My guest this week is Stephen Scoggins, an award-winning entrepreneur who helps people discover who they are, why they are here and what to do about it. Stephen uses the pain of his past and the lessons he’s learned along the way to help people discover themselves. Growing up, life was really difficult for Stephen. When he was just 22, he found himself homeless and on the verge of suicide. During that season, a mentor gave him a second chance opportunity. From there, Stephen launched a multi-million dollar construction company and has gone on to launch several other successful businesses ranging from real estate to thought leadership with top line revenue over $100 million. Stephen is dedicated to the relentless pursuit of giving others the same gift of freedom he received by offering a practical and empowering education to those looking for a second chance to level up, catapult forward and make their dreams a reality. 4:28 – Stephen 101 He’s a serial entrepreneur in the Raleigh, N.C. area. He has written books and is a speaker and life-change agent. He wants to help people master their life. 5:20 – Seven businesses He owns seven business, including in construction, real estate, thought leadership and live event series. 6:20 – Massive life changes The old Stephen wouldn’t have thought the new Stephen was possible. At age 13, he asked God, “Please let me be the one to break the family curse.” He felt led to make that request. 20:30 – The power of mentors As Stephen began doing public speaking, one of the number one questions he got was “Can you mentor me?” He couldn’t say yes to everyone, but he told them that “Mentors are all around you.” 30:37 – Laws of legacy The top 1% on average have 8 to 12 mastery level ways of doing things. Only 26% give that to someone else. Everyone is searching for purpose, but you need to serve the person you used to be. 34:13 – Am I doing enough? Stephen wondered if he was doing enough to help others or if he was too focused on himself. The question is: What lives are you impacting along the way? We all struggle with pride. Focus on being genuine and leaning on God. 42:38 – Self discipline The best advice for self-discipline is: Start small, win big. Make a list of things that are distracting you and what you need help with. Learn as much as you can and put together an action plan. 56:30 – Get to know you Most played song? Gladiator Fictional character he’d want to meet? Wolverine FEATURED QUOTES Never has it been easier in our lives to have direct access to thought leadership. The secret to one’s amplification and/or success, no matter what that means to you, is simply nothing more than the way you think, because it controls the way you behave. I want to help people master their life. CONNECT WITH STEPHEN: https://stephenscoggins.com/ THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER:  MamaSuds helps label-reading moms create a safe and nontoxic home for their family by creating synthetic free household cleaners. And one of those cleaner is MamaSuds Fine Linen Soap- which is the best thing since [Pumpkin] - Sliced -Bread ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Wash your high-quality sheets, linens, delicates, and organic fabrics with a Fine Linen Soap to keep them looking newer and softer longer.  Use 3-4 capfuls for high-efficiency machines on delicate cycle, 4-6 capfuls for regular machines on delicate cycle.  Head over to MamaSuds.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

Business with Purpose

The Power of Mentorship & Self-Discipline | EP 268: Stephen Scoggins

She is the author of Burn, which details her story of ingenuity, determination, and luck. Spanning three decades, from 1991 when she arrived at Washington’s Dulles Airport, to today, Mei’s story is one of stunning success. She built a multi-million-dollar company, met and counseled thousands of entrepreneurs and business people, and even advised the President of the United States Barack Obama on the topic of job creation. Mei successfully negotiated the sale of Chesapeake Bay Candle to Newell Brands in 2017, a conglomerate with a $14 billion portfolio of consumer goods. She is now focused on helping women-owned consumer product companies grow and prosper with the Yes She May product platform. 4:40 – Mei 101 Mei grew up in China and was one of two daughters. Her parents told them they could do anything boys could do. At age 12, she enrolled in a foreign language middle school, and that was a big turning point for her. It allowed her a chance to find out what it would be like to be a diplomat. 11:50 – Making candles Mei’s dad found out she was making candles and was very confused. He said, “What does a candle do?” If you’re afraid to start something new, Mei says, “You have to roll up your sleeves and find whatever it takes to get started.” 21:50 – Billion-dollar industry Candles are a billion-dollar industry. They speak to her audience and are popular, especially around Christmas. People didn’t burn her candles in the beginning because they were too decorative and pretty. So, she realized she wanted people to burn them so they would buy more. 27:22 – Do it better We need to ask ourselves how to do things better and get more women involved in the supply chain and manufacturing.  36:13 – Yes She May Mei wants to connect consumers with brands that are owned by women They searched around the world for designers and brands in beauty, fashion and wellness. 41:52 – Women-owned businesses Mei says very few women-owned businesses make more than $250,000 a year. That can make it hard to get your products in Target, Macys or other large stores. 44:51 – Burn book Her book is about preservation and the immigrant story. You can never abandon where you came from. Your story could inspire other people. 50:14 – Get to know you Who would play Mei in a movie? Reese Witherspoon Hidden or unusual talents? She has great comedic timing and instinct Best vacation? Sardinia boat trip FEATURED QUOTES The pandemic also made me realize that we are really all connected. It sounds dazzling just to think, as a student, as a diplomat, how does she end up making candles? My dad was very confused. You have to roll up your sleeves and find whatever it takes to get started. CONNECT WITH MEI: https://www.meixu.com/ https://yesshemay.com/ ABOUT MEI XU: Mei Xu, a Chinese American entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of two global companies, Yes She May and Chesapeake Bay Candle® and author of Burn which details her journey from China to starting and growing a multi-million-dollar business in the U.S. In June 2020, Mei created the e-commerce platform, Yes She May (www.YesSheMay.com) to help women-owned brands reach a larger audience and scale. Her team aims to provide consumers a curated collection of thoughtful, high quality products made by talented women vendors from around the world. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

Using Grit and Innovation to Grow a Multi-Million Dollar Business | EP 267: Mei Xu, Chesapeake Bay Candle Co.

