That Delaware Podcast

From Reluctant Start to Black Belt How Elevated Jiu Jitsu Became a Community

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414266/fan_mail/new] 📄 Podcast + YouTube Description In this episode of That Delaware Podcast, we sit down with Renee from Elevated Jiu Jitsu to talk about building a business, raising a family, and creating a community centered around growth, discipline, and connection. Renee shares how a chance meeting at a Preston and Steve event led to her marriage and eventually the creation of Elevated Jiu Jitsu in Trolley Square. From leaving a teaching career to opening a studio just blocks from home, she walks us through the journey of building something meaningful alongside her husband. We also dive into what makes their studio so different, from character development and leadership training to creating an inclusive environment for kids and adults of all personalities and abilities. Plus, we talk about homeschooling, motherhood, and the reality of balancing it all while staying aligned with your values. In this episode • The unexpected story of how Renee met her husband and found martial arts • Opening Elevated Jiu Jitsu in Trolley Square and growing the business • Why jiu jitsu is about more than physical training • Character development, discipline, and building confidence in kids • Creating an inclusive space for all personalities and learning styles • What it takes to step outside your comfort zone as an adult • Homeschooling and building a life aligned with your values • The difference between traditional and modern approaches to learning and growth • Life in Wilmington and why the Trolley Square community stands out 🎧 Listen in for a conversation about growth, resilience, and building a life and business that truly reflect who you are. Follow us on Instagram @thatdelawarepodcast @rosaioteam_realestate Visit our website https://www.therosaioteam.com 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Turning Art Into Business and Raising a Creative Life

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414266/fan_mail/new] In this episode of That Delaware Podcast, we sit down with Katie from Finley’s Flowers and her son Finley for a conversation about creativity, motherhood, and building a business from the ground up. Katie shares how she went from working in coffee shops and bartending to creating one of the most unique floral brands in the area. Her work blends art and nature, from painting flowers and recreating famous artwork through arrangements to designing experiences like bouquet bars and pop ups. We talk about what it looks like to build a business while raising a child, the reality of time management and boundaries, and how small moments, conversations, and community support can completely change your path. This episode is equal parts inspiring and real, especially for anyone trying to figure out how to turn something they love into something sustainable. In this episode • How Katie got started and the moment that pushed her to start her business • Turning flowers into art and creating one of a kind arrangements • Painting flowers and recreating famous works through floral design • Building a business as a single mom and bringing your child along for the journey • The importance of creativity in childhood and everyday life • Bouquet bars, pop ups, and creating interactive experiences for events • Why you do not need money to support other local businesses • The reality of time management, boundaries, and growing a business • Learning to ask for help and let go of control • Expanding into growing flowers and what is next for Finley’s Flowers 🎧 Listen in for a conversation about creativity, community, and building something meaningful while figuring it out as you go. Follow Katie @finleys_flowers Follow us on Instagram @thatdelawarepodcast @rosaioteam_realestate Visit our website https://www.therosaioteam.com 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

How Lydia Joy Turned Photography Into Connection

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414266/fan_mail/new] In this episode of That Delaware Podcast, we sit down with Lydia of Lydia Joy Photography to talk about weddings, branding, storytelling, and what it really takes to build a creative business while balancing motherhood and life. Lydia shares how she went from wanting to start a cake business at 14 to photographing her first wedding for $400 and discovering her passion for capturing people and their stories. Today, nearly 13 years later, she has built a photography business known for emotional storytelling and authentic connection with clients. We dive into the world of wedding photography, the rise of branding photography for entrepreneurs, and why showing up as your authentic self online matters more than ever. Lydia also opens up about the emotional side of the work, balancing business with motherhood, and the mindset shifts that helped her grow. In this episode • How Lydia got started in photography and shot her first wedding • Why wedding photography is about storytelling, not just photos • The connection between weddings and branding photography • Why branding photos are more than just headshots • How to use branding photos in your business and marketing • The importance of showing your personality on social media • Why authenticity attracts the right clients • Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and real life • Setting boundaries and expectations with clients • Advice for women starting a creative business 🎧 Listen in if you are a business owner, creative, or someone looking for inspiration to show up authentically and build a brand that truly reflects who you are. Follow Lydia:  @lydiajoyphotography Follow us on Instagram: @thatdelawarepodcast @rosaioteam_realestate Visit our website https://www.therosaioteam.com 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

The Mercury Tea House - How Dwayne Foster Built Old New Castle’s Third Space

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414266/fan_mail/new] In this episode of That Delaware Podcast, we sit down with one of Amber’s favorite people, Dwayne Foster, the owner of The Mercury Tea House and Cafe in Old New Castle. If you have ever walked into The Mercury and instantly felt like you belonged there, this conversation explains why. Dwayne shares the full story of how he and his husband went from Portland, Oregon to Old New Castle, spotted a building for sale, and took a leap that turned into one of Delaware’s most loved local spots. We talk about what it takes to open a business during COVID, how The Mercury became a true third space for the community, and why the vibe feels so personal the moment you walk through the door. We also get into everything Dwayne has built beyond the cafe, including the new event space, the Old Town Hall theater, local movie nights, comedy shows, and the unique way Old New Castle is quietly evolving into a place people fall in love with. In this episode • How Dwayne and Aaron discovered Old New Castle and found the Mercury building • The leap from Portland to Delaware and opening during the uncertainty of COVID • Why The Mercury started as a bar dream and evolved into a cafe and restaurant • Creating a true third space where people feel happy, safe, and connected • The Mercury vibe, the community feeling, and why it feels like Cheers • Expanding into a new event space with a commercial kitchen and patio access • Karaoke nights, local partnerships, and the creative energy of Old New Castle • The Mercury B and Bs including the one bedroom stay and the waterfront house • Old Town Hall and the theater space with comedy, music, and live events • Movie nights, horror nights, and how to keep up with what is happening there • Flower workshops, lunch pairings, and the value of built in community experiences • Pop up chef dinners, wine pairings, and how ticketed events work • What it is like living above the Mercury and running a business with your partner • Dwayne’s favorite menu picks including the Brew Burger and the Lala Follow us on Instagram @thatdelawarepodcast @rosaioteam_realestate Visit our website https://www.therosaioteam.com/ 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Why Delaware Is Home for Us

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414266/fan_mail/new] In this intimate episode of That Delaware Podcast, it is just Amber and Caitlin sitting down for a real conversation about why Delaware is home for both of them, even though their paths here were completely different. Amber was born and raised in Delaware and never felt the urge to leave. Caitlin lived in New Jersey, Texas, New York City, Israel, Buffalo, and beyond before choosing to plant roots in Wilmington. So what makes someone stay? And what makes someone choose to come back? From community and connection to cost of living, nature, schools, safety, and small business culture, this episode explores the deep reasons why Delaware continues to feel like the right place to build a life. In this episode • What it is like growing up in Delaware and never feeling the need to leave • Moving to Delaware from New York City and why it surprised Caitlin in the best way • Community connections and why Amber is basically the mayor • The differences between Northern Delaware, Kent County, and Sussex County • The evolution of Wilmington and why its reputation does not always match reality • Nature, walkability, and the hidden outdoor gems around the city • Cost of living comparisons between Delaware, New Jersey, Texas, and New York • Raising kids in Delaware and how perspective shapes your experience • Why Delaware struggles with self promotion and how that is changing • How small businesses, coffee shops, and local restaurants create community Whether you were born here, moved here, or are thinking about relocating, this episode gives you two very different perspectives on what makes Delaware special. Follow us on Instagram @thatdelawarepodcast @rosaioteam_realestate Visit our website https://www.therosaioteam.com/ 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify