Hustle + Heart: Finding Success on Your Own Terms

Ep12: Start Messy, Speak Up: What Happens When You Stop Waiting to Feel Ready

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want… is the belief that you’re not ready yet? In this solo episode of Hustle + Heart, I’m getting real about what it took to stop hiding behind perfection and actually start this podcast. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t confidence, fancy equipment, or having it all figured out. It was fear. Self-doubt. A messy first step. And a whole lot of shaky courage. This one’s for the dreamer who's tired of waiting. Tired of researching and preparing and second-guessing. You don’t need to be fearless—you just need to be brave enough to begin. I’ll walk you through the exact mindset shift (and framework) that helped me go from “who’s gonna listen to me?” to hitting record anyway. In this episode, we’ll talk about: ☕ The truth about waiting to “feel ready” ☕ What starting messy really looks like (hint: it’s not pretty, but it’s powerful) ☕ The fears that hold us back—imposter syndrome, judgment, and perfectionism ☕ A 5-step gentle-but-real plan to help you take that first scary step ☕ Why your most imperfect work might actually be your most impactful Let this episode be your permission slip. Your reminder. Your nudge. Start messy. Speak up. The world needs your voice—just as it is.

Ep11: Owning Your Confidence & Building an Impactful Fashion Brand with Solimar Williams

In this episode, I sit down with Solimar “Sol” Williams, founder of Unbothered, a fashion brand rooted in quality, confidence, and self-expression. Sol’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—she moved from the Dominican Republic to New York at 17 to chase her dream of working in fashion, only to later build a brand that redefines comfort and sustainability in the industry. We dive deep into the challenges of launching a fashion brand, staying true to your vision, and faking confidence until you make confidence. Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business, struggling with self-doubt, or just need a boost of motivation—this episode is for you! By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with insights on: ✨ How Solimar turned her love for fashion into a thriving brand ✨ The biggest lessons she learned from working multiple jobs before launching Unbothered ✨ Why confidence (even when faked) can open doors for your success ✨ The power of pivoting and evolving in your business journey ✨ How to create fashion that blends style, quality, and sustainability Meet Solimar Williams Solimar Williams is the founder of Unbothered, a fashion brand that prioritizes comfort, confidence, and longevity. After working in production and sourcing for years, she recognized the gap between cheap fast fashion and high-end unaffordable pieces—and decided to bridge it. Solimar believes fashion should feel like a safe space, where everyone, no matter their identity, can express themselves. Her goal? To create timeless, high-quality pieces that last—because real style isn’t about trends, it’s about confidence. Key Topics Discussed: 💡 How working in different industries helped her prepare for launching a brand 💡 The real behind-the-scenes of sourcing materials and production 💡 Learning to fake confidence until it becomes real 💡 The importance of pricing, quality, and sustainability in fashion 💡 The future of Unbothered and what’s next for Sol 🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to DM @hustle.and.heart.pod on Instagram or @Hustleandheartpod on Facebook with your biggest takeaway! 🔗 Connect with Sol & Shop Unbothered: 🌎 Website: UNBTHRD Fashion [https://www.unbthrdfashion.com/collections?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabsFGH46b6miaLlBsKU2_zUi8D2rCEW3SXAYKeEhBF-T-EgumIjT49EE4k_aem_cQLJANralL7wSjhdw8BvDw] 📸 Instagram: @solpaulino [https://www.instagram.com/solpaulino/] / @unbthrdfashion [https://www.instagram.com/unbthrdfashion/] 📹 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbotheredfh@solwillia [https://www.tiktok.com/@solwillia] Join the Hustle & Heart Community: 📌 Facebook: Hustle and Heart Pod [https://www.facebook.com/HustleandHeartPod] 📌 Instagram: @hustle.and.heart.pod [https://www.instagram.com/hustle.and.heart.pod] 📌 Online Community: vmbcreativeco.com/hustle-and-heart-podcast [https://vmbcreativeco.com/hustle-and-heart-podcast] 💬 Tag us in your takeaways, and let’s keep this conversation going! 🚀💖

Ep10: Why Expectations Hold You Back—And How Standards Set You Free

In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful difference between standards and expectations—and why understanding this distinction is essential for both personal growth and success. Too often, we set high expectations for others or specific outcomes, only to feel frustrated and let down. But what if the key to fulfillment isn’t in expectations at all, but in the standards we set for ourselves? I’ll break down how expectations create disappointment, while strong personal standards lead to self-respect, boundaries, and success. You’ll learn how to shift from waiting for others to meet your expectations to creating a life that aligns with your deepest values. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to set empowering standards, let go of unrealistic expectations, and build a mindset that fosters confidence, peace, and fulfillment. Key Topics Discussed: * The difference between standards and expectations * How expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration * Why setting strong personal standards attracts success * How to stop relying on others for validation * The role of boundaries in maintaining high standards * How shifting your mindset can change your relationships and career * Actionable steps to redefine your standards and elevate your life 🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to DM @hustle.and.heart.pod [https://www.instagram.com/hustle.and.heart.pod/] on Instagram or @Hustleandheartpod [https://www.facebook.com/Hustleandheartpod/] on Facebook with your biggest takeaway! 💡 Join our Online Community: www.vmbcreativeco.com/hustle-and-heart-podcast [https://www.vmbcreativeco.com/hustle-and-heart-podcast]

