Julie at Brave Looks Good On You

  • 080 – From Teacher to Cheese Artist: Kerry Hymas of Harvest & Graze Shares Her Incredible Journey to Entrepreneurship

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

    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

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!

  • 079 – Mastering Daily Decisions: Navigating Life’s Choices with Confidence and Courage

    Mastering Daily Decisions: Navigating Life's Choices with Confidence and Courage
    When you don't make a decision, you indeed made a decision.

    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

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!

  • 078 – Turning Passion into Profession: Rhonda Bell on Art, Business, and Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset

     

  • 077 – Swimming Through Fog: A Story of Resilience and Vision

    Swimming Through Fog: A Story of Resilience and Vision

    We’ve got a story to share on today’s episode that really inspired us. It’s about Florence Chadwick, a swimmer who, in 1952, attempted to swim from Catalina Island to the California mainland. This story isn’t just about her physical journey through 20 miles of open ocean, but about the mental battle she faced against dense fog and the unknown.

    Imagine this: Florence, faces fog so thick on her swim day that she can’t see the support boats nearby. Despite the adverse conditions, she swims for nearly 16 hours. But, overwhelmed by the fog and unable to see the shore, she quits, only to learn she was less than half a mile away from her goal. Florence later said, “All I could see was the fog. I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it.”

    This moment is a profound reminder of how easily we can become consumed by the ‘fog’ in our own lives—obstacles, fears, and the uncertainties that cloud our vision and goals. Yet, Florence’s story doesn’t end there. She returns two months later, conquers the swim, and even sets a faster time, proving that with determination and a clear vision, any challenge can be overcome.

    Florence’s journey resonates deeply with us, both in our personal and professional lives. It’s taught us the importance of persistence, the need for a clear goal, and the value of a support system. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea that, even when we can’t see the finish line, continuing to move forward can lead us to achieve greatness. And it’s a great reminder that, no matter the fog we face, brave looks good on you!

    Links

    Florence Chadwick

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!

  • 076 – Embracing Your Dreams and Navigating Brand Identity with Suzette Garcia: A Guide to Personal and Professional Empowerment

    Embracing Your Dreams and Navigating Brand Identity with Suzette Garcia: A Guide to Personal and Professional Empowerment
    Permit yourself to want what you want. Like you are allowed to want what you want in life.

    Embracing Your Dreams and Navigating Brand Identity with Suzette Garcia: A Guide to Personal and Professional Empowerment

    In this episode, we have the incredible Suzette Garcia joining us. Suzette is a licensed certified coach, a creative consultant, and a beacon of inspiration for women navigating their brand identity and personal growth. Here’s what we unpacked in this enlightening conversation:

    Key Takeaways:

    The Power of Permitting Yourself to Dream: Suzette shares her wisdom on the importance of allowing yourself to want what you truly desire, shedding the societal pressures and embracing your personal aspirations.

    Elevating Your Awareness: We discuss the significance of becoming conscious of your desires and the barriers that may stand in your way, offering strategies to shift your focus and overcome these challenges.

    Directing Your Focus: Suzette introduces the concept of using visual tools like vision boards to manifest your dreams and aspirations, emphasizing the role of visualization in goal setting.

    Taking Purposeful Action: We delve into the steps to translate your dreams into actionable goals, highlighting the importance of daily reminders and consistent effort towards achieving what you desire.

    Embracing Imperfection: We explore the liberation found in accepting imperfection, discussing how embracing our flaws and setbacks can lead to true growth and fulfillment.

    Episode Highlights:


    Suzette’s Unique Background: From an art history graduate to a project management certificate holder, Suzette’s diverse background contributes to her unique approach in coaching women.

    The Concept of Brand Identity: Suzette breaks down the misconception of a brand being a product, offering insights into how brands live in the perception of the audience and how to influence that effectively.

    The Role of Mindset in Achieving Goals: The conversation takes a deep dive into the conscious model taught at the Life Coach School, emphasizing how our thoughts about circumstances lead to our feelings, actions, and ultimately, our results.

    Practical Steps to Visioning and Goal Setting: Suzette provides a comprehensive walkthrough on creating a vision board, from permitting yourself to dream to taking purposeful actions towards those dreams.

    We challenge you to take the first step towards embracing your dreams today. Start by permitting yourself to want what you want, and consider making your own vision board. Remember, Brave Looks Good On You, and it’s time to step into the life you deserve.

    Links

    Book a Discovery Call with Suzette

    Suzette’s Website

    Suzette’s FREE Vision Board Template

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!

