Small Business Big Heart with Amber Zaricor

I feel like one of the hardest lessons to learn as an entrepreneur is the art of adapting. When we fail in a big way or misstep as a business owner, the temptation is to give up, let it go, and move on. It’s easy to think those big scary dreams just aren’t worth the change that has to happen in order to achieve them. It feels like a lot of work, and in some cases, totally hopeless. Instead of adapting little by little and staying flexible, we get rigid or overwhelmed. When all we really need is to loosen up and simplify the process.

Today’s guest is an expert when it comes to shifting and adapting, and her story is such an example of how success is finding joy in the process, not the destination. Julie Becker is a certified business coach with years of experience in the healthcare industry. She’s worked with countless people to define their goals and simplify their strategies. I just love her energy and heart, and it felt like every time she spoke during this interview I was reaching for my notes.

Today Julie shares her story of working her way through the healthcare world and the natural shift into coaching. We discuss why learning to adapt is so difficult for entrepreneurs and how little changes make a huge difference down the road. Julie shares her strategies for simplifying your approach to your business and why it’s important to be open-handed with your passions. We chat about alignment and how self-awareness is key to success. And be sure to stick around for her final bit of advice, because it may be the exact push you need today!

I loved every second of this conversation and was blown away by Julie’s wisdom and encouragement. This episode is jam-packed with nuggets, so be sure you have your notes handy! I’m so grateful to Julie for showing up with so much passion, and I know there’s something in this interview that will transform your business.

It’s a new month and something about that little transition always makes me feel refreshed and ready to go! But with summer starting up, I know I’ve had a tendency in the past to lay off the gas pedal and just enjoy the season. While it’s great to be intentional with rest, I don’t want to lose too much momentum this year and that’s how I know I need some accountability to keep me in check.

My guest this week has been a huge voice in my life when it comes to business and relationships. She was someone who inspired me to quit my 9 to 5 and start Copperheart Creative years ago, and to this day she continues to keep me accountable and encourage me along my entrepreneurial journey. I’m so excited to share my dear friend and client, Teresa White!

Teresa is a business coach and mentor for service-based entrepreneurs. She’s passionate about helping women entrepreneurs use their God-given talents to start and grow a thriving business and I can’t wait for you to hear from her today!

In this episode, Teresa shares her story of becoming a business owner and what led her to coaching female entrepreneurs. We discuss the power of pivoting and why it’s so important to keep an open mind and open hands when it comes to your business path. Teresa tells us her story of battling breast cancer and how it shaped her mindset and personal passions moving forward. We talk about what to do with those unexpected detours and what it looks like to reframe and rebuild.

Almost every guest I’ve had on this season so far has an incredible story that confirms just how important it is to surround yourself with people who inspire you to follow through on those big scary dreams! Community is really what launches our calling!

And today I get to share the person who continually inspires me to pursue my passions, fill my cup, and bless others along the way. She’s an entrepreneur herself and is such a beautiful example of leaving a strong legacy behind with your business. That’s right, today I’d like to introduce you to MY MOM, Martha Brannon!

With over 20+ years of experience, Martha is a professional longarm machine quilter and the owner of Coldwater Quilting. Y’all we’re not talking little granny at her sewing machine here... her longarm quilting machine is 14 feet long!! And If that’s not amazing enough, she also co-founded one of the largest quilting expos in the Midwest, a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a mother of three (I’m the oldest).

Her heart is so beautiful and to hear how she approaches her business is refreshing. Today Martha shares her story about how a simple afternoon with a friend revealed the passion she’d been searching for. We discuss her progression from quilting hobbyist to contractor, and finally to a business owner. We talk about the power of community and what business-to-business support should really look like. And she helps us tackle burnout, and shares why serving is where the real fulfillment is with owning a business.

My mom is such an inspiration to me and everyone around her and I just can’t wait for you to hear her story! Her legacy lives through every stitch and pattern, and the passion in her voice when she talks about quilting is infectious! I left this interview so deeply proud of her, but also really motivated to look back at my business and see what areas spark the most excitement and joy. What’s fueling me? What part of my work gets me up in the morning? And how can I incorporate more of that into my day-to-day? I know you’re going to love her just as much as I do!

