Posts in Biz Stuff

Go With Your Gut! Make That Business Happen!

Do you love listening to Podcasts? Or do you not really know what one is quite yet?? Let me make it easy for you. It’s perfect for you - the super-busy-always-running-around woman that you are. Pull up the podcast on your phone, plug-in your headphones and listen as you workout, do your errands or even the dishes late night!

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OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

“My big break was that I was let go from my job.”

— Christine Lantinen

Christine Lantinen was let go on a Friday, made a handshake business deal to buy out another company over the weekend and was making sales calls on Monday. If that’s not awesome, I don’t know what is. Since this time of taking over the 100 year old Maud Borup, Christine has shifted the chocolate company’s business model and now it seems there is no stopping her andtheir success and growth. Christine was honored this past year as one of Ernest & Young’s Winning Women, something quite hard to come by. Her style and talk of Maud Borup as a family business is quite inspiring.

A few of the things that we talk about include:

Where and how she saw opportunity for this business
How she kept angel investors out of her businesses
What it’s like running a business in a town of 2000.
How she spent her life in retail and how that prepared for her role today
The roles her family takes in the business
Money and Magic
Not being afraid of building a strong support structure.
The parents role in developing relationships between her children and grandparents
What their kids think about the business
Her weekend outlets.
Switching the business’ focus, when and why
Where she’s turned down business
What she’d do differently in building the business
Where they are now
Continuously learning
How “Entrepreneurship” is now a career and how things are different today
Her inspiration
When she gets nervous!
Reaching out for help
Her difference makers and what she tells graduating college kids

“What better person to drive your quality standards than mom, right?! ”

— Christine Lantinen

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Podcast, Biz StuffAshleigh BlattApril 11, 2016Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Managing Teams, Relationships, Productivity, MindfulnessComment

Remain Chill in the Midst of Chaos - Let Go While Also Moving Forward

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OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

“I am the author of this book.”

— Julie Cole

Julie Cole is one of many Co-Founders for Mabel’s Labels. She started the business with her sister and friends in their garage 13 years ago. I wanted to talk with her about how you could start a business many hands in the pot. After she said yes to the interview, my research showed she’s been blogging all over the place too and that made her even cooler in my eyes. She writes blogs for places like the Huffington Post and Yummy Mummy and she shares a beautiful story and life message in Chicken Soup for the Soul. Let’s not forget to mention she is doing this with 6 growing children too!

But in the conversation, for me, a real shift occurred, she wasn’t just cool on paper, Julie is cool deep. in. her. soul. I felt like she was my big sister talking directly to me giving me guidance, encouragement and know-how from the get go and not just in business or parenting but in life too. She’s that chill and that cool. Just this week, the Mom 2.0 Summit released it’s IRIS award nominees and to no surprise, Julie Cole is up for Entrepreneur of the Year.

I don’t doubt that you will enjoy this conversations much as I did. A few of the things that we talk about include:

Difference makers in their business and lives.
Her awesome attitude
What matters (and doesn’t) to her
Choices she makes
Mabel Label’s Cool Culture
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
Importance for knowing your brand
Sleep and routines - what it takes
What it’s like with many bosses
Mentors and inspirations

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Podcast, Biz StuffAshleigh BlattApril 4, 2016Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Social Media, Managing Teams, Relationships, Motherhood, Productivity, Mindfulness, Healthy LivingComment

Did You Climb the Wrong Ladder? How to Switch Mid-Career

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OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

“When I finally reached the top of the ladder, I realized I was climbing the wrong ladder.”

— Vanessa Loder

Not long ago I was able to talk with Vanessa Loder, Co-Founder of Mindfulness Based Achievement. She succeeded traditionally (think Stanford Business School, Private Equity Finance job) but wasn't fulfilled or very happy. After diving into spiritual practices and leaning into her questions about her personal fulfillment, Vanessa put herself on notice and left her stable position for the literal unknown.

In this episode, we cover several topics and stories. Here are some of the things we talk about:

A bit about her business M indfulness Based Achievement
Process of leaving high powered finance position to taking an entrepreneurial path
Initial steps in making her change - including what the "Reluctant Psychic" told her
Why she skipped being very "traditional MBA" about her new business
How she raised anxiety in ME for her!
How her intentional focus drove her to her first steps of success and her new business
The power of the coffee date!
The evolution of her business(es) and how they've taken off in different directions she could have never predicted
How her first big sale ended up devastating her and producing a lot shame. (And how it turned out to be a blessing in disguise!)
What's she's had to learn being an entrepreneur.
Creating a family, setting the boundaries and making the choices between running a business and being a mom
How self care and support became essential in her life
How she was able to work with no makeup, no real clothes to ease her way back into work after having her daughter
The highest quality attention she can give her daughter
What keeps her up at night
Morning rituals and evening routines
Her broad definition on what is a mentor

“In order to make it (quitting her job with no plan) safe enough to do I had put some boundaries around it.”

— Vanessa Loder

Selected Links from the Episode

The Instruction by Ainslie MacLeod
Ainslie MacLeod
Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks
Evolution of a Job Hater by Kristen Wheeler
Her column for Forbes
Loop of Awareness Technique
The Hendricks Institute
Their Free 10-Day Meditation Challenge

MORE FROM VANESSA

What are your favorite apps?
- Insight Timer is great for meditations, I use it most mornings. You can use the chime bell to meditate in silence for any amount of time or find a free guided meditation (if you search my name "Vanessa Loder" you can even find a couple of mine!). Other apps I use....Lots of educational games for my daughter these days like "endless 123" ;)
What books are on your nightstand? Favorite all-time book?
- Nightstand: my kindle with LOTS of books, currently re-reading Lonesome Dove. I keep Mary Oliver and Rumi poetry on my nightstand and sometimes quickly read a poem in the morning when I first wake up.
- Favorite all-time book...depends for what. For people who want to find work they love, I recommend "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks. For fun, The Count of Monte Cristo
What's your guilty pleasure these days?
- Honeymoon ice cream, chocolate laurel flavor.
What one item do you love that is less than $100?
- MyChelle hyaluronic hydrating serum for dry skin and tropical skin smoother (exfoliant that makes my skin SO soft!). great products.
What one item do you love to give that is less than $100?
- Flowers.

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Podcast, Biz Stuff, LifestyleAshleigh BlattMarch 28, 2016Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Relationships, Mindfulness, Healthy Living Comment

Inspiration & Information from Serial Mompreneur: Kalika Yap

Mompreneur on Fire - Inspiration & Information

Did you hear Kalika on the Mompreneur on Fire Podcast??

She was amazing. Kalika owns a media company, a high-end tanning salon, she created the LuxeLink (you know that purse hook) and she's starting a company with her kids in mind. If you haven't listened to the podcast, you can listen here. She shared so much information and I know she is always on the move, so I asked her for an update and sure enough - she did not disappoint!

Where are you with your Conscious Kids business?

We set up a landing page and email address for the kids ConsciousKidsCo.com. The company was mentioned in an article in Entrepreneur magazine!

We have our logo designed and packaging designed.

We are working with a mindfulness teacher to get training so the kids can work on their new app.

We met with a sound company to help develop music for the app

Kids take mindfulness classes at school too.

You mentioned you were working on 5 Foundations in the interview. Where is that from?

Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin's book. It's actually only 4 not 5! Lol

I have been trying to get 8-10 hours of rest each night when I am not traveling (and also except tonight LOL), goal is to walk 10,000 steps at least 4 times a week - I usually go to the gym after work and walk on the treadmill while reading a book, we are moving offices so I have taken the opportunity to declutter, re eat and drink - I have been eating too many sweets! 😳 and am making strides to eat vegetarian - I still don't drink alcohol, I cut out cream and sugar in my coffee, I also don't drink Diet Coke any more! 😇

What are you eating habits?

This morning I ate a bowl of Quinoa Tabbouleh that I get from Philz Coffee - I stock up on them at the office and usually eat the same thing every morning

We order from Blue Apron - a great service that delivers fresh ingredients to our home - so I or my husband cook more frequently now (which is always a lovely treat)!

I sometimes eat donuts (which I know is horrible)! Donuts remind me of my mom because she would always bring donuts to the office - but my mom agrees I shouldn't eat donuts! Lol

I do forget to eat lunch at times but my husband (who joined the companies) usually makes me aware and or brings me food - we actually took a walk (three times this month!) to get food at a local restaurant! Wow

What books are now on your nightstand?

Currently reading Zero to One by Peter Theil

I recently read Brand Flip and 46 Rules of Genius by Marty Neumeier

Another great book I just finished is Daring Greatly (by Brene Brown)! Wow! What a life changer!

What is the gift you love to give away?

Flowers and candles.

Name something that is $100 or less that you love!

Hugs and kisses from my kids and hubby.

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Podcast, Biz StuffAshleigh BlattMarch 23, 2016Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Productivity, Mindfulness, MotherhoodComment

Stay Focused & Authentic in Business When Your Needs Are Ever Expanding

“I like to learn by failure.” - Alex Evjen

Talking with Alex from AVE Styles was like having a dream conversation for me. This mom of 2 is so laid back and successful doing the work she dreams of like collaborating with iconic companies Neiman Marcus, Madewell and even Coca-Cola. She is fashion stylist turned lifestyle blogger and the rare Official Pinterest Influencer. Her style is not only top notch but you can tell her attitude is just same. I had so much fun in this conversation and laughed along the way!

