Every business owner needs a best friend. But not just any best friend....a business best friend. In this episode, host and business owner, Heidi Maranell sits down with her business bestie, Becky Kopitzke of The Inspired Business, to talk about why it's important to have someone who you can talk to about the business-side of your life. Becky and I have known each other for 14 years – we met when our kids were little and we lived on the same street. We have walked with each other through many years of ups and downs in business whether it was starting a blog, writing a book, launching a virtual assistant business, managing a Facebook community, starting a coaching and consulting business or launching an online boutique. We have run the gamut. And we’ve learned a lot and helped each other along the way.   Today we’re going to share some of our stories and talk about the importance of having a business best friend, specifically someone who understands what it’s like to own your own business (whether online or not) and how you can help each other.   DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Why you need a business best friend in the first place. Things we discuss and ways we help each other as business besties How to find your own business best friend Ways to stay connected with your bff Full show notes available at herbusinessrocks.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive updates on all the latest episodes and happenings at Her Business Rocks.

As a former preschool teacher turned homeschool mom, Carmen Vermillion realized her kids didn’t know about a lot of holidays and there was so much more she could do with adding seasonal play and activities into their homeschool day. She decided to create printable packs that incorporated fun learning, colorful designs and seasonal activities into a monthly subscription service for kids ages 3-7. Happy Day Printables is a passion project (that also provides some nice additional income) that Carmen is excited to share with her kids and enjoys having them help her and try all the materials before she releases them. Her kids are learning entrepreneurship along with their regular school subjects and Carmen gets to fulfill a passion for design and fun projects at the same time.   For complete show notes visit Her Business Rocks!

Every business has an awkward middle between getting started and actually bringing in a profit. In this episode, host and business owner, Heidi Maranell spills the beans on her own journey and serves up some down-to-earth advice to help you push through the uncertainty and discomfort in your business.   DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Heidi’s recent work from home fail during a zoom meeting – hint: it involved a dog How the work from home life is beautiful and wonderful and also…not so glamorous at times What do you do when you need money NOW but your business isn’t profitable yet? Words of encouragement from Becky Kopitzke of The Inspired Business When the hardest point in business is and the time when most people give up The money mindset shift that has been changing the way Heidi thinks and how it’s funding her business moving forward. How to have time for both outside work to fund our business and the tasks of actually growing the business Find Heidi on Instagram and at herbusinessrocks.com Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive updates on all the latest episodes, our new shop coming soon 🤩, and much more happening at Her Business Rocks.

Laurelyn Harrig sits down to talk with Heidi about her business, My Brand Photographer where she is a brand photographer and strategist helping female entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses bring their brand and business to life through website images, social media content, and other marketing images. Laurelyn works to free up her clients MOST valuable resource (time), so they can get back to the profit-producing areas of their business, and show up consistently. She knows small business owners wear all the hats, and she understands the time you spend pouring your hearts out serving your customers and pouring your heart + soul into your business. Because you’re wearing all the hats and it’s nearly impossible to do everything well, many times photos and marketing goes to the back burner.  Laurelyn shares with us the many details that go into planning for a brand photo session and shares the talking points when having a planning meeting with her clients. Go behind the scenes to hear from Laurelyn what makes her branding experience second to none and why her clients know they are going to get exactly the photos and videos they need for their business. View Full Show Notes: https://www.herbusinessrocks.com/episodes/episode-10-laurelyn-harrig-my-brand-photographer Website: My Brand PhotographerInstagram: My Brand Photographer Love this episode? Hear more from Laurelyn in our bonus content episode over in our Patreon membership. Become a Patreon member and have instant access to all our bonus episodes AND receive new episodes each month from our guests. Don’t miss it! Sign up to receive updates on all the news, latest episodes, bonus content and much more happening at Her Business Rocks.

Laura Andrews, owner and creator of Sunday Dough, talks with us about the whirlwind of the past year as she started her donut shop. After eating an amazing donut while on vacation, Laura set out on a quest to replicate that donut. Through much trial and error or a couple of years, Laura created the most amazing donut that now sells out in a matter of a couple hours each day. Laura shares the ups and downs of starting a brand-new business, how she got her product out in the local community and what life is like since she moved her business from her home to a downtown shop.   View Full Show Notes: https://www.herbusinessrocks.com/episodes/episode-09-laura-andrews-sunday-dough   Love this episode? Hear more from Laura in our bonus content episode over in our Patreon membership. In this bonus episode we talk about the logistics of running a business that is both special order and general inventory, where she buys ingredients and more. Become a Patreon member and have instant access to all our bonus episodes AND receive new episodes each month from our guests. Don’t miss it! Sign up to receive updates on all the news, latest episodes, bonus content and much more happening at Her Business Rocks.

