From Dreams of a Bakery to Owning Axe Republic with Lydia Hertzler

Episode Description: In this episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp speaks with Lydia Hertzler, the owner of Axe Republic in Williamsburg, Virginia. Lydia shares her journey from early dreams of owning a bakery to navigating the twists and turns of life that led her to become the owner of an axe-throwing business. Her story is a perfect example of how dreams evolve and how passion, resilience, and perseverance can turn unexpected opportunities into a thriving business. Lydia's journey is filled with lessons on embracing challenges, personal growth, and staying true to your vision. Key Discussion Points: 01:29 – Lydia's early passion for food and dreams of owning a bakery or coffee shop. 03:14 – A life-changing car accident that shifted Lydia's direction toward distilling and spirits. 04:11 – How Lydia ended up managing and later purchasing Axe Republic. 05:32 – Combining her love for food and her husband's interest in axe-throwing to run Axe Republic. 06:57 – The personal growth Lydia has experienced through the challenges of running a business. 07:43 – Juggling the demands of business and family as Lydia balances her role as a mom. 09:17 – Lydia's lack of formal training and how she relied on life experiences to succeed in business. 11:29 – Overcoming obstacles as a young woman in small business and the challenges of being taken seriously. 13:24 – Lydia's self-talk and mindset to overcome tough days, including prayer and affirmations. 15:10 – The evolution of Lydia's dream and how she made it a reality. 17:09 – Reflecting on personal milestones, including marriage and motherhood. 18:59 – Advice for younger women pursuing their dreams in business. 19:27 – Lydia's creative thinking in marketing and social media to keep the business fresh and engaging. Notable Quotes: "I'm fine, or I've got this." – Lydia Hertzler "If you don't think you can do it, you're not going to think it." – Lydia Hertzler Takeaways: Dreams can evolve and take unexpected turns—embrace those shifts. The journey to success is rarely linear, and it's okay to change direction along the way. Resilience and a positive mindset are key in overcoming obstacles and achieving your dreams. Support from family and a strong sense of community can be crucial in running a business. Don't be afraid to think outside the box, especially when it comes to marketing and business strategies. Connect with Guest: Follow Guest on Instagram: @axerepublic Website: https://axerepublic.com Connect with Us: Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher Stay updated on new episodes of Fanatical DreamHer: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com April's email: [email protected] Join the DreamHer Community: Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media!