Small Business Big Stories

Erica Lagarde

On this episode, Erica Lagarde shares the real story behind building CuteC Kids Boutique into a thriving business in just a few years. From opening a store while raising a family to navigating cash flow, staffing challenges, and supply chain delays, Erica gives an honest look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She also talks about growing her children’s clothing brand, Toast and Jams, the importance of community support, and why relationships and consistency matter more than overnight success. This episode is full of practical insight and encouragement for small business owners, boutique owners, and anyone building something from the ground up. For more on Cute C Kids: https://shopcutec.com/?srsltid=AfmBOortdJfqBum618q0SK7MmXZwa2wThb_78ZMSDY9xz2eMaz9y0sbi [https://shopcutec.com/?srsltid=AfmBOortdJfqBum618q0SK7MmXZwa2wThb_78ZMSDY9xz2eMaz9y0sbi] https://www.instagram.com/shopcutec/ [https://www.instagram.com/shopcutec/] https://www.facebook.com/CuteCKids/ [https://www.facebook.com/CuteCKids/] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/] For more on Better Lawns & Gardens: https://betterlawnsar.com/ [https://betterlawnsar.com/] https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar [https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar] https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/ [https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/]

Christian Troxler

In this episode, David sits down with Christian Troxler to talk about how resilience, mindset, and community helped him turn a major setback into a movement built on mental strength and personal growth. From recovering from football injuries to navigating financial uncertainty, Christian’s journey shaped his mission to build a gym that’s about more than fitness, it’s about mindset. Today, Work Harder Gym serves everyone from athletes chasing peak performance to a 93-year-old client determined to maintain independence. Edited and produced by Kayla Sherman. Hosted by David Munsey of Better Lawns & Gardens. For more on Work Harder Gym: https://workhardergym.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq87-wz_mBl1CzGmvSRy4OrNNHe09L1vQwiqcP_OgYrmcjFusoA [https://workhardergym.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq87-wz_mBl1CzGmvSRy4OrNNHe09L1vQwiqcP_OgYrmcjFusoA] https://www.instagram.com/officialworkhardergym/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/officialworkhardergym/?hl=en] For more on Work Harder Gear: https://workhardergear.com/ [https://workhardergear.com/] https://www.instagram.com/workhardergear/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/workhardergear/?hl=en] For more on Christian’s Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/f33dthechaos?igsh=MWlybjR3MGYzNXBjdA== [https://www.instagram.com/f33dthechaos?igsh=MWlybjR3MGYzNXBjdA==] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/] For more on Better Lawns & Gardens: https://betterlawnsar.com/ [https://betterlawnsar.com/] https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar [https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar] https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/ [https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/]

Geovanni Leiva

In this conversation, Geovanni Leiva shares the inspiring story of Leiva's Coffee, a company dedicated to empowering coffee farmers and eradicating poverty through sustainable practices. Geovanni recounts his journey from a coffee farm in Guatemala to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the United States, emphasizing the importance of education, hard work, and community impact. He discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the innovative solutions that emerged, including the launch of a mobile coffee trailer. The conversation highlights the significance of fair trade and transparency in the coffee industry, as well as Geovanni's vision for the future of Leiva's Coffee and its mission to create a positive impact on the lives of farmers and their families. Edited and produced by Kayla Sherman. Hosted by David Munsey of Better Lawns & Gardens. For more on Leiva's Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/leivascoffee/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/leivascoffee/?hl=en] https://www.leivascoffee.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooWpt3u9IvapAg7ksecep7Qly60oQvw77XAeuTgSqzDWfGM89Gb [https://www.leivascoffee.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooWpt3u9IvapAg7ksecep7Qly60oQvw77XAeuTgSqzDWfGM89Gb] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/] For more on Better Lawns & Gardens: https://betterlawnsar.com/ [https://betterlawnsar.com/] https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar/?hl=en] https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/ [https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/]

Diana Allen and Marisa Thames

In this conversation, David Munsey interviews Diana and Marisa from Bloody Darn Good, a company specializing in Bloody Mary mixes. They discuss the origins of their business, the challenges of rapid growth, and the importance of product development and market response. The conversation also covers their sales strategies, distribution channels, and future goals, along with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. For more on Bloody Darn Good: https://www.bloodydarngood.com/ [https://www.bloodydarngood.com/] https://www.instagram.com/bloodydarngood/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/bloodydarngood/?hl=en] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/] For more on Better Lawns & Gardens: https://betterlawnsar.com/ [https://betterlawnsar.com/] https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar [https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar] https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/ [https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/]

Joy Ellis

In this episode, Joy Ellis shares the story behind Skylark Cafe in Leslie, Arkansas, a dream she built with her husband, Denver. What started as a leap of faith has become a meaningful part of their community. Joy talks about the early days, the challenges of COVID-19, and the resilience it took to keep going. Through every season, she’s learned that authenticity and staying true to your values are what truly sustain a business. Beyond the café, Joy and Denver continue investing in Leslie through ventures like Court Street Cottage and The Little Hill Shop. Edited and produced by Kayla Sherman. Hosted by David Munsey of Better Lawns & Gardens. For more on Skylark Cafe: https://www.instagram.com/skylarkcafeleslie/ [https://www.instagram.com/skylarkcafeleslie/] Court Street Cottage: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1533087304542197272?source_impression_id=p3_1770823180_P3rlLvPVh4-AI0q5 [https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1533087304542197272?source_impression_id=p3_1770823180_P3rlLvPVh4-AI0q5] The Little Hill Shop: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlehillshop/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelittlehillshop/] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/ [https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessbigstories/] For more on Better Lawns & Gardens: https://betterlawnsar.com/ [https://betterlawnsar.com/] https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/betterlawnsar/?hl=en] https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/ [https://www.facebook.com/betterlawnsar/]