Talking Shizzle

Embracing Entrepreneurship at 80: Susan Merry's Activewear Journey

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2036618/open_sms] Susan B. Merry is the inspiring founder of Inner Joy, an activewear company emphasizing comfort and style for older women. Launching her company at the impressive age of 78, Susan brings a unique perspective as a lifelong dancer and a retail veteran. With a background that includes working for prominent names like Chico's and Barnes & Noble, Susan combines her retail expertise with a deep passion for dance therapy. Her mission is to create activewear that empowers women to feel good in their bodies, regardless of age. Episode Summary: In this episode of the Talking Shizzle pod, host Taylor Wilson jumps into a conversation with Susan B. Merry, the spirited founder of Inner Joy. The episode centers around Susan’s personal and entrepreneurial journey that began at the age of 78. Listeners will be drawn in by Susan's late-blooming entrepreneurial spirit, her lifelong dedication to dance, and her commitment to providing quality activewear for older women. Taylor and Susan explore themes of resilience, lifelong learning, and how fashion can be empowering no matter your age. As they chat, Susan discusses the motivations behind starting her business, rooted deeply in her love for dance and a clear gap she identified in the activewear market. Keywords such as "entrepreneurship," "activewear for older women," and "dance therapy" serve to highlight Susan’s journey and the unique niche she aims to fill. The conversation also touches on the challenges of launching a business later in life, the importance of comfort in activewear, and the ever-evolving landscape of fashion as it becomes more inclusive for all age groups. Susan's compelling story is a testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions and make a difference. Key Takeaways: * Susan Merry started Inner Joy at 78, blending her passion for dance with her retail experience to fill a gap in the market for comfortable, stylish activewear for older women. * Her brand emphasizes movement, comfort, and body positivity, aligning with the principles of dance therapy, a field Susan is passionate about. * The journey from conception to product launch took about a year and a half, highlighting the persistence and learning required in starting a business. * Challenges in marketing to the older demographic illustrate a shift away from traditional methods to a more digital strategy, including an upcoming launch on Amazon. * Susan's commitment to creating quality products in the U.S. and incorporating feedback from her customers speaks to her dedication to mindfulness and community. Resources: * Inner Joy Activewear: https://innerjoyactivewear.com/ - Discover comfortable, stylish activewear catering to older women. Reach out to us at Creative Shizzle🦉- We'd love to hear from you: Website [https://www.creativeshizzle.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/creativeshizzle/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/creativeshizzle/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/creativeshizzle/] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/creativeshizzle.bsky.social] Email: hello@creativeshizzle.com

Designing Products That Build Trust and Delight Kids

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2036618/open_sms] Jordan Diatlo is the CEO and founder of Leadoff Studio, an acclaimed industrial design studio based in Long Island City, New York. With a rich professional history in industrial and product design, Jordan has worked with major companies including Nike, Walmart, and Lululemon, as well as numerous innovative startups. Originally passionate about graphic design, Jordan transitioned to industrial design during his education at Carnegie Mellon University. He has significant experience in the industry, having designed over 60 products during his tenure at Quirky, a startup known for pushing the boundaries of invention. Episode Summary: In this episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson converses with Jordan Diatlo, the visionary behind Leadoff Studio. Discover the intricate world of industrial design, where creativity and functionality merge to create innovative, tangible products. Jordan sheds light on the exciting journey from ideation to market, detailing how Leadoff Studio collaborates with entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality. The episode also dives into the fascinating stories behind some of the products Jordan has helped design for brands like Ro, Nike, and Lululemon, highlighting his expertise in crafting user-friendly consumer experiences. Join as Jordan takes us through the meticulous process of product development, emphasizing the importance of user experience and brand trust in industrial design. With a focus on creating products that stand out, he shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of designing for top brands and startups alike. Whether it's a transformative dental product for children or innovative packaging for online pharmacies like Ro, Jordan’s work exemplifies the art and science of industrial design. Aspiring entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts will find this episode rich with wisdom and inspiration. Key Takeaways: * Product Development Process: Jordan elaborates on the step-by-step process from idea inception to manufacturing, highlighting the importance of understanding the user's journey. * Building Brand Trust: Hear about the critical role of packaging and user experience in establishing trust, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare. * Navigating Challenges: Learn from Jordan's experiences as he shares the trials of working with major brands and startups, emphasizing adaptability and creativity. * Evolving Industry Insights: Discover the dynamic nature of industrial design and how Jordan’s journey from graphic design to industrial design informs his current work. * Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Jordan offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to dive into product design and development. Resources: * Leadoff Studio: Leadoff Studio Website [https://www.leadoffstudio.com] * Brush Babsy: Brush Babsy Website [https://www.brushbabsy.com] * Ro (Roman): Information on Ro and their health products can be found at their website. Tune in to this episode to experience firsthand the innovative world of product design and gain actionable  Reach out to us at Creative Shizzle🦉- We'd love to hear from you: Website [https://www.creativeshizzle.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/creativeshizzle/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/creativeshizzle/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/creativeshizzle/] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/creativeshizzle.bsky.social] Email: hello@creativeshizzle.com

