WCWB Inspire Women Podcast

Hi, my name is Martie. My journey to becoming an esthetician began almost 10 years ago, when I was a dog groomer for over 20 years. Over the years it had taken its toll on my body, and I had collapsed and was unable to walk for many months, thinking I would be bedridden for the rest of my life.  I was faced with planning to have back surgery, reluctant to take that route I had returned to Yoga instead. Finding healing through my Yoga practice in ways I never imagined or knew that I needed. My practice became my medicine and connected with the community that quickly became family. I became a Yoga teacher with a strong desire to help others battling their own limitations and to find quality of life again.In my journey of healing and self-discovery, I learned that I had been in my masculine energy out of survival my entire life and needed to reconnect with my feminine softness, calming, intuitiveness and my emotional well-being. I leaned into the importance of self-care and started my journey by becoming an esthetician. My love for helping others quickly grew and the vision for Lotus Flower Wellness was borne. My core values as an esthetician remain focused on self-love and with the love and support from the community, I have been blessed to be able to be of service to the same community that has inspired my own dreams. You can find me located inside Lash Brat Beauty Bar at 1601 State Ave. NE Olympia WA, 98506.wcwb.org

Join us as we interview Mo Golden. She is an artist, entrepreneur, and creativity researcher based in Olympia, Washington. She holds an MA in Experiential Education from George Washington University and a BA in interdisciplinary arts from Evergreen State College. Mo and her husband own Heart of the Deernicorn, an award winning game design studio. Together they just launched a new venture, Studio Golden, a design studio focused on making daily tasks and time at home feel like special moments, through workbooks, oracle decks, and ceramic functional art pieces. wcwb.org

Meet Diksha, a Washington State-Approved Doula and Trainer with over 16 years of experience as a doula, inspired to support families after my own transformative pregnancies. Originally from Germany, she has called Olympia, WA, home since 2006. As a solo practice doula, Diksha provides personalized, one-on-one care, building trust and tailoring support to each unique birth plan.Diksha is certified through DONA International, The Matrona, Bastyr Simkin Center, WA State, and The Body Ready Method®. She offers expertise in birth doula services, lactation education, infant massage, and Body Ready Method alignment sessions and parent classes. She is also a triple-certified Placenta Specialist and trained in Spinning Babies and OSHA standards. Committed to professional integrity, Diksha attended nearly 100% of her clients’ births, with a trusted backup doula for peace of mind.As a leader in Olympia’s birth community, she founded the Olympia Doula Circle, Meet the Doula Night, and the Monthly Cesarean & VBAC Support Group, and she lead a local Body Ready Study Group. Diksha is here to empower others through pregnancy, birth, and beyond with skillful, heart-centered support. In addition to serving birthing families, she is passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of doulas. Diksha offers in-person doula training and individualized doula mentorships that provide a strong foundation in evidence-based, compassionate care, helping new doulas grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.wcwb.org

With over 10 years of experience in professional training, development and business consulting, Coach Brigitte brings a unique perspective that embraces ethnicity, culture and experience to educate and inform her clients in all areas of leadership development including diversity, inclusion and belonging. Brigitte brings with her a wealth of international experience including a background in banking, government and non-government agencies from 3 different continents as well as in agile environments. She equips her clients with the tools, resources, and experience to help their team improve their productivity, performance and profitability. Coach Brigitte uses industry best practices for continuous improvement, process streamlining, teamwork, and increased quality to exceed her customer's operational goals and expectations. Brigitte is passionate about equipping leaders in motion, and is excited to work with you and your team to achieve its highest potential.Most of her clients refer to her as a curator of ideas, as she excels at empowering others to shift their thinking towards creating the results they desire and achieving their full potential.https://brigittemichaels.com/indexwcwb.org

