Not So Small

Eric Forseth spent over a decade in advertising, hopping between agencies and working long hours on campaigns for major brands. But somewhere along the way, he started asking himself a question he couldn't shake: what else could I do with my life that feels more meaningful?In May 2025, Eric and his wife bought Do Good Diapers, a cloth diaper cleaning service in the Twin Cities. That was the easy (but also scary) part. Then Eric got to work transforming the business, using his advertising skills and genuine care for people to create something that more effectively reflected his values. Within a day of "calling in sick" to work, he and a friend built a brand from scratch: colors inspired by The Clash, authentic voice, and a clear story about serving families.But what really drives Eric's work isn't diapers, it's relationships. He talks about business ownership as an extension of his lifelong pattern of caring about people, staying in touch, and building community. Every client interaction matters.In our conversation, Eric shares his winding path to business ownership, how he's making cloth diapering easier and more accessible for modern parents, and his vision for working with daycares and the city to eliminate a million disposable diapers from landfills each year. In our conversation, we explore what it means to build a business on genuine human connection and find fulfillment in work that aligns with your values.Guest InfoBusiness: Do Good DiapersGuest: Eric Forseth (he/him)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutArbeiter Brewing (Website • Instagram)Wildflyer Coffee (Website • Instagram)Send us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

What happens when you trust entrepreneurs to know what their businesses actually need? In this special episode, host Sam Bauman sits down with Shahir Ahmed, Vice President of Business Services at Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), to explore the groundbreaking Minnesota Promise Act, a $72 million grant program providing flexible funding to businesses in historically disinvested communities.Unlike previous programs, this one trusts business owners to make their own decisions, whether that's upgrading equipment, launching a marketing campaign, or anything else that will help them succeed.Shahir, who was once a student in NDC's training program himself, candidly discusses the systemic barriers facing entrepreneurs, from language and cultural differences to being labeled "unbankable" by traditional lenders, and how NDC's approach of "character lending" wrapped in technical assistance has seen promising results. Throughout the conversation, one theme emerges: the small businesses NDC serves aren't just selling products or services, they're creating spaces for community connection, modeling what entrepreneurship looks like, and proving that place should not determine potential.Guest InfoGuest: Shahir Ahmed (he/him)Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) (Website • Instagram)MN PROMISE Act (Website • Instagram)Other Links:Midtown Global MarketMEDALake Street CouncilSend a textHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

Starting a business is way harder than running a 100-mile ultramarathon and Ryan Hurley has done both! In this episode, hosts Sam Bauman and Adam Rondeau visit Ryan at the Lagoon warehouse to learn about his sleep and fitness company that aims to help athletes optimize their rest through an often-overlooked piece of equipment: the pillow. Ryan shares his journey from NBC Sports to founder, including the moment he realized he needed to stop trying to sell to everyone and lean into the demographic he knew best. By positioning Lagoon as "the pillow for runners" and getting comfortable putting himself out there on social media, Ryan found his niche. He talks honestly about the challenges of entrepreneurship: losing friends and family money in the first year, the months of not paying himself, and the fine line between perseverance and stupidity. But he also celebrates the flexibility and joy of building a life he loves, even if it means making less money than he would in a corporate job. His advice? Do the work, know your numbers, and run your own race.Guest InfoBusiness: LagoonGuest: Ryan Hurley (he/him)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutBusiness: Groveland ConfectionsLocation: Minnetonka, MNLinks: Website • InstagramOther Links:The Drop (Believe in the Run) PodcastTwin Cities MarathonSend us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, hosts Sam Bauman and Adam Rondeau sit down with Joy McBrien, founder of Fair Anita, a social enterprise partnering with 8,000 women artisans across nine countries to create handcrafted jewelry, gifts, and accessories.Joy talks about why she chose to structure Fair Anita as a for-profit public benefit corporation, how she's reimagining supply chains as communities rather than transactions, and what it means to prioritize people over profit. The conversation explores the real challenges of running a values-driven business, from cash flow struggles to staying committed to what matters most.Joy reflects on building a business rooted in collaboration and co-design, where artisan partners bring their own expertise, innovation, and genius to every aspect of the