The Seed: Growing Your Business

How to Market Test a New Idea the Right Way (And Who Should Be at the Table) If you’re thinking about adding something new—a product, a service, a program, a nonprofit initiative, or even expanding what you already have—this is the pause you need before you spend money, announce anything publicly, or build yourself into a corner. Because here’s the truth most people learn the hard way: You can’t build in isolation.But you also can’t invite everyone to the table. That’s where people get tripped up. They either build alone and hope it works, or they ask everyone they know and end up overwhelmed, discouraged, and confused. Market testing done well is neither of those things. Market Testing Is About Information — Not Approval Let’s clear something up first. Market testing is not: Polling Instagram and letting strangers decide your future Asking people who’ve never bought from you what you should sell Looking for validation that your idea is “good” Market testing is: Asking whether a real problem exists Understanding if your idea solves that problem Learning how people experience, understand, and value what you’re building You’re not asking Should I do this?You’re asking If I do this, does it solve something real for someone real? That distinction matters. Because the moment you ask the wrong people the wrong questions, your confidence takes a hit—not because the idea is bad, but because the feedback is irrelevant. You Need Two Circles — And They Serve Different Purposes Most people skip this part entirely. You don’t need “everyone’s opinion.”You need two intentional circles. The Inner Circle These are the people already invested in you and your mission. They: Know your work Understand your audience Care enough to be honest Can tell you when something doesn’t fit Your inner circle helps you answer questions like: Is this aligned with what I already do? Does this make sense based on my audience? What am I not seeing? These are not hype people.They’re also not dream killers. They’re grounded truth-tellers. Examples: For nonprofits: board leadership, long-time volunteers, trusted donors, community partners For businesses/services: existing clients, members, advisors, collaborators, people who’ve already purchased from you If you skip your inner circle, you risk building something that looks good—but doesn’t actually fit. The Outer Circle Your outer circle comes later. These people represent your broader market. They’re less emotionally invested, which makes their feedback incredibly valuable at the right stage. Outer circle feedback helps answer: Would someone pay for this? Do they understand it quickly? Does it solve something urgent or meaningful? Outer circle feedback is about validation, not design. Stop Asking People — Start Assigning Hats Here’s where this gets practical. Instead of thinking in terms of people, think in terms of roles.One person can wear more than one hat—but no one should wear them all. The 5 Hats You Need at the Table 1. The Vision Hat (You)This is your mission, your why, your non-negotiables. No one else gets to decide this. 2. The Reality HatThis person asks: How will this actually work? What does this require operationally? What’s the time and energy cost? They protect you from burnout—even when it feels uncomfortable. 3. The Market HatThis person understands: Buyer behavior Attention spans Messaging clarity They help translate your idea into something the world can understand. 4. The Financial HatThis person looks at: Breakeven points Risk Sustainability This hat is especially important for nonprofits and service-based businesses. 5. The User HatThis is lived experience. Someone who would actually use what you’re creating. This is where assumptions get challenged—in the best way. The mistake?Asking one person to wear all five hats. That’s too much weight—and it skews feedback fast. What You Must Do Before You Build Anything No matter what you’re launching, do these five things first: Define the problem clearlyIf you can’t say it in one sentence, you’re not ready. Identify who it’s for — and who it’s notThis protects you from scope creep and burnout. Test with conversation, not commitmentListen for patterns, not praise. Run a low-risk pilotSmall group. Limited time. Clear boundaries. Evaluate before expandingWhat worked? What drained you? What surprised you? Market testing is about learning before scaling. Your idea doesn’t need more opinions.It needs the right people, at the right time, wearing the right hats. That’s how you protect both the work—and yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like your time is constantly slipping through your fingers, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because no one ever taught you how to manage time in a way that honors: Energy Priorities Real life That’s why I host my live-only Time & Productivity Session — focused on implementation, not theory. And if you’re craving connection, accountability, and honest conversations about building something that lasts, you’ll find that inside The Patch, the Dandelion-Inc membership. Because staying in the game?That’s the work — and it’s enough.

Feeling Behind? Quiet Progress Is Still Progress (And It’s Often the Real Kind) If you’re listening to this and you feel like you’re moving slower than everyone else right now, stay right here. This is for the people who are quietly working.Quietly pushing forward.Quietly holding it together while life beautifully throws a lot of crap your way. For the ones who aren’t announcing every move, every win, every pivot.The ones doing root work even when no one sees it. Let’s say this clearly before we go any further: This is not a hustle-harder season.Quiet does not mean you’re falling behind.And preparation is not procrastination. The “Catch Up” Conversation That Leaves You Feeling Less Than You know those moments when you finally catch up with someone you haven’t talked to in a while? Maybe it’s coffee.Maybe it’s a phone call.Maybe you run into each other at the grocery store. And within ten minutes you get the rundown: How busy they are.Everything they’re juggling.Launches, deadlines, chaos, exhaustion, kids, work… delivered rapid-fire. You listen. You nod. You keep up. Then it’s your turn. And all you’ve got is: “Same old, same old.” And you walk away feeling exhausted. Maybe annoyed. And if we’re being honest, maybe a little less than—like your steadiness didn’t measure up to their frenzy. If that’s you, you’re exactly who needs this message: Visibility is not the same as progress. The Cultural Lie: Loud = Progress We live in a world that rewards visible momentum. If it’s loud, it counts.If it’s public, it matters.If it’s fast, it’s impressive. We celebrate big launches and constant announcements.We glamorize “booked and busy.”We wear exhaustion like a badge of honor—especially in January, when the pressure is ruthless. But here’s what we don’t talk about enough: Loud does not mean aligned.Busy does not mean effective.Fast does not mean sustainable. Some of the most important seasons of growth are completely invisible. And from the outside, it might look like nothing is happening. But underneath? Everything is. What Quiet Work Actually Looks Like Quiet work gets misunderstood because it doesn’t screenshot well. Quiet work is not doing nothing. Quiet work looks like: Real thinking (not scrolling) Structuring ideas instead of rushing them Editing what no longer fits Saying no without needing to justify it Letting ideas mature instead of forcing them out early Quiet work can also look like: Building systems no one sees Reworking pricing to reflect your value Setting boundaries with clients or vendors Doing a calendar audit and realizing where your energy is leaking Tightening offers instead of adding new ones None of that is flashy. All of it matters. And here’s the part people forget: Quiet work is often harder than visible work. Because quiet work requires trust.It requires patience.And it requires you to resist the urge to perform productivity just to feel like you belong. If you’ve ever left a conversation feeling drained because your life doesn’t sound chaotic enough, that’s not a reflection of your ambition. That’s a reflection of a culture that confuses noise with worth. Same Old Doesn’t Mean Stagnant If your answer lately has been “same old,” hear this: Same old doesn’t mean stagnant.It often means stable.It means intentional.It means you’re not chasing chaos just to prove you’re moving. That isn’t weakness. That’s wisdom. And you should be proud of yourself. Growth Doesn’t Need Noise Let’s reframe this in a way your nervous system can actually believe: Consistency beats urgency every single time. Ask yourself: What looks small right now but will matter long-term? Where am I rushing just to feel productive—not because it’s necessary? What am I quietly strengthening that doesn’t need an audience yet? Not everything needs to be shared in real time. Not every season needs commentary.Not every win needs validation. Some seasons are meant to be lived and not narrated. Nothing Planted in Winter Is Wasted Just because it’s quiet doesn’t mean it’s empty. Just because others are loud doesn’t mean they’re ahead. Just because you are preparing doesn’t mean you are procrastinating. If you’re in a season of reflection, restructuring, or rebuilding—honor it. Reflect. Don’t react.Trust the work you’re doing, even when it doesn’t make for a good social media update. Action Steps for Quiet Progress Write down: One thing you’re quietly working on that doesn’t need an audience yet. One place where you’re rushing just to feel busy. One boundary or system you will strengthen this week. Quiet seasons still count. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like your time is constantly slipping through your fingers, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because no one ever taught you how to manage time in a way that honors: Energy Priorities Real life That’s why I host my live-only Time & Productivity Session — focused on implementation, not theory. And if you’re craving connection, accountability, and honest conversations about building something that lasts, you’ll find that inside The Patch, the Dandelion-Inc membership. Because staying in the game?That’s the work — and it’s enough.

Building a Business That Doesn’t Resent You: How to Prevent Burnout Without Burning It All Down There’s a version of success that looks perfect on paper. Revenue is coming in.Clients are happy.People compliment your work.You’ve built something real. And yet… it feels heavy in your body. If you’re here right now—successful, capable, “doing it well”—but privately irritated, drained, or stuck in a low-grade state of dread, I want you to stay right here. Because businesses don’t usually burn us out overnight.They do it slowly—through a thousand small compromises we keep calling “just this season.” Somewhere along the way, the thing you created for freedom can start to feel like a cage. This post is about how to build a business that doesn’t resent you—and just as importantly, how to build one that the people working with you don’t end up resenting either. Because success that costs your nervous system, relationships, and sense of self isn’t sustainable—and it’s not the point. Resentment Doesn’t Scream. It Whispers. Resentment rarely shows up with fireworks. It leaks. It disguises itself as: “I’m just tired.” “It’s been a rough week.” “This is what growth feels like.” “Other people would love to be where I am.” But underneath that… something feels off. Here are the most common signs resentment is already present. 1) You dread clients you used to love Their name pops up and your shoulders tense. You delay replying—not because you’re busy, but because you don’t want to engage. That dread often isn’t because they’re “bad clients.” It’s because you’re carrying misaligned expectations too long. 2) You’re overgiving and under-recovering You keep saying yes.You keep adding value.You keep throwing in “just one more thing.” And then you quietly feel bitter that no one notices how much you’re giving. Resentment thrives where generosity isn’t reciprocated or respected—and that’s just human nature. You’re not “bad” for feeling it. You’re human. 3) You avoid your own business You procrastinate on work that normally excites you. You stay busy with side projects. Your house has never been cleaner. You reorganize everything. You scroll. Avoidance isn’t laziness—it’s often self-protection. 4) You feel trapped in what you created “I can’t raise my prices now.”“I can’t change this.”“People depend on me.”“I can’t slow down—everything would fall apart.” That’s not leadership. That’s fear dressed up as responsibility. Most Resentment Isn’t Caused by Failure—It’s Caused by Unexamined Success This is where I plant my flag: Many people don’t resent their business because they’re failing.They resent it because they grew—and never updated the structure. Here are the biggest culprits. Culprit #1: Boundaries that evolved… but you didn’t update them What worked early on doesn’t work as you scale. Access that once felt generous becomes draining.Availability that once felt flexible becomes expected. Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re instructions. And instructions can be updated. Culprit #2: Pricing fear Underpricing doesn’t just hurt revenue. It erodes respect. When you’re not paid fairly, you subconsciously expect gratitude to fill the gap—and it never does. Pricing is tricky, especially in service businesses where “value” feels subjective. But here’s what I know: Survival pricing might get you started. It can’t sustain you. Culprit #3: Over-identifying with your work When your business becomes your identity: Critique feels personal Setbacks feel like verdicts on your worth You stop knowing where you end and the business begins That’s a fast track to burnout. You need an identity outside of what you produce—even if you love what you do. Culprit #4: Saying yes early on… and never revisiting it Early-stage yeses are often survival-driven. But survival strategies don’t always belong in growth seasons. What once kept you afloat may now be the very thing pulling you under. The Real Fix: Renegotiate the Relationship (Don’t Burn It Down) Needing to repair your relationship with your business doesn’t mean you need to set it on fire. It means you need to renegotiate. 1) Rewrite expectations (yours and everyone else’s) Ask yourself: What am I expecting of myself that I never agreed to? What am I allowing others to expect of me by default? Clarity stops resentment. 2) Adjust access Not everyone needs immediate access to you. Not everything needs a same-day response. This one was a learning curve for me. I used to be an immediate responder—because I was trying to be reliable and helpful. But it created a pattern where I was constantly reacting, constantly “on,” and I could feel the slow drain. Access is not entitlement. 3) Design work around energy (not just time) Time management without energy awareness is useless. Notice: When are you most clear? When do you need recovery? What drains you faster than it should? Your body matters. Build like it does. 4) Let seasons change Some seasons are expansion.Some are maintenance.Some are rest and repair. Shifting gears isn’t failure. It’s maturity. Your business should evolve as you do. “Your Business Should Support Your Life—Not Replace It” If your business feels heavy right now, it doesn’t mean you did it wrong. It means you grew—and the structure hasn’t caught up yet. That’s fixable. That’s allowed. And it will keep happening in new ways as you rise. Action Steps: Two Small Shifts This Week Audit your resentment.Where do you feel irritated, exhausted, or trapped? That’s information—not failure. Choose one boundary to reset.A response time. A price. A delivery expectation. A meeting you no longer need.Small shifts restore trust between you and your business. You are not meant to resent what you created. And neither are the people working with you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like your time is constantly slipping through your fingers, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because no one ever taught you how to manage time in a way that honors: Energy Priorities Real life That’s why I host my live-only Time & Productivity Session — focused on implementation, not theory. And if you’re craving connection, accountability, and honest conversations about building something that lasts, you’ll find that inside The Patch, the Dandelion-Inc membership. Because staying in the game?That’s the work — and it’s enough.

Real Estate Investing for Beginners: How to Build Wealth with Rental Properties (Even Out of State) Real estate has a way of sitting in the back of your mind. You hear someone mention a “rich grandma” who owned rentals.You meet people who seem to have “extra money” and they casually say, “We have a couple properties.”Or you hit a point in your career where you realize: I don’t want to leave what I love… I just want another way to grow wealth. That’s why this episode of The Seed felt personal for me. I lived in the real estate world for years. I’ve seen the best parts of it — and the parts that can chew you up if you’re not clear on what you’re actually building. And in this conversation with Melissa Nash, we get into the real side of real estate investing: the long game, the systems, the risks, the mistakes people make, and why owning even one property can change your financial future. This isn’t a “get rich quick” episode.It’s a “build long-term wealth with intention” one. Real Estate Is Still One of the Most Powerful Wealth Tools Melissa’s story starts the way a lot of real estate stories do — with observation. Her husband’s grandmother owned single family homes in Los Angeles decades ago, bought them with a disciplined approach (including that classic 20% down mindset), held them, and built a retirement from them. Then something happened that’s far more common than people realize: when she passed, the family sold everything. The generational wealth ended — not because it wasn’t valuable, but because no one understood how to manage it. And that right there is the lesson: Real estate isn’t just about buying property. It’s about learning how to hold it. Entrepreneurship, Recession Lessons, and the “Now What?” Moment Melissa is an entrepreneur at heart. She built a children’s clothing company that took off — until 2008/2009 changed everything. Stores closed. The market shifted. The business wasn’t recession proof. And instead of walking away from what she built, she sold it — even if it wasn’t a massive payday — because value is value. Trademarks, inventory, brand equity… that matters. Then came the question most business owners hit at least once: What’s next — and how do I build something that lasts? That’s when real estate came back into the picture. Why Being a Real Estate Agent Isn’t the Same as Being an Investor Melissa got her real estate license in California thinking it would be the best way to learn investing. And then she realized something that many agents quietly feel: Real estate can steal your time if you’re not careful. Open houses, weekends, evenings, constant availability… it’s not “freedom” by default. And for her, the lifestyle mismatch made one thing clear: If she wanted to stay in real estate long-term, she needed a model that protected her time — and that’s where investor-focused real estate came in. Out-of-State Real Estate Investing: Why It Works Here’s what Melissa said that I want you to sit with: The math doesn’t math in California the way it can in the Midwest or South. Many investors start in high-cost markets and hit a wall. Out-of-state investing opens options because you can often buy in affordable markets where the rent-to-price ratio supports real cash flow. She bought her first rental in Birmingham, Alabama — and she did it without trying to play agent in a state where she didn’t know the laws, contracts, or norms. That matters. Because investing out-of-state isn’t about ego. It’s about systems. What “Turnkey” Real Estate Investing Actually Means Turnkey can mean a lot of things, but in the way Melissa describes it, the goal is simple: A property renovated for investor ownership A tenant-ready setup A vetted property management system Numbers that work from month one (or at least cover the property sustainably) The point isn’t “easy.” The point is structured. And she emphasized the part people skip: You’re not just buying a property.You’re buying a team. The Two Things That Separate Smart Investors From Stressed Investors If you take nothing else from this conversation, take these: 1) Reserves are non-negotiable Vacancy is not an “if.” It’s a “when.”Maintenance is not an “if.” It’s a “when.” So if someone says, “I have $40,000 to invest,” the real question is: Does that include reserve money set aside? Because buying a property without reserves isn’t investing — it’s gambling. 2) Property management can make or break you Melissa was blunt (and she’s right): asking only about the management fee is missing the point. Most charge roughly the same range. The real question is: What do they actually do — and how do they protect you? One example she shared that I love: home warranties. You can buy one after purchase, add coverage like sewer line protection, and a good property manager will actually coordinate warranty calls for you — meaning you stay hands-off while your systems handle the headache. That’s the game. The Power of One Property Melissa said it best: Your tenant is essentially buying you a house over time. When you zoom out, you’re getting: Cash flow (even modest) Appreciation Mortgage paydown (someone else paying your principal) Inflation hedge (locked-in loan with tomorrow’s dollars) Tax benefits (often substantial when structured correctly) This isn’t Lamborghini overnight. This is long-term wealth with intention. Women and Real Estate Wealth We also touched on something that deserves more space: Women need to play a bigger role in real estate investing. Not as a “trend.” Not as a hustle. But as a legitimate wealth-building strategy — especially for women who want a diversified financial life that doesn’t rely on a single salary stream. The goal isn’t to become a finance robot.The goal is protection, options, and freedom. Listen to the Episode If you’ve ever said: “I want another income stream, but I don’t want to blow up my life.” “I’m curious about rentals but I don’t know where to start.” “I want long-term wealth — not constant grinding.” This conversation will meet you where you are. Listen to the full episode of The Seed with Melissa Nash and start building your knowledge one smart step at a time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like your time is constantly slipping through your fingers, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because no one ever taught you how to manage time in a way that honors: Energy Priorities Real life That’s why I host my live-only Time & Productivity Session — focused on implementation, not theory. And if you’re craving connection, accountability, and honest conversations about building something that lasts, you’ll find that inside The Patch, the Dandelion-Inc membership. Because staying in the game?That’s the work — and it’s enough.

Staying in the Game: Why Long-Term Business Is Built on Endurance (Not Hype) Staying Isn’t Sexy — But It’s Everything We love to romanticize growth. Big launches.Fast scaling.Viral moments.Explosive revenue months. But here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: Long-term business is a lot quieter than that. It looks like: Plateaus that last longer than you expected Revenue that stabilizes instead of skyrockets Work that feels repetitive, even boring, some days And boredom doesn’t mean broken.It means you’re building something real. Whether you’re a service provider, product-based business, nonprofit leader, solopreneur, founder, or executive director — the businesses that last aren’t built on hype. They’re built on endurance. Most Businesses Don’t Fail — People Quit This is uncomfortable, but it matters. I’ve watched respected brands shut down: Email lists that once fueled growth Courses that used to sell out Communities that once thrived Not because they failed — but because the market shifted. What worked five years ago doesn’t always work now.Sometimes what worked last year is already being phased out. And instead of adapting, many people: Get discouraged Take change personally instead of strategically Decide the rules change too much Burn out and walk away Staying in the game requires paying attention — not panicking. Staying in Your Lane Doesn’t Mean Ignoring Traffic I’m a “head down, do the work” kind of person. But staying in your lane does not mean ignoring what’s happening around you. AI has changed the landscape.The internet democratized education.Technology has removed humans from parts of the process — and pretending that hasn’t happened isn’t noble. It’s dangerous. You don’t have to adopt every trend.You don’t have to chase every shiny object. But if there isn’t a mirror available, you add one. Long-term builders look honestly at: What’s shifting What’s becoming obsolete What’s being asked for — adjacent, not opposite That’s not selling out.That’s staying relevant. Reinvention Without Identity Whiplash Long-term business does require reinvention — but not constant pivots that leave you unrecognizable. The real questions are: Is this still serving my people? Is this aligned with how I want to work? Is the market asking for something adjacent, not opposite? Reinvention should feel like refinement — not a personality crisis. You Are Not Your Worst Month This is where most people get tripped up. They attach their identity to: Revenue Engagement numbers Enrollment totals Applause And when those numbers dip, their sense of self goes with it. But your business is shaping you just as much as you are shaping it. Who you become by staying matters more than any single result. Long-term builders learn how to: Separate self-worth from sales Detach meaning from metrics Stay curious instead of defensive If your business only works when everything is going well, it’s not resilient — and resilience is what keeps you in the game. You are not: Your quietest launch Your worst month Your engagement dip You are the person who shows up anyway. That’s endurance. You Cannot Do This Alone (Not Long-Term) Solo grind is romanticized — but it’s not sustainable. Community doesn’t mean noise.It doesn’t mean comparison.It doesn’t mean constant promotion. It means perspective. People who can say: “I’m seeing this too.” “You’re not crazy.” “Here’s what I’m noticing — let’s talk it through.” When markets shift, isolation is what makes people quit.Community is what normalizes change instead of turning it into fear. And no — community is not just a place to promote.It’s a place to stay human while building something meaningful. Staying in the game doesn’t mean staying rigid.It means staying connected. The Real Win Is Staying If you’re tired but not done — this is for you.If you’ve questioned whether it’s worth it — this is for you.If you’ve noticed the shifts and wondered if you’re behind — you’re not. You’re paying attention. And that’s how people stay. The real win isn’t: Being everywhere Being first Dominating the market The real win is staying long enough to: Adapt Mature Build something that actually lasts Progress isn’t about perfection.It’s about showing up — messy and brave — one seed at a time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like your time is constantly slipping through your fingers, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because no one ever taught you how to manage time in a way that honors: Energy Priorities Real life That’s why I host my live-only Time & Productivity Session — focused on implementation, not theory. And if you’re craving connection, accountability, and honest conversations about building something that lasts, you’ll find that inside The Patch, the Dandelion-Inc membership. Because staying in the game?That’s the work — and it’s enough.

Build 2026 with Intention: Momentum, Alignment & What Matters Most We are officially done with the idea that every new year has to look like the ones before it. No more resolutions that disappear by week two.No more “new year, new me” pressure.No more chasing what looks good online instead of what actually feels good to wake up to. Founder and CEO of Dandelion-Inc 2026 isn’t about reinventing yourself — it’s about aligning with yourself. Because intention builds momentum.Intention builds alignment.And intention builds a business and a life that actually fits the human inside of it. This is the year we stop running in circles and start walking — steadily, confidently — in the right direction. Why Speed Means Nothing Without Direction There’s a lot of noise out there telling us to hustle harder: ➡️ Sell more➡️ Post more➡️ Scale faster But here’s the truth most people avoid: Speed means nothing if you’re running in the wrong direction. Success that demands burnout isn’t success — it’s survival. You deserve more than surviving your own dreams. Let Your Business Evolve With You We don’t talk enough about this — your business should grow with you… or it starts to feel like a cage. Maybe you’ve outgrown old offers.Maybe you’re ready to go deeper, not wider.Maybe your purpose has shifted — and it’s time your work reflects it. 2026 is not the year to shrink yourself to fit outdated goals.It’s the year you rise into what’s next. Momentum Comes From Intention, Not Activity Busy is not the same as building. And if everything is a priority… nothing is. So here are three grounding questions to build your 2026 with clarity and confidence: 1️⃣ What do I want to be known for this year?2️⃣ What am I building that lasts beyond this year?3️⃣ What am I committed to showing up for every single week? Weekly consistency builds momentum.Momentum builds confidence.Confidence fuels growth that lasts. Build What Supports Your Life — Not Consumes It Intentional growth includes: ✅ Systems that save your sanity✅ Offers that create revenue and impact✅ Processes that give you breathing room✅ Visibility that builds connection, not noise If 2025 was the year of figuring it out…2026 is the year of building it out. Not perfectly.Not constantly.Not alone. You Don’t Have to Build Alone Real talk?Women entrepreneurs have been building in isolation for far too long. When we build inside community, things shift: ✨ Clarity becomes natural✨ Support becomes consistent✨ Confidence becomes lived — not performed✨ Growth feels aligned instead of forced That’s why I created The Patch, our global membership for women building bold things with purpose and community beside them. If you’re ready for alignment, momentum, and meaningful expansion in 2026 — this is where it happens. 👉 Join us at: dandelioninc.com/patch Your Year of Intention Starts Now Let this be the year you: 🔹 Move with intention🔹 Build what matters🔹 Stop waiting for permission🔹 Step into the work you’re meant to do next You don’t need hype.You don’t need to change who you are.You just need clarity — and support. Because progress isn’t about perfection.It’s about showing up — messy and brave — one seed at a time. Here’s to the year we build intentionally… together. 🌱 Keep Going—with Support If this resonated, join me inside The Patch—the Dandelion-Inc membership where community, accountability, and honest momentum meet. Explore what’s inside: dandelion-inc.com Sponsored by Inperium — a unified network helping nonprofit and human service organizations reduce costs, increase efficiency, and scale impact while staying true to their mission. Learn more at inperium.org

From the Courtroom to Clarity: Wendy Meadows on Choosing Mediation, Going Solo, and Beating Burnout Some people believe hardship should be the rite of passage. “I suffered, so you should too.” Today’s guest, Wendy Meadows, chose the opposite: learn, evolve, and then make the path easier for the next woman. Wendy spent years as a family law litigator before realizing the role no longer aligned with who she is. She turned off the litigation spigot, built a solo practice, and shifted to family law mediation—where curiosity, calm leadership, and practical systems do what conflict rarely can: create durable solutions. Why “I Suffered, So You Should Too” Is a Broken Model Pain doesn’t have to be a template. Real leadership looks like shortening the learning curve for others. Wendy’s lens: use your story to open doors, not gatekeep them. The Pivot: From Litigation to Family Law Mediation Mediation lets families design outcomes privately and humanely. It fits Wendy’s strengths: listening, clarity, and future-focused agreements. Key shift: from “win/lose” to interest-based problem solving. Building a Solo Practice Without Burning Out Reputation and relationships beat aggressive advertising. “Top of mind” marketing: consistent presence on LinkedIn and Facebook, clear messaging about mediation services. Make the ask: tell colleagues you now mediate; referrals follow clarity. Coaching Lawyer Moms: Structure, Sanity, and Sustainable Growth Wendy now coaches burned-out lawyer moms and attorneys who want to go solo. Her coaching centers on: Defining the work you actually want to do Simplifying operations (intake, billing, client experience) Saying no to misaligned matters and yes to sustainable revenue SEO cues: burnout for lawyers, coaching for attorneys, leave big law, attorney work–life balance The Pause Time Playbook: Journaling That Changes Your Day Wendy’s Pause Time Playbook is a simple daily practice: Set your compass each morning (who you’ll be, what matters). Rehearse high-stakes moments before they happen. Reflect at day’s end to lock in learning and confidence. Pen-to-paper intention turns reaction into leadership. Practical Takeaways You Can Use This Week Get honest about alignment. If the role no longer fits, explore alternatives like mediation or a limited-scope practice. Tell people what you do now. Clear, repeated messaging builds referral paths. Systemize once, benefit daily. Intake, payment, templates, and checklists save hours. Journal with purpose. Decide who you’ll be before the hard moment arrives. Listen to the Episode Hear the full conversation with Wendy Meadows on The Seed to learn how she left litigation, built a values-aligned practice, and helps other attorneys do the same. Keep Going—with Support If this resonated, join me inside The Patch—the Dandelion-Inc membership where community, accountability, and honest momentum meet. Explore what’s inside: dandelion-inc.com Sponsored by Inperium — a unified network helping nonprofit and human service organizations reduce costs, increase efficiency, and scale impact while staying true to their mission. Learn more at inperium.org

Push Built the Foundation. Focus Builds the Future. Every December, we choose a word for the year ahead. A word that feels hopeful. Inspired. Safe. This year, I chose a word I wasn’t ready for: Push. with Lisa Resnick I thought pushing meant doing more.Instead, it meant becoming more. Push asked me to stretch emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and professionally in ways I could not have planned for. It forced me to step into rooms that made me question if I belonged there. It demanded courage I wasn’t sure I had. And it changed me. Push Meant Doing It Scared I said yes to public speaking when every cell in my body wanted to run. I stood on a stage at the university I graduated from — a full-circle moment of stepping back into a place that shaped me, now as a woman rewriting her story in real time. I flew to Poland alone to teach leadership and civic engagement. Airports, foreign languages, navigating unfamiliar places. Old me would have declined. This year, I went anyway. And I returned with proof that I can do hard things — because I just did. Push Built What I Said I Wanted I always dreamed of creating space for women that was deeper than networking — a space where collaboration, connection, and genuine support scale lives and businesses. That is what The Patch became. A movement. A place where women rise together. And I wrote the book I’ve talked about writing for years. Not in theory. Not with pretty Instagram quotes. I wrote it. For real. Push knocked down the doors I needed to walk through. Now — the Word Changes 2026 isn’t my year to hustle harder. It’s my year to focus. Focus means: • No more scattering my energy• No more saying yes to everything• No more urgency driving decisions• No more sprinting without direction Focus means: • Clarity• Precision• Depth• Sustainable growth Push built the foundation.Focus builds the future. Focus Is a Movement The Patch Community is where focused women build.Where accountability becomes standard.Where collaboration accelerates growth.Where momentum doesn’t stall halfway through the year. And in 2026, we gather again: The Women Rising Summit — September 25, 2026This isn’t an event to attend.It’s an experience to feel.A catalyst. A shift. A spark. Get in the room with us. Listen to the full episode here: [Insert link]Join The Patch: dandelion-inc.com/patch Choose Your Word. Choose Your Year. If something is stirring in you while reading this — pay attention.You didn’t build everything you’ve built to stay small. Let’s grow with focus, depth, and intention. Together. Keep Going—with Support If this resonated, join me inside The Patch—the Dandelion-Inc membership where community, accountability, and honest momentum meet. Explore what’s inside: dandelion-inc.com Sponsored by Inperium — a unified network helping nonprofit and human service organizations reduce costs, increase efficiency, and scale impact while staying true to their mission. Learn more at inperium.org

Failure Isn’t Fatal, It’s Data: 5 Business Lessons I’m Taking from 2025 Some lessons you learn from books. Others you learn sitting in front of your laptop after a launch belly-flops, wondering what just happened. This year handed me a handful of those lessons—the kind that sting first and serve later. Here are the five shifts that changed everything for me in 2025. Use what serves you. Leave what doesn’t. But whatever you do, don’t quit. Treat it as data. 1) Clarity Is Leadership (Not a Task You Outsource) It’s tempting to think a coach, designer, VA, or tool can fix fuzzy strategy. They can help—but they can’t own your vision. If you can’t explain your offer in one sentence and why it matters in one breath, go back to the drawing board and get closer to your customer. Have real conversations. Validate needs. Then build. Quick prompt: Who do I serve, what outcome do I create, and why does it matter now 2) Consistency Compounds (Even When It’s Quiet) I ran a 60-day daily content challenge. It didn’t go viral. But my messaging sharpened, recall increased, and more people said, “I see you everywhere.” Consistency isn’t flashy; it’s trust over time. Try this: Pick one channel and one format. Ship three times a week for eight weeks. Measure clarity and conversion, not likes. 3) Community Is a Strategy, Not a Side Effect Business doesn’t grow in isolation. When I built The Patch, everything improved—retention, results, and the energy to keep going. We learn from experts, yes, but we also learn from each other. Design it in: Create recurring touchpoints (office hours, hot seats, co-working) so connection is part of your model, not a bonus. 4) Systems Save Your Sanity (And Your Schedule) We systemized launches, content, onboarding, client ops, and podcast production. Every hour invested in a workflow returned ten. Freedom isn’t just time—it’s repeatability. Start small: Document one repeat task this week: steps, owner, assets, timeline. Run it twice. Improve it. Name it. 5) Rest Is Strategy Exhaustion is not a badge of honor. My best ideas rarely arrive on Zoom; they show up on runs, in the kitchen, or when I finally stop. Rest restores judgment, creativity, and staying power. Protect it: Block recovery time on your calendar like a client meeting. Honor it. Your future self will thank you. A Simple Reflection to Close the Year Reverse-engineer your biggest 2025 lesson: What was your hardest moment this year What did it force you to confront What lesson will you carry into 2026 so you don’t repeat it Turn failure into data. Turn data into wisdom. Keep Going—with Support If this resonated, join me inside The Patch—the Dandelion-Inc membership where community, accountability, and honest momentum meet. Explore what’s inside: dandelion-inc.com Sponsored by Inperium — a unified network helping nonprofit and human service organizations reduce costs, increase efficiency, and scale impact while staying true to their mission. Learn more at inperium.org

The Surprising Secret to List Building: Connection Over Transaction with Jennie Wright There’s a moment many entrepreneurs don’t talk about. The moment when you put a lead magnet into the world — a beautiful guide, checklist, quiz, or webinar — and it feels like no one is there to receive it. You’re working hard behind the scenes, hoping your offer will make a difference, but the response feels quiet. Too quiet. On this week’s episode of The Seed, list-building expert Jennie Wright is here to transform the way we think about growing an audience. Because list building isn’t about numbers. It’s about people. Why Traditional List Building Feels So Lonely Many entrepreneurs sit behind the safety of step-by-step guides and long-form nurturing funnels — and wonder why connection is missing. Jenny explains it clearly: We’ve turned list building into a transaction instead of a relationship. When the process shifts from: “How do I get more emails?” to “How do I help someone feel seen?” your list doesn’t just grow — it thrives. Connection Is the New Strategy Jenny has helped hundreds of business owners rapidly expand their reach using: • Virtual summits that multiply visibility through collaboration • Community-driven engagement that builds trust • Micro-audiences who convert better than massive ones • A non-transactional approach that feels good for everyone involved Here’s the truth: People take action when they feel like you care about them first. The Power of Collaboration One speaker. One email. One share. Suddenly your message reaches thousands instead of dozens. Jenny reminds us that major momentum doesn’t come from going viral — it comes from going together. That’s how list building becomes: • Faster • More aligned • More sustainable Your Community Is Waiting The scariest part of growing a list isn’t the technology or the content. It’s the vulnerability of showing up. You don’t have to do it alone. Listen to the full conversation with Jenny Wright here. Ready to grow WITH support? Join us inside The Patch — the membership that combines community, accountability, and meaningful growth. Explore everything we offer: www.dandelion-inc.com Sponsored by Inperium — a unified network helping nonprofit and human service organizations reduce costs, increase efficiency, and scale impact while staying true to their mission. Learn more at inperium.org

Why Your Story Matters More Than You Think: Lessons from Patty Aubrey of Chicken Soup for the Soul Your Story Has Power Long Before It Feels Polished There’s a moment in every entrepreneur’s journey when doubt becomes louder than the dream. Maybe progress slows, or the outside validation doesn’t come as quickly as you hoped. Suddenly, you start telling yourself you aren’t ready. That you need more expertise, more experience, more confidence before you can lead. Patty Aubrey knows that internal dialogue well. Before she helped transform Chicken Soup for the Soul into a global powerhouse, she was the woman behind the scenes—managing the moving parts, building the structure, and keeping everything running. She wasn’t introduced as the face of the brand. She wasn’t handed a seat at the leadership table. She earned it. Her message is simple and needed: Stop shrinking. Step up. You’re already qualified to lead. Who Is Patty Aubrey? Patty has been at the forefront of one of the most recognizable publishing brands in the world. Her leadership helped scale Chicken Soup for the Soul into a billion-dollar enterprise with books, media, products, and a global audience. But her rise wasn’t linear. It wasn’t glamorous. And it certainly wasn’t perfect. Which is exactly why she’s so relatable—and so powerful. The Power of Owning Your Voice In our conversation on The Seed, Patty pulls back the curtain on: What keeps women from stepping fully into leadership: Waiting to feel more ready or more legitimate Downplaying success to maintain likability Allowing others to take the credit Believing someone else knows better What accelerates confidence and visibility: Sharing the unpolished parts of your story Speaking up even when your voice shakes Taking credit for the work you actually do Understanding the value you already bring Patty’s leadership didn’t change when she stepped forward.What changed was who finally saw it. The Cost of Silence When women hold back: Innovation slows Teams lose direction Impact stays small The wrong voices lead the room Your silence has a cost.Your voice has a purpose. And as Patty reminds us:Belief is not optional if you want big things to happen. One Question to Ask Yourself Today What is a story you’ve been telling yourself that keeps you small? Now rewrite it. The world doesn’t need a polished version of you.It needs the real one—the one who is still figuring it out and moving anyway. Listen to the Full Episode Hear Patty’s full story and leadership strategies here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seed-growing-your-business/id1500087271 This conversation is a must-listen if you’re building something meaningful and you want to lead with both humility and undeniable authority. Let’s Grow Together If this resonated with you, join us inside The Patch. We are building businesses and legacies together—one honest step at a time. Sponsored by Inperium — where strong leaders and strong communities grow together. Learn more at inperium.org

The Visibility Strategy Most Entrepreneurs Ignore (And Why It Still Works) If you’ve ever launched something with total excitement… only to hear crickets… you are so not alone. Every entrepreneur, creator, and business owner has been in that moment: Was it the message? The timing? The ever-changing, always-confusing algorithm? Here’s the thing: Your message deserves to be heard — and not just by the people already in your bubble. That’s why this week on The Seed, I sat down with Christina Lenkowski, known as The Podcast Pitch Pro. Christina has helped her clients land more than 1,000 podcast guest appearances — all without paid ads or exhausting content creation. We talked about why visibility can’t be optional anymore — and why podcast guesting might be the smartest, simplest growth strategy for your brand. 🌱 The Three Pillars of Visibility Marketing Christina breaks marketing into three sections every business needs: 1️⃣ Owned Media Your platforms: website, podcast, newsletter, social media 2️⃣ Paid Media Ads, sponsorships, boosted posts 3️⃣ Earned Media (The Magic One) Guest interviews, media features, speaking opportunities → Where trust is built and new audiences discover you So many entrepreneurs focus only on the first two — and then wonder why growth feels slow. 🎙️ Why Podcast Guesting Works When you show up on a podcast: ✔ You gain credibility by being featured ✔ You build trust through long-form conversation ✔ You reach brand-new audiences waiting for your expertise ✔ You reduce burnout from constant posting And if you’re introverted? Christina insists that podcasts are your stage — intimate, thoughtful, powerful. ✨ The Lighthouse Mindset We also dove into how visibility supports confidence. Everytime you show up, you shine a light. Everytime you share your story, you make it easier for the right people to find you. You become the lighthouse — steady, strong, unmissable. Take the First Step Ready to grow your visibility (and your confidence)? Start with Christina’s quiz to discover your publicity path: ➡️ podcastpublicityquiz.com Connect with Christina on Instagram: ➡️ @publicityxchristina And if you loved this episode, make sure you subscribe, share it with a friend, and join us inside The Patch — where business growth is never a solo sport. Sponsored by Imperium — empowering nonprofits and health & human service organizations with the operational support they need to stay mission-focused. Learn more at imperium.org Listen to the Full Episode 🎙️ I share the whole behind-the-scenes story on this week’s episode of The Seed. No filters. No hiding. Just truth. If this planted something in you, come deeper. Join me inside The Patch—a community for builders, believers, and brave women growing in real time. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up—messy and brave—one seed at a time. Sponsored by Imperium — empowering nonprofits and health & human service organizations with the operational support they need to stay mission-focused. Learn more at inperium.org

You Are A Mess, But So Is The Universe — The Story I Had to Tell Some stories don’t politely ask to be written—they hunt you down. Mine followed me around for years on a single yellow Post-it note that said just three words: Write the book. It was taped to my laptop, my planner, my fridge, even a random kitchen cabinet during a move. It survived rebrands, motherhood, burnout, and a thousand other seasons. I avoided it, argued with it, moved it… but I never threw it away. For years, I told myself I would write it when life slowed down, when I felt more ready, when I had more time, when inspiration struck, when I knew exactly what I wanted to say. But here’s the thing about waiting for perfect conditions: they don’t exist. Life doesn’t slow down. Confidence doesn’t magically appear. And clarity? That shows up once you start—not before. I started this book at least five times. I have the abandoned Google Docs to prove it. Each version reached about 20 pages before I’d talk myself out of continuing: “This isn’t the right time.” “Who do you think you are writing a book?” “Maybe later.” That Post-it became both a reminder and a quiet weight. Every time I saw it, I could feel the gap between who I was—and who I knew I wanted to become. The Lie I Told Myself This year, I finally decided to get rid of the Post-it—not by finishing the book, but by declaring: I’m not writing it. I said it out loud. Firm. Final. No more mental pressure. No more nagging reminder. No more book. Founder and CEO of Dandelion-Inc And that’s when it happened—the most unexpected thing. By telling myself no, I sparked something I didn’t see coming. It woke up a quiet fire inside me—the part of me that will run through walls if someone doubts me. Even if that someone is… me. Suddenly, I wasn’t avoiding the book anymore—I was being provoked by it. The Flood I didn’t begin writing this book—I exploded into it. I wrote 70,000 words in two weeks. Not at a cozy writing retreat. Not during a sabbatical. Not with a carefully color-coded outline. I wrote: In my car before sunrise In the notes app between meetings During lacrosse practice At 5 a.m. with reheated coffee In emotional avalanches I couldn’t outrun The words didn’t trickle. They crashed through. And for the first time in my life, I understood what writers mean when they say the book chose me. Asking for Help (The Hardest Part) What I had was raw. Unfiltered. Real. But it wasn’t a book yet. It was a mountain. So I did something my ego resisted: I asked for help. I hired a developmental editor—Elise Smith from Wordy Wives (and yes, she’ll be joining me on the podcast soon). She didn’t just edit my work—she challenged it. She stretched it. She asked for more truth, more intention, more courage. I cut chapters I swore I loved. I rewrote entire sections—twice. Then three times. I clarified ideas I thought were obvious. I faced the stories I had been avoiding. I wrote through resistance I didn’t know I still carried. This wasn’t editing—it was becoming. What This Book Is Really About Despite the title, this is not a book about being broken. It’s about becoming. It’s about what it looks like to evolve while still healing. It’s about building a life while you’re still fixing parts of it. It’s about growth that doesn’t fit into an inspirational quote. Lisa Resnick gets real about writing her forst book. This book goes where women silently live: When you’re outgrowing the life you built When success scares you more than failure When friendships shift and loyalty gets tested When you want more—but also want peace When you’re brave but still scared It isn’t self-help. It isn’t polished. It isn’t perfect. It’s honest. Why I Wrote It Anyway Was I terrified? Absolutely. I still am. I worried: What if it isn’t good enough? What if people judge me? What if I said too much? What if people who really know me see me differently? But I wrote it anyway. Because the pull was louder than the fear. Because courage isn’t clean. Because someone out there needs to know she isn’t alone in the messy middle. Maybe that someone is you. You Are A Mess, But So Is The Universe The universe isn’t perfect. It expands through chaos, collision, eruption, and energy. Why should our growth look any different? This book won’t teach you how to escape the mess. It teaches you how to build inside it. How to: Rise when your voice shakes Trust yourself again after doubt Grow when it’s uncomfortable Keep going when quitting would be easier You don’t need to be ready. You just need to be willing. The Book Is Here 📖 You Are A Mess, But So Is The Universe is now available. If this message pulls at something inside you—read it. 👉 Order on Amazon 👉 Or get it from my website: lisaresnick.com Listen to the Full Episode 🎙️ I share the whole behind-the-scenes story on this week’s episode of The Seed. No filters. No hiding. Just truth. If this planted something in you, come deeper. Join me inside The Patch—a community for builders, believers, and brave women growing in real time. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up—messy and brave—one seed at a time. This episode is sponsored by Inperium: inperium.org

Joy is Your Job, Leadership is a Verb, and the Ripple Effect (with Lisa Even) Joy doesn’t happen by accident—we make it our job. Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a daily practice. In this episode recap, Lisa Even and I dig into practical ways leaders can build teams people want to be part of, create “good ripple effects,” and make room for joy at work and at home.Why This Conversation Matters Around here, we believe growth doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be honest. If you’re building a business, a life, and a legacy that feels aligned and beautifully real, this one’s for you. Lisa Even brings the practical tools and the heart.   Joy Is a Job (Not a Reward You “Earn” Later) Lisa and her husband were classic high performers—overscheduled and postponing joy for “after the next project.” Their pivot: hang a whiteboard in the bedroom and list the things they used to do, could do, and want to do. Then start doing them—imperfectly and consistently. Joy isn’t a luxury; it fuels the work. Leadership as Daily Practice: The PB&J One‑on‑One Lisa’s PB&J framework makes 1:1s human and high‑performing: P — Perspective: What’s happening in their world? Try on their glasses before you judge. B — Better: Invite them to spot problems and propose improvements. Give permission to act. J — Joy: Align tasks with strengths and season of life—joy increases productivity. Take five minutes before each 1:1 to jot P, B, and J. You’ll have a richer conversation and clearer next steps. Culture You Can Feel: Building a Team “Ecosystem” Lisa used to cup her hands and tell her team, “This is our ecosystem—build, maintain, and protect it.” That mindset gave everyone ownership. People started solving problems proactively and celebrating each other’s ripple effects. Leadership micro‑behaviors that compound: Tell the truth (even when it’s messy). Trust is oxygen. Praise progress, not just perfection. People need to hear when they’re doing well. Ask why resistance exists (fear, change fatigue, capacity). Then co‑solve it. Make permission explicit: “You have authority to fix what you can see.” A Tale of Two Leaders (and Why It Matters) One of Lisa’s earliest positive experiences: a COO noticed she’d gone on a “smoke break” without smoking. Instead of shaming her, he asked if she was bored and gave her a stretch project. That single choice told her: I see your potential. She stepped up and delivered. Contrast that with leaders who fudge the truth—trust cracks a little each time. Credibility is a leader’s compounding asset. Everyday Leadership (Beyond Titles) Lisa teaches leadership to teens and to teams: it’s the kayaking guide, the teacher, the librarian, the neighbor who picks up trash every Thursday. Macro change is built on micro moments. Start with your square foot. Ask your team (or yourself) this week: What tiny thing would make work 10% better? Where can we create a good ripple today? What joy can we schedule—not someday, but now? Listen to the Episode 🎧 Catch the full conversation on The Seed Podcast. Insider access to live recordings is included with The Patch—our Dandelion‑Inc membership where we grow with community, accountability, and a whole lot of heart. Explore The Patch → link to membership page Show Notes & Resources Lisa Even: lisaeven.com Book: Joy Is My Job (Amazon) Upcoming: The Ripple Effect (coming soon) Inperium: inperium.org If this planted a seed—share it with a friend who leads with heart. Then come join us inside The Patch. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up messy and brave, one seed at a time.

From Resilience to Real Impact: Cher’s Journey to CEO at Trinity YouthServices The Seed is about fuel you can actually use—tactics, mindsets, and stories that help you grow. This week, you’ll meet Cher, CEO of Trinity Youth Services (California), whose path is pure dandelion: resilience, transformation, persistence. Trinity operates 24/7/365, caring for children and teens who can’t safely remain at home—through foster care, adoption, residential treatment (mental health & substance use), and programs for unaccompanied refugee minors. On any given day, Trinity serves about 400 youth with support from ~500 staff—and the goal is always the same: safe reunification or a permanent, loving home. What We Cover Becoming the one caring adult: how a high school mentor changed Cher’s life—and how she pays it forward Leading through crises: stepping into the CEO role… then navigating a global shutdown with honesty, transparency, and courage Mission over noise: why Trinity partnered with a back-office aggregator so Cher could spend more time with people and programs Career ladders (not leaps): moving from marketing to HR to operations to the C-suite—supported by continuous learning (organizational & ethical leadership) Culture & courage: how to dismantle “othering,” create belonging, and build trauma-informed teams that don’t burn out Quick, Actionable Takeaways Know your lane, build your bench: if ops/admin are choking your mission, outsource what’s repeatable so you can lead what’s irreplaceable. Communicate like it’s 1:1: in uncertainty, increase frequency, shorten messages, and be transparent about what you know/don’t. Grow on purpose: stack transferable skills; invest in education that maps to your next role. Lead with dignity: every policy is a people policy. Design for safety, belonging, and measurable outcomes. Give back, now: mentor one person the way you wish someone had mentored you. Why It Matters This episode is a masterclass in nonprofit leadership, trauma-informed care, and scaling mission work without losing the heart. You’ll walk away inspired—and equipped. ✨ Listen to the full episode on The Seed Podcast, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Want to support? Search Trinity Youth Services (TrinityYS.org) to learn how to volunteer, donate, mentor, foster, or offer respite care. Let’s keep cultivating growth and empowering women in business—together.

Trillionaire Energy: Relauch Your Business (and Life) with Hilary DeCesare If time and energy had a price tag, today’s episode would make us all trillionaires. I’m joined by Hilary DeCesare —founder of Relaunch—and her energy is off the charts. We talk mindset, momentum, favorite products, and her Relaunch framework for creating results fast (without burning out). What We Cover Relaunch mindset: how to reframe setbacks (buried vs. planted) and rise, now Energy on demand: simple ways to elevate your energy so you actually match your goals Success habits: why “absentee owner” is a myth and what sustainable success looks like Personal growth tools: Enneagram, Human Design, and knowing your natural wiring Products & routines: clean beauty, simplifying supplements, and skin-loving SPF Iconic Impact: Hillary’s mission to interview 100 iconic impact millionaires—and what she’s learning Quick Wins You Can Try Today 2-minute energy reset: stand tall, breathe deep, pick one clear intention—then act. Relaunch reframe: ask, “Am I buried…or planted?” Choose planted. Move one thing forward. Revenue rhythm: schedule a weekly 30-minute CEO check-in (pipeline, cash, priorities). Declutter inputs: press pause on “more, more, more”—keep only what truly fuels you. Protect the asset (you): SPF daily, real rest, and one small joy ritual you won’t skip. Why You’ll Love This Episode It’s electric, honest, and wildly practical. Whether you’re scaling a company or starting again, Hillary shows how to relaunch with clarity, confidence, and serious momentum. If this fires you up, share it with a friend who’s ready for their next big relaunch. ✨ Listen to the full episode on The Seed Podcast, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let’s keep cultivating growth and empowering women in business—together.

Know Your Numbers or Bust: Why Bookkeeping Beats “More Marketing” (with Melissa Brockton) We talk a lot about business development and marketing on The Seed—but here’s the truth: businesses rarely fail because of marketing. They fail because the owner doesn’t know the numbers. Founder of the Busy Bees Advisors This week I’m joined by Melissa Brockton, founder of Busy Bee Advisors. With a background in corporate accounting and auditing, Melissa has a gift for translating bookkeeping into plain English for small business owners and solopreneurs—so you can make decisions with confidence. What We Cover The #1 reason businesses fail (hint: it’s not “no leads”) Exactly what bookkeeping should give you every month—without the jargon Simple reports to review (start with Profit & Loss by Month) to spot trends and red flags How Melissa left corporate, landed 26 clients in month one, and built a team of 17+ bookkeepers Why “absentee owner” is a myth—and what a healthy owner-finance rhythm looks like How bookkeeping protects you from cash leaks, fraud, and redundant costs Quick Wins You Can Do Today Pull a P&L by Month for the last 12 months. Circle any weird spikes/dips. Book a weekly Money Date (30 minutes) to review cash, AR/AP, and upcoming taxes. Separate business/personal accounts; pay yourself consistently. If books are behind, outsource (often <$250/month beats a $60k hire). Build a simple cash reserve (1–3 months of expenses). Why It Matters Marketing fuels growth; bookkeeping sustains it. If you don’t know your numbers, you can’t set targets, price correctly, or keep what you earn. 🎙️ Listen now  Know a founder who avoids their books? Share this episode—it might save their business. ✨ Listen to the full episode on The Seed Podcast, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let’s keep cultivating growth and empowering women in business—together.

How to Host Events That Build Community: From Coffee Chats to Summits Hosting events can feel overwhelming—budgeting, logistics, RSVPs, tech (the mic still makes me nervous!). But after co-hosting the Women Rising Summit with 250 incredible women, I can tell you this: when events are aligned with who you are, they stop draining you and start fueling you. In this week’s episode of The Seed, I’m sharing everything I learned—from why events matter to the step-by-step logistics that make them possible. Why Events Matter Connection builds faster: Face-to-face (or screen-to-screen) events create instant trust. Authority grows with a mic: Leading a room shifts how people see you. Community sticks when it gathers: Whether it’s 5 or 250, groups create momentum. Alignment equals energy: When events reflect your values, they light you up. Types of Events You Can Host Micro Moments: Coffee chats, masterminds, accountability pods. Small Gatherings: Workshops, lunch-and-learns, panel discussions. Signature Events: Summits, retreats, annual conferences. Virtual Events: Webinars, challenges, digital summits. Event Logistics Made Simple Define the promise—what one clear takeaway will attendees leave with? Choose your format and venue—start small and scale when ready. Set your budget—stay lean at first and invest in reusable items. Secure vendors and support—venue, catering, AV, volunteers. Map your run of show—registration, welcome, sessions, breaks, closing. Market with clarity—make the promise clear in every invite. Always have a contingency plan—tech backups, extra supplies, flexibility. Events don’t have to be extravagant. They just need to be aligned, simple, and built on connection. ✨ Listen to the full episode on The Seed Podcast, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. 💛 And if you’re curious about my upcoming book You Are a Mess, But So Is the Universe, join the waitlist here for sneak peeks and freebies. Let’s keep cultivating growth and empowering women in business—together.

From Living Room Pop-Up to 120 Locations: How Rhea Lana Riner Built a Consignment Empire If you love a good “started-from-scratch” story, this one will light a fire under you. This week on The Seed: Cultivating Growth & Empowering Women in Business, I’m sitting down with Rhea Lana Riner—the powerhouse founder behind Rhea Lana’s, a nationwide network of pop-up kids’ consignment events. What began in her Conway, Arkansas living room (think three clothing racks and a whole lot of heart) is now a franchise operating in roughly 120 locations across 26 states. Her mission? Create a high-quality secondhand shopping experience that helps families save money, reduce waste, and build community—without the “dig through a pile” chaos. What We Cover The “accidental entrepreneur” path: from stay-at-home mom on a tight budget to franchise CEO Why popup consignment events beat traditional thrift for busy families How to grow with low risk: bootstrapping, systems, and community over hype Weathering storms (including a federal legal battle) and coming out stronger as a leader Building a brand that feels like a boutique—organized, color-coded, easy to shop The real talk on “passive income,” franchising, seasonal teams, and operational excellence Why It Matters This is a masterclass in women’s entrepreneurship, sustainable fashion, and community-driven business. If you’ve ever dreamed about franchising, launching a resale concept, or simply want to run lean while delivering a premium customer experience, Rhea Lana’s playbook is a must-listen. Listen & Share 🎙️ Tune in now. If this episode inspires you, share it with a friend who loves a savvy deal, cares about sustainability, or is exploring a franchise model. Resources Mentioned Free 30-minute consult with Rhea Lana’s team: rhealana.com/podcast (form link mentioned in the show) Learn more about hosting or shopping a sale: search “Rhea Lana’s consignment event” in your area ✨ Listen to the full episode on The Seed Podcast, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let’s keep cultivating growth and empowering women in business—together.

Breaking Free from Money Fears with Leisa Peterson Money. Just reading that word might make your stomach flip. If you’ve ever felt intimidated, overwhelmed, or even avoided talking about money altogether—you’re not alone. I’ll be the first to admit, my hand is raised right along with yours. That’s why today’s episode of The Seed: Cultivating Growth and Empowering Women in Business is one you can’t miss. I’m joined by Leisa Peterson, an author, financial advisor, and money mindset coach who’s bringing honesty, wisdom, and clarity to a topic that so many of us struggle with: how to build wealth with confidence instead of fear. Why We Need to Talk About Money (Especially as Women) Most of us weren’t taught how to manage wealth in school. We stumbled into adulthood with jobs that offered 401(k)s or insurance plans and thought, “Okay, I’m set.” But then life happens—job loss, divorce, unexpected change—and suddenly we’re left scrambling to figure out finances on our own. Women, in particular, often don’t take ownership of financial conversations until a pivotal life event forces us to. And even then, it’s easy to feel like advisors are talking at us rather than with us. That’s where Leisa is different. She’s dedicated her career to empowering people (especially women) to not only understand money but to build a healthy relationship with it. In this conversation, Leisa and I dig into: Why so many women feel behind when it comes to financial literacy. How to start building wealth even if the numbers scare you. The role of emotions—and even trauma—in shaping your money mindset. Why risk is necessary, and how to start taking smart risks without losing sleep. Her personal journey from ramen noodles and low-paying jobs to financial independence. Leisa also shares insights from her bestselling books The Mindful Millionaire and The Money Catalyst. Both take a unique approach to wealth by blending practical financial strategies with the emotional side of money—helping you rewrite your story and step into abundance. What You’ll Walk Away With By the end of this episode, you’ll see that building wealth isn’t about having all the answers or a perfect financial past—it’s about: Starting where you are. Trying something new, even if it feels uncomfortable. Learning to trust yourself with money. Whether you’re curious about making your first investment, wondering how to talk with your advisor, or just ready to stop letting fear control your financial decisions, this episode is packed with encouragement and actionable wisdom. Listen Now 🎙️ Tune in to the full episode of The Seed here. If this conversation speaks to you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a friend who could use a little more confidence and clarity around money too. And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to The Seed so you never miss an episode filled with real talk, resources, and stories from women walking the entrepreneurial journey alongside you. ✨ Let’s cultivate growth, build wealth with confidence, and empower women in business—together. ✨ Listen to the full episode on The Seed Podcast, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let’s keep cultivating growth and empowering women in business—together.