A fierce champion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful social impact, Alanna Imbach is a weaver of people, and a builder of authentic, purpose-driven communities. Her vision is simple: drive innovation through authentic human connection.She delivers on this, in part, through her work as Founder and CEO of Vibe Coworks—a shared workspace and coworking community that provides world-class workspace, community and programming for startups, scaleups, corporations, nonprofits and public entities in non-urban regions. Since first opening in 2017, Vibe Coworks has become a widely recognized center of gravity for authentic community, connection, and happier, healthier ways of working in and beyond the Kitsap Peninsula. Vibe Coworks is proudly woman- and immigrant-owned, with a diverse membership base and professional network that spans the county. In addition to providing access by the hour and by the day, Vibe counts with over 200 members, serving hundreds of area businesses and organizations as the destination of choice for meetings and events.Vibe Coworks was named Business of the Year by the Greater Kitsap Chamber in 2022, and is a proud member off the League of Extraordinary Coworking Spaces (LExC), which provides members with free, reciprocal access to a network of high-end, boutique coworking spaces globally.  Web: vibecoworks.comUpcoming Events Calendar: https://members.vibecoworks.com/eventsInstagram: www.instagram.com/vibe_coworksLinkedIn - Vibe Coworks: www.linkedin.com/company/vibe-coworksLinkedIn - Alanna Imbach: www.linkedin.com/in/alannaimbach wcwb.org

Emily Renee Ligman ,a new small business owner as of September 2023. She is a professional face and body paint artist and owner of JUICEBOXX LTD B2B Productions, LLC also owning DBA: PNW pro face paint. Specializing in body paint, face paint, and airbrush tattoos, she has also branched out into glass blowing and neon bending to grow her passion for art into an enterprise. Diagnosed with autism, dyslexia and adhd, she faces daily challenges and overcomes these through creating art and developing new products for her industry with the gratification of being an woman-owned business. Her love for face paint has led her to create products like “Glitter Brows” and stencil kit for holidays and “festival paint”. Emily is finding ways to update the quality and overall guest experience being the only 2 Face, body art, and glitter tattoo booths in the 2024 Washington State Fair. With 8 years experience as a self-taught airbrush artist, it’s “the show must go on and will be fantastic” attitude going into each year. She has a great theatrical foundation which explains her passion for giving a “magical guest experience” since attending and completing the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando Florida 2006. With a BA in theater and fine arts at WSU she is well trained for working highly demanding and stressful situations such as the popular busy fall fair season. She is proud to be using the highest quality cosmetic grade industry standard glitter and waterproof paints. The main focus for PNWPROFACEPAINT, is to include the whole family to experience the “face and body art” in the future years to come. Reach out to experience great customer service paired with an attention to detail for all guests - kids, teens and adults - anybody and every BODY is welcome! wcwb.org

