Highlighther: Shining the Spotlight on Female Entrepreneurs

Making a Difference When It Matters Most | Emma Weaver of Downriver Doula

Send Fan Mail! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602054/fan_mail/new] What happens when you combine compassion, courage, and a willingness to jump in before you feel fully ready? In this episode of HighlightHer, Jenny sits down with Emma Weaver, founder of Downriver Doula, for a thoughtful conversation about birth work, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and supporting women through some of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of their lives. Jenny has had the unique privilege of watching Emma grow from a college student at church into a wife, mom, and business owner — making this conversation feel especially full circle. Emma shares how her own childbirth experience sparked an interest in becoming a doula, how one unexpected opportunity confirmed she was on the right path, and how she adapted to be able to run a business and take care of her own family. Together, Jenny and Emma talk about: *  Starting before you feel fully qualified  *  Building a business through relationships and trust  *  Balancing entrepreneurship with family life  *  Partnering with the “right” people in business  * and more! Emma also gives listeners a beautiful behind-the-scenes look at what doulas actually do — from prenatal meetings and labor support to postpartum visits sprinkled with personal touches. One of the themes woven throughout this episode is something HighlightHer listeners know well: sometimes the most meaningful businesses are built simply by noticing a need and deciding to show up for people. Connect with Emma: Learn more about Emma and her services at Downriver Doula [http://downriverdoula.com] Follow Emma on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551852209302] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/downriver_doula/] Fun in the HighlightHer community: Claim your gift Advice, Encouragement & Lessons from 10 Female Entrepreneurs [https://highlighthernetwork.kit.com/season1gift] and also get each podcast episode delivered Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCaPzr3Zb/]! Be sure to follow the HighlightHer podcast so you can hear each episode. After all, you never know when her story will inspire your next step. Know someone who should be a guest on the HighlightHer podcast? Nominate her here! [https://forms.gle/17HQcxiExoo5xx9Y7] Want to start your own podcast? BuzzSprout simplifies it for you! Use my referral code [https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2535567], and we each get a $20 credit! Need a place to create and store QR codes? QR Tiger to the rescue! Their dynamic QR codes make it easy to change out links should you want your code’s job to change. Use this referral link and we both get a gift. [https://qrcode-tiger.com/share-code/3AOW-R79V] Credits: Editing: Greg Herman Music: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-corporate-inspiration-166666/]

Financial Professional by Day, Women's Leadership Mentor by Night | Urmi Hossain's Story

Send Fan Mail! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602054/fan_mail/new] In this episode of HighlightHer, Jenny chats with Urmi Hossain — a finance professional by day and community-builder, mentor, writer, and podcast host by night. They talk about identity, purpose, women’s leadership, and creating a life that truly feels like your own. Born in Italy to Bangladeshi parents and now living in Montreal, Urmi shares what it was like growing up between cultures, moving from place to place, and trying to figure out where she belonged. Over time, she realized the very things that once felt confusing became some of her greatest strengths. Jenny and Urmi discuss balancing a traditional career with meaningful passion projects such as building community through Women in Leadership [https://www.womeninleadership.ca/montreal], mentoring women from multicultural backgrounds, and learning to purposefully choose what deserves your time and energy. They also discuss: *  self-publishing a book in just six weeks  *  building a personal brand rooted in authenticity  *  the power of curiosity and long-term commitment  *  finding confidence in your story  You’ll also hear about Urmi’s podcast Stories Beyond Borders [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnZ6k9fjukw&list=PLaggRfxWLfsu-3zuuRozzfIczULeAWlCg], her love of running and boxing, and the “female Superman” comparison that perfectly describes her 9-to-5 and 5-to-9 world. Connect with Urmi Discover her book Discovering Your Identity: a Rebirth from Interracial Struggle [https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Your-Identity-Interracial-Struggle/dp/B0B6XJ6Y3Q] Follow Urmi [https://linktr.ee/urmihossain] on social media and read her articles Fun in the HighlightHer community: Claim your gift Advice, Encouragement & Lessons from 10 Female Entrepreneurs [https://highlighthernetwork.kit.com/season1gift] Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCaPzr3Zb/]! Be sure to follow the HighlightHer podcast so you can hear each episode. After all, you never know when her story will inspire your next step. Know someone who should be a guest on the HighlightHer podcast? Nominate her here! [https://forms.gle/17HQcxiExoo5xx9Y7] Want to start your own podcast? BuzzSprout simplifies it for you! Use my referral code [https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2535567], and we each get a $20 credit! Need a place to create and store QR codes? QR Tiger to the rescue! Their dynamic QR codes make it easy to change out links should you want your code’s job to change. Use this referral link and we both get a gift. [https://qrcode-tiger.com/share-code/3AOW-R79V] Credits Editing: Greg Herman Music: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-corporate-inspiration-166666/]

