Highlighther: Shining the Spotlight on Female Entrepreneurs

Send Fan Mail!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 DoulaFollow Emma on Facebook and InstagramFun in the HighlightHer community:Claim your gift Advice, Encouragement & Lessons from 10 Female Entrepreneurs and also get each podcast episode deliveredJoin the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook!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!Want to start your own podcast? BuzzSprout simplifies it for you! Use my referral code, 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.Credits:Editing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!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, 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, 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 UrmiDiscover her book Discovering Your Identity: a Rebirth from Interracial StruggleFollow Urmi on social media and read her articlesFun in the HighlightHer community:Claim your gift Advice, Encouragement & Lessons from 10 Female EntrepreneursJoin the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook!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!Want to start your own podcast? BuzzSprout simplifies it for you! Use my referral code, 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.CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!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 teamThings to do to create a less-corporate structureA shift in mindset regarding competitionAnd 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 InstagramOn FacebookOn LinkedInAt the Therapy Collective websiteAt AuraLuxConsulting.comDiscover the next Uncorked & Unfiltered eventInteract with HighlightHer:Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook and Instagram!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.CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!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 podcastWhat I’ve loved most about podcasting so farThe life experiences that shaped my encouraging and people-focused approachHow I choose guests for HighlightHerThe common threads I see among women entrepreneursThoughts on networking, social media, and growing a businessTips for building stronger interpersonal skills and becoming a better connectorAnd more!Questions featured from:Donna in IndianaMelissa in MichiganMonica in UtahJan in MichiganChristina in AustraliaThank 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 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.Connect with HighlightHer:Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook!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!Want to start your own podcast? BuzzSprout simplifies it for you! Use my referral code, 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.CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!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 MonicaOne of THE best things to do before starting a businessWhy supporting other small businesses is important for your businessAnd moreMonica 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 MonicaOn Instagram and  FacebookAt YouTubeShop her websiteConnect with HighlightHerJoin the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook and Instagram!Love supporting small businesses and hearing great stories?  Sign up here for the podcast newsletter, The Scoop!Enjoyed the podcast? Tap that follow button!CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!Charity and Kim, both foster moms, saw the many needs foster families run into and decided to do something about it. Without prior experience, they dove into the world of non-profits. If you’ve ever considered starting your own non-profit, this is the episode to listen to! What You’ll Hear:Tips for someone wanting to start a non-profitLessons learned that can save you timeEncouragement to start where you areAnd more!Learn More about Downriver Foster Closet:On InstagramOn FacebookOn YouTubeAt their websiteVisit the Downriver Foster ClosetConnect with HighlightHerJoin the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook and Instagram!Love supporting small businesses and hearing great stories?  Sign up here for The Scoop, the podcast newsletter!Enjoyed the podcast? Tap that follow button!CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!Shopper preferences and economic times fluctuate. What if you could learn to ride the rollercoaster of business change instead of giving up when the trends change? What you’ll hear:An incredibly gutsy story of a woman-owned businessOne of the best things you can do for your businessA lesson in thinking like a prepared entrepreneurAnd more!Anne Sabatos of The Bling Thing has many years of experience as an entrepreneur. She has weathered myriad changes, including the period of 2020. Listen in to get the boost you need to keep going!Connect with Anne:On Facebook ,  Instagram , and TikTokShop her websiteInteract with HighlightHer:Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook and Instagram!Love supporting small businesses and hearing great stories? Get The Scoop delivered to your inbox – sign up here.Did you enjoy this episode? Tap that follow button. After all, you never know when her story will inspire your next step!CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!What happens when your childhood dream gets squashed? Most people, like Jan Dale, find something else to do. But when opportunity comes knocking in a big way…do you launch a business or hold yourself back?In this episode you’ll hear:Why a newsletter is important for your businessInspiration for being brave as an entrepreneurTips for creative businessesAnd more!Jan Dale of Jan Dale Fine Art takes us on her journey as a female entrepreneur who got to circle back to her original aspiration of being an artist. If you’ve been needing a dose of inspiration, you need to hear her story.Connect with Jan and her exquisite art:On InstagramOn FacebookAt her websiteGet Jan’s fabulous newsletter.Learn more about the fun Art & Story Club!See her art in person at the River’s Edge Gallery in Wyandotte, Michigan.Learn about the Professional Artist Association.  Interact with HighlightHer:Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook and Instagram!Love supporting small businesses and hearing great stories? Get the podcast newsletter delivered to your inbox – sign up here.Did you enjoy this episode? Tap that follow button. After all, you never know when her story will inspire your next step!CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!Imagine, one day you discover the place that has come to be your second home is closing. You have to start over from scratch and build a new business. Do you wallow in defeat?Not if you’re Rosie Garza of LeGallery!Rosie is an astute female entrepreneur who dreams big. She cares deeply about her community and uses her business to provide a safe, welcoming space for people to hang out, make new friends, and enjoy life together. And, she showcases local artisans. She and her shop boost the area’s economy and morale.Listen in as RosieShares how life stages weave their way through her business journeyDiscusses the story of winning an award from the city before her first business anniversaryTells us which was harder: obtaining a brick-and-mortar location for her business or finding a following for her new artisan boutiqueTeaches us how to think like a CEOHighlights the strength of PTO momsToday you get to listen to another powerhouse female entrepreneur! Grab your notebook. You never know how this working mom might inspire your next step.Connect with Rosie:On FacebookOn InstagramOn TikTokAt her shopFollow HighlightHerOn FacebookDon’t miss an episode – get the podcast delivered to your inbox!