My guest this week is Emily Bernath, a rape survivor, sexual assault victim advocate, author and speaker. She just released her newest book, Broken Lenses Volume 2: Seeing Others’ Value in a World of Division. She has spoken to hundreds of people belonging to various faiths, age groups, and nations, and has taken the message of her first book, Broken Lenses: Identifying Your Truth in a World of Lies, to book stores across the nation. Emily has a passion for reaching out to women and guiding them to living out an identity rooted in truth. After being a rape survivor, Emily found her life quickly turn away from having everything she thought she wanted and towards feelings of both hopelessness and worthlessness. It was during that time, and being open about her experience, that it became apparent to her just how many other people experience those same feelings and so easily allow things that aren’t true about them define them. 3:59 – Emily 101 Emily never dreamed of being an author, but it was something God placed on her path. She struggled with reading as a child and hated reading. She preferred chemistry and math in school and liked the challenge. 7:06 – Turning to God Emily grew up in church but never had a deeper meaning to her life. She lived the typical college party life. She was raped at the end of her second year of college. Emily was angry, turned to God and said, “What the heck?” 12:30 – Lies she told herself One of the biggest lies Emily told herself was that her body was tainted by the rape. She felt worthless, taken advantage of and not like herself anymore. She wanted God to show her how her body was still a temple. 18:00 – Seeing people as God sees us When we see others as God sees us, it unites us. When we see people as the world sees us, it can tear people apart. 21:15 – Seek to understand When people share polarized opinions, they shut themselves off to listening and learning. Seek to understand, not be understood. 23:43 – Listen to survivors Abuse of any kind has a spiritual impact. Faith means complete trust in God, but a lot of abuse is caused by someone you trust. 29:22 – Seasons of healing Emily’s healing journey was a multi-step process. She’s still finding freedom in new areas. Sharing her story in writing was an act of surrender, because now anyone can read what happened to her. She has gone through seasons of healing. 32:57 – Advice for assault survivors You are worth being helped. You’re not a burden. Don’t assume that people won’t help you. There are so many resources out there. 36:25 – Get to know you Guilty pleasure? Chicken wings What she’d do differently if no one judged her? Nothing. Maybe shave her head. FEATURED QUOTES Once I was able to see myself for the truth and for how God sees me, the enemy has no power over that. You just can’t overcome God’s truth. The truth will set you free. And that’s really what I want for people is to be free from the lies and the condemnation of this world, and there’s a lot of it. CONNECT WITH EMILY: http://emilybernathauthor.com/ ABOUT EMILY: Emily Bernath, a rape survivor, is a sexual assault victim advocate, author, and speaker. Her first published book was Broken Lenses: Identifying Your Truths in a World of Lies (Morgan James Publishing, 2019). Bernath’s newest book is Broken Lenses, Volume 2: Seeing Others’ Value in a World of Division (Morgan James Publishing, June, 2021). Bernath, who completed a 40-hour Sexual Assault Counselor Training course provided by UCASA, serves as an active board member with the non-profit, Reveal to Heal International. She offers support, counseling, and advocacy for sexual assault victims. She has participated in, and spoken at, numerous events and fundraisers in support of such victims with The Rape Recovery Center and The Walk of No Shame. She attends a non-denominational church, K2 the Church, and has a passion for reaching out to women and guiding them to living out an identity rooted in truth. She has spoken to and shared this passion with hundreds of people belonging to various faiths. She serves as a mentor to the next generation in youth ministry and speaks at numerous events in the Salt Lake Valley. She has also shared her passions through humanitarian work in eSwatini, Africa. Bernath earned her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business, in 2016. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Toledo in 2014. She resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, please consult: www.emilybernathauthor.com. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

How to See Value In Others & In Ourselves | EP 266: Emily Bernath

My guest this week is Warwick Fairfax, a leadership adviser who helps people uncover their unique path to effective leadership through the learning power of story and an enlightening path of self-discovery. Growing up in a prominent family-owned media business in Australia that he eventually led – and lost – Warwick has both witnessed and experienced the challenges of high-pressure, high-impact leadership. After losing the 150-year-old family business, Warwick examined not only his own shortcomings and losses, but also life principles and lessons he learned from family members that came before him and some of history’s greatest leaders. 5:07 – Warwick 101 Warwick’s brand, Crucible Leadership, is about getting past setbacks and failures to lead a life of significance dedicated to serving others. He grew up in a very wealthy, privileged background in Australia. His family owned a 150-year-old massive media business. He spent many years trying to live up to his family’s expectations. 9:16 – Company’s ideals Warwick’s family felt like the business had strayed from its ideals. Money, influence and prestige changed people’s perspectives, and there was fighting among the family. 12:30 – Company goes south After Warwick took over the family business, the company went south. As a reserved person who doesn’t like the limelight, it was a nightmare for him to deal with and very brutal. 15:03 – How he rebounded Warwick was fortunate that he came to America and married his wife. He realized God loves him unconditionally and he is more than his mistakes. He was never attracted to money, and it’s not vitally important to him. He and his wife had kids in the 1990s, and his background was irrelevant to his children. 20:45 – Finding his identity It took years for Warwick to find his identity and purpose. You have to stop comparing yourself to others. Warwick does his best work, but he is not defined by what he does. 25:38 – Crucible Leadership Your worst day does not define you. Sometimes your mission in life comes out of a crucible. 28:26 – Life is about evolving He tells his children that life has a habit of evolving, and you need to make the best choice you can at the time. Trust the process and trust yourself. 34:16 – Get to know you Favorite TV show growing up? Skippy the bush kangaroo Favorite meal? Artichokes and cheesecake FEATURED QUOTES Your self-esteem isn’t about how good a meal you cooked or how perfect your house is or how successful your business is. I’m not somebody that’s ever been attracted by money. I’m not against it, but it’s not something that’s vitally important to me. I try and do my level best at whatever I do, but yet, I’m not defined by what I do. I’m trying to wean my self-esteem off of success and achievements. CONNECT WITH WARWICK FAIRFAX: https://crucibleleadership.com/ ABOUT WARWICK FAIRFAX: Warwick Fairfax is the founder of Crucible Leadership, a philosophical and practical breakthrough in turning business and personal failures into the fuel for igniting a life of significance. He has been hailed by Forbes as offering “compelling insights for anyone who would like to wake up feeling inspired by their work, but doesn’t” … insights rooted not in a checklist of glib to-do’s but in his own experience at the epicenter of one of the most spectacular business failures in the history of his home nation of Australia. Fairfax was only 26 when, as the fifth-generation heir to a media empire bearing his family name, he led — and lost — a multibillion-dollar public takeover bid. The result? The company founded by his great-great grandfather slipped from family control after 150 years, leaving him to examine not only his own shortcomings and losses, but also his life’s principles and the lessons he learned from family members who came before him and some of history’s greatest leaders. It has been by shaping these insights as a leadership adviser that Fairfax has enabled others to learn from what he describes as their own “crucible experiences” and emerge to lead a life rooted in who they are. His journey has opened a door for men and women from all walks of life to not only bounce back from failure, but to become the leaders they were born to be. Fairfax is the author of Crucible Leadership: Embrace Your Trials to Lead a Life of Significance (Mount Tabor Media, 2021). In the book discusses for the first time his thoughts and actions in launching the John Fairfax Ltd. takeover and explains what he learned about himself from that devastating failure — who he was and was not, what his unique design, purpose, passions and vision really were. He shares insights from his experience and interviews other leaders who have leveraged their crucible moments to live and lead with significance on the podcast BEYOND THE CRUCIBLE, available through all major podcasting channels. Fairfax holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He is an International Coach Federation (ICF) certified executive coach. He is an Elder at Bay Area Community Church. He lives in Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife, Gale. They have three children who are in the process of developing their own unique paths to lives of significance. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