Libby Rankin, owner of Platters With Purpose, shares the story of her daughter, Maddy, and her fight with pediatric cancer. Maddy always loved to have a “snack plate” and when she passed away, Libby got the idea to start Platters With Purpose to help fund pediatric cancer research in Maddy’s honor. Maddy believed there would be a cure. It just didn’t happen in time to save her. Join Heidi and Libby for this heartfelt and insightful look into the story of Platters With Purpose.   Show Notes: herbusinessrocks.com/libby-rankin-platters-with-purpose   Love this episode? Hear more from Libby in our bonus content episode over in our Patreon membership. In this bonus episode we talk about how Libby does (or doesn’t) market the business, start up costs for her business, and not getting caught up in the comparison trap. Become a Patreon member and have instant access to all our bonus episodes AND receive new episodes each month from our guests. Don’t miss it!

Lindsey Dickinson, owner of Decorating by Lindsey, shares her story of getting started as a decorator and designer as she helps people love the place and spaces where they live. Lindsey will share with us the steps she works through with her clients, and we’ll discuss why knowing the flow and specific uses of the room is the most important step in the design process. There have also been many changes in her business over the last couple of years. Lindsey walks us through what she has learned for pricing, time to complete jobs, and balancing evening work time with family life. SHOW NOTES Do you have a room in your home that feels like a hodgepodge of hand-me-down furniture, and you just want it to feel like a nice “adult” room? Lindsey hears this from many of her clients and loves to step in and help bring a put-together, relaxed atmosphere to any room in your house.  Decorating by Lindsey is a comprehensive design and decorating service that includes everything from initial consultation to shopping with clients for furniture, to hanging pictures, to returning store items at the end of the project. Lindsey has a design eye and can visualize a layout that others haven’t thought of. She takes into account all the ways you need to use the room, if there are kids or pets, and any other advantages or limitations in order to create a room that really suits her clients wants and needs. Join us as we discuss how Lindsey works with her clients through the design process and what changes she has had to make along the way. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE How Lindsey’s childhood home influenced her career choice First steps for the design process The importance of knowing the flow and specifics of an area (kids, pets, etc.) The one thing Lindsey wants to hear every client say when she finishes their project How being a decorator and designer may involve couples counseling and being a mediator The trial and error of pricing a service that includes unlimited time, shopping with clients, etc. The pricing system Lindsey developed that ensures no one feels taken advantage of The one thing Lindsey NEEDS to add to her design contract Why change in your business is a good thing The safety factor of a job in other people’s homes RESOURCES AND LINKS Website: Decorating by LindseyInstagram: Decorating by LindseyFacebook: Decorating by Lindsey Visit Her Business Rocks for more great content, pictures and stories from our podcast guests! Sign up to receive updates on all the news, latest episodes, bonus content and much more happening each week at Her Business Rocks.  Love this episode? Hear more from Lindsey in our bonus content episode over in our Patreon membership. In this bonus episode we are discussing the biggest challenge in this business for Lindsey, working in a business that is both service and product based, as well as what family life is like in a busy decorating business. Become a Patreon member and have instant access to all our bonus episodes AND receive new episodes each month from our guests. Don’t miss it!

Amanda Svoboda, owner of Little House on Main, talks with us about starting a gift shop and lifestyle boutique with a mission for supporting and giving back to those in need because the Svoboda’s found themselves in need just a couple years ago. We’ll talk about how Amanda got started in her physical location, adding ecommerce to the business, and what life is like running a shop full-time with 4 young boys. This episode is filled with encouragement and peace radiates from Amanda’s voice. SHOW NOTES Imagine a beautiful, quaint boutique located on Main Street in the heart of Iowa. Welcome to Little House on Main, a gift boutique focused on meaningful, thoughtful gifts that bring peace and joy. The best part of all? A percentage of every purchase goes back to support those in need in the local community. When Amanda started Little House on Main, she knew there needed to be a bigger purpose behind it. Having recently been through a series of open heart surgeries with one of her young boys, she knew the emotional and financial support that is needed by so many when going through hard situations. Little House on Main began to take on the theme “Shop with a Purpose” and customers can’t wait to shop knowing they are not only getting beautiful, curated gifts but also supporting other Iowa families facing heavy burdens. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE How the idea for Little House on Main came about and how they got their property Investors and cheerleaders for your business How Amanda decides what types of products she is going to carry in the shop that are both meaningful and have the look/feel of her business The intentional pivot Amanda made in the shop during Covid The desire to support other small local businesses and carry their products Finding inspiration and ideas from other shops like yours that are not local Using Faire to find locally crafted and branded merchandise Bringing other local businesses for events and pop-ups How Amanda learned merchandising and the joy she finds in displaying items Why Amanda doesn’t take online courses or build her business with lots of training The importance of networking with other businesses and with people who know how to help you What it means to shop with a purpose at Little House on Main Adding an online shop instead of adding on to their physical location RESOURCES AND LINKS Website: Little House on MainInstagram: Little House on MainFacebook: Little House on MainFaire - wholesale marketplace Visit Her Business Rocks for more great content, pictures and stories from our podcast guests! Sign up to receive updates on all the news, latest episodes, bonus content and much more happening each week at Her Business Rocks.  Love this episode? Hear more from Amanda in our bonus content episode over in our Patreon membership. In this bonus episode we are discussing planning for busy seasons like Christmas and also discussing how Amanda loves to have her family close by to help with and visit the shop. Become a Patreon member and have instant access to all our bonus episodes AND receive new episodes each month from our guests. Don’t miss it!

