075: From Burnout to Balance: Using AI to Grow Your Business with Brooke Berndt

075: From Burnout to Balance: Using AI to Grow Your Business with Brooke Berndt

In this episode, we’re joined by Brooke Berndt, business coach, serial entrepreneur, and mentor for women looking to build smarter, more sustainable businesses. Brooke shares her journey from owning a bar at 26 to navigating the challenges of the 2008 crash, pivoting into network marketing, and ultimately finding her calling in business coaching. We dive into the power of mentorship and how surrounding yourself with the right people can completely transform your business. Brooke also shares how implementing systems and structure allows you to work smarter, not harder, something every small business owner needs. A big part of this conversation focuses on using AI in your business. From automating emails and organizing your workflow to creating content and saving hours of time, Brooke breaks down how AI can act as a co-creator while still keeping your brand authentic and human. We also talk about practical ways permanent jewelry artists and service-based business owners can use AI for content planning, customer engagement, and even building out their own digital platforms. This episode is a powerful reminder that while social media can change at any time, the things you truly own, like your website and email list, are where long-term growth happens. If you’re ready to simplify your systems, embrace AI, and get back to your zone of genius, this conversation is for you. goldielinkssociety.com [http://goldielinkssociety.com/] to be a part of the live call with Brooke Instagram: brookeberndt.businesscoach Stan store - stan.store/brookeberndtbusinesscoach Podcast - http://bit.ly/41eDx8k

074: From Overthinking to Showing Up: Social Media Strategy That Works

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my personal coach, Elizabeth Marberry, an Instagram marketing strategist, business growth coach, and creative entrepreneur who is all about helping you stop overthinking your content and start showing up in a way that actually grows your business. From her background as a professional dancer to building a thriving brand online (and even running a brick-and-mortar as a wedding dance coach), Elizabeth brings such a fresh and real perspective to Instagram marketing for small business owners. We get into the good stuff right away, starting with your Instagram bio, because if it’s not clearly telling people who you are and how you can help them, it’s probably costing you clients. Elizabeth shares simple ways to optimize your bio so it actually converts, plus why pinned posts are one of the most underutilized tools on Instagram right now. We also chat about ManyChat and how automations can take your Instagram to the next level by turning engagement into actual leads (without you being glued to your phone 24/7). And if you’ve ever felt like social media is just something you “try to get to,” this is your reminder that it’s not an afterthought; it’s a key part of your marketing strategy. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how we talk about content in a way that feels doable. Your content doesn’t have to be complicated. The work you’re already doing in your business is your content. It’s about capturing those moments, sharing behind the scenes, making people laugh, and letting your audience get to know you without feeling like you have to “sell” all the time. We also talk about consistency because let’s be honest, that’s where most people get stuck. If you’re struggling to show up, it’s usually not a motivation problem; it’s a time and priority problem. The more you make space for content and just start posting, the easier it gets. And the truth is, the more you show up, the more you grow. If you’ve been overthinking Instagram, feeling stuck with what to post, or not seeing results from your content, this episode is going to give you both the strategy and the mindset shift you need. Because at the end of the day, if you want different results in your business, you have to start taking different actions, and this is your sign to just start showing up. DM the word “HOT” for Hot Reels DM the world “KIT” for a free Instagram Bio Guide Website - https://www.elizabethmarberry.com/https://www.elizabethmarberry.com/ [https://www.elizabethmarberry.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmarberry/https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmarberry/ [https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmarberry/] Podcast: https://www.elizabethmarberry.com/podcast [https://www.elizabethmarberry.com/podcast]

073: Turning Passion Into Profit: Growing a Permanent Jewelry Business and Wholesale Brand with Luxe Gems and Chains