We celebrated Mother’s Day this month, and as I scrolled through all the posts and read all the sweet words celebrating motherhood, it really got me thinking. I’ve always been in awe of the moms in my life who balance family and work. When I think about my personal workload and task list compared to all the working mom has to accomplish in 24 hours, I just want to send them all cookies and wine! So to honor the moms juggling the professional and personal (and seeing as I don’t have children of my own yet) I wanted to talk with someone who really gets it.

Today I’m chatting with brilliant and beautiful #mompreneur, Cara Graham! Cara is the Director and founder of Graham Behavior Services, a program dedicated to personalized ABA therapy. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who received her Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Kean University and completed her coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis at Caldwell University. And as if that wasn’t enough, she’s also a working mama of two! When I tell you this woman is a superhero, I mean it in every sense of the word.

In this episode, Cara and I dive deep into her story and how she came to pursue a career in ABA therapy. We chat about how she turned her side hustle into a full-time business and the steps she took to make that dream a reality. Cara shares how she’s balancing family and career, and a simple self-care tip that saved her sanity. We discuss employee retention and Graham Behavior’s unique approach to keeping employees fulfilled and happy in the workplace. And she also tells us a few client stories and how those little wins keep her motivated and inspired.

This episode is dedicated to all the working mamas out there. You are truly incredible and I am so in awe of your drive, determination, and commitment! Thank you Cara for sharing your story and being so real with your experience. I am so excited for you guys to meet Cara and hear how she does it all and serves with so much passion.

Business ownership can feel so rocky at times, and I know for me personally, some days end in a ball of exhaustion and tears. I’m sure you can relate. This week’s guest has had his share of trials, and the wisdom and heart that’s grown out of those dark moments are what makes this interview (and this friend) so special. If you’re in a season of doubt or frustration, if you just some space to breathe or some hope and encouragement — this episode is for YOU.

Today I’m chatting with Tyler Dickerhoof, a highly acclaimed mentor and advisor to entrepreneurs and executives on effective leadership. He is also the owner of Impact Driven Leader—a podcast, community, and online book club that helps you discover how to make a difference and help others be wildly successful.

Throughout the episode, Tyler shares his story and is so generous with the vulnerable highs and lows of his business and personal life. We discuss his journey to getting mentally and physically healthy, and what it took to make that shift. He shares the importance of showing up as yourself no matter where you are, and why leading with authenticity impacts the long term. We talk about morning routines and the value of waking up early. Tyler shares the most recent trials he’s had to overcome and how a change in our perspective can shape our success and mental health.

This conversation was so juicy, and Tyler brought so much wisdom to every question I threw at him. He is literally a walking talking leadership book, and I left this chat feeling so empowered and understood. What a gift! I can’t wait to see how Tyler’s words impact you this week!

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my personal business, it can feel so scary to get real and raw. That’s honestly one of the reasons I started the Small Business Big Heart podcast. I knew the stories would tug at some areas of growth and give me the courage to share my own ups and downs along the way. As business owners, it’s so important to have those moments of authenticity with our team or business besties, because that’s where REAL connection thrives, right?

Well, today’s guest is just another example of that power in vulnerability, and I could go on and on about how much this interview impacted me! I know you’re going to feel the same. I’m so excited to introduce you to my dear friend Alyssa McNally! Alyssa specializes in marketing in literally every capacity. She is a pro, you guys, and to hear her talk about how she connects with clients is so inspiring!

Today Alyssa and I discuss her experience moving from a 9-5 agency to creating her own business helping companies bridge the connection gap between executives and creatives. We talk about why it’s so important to honor the humanity of every team member or client, and why it can reshape your entire business to lead with grace. Alyssa shares why her definition of success has shifted over the years and what it took to get the courage to step out and build a business she loves.

My guest today is an expert on the seasonal changes throughout business ownership, and I’ve been lucky enough to have a front-row seat to many of them over the years. Kellie Fitzpatrick is the founder and creative director of Lenny & Eva, a beautiful jewelry line that’s recognized globally for its unique and meaningful designs.

Once Kellie settled into the steady success of Lenny & Eva’s family of brands, she decided to jump into the next season with even MORE faith and begin renovation on a 100-year-old warehouse in her hometown. She and her husband opened The Monarch, a gorgeous industrial-chic event space, in March and I can tell you from my personal site visit — the transformation is unreal and right in line with the quality of work Kellie always seems to produce.

