Born in Detroit, Michigan, Shelly Henderson has called Charlotte home for 44 years. As co-founder of Henderson Properties along with her husband Phil, Shelly manages the full-service real estate company’s corporate culture and branding via content marketing and social media strategies. She also runs the company’s leadership development courses for employees. Previously, Henderson managed accounting, human relations, rental property management and maintenance services for the company. Henderson graduated from Appalachian State University in 1987 with a degree in elementary education. Prior to starting Henderson Properties, Henderson worked as an elementary and middle school teacher then pursued her dream of professional golfing for a year on the LPGA Futures Tour. She is a proud mother to Blake, 22, a senior at Hampden-Sydney College, and Grant, 20, a sophomore at the University of Alabama.  “Starting from Scratch: One Woman’s Pursuit of Family, Business and the American Dream” is her first book.   We talk about how Shelly pivoted in COVID and how she handled the crisis with her team, as well as her dream to play golf and about the reason for writing a book!

Piece Of The Pai

Shelly Henderson of Henderson Properties

Fabi Preslar is the owner and president of SPARK Publications, a national, award-winning, independent publishing firm specializing in the design of niche magazines, special publications, and independently published books for print, digital, and interactive media. Her firm’s publications enhance credibility and distinction, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive and excel. Preslar has been honored as a 2020 FOLIO: Top Women in Media, was inducted into the 2019 North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, and was awarded the 2018 First-Generation Family Business of the Year by the Charlotte Business Journal and 2017 Woman Business Owner of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners–Charlotte Chapter. Learn more at SPARKpublications.com and FabiPreslar.com.

Fabi Preslar of SPARK Publications- Ep. 22

Ole Mason Jar is a specialty line of menswear founded in Charlotte in 2013. Co-founder Bradley Rhyne brought a background in accounting and finance to the table, along with a passion for creating timeless, trusted men's clothing.  In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Brad about making the shift from the 9-5 world to entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind the brand, and how Bradley is shifting during the pandemic to open their first storefront in South End. Visit Ole Mason Jar at olemasonjar.com.

Bradley Rhyne of Ole Mason Jar-Ep. 21

Kent Youngstrom is a visual artist, designer and author in Charlotte, NC. His vivid artwork has found a home blurring the lines between traditional and modern arts. His designs and ideas have landed him major partnerships with companies such as No Bull and CB2 In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Kent about his art, his background, and why he doesn't think of himself as an entrepreneur.

Visual Artist Kent Youngstrom - Ep. 20

It takes a special kind of dedication to endure the physical demands of being a top flight UFC fighter. However, in many ways, a UFC fighter needs the same entrepreneurial skills as a business owner in order to be successful. Today's guest on Piece of the Pai is Sara McCann. A mother, wife, and also the first woman to ever win a medal in Olympic wrestling, Sara talks about balancing the rigors of her profession, common misconceptions, and what business she's building on the side.

UFC Fighter Sara McCann

Sarah Benken is the founder and visionary for the KNOW Book + Tribe. Her mission is to empower women who break glass ceilings in their respective fields. She’s been a business owner for more than ten years, teaches CEO classes to pregnant teens, works with women through ministries; all while raising her 21 and 10-year-old children. Today on Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Sarah about her experiences as an entrepreneur and as a mother.

Sarah Benken of Know Tribe - Ep. 18

Maureen Anders of Anders Ruff is our guest on this episode of Piece of the Pai. Anders Ruff is a popular graphic design, party styling, DIY blog and online shop. Founded in 2013 with her friend Adria Ruff, the company has grown to more than 100 franchise locations across the country. From humble beginnings creating decorations for children's parties, AR has grown to designing sets for magazines and celebrity photoshoots. Tune in to hear Nesha talk to Maureen about her background and how she turned a part time-hustle into a successful business.

Maureen Anders of Anders Ruff - Ep. 17

In this episode of Piece of the Pai we interview Cel Thompson, who is a single mom, self-made fitness guru and beat the odds to be the only salesperson to rise to the top of her fitness company without a college degree. From being in over 25 fitness competitions to coaching pro sport cheerleaders, she is the definition of hustle. More recently, Cel won the Judge’s Choice Award for the 2019 Carolina Breast Friends, Dancing with the Stars competition in Charlotte, to benefit funding for breast cancer research. She had never ballroom danced in her life, but she was up for the challenge.  Cel has taken every challenge that has come her way and turned them into winning opportunities. Let's hear how she did it! 

Cel Thompson of Ready Fitness and Be Amazing - Ep. 16

In this episode we are honored to interview Jenn Andrews of Move For Jenn. Jenn worked in corporate America for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mom and launching a successful Isagenix career. Her passion for health and fitness was her foundation. What she didn’t know is that career would lead her to her security blanket when she was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma (as a mother of two very young kids). This led to Jenn having to make the biggest decision of her life: amputating her foot. In the same year, Jenn ran her first 5k again.​ Subscribe, rate and review Piece of the Pai on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever you find podcasts. Hear more episodes at pieceofthepai.libsyn.com.

Jenn Andrews of Move For Jenn - Ep. 15

Today's episode of Piece of the Pai features small business and jewelry maker Preston Bolles of Ellison James Designs. Proving that necessity is the mother of all invention, Preston began making jewelry when she couldn't find the right pieces to wear during Carolina Panthers game days. Once she began making her own, she couldn't stop getting compliments. Tune in to hear Nesha talk to Preston about launching her own business around jewelry, the challenges of making all the jewelry herself, the family connection in her business' name, and what advice she would have for young entrepreneurs. 

Preston Bolles of Ellison James Designs - Ep. 14

In this episode we are focusing Mitch Purgason, head designer and owner of Stitched By Mitch.  Mitch is a guy beyond his years and has the charisma of Frank Sinatra and cool of Richard Branson. He has differentiated himself in the industry with his customer service and creativity. He can create anything that he can draw so he does not limit himself to men’s suits, he also creates urban style jogger pants and bomber jackets or shoes. He has an awe-inspiring list of clientele from NASCAR to the NFL,  creating customized pieces that blow minds.

Mitch Purgason of Stitched By Mitch - Ep. 13

In this episode of Piece of the Pai, we are focusing on Lauren Kunijo & Kenna Ehman, owners of the South End hair salon Kenna Kunijo. Lauren & Kenna are not only talented hair artists, but they are philanthropic entrepreneurs who give back to the community. They truly believe in community over competition and are dimes in the Queen City. Take a listen at how they came together, created a beautiful partnership and aesthetic brand.

Lauren Kunijo & Kenna Ehman of Kenna Kunijo - Ep.12

In 2011, Alyssa Wilen (né Gorelick) and her boyfriend (now husband and business partner) Andrew saw a gap in the market in terms of fun, friendly and hands on cooking classes. Alyssa, who had a degree in the culinary arts, began talking to Andrew, who had a background in business, marketing and events, about how they could fill that gap. Slowly, through meticulous research and building piece-by-piece, they developed their plan. Fast forward to today, and Chef Alyssa's classes cover a wide variety of cooking styles and uses, sell out in minutes, and bring a lot of excitement and energy to their home in Atherton Mill Market. In this episode of Piece of the Pai, Alyssa and Andrew talk about their individual backgrounds and how Chef Alyssa's Kitchen got started, share some fun and interesting stories from their classes, the challenges of working together as a married couple and business partners, and even share some exciting news about their upcoming expansion.

Alyssa and Andrew Wilen of Chef Alyssa's Kitchen - Ep. 11

In this episode we are focusing on Chrystal Rose, a self-made entrepreneur who battled through a long road of trial and error. Chrystal did not have the typical route of education and the perfect business plan to find her passion and entrepreneurial mission. Instead, many different jobs led her to what she now is doing and loving. Her company, Rebellia, is a customized apparel company for athletic women. Her vision is that women with athletic bodies deserve clothing that fits them. She embodies the idea that being pretty and strong aren't mutually exclusive. Her company’s mission is to showcase the unconditional support of other women, self-love and giving back.

Chrystal Rose of Rebellia Clothing - Episode 10

In this episode we are focusing on Megan Miller, Marketing Director of Opera Carolina, speaks of taking the stage again, as well what it is like being in front of as well as behind the Opera. She talks about how she initiated new ways to involve a whole new younger demographic with opera as well as how she continues to think outside of the box. She has taken her passion and created a side hustle. Listen to find out how she created a career she loves.

Megan Miller of Opera Carolina - Episode 9

Nesha Pai, CPA with successful guest entrepreneurs and small business owners, discussing their challenges and fears through the financial/accounting prism, and how they overcame them. What makes an entrepreneur successful? Tune in to find out!

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