Embracing Trials to Lead a Life of Significance | EP 265: Warwick Fairfax, Founder of Crucible Leadership

My guest this week is Holly Christine Hayes, founder and CEO of Sanctuary Project, a survivor-run nonprofit social enterprise in Austin, Texas, employing and empowering women who’ve survived lives of trafficking, violence, and addiction. As a survivor herself, Holly knows the path to recovery can be long and rocky. Her vision and leadership create a safe space for other survivors to grow in practical skills, unleash their creativity, embrace their femininity, and heal their hearts – all in community with other survivors. Holly is an award-winning author, podcaster and coveted women's ministry and business leadership speaker. She and her husband, Jeff, enjoy life on a hobby farm, with their chickens, goats, cows, dogs, and the newest addition to the farm, their daughter Havana, who they welcomed two years ago. 6:15 – Holly 101 Holly was a trafficking survivor and now spends her days focusing on redemption and telling her story. Her trafficking lasted a few months, but she has had a rich life since. Although she was trafficked, that’s no who she is. She now has a jewelry line and helps other women. 10:32 – Glorifying difficult stories Society often glorifies difficult stories and gruesome details. We should focus on how people became respectable members of society and turned their lives around. The pornography of pain is a real thing. 16:36 – A rad life The rad life Holly has today didn’t come overnight. She now has freedom in Christ and fought hard for it. If you’re in a tough journey, be patient with yourself. You’ll experience failures and successes. It’s important to have those life experiences. 21:59 – Helping women Holly helps women with therapeutic tools and Biblical tools. Many of the women struggle with self-hatred and self-esteem issues. Holly surrounds them with positive feedback and beautiful things. 25:28 – Starting a non-profit Holly started her career as a shoe shiner and then worked in real estate and fashion before starting her non-profit. 31:38 – Challenges in business Holly never expected her business to be as successful as it is. She found a much larger market for it than she imagined. Doors have swung wide open, and it’s an interesting problem to have. Her biggest challenge is accepting help and giving up some control. 48:42 – On the horizon Holly is excited to have some new products coming out for the holidays. She has an expanded stain glass collection coming. 49:31 – Get to know you Why start a farm? She lived in Paris before moving to Austin and was used to cheaper prices for goat cheese. She and her husband joked about getting a goat. Long story short, she now has goats but never milks them. FEATURED QUOTES Because my internal world is well, my external world is well as well. I can make decisions for myself and set boundaries for myself to keep that world well. I want survivors, I want women to feel so empowered that they are not their past. They are not their story. Yes, I was trafficked, but that’s not the entirety of my story or who I am. This rad life I have today didn’t come overnight. CONNECT WITH HOLLY https://www.hollychristinehayes.com/ ABOUT HOLLY CHRISTINE HAYES: Holly is a survivor of human trafficking, abuse, and addiction. When she hit rock bottom, she found herself homeless and crying out on the floor of a public bathroom. Now she is the Founder/CEO of a company helping other women break out of the dark cycle. Sanctuary Project is a survivor-run nonprofit jewelry enterprise, based in Austin, that provides meaningful employment and job training to women who have survived trafficking, violence and addiction. Holly is now a wife, mom author and speaker. Holly Christine Hayes is Founder + CEO of Sanctuary Project, a survivor-run nonprofit social enterprise employing and empowering women who’ve survived lives of trafficking, violence and addiction in Austin, Texas. Holly is a survivor of human trafficking, abuse, and addiction. When she hit rock bottom, she found herself homeless and crying out on the floor of a public bathroom. Her vision and leadership create a safe space for other survivors to grow in practical skills, unleash their creativity, embrace their femininity, and heal their hearts – all in community with other survivors. Holly is passionate about sharing her vulnerable journey of healing. She speaks in jails, recovery communities and conferences all over the globe. She and her husband, Jeff, enjoy life on a hobby farm and vineyard outside of Austin, with their chickens, goats, cows, dogs and one-year-old daughter Havana. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