In today’s episode, Kellie and I journey through the many seasons of her various businesses and how the best ideas often spark from little moments of love. We discuss what she’s learned from each season, from patience to overcoming comparison. We talk about having the right team in your corner, and why hiring well elevates your entire business. We also dip into Kellie’s experience with wholesale markets and the decisions that led to Lenny & Eva’s success.

I think my favorite part of this interview was hearing how Kellie’s current season is about being fully present and just enjoying the work she’s already done, vs hustling for the next big project. I also loved learning how she reverse-engineered her day to discover how she needed to fill her cup, which honestly blew my mind!

I’m so excited to introduce you to Keith Gober, owner and co-creator of Mangled Mascots, a pet toy company for passionate sports fans with a heart to include their four-legged friends in all the game-day excitement!

Keith’s story is packed with ups and downs, and finding the courage to fall hard, fail forward, and get back up again. From losing his business to the 2008 crash to rebuilding his life one brick at a time and rediscovering his passion — his journey inspired my heart so much throughout this interview.

In today’s episode, Keith shares his story of concept to product with Mangled Mascots, and how lasting inspiration is found in those you love. With his dog, Lucy, at the helm -- Keith found the courage to create something he knew pets and their sports fan owners would connect with and enjoy.

We discuss his path to finding investors and how partnering with Shark Tank genius, Kevin Harrington, shaped his entire launch. Keith shares his heart for family and how aligning yourself with the right people can make or break your business. We also cover his exciting new partnership with Walmart and why taking big risks with big heart pays off every time!

I loved Keith’s humility and willingness to share not only the highlights of his entrepreneur journey but also the pitfalls and what he’s learned along the way. If you’re feeling discouraged this week or are just in a low season with your business, this interview is 100% for YOU!

I know you’ll feel so encouraged by Keith’s story and I can’t wait to hear how you connect to everything we discuss!

This week’s Small Business Big Heart interview was (not surprisingly) exactly what I needed! I am thrilled to introduce you to my friend and client, Suzanne White! Suzanne is the owner of White Chateau, an incredible wedding venue on her family-owned farm in Owensboro, Kentucky. Today we chat about how she went from being a math teacher to a full-fledged entrepreneur in just a few short years. Suzanne shares the heart behind her beautiful venue and how sometimes the next big idea is hidden within the relationships surrounding you.

We talk about how showing up for people and loving well is the secret sauce to a successful business. She shares her journey to discovering that deep values and a meaningful “why” will save you from business burnout. We also talk about the importance of community and why surrounding yourself with people who are also growing keeps you encouraged and supported along the way.

I loved this chat with Suzanne and while I’ve shared her beautifully branded space many times on our website and socials, the heart behind that venue is truly what shines! This interview encouraged me to dream a bit bigger and love a lot harder, and I can’t wait to hear how it shifts your mindset as well!

Do you remember that one teacher or coach growing up that just absolutely shaped your life in a positive way? The one that poured into you, made you feel safe and seen, and built your confidence? Well, get ready because my guest this week is going to give you an even deeper appreciation for those voices in your life.

I am so excited to introduce you to my friend, Shay Haddow! Shay is the founder of Alpha Girl Soccer Academy, host of the Alpha Girl Soccer Podcast, and Author of the best-selling book “She the Confident". When I met Shay and heard her story through the branding process, I knew I had to get her on the podcast. This girl eats, sleeps, and breathes confidence strategy and mindset, and I know you're going to be so inspired by her work and her words!

In today's episode, we discuss Shay's work with young, female athletes when she discovered the deeper why behind her coaching, and how that launched her into the booming business she's experiencing today. She shares how she's learning to overcome her personal fear of failure and why starting before you’re ready is the secret to success. We chat about how she breaks free of comfort zones and how overthinking holds us back.

So how does Shay keep her confidence up and overcome her fear of failure? How did she find her mentor and learn to surround herself with the right voices? I know you’re going to learn so much from this powerhouse coach this week! Press play to listen to the full interview and hear more about finding your confidence with Shay Haddow!

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://copperheartcreative.com/blog/finding-your-confidence-with-shay-haddow

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