Dr. Sara Weelborg, DNP, ARNP, has been a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner since 2005. Before that, she worked as a registered nurse in a variety of patient care settings while serving as an active-duty Navy Nurse Corps Officer. After serving 13 years on active duty, she transferred to the Reserve Component while beginning her work as a civilian advanced practice nurse, practicing in group settings and then transitioning to private practice in 2014. She built a thriving solo private practice in the Tacoma area and then added contract work with the Squaxin Island Tribe’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Program and the Northwest Indian Treatment Center in Elma. She completed the University of Washington AIMS’ Center’s Integrated Care Fellowship in 2023 and provides psychiatric consultation to the primary care team at Community Health Care’s Key Medical Center in Lakebay. In addition to providing direct patient care, she precepts graduate nursing students and is an active member of Washington State’s Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses. Sara’s Doctor of Nursing practice degree is in leadership, and her cumulative experiences in the military, clinical settings, and education have positioned her well to be the clinical director of the new mental health intensive outpatient program Mindset. Creating this program with her daughter Rachel has been challenging, rewarding, and invigorating. She has had a vision of building an intensive program for many years and is grateful for the support and circumstances that have led to this point. This endeavor would not be possible without Rachel’s complementary knowledge and skills, and her shared passion and drive have catalyzed the effort and work.Sara’s personal interests include running (especially trail running and trail relays), playing the flute, and hanging out with family. Besides Rachel, daughter Elisabeth is a senior at the University of Minnesota studying chemical engineering, son Nathaniel is a 7th grader with a passion for computers and violin (who designed and coded Mindset’s website by himself), and husband Brian provides steadfast support and dedication to keep everything going. Rachel Johnson provides all community members of the greater Tacoma area with options to individually flourish and feel supported in their mental health. She encountered a severe lack of in-person care opportunities in Tacoma while seeking out her own mental health support services in the past, and has been a witness to this same lack of access for so many friends and community members. Rachel serves Mindset’s clients, and the greater community, by establishing and overseeing community relationships, client acquisition, and overall business maintenance and operations. She values an individual’s identity and autonomy above all else and works to empower others in every facet possible, while realizing herself, that she must have an evolving mindset that can lead me to further compassion and growth. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for mental health provide a vital and unique service to the community; hospitalizations are not the most beneficial outcome for many individuals who are facing a mental health crisis. A gap existed in our community for providing intensive mental health services to those individuals who are best suited to remain in their regular home environment and maintain a daily profession. Rachel is dedicated to champion clients who would incur a detriment to their overall health journey if separated from their daily life and home. She believes that every individual has the power to overcome life’s challenges if they have been provided the correct “toolbox” to do so. Her professional and educational background is in construction management from California Polytechnic State University, where she is completing her senior project.wcwb.org

There’s a whole bunch of misinformation out in the world, and unfortunately, that includes Grief and Loss. So many people are in so much pain, and sadly many die in their grief, because they’re unable or don’t know how to express it in a way that's safe for them, and thus, never heal from it.Being an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist for over 16 years now, Ann sees the need not only to heal grief and loss, but to bring education and new perspectives around what they really are, how they impact our lives and most importantly, that it is a normal and natural part of life.Pain pushes us into a corner where we often think there’s no way out. It’s a very, very lonely place to be with your back up against the wall, and your only companions being overwhelming emotions that can scare us beyond belief. We can stay stuck in our “story” and come to believe it’s our “life”. Unresolved grief results in a life that’s half-lived.Ann specializes in helping professional men and women get their life back after loss; even from decades ago. She gets them out of that corner, and back into living the life they want, without the pain of grief as their constant companion.Her Site:https://HealingLifeandGrief.as.me/Free 30 minute Confidential Consultation for Grief:https://HealingLifeandGrief.as.me/?appointmentType=41859936Free 30 minute Confidential Consultation for Pet Loss Grief:https://HealingLifeandGrief.as.me/?appointmentType=42195055Link to buy her new book on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6CR8Q1D?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520wcwb.org

Annie Barrett is a Bilingual Educator, National Speaker, National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Board-Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Trainer. Annie has worked over 25 years as an educator spanning the fields of K-12, post-secondary and community education, alongside coaching individuals and groups in health and wellness, and training yoga teachers. She educates and empowers groups and individuals to live resilient and vibrant lives with the tools of lifestyle medicine, mindfulness, habit change science and yoga. As a workplace wellness provider, Annie has found success applying her diverse training in helping individuals and teams manage work-related stress, overcome compassion fatigue and burnout and achieve work-life balance.Annie completed her Masters of Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is a Board-Certified Health Coach with the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches and holds a certification as an Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coach with YogaMedCo. She earned an Ayurvedic Practitioner diploma with Yoga Veda Institute and is a Board-Certified Practitioner with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Over the past 27 years, Annie has trained with many teachers and lineages of yoga and is an Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher and Continuing Education Provider with Yoga Alliance.https://www.vibrantsoulful.com/wcwb.org