We talked about lots to things! Alex shares

The distinct evolution of her business
How she used "Fake It Til You Make It" to her benefit
How her husband feels when changes are coming!
How she manages her schedule and her time between family and work
What she’s learned about her personality type and what this does for her business
When she has asked for help
Her mentors
The kind of goals she sets.

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OR DOWNLOAD IT AND TAKE IT WITH YOU!

Selected Links from the Episode:

Update:

What are your favorite apps?
- I don't really know if I have favorites, but the ones I use the most are pretty typical: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, Waze, Fitbit, Dropbox.
What books are on your nightstand? Favorite all-time book?
- Haha! I laugh because I haven't had any time to read these days. The most I read right now is The Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar and Goodnight Moon. I can't even recall my favorite book. That's so sad!
What's your guilty pleasure these days?
- Re-watching Friends. It never gets old to me, and it always puts me in a good mood.
What one item do you love that is less than $100?
- GAP jeans are my favorite piece of clothing in the world. They always fit me well. I have them in every color.
What one item do you love to give that is less than $100?
- You can't go wrong with flowers and the Capri Jar Candles from Anthropologie.

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Podcast, Biz Stuff, LifestyleAshleigh BlattMarch 21, 2016Entrepreneurship, Social Media, Motherhood, Mindfulness, Healthy LivingComment

Blogging Her Way: Full-Time Pay in Part-Time Hours

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OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

“You have to get your content out there. No one is going to find you, you have to put yourself out there.”

— - Rosemarie Groner

It was great fun to talk with Rosemarie Groner, (busybudgeter.com) and simply amazing to hear how this mom of two littles ones went from being a state trooper to owning and running a daycare and made the switch to being a professional blogger bringing in over $9000/month in just 2 years. Oh yeah - and she does this working 10-20 hours a week.

(UPDATE: In the 5 months since this interview was completed, Rosemarie is now bringing in over $22,000 a month! She has been a wonderful mentor and I swear by any advice she gives! Her Pinterest Strategy Guide is nothing to joke about! There is tons of ah-mazing and detailed information in there about how she does what she's doing!

I heart Rosemarie so much so if she says do something, I will! That said, she also recommended Michelle Schroeder's Affiliate Marketing Class and sure enough that was an amazing purchase too! Plus it's fun to be "in class" with this super expert too!

Mompreneur on Fire - Rosemarie Groner - BB

In this episode, we cover several topics and stories. Here are some of the things we talk about:

Her story going from state trooper to blogger
Her daily routine
Her favorite training tools
What her husband had to say about her business (ad)ventures
How she grew her brand
A break down of her monthly income revenue sources (at the time the interview was taped)
What she’s sacrificed
A look at her schedule breakdown working 10-20 hours a week
How she prioritizes her time
How she feels about goals and goal settings
Favorite tools
Favorite social media sites and why

"My success doesn't take away from your success."

- Rosemarie Groner

Selected Links from the Episode:

Living Well Spending Less by Ruth Soukup
BoardBooster.com
Bob Lotich
Amy Porterfield

EVEN MORE ABOUT ROSEMARIE

Rosemarie is now making consistently $20,000 / month from her blog just a few months after our original conversation.

She was amazing when I talked with her months and months ago. Rosemarie has been a wonderful coach to the online blogging community. She is the beloved go-to person over and over again. She has this amazing Pinterest Strategy Guide that has helped increase traction on my site by the thousands. Next, I heard she was all excited about this Affiliate Marketing Program. If Rosemarie says it's good, I believe it! So, I have signed up there too! With her!!

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Podcast, Lifestyle, Biz StuffAshleigh BlattMarch 14, 2016Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Social Media, Motherhood, Productivity, MindfulnessComment

Running Around Town for Work? Involve Your Kids & Reduce Guilt

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OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

“If someone like me can do it, anyone can do it!”

— Kalika Yap

It was really nice for Julie and I talk with Kalika Yap. Julie had met her years back and they made quick connection. When we started pulling together a list of mompreneurs we wanted to talk with Kalika was at the top for her. As soon as we started, I knew why! Kalika has that type of energy you want to bottle and take home with you! Personally, during the interview, I was a completely nervous but she was kind, authentic and a great combination of information and inspiration. I simply love how she talks about her kids and involving them in her businesses and how now they are building a business of their own! One day I hope to do the same for my own.

