Embracing Change: Strategies for Growth and Handling Life’s Surprises

Hey y’all! We recorded this special episode while we were together in San Antonio a few weeks ago. We dive into the theme of embracing change. Since we’re both experiencing personal and business transformations, we wanted to sit down and talk candidly about how to navigate life's inevitable shifts. From personal anecdotes to actionable strategies, join us as we discuss how to approach change with courage and optimism.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

1. Recognizing When Change Is Necessary: Discover how to identify the signs that it's time for a change, both in personal life and business.

2. Preparing for Change: Strategies for planning and adapting to new circumstances effectively.

3. The Power of Support Systems: Learn the importance of having a strong network of friends, family, and professionals to lean on during times of change.

4. Managing the Stress of Uncertainty: Tips for staying calm and collected when facing the unknown.

5. Celebrating Milestones and Embracing the New Normal: Why acknowledging progress and adapting to new realities is crucial for growth.

Featured Quotes:

• "In any given moment, we have two options: step forward into growth or step back into safety." — Abraham Maslow

• "We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are." — Max De Pree

Special Announcements:

• New Podcast Format: Exciting changes are coming to Brave Looks Good On You! We’re taking some of the summer off from releasing new weekly episodes, but don’t worry, we’ll be back soon!

• Project Launch: We are collaborating with Emily Hill on an online course called Epic Influence, designed to empower influencers and community builders.

Embrace change, face challenges with courage, and remember, every step forward is a step towards growth. We'll see you next season!

Links:

Epic Influence - interested in finding out more about the online course we are creating with Emily Hill of Texas Grocery Finds?

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Jessica Pierce's New Fight: From Defense Intelligence to Battling Dementia

In this captivating episode of "Brave Looks Good on You," we sit down with Jessica Pierce, a recent retiree from the Department of Defense, who has transitioned to a groundbreaking role in dementia prevention. Jessica shares her fascinating background in counterterrorism and geospatial intelligence, and how her career led her to a new mission in functional medicine as the owner of Longevity Architects.

Her transition might seem a leap, but she explains how the skills she developed in her previous role have been crucial in her current endeavor to combat the onset of dementia through the Bredesen protocol.

We dived deep into a personal story that sparked Jessica’s career pivot. After witnessing the effects of Alzheimer's in her family, Jessica was driven to learn and apply the Bredesen protocol, not only to help her mother but also to assist others facing similar threats. This protocol offers hope and practical strategies for preventing and reversing cognitive decline, rooted in a comprehensive, data-driven approach to health and wellness.

Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to embrace a new path, especially one that promises to improve not only your life but also the lives of others. Tune in to hear how embracing change and facing challenges head-on can lead to fulfilling and impactful new beginnings.

Jessica is a national board-certified health coach (NBHWC) and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) with specialized training in prevention and reversal of Alzheimer's disease (ReCODE 2.0).

Links:

Longevity Architects

Get Jessica's 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor for Anyone Who Wants to Thrive to 100!

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NYC & St. Martin: Family Trips, Wedding Plans & Business Updates

In today’s episode of "Brave Looks Good on You," we’re diving into our spring break adventures and catching you up on what’s been happening in our lives.

First up, Julie took a family trip to NYC to visit her daughter, Chloe. She’s been living there since last August and has really found her stride in the city. Watching her run in the New York City half marathon was a highlight for sure. It’s pretty amazing to see her so confident and at home in such a bustling place.

Melissa headed to St. Martin, revisiting a favorite spot of hers. She's got some funny stories about snorkeling—let's just say it involves overcoming a few fears—and relaxing on those iconic beaches.

On a different note, we're both in the thick of wedding planning for our sons. Yes, both of our boys are getting married soon! Julie's son is having a beautiful outdoor wedding in Colorado, while Melissa is planning a cozy Christmas ceremony. It's been quite the adventure learning the ropes of wedding planning from the groom's mom perspective.

We’ve also been busy with some exciting business developments. We're putting together a new course that's shaping up nicely—more details on that soon. And of course, there’s always something new and challenging around the corner, which keeps us on our toes.

So, that’s a little snapshot of our lives lately. From city streets to sunny beaches to walking down the wedding aisle, it’s been busy but good. Tune in to hear all about these stories and more, as we share about all these adventures. Thanks for joining us on this journey!

Links:

Boomerang Boat Charters in St. Martin

Chloe's move to NYC Episode 35

Compliments of Chloe

Texas Grocery Finds and on Instagram

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Embracing 2024 Business Trends: Essential Insights for Women Entrepreneurs

Hey everyone! We dove into a Forbes article that's all about the business trends for 2024. We didn't just skim through; we dug deep to make these trends more relatable and useful for women entrepreneurs like us. We wanted to break down the tech stuff and mix it with that essential human touch, which we all know is the heart of our businesses.

In our chat, we explored how AI isn't just a techy tool but a real helper for any business, making our tasks easier without losing our personal voice. Remember Episode 71 where we talked all about using AI tools like ChatGPT? We're still all about making tech work for us without letting it take over.

We also got real about the economy's ups and downs and how, as women entrepreneurs, we can navigate these with savvy and style. We discussed the importance of keeping that personal touch in our businesses—how making our customers feel seen and understood is totally irreplaceable by any AI.

And you know, with all the talk about remote work, Julie reflected on how grateful she is to live in an era where she can work from virtually anywhere. It's a game-changer for maintaining that work-life blend (not balance, because let's be real, it's never perfectly balanced!).

So, if you're curious about making your business more dynamic and ready for the future, or if you just want some company while you tackle your entrepreneur journey, give this episode a listen. We're here to share what we learn, laugh a bit, and maybe just inspire each other to be a little braver every day. Because, let's face it, bravery looks good on you! Tune in and let's get excited about what 2024 has in store for us.

Links:

Episode 71 - Maximizing Creativity and Efficiency: How Chat GPT Transforms Our Podcast Production

Download our FREE eBook, ChatGPT: Unlocking its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life!

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From Teacher to Cheese Artist, Kerry Hymas of Harvest & Graze Shares Her Incredible Journey to Entrepreneurship

We had a great time chatting with Kerry Hymas from Harvest and Graze. Her journey from being a public school teacher to diving into the world of charcuterie is really incredible. Kerry shares how her decade-long teaching career and her mother’s influence as a long-time educator shaped her own path before she took a creative leap into entrepreneurship.

Kerry’s venture into charcuterie began quite spontaneously at her mom's 60th birthday party, where she crafted an elaborate charcuterie board that spanned a 10-foot island. The board was a hit, inspiring her to consider turning this passion into a business. Despite the daunting aspects of starting up, Kerry’s love for hosting and entertaining fueled her decision to push forward.

The turning point came when her mother-in-law showed her an Instagram post that sparked the idea that this could be more than just a hobby. This led to a whirlwind of activity, from brainstorming business names on a drive home to navigating the complexities of food laws with helpful guidance from a surprisingly supportive health department official.

Kerry also dives into how she utilized a ghost kitchen to comply with food safety regulations, allowing her to expand her offerings from the comfort of a professional setting without the overhead of owning a physical space. Her story is a vibrant tale of community support, creative passion, and entrepreneurial spirit, showing how she turned a simple idea into a thriving business that combines her loves of teaching, hosting, and creating beautiful, delicious food.

For anyone who's ever thought about turning a passion into a profession or adding a little creativity to their culinary endeavors, Kerry’s journey from choir teacher to charcuterie connoisseur is truly inspiring. She wraps up by sharing some tips for anyone looking to create their own charcuterie boards at home, emphasizing the joy of mixing flavors, textures, and colors to create something uniquely satisfying. Tune in to hear how Kerry crafts not only beautiful grazing boards but also a vibrant, fulfilling life that blends family, creativity, and business.

Links:

Harvest and Graze Website

Cross Creek Sandwich Shop in Conway, Arkansas Website

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Mastering Daily Decisions: Navigating Life's Choices with Confidence and Courage

Welcome back! Today's discussion dives into a topic that resonates deeply with everyone: decision-making. Melissa shares her exhausting experience of making countless decisions during a recent two-week event, sparking a deeper conversation about the number and impact of daily decisions.

Did you know that the average person makes about 35,000 decisions each day? This episode explores not just the sheer volume of choices we face but also the distinction between two types of decisions:

1. Type 1 Decisions: These are significant choices with long-lasting effects, often requiring careful thought and consideration due to their irreversible nature.

2. Type 2 Decisions: More common and less impactful, these decisions should be made quickly as they usually don’t have lasting consequences.

We delve into the "51 Percent Rule," a strategy suggesting that for significant decisions, being just 51% sure can be enough to take action. We discuss how overthinking can paralyze progress and share personal anecdotes to illustrate the practical application of this rule in both personal and professional contexts.

This episode is not just about making decisions but about making them wisely and bravely. Whether it's choosing what to have for lunch or making a career-altering move, the way we make decisions shapes our lives. We encourage you to embrace both the small and significant choices with courage and to remember that not making a decision is, in fact, a decision.

Join us as we unpack these insights and offer encouragement for anyone facing decision fatigue. Remember that each decision, no matter how small, contributes to the larger picture of our lives. So tune in, get inspired, and remember—bravery isn't just about the big moments; it's about the many small choices we make every day.

Links:

Inspired by The Mel Robbins Podcast - The 51% Rule

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Turning Passion into Profession: Rhonda Bell on Art, Business, and Embracing the Beginner's Mindset

We're thrilled to have Rhonda Bell share her journey from embracing the gift of being a beginner to flourishing as both an artist and a businesswoman. Rhonda Bell Studio, based in Boerne, Texas, is where she creates art that celebrates the beauty of everyday life through vibrant colors and emotive compositions.

Key Insights from Rhonda:

• The Gift of Being a Beginner: Rhonda reflects on valuable advice she received during her artistic development: the importance of allowing herself to make "really bad art" as part of the learning process. This mindset has enabled her to develop her skills without the pressure of perfection, highlighting the idea that mastery in art, like in any field, requires patience and time.

• Transition to a Business Mindset: Rhonda shares her unexpected journey into the business side of art. Starting from a few friends noticing her art to being invited to sell in a local store, she navigated the complexities of pricing, inventory management, and establishing an online presence. This transition marks her shift from hobbyist to professional, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of turning a passion into a thriving business.

• Commissioned Art and Customer Interaction: Rhonda discusses her experiences with commissioned projects, emphasizing the personal and emotional connections that people have with art. She explains how she collaborates with clients to ensure that the art not only fits their space but also resonates with them personally, which sometimes involves aligning the artwork with the interior design elements of a room.

At the core of Rhonda's work is a deep appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of life, which she translates into her art. Her approach is intuitive and emotionally driven, aiming to elevate the human spirit through her pieces.

Rhonda's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in yourself and embracing every step of the creative process. We encourage you to explore your passions with the same openness and bravery that Rhonda has demonstrated on her artistic journey.

Links:

Rhonda Bell Studio

Fiddlin Frogs

Instagram: rhonda.bell.studio

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