Sandra holds dual BA degrees in Graphic Design and Education, combining her artistic expertise with teaching experience. The combination of these backgrounds led her to establish Paint with Me Paint Parties in the Lacey area three years ago. Through these events, Sandra discovered her true calling, seamlessly merging art and education to ignite creativity in others. Driven by her passion for helping and inspiring people, Sandra thrives on collaborating with various venues and businesses to introduce art into unconventional spaces. Currently, Paint With Me Paint Parties hosts themed events in pubs, restaurants, community centers, and private residences, catering to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Looking ahead, Sandra envisions expanding her business to encompass a wider array of painting techniques and mediums, fostering even more artistic exploration and expression within her community. Register for your next paint party experience at www.swallacearts.com.wcwb.org

Today, we interview Casey - a world traveler, military spouse, and owner of her own photography business. She has always been a follow-your-heart-kind-of-gal and took a chance by following her passion for photography versus the corporate setting. Her favorite thing about photography is being part of beautiful moments in peoples lives, while making sure her client's vision becomes reality.wcwb.org

So many business owners struggle to keep up with social media trends and demands. In today's episode, write down some detailed notes on how to see social media today and use its tools to positively impact your businesses!wcwb.org

An experienced DEIB practitioner and educator, Jaya Mallik centers her practice on community engagement, data-informed insights, and empowering others to lead and innovate. She is especially passionate about ensuring equal access and opportunities for women of color and other underrepresented identities. Prior to launching Jaya Mallik Coaching & Consulting, Jaya led DEI efforts at Meta, Amazon, and Tandem Diabetes Care with a focus on the tech industry. As an expert in Learning & Development and K-12 education, Jaya is well-versed in teaching complex concepts to diverse audiences to ensure comprehension, connection, and action. Jaya believes in a modern education for everyone — free from perfectionism, shame, or blame. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her two children, partner, and dogs exploring the outdoors, drinking lots of coffee, and watching ghost shows with her friends.Connect with her at jmallikconsulting.com.wcwb.org

Kathryn Annis, a powerful force in mental health and wellness, passionately leads The Dawning Institute LLC as its Owner & Founder. Her journey, marked by persistence, resilience and transformation, speaks to the indomitable pursuit of purpose. As a Certified Peer Counselor, Kathryn seamlessly weaves professional expertise with her personal triumph over adversity, evolving from victim, to survivor, and ultimately, a fierce advocate and warrior. She has found her calling in this life weaving the dense tapestry of pain into a catalyst for innovation. She empowers others on their healing paths, delivering a message of hope and resilience. Through compelling speaking engagements, she sheds light on crucial topics, sparking positive personal and societal transformation. Kathryn's story is an inspiration, exemplifying strength through turning the impossible into tangible possibility; a beacon guiding us towards a brighter, more compassionate future in mental health healing.wcwb.org

Kimberly was born and raised in the pacific northwest and in-spite of the rain, loves every season Washington offers. Born into a large family, she’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit and launched Barkcuterie Boxes in December 2022 with a dream to spoil dogs everywhere! Her pup Liberty takes care of quality control and ensures the treats are top notch. Kimberly loves to travel, be creative & crafty, and watch a good mystery show every now and then. wcwb.org

Take Charge Consulting, LLC provides credit and entrepreneur services to economically disadvantaged artists and entrepreneurs to position individuals to leverage these tools. They believe that credit is a tool to narrow the racial wealth gap because credit plays a huge role in increasing home ownership and allowing people to sustain successful businesses. Tierra Bonds started Take Charge in 2017 after noticing the need for credit education and seeing that most credit repair companies appeared to be a scam. Her trust from the community allowed her to serve hundreds of people all throughout the country by providing credit repair, credit consulting and credit education to allow them to reach their credit goals. They reach those in need on an individual level; and also through partnerships with companies like Habitat for Humanity, The Seattle Public Library, city governments and others that allows them to provide these services to those who may not have the ability to pay. Take Charge is on a mission to reduce the wealth gap by educating 100,000 people on credit and entrepreneurship. wcwb.org