In the Business of Redemption | EP 264: Holly Christine Hayes, Sanctuary Project

My guest this week is Christy Wright, a #1 national best-selling author, personal development expert and host of The Christy Wright Show. Since 2009, she has worked at Ramsey Solutions. Her new book, Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance, is being released Sept. 14. It’s a guilt-free guide to life balance. 3:50 – Christy 101 For the past 10 years, Christy has helped women start small businesses. She has been expanding beyond business and helping people in personal development. She’s also a mom to three kids – 6, 4 and 1. 6:45 – Entrepreneurship Christy was raised by a single mom who was an entrepreneur, and Christy started her own businesses. An influx of people started online businesses, but they didn’t have any business background, so Christy began helping them. Eventually, she wanted to teach about more than just business. 13:20 – Work-life balance In 11 years of being a public speaker, the number one question she’s asked is about work-life balance. She began trying to find solutions to the work-life balance question people asked. What we really need is different than what we think we need. 19:03 – A different definition Christy says she defines balance in the book but says it’s not a warm, fuzzy thing. It’s about doing the right things at the right time. She defines the path to balance. 21:32 – Root causes of imbalance Four things keep us from doing the right things at the right time – doing too many things, not doing enough things, doing the wrong things, and not doing the right things. 25:33 – Losing yourself You don’t lose yourself overnight. It’s a little at a time. Life gets busy. You’ve got kids who need snacks. Ask yourself: What is important to you? This can differ depending on the season you’re in. Christy wants to help people get their time back and get back to who they are in the process. 34:59 – The path to balance Step 1: Figure out what matters Step 2: Stop doing what doesn’t matter Step 3: Create a calendar that reflects what matters Step 4: Protect what matters Step 5: Be present for what matters 41:35 – Feel like you’re failing? Women often say they feel like they’re failing, but they’re not, they’re just always focused on the place where they’re not. 47:19 – Dangerous messages There are two somewhat dangerous messages out there. One, in the faith world, is the dangerous message of submission. Two, in the personal development world, is the dangerous message that women should focus only on themselves. 52:17 – Get to know you Her hype song? Anything by Black Eyed Peas Unusual talent? She can say the alphabet backwards FEATURED QUOTES What if balance isn’t something you do, what if it’s something you create? I wrote the book I needed. I started having a desire to teach on more than just business. You don’t lose yourself overnight. It’s a little at a time. Life gets busy. You’ve got kids who need snacks. I want to help people get their time back and get back to who they are in the process. LINKS: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/christy-wright THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

How to Take Back Your Time | EP 263: Christy Wright

My guest this week is Wes Hurt, a father of two boys, a serial entrepreneur and a person in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. His love of business coupled with the desire to use his experiences and gifts for the greatest good resulted in the birth of CLEAN Cause. Wes created an Organic Sparkling Yerba Mate beverage as an alternative and organic caffeine source. Based in Austin, his business supports addiction recovery with 50% of net profits funding sober living scholarships. 4:43 – Wes 101 Wes began experimenting with drugs and alcohol in high school. Over the next 20 years, his addiction grew. He went to six rehabs and one psych ward. He had a daily addiction to opiates and was popping 30 to 35 pills a day and added crack on top of that. 11:15 – The root cause People shared their addiction stories with Wes, and he realized how big the problem was. Society often focuses on the leaves of a tree versus the roots. The root cause of addiction is more important to understand. Addiction is just a flavor of affliction. We’ve all got something. We all use something to fix it, to cope or to medicate or to heal. 18:15 – CLEAN Cause Wes says entrepreneurship chose him, he didn’t choose it. He enjoyed starting businesses and had an inherent desire to make businesses better. Within months of getting sober, he had a flicker of inspiration to use his story to help others. 32:03 – Company with a mission His Organic Sparkling Yerba Mate beverage has low- and no-calorie options. His company provides scholarships to people who need help. 39:07 – Why a sparkling beverage? Wes loves caffeine, so he wanted to create a sparkling beverage. He wanted a drink that didn’t make him feel like crap. 41:57 – What’s next? He wants to further develop his non-profit, the CLEAN Cause Foundation. Wes is talking with a few big celebrities about promoting the brand. 47:58 – Get to know you Who would play Wes in a movie about his life? He doesn’t know, maybe Dax Shepard. His favorite meal? Pepperoni pizza FEATURED QUOTES Addiction is just my flavor of affliction. That’s it. We’ve all got something. We all use something to fix it, to cope or to medicate or to heal. What I believe is society often focuses on the leaves of a tree versus the roots. We have a spine. We’re bold. We’re not looking for handouts. SHOP NOW: https://cleancause.com/discount/PURPOSE (Use code PURPOSE for 30% off your first order!) ABOUT CLEAN CAUSE: Clean Cause is on a mission to support individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction by donating 50% of profits to fund sober living scholarships.  Coined “CLEAN Kickstarts,” these are intended to bridge the critical gap between rehab & reintegration.  The CLEAN Cause product line consists of 9 amazing tasting, USDA organic certified, sparkling yerba maté beverages that come in low & zero calorie options.  Each 16-ounce can is packed with 160mgs of organic caffeine to power your everyday passions all the while supporting individuals recovering from alcohol & drug addiction.  CLEAN Cause’s 40 plus employees are dedicated to building a brand that empowers consumers to leverage their purchases that ultimately support individuals in recovery from alcohol & drug addiction. ABOUT WES HURT: Wes is a father of two boys, a serial entrepreneur, and a person in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. His love of business coupled with the desire to use his experiences and gifts for the greatest good resulted in the birth of CLEAN Cause. Based in Austin, Texas, CLEAN's innovative business model supports addiction recovery with 50% of net profits funding sober living scholarships. Being an avid consumer of caffeine, he created a product that he knew would fill a need he had in his everyday life - an amazing tasting organic sparkling yerba mate with low sugar & 160mg of naturally sourced caffeine per can. Since then, CLEAN Cause has granted over 2,170 sober living scholarships representing more than $1,085,000. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

A Drink Supporting People in Recovery from Alcohol & Drug Addiction | EP 262: Wes Hurt, CLEAN Cause