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Loretta and Tony from Luxe Gems and Chains, and their story is such a good one. From nurse life to photography to building a thriving permanent jewelry business, Loretta’s journey is a perfect example of following what lights you up and being open to where it leads. What started with making and selling earrings quickly turned into a full-blown permanent jewelry business in the summer of 2023, all fueled by the connection and experience this industry brings. With Tony’s 20+ years of welding experience, they brought a powerful skillset into the space and didn’t stop there. They’ve already expanded into the wholesale side of permanent jewelry, launching their own chain line in early 2024. We get into all things chains, including the rise of tennis chains, sourcing, and how adding wholesale permanent jewelry supplies can create an entirely new revenue stream within your business. We also chat marketing, because let’s be real, it matters. From Facebook vs. Instagram to why they lean heavily into their website for sales, Loretta shares what’s actually working right now. Plus, with her photography background, she drops some really good tips on how to take clean, eye-catching jewelry photos that make your brand stand out online. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is mindset. This isn’t about treating your permanent jewelry business like a side hustle; it’s about showing up like it’s your full-time thing, even before it is. Loretta talks about going all in, staying consistent, and doing the uncomfortable things that lead to real growth. And her perspective? Permanent jewelry isn’t going anywhere. Jewelry has always been around, but what makes this industry special is the connection and experience behind it. We will see Luxe Gems and Chains at PJX this year! Your chance to see the chains in person, ask questions & connect with Loretta and Tony! If you’re in the permanent jewelry world (or thinking about jumping in), this episode will leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to take things to the next level. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxegemsandchains/https://www.instagram.com/luxegemsandchains/ [https://www.instagram.com/luxegemsandchains/] Website; https://www.luxegemsandchains.com/

072: From Restaurant Owner to Silversmith: The Story Behind Desert Darlings Silver

In this episode, we sit down with Harvest from Desert Darlings Silver to talk about trusting your gut, going all in, and building a handmade jewelry brand with heart. Before stepping into the world of silversmithing and permanent jewelry, Harvest was a restaurant owner who eventually sold her restaurants to pursue something new. What started as a passion for metal smithing quickly turned into a thriving business alongside her husband, who now works with her as a fellow silversmith. Harvest shares how permanent jewelry wasn’t originally part of the plan. After being asked to create connectors and having extra pieces available, she realized there was a strong interest in permanent jewelry and decided to lean into the opportunity. Within just a short time, the demand grew and opened the door to a new side of the business she hadn’t initially expected. We also talk about the beauty of handmade jewelry and why one-of-a-kind pieces resonate so deeply with customers. From her handcrafted connectors with beautiful stones, including turquoise, and more, Harvest shares how materials used for permanent jewelry can also be incorporated into traditional jewelry making, creating more versatility for makers. Throughout the conversation, we dive into pricing, the rising cost of metals, and the reality that while you can always make more money, you can’t make more time. As a mom and business owner, Harvest opens up about learning to pour into her personal life while continuing to grow her brand. Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship often requires pivoting, trusting the process, and figuring things out along the way. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertdarlingssilver/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/desertdarlingssilver/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/desertdarlingssilver/?hl=en] Website: https://desertdarlingssilver.com/ [https://desertdarlingssilver.com/]

071:From Pop-Ups to Partnerships: How Parker J Built a Thriving Permanent Jewelry & Charm Bar Brand

In this episode, we chat with Rachel and Jess from Parker J, a permanent jewelry and charm bar brand based in Huntington Beach, California. They share how their partnership began, what it’s like running a business together, and why staying rooted in integrity and realistic expectations has helped them grow their brand. The Parker J team will also be exhibiting at the Permanent Jewelry Expo (PJX), where they’ll be showcasing their custom charm bar, including starter kits and everything else you might need to get started! We talk about how a pop-up event sparked new opportunities for their business and why showing up professionally at events matters just as much as the sales you make. Rachel and Jess share that pop-ups are about more than just revenue for the day, they’re about building relationships, creating connections with customers and vendors, and putting your brand out into the world. The conversation also dives into adding a charm bar to expand their offerings, navigating charm quality and pricing, and understanding perceived value in your products. They share honest insights about customer service, adapting your communication style, and how your mindset and attitude can leave a lasting impression long after an event is over. This episode is packed with real talk about growing a permanent jewelry business, managing pop-up events, and building a brand that stands for more than just jewelry, all while choosing faith over fear. Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkerj.pj/?hl=en Fair: Park J jewelry and charm bar on Fair