Kalika is an accomplished entrepreneur currently running Citrus Studios an award winning design agency, managing Luxe Link the original purse hook that she created, she also runs a luxury waxing company in Hawaii and is starting a business with her kids. On top of that she is on several boards including Entrepreneur Organization and has won many awards. We were happy and honored she took time out to talk with us!

In this episode, we cover several topics and stories. Here are some of the things we talk about:

Her first priority when she is scheduling things
What she tells her kids about work
A first things she tells her kids about business
The impact of her kids involvement in the business
Her energy and where she gets it!
Which recent book triggered her to mediate
What habits does she want to embrace
Where she's putting her focus when it comes to her health
Books on her nightstand
The books on Julie’s nightstand!
Favorite tools and apps
What happened when her husband joined the company
A little bit about her lawsuit - that has thankfully settled!
What it’s like for her kids in her office

“Leaders are readers.” - Kalika Nación

Selected Links from the Episode

Thrive by Arianna Huffington
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Notorious RBG: The Life and Time of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
The Silent Sister: A Novel by Diane Chamberlain
Zoom Video and Web Conferencing Service
Basecamp
Slack
Joy
The Big Short

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Podcast, Biz StuffAshleigh BlattMarch 14, 2016Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Productivity, MindfulnessComment

Keep Your Business Current Based on YOUR Needs

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OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

“It’s the perfect time to be a mompreneur!”

— Cassie Piasecki

"It's the perfect time to be a mompreneur!" - Cassie Piasecki

It was a few years yeas back when I first came into contact with Cassie Piasecki. We were at a SMARTY LA meeting where the owner of Dermologica was talking to women business owners, Cassie came out to make the introduction and my friend next to me nudged my leg stating she was the Leader at Large for SMARTY OC, where we lived. She was beautiful in this power top and mini-mini only she could pull off. She spoke of her experiences owning businesses, the good, bad and the nerve-wracking. Her authenticity and vulnerability was as real as beauty and from that moment on, I was a fan.

She talked with me earlier this year about being a mompreneur, becoming a mompreneur, how things are different today (since she has been an entrepreneur for nearly 20 years) and the very important things you have to manage along the way. Cassie has owned several brick & mortars and now not only runs a medical business but is a pilates instructor to very high-end clientele, she is a nutrition consultant to models and women like herself who want to get healthy from the inside out. And in her “spare” time she is caring for her family and writing a book.

When I first thought to pull together the Mompreneur on Fire podcast, she was the first person I wanted to talk with. I have done her fabulous Seven to Sleek program and I can't wait for Weekly Pep talk to come out on Sundays. She is kind and her energy is sweet. Combine that with a powerful business sense - how can she not be one to admire??

In this episode, we cover several topics and stories. Here are some of the things we talk about:

Her feelings about being a mompreneur today
How she had her first brick and mortar business at the age of 18
How her husband works for her and she came to open a medical business
What every business owner has to be in control of
How she invests time in learning and trains staff, the less glamorous stuff
When she grieved
The role of her spouse and family when she considering a new business
Financially - what to always plan on when opening a business
How to attract clientele before putting up the open sign
Cool way she keeps her intentions at the forefront
Daily rituals - including morning, working out, spending time with husband and settling in for the evening

“You, the business owner, should be in control of your money.” - Cassie

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Podcast, Lifestyle, Biz StuffAshleigh BlattMarch 14, 2016Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Social Media, Managing Teams, Relationships, Motherhood, Mindfulness, Healthy LivingComment

CLICK on the LINK Below & Go!

More From Christine -

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MORE from Julie:

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Selected Links from the Episode

MORE FROM VANESSA

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Did you hear Kalika on the Mompreneur on Fire Podcast??

Where are you with your Conscious Kids business?

You mentioned you were working on 5 Foundations in the interview. Where is that from?

What are you eating habits?

What books are now on your nightstand?

What is the gift you love to give away?

Name something that is $100 or less that you love!

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW

OR DOWNLOAD IT AND TAKE IT WITH YOU!

Selected Links from the Episode:

Update:

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

CLICK on the LINK Below & Go!

"My success doesn't take away from your success."

- Rosemarie Groner

Selected Links from the Episode:

More From Rosemarie:

EVEN MORE ABOUT ROSEMARIE

Rosemarie is now making consistently $20,000 / month from her blog just a few months after our original conversation.

PS: You May Also Like These...

CLICK on the LINK Below & Go

“Leaders are readers.” - Kalika Nación

Selected Links from the Episode

PS: You May Also Like...

CLICK on the LINK Below & Go

“You, the business owner, should be in control of your money.” - Cassie

More From Cassie!

1. Tools I Love:

2. My fave apps:

3. Books:

4. Something that I love that is less than $100:

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