     

  • 075 – Melissa Takes on Pickleball: A Tale of Spontaneous Bravery

    Melissa Takes on Pickleball: A Tale of Spontaneous Bravery

    Welcome back to another “shorty” episode of our podcast, where today’s story is a delightful mix of humor and unexpected courage. It’s all about Melissa’s first-ever foray into the world of pickleball—a sport that proves you don’t need to be an athlete to have a blast… or to learn a thing or two about yourself.

    Highlights:

    • Pickleball and Perseverance: Melissa dives headfirst into a spontaneous pickleball lesson, challenging her dislike for spontaneity and her self-proclaimed non-athleticism. With a group of enthusiastic, albeit more experienced, players, Melissa finds herself in the thick of learning a new sport, complete with its own lingo like “dinking” and “the kitchen.”

    • Spontaneous Bravery: Julie applauds Melissa’s unexpected decision to join the pickleball session.  It’s a reminder that sometimes, life’s most memorable moments come from unplanned adventures.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Embrace the Unexpected: Life’s richest experiences often come from the most spontaneous decisions. Dare to step outside your routine.

    • Everyone Starts Somewhere: Trying something new is the first step towards growth. Don’t be afraid to be a beginner.

    • Find Your Community: Whether it’s pickleball, podcasting, or any other pursuit, surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals can make all the difference.

    • Be Kind to Yourself: Every attempt, no matter the outcome, is a victory in itself. Celebrate the effort, not just the achievement.

    Have you ever taken a leap of spontaneity that led to an unexpected lesson or adventure? We’d love to hear your stories of spontaneous bravery and how they’ve shaped your journey. Remember, being brave looks good on you, in pickleball and in life.

    Links

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!

  • 074 – Efficient Homes, Happier Lives: Alyssa Beaird’s Guide to Mastering Home Operations

    Efficient Homes, Happier Lives: Alyssa Beaird’s Guide to Mastering Home Operations

    In this episode we had the pleasure of diving into the world of home operations, organization, and emergency planning with Alyssa Beaird, the visionary behind A. Marie & Co. Alyssa’s journey from the corporate realm to entrepreneurship is inspired by her childhood experiences and the realization that managing a home isn’t vastly different from running a business. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional in our home lives to achieve our financial, family, and faith goals.

    Alyssa shares her unique approach to transforming homes into efficiently run operations, underscoring the necessity of clear goal-setting, communication, and understanding the “why” behind our organizational struggles. Whether it’s dealing with postpartum anxiety or simply feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind, A. Marie & Co. offers tactical tools to help families navigate through these challenges with grace.

    One of the most impactful takeaways from our conversation was the concept of home operations – a term Alyssa believes she coined. This approach treats the home like a business, focusing on day-to-day management and making informed decisions that align with the family’s overarching goals. Alyssa also touched upon the vital difference between home operations and organization, and the role of emergency planning in ensuring family safety and security.

    We encourage you to reflect on how you can apply Alyssa’s insights to your own lives, recognizing that being brave doesn’t always mean taking grandiose steps; sometimes, it’s about the courage to make small, intentional changes in our homes and lives. For those looking to dive deeper, Alyssa has generously offered a promo code for exclusive insights into leveling up home operations and organization!  

    Links

    A Marie & Co. 

    Use code BRAVE24 for a free on-site (if you are local to the San Antonio area) or virtual consultation for any service!

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!

     

  • 073 – Creating Lasting Impressions: The Power of Making Others Feel Welcome

    I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

    Creating Lasting Impressions: The Power of Making Others Feel Welcome

    Welcome back to another episode where we dive into the importance of the impact you leave on others. Today, we’re inspired by a timeless quote from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This episode isn’t just about the words we say or the actions we take; it’s about the lasting impression we leave on those we interact with, in business and in life.

    Join us as Melissa shares a personal story from a recent hot yoga class that left her reflecting on the importance of making everyone feel welcomed and valued, especially in new or intimidating environments. Despite the heat of the class, it was the cold reception that sparked our conversation on how businesses and individuals alike can influence the energy in a room and make a positive difference in someone’s day.

    We also discuss the new initiative in Julie’s entrepreneurial circle, Babes Support Babes, and how being an ambassador for welcoming newcomers can transform an organization’s culture and success. We explore the simple yet impactful ways we can all contribute to making our spaces more inclusive and supportive, reminding us that bravery isn’t just about facing our fears—it’s about extending a hand to those who are navigating their own.