Learn how Sophie Hill, owner of JoyPop, started her Des Moines based studio specializing in custom balloon installations, garlands and arches. Custom balloon designs bring a unique and unforgettable touch to all of life’s celebrations. Sophie started JoyPop to create and be inspired by celebrations, and, as she says, balloons are all about having fun!  SHOW NOTES Balloons are not just for kids. Sophistication and beauty oozes from Sophie Hill, owner of JoyPop, as she creates magical and stunning event features through her balloon designs. Sophie found her passion for balloons after living in L.A. and having a floral design business. Balloons are very popular on the west coast, so Sophie decided to add them to her list of design services when she transitioned her business from L.A. to Des Moines. Soon after starting, the balloon business took off and Sophie has never looked back. Today her studio is thriving and she is here to share with us how she got started and what life looks like as a custom balloon designer and installer. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE How unfulfilling jobs led Sophie to start floral design Balloon design popularity on the west coast How balloon designs thrived during the pandemic The surprising business of corporate balloon arrangements How the Kardashians helped her solidify balloon arrangements as more than just a passing trend Starting a business doesn’t have to involve a new idea. Sometimes it means taking an old idea/product and making it noteworthy. How Sophie learned balloon design with no experience or knowledge of it How Sophie assembles her balloon installations The formula for pricing her balloon designs to keep her work profitable How Sophie works in her business full-time while also being a new mom RESOURCES AND LINKS Website: JoyPopInstagram: JoyPopFacebook: JoyPop Visit Her Business Rocks for more great content, pictures and stories from our podcast guests! Sign up to receive updates on all the news, latest episodes, bonus content and much more happening each week at Her Business Rocks. Love this episode? Hear more from Sophie in our bonus content episode over in our Patreon membership. In this bonus episode we are diving into Instagram Reels and how Kortney has found success through her content. Become a Patreon member and have instant access to all our bonus episodes AND receive new episodes each month from our guests. Don’t miss it!

Amanda Mondloch of Busy Doodle Mobile Fitness and Training joins Heidi to talk about how she took her passion for dogs and turned it into her dream business teaching obedience and scent-work classes as well as providing real-life opportunities for people to walk and train their dogs on a flexible schedule. Her non-traditional way of doing business has seen great success and is the perfect fit for both Amanda and her clients. Bonus: she gets to spend most of her day with her sweet dog, Oakley. 🐕 SHOW NOTES The saying goes “there’s more than one way to do something.” This couldn’t be more true for today’s guest, Amanda Mondloch, of Busy Doodle Mobile Fitness and Training. Busy Doodle is an on-location dog training and exercise business that offers private training lessons, group lessons like basic and advanced obedience as well as scent work, pack walks, and dog walking services. Amanda also has added pet and family photography to her service offerings. And from what I’ve seen, she is so good at capturing the personality of your dog and getting them to interact with family members to create a truly “family” portrait. Amanda has a dedicated following of clients and dog owners who love her casual, laid-back teaching style that makes people not feel like failures when they struggle with their dog’s behavior. Heidi has done a number of Amanda’s classes and walks with her dogs, and she loves them. She has a knack for helping us lead our dogs well and developing confidence instead of anxiety as a pet owner.  DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE How Amanda followed her passion to work with animals and got her start in dog training Learning from others in the industry through internships Creating a non-traditional business model that works for you and your business - hint: Amanda does not have a physical business location How Amanda uses real-life adventures to train and teach your dog How her business model is perfect for a service based business with a small start-up budget Amanda’s best form of marketing How Amanda bravely asked another business to partner on an idea and has now become one of the main classes in her business The importance of asking your clients what they want and building her offerings around their needs Building flexibility into her class schedule and knowing the needs of her customers RESOURCES AND LINKS Instagram: Busy Doodle Mobile Fitness and TrainingFacebook: Busy Doodle Mobile Fitness and TrainingWebsite: Busy Doodle Mobile Fitness and TrainingHire Amanda - in person and virtual training available Visit Her Business Rocks for more great content, pictures and stories from our podcast guests! Sign up to receive updates on all the news, latest episodes, bonus content and much more happening each week at Her Business Rocks.  Love this episode? Hear more from Amanda in our bonus content episode in our Patreon membership. In this bonus episode we are diving into getting started in an animal-based business as well as extra complimentary services you can offer your clients like pet photography.. Become a Patreon member and have instant access to all our bonus episodes AND receive new episodes each month from our guests. Don’t miss it!