My guest today is Justin Kendrick, the lead pastor of Vox Church, which he founded in 2011 with a small group of friends on the doorstep of Yale University. Since then, Vox has grown to multiple locations across New England. Justin’s newest book, “Bury Your Ordinary: Practical Habits of a Heart Fully Alive,” walks you through seven different habits to live the life that you were created to live. 3:30 – Justin 101 Justin is 38 and lives in the northeast. He grew up in a typical home and had an encounter with God as a teenager that changed his life. His dad dragged him to an urban, inner city church, and it was the first time he heard about God’s grace. The whole direction of his life changed. In 2008-09, he and his wife dreamed about starting a church. Vox Church turns 10 this September. 10:11 – Bury Your Ordinary Justin heard the voice of the Holy Spirit in his heart. You need to ask yourself what your plan is for spiritual growth. It’s growth in love, and that can seem ambiguous. It’s not how many Bible verses you know. It’s about habits. Justin’s book helps people grow in their love for God. 20:40 – Spend time with God You need to spend time alone with God regularly. Try spending the first hour alone with Him. Jesus is not at the center for a lot of us, and we need to keep him there. You don’t do these habits so God likes you more. You do them so you can learn to love God more. 30:40 – Most difficult habit Habit 6, a weekly Sabbath, was the most difficult. Everybody in Justin’s area walks, talks, drives and moves fast. Taking a break to pause and pray felt very unnatural. That time to rest is so important for your soul. There are seasons for harvest, and there are seasons for rest. 43:05 – The idea of grace No matter what religion you practice, grace is so important. God deeply loves you. Don’t obey God to be accepted. You are fully accepted, so that should make you want to obey God. 46:54 – Get to know you What would Justin want to win an Olympic medal in? Basketball Best vacation ever? Mexico with his wife FEATURED QUOTES We had always seen church as a profoundly boring and irrelevant part of the culture of New England. So we started dreaming about what it would look like to start a church for our friends. I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit in my heart. If you don't have a plan for spiritual growth, it really won’t grow. LINKS: https://voxchurch.org/home https://amzn.to/2Yf27YD About Justin Kendrick:  Justin Kendrick is the lead pastor of Vox Church, which he founded in 2011 with a small group of friends on the doorstep of Yale University. Since then, Vox has grown to multiple locations across New England. The dream of Vox Church is to see the least-churched region of the U.S. become the most spiritually vibrant place on earth. Justin and his wife live outside New Haven, Connecticut with their four children. ---- THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

The 7 Habits for Exponential Spiritual Growth | EP 261: Justin Kendrick, Pastor of VOX Church

Today we have a special guest, Emily Grey of The Flourish Market. She is one of my nearest and dearest friends and was one of the first guests on this show. Today she’s sharing her expertise in wholesaling and how to thrive with your business, even during a pandemic. If you are a brand owner, this is your episode. If you are a consumer, I think you might be fascinated by our discussion. Today we’re talking about how to get started wholesaling and why it matters. 8:38 – From fashion truck to brick and mortar Five years ago, Emily had a fashion truck. She was a one-woman show, packing the orders and shipping. She now has a team of 16 and has scaled her business with no loans. When the pandemic hit, she closed her shop and leaned into her investment banking background. She stepped up as a retail consultant. 13:17 – Changing retail landscape There’s a lot of bad advice on the Internet, for businesses especially. The biggest thing that’s changed in the retail landscape is they are only asking themselves one question – Will this sell? 17:23 – Smaller, smarter buying decisions Retailers are now making smaller, smarter and more frequent purchases and ordering every 3 to 4 weeks instead of every 3 to 4 months. If you’re already wholesaling, lower your opening order to $150 instead of $500 to $1,000. 20:42 – Ship quickly and use online shopping Businesses are now ordering first from brands that can ship quickly. Online shopping and curbside deliveries are more popular than ever. Make your pictures better than ever. Consumers associate the nicety of your product with the nicety of your images. 25:40 – Shopping values Consumers are focusing on shopping their values when it comes to themselves and when they’re gifting. Made in the USA, black-owned, female-owned and ethically made are just some of the things people look for when shopping. 31:49 – Product innovation Retailers want to discover something new and are looking for innovation. Do 4 to 6 mini collection launches per year instead of just fall and spring. 41:41 – Pitch mistakes to avoid Reach out to businesses and pitch them. But there are some mistakes to avoid. Don’t copy and paste mass messages. Don’t make it about you, your brand and your brand story. It should be about the retailer. 1:03:33 – Full circle moment Emily has been successful by surrounding herself with women and coaches who support her. It matters who you spend your time with and who you give your ear to. There is an absolute need to be around people who say, “I believe in you.” FEATURED QUOTES I think it matters who you spend your time with and who you give your ear to. – Emily That is an absolute need to be around people who say, “I believe in you.” – Emily Consumers associate the nicety of your product with the nicety of your images. – Emily I’m known for an inspirational kick in the pants. – Emily LINKS https://emilygreyco.com/ https://www.theflourishmarket.com/ https://thewholesaleway.com/businesswithpurpose THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

WORKSHOP: How (and WHY!) to Get Started Wholesaling with Emily Grey of The Flourish Market | EP: 260