Send Fan Mail!How does a busy mom turn a hobby into a business when she doesn't have extra funds? How does a female entrepreneur respond when a major deal falls through? What are good steps to take when you're letting someone else represent showcase your product?Meet Tabitha, founder of The Paper Wreath Company. She may be soft-spoken, but her thought processes are incredibly powerful. She successfully turned paper into a legacy product that helps family deal with loss. Talk about a savvy businesswoman!Listen in to discoverHow Tabitha overcame rejectionThe astute way Tabitha thinks as a female entrepreneurA hidden mindset that helps Tabitha expand her businessWhat Tabitha's next step isAnd more!If you want to learn to think like a businesswoman, this episode is for you! Don’t let Tabitha’s soft-spoken way fool you. You’ll feel smarter after listening.Grab your notebook. You'll want to write down Discover Tabitha’s exquisite productOn FacebookAt her websiteFollow HighlightHerJoin the fun on FacebookDon't miss an episode -- Get the podcast newsletter!

Send Fan Mail!Have you ever been missing someone and you want to feel connected with them? That’s how Alyssa Roy started her business, Downriver Homestead.In our conversation, we discuss:Retaining sanity when you’re a wife, mom, business owner, etc.Allowing for the flow of life“Fierce but flexible” Her next stepAnd more!Connect with Alyssa:Follow her at Downriver Homestead Facebook PageJoin the Downriver Homestead Facebook GroupFollow HighlightHer Network: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.Join the fun on FacebookCreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!Approachable Beauty: Chelsea Bernas of GoTox AestheticsIn this episode we meet Chelsea Bernas, a nurse who needed a break from Covid and started her own wellness spa. In this conversation we discuss:How to be different as a beauty businessTips for building your business wiselyThe importance of communityHer next expansionAnd more!Connect with Chelsea:gotoxaesthetics.comFacebookInstagramAre you in MetroDetroit and want to check out the two events Chelsea mentioned?     👉Head to the events space on her website and scroll down to find them.Be sure to have your notebook ready so you can capture Chelsea’s tips!Join the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook!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. Don't want to miss a story? Sign up here to get the podcast delivered to your inbox.CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!American Sweets Down Under: Christina Little of little bakery"I don't think of myself as a businesswoman. I think of myself as a problem solver."Today meet Christina, former mental health coach who now owns a bakery. Christina is an American living in Australia. During the conversation we talk aboutFailure vs. curiosityDeciding who to listen to as an entrepreneurThe unexpected tasks for bakery ownersHer next projectAnd more!Be sure to have your notebook ready so you can capture Christina’s tips.Want to follow Christina’s journey and connect with little bakery?Find her onFacebookInstagramlinktr.eeJoin the fun with HighlightHer Network on Facebook!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.CreditsEditing: Greg HermanMusic: “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at Pixabay

Send Fan Mail!If cheering on businesswomen, learning from the best, and discovering great women-owned businesses is your thing, then the HighlightHer podcast is for you! Every meaningful journey has a starting point.In this short introduction, host Jenny Herman shares the full-circle moment that led to the creation of HighlightHer. After years of supporting and connecting with women — including many incredible business owners — the idea for HighlightHer felt like something that had been building all along.Push play to hear the backstory and discover what you can expect with each episode!If you love hearing how women turn ideas into thriving ventures, you’re in the right place.Follow the podcast so you don’t miss the first HighlightHer conversation with a guest from Australia! Want to make sure you don't miss an episode? Get the podcast delivered to your inbox!Find HighlightHer on Facebook for even more fun:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCaPzr3Zb/ Credits:Editing, Greg HermanMusic, “Corporate Inspiration” track - by Oleksandr Savochka at pixabay.com

Send Fan Mail!In this brief trailer, meet HighlightHer--the podcast spotlighting businesswomen around the world. Discover what is in it for you!Follow the podcast and subscribe to the podcast newsletter so you never miss an episode. After all, you never know whose story will inspire your next step!Join the HighlightHer fun on Facebook.Editing: Greg Herman