    This episode is a call to action: to be intentional in our interactions, to lead with kindness, and to remember that our legacy is not just what we achieve, but how we make people feel along the way. Whether you’re stepping into a new class, leading a team, or simply going about your daily life, remember, your bravery in these moments not only looks good on you but can make all the difference in someone else’s experience.

    Links:

    Babe Support Babes

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!

  • 072 – Finding Balance: How Tiffeny Crow Inspires a Healthier, Happier Life Through Fitness

    Finding Balance: How Tiffeny Crow Inspires a Healthier, Happier Life Through Fitness

    In this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Tiffeny Crow, an inspiring personal trainer and fitness instructor at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. With an impressive 30-year journey in group exercise and 15 years as a personal trainer, Tiffeny’s story began with a fitness competition win that sparked her lifelong passion for wellness. She’s all about the power of exercise and healthy eating to boost our mental health, strengthen our bodies, and enrich our lives.

    Tiffeny’s energy is infectious, and it’s easy to see why she’s been such a big part of Melissa’s fitness journey for nearly a decade. Tiffeny brings a personal touch to her work, tailoring her approach to meet people where they are in their fitness journey, whether it’s college students or community members, making every class unique and engaging.

    During our chat, Tiffeny delved into the sometimes confusing world of nutrition and fitness, shedding light on the simplicity of eating well and staying active. She cuts through the noise of diet trends with a straightforward philosophy: if it’s made by nature, it’s probably good for you. She also shared some simple yet effective tips for anyone looking to improve their health, emphasizing the importance of starting small and being consistent.

    Tiffeny’s approachable take on fitness, focusing on gratitude, embracing where you’re at, and the small steps we can all take towards a healthier lifestyle, really struck a chord. Her belief in the power of movement and nutrition to transform our mental and physical health is a reminder that being brave enough to start is the first step to any change. So, whether you’re lacing up your shoes for the first time in years or looking to shake up your routine, remember, brave looks good on you!

    Links

    That Sugar Film

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!

  • 071 – Maximizing Creativity and Efficiency: How Chat GPT Transforms Our Podcast Production

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

    Hey y’all!  We’re excited to dive into a topic that’s truly transformed the way we approach not just podcasting, but also how we tackle challenges and creativity in our everyday lives. Our guiding mantra, “work smarter, not harder,” has never been more relevant, especially as we explore the innovative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Chat GPT, and its incredible impact on our work.

    Over the past year, Chat GPT has become an indispensable tool for us. It’s reshaped our podcast production process, from brainstorming episode topics to scripting and editing. If you’re new to AI or hesitant about its capabilities, we’re here to share our journey and hopefully open your mind to its potential.  It’s not just for podcasting – we think everyone can find it useful!

    What is Chat GPT?

    Chat GPT is a powerful AI developed by OpenAI, designed to understand and generate human-like text. It’s not just for writing; it’s a versatile tool that assists us in various aspects of producing our podcast, “Brave Looks Good on You.”

    Our Process with Chat GPT:

    Idea Generation

    Melissa, the creative force behind our episode topics, sometimes hits a creative block. That’s where Chat GPT shines. It suggests fresh topics and even helps with scripting intro segments. This AI tool acts like a co-writer, offering endless energy and creativity.

    Script Writing and Editing

    Chat GPT assists us in drafting episode scripts and refining our ideas. It’s like having a tireless co-writer who ensures our grammar, clarity, and tone are on point. Over time, Chat GPT learns our preferences, allowing for a more personalized output.

    Show Notes and Social Media

    After recording, Julie handles the editing and the creation of show notes and social media content. By feeding the episode transcript into Chat GPT, it generates concise, engaging show notes and social media posts. This not only saves time but also maintains our voice and style across platforms.

    The Impact of AI on Our Work

    Incorporating AI into our workflow has been nothing short of revolutionary. It’s enabled us to focus more on the creative aspects of our podcast, leaving the repetitive and time-consuming tasks to our AI assistant. This technology has allowed us to work smarter, not harder, and significantly sped up our production process.

    For anyone apprehensive about integrating AI into their work, we encourage you to give it a try. The efficiency and creativity it brings to the table are invaluable. Remember, it’s about making the most of the tools available to us, and AI is a powerful ally in our quest to produce meaningful and engaging content.

    Links

    Descript, our podcast editing tool (it’s awesome, BTW)

    Our Chat GPT ebook

    Chat GPT

    Join our Newsletter

    Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

    More info on our website!