My guest today is Adeyinka “Yinka” Adegbenle. She is a former financial services professional turned author, excellence strategist and excellence coach. Her goal and life’s purpose is to equip leaders with transformational habits and systems of excellence. Yinka believes that excellence is choosing to rise above average or mediocrity. She is releasing a book, Joab: King David’s Top General. It’s all about leadership, personal development and character building. 4:07 – Yinka 101 Yinka moved to the U.S. from England in 2001 so she could go to graduate school. She had a dream job lined up with one of the largest investment banks in the world. In 2009, during the Great Recession, her role was eliminated. She was pregnant with her second child and jobless. Her doctor worried about her pregnancy and the amount of anxiety and stress she was under. Yinka discovered self-development and living a life of excellence. She learned the habits of excellence. 8:51 – Habits of excellence Finances were a huge part of her learning. She wanted to be a better steward of her resources. She worked on discipline. If she said she was going to do something, she did it. 12:37 – Discipline Time management was the toughest part for Yinka. She was not good at managing her time initially. 14:46 – Time to rest You have to be intentional about time to rest. Yinka takes retreats by herself so she can recalibrate and recharge. It’s going to be hard for you to show up as the best version of yourself if you’re hustling all the time. 19:33 – Joab: King David’s Top General Joab is one of Yinka’s favorite leaders of all time. Personal development is key, and you need to take care of yourself in private so you can be better in public. 26:10 – Goals for her book Leadership is weighty and comes with huge influence. As a leader, you need to do the work so you have the right traits. 29:54 – On the horizon She wants to help clients become better in their personal lives and businesses. She also plans to write another book. 31:38 – Get to know you Something you’d never guess about her? She’s an avid baker. Signature dish? Banana bread Best vacation? Hawaii FEATURED QUOTES We’re not chasing perfection. It’s knowing who you are and then just determining that while you’re on this planet … I’m going to do my best to show up as my best version daily. – Yinka It was during that journey that I found my calling and got clarity in life. – Yinka It’s habits that make up who you are. – Yinka It’s going to be hard for you to show up as the best version of yourself if you’re hustling all the time. – Yinka CONNECT: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Yinka's book "Joab, King David's Top General: Essential Lessons on Character" ABOUT YINKA: Adeyinka Adegbenle MBA, PMI-PMP, is a former financial services professional turned Author, Excellence Strategist and Excellence Coach, and mother of 3. Her goal and life's purpose are to equip leaders with transformational habits and systems of excellence. Adeyinka has spent years gaining mastery on habits and systems of excellence that continue to yield outstanding results for her. She now teaches these systems and habits to her clients and various organizations. Yinka’s recently released book "JOAB, KING DAVID'S TOP GENERAL" speaks about leadership, personal development, and character building. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

Leading with Excellence | EP 259: Adeyinka Adegbenle

My guest today is Sharon McMahon, of Sharon Says So. She’s a former high school government and law teacher who earned her reputation as America’s government teacher amidst the historic 2020 proceedings for her viral efforts on Instagram to educate the general public on political misinformation. Through a simple mission to share non-partisan information about democracy, Sharon has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers online, affectionately called the “Governerds,” who look to her for truth and logic in a society plagued by bias and conspiracy. 4:55 – Sharon 101 Her goal is to give people education so they can make their own educated opinions and not have a viewpoint shoved down their throat. She also has fun and doesn’t take herself very seriously. 6:09 – Entrepreneurial background She did door-to-door sales as a child and sold Girl Scouts cookies. She also created her own bookmarks and sold them to neighbors when she was 10 years old and made $50 in one weekend.  9:15 – Career path Sharon went to college to be a teacher but thought about going into the medical profession. She eventually determined she was destined to be a teacher. 12:22 – Businesses and Instagram Her career path is bizarre and was not a straight-line trajectory. She got really into knitting and people started asking her for custom knitting projects, but it wasn’t profitable. A customer asked her to dye some yarn, and she realized that dyeing yarn was more profitable than knitting. She grew her hand-dyeing business into one of the largest studios in the world and eventually sold the business to one of her employees. She started taking pictures of knitting patterns and projects, and people started asking her to take their pictures. She then became a photographer and eventually started Sharon Says So. 20:18 – Hot topics in a nonpartisan way That skill of not taking a position and providing fact-based information is something she developed in the classroom. She found that the more you argue with somebody about their opinions, the more deeply they begin to hold them. 23:10 – Opinions based on emotion Most of our opinions do not exist because somebody has rationally examined all the facts and then made a determination. We mostly make a determination and then find facts to support our opinion. 28:29 – Rapid growth and challenges Sharon Says So has had such rapid growth, and she constantly feel like she’s not doing enough or helping enough people.  The amount of hate she gets is miniscule compared to the kindness people show her. 38:03 – A common bond Sharon and I have something in common – we each have a parent, my mother and her father, who were Vietnam veterans and died from Agent Orange exposure. 45:20 – Generosity She has raised millions of dollars for eliminating medical debt and helping people in need. Her dream has been to be rich like Oprah or Ellen and give away money to help people without a second thought. 57:35 – Get to know you Favorite non-living president not for political reasons? James Madison because he was fascinating and John Adams for his intelligence and principle. Favorite whale? Humpbacks FEATURED QUOTES Most of our opinions do not exist because somebody has rationally examined all the facts and then made a determination. We mostly make a determination and then find facts to support our opinion. – Sharon My goal is to give you education so that you can make your own educated opinions and not have a viewpoint shoved down your throat. – Sharon That skill of not taking a position and providing fact-based information is some-thing I developed in the classroom. – Sharon The more you argue with somebody about their opinions, the more deeply they begin to hold them. – Sharon CONNECT WITH SHARON: https://www.sharonmcmahon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso/ THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

Radical Generosity & Using Social Media for Good | EP 258: Sharon McMahon, @SharonSaysSo