work. She shares how Fair Anita operates on genuine partnership rather than charity, and how starting from shared experiences created opportunities for mutual healing and community building.This episode explores what it looks like to run a business where supply chains are communities, not transactions, and how staying committed to those values shapes everything from product design to how success is measured.Guest Info:Fair Anita (Website | Instagram)Community Spotlights:Global Mamas (Website | Instagram)Vetiera Fair Trade (Website | Instagram)Send a textHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this special episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman is joined by colleagues Adam Rondeau and Andy Bauman for a conversation about why small businesses matter and what we all stand to gain (or lose) by the choices we make as consumers.They explore the fundamental differences between small and large businesses, from the natural accountability that comes with small business ownership to the way local businesses drive innovation by solving problems big corporations overlook. The conversation digs into some of the economics and addresses the real pressures consumers face around convenience, price, and time.Throughout the episode, practical suggestions emerge for how to support small businesses: leaving Google and Yelp reviews, signing up for newsletters and loyalty programs, attending local events, talking about businesses you love, and being curious about new shops in your neighborhood.This episode is both a case for why small businesses matter and a practical guide for how to use your purchasing power to strengthen your community and create the kind of neighborhood you actually want to live in.Send a textHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

What happens when you design a business around your life instead of the other way around? Dusty Wahl, owner of Cosmic Coffee in Northeast Minneapolis, has built a thriving one-person coffee shop operation that prioritizes sustainable growth, authentic community connections, and work-life balance. From his decision thoughts on staying solo despite growth opportunities, to using music and play to navigate stressful days, Dusty offers a refreshing perspective on what success can look like when you refuse to scale at the expense of your values. We explore his unconventional approach to customer service, why he believes more isn't always better, and how he's created a genuine neighborhood gathering place where people feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are.Send us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, hosts Sam Bauman and Adam Rondeau visit Lauren at Curiosity Studio, a community art studio on East Lake Street in Minneapolis.After moving to Minnesota Lauren noticed a lack of accessible community spaces that use art for wellness and self-understanding, and from that observation Curiosity Studio was born. The studio focuses on process over product, helping people overcome intimidation around art-making by emphasizing practice and curiosity rather than perfection.Lauren also discusses the challenge many artists face with the "business owner" identity, explaining her preference for thinking of herself as someone who holds the key to a community space while making necessary business decisions.The episode highlights how Lauren balances intentionality with openness, providing conceptual guidelines while allowing the community to shape how the space is used. Her approach demonstrates an alternative model for running a values-driven business that prioritizes accessibility and authentic human connection over traditional metrics of success.Guest InfoBusiness: Curiosity StudioGuest: Lauren Callis (she/her)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutZ Puppets Rosenschnoz (Website • Instagram)Send us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In the second episode of Not So Small season two, hosts Sam Bauman and Adam Rondeau visit Taylor Hall at Evergreen Collective, her sustainable retail store on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. What began as Taylor's personal struggle to find products that aligned with her values has become a carefully curated space where customers can shop sustainably without having to research every purchase themselves.Taylor shares how reading "The Story of Stuff" in high school opened her eyes to the true cost of consumer goods and sparked a decade-long journey toward opening her own store. After gaining experience in marketing and customer service while saving money, she finally took the leap three years ago to create the space she'd always wished existed.The conversation explores the real barriers people face when trying to make sustainable choices: availability, convenience, cost, and simply knowing which products are truly better for the environment versus those that are "greenwashing." Taylor's role becomes that of a neighborhood expert who does the research so her customers can "turn their brains off" and trust that everything in the store meets her sustainability standards.Taylor candidly discusses the daily struggles of small business ownership, from the financial pressure of investing time and energy into a business that takes years to become profitable, to competing with big