She Rejected Corporate Culture & Built Her Own | Emily Wezner-Stepaniak of The Therapy Collective

Send Fan Mail! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602054/fan_mail/new] If you've ever wanted to leave behind the traditional "corporate America" and venture out on your own, this episode is for you! Listen in as Emily shares her story and inspires you on your business journey. What you’ll hear: * Why you would want to limit the amount of people on your team * Things to do to create a less-corporate structure * A shift in mindset regarding competition * And more! Emily Wezner-Stepaniak created The Therapy Collective in Southgate, Michigan, to meet her need for human connection. She went a step further and created a specific culture for her team. Connect with Emily: On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/therapycollectivemi_/] On Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/therapycollectivemichigan] On LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyweznerstepaniak/] At the Therapy Collective website [http://jandalefineart.com] At AuraLuxConsulting.com [https://www.auraluxconsulting.com/event-list] Discover the next Uncorked & Unfiltered [https://www.auraluxconsulting.com/event-list] event Interact with HighlightHer: Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCaPzr3Zb/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/highlighthernetwork/]! Be sure to follow the HighlightHer podcast so you can hear each episode. After all, you never know when her story will inspire your next step. If you want to get each episode sent to your inbox, sign up here [https://highlighthernetwork.kit.com/podcast]. Credits Editing: Greg Herman Music: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-corporate-inspiration-166666/]

Behind the Mic: Flipping the Script | Melissa Asks the Questions

Send Fan Mail! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602054/fan_mail/new] For this special bonus episode, we’re doing things a little differently. HighlightHer listener (and superfan) Melissa stepped into the host chair and turned the mic around on me. She was the host and I answered listener questions submitted from across the U.S. — and even Australia! Together, we talked about the journey behind HighlightHer, the life happenings that shaped me, what I’ve learned from entrepreneurship, and the heart behind this podcast community. In this episode, we discuss: * How long HighlightHer lived as an idea before becoming a real podcast * What I’ve loved most about podcasting so far * The life experiences that shaped my encouraging and people-focused approach * How I choose guests for HighlightHer * The common threads I see among women entrepreneurs * Thoughts on networking, social media, and growing a business * Tips for building stronger interpersonal skills and becoming a better connector * And more! Questions featured from: * Donna in Indiana * Melissa in Michigan * Monica in Utah * Jan in Michigan * Christina in Australia Thank you for listening, encouraging, sharing episodes, and helping make Season 1 so special. I’m excited for what’s ahead in Season 2. Want more conversations like this? Join the HighlightHer community [https://highlighthernetwork.kit.com/podcast] and I’ll send new episodes, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes updates your way. Curious about my e-book The Power of One? Find it on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-Change-Your-Perspective-ebook/dp/B019BSOH00]. Connect with HighlightHer: Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCaPzr3Zb/]! Be sure to follow the HighlightHer podcast so you can hear each episode. After all, you never know when her story will inspire your next step. Know someone who should be a guest on the HighlightHer podcast? Nominate them here! [https://forms.gle/17HQcxiExoo5xx9Y7] Want to start your own podcast? BuzzSprout simplifies it for you! Use my referral code [https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2535567], and we each get a $20 credit! Need a place to create and store QR codes? QR Tiger to the rescue! Their dynamic QR codes make it easy to change out links should you want your code’s job to change. Use this referral link and we both get a gift. [https://qrcode-tiger.com/share-code/3AOW-R79V] Credits Editing: Greg Herman Music: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-corporate-inspiration-166666/]

Autism Mom Creates Etsy Business That Ships Worldwide | Monica McDonald of The Fine Lime

Send Fan Mail! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602054/fan_mail/new] When your child has extra needs that limit your work options, sometimes you have to get creative on how to bring in an income for your family. Monica McDonald has three boys with autism. She couldn't work a traditional outside-the-home job, so she decided to sell items on Etsy. That wasn't sustainable long-term; however, through that experience, she created a business fifteen years strong! In this episode you'll hear: * It's ok to make mistakes if you do this... * How entrepreneurship changed Monica * One of THE best things to do before starting a business * Why supporting other small businesses is important for your business * And more Monica McDonald is the savvy entrepreneur behind The Fine Lime artisan yarn shop. She took a skill learned in childhood and turned it into a business that ships worldwide. Interact with Monica On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thefinelime] and  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thefinelime] At YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thefinelimeyarn] Shop her website [http://thefinelime.etsy.com] Connect with HighlightHer Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCaPzr3Zb/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/highlighthernetwork/]! Love supporting small businesses and hearing great stories?  Sign up here [https://highlighthernetwork.kit.com/podcast] for the podcast newsletter, The Scoop! Enjoyed the podcast? Tap that follow button! Credits Editing: Greg Herman Music: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-corporate-inspiration-166666/]