Booked & Branded: How to Build a Hotel Everyone Wants to Stay (and Post) In

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2036618/open_sms] About the Guest(s): Mallory Green is the founder of Rains Marketing, an agency dedicated to creating scroll-stopping content for hotel and travel brands. With extensive experience in hotel branding, influencer collaborations, and social media strategy, Mallory has built a reputation for transforming generic content into engaging, user-generated social media experiences. Her expertise lies in blending creativity with strategic planning to deliver compelling campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Mallory also hosts the Oui Oui Travel Podcast, where she explores the dynamic world of travel marketing and shares insights from her work in the industry. Episode Summary: In this episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson sits down with Mallory Green, founder of Rains Marketing, to delve into the vibrant world of hotel branding and influencer marketing. With a focus on crafting distinctive identities for hotel brands, Mallory shares her expertise on creating content that grabs attention and drives engagement. The conversation unpacks the intricacies of working with influencers, planning creative campaigns, and the unique challenges faced in the travel marketing sector. Listeners will gain insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into developing captivating social media content for leading hotel brands. The episode tackles the myths and realities of influencer marketing, showcasing how Mallory's team effectively sources and collaborates with influencers to create authentic and impactful content. They discuss the balance between digital engagement and the on-ground realities of hotel branding, emphasizing the importance of understanding each property's unique offerings. The discussion also touches on the evolving social media landscape, exploring the role of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even emerging technologies such as AI in shaping brand narratives. With a focus on innovative strategies and experiences, this episode is a treasure trove for marketers seeking to enhance their brand's visibility in the competitive travel sector. Key Takeaways: * Highlighting the role of influencer marketing in creating authentic connections with audiences and driving hotel brand engagement. * Emphasizing the importance of user-generated content and detailed planning in crafting successful marketing campaigns. * Understanding the challenges and strategies in differentiating hotel brands in a homogeneous market. * Exploring the potential of AI and emerging social platforms in enhancing the impact of travel marketing efforts. * The crucial balance between creativity and logistics in event planning and executing marketing initiatives effectively. Resources: * Mallory Green: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/malloryheathergreen/?hl=en] * Rains Marketing: Website [https://rainsmarketing.com] * Oui Oui Travel Podcast: Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ouiouitravel/?hl=en] Dive into this enriching conversation to uncover the dynamic world of travel marketing with Mallory Green. For those seeking to master the art of brand differentiation and engaging content creation, this episode is not to be missed. Keep tuning in for more insightful episodes o Reach out to us at Creative Shizzle🦉- We'd love to hear from you: Website [https://www.creativeshizzle.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/creativeshizzle/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/creativeshizzle/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/creativeshizzle/] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/creativeshizzle.bsky.social] Email: hello@creativeshizzle.com

Uncovering Hidden Profit: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Fuel Their Purpose

