Ep12: She Did That - Alejandre “Chef Alex” Richards of The Tie Kitchen

Ep15: She Did That: Lorena Huerta of The Queer Gym

On today’s episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, we have an amazing chat with another amazing woman entrepreneur.  So what do you get when you cross a former chubby kid and a former collegiate athlete with a lesbian, a fresh gen-y entrepreneur and an ass-kicking trainer? You get the Founder of The Queer Gym, Coach Lorena, of course! Since 2010, Lorena has shaped and evolved The Queer Gym --formerly The Perfect Sidekick-- into what it is today based on her own experiences as a lesbian who is into fitness, but totally over all the extra bullshit she sees people (especially LGBTQIA+ people) experience in a gym. An athlete all of her life and the 8th out of a family of ten, she knows a thing or two about building community and furthermore, empowering that community to take over the world one happy, healthy homo at a time! You can find Coach Lorena at www.the [http://www.the]queergym.com and on IG @thequeergym. We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com [athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com] or message us via IG if there are any topics you’d like us to explore, or if you’re a woman business owner interested in joining the podcast to share your journey.

Ep14: She Did That: Nichoel Adams of Sagebrush / Saguaro

In this episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, Lina and Renee chat with Nichoel Adams, founder and owner of Sagebrush / Saguaro. Nichoel discussed how her love of selling her crafts in outdoor markets in New York led to opening up an Urban Plant Shoppe and Gift Emporium Arizona. She talks about her journey of following her heart to San Diego and how she thrived in the outdoor market scene there, to feeling at home in Tucson but struggled with the market scene. Thus leading her to open a brick and mortar store in the heart of the historic downtown. And let’s not forget Mr. Bubbles, the sweet and loveable shop dog.  You can find Nichoel and Mr. Bubbles on IG at @sagebrush.saguaro and in Tucson on the historic 4th Avenue. You can also find Nichoel at @studionichoel. We’d love to hear from you. You can find us on IG and YouTube at Athena's listening crew, and reach out to us at athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com if there are any topics you’d like us to explore, or if you’re a woman business owner interested in joining the podcast to share your journey.

Ep13: Lucky 13 in Business and Defying the Odds

The ladies are back this week discussing Lucky 13 on Athena’s Listening Crew while celebrating not only the number 13, but life as well. This episode explores how superstition shapes the way we think, decide, and move through uncertainty—offering a sense of control that can calm anxiety and boost confidence, while also opening the door to irrational choices and ritualistic habits. From the Western avoidance of 13 to cultural beliefs around numbers like 4 and 8, the crew unpacks how meaning is assigned, challenged, and sometimes completely redefined. They also dive into how superstition shows up in business and success, from lucky charms and routines to the stories of well-known figures who leaned into their rituals—from athletes with game-day habits to entrepreneurs who built brands around “lucky” numbers. With examples like Friday the 13th defying expectations in the stock market and trailblazers who turned superstition into strategy, this episode invites listeners to rethink what’s luck, what’s mindset, and how belief itself can shape outcomes. We’d love to hear from you. You can find us on IG and YouTube at Athena's listening crew, and reach out to us at athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com if there are any topics you’d like us to explore, or if you’re a woman business owner interested in joining the podcast to share your journey.

Ep12: She Did That - Alejandre “Chef Alex” Richards of The Tie Kitchen

Welcome back to Athena’s Listening Crew, where we highlight inspiring women entrepreneurs making an impact. In this episode, we feature Chef Alejandre “Chef Alex” Richards, the creator of The Tie Kitchen in Tucson, Arizona. A private chef, cookbook author, and founder of the Community Garden, Chef Alex brings people together through intimate dining experiences and pop-up events rooted in connection and sustainability. Tune in as we explore her unique approach to food, community, and building a purpose-driven business.  We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com [athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com] or message us via IG if there are any topics you’d like us to explore, or if you’re a woman business owner interested in joining the podcast to share your journey.

Ep11: Badass Mantras for the Modern Goddess Entrepreneur

In this episode of Athena’s Listening Crew, Lina and Renee break down why mantras aren’t soft affirmations—they’re sharp, truth-based operating principles that change how you think, act, and lead. Designed for women in business, these “badass mantras” cut through fear, imposter syndrome, and burnout, helping you move with clarity and authority when things get hard. You’ll learn how to create and use mantras through intention, spoken practice, and full embodiment—so they don’t just sound good, they transform how you show up. Whether you’re just starting out, scaling your business, or pushing through challenges, this episode delivers powerful, actionable mantras to anchor your mindset, sharpen your decisions, and step fully into your role as the leader of your life and business. We’d love to hear from you. You can find us on IG and YouTube at Athena's listening crew, and reach out to us at athenaslisteningcrew@gmail.com if there are any topics you’d like us to explore, or if you’re a woman business owner interested in joining the podcast to share your journey.  And finally: Do No Harm, Take No Shit! 💙🦉