empty (Holistic/Organic/Eco) Skincare! Reviews & Repurchases Long Overdue Mercedes Shops & What’s New in Skincare PR 2018 Best in Eco Beauty + Lifestyle/Media/Experiences One Year of Beauty Heroes: A Retrospective Review Follow Mercedes on Instagram @lamouretlamusique Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or listen on my website, follow on Facebook, like on Instagram, or email webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com! Thank you so much for listening!  

For this week’s episode, I tell a story about Ryan Sullivan, my friend since high school whose career has come full circle over the span of nearly 20 years. Ryan began working in real estate in his 20s then went back to school after the stock market crashed in 2008 to become a mental health counselor for children. But after graduating with student loans that needed to be paid, he made the decision to circle back to real estate and decided to give back by volunteering with an organization that supports children who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. Ryan and I talked about how he didn’t have as much success when he was a young real estate agent, how he used what he learned in college to become a better agent the second time around, and about why his professional goals are tied in to the impact he wants to make as a volunteer.

Thanks so much for tuning in to the first episode of We Built this Life. I wanted to start off with sharing my story and my goals for this podcast.  In this episode, I talk about how I started off working at various nonprofit organizations after college, the life event that nudged me into freelance writing, and how being a writer is a good fit for me now as a mom of three young(ish) kids.   On the We Built This Life podcast, I’ll mainly talk to entrepreneurs and freelancers, telling a new story each week about how they built their careers, their motivations for choosing their work, and the missteps they’ve made along the way. I’ll also ask each guest to define his or her version of success and talk about how he or she achieved it and give actionable advice for listeners who are also looking to carve out professional lives that they love.   I wanted to leave you with a note of encouragement: It took me nine months to start this podcast. I blew through a six-month podcasting class with very little progress made. Nearly every day I thought, “I’m not the right person to start the podcast” or “I don’t have anything important to say” or “What is the point of doing this?” But then one day—after a public announcement in front of my large Instagram following of 76 people—I decided to leave perfection behind, to push through the negative thoughts, and just start.   If there is something you’ve been wanting to do, whatever it is, just dive in and start. Try making a list of all the tasks it would take to accomplish your goal, then just start with the first tiny one. Then do the next one, then the next one. Those tiny tasks will get you to your larger goal.  Hopefully, you’ll also find inspiration on this show to accomplish your biggest goals. If you want to follow We Built This Life or get in touch to tell me more about yourself and how you built a working life that you (mostly) love, I would love to hear from you. You can: Subscribe to the show on your favorite platform [WC]. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @webuiltthislife Email me at webuiltthislifepodcast@gmail.com  

A new podcast about how entrepreneurs and freelancers built their working lives from the ground up. Subscribe now! New episodes coming soon.