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2036618/open_sms] Jamie Trull is a seasoned CPA and corporate accounting veteran turned entrepreneur. Founder of "Power in Numbers," Jamie specializes in teaching small business owners how to uncover hidden profits and strategically manage their finances. With her new book "Hidden Profit," she offers insights on finding profitability to fuel life and business goals. Jamie is known for her engaging teaching style which resonates primarily with women entrepreneurs, helping them overcome financial uncertainties to build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson sits down with Jamie Trull, a dynamic female entrepreneur and the brain behind "Power in Numbers." Jamie is celebrated for her unique approach to helping small business owners discover hidden profits within their operations. With her upcoming book, "Hidden Profit," Jamie aims to debunk the myths around financial management for entrepreneurs, especially women who typically doubt their fiscal strategies. The conversation sheds light on embracing financial strategy to drive both personal and professional objectives. Jamie Trull shares her journey from being a corporate accountant to pursuing entrepreneurship out of necessity and personal choice when faced with a career crossroads. Her empathetic style and insight have amplified her impact, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when she pivoted to offer crucial financial advice through her online platforms. Jamie introduces concepts like 'Profit Levers' and 'Profit Planning,' encouraging listeners to realign their financial habits to foster lucrative business ecosystems. Her candid discussion emphasizes the alignment of profit with purpose, challenging the conventional narrative around financial success and its correlation with societal impact. Key Takeaways: * Jamie emphasizes the significant potential of women entrepreneurs in using profit to fuel purpose-driven initiatives, highlighting the economic ripple effect when women thrive financially. * The episode covers strategic approaches like adjusting pricing and cost management, presenting these as pivotal levers to unlock hidden profits. * Jamie’s 'Profit Planning' method offers a structured way to allocate profits towards personal and business goals, underpinning a balanced financial strategy. * The importance of frequent review and adjustment of pricing is stressed, aligning this with market demand and operational scalability. * Jamie challenges the misconception that profit is at odds with purpose, instead advocating for profit as a means to enable broader social impact and personal fulfillment. Resources: * Jamie Trull’s website: jamietrull.com [https://jamietrull.com] * YouTube Channel: Jamie Trull [https://www.youtube.com/user/jamietrull] * Book: Hidden Profit - pre-order available on her website, releasing October 21st. * Relay Financial: Business banking service mentioned for managing multiple accounts efficiently. Tune into this episode to discover how Jamie Trull’s insights can transform your approach to financial management in your business, uncover hidden profits, and drive both purpose and profitability. Stay connected for more impactful episodes on Talking Shizz Reach out to us at Creative Shizzle🦉- We'd love to hear from you: Website [https://www.creativeshizzle.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/creativeshizzle/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/creativeshizzle/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/creativeshizzle/] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/creativeshizzle.bsky.social] Email: hello@creativeshizzle.com

Navigating Nonprofit Funding Challenges Amid Policy Shifts and Uncertainty

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2036618/open_sms] About the Guest(s): Doug Hartjes Doug Hartjes is a seasoned expert in the nonprofit sector, currently leading Cor Consulting. With extensive experience as CEO of major nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Make-A-Wish Foundation in North Carolina, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge in nonprofit operations, funding, and management. He is deeply committed to helping organizations navigate financial challenges and leverage resources effectively. Episode Summary: Wow, this is a power packed episode of Talking Shizzle, Taylor Wilson welcomes Doug Hartjes from Cor Consulting to discuss the critical challenges facing nonprofit organizations due to recent government policy changes. As government funding freezes become a reality, Doug shares insights on navigating this precarious landscape for nonprofits that heavily rely on grants and federal assistance. Amidst this financial uncertainty, it's time for nonprofit leaders to craft crisis plans and explore diversified funding sources to sustain their operations. Throughout the discussion, Doug emphasizes the importance of proactive communication with boards, donors, and staff members. He advises nonprofit organizations to invest in fundraising resources instead of cutting them and underscores the crucial role of donor relationships. As organizations face potential cuts, continuing engagement with stakeholders and exploring diversified funding streams becomes vital. By sharing real-life insights and examples, this episode offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders determined to thrive in challenging times. Key Takeaways: * Nonprofits need a crisis plan to address possible funding cuts, focusing on diversifying their funding streams and investing more in fundraising resources. * Doug underscores the importance of building strong donor relationships, emphasizing that effective communication and stewardship are crucial. * Nonprofit boards should be proactive in examining financial scenarios, engaging in forecasting, and embracing their duty of care to support organizational stability. * Current government policies, particularly executive orders affecting DEI initiatives, may require nonprofits to reevaluate their language and compliance strategies. * Amid challenges, opportunities for strengthening donor engagement and enhancing board involvement are abundant, with an emphasis on empathy and transparent communication. Resources: * Cor Consulting [https://corconsulting.org] - Doug Hartjes' consulting firm providing guidance for nonprofit organizations. * Council of Nonprofits [https://councilofnonprofits.org] - A resource for nonprofits with FAQs on executive actions and what to do if federal contracts are terminated. For a deeper understanding and more practical insights, tune in to the full episode. Stay connected for more inspiring stories and expert advice on upcoming episodes of Talking Shizzle.  Reach out to us at Creative Shizzle🦉- We'd love to hear from you: Website [https://www.creativeshizzle.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/creativeshizzle/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/creativeshizzle/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/creativeshizzle/] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/creativeshizzle.bsky.social] Email: hello@creativeshizzle.com