Small Business Blog

Today I am joined by Taylor Elliott, a shining light of positive energy and the woman behind the colorful, cheerful, and fabulous products on Taylor Elliot Designs. She’s here today to give us a glimpse into her life, her business, and how she creates products that spark joy and connection. Listen in to learn how Taylor made her way into the product design space, how her designs and products changed (or stayed the same) over time, and more. 

Sometimes we get sucked into thinking bigger is always better and assume that it takes massive amounts of debt to start a successful business—but that’s not necessarily the case. Mary Hill of H2G Boutique joins the show today to talk about how she has built her business without using debt. You will hear how she uses cash, how she does inventory, why she pays herself first, and her long-term strategy for growth. 

Recognizing when it’s time to make a shift in your business is key when it comes to building a long-lasting and successful career, and my guest today is a testament to that. Lori Harder has built incredible things, overcome the odds, and shown how to pivot and reinvent your personal brand and business in an effective way. In this episode, she shares from her own experiences and difficult leadership moments that have allowed her to pivot successfully.

Change is inevitable in life, which is why it’s so important that we master the art of learning, growing, and evolving appropriately with each shift. My guest today is Kary Jackson, who has done just that. I have had the privilege of seeing how Kary’s business keeps evolving over time, and it’s impossible not to admire her tenacity as she has grown and kept going through it all. Listen in as she opens up about dealing with personal life events while keeping her business going, transitioning from having a business partner to working solo again, and more. 

Are you curious about how to rise through the ranks in the fashion industry? In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to have a conversation with Kelly Helfman, MAGIC. Kelly’s journey from customer service to overseeing one of the largest fashion trade shows in the world is nothing short of inspirational.

What does it take for local retailers to thrive after facing disasters and challenges? In this episode, Patrick Keiser, Executive Director of Heart on Main Street, shares how he founded the organization in 2022 to provide tools and resources to help Main Street retailers succeed within their communities. Patrick explains the pivotal role that retailers play in rebuilding hope after a disaster and how his mission has evolved since its inception.

What happens when your business fails, and you lose everything? Kelly Shiley, CEO of Mary Square, joins the show to share her raw and inspiring journey from launching her business in the kitchen with a baby by her side to losing her home after a business deal fell through. Learn how she bounced back from early failures, the importance of believing in yourself, and how to persist when everything seems to be falling apart. Kelly shares insights on finding traction, understanding market gaps, and why failure is often the first step to success.