My guest today is Ashley Opliger, president and executive director of Bridget’s Cradles, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to providing comfort, hope and healing to families grieving the loss of a baby in Heaven. They have donated cradles to more than 1,100 hospitals in all 50 states. Ashley lost her daughter, Bridget, during pregnancy. Ashley’s mother knit a blanket for Bridget and made it into a knitted cradle. That was the start of Bridget’s Cradles. This discussion is very personal to me, because I have had the horrific experience of losing babies, my sons Elijah and Malachi, during pregnancy. 5:21 – Ashley 101 Ashley lives in Wichita, Kan., with her husband, Matt. They have three children, their daughter Bridget in Heaven, and their two sons who are 4 years old and 6 months old. Her life right now is a mix of motherhood and ministry. She had a subchorionic hemorrhage while pregnant with her daughter Bridget and was on bed rest for 11 weeks before losing her daughter. 10:50 – Deep grief Ashley was dealing with deep grief when she came home from the hospital. She fell to her knees in Bridget’s nursery and asked God why she had to lose her daughter. She surrendered her grief to God, and she has seen God redeem her grief so she can help others. 17:54 – Cradles Nurses saw the knitted cradle Ashley had for her daughter. They said it would be nice to have those for other babies who pass. Ashley created Bridget’s Cradles. Nurses say the cradles are unique and special gifts to give grieving families. 25:16 – Nurses Once the cradles are shipped to hospitals, nurses are responsible for giving them to families. Nurses are the hands and feet of the cradles. 32:25 – Volunteers can knit cradles You can volunteer to knit cradles. They will send patterns, dimensions, yarn type and colors. The cradles are shipped to Bridget’s Cradles, and they add lace, ribbon and charms. Every cradle has a cross on the foot. 40:09 – Cradles are for everyone A few hospitals have said no to the cradles because of the religious connection and the crosses on the foot of the cradles. Families can choose to remove crosses from the cradles. The cradles are for everyone. 46:49 – Get to know you Guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate What she’s reading? Mama Bear Apologetics FEATURED QUOTES There’s nothing wrong or weak about going to counseling. I think it’s a sign of strength to be able to go in and have someone help process that grief. – Ashley “My life right now is a mix of motherhood and ministry.” – Ashley ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OR LINKS THAT NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN POST https://www.bridgetscradles.com/ About Ashley Opliger: Ashley Opliger is the President and Executive Director of Bridget’s Cradles 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Wichita, Kansas. Bridget’s Cradles donates cradles to over 1,090 hospitals in all 50 states and comforts over 26,000 bereaved families a year. She is the host of the Cradled in Hope podcast and the leader of Hope Gatherings support groups. Ashley is married to Matt and they have three children: Bridget (in Heaven), and two sons. She is a fully-devoted follower of Christ who desires to share the hope of Jesus and Heaven with families grieving the loss of a baby. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

Helping Others Grieve Pregnancy Loss & Stillbirth | EP 257: Ashley Opliger, Bridget's Cradles

My guest today is Haley Jaeger, founder and designer of Atonement Design. Haley has been a designer since she was a child and is a dear friend of mine. Whether it was clothing, jewelry, or decor, Haley was engulfed in creativity. As her skills evolved, she gravitated towards pairing an artistic eye with partnerships with talented artisans across the globe, and the concept for Atonement Design was born. 3:43 – Haley 101 She’s a northern California girl and lives in wine country. She and her husband are very passionate about sustainability. She has an online boutique. 6:01 – Her journey to sustainability Haley says she was naïve in high school and thought it would be easy to have a boutique that focused on fair trade and artisan made items. She fell in love with the concept of fair trade and enjoyed partnering with artisans. Designing clothes and jewelry has always been her creative outlet and helped her after her dad died. 11:04 – Atonement Design Haley was trying to figure out what direction she wanted to go and thought about being a full-time missionary or working in ministry. She felt like the Lord was encouraging her to be a light to people in the design industry. While reading the Bible, the word “atonement” kept coming up, so she decided to name her company after that. 17:01 – Growing her company She started making jewelry and selling it to friends, but she wanted to grow even more. Education, delegating and therapy have been crucial to her success. 25:20 – Pivoting in a pandemic Despite the pandemic, Haley has been able to grow her business online, and she learned how to market to her customers. She started selling her jewelry in a Facebook group and hired her first assistant to help pack orders. 30:49 – Get to know you Favorite song to sing? Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” Favorite meal? Gyro tacos FEATURED QUOTES I think that’s how my business has grown – is just going to counseling and figuring out my stuff and figuring out all the barriers. – Haley How I’ve grown has just been little steps. – Haley I was doing a lot of in-person events and not as many online sales. When COVID shut things down … I had to do all online and discovered that I do have customers there. CONNECT: https://atonementdesign.com/ ABOUT HALEY: Haley Jaeger is the founder and designer of the socially conscious lifestyle brand, Atonement Design. She has been a designer since she was a child- whether it was clothing, jewelry, or decor, she was engulfed in creativity. As her skills evolved, she gravitated towards pairing an artistic eye with partnerships with talented artisans across the globe, and the concept for Atonement Design was born. After receiving her B.S. in Business Management with a focus on non-profit organizations and entrepreneurship, she worked in sales, marketing, and accounting before taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship and focusing fully on Atonement Design in 2020 Haley loves bulldogs, french fries, and crafts. When she's not working, you can usually find her wine tasting around her Sonoma County home, playing cribbage with her husband at their favorite brewery, or at game night with her girlfriends. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

Why Slow and Steady Growth in Business Matters | EP 256: Haley Jaeger, Atonement Design

My guest today is Toni Collier, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, an international women’s ministry that helps women process brokenness and get to hope. She serves alongside her husband, Sam, who is the pastor of Hillsong Atlanta. 4:55 – Toni 101 Toni wakes up every morning and thinks, “Lord, don’t let me mess this up, because I’m crazy.” She grew up in a tough environment as a child, with a verbally abusive dad and a mother who was sick. She lost her virginity at 13 and began drinking and doing drugs. 11:30 – Unhealthy survival tactics In counseling, Toni wondered why she ran to so many things that were unhealthy when she was younger. A counselor told her that young people try their best to survive but they don’t always have the best strategy. 20:02 – The double life Some people’s lives look great on social media, but it’s not great on the inside. Toni lived a double life for 25 years. She was a cheerleader, got good grades and was involved in extracurricular activities. But she would sneak out of her house to meet her boyfriend and eventually slept with different guys. 25:26 – Broken Crayons Still Color Toni tells the story of picking her daughter up from school and buying her a box of crayons. Her daughter colored with them so hard that they broke, and it led to a breakthrough in Toni’s own life and how she dealt with difficulties in her life. 30:00 – Scars that stay with us Toni’s mistakes will always be with her. They are scars that are healed and sealed and still present. It brings up anxiety, concern and worry. God never promised us a life of perfection. He will be with us in the imperfection. 47:31 – Overcomer: Defeating Anxiety and Abuse You can pre-order her book now, Overcomer: Defeating Anxiety and Abuse. It will be available Aug. 23. 49:20 – Get to know you If she could win a medal in any sport? Power walking Best vacation? Costa Rica Song she could listen to over and over? Britney Spears’ Hit me baby one more time FEATURED QUOTES I literally wake up every morning and I’m like, “Lord, don’t let me mess this up, because I’m crazy.” – Toni The double life, in my personal opinion, is the difference between a fan and a follower of Jesus. – Toni Stay passionate. Find a way. – Toni LINKS https://brkncrayons.com/ https://tonijcollier.com/ ABOUT TONI:  Toni Collier is the founder of an international women’s ministry called Broken Crayons Still Color, which helps women process through brokenness and get to hope. She serves alongside her husband Sam who is the Lead Pastor of Hillsong Atlanta. She is a speaker, host, and consultant that has helped organizations with creative marketing, leadership, student ministry, and strategic planning. Toni is teaching people all over the globe that you can be broken and worthy and unqualified and still called to do great things. She doesn’t want you to just face your demons, she wants you to quash the illusion of your brokenness so you can live the most colorful life possible, on and off stage. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com ---- Speaking of stories behind brands that change the world, I’d like to introduce you to Deux Mains. In French, Deux Mains means two hands. Why ‘two-hands’? Because everything they create is made by trained artisans who use their two hands to make their life better while crafting beautiful products. Truly, this is a company that set out to change lives and make a positive impact in the world. It started when the founder, Julie, wanted to create dignified jobs in Haiti, a place she was growing to love, and that was exploding with creativity. She wanted to share this talent with the world. Julie set up an educational program to train people with artisan skills and then went on to build a factory that operates on 100% solar energy. Deux Mains now employs more than 40 artisans that handcraft premium leather goods, jewelry and sandals. Their lives are forever changed by their craft. What’s also cool is their products incorporate an eco-friendly twist, working with responsibly sourced materials and repurposed inner-tube and tires in their designs. When you buy from Deux Mains, you get to be part of a movement that is making a difference in the world, while adding an incredibly well-made piece to your closet that supports conscious living! You can discover their products online at deuxmains.com and use code MOLLY for 15% off!

Turning Your Mess into a Message | EP 255: Toni Collier, Broken Crayons Still Color

My guest today is Julie Colombino-Billingham, founder of Deux Mains, which means “two hands,” a Haitian-owned and operated business that handcrafts high-quality footwear, handbags and accessories. 97% of all raw materials are repurposed or sourced locally on the island and manufactured in their 100% solar-powered factory. Use code MOLLY to get 15% off from DeuxMains at Deuxmains.com! 5:28 – Julie 101 She was a professional ballet dancer and worked for Cirque USA. She is also a trained disaster responder. She got a full-time job at the United Way and wanted to respond to the Haiti earthquake. 9:10 – Going to Haiti Julie landed in Haiti 10 days after the earthquake and said the destruction was like nothing she had ever seen before. She remembers more of what she smelled and heard versus what she saw. Julie met a woman at a tent camp, and the woman said she didn’t want bottles of water – she wanted a job. 10:46 – The beginning of Deux Mains After a month in Haiti, Julie came back to Florida, sold her house, quit her job at the United Way and went back to Haiti two weeks later with $7,000. They raised money and started an education and job training program. 21:49 – New jobs They have a beautiful factory that is all solar powered. Their goal is to create 300 new jobs in the next three years. People wanted recycled fashion, but they didn’t want it to look recycled. 33:34 – The business today The business has 40 employees and was able to continue during Covid. They got some government contracts. They had to change their business model and now do more direct to consumer sales. 35:30 – Expanding product line They didn’t want to waste anything, so they started making earrings out of leather scraps. Customers started asking for specific products, including a laptop sleeve. They are working on a woman’s wallet. FEATURED QUOTES “A woman I met in a tent camp said she didn’t want any bottles of water – she wanted a job.” “I get to be the proud voice of many people who have made us what we are today.” “It’s a gift anytime we get feedback – good or bad – because we’re still learning.” CONNECT: https://deuxmains.com/ - use code MOLLY for 15% off ABOUT JULIE: To sustainably fight poverty in Haiti, Julie Colombino-Billingham created a business that provides great, dignified jobs.  Deux Mains is a Haitian owned and operated business that handcrafts high-quality, footwear, handbags and accessories.  97% of all raw materials are repurposed or sourced locally on the island, and manufactured in our solar powered factory.  In a country where 85% of the population does not have access to the formal jobs and only 1% of the population is University educated, Colombino designed a model using the best practices of the nonprofit and for profit sectors.  She incubated a nonprofit arm of the business called REBUILD globally that provides revolutionary education and paid job training programs to the most vulnerable.  Every program graduate is then guaranteed a dignified, living wage job at Deux Mains. Under Colombino’s leadership, the past 10 years has been a dramatic evolution from earthquake recovery to a sustainable and eco-friendly business that was quickly propelled into the world of ethical fashion. Just a few of the partnerships deux mains has created include: United Nations, Kenneth Cole, Eileen Fisher, USAID and the Clinton Foundation to fight poverty and strengthen families in Haiti and provide customers a fashion accessory brand they can be proud to wear. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER:  Ready to ditch the bleach forever but can't find a bleach alternative that actually works? You've got to meet this Extra Strength Oxygen Powder by MamaSuds. It launches July 15th and I've had the chance to try it out early and I love it so much! It really tackles the dirt and odor in our clothes. And as usual there are multiple uses for this new product. Not only is it a laundry booster and stain remover, but it's a great scouring agent on any non-porous surface. If you head to their website and sign up for their email list you'll get an email with an early bird special coupon when oxygen powder launches PLUS use discount code MOLLY and get an EXTRA 15% off! www.mamasuds.com

Growing an Employee-Owned Brand in Haiti | EP 254: Julie Colombino-Billingham, Deux Mains

Business with Purpose takes you “behind the scenes” with some of the world’s most generous entrepreneurs with host Molly Stillman of "still being molly blog - stillbeingmolly.com." From the CEOs of mission-driven brands, to directors of small, community non-profits, and everything in between, Molly is sitting down with men and women who believe in changing the world through not only their personal lives, but also their professional careers. We believe that every person was created with a purpose, for a purpose and this podcast gives inspiration for how we can all make an impact by supporting businesses with purpose.

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Business with Purpose

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