brands that have massive marketing budgets and social media influence. She reflects on the challenge of customers asking for trendy products she can't access due to her size, while highlighting the unique advantages she offers: personal relationships, responsiveness to customer needs, and the peace of mind that comes from expert curation.This episode beautifully illustrates how one person's personal values can evolve into a business that makes sustainable living more accessible for an entire community, proving that small businesses can create meaningful change one relationship at a time.Guest InfoBusiness: Evergreen CollectiveGuest: Taylor Hall (she/her)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity Shoutout(s)Fair Anita (Website • Instagram)Spoils of Wear (Website • Instagram)Send us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In the season two premiere of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman and co-host Adam Rondeau sit down with Sarah Lindsay and Adam Steinbach, the duo behind As You Are Therapy, a Twin Cities therapy practice that's revolutionizing mental health care through authentic connection and community building. What started as two like-minded therapists wanting to create a more genuine therapeutic experience has evolved into a practice that prioritizes accessibility, destigmatization, and collaborative relationships over traditional competitive models.Sarah and Adam share their journey from traditional therapy training to creating a space where both therapists and clients can show up authentically. Their breakthrough moment came with "Therapy on Tap," a community event at local breweries where people can meet therapists in a casual setting to find the right fit, solving the daunting challenge of finding a therapist that keeps so many people from getting help.The conversation explores their decision to forgo insurance in favor of sliding scale fees, their philosophy of therapeutic authenticity versus the "blank slate" model, and how embracing their own needs and humanity has made them more effective healers. Sarah reflects on how encouraging clients to bring their full selves creates permission for authentic self-expression.Throughout, both therapists emphasize interdependence over competition, sharing how they actively refer to other practitioners and collaborate with colleagues to ensure everyone finds their right therapeutic match. They've built more than just a practice. They've created a model for how mental health care can be community-centered, accessible, and refreshingly human.As As You Are Therapy looks toward the future, they're expanding their community events and continuing to break down barriers that keep people from accessing mental health support, proving that when businesses operate from values of authenticity and generosity, they create ripple effects that heal entire communities.Guest InfoBusiness: As You Are TherapyGuests: Sarah Lindsey (she/her) & Adam Steinbach (he/him)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity Shoutout(s)Moody Octopus Collective (Website • Instagram)b. resale (Website • Instagram)Send us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In the season finale of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Chris MacLeod, founder and co-owner of Laune Bread, a Minneapolis bakery that has made connection the cornerstone of their business philosophy. What began as Chris' desire to feel more connected to his work has evolved into a thriving business that prioritizes local ingredients, community building, and meaningful relationships at every level.Chris shares his journey from working early morning shifts at commercial bakeries to creating a space where connection drives every decision. His wake-up call came when he realized he didn't even know what wheat really was, despite working with flour daily. This revelation, along with some others, eventually led him to Minnesota where he would be able to source local grains.Chris, along with the help of his business partner Tiff Singh, have built more than just a bakery, they've created a community space where regulars know each other, staff feel supported with guaranteed hours and consistent schedules, and the energy stays positive. Chris reflects on the challenges of communication and management, sharing how he's learned to create systems that support the team's independence while maintaining the quality and values that define Laune.Throughout the conversation, Chris offers candid insights about the challenges of small business ownership, from seasonal fluctuations and staffing decisions to the fear of losing connection to the hands-on work as the business grows. He emphasizes the importance of having a trusted business partner, maintaining physical and mental health, and staying true to your values even when easier paths present themselves.As Laune looks toward the future, Chris envisions expanding their educational offerings, particularly working with young adults to teach whole grain baking and help people reconnect with intuitive cooking.This episode beautifully illustrates how a business built on authentic values and genuine connection can create not just financial success, but a meaningful way of life that enriches everyone that interacts with it.Guest InfoBusiness: Laune BreadGuest: Chris MacLeod (he/him)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity Shoutout(s)The Briar Bar (Website • Instagram)Other LinksToo Good To Go (Website)Baker's Field Flour & Mill (Website)Send a textHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman interviews Dr. Michelle Haggerty, founder of Fourth Trimester Doc, a groundbreaking medical practice providing in-home care for new parents and their babies during the critical postpartum period.Dr. Haggerty shares how her own experience as a new mother revealed the significant gaps in postpartum care, where she found herself "leaking from every orifice" yet expected to dress and travel to a clinic while her own needs were largely overlooked in favor of the baby's. This personal experience, combined with her frustration at the assembly-line nature of clinical practice, inspired her vision for a different approach: visiting families in their homes, where parents could remain comfortable while receiving comprehensive care for both themselves and their newborns.As a family physician, Dr. Haggerty offers something unique in the field. While similar services exist elsewhere in the country (provided by pediatricians), her medical training allows her to care for both the baby and the birthing parent. Her practice features direct communication via text message, longer appointments that focus on both physical and mental health, and a relationship that feels more like "extended family" than traditional doctor-patient dynamics.Dr. Haggerty discusses the challenges physicians face when attempting to start independent practices, noting they're actively discouraged from entrepreneurship during their training. Despite these obstacles, she created her business by taking it one day at a time, connecting with other small business owners, and participating in Goldman Sachs' 10KSB program, a mini-MBA specifically for her business.Beyond her private practice, Dr. Haggerty has co-founded the Center for Fourth Trimester Care, a nonprofit focused on educating healthcare providers about postpartum care, teaching physicians how to start similar businesses, and advocating for improved fourth trimester support nationwide.Her vision for the future includes expanding access to this model of care through insurance coverage and partnerships with larger businesses that could offer her services as part of their benefits packages. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Haggerty emphasizes how her current work brings her joy and energy, unlike her previous clinical experience that left her feeling burned out and drained.Guest InfoBusiness: Fourth Trimester DocGuest: Dr. Michelle Haggerty (she/her)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity Shoutout(s)Mother Moon Acupuncture (Website • Instagram)Other LinksCenter for Fourth Trimester Care (Website)Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (Website)Send a textHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Dillon Duong, founder of 16ozDays, to explore how weekly coffee shop visits transformed into a thriving community-focused brand. Over the past four and a half years, Dillon has visited more than 263 local coffee shops, documenting their stories and building meaningful relationships with owners and staff along the way.Dillon shares the evolution of his business, particularly the development of the Coffee Compass, a buy-one-get-one-free stamp book connecting coffee lovers with local shops. He details the thoughtful process behind creating this product, emphasizing how feedback from coffee shop owners led to crucial improvements that aligned with his core values of supporting local businesses rather than exploiting them.The conversation delves into Dillon's approach to team building, revealing how his talented teammates keep him motivated through entrepreneurial challenges.Dillon also offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of showing up consistently regardless of circumstances, communicating efficiently, and being actively engaged with your business seven days a week. His story showcases how strong values and genuine interest in connecting with others can form the foundation for business success.Guest InfoBusiness: 16ozDaysGuest: Dillon Duong (he/him)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity Shoutout(s)FIELDWORK (Website • Instagram)The Upload Company (Website • Instagram)Send us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode, host Sam Bauman sits down with Melissa Seeley, co-founder of Good To Go Cups, an innovative business tackling the enormous waste problem of single-use coffee cups. Melissa and her business partner Michelle developed a circular system using compostable polymer cups that can be reused multiple times before being ground down and made into new cups. Their elegant business model makes sustainability accessible to both coffee shops and customers through a simple app-based membership program. With a background in recycling and sustainability initiatives, Melissa brings deep expertise to this mission-driven venture. She shares insights on developing their product, building relationships with coffee shops, and the challenges of changing consumer behavior. Learn how this Twin Cities-based company is expanding across the country and making it easier for coffee lovers to