Emma Heywood is a Certified Hypnotherapist, practitioner of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), performance mindset coach, and a classically trained actress, performing on stage from North America to Europe. She has been on her own mental health journey since she was 12 years old. She knows what it’s like to struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. She transformed her life using RTT, hypnosis, and the power of her subconscious mind. She went from living a life of trauma and low self-esteem to one of inner freedom, self-worth, joy, abundance, and embodying her purpose. And now she helps others do the same. You too can live a life free from self-doubt, fear, low self-esteem, and anxiety. You too can become the most powerful, liberated, confident version of you yet. Emma will be your guide: see you on the other side. wcwb.org

In this episode, we dive into a step-by-step with examples on how to conduct market research for your business plan or early on into your business launch. Don't skip this step if you want to be a successful business owner!wcwb.org

In this podcast episode, we dive deep into the existing mindset of potential business owners. Do you already carry entrepreneur traits that would make you successful? Don't ignore your potential!wcwb.org

Meet Lorelei Felchlin, the Founder and Executive Director of Sahale Outdoors, an outdoor education nonprofit in the South Sound area. After hanging up her Army boots after twelve years, volunteering for various other nonprofits and receiving a Masters degree in Outdoor Recreational Programming, she followed her passion for teaching and introducing people in the outdoors by starting a nonprofit with that focus. Her mission is to offer welcoming and inclusive outdoor activities to marginalized youth, foster a sense of belonging in the outdoors, and create space for play and discovery while also providing opportunities for youth to grow, lead, and experience the outdoors, despite social, cultural, and environmental barriers. To look into her programs, volunteer, or donate, visit www.sahaleoutdoors.org. She can also be reached on Facebook and Instagram: @sahaleoutdoors.wcwb.org

Website design and development trends are constantly evolving to adapt to changing technologies and user preferences. So I want to provide some general website trends that business owners should heavily consider for 2023. I am going to go into some great detail so please get your notebook ReMarkable pad out and takes notes on this one.wcwb.org

Interview with Marie Cooper, Washington Health Benefit ExchangeMarie Cooper is a Senior Business and Employee Outreach Coordinator at the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. She specializes in helping small businesses navigate the complex world of health insurance. With her expertise, she educates these businesses on their coverage options available to them so they can find the health coverage that best fits their needs. Additionally, Marie provides support to individuals that are experiencing a job loss, ensuring they understand their health insurance options through Washington Healthplanfinder. wcwb.org

In this episode, I dive deep into the steps to starting a business - from business plan necessities, to licensing structure, financial management, and start up strategies. Take some notes on this one!wcwb.org

Meet Brianna, the owner and behaviorist trainer of All Ears Petcare, an independent dog training and online academy serving the South Puget Sound area. She helps first-time dog owners integrate their puppy or rescue to not only stay but thrive in their furever home through positive behavior change. A major reason for dogs losing their home is behavioral. Brianna blends her background in powerlifting, physical therapy, and love of neuroscience into the All Ears process. Check out her services at www.allearspetcarellc.com and community events on Instagram @allearspetcare. wcwb.org

In this episode we have a special guest who talks about her new business and book. We diver deep into understanding the entrepreneur mind and the need for life coaches.wcwb.org

In this episode, we discuss the many reasons that lead to employee turnover, the overall decrease of employee morale, and the resulting costs for the business owner.wcwb.org

In this episode of the WCWB Inspire Women's Podcast, we meet Makayla Roberson who introduces us to her baking business named Mak's Snack Shack. She tells us her story from the pre-launch phase up to now. She also gives women valuable advice on how they can overcome some barriers in the beginning stages of owning a business. wcwb.org

Current MSgt. and owner of TekBryte IT chats with the Washington Center for Women in Business regarding foundational practices involving tech and cyber security in small to large businesses. wcwb.org

In this first episode of the WCWB Inspire Women podcast, we give an introduction to the Washington Center for Women in Business and what it provides for women inspiring to be entrepreneurs. wcwb.org