Ep9: Small Business Money Management: Tax Planning Insights from EA Amorette Mason

In this candid conversation, I chat with my friend Amorette Mason, EA and founder of Innovative Capital Management, about the real financial challenges entrepreneurs face in 2025. If you've ever struggled with tax planning, business deductions, or financial organization, this episode delivers practical advice you can implement immediately. Amorette shares her journey from the film industry to becoming a sought-after financial expert for small business owners. With her straightforward approach and over a decade of expertise in tax preparation and managerial accounting, she breaks down complex financial concepts into actionable steps for entrepreneurs at any stage. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Small Business Tax Planning - Strategic approaches to minimize tax liability legally  ✨ Business Deduction Truth Bombs - Which deductions are legitimate and which might trigger an audit  ✨ Entrepreneur Financial Management - Systems to track your business finances without the headache  ✨ Social Media Tax Advice Reality Check - Why those TikTok tax hacks could be dangerous for your business  ✨ Year-Round Tax Strategies - Move beyond tax season panic with quarterly planning   Meet Amorette Mason  Amorette Mason is the founder and principal EA at Innovative Capital Management, specializing in tax strategy for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including real estate, creative businesses, and cannabis. Unlike traditional accountants, Amorette focuses on building financial literacy among her clients, empowering them to make confident money decisions year-round. 🎧 This conversation feels like eavesdropping on two friends talking money over coffee - practical, honest, and occasionally hilarious!   🔗 Connect with Amorette & Book a Consultation:  Website: https://www.amarettmason.com/amorettemason.com [http://amorettemason.com]  Instagram: @innovative_amor Book a Tax Strategy Session: https://www.amorettemason.com/tax-preparation-interest [https://www.amorettemason.com/tax-preparation-interest] 💰 Ready to get your business finances in order? Book a session with Amorette to get expert guidance on taxes, bookkeeping, and strategic financial planning. Join the Hustle & Heart Community:   📌 Facebook: Hustle and Heart Pod [https://www.facebook.com/Hustleandheartpod/] 📌 Instagram: @hustle.and.heart.pod [https://www.instagram.com/hustle.and.heart.pod/] 📌 Online Community: vmbcreativeco.com/hustle-and-heart-podcast [https://www.vmbcreativeco.com/hustle-and-heart-podcast] Tag us in your takeaways and let’s keep this conversation going! 🚀💖

Ep8: Why Email Marketing Still Matters in 2025

Ever feel like you're shouting into the void on social media? In this episode, I'm sharing why email marketing continues to be my most reliable business-building tool—and how it can be yours too. I'm taking you back to 2007 when I was working at Royal Caribbean, teaching travel agents (some who barely knew how to open their inbox!) how to use email to book more cruises. Those early lessons have evolved into strategies that still work today, regardless of industry changes and tech advancements. What You'll Discover: * The "consistency creates trust" principle I learned at Royal Caribbean that transformed skeptical travel agents into email marketing believers * My embarrassing early email marketing mistake that led to a flood of unsubscribes (and what I did to fix it) * Why your email list is your "insurance policy" against unpredictable platform changes * Simple automation sequences that work while you sleep (without feeling robotic) * How to write subject lines that actually get opened—including the surprisingly simple one that got my highest open rate last year If you've been putting off email marketing or aren't seeing results from your current strategy, this episode breaks everything down into manageable steps you can implement right away. Key Topics Discussed: * Why email marketing outlasts trends and algorithms * The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with their email lists * How to craft compelling subject lines that get opened * The power of storytelling in email content * Automation secrets to save time and increase conversions * How to nurture your audience for long-term loyalty * My top email marketing tools and resources * The perfect balance between value and promotion Join the Hustle & Heart Community: 📌 Facebook: Hustle and Heart Pod [https://www.facebook.com/Hustleandheartpod/] 📌 Instagram: @hustle.and.heart.pod [https://www.instagram.com/hustle.and.heart.pod/] 📌 Online Community: vmbcreativeco.com/hustle-and-heart-podcast [https://www.vmbcreativeco.com/hustle-and-heart-podcast] Ready to Dive Deeper? Join my FREE Email Marketing Workshop on March 20th at 12PM CST where we'll build on these concepts with live demonstrations and real examples: Register Here [https://lu.ma/p6n1iekt] Building an email list isn't just another marketing task…it's creating a direct line to the people who matter most to your business. Let's make it count!