reduce waste one cup at a time.Guest InfoBusiness: Good To Go CupsGuest: Melissa Seeley (she/her)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutBusiness: 16ozDaysLinks: Website • InstagramOther Links:Reuse MinnesotaEllen McArthur FoundationSend us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, we sit down with Samantha Hueman, owner of Honour Coffee in Northeast Minneapolis. After years in corporate marketing left her feeling unfulfilled, Sam and her husband Luke took the leap to purchase this beloved neighborhood coffee shop, acai bowl, and raw juice bar, despite having no prior experience in the coffee industry.Sam candidly shares her experience with impostor syndrome as a first-time business owner and how the Northeast Minneapolis community and her staff helped her overcome these challenges. She discusses her vision of creating a space centered around wellness and nourishment, where the label accurately reflects what's inside.What started as a personal quest for fulfillment evolved into something much bigger: a community hub that supports and uplifts other small businesses. From hosting Pilates classes on the patio to featuring local artists' work, Sam has transformed Honour Coffee into more than just a coffee shop.Listen as Sam shares valuable insights about staying true to your "North Star" amid the constant pressure to expand or change direction, and how effective communication with her team has been crucial to her success.Guest InfoBusiness: Honour CoffeeGuest: Samantha Hueman (she/her)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity Shoutout(s)Halle Rittgers: Website • InstagramHadley Rittgers: WebsiteSend a textHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Cary Hakam, licensed acupuncturist and owner of The Qi House in South Minneapolis. Cary shares his remarkable journey from studying yoga in Singapore to becoming a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner over 22 years ago.The conversation explores Cary's unique path, including how he dreamed about his mentors three years before meeting them. He discusses the challenges of starting a healing arts center, the importance of following your heart in business, and how his practice evolved during major community events like the George Floyd protests and COVID.Cary emphasizes the balance between running a business and maintaining authenticity and trusting your heart. The episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs about staying true to your values and building a business that nurtures both the community and the practitioner.Guest InfoBusiness: The Qi HouseGuest: Cary Hakam (he/him)Links: WebsiteCommunity ShoutoutLaune Bread: Website • InstagramSend us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Andrea Storlie, owner of Nail Ninja, a nail salon in northeast Minneapolis that continues to revolutionize the local nail industry. Andrea shares her journey from being a high school dropout to becoming a business owner who not only provides exceptional nail services but also trains other nail technicians through her apprenticeship program. After 13 years of working for someone else, Andrea decided to become her own boss and create a space where she could set boundaries and do things her way. What started as a small solo suite unexpectedly grew into a thriving business. Andrea discusses the challenges of business ownership, the importance of self discipline, and her recent decision to let go of a lease on her other location to refocus on what truly brings her joy, doing nails and training others. Her refreshing perspective on growth reminds us that sometimes scaling back is the best way to move forward.Guest InfoBusiness: NAIL NINJAGuest: Andrea Storlie (she/her)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity Shoutout(s)Little Luxuries: Website • InstagramThe Coffee Shop NE: Website • InstagramThe Get Down Coffee Co: Website • InstagramSend us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, host Sam Bauman sits down with Rebecca Sansone, owner of the Mustache Cat, a vintage and modern home goods store in St. Paul. Rebecca shares her journey from corporate life to small business ownership, where she curates a unique blend of vintage pieces with stories alongside products from women-owned businesses.Rebecca explains her philosophy that objects in our homes should tell stories and engage all five senses, creating spaces that reflect who we are. We discuss her current business venture, developing "Mustache Cat Made," a product line that includes both new products and repurposed vintage items. We also explore Rebecca's leadership approach, which includes intentional vulnerability with her team, applying valuable corporate lessons to small business, and using practical tools like an Apple Note called "Future Us Problems" to help her and her team stay focused on their vision. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build an authentic business that reflects their personal values while creating meaningful customer experiences.Guest InfoBusiness: The Mustache CatGuest: Rebecca Sansone (she/her)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutBusiness: As You Are TherapyLinks: Website • InstagramSend a textHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, we sit down with Cameron Gillette (Cammie G), co-owner of College Muscle Movers. Cammie shares how he focuses on fostering a culture built on trust, adaptability, and continuous learning. From creating a positive work environment that values every team member’s contribution, to embracing challenges like expanding into a 13,000-square-foot warehouse and transitioning from paper to digital systems, Cammie talks about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in to hear how Cameron turns the everyday challenges of moving into opportunities for growth and connection, proving that even the most hands-on work can be elevated by thoughtful leadership.Guest InfoBusiness: College Muscle MoversGuest: Cameron Gillette (he/him)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutBusiness: Lloyd’s Automotive ServiceLinks: Website • InstagramSend a textHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small we sit down with photographer Alyssa Lund-Kyrola to learn more about her journey to realizing her dream of being a full-time artist. Alyssa shares how she built two distinct brands: Alyssa Lund Photography, focused on families and weddings, and Illuminate Boudoir, dedicated to self-affirming, inclusive boudoir photography. She opens up about the challenges of navigating the pandemic, the decision to hire a studio manager, and dives into the power of storytelling through photography. We also discuss her latest project, Dear Body, which merges portraiture with personal reflections to promote self-love. Tune in to hear how Alyssa blends artistry with deep personal connection, proving that photography is about so much more than just pictures.Guest InfoBusiness: Alyssa Lund Photography / Illuminate BoudoirGuest: Alyssa Lund-Kyrola (she/her)Alyssa Lund Photography Links: Website • InstagramIlluminate Boudoir Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutBusiness: Cake Plus-Size ResaleLinks: Website • InstagramOther Links:DubsadoSend us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, we sit down with Sarah Evert, a clinical social worker and the owner of S.E.E. Psychotherapy. Sarah specializes in working with clients struggling with perfectionism, and she shares how her own search for fulfillment and autonomy led her to build a private practice that challenges traditional therapy norms.Sarah talks about the power of community in private practice, and how social media has transformed the way she connects with both clients and fellow therapists. She also reflects on the importance of making therapy feel accessible and the lessons she’s learned from setbacks along the way. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a mental health professional, or someone navigating perfectionism, this conversation offers insights into building a business that truly aligns with your values.Guest InfoBusiness: S.E.E. PsychotherapyGuest: Sarah Evert (she/her)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutBusiness: Golden Age DesignLinks: Website • InstagramOther Links:Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Joyful LifeSend us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

In this episode of Not So Small, we sit down with Cody-John Marks, the owner of Drop Dead Gorgeous in Northeast Minneapolis. As an esthetician, Cody shares how his personal journey with self-confidence and beauty standards inspired him to create a welcoming space for anyone who has felt excluded by traditional beauty norms.Cody opens up about the challenges of launching a business during the pandemic, the risks he has taken to grow, and the importance of setting boundaries for work-life balance. He also reflects on the power of healing touch, the role of authenticity in building lasting client relationships, and the ways his community has supported him along the way. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to redefine success on their own terms and create a business rooted in passion, inclusivity, and self-care.Guest InfoBusiness: Drop Dead GorgeousGuest: Cody-John Marks (he/him)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutBusiness: Nail NinjaLinks: Website • Instagram Other Links:Gloss GeniusSend us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)

How do you create a real estate business that truly embraces inclusivity and sets a new standard for others to follow? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Mariah Hamm, a trailblazing queer realtor and the visionary force behind Hamm Real Estate Co in the Twin Cities. Mariah shares their journey of building a nurturing, value-aligned brokerage that prioritizes clients' comfort and respect. From the pivotal decision to obtain a real estate license to establishing a space where clients can be their true selves, Mariah's story is one of resilience and transformation. This episode is not just about real estate—it's a testament to how steadfast effort and a unique vision can redefine an entire industry and inspire others to seek similar growth and fulfillment.Guest InfoBusiness: Hamm Real Estate CoGuest: Mariah Hamm (she/they)Links: Website • InstagramCommunity ShoutoutBusiness: The Mustache CatLinks: Website • InstagramSend us Fan MailHost & Show InfoHost Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.Podcast WebsiteSound Editing By: Adam RondeauPodcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)