In this engaging conversation, Leslie Youngblood interviews Armin Elajian, a CPA and fractional CFO, about the importance of financial literacy for women entrepreneurs. They discuss Armin's transition from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, the significance of understanding financial numbers, and the challenges of navigating financial conversations. The discussion also covers practical advice on cash flow management, value-based pricing, and preparing for economic shifts, emphasizing the need for awareness and clarity in financial matters.

About Our Guest

• Armine Alajian, Founder and CEO - The Alajian Group
• Connect with Armine on LinkedIn
• Follow The Alajian Group on LinkedIn
• The Alajian Group website

Key Takeaways

• Financial literacy is crucial for women entrepreneurs.
• Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can be daunting but rewarding.
• Understanding your numbers gives you power in business.
• Clarity in financial planning beats hustle.
• Regularly reviewing your financials is essential for success.
• Value-based pricing can enhance profitability.
• Don't shy away from financial conversations; they are necessary.
• Cash flow management is vital for business sustainability.
• Having a financial advisor can alleviate stress.
• Awareness of expenses can lead to better financial decisions.

women in business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, accounting, small business, financial clarity, cash flow, value-based pricing, taxes, economic resilience

Host Leslie Youngblood interviews Liz Hansen, a boudoir photographer who empowers women through her art. Liz shares her journey from a wedding photographer to running a successful boudoir studio, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building a niche business. The conversation delves into the importance of self-love, overcoming societal norms, and the impact of mindset on entrepreneurship. Liz emphasizes the significance of community support and the transformative power of boudoir photography in helping women reclaim their bodies and stories.

About Out Guest

• Liz Hansen, Owner and Photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography
• Chicago Boudoir Photography website
• Connect with Liz on LinkedIn
• Follow Chicago Boudoir Photography on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Boudoir photography can empower women to feel confident.
• Starting a business requires overcoming limiting beliefs.
• Family support can vary, and that's okay.
• Finding a niche can lead to greater profitability.
• Pricing should reflect the value of the experience offered.
• Mindset shifts are crucial for business success.
• Community support is essential for entrepreneurs.
• Women should reclaim their bodies and stories.
• Overcoming money blocks is a journey.
• Self-love is foundational for personal and professional growth.

boudoir photography, women's empowerment, self-love, business growth, pricing strategies, mindset, community support, body positivity, entrepreneurship, personal development

In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood engages in a heartfelt conversation with Samara Tricarico, co-founder of Endurant Movement. They discuss the profound impact of grief, particularly in the context of losing a child, and how it has fueled Samara's advocacy for mental health and suicide awareness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, normalizing discussions around mental health, and practical ways to support those in grief. Samara shares insights on self-care, the role of death doulas, and the transformative power of turning pain into purpose. The episode concludes with a look at the future of the Endurant Movement and its mission to foster connection and healing.

About Our Guest

• Samara Tricarico, Co-Founder of Endurant Movement and Co-Host of The Endurant Show Podcast
• The Endurant Movement website
• The Endurant Show Podcast website
• Connect with Samara on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Grief is a unique experience for everyone.
• Community support is vital during times of grief.
• Normalizing conversations about mental health can save lives.
• Language matters when supporting those in grief.
• Self-care is essential for caregivers and grievers alike.
• Offering specific help is more effective than open-ended offers.
• Death doulas can provide valuable support during end-of-life transitions.
• Transforming pain into purpose can lead to healing.
• Creating safe spaces for teens is crucial for their mental health.
• Empathy and connection are key in navigating grief and loss.

mental health, grief, suicide awareness, community support, self-care, Endurant Movement, advocacy, death literacy, emotional resilience, women empowerment

Leslie Youngblood interviews Maiya Holliday about the significance of B Corps and the journey of building a sustainable business. They discuss the challenges and rewards of obtaining B Corp certification, the importance of community among B Corps, and practical steps for aspiring business owners. Maiya shares her experiences with low-hanging fruit options for sustainability, the role of AI in business, and the evolving landscape of B Corps. The conversation emphasizes that making an impact is possible for all business owners, not just nonprofits.

About Our Guest

• Maiya Holliday, Founder and CEO of Mangrove Web
• Mangrove Web website
• Connect with Maiya on LinkedIn
• Follow Mangrove on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• B Corps focus on people, planet, and profit.
• Maiya's journey began with website development and a passion for impact.
• B Corp certification is a rigorous but rewarding process.
• Low-hanging fruit options can help businesses become more sustainable.
• Community support is crucial for B Corps.
• AI can streamline operations and reduce busy work.
• B Corps are growing rapidly, increasing competition.
• Being a B Corp is about aligning values with business practices.
• Sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a one-time effort.
• Women entrepreneurs can make a significant impact through their businesses.

B Corps, women in business, sustainable practices, business certification, community impact, AI in business, business growth, women entrepreneurs, social responsibility, business advice

Host Leslie Youngblood and financial planner Melissa Joy discuss the complexities of money management for women in business. They explore the emotional aspects of finances, the importance of financial literacy, and the cultural influences that affect women's financial decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to take control of their financial futures, whether through personal budgeting, business planning, or seeking mentorship. Melissa shares her insights on the significance of community support and the necessity of having a financial plan in place to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. The episode concludes with practical advice for women to build confidence in their financial decisions and the importance of continuous learning in the financial realm.

About Our Guest

• Melissa Joy, Financial Planner and Founder of Pearl Planning
• Pearl Planning Website
• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn
• Follow Pearl Planning on LinkedIn
• Melissa's Podcast, Women's Money Wisdom, on YouTube

Key Takeaways

• Money is often an emotional topic for many individuals.
• Women often feel isolated in their financial struggles.
• Learning small bits about finance can empower women.
• Taking risks is essential for business success.
• Cultural influences can lead women to prioritize others over themselves financially.
• Being honest about financial situations is crucial for growth.
• Progress over perfection is key in financial management.
• Knowledge is power when it comes to managing money.
• Not every woman should be an entrepreneur, and that's okay.
• Community and mentorship play vital roles in financial confidence.

financial empowerment, women in business, money management, financial planning, budgeting, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, financial literacy, personal finance, business finance

Leslie Youngblood and Catherine (Cat) Holt discuss the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership roles. Cat shares her journey from rising to VP at a young age to navigating the complexities of corporate culture, the importance of mentorship, and the need for women to take charge of their careers. They explore the significance of creating supportive work environments, the impact of societal expectations, and the courage it takes to pursue entrepreneurship. The conversation emphasizes the power of community, the necessity of self-advocacy, and the importance of listening to one's inner voice when making career decisions.

About Our Guest

• Catherine (Cat) Holt, Founder and Chief Brand Officer - Coologee
• Coologee Website
• Connect with Cat on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Women need to stop waiting for opportunities and take action.
• Support from mentors and peers is crucial for success.
• Corporate environments can be hostile, especially for women.
• Bravery in entrepreneurship is essential for growth.
• Creating a positive work culture is vital for team success.
• Understanding the corporate game can help navigate challenges.
• Women often over-attribute control to external factors.
• It's important to find your own path and make changes when necessary.
• Building a remote-first business can foster flexibility and inclusivity.
• Community support is essential for personal and professional growth.

leadership, women in business, corporate culture, entrepreneurship, empowerment, mentorship, work-life balance, remote work, community support, personal growth

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Rachel Honeyman, founder of HoneyBeBold, about her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she implemented to turn her business around. Rachel shares her personal struggles with mental health and how they intertwined with her business journey. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support systems, finding the right coaching, and defining success on one's own terms. Rachel also discusses the significance of creating a sustainable content strategy and planning for the future.

About Our Guest

• Rachel Honeyman, founder of HoneyBeBold
• Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn
• HoneyBeBold Coaching program waitlist
• Bold Women in Business podcast
• Peter Giordanno III (Rachel's business coach mentioned)
• Diana Davis (Rachel's other business coach mentioned)

Key Takeaways

• Entrepreneurship can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.
• Setting clear financial goals can help guide business decisions.
• Support systems are crucial for navigating tough times in business.
• It's important to define success on your own terms.
• Creating a sustainable content strategy is key to attracting clients.
• Finding the right coach can provide valuable guidance and support.
• Assessing your business regularly helps identify areas for improvement.
• You can start small and build your business gradually.
• Building a meaningful business can provide a sense of purpose.

entrepreneurship, mental health, branding, content marketing, women entrepreneurs, business challenges, coaching, self-improvement, support systems, success strategies

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with sisters Kitty and Coco, co-founders of Endora, a wellness gaming app designed to help millennial mothers combat anxiety and depression through nostalgic reflection. They share their personal journeys, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of community support. The conversation delves into their unique moon mission, which aims to send memories into space, and emphasizes the need for ethical tech in today's world. Kitty and Coco offer valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of reflection and genuine connections in the startup landscape.

About Our Guests

• Kitty Bogle-Sherman and Coco Harmon, founders of Endora Technologies
• Endora Technologies website
• Endora app website
• About the Endora Moon Mission
• Connect with Kitty on LinkedIn
• Connect with Coco on LinkedIn
• Follow Endora Technologies on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Endora is designed to help mothers combat anxiety and depression.
• Community support and pitch competitions are crucial for startups.
• Motherhood can enhance motivation and productivity in careers.
• Reflection is key to personal growth and innovation.
• The moon mission aims to send memories into space as a legacy.
• Ethical tech is essential for positive societal impact.
• Entrepreneurs should focus on genuine connections rather than just fundraising.
• It's important to release expectations and embrace the learning process.
• Diverse backgrounds can lead to innovative solutions in business.