She Means Business: Power Plays by Industry Leaders

In the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, host Ashley Mastowski is joined by Francislyn Penesa, owner of FP Mobile Notary. Francislyn shares her journey to creating a successful mobile notary business, providing an insider look at how the industry has evolved, particularly in response to the pandemic.  Episode Highlights: Francislyn shares her immigration story, moving from the Philippines to the U.S. at six months old with her family, facing financial difficulties and language barriers. (5:13) Francislyn discusses her early career in medical billing, motivated by financial necessity and family support. (9:24) Francislyn shares her experience as a notary public for the first time, feeling nervous and unsure but ultimately successful in completing the signing. (14:00) Francislyn discusses the services of her notary business, from loan signings to general notarizations including powers of attorney. (17:59) Francislyn explains the technological aspects of her notary business, explaining how they assist clients with the digital process, which includes registration and document handling. (23:12) Francislyn outlines her career progression in the notary field, starting with signing services where assignments are distributed via text and accepted based on credentials. (29:55) Francislyn mentions that she now operates her notary service now dispatches notaries for both local and out-of-state signings, including biometric notarizations for international clients. (37:47) Francislyn discusses her recent introduction to the concept of generational wealth, and the importance of investing and financial education. (50:03) Key Quotes: “If we're capable of having kids and raising them, we are fully capable of running our own business.” - Francislyn Penesa “We try to make the services very easy. If we don't know the document, we have them send it, and so that we can familiarize ourselves with it before we get there.” - Francislyn Penesa Resources Mentioned: FP Mobile Notary Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

On the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, host Ashley Mastowski is joined by Makea Macaluso. Makea Macaluso is a realtor and franchise owner of Togo's Sandwich Shop. Makea is also featured in an upcoming book about women entrepreneurs and started a mentorship program for investment opportunities in the real estate world. She started in a new city with nothing and built an awesome empire for her family. Episode Highlights: Makea discusses the challenges of adjusting to life in Las Vegas, including the temptation of gambling and the need to make something out of the city. (3:41) Makea shares her experience of failing to make a sale but persisting and learning from the experience. (11:09) Makea discusses her transformative experience of attending an event by motivational speaker Marshall Silver, which played a pivotal role in her and her husband's personal and professional development. (14:48) Makea explains why it is important to learn self-reliance in the real estate industry. (22:33) Makea shares her experience of opening a Togo's Sandwich Shop franchise in Las Vegas and the personal impact of bringing a cherished brand to a new location. (28:49) Makea mentions that she was featured in "Women Who BossUp in Las Vegas: Fabulous Boss Ladies Supporting and Growing by Building a Strong Community" by Tam Luck to share her journey and connect with other empowering women. (38:08) Makea advises potential buyers to consult with a buyer specialist to explore options tailored to their needs, emphasizing the importance of understanding market conditions and opportunities for interest rate adjustments. (53:15) Makea encourages those feeling stuck to engage in soul searching, make definitive choices, and take action toward their goals. (1:01:58) Key Quotes: “We knew that we wanted to surround ourselves with people who are on the path or either were where we want it to be. So that's one thing that we did” - Makea Macaluso “I've had some amazing team members over the years and when we've kind of learned together” - Makea Macaluso “I've found that when you're grateful for the things that you have, you can still want more, but appreciate what you have. And just know that it is possible.” - Makea Macaluso Resources Mentioned: Connect with Makea Macaluso Makea Macaluso Instagram Togo's Sandwich Shop Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosted by Ashley Mastowski as she discusses the transformative power of efficiency in both personal and professional realms, and shares her personal journey towards greater success, offering practical advice on balancing the demands of being a business owner, a mother, and a seeker of self-improvement.  Episode Highlights: Ashley shares her journey of self-awareness and efficiency in her personal and professional life, highlighting significant improvements and challenges. (1:28) Ashley discusses how making gym sessions a priority has markedly enhanced her mood, mental health, and daily presence. (5:17) Ashley mentions that she significantly improved her focus by removing all social media notifications from her devices, optimizing her Apple Watch for essential alerts only, and integrating her Outlook schedule with her iPhone calendar to activate focus mode during meetings, enhancing her presence and productivity. (6:10) Ashley shares that she simplifies her schedule by adding personal events to her work calendar. (8:33) Ashley mentions that she maximizes travel and cleaning time by listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks with her AirPods, enhancing her efficiency and enjoyment during daily tasks and commutes. (11:08) Ashley shares changes she's made to improve her daily routine, including adding vitamins and listening to a podcast. (12:48) Key Quotes: “I am a junkie for efficiency. I am always looking at ways to make life and my business more efficient.” - Ashley Mastowski “Over the last couple years, I've really been on the self awareness, self development journey, hired mind fundamental coach, I've hired a personal finance coach, I have just really been focusing on how to make me have the level of success that I want to be at, and how to catapult my career.” - Ashley Mastowski “I'm so busy with work, I just kind of put my personal calendar on my Work calendar, because that was easier versus migrating my Work calendar and merging it with my personal calendar.” - Ashley Mastowski Resources Mentioned: Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

In this episode of the She Means Business podcast, host Ashley Mastowski dives deep into the importance of self-care, normalizing hardships, and the power of vulnerability in achieving success. As a business owner, wife, and mother of twin toddlers, Ashley shares her personal journey of investing in herself, balancing professional and personal life, and the significance of supporting fellow women in business.  Episode Highlights: Ashley emphasizes the importance of following and supporting the incredible guests of the She Means Business podcast. (0:52) Ashley shares her journey of investing in herself through coaching and prioritizing mental health. (3:39) Ashley shares about the power of vulnerability and working on your weaknesses for success and credits working with a mind performance coach, Lindsey Paoli, for helping her achieve a strong mindset. (5:34) Ashley explains the importance of prioritizing self-care and personal goals (10:12) Ashley discusses how asking for help is a key tool in avoiding burnout. (16:39) Key Quotes: "The whole point of bringing guests on the podcast is to hopefully inspire or motivate at least one person and then also, in turn, is let's just support the heck out of them." - Ashley Mastwoski “I've never had a problem with vulnerability, I think that is so important. And I also think it's a really big key to being successful, you have to be vulnerable and willing to work on your weaknesses, or where you need help or anything like that, in order to really scale up.” - Ashley Mastowski  “As moms as business owners, just as women in general, we need to put ourselves first. And, we need to talk about the hard things, you know, we get so inundated with social media and everybody's highlight reel, as they call it, we don't necessarily see the hard that our friends are going through unless you're talking to them on the daily basis” - Ashley Mastowski Resources Mentioned: Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, as host Ashley Mastowski sits down with Ati Grinspun, Personal Branding Coach and Photographer. Listen in as they delve into the transformative power of authentic branding, the impact of meaningful connections, and the exciting details of Ati's upcoming event designed to empower women in business. Episode Highlights: Ati explains the value of past experiences and the importance of mindset, mentorship, and tools for business success. (11:05) Ati discusses the significance of inner work and self-worth in embracing risk and learning new things. (18:46) Ati reflects on a turning point, when she fully embraced personal branding photography and began advising on content strategy. (27:22) Ati shares how a powerful insight through breathwork, lead her to the decision to host a live event. (40:04) Ati invites women to engage with her through her "Be You Brand" initiatives, including the podcast, academy, and a live event. (51:52) Ati mentions that she offers a quiz to help individuals understand their current position in building a personal brand and provides step-by-step guidance on what to do next. (54:21) Key Quotes: “A lot of what I'm doing with my clients now, yes, I teach them the strategy of how to build a brand. But we're doing a lot of inner work.” - Ati Grinspun “I started working with a lot of women that were in network marketing that needed photos for their social media. And I remember thinking, oh my god, I love doing this and I loved talking about their business talking about the stories. ” - Ati Grinspun Resources Mentioned: Connect with Ati Grinspun Ati G Personal Brand Photography Be You Brand Podcast Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, host Ashley Mastowski is joined by Ruth Furman, who brings over 23 years of experience to the table as the owner of her PR firm “ImageWords Communication”. Ruth discusses her professional background, her journey through the PR world, and how she has remained a formidable force in the industry.  They also discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the significance of adaptability, and Ruth's dedication to empowering women business owners. Episode Highlights: Ruth discusses her journey of personal growth in her 50s, and the importance of evolving daily, overcoming negative self-talk, and focusing on what truly matters and her capabilities. (7:28) Ruth explains how negative energy affects her negatively, but staying positive makes her more attractive to opportunities and improves her mood. (11:44) Ruth shares a story of leveraging her intuition to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity. (15:23) Ruth emphasizes the importance of collaboration over competition in her public relations work, crediting partners publicly and seeking mutual growth opportunities, which has led to national expansion and a culture of open-mindedness and non-self-serving collaboration. (22:31) Ruth mentions that her PR firm amplifies business leaders with a focus on project work and SEO PR, specializing in healthcare and women-owned businesses. (26:01) Ruth shares that she finds joy in curating rather than chasing happiness, emphasizing the fulfillment she gets from helping journalists and amplifying important voices while adapting her methods and client focus. (37:43) Ruth mentions that she is focusing on expanding her PR firm nationally within the home services and healthcare sectors due to strong media relationships and opportunities for group pitching while continuing to serve a diverse range of other industries. (42:49) Key Quotes: “When I do whatever I need to do to keep my energy positive, and optimistic. I am a magnet for opportunity. And when I'm happy, you know, that's a good place for me to be.” - Ruth Furman “Every public relations firm is different. What I specifically do in my public relations firm, is I seek out opportunities to amplify business leaders. So businesses and personal brands, so that is what I do. ” - Ruth Furman “I'm a helper. Helping is something that brings me a lot of personal fulfillment, and joy, you know, so that's one of the reasons I love what I do.” - Ruth Furman Resources Mentioned: Connect with Ruth Furman ImageWords Communication Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, host Ashley Mastowski takes listeners through her journey of discovering impactful books, sharing those that have played a pivotal role in her growth as a business owner and leader.  Episode Highlights: Ashley shares that she prefers physical books for self-development due to the ability to annotate and the necessity of re-reading for deeper understanding. (1:39) Ashley mentions key books on her list, including transformative insights from "10 Times is Easier than 2x" and plans to read "Atomic Habits," "Best Self," "Who Not How," and re-read "Traction" for business implementation. (3:32) Ashley expresses her excitement about reading "Ballgames to Boardroom" by Taylor Scott, relating it to her personal growth through sports and admiration for coach John Wooden, whose principles significantly shaped her life and character. (5:41) Ashley mentions that she also plans to read "The Power of One More" by Ed Mylett and "One in a Millennial" by Kate Kennedy, reflecting her interest in a range of topics from self-improvement to millennial challenges, alongside participating in a diverse book club. (7:06) Ashley recommends "The Things We Leave Unfinished" by Rebecca Yarros for its compelling love story and "The E-Myth" by Michael Gerber as essential reading for new business owners, emphasizing its foundational business insights. (7:48) Ashley commits to revisiting her book list in a few months for accountability. (11:27) Key Quotes: “I am a big audible person, I love Audible. But when it comes to self-development, I like the good old fashioned hard copy book, I like to mark it, I kind of use bookmarks, highlighters.” - Ashley Mastowski  “It's always important to read it front to back and then like take your notes, reflect on it, but then read it again.” - Ashley Mastowski  Resources Mentioned: Books: "10 Times is Easier than 2x" by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy "Atomic Habits" by James Clear "Best Self: Be You, Only Better" by Mike Bayer "Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork" by Dan Sullivan "Traction" by Gino Wickman "Ballgames to Boardrooms: Leadership, Business, and Life Lessons from Our Coaches We Never Knew We Needed" by Taylor Scott "The Power of One More" by Ed Mylett "One in a Millennial: On Friendship, Feelings, Fan Girls, and Fitting In" by Kate Kennedy "The Things We Leave Unfinished" by Rebecca Yarros "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber "The Mayflower Madam: The Secret Life of Sydney Biddle Barrows" by Sydney Biddle Barrows Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, as host Ashley Mastowski interviews Debi Kinney, Owner of Hello Coaching. Debi and Ashley discuss the challenges of keeping up with resolutions, the journey of self-improvement, and how embracing change and learning from setbacks can lead to personal and professional growth. Episode Highlights: Debi discusses her approach to personal and business goals, opting for a "word of the year" instead of traditional resolutions. (3:10) Debi emphasizes the importance of learning from others and not always being the "smartest person in the room." (9:37) Debi shares her upcoming projects, including collaborations, accountability coaching for her coach's clients, and a launching project that focuses on reworking typically high-calorie junk or comfort foods into delicious, healthier versions. (19:24) Debi mentions that she plans to launch a free Facebook group titled "Well, hello," combining her business name "Hello Coaching" with a focus on wellness which aims to offer tips, tricks, and recipes in a private community setting. (21:33) Debi explains that Hello Coaching offers diverse services including health and nutrition coaching, personal training for specific groups, life coaching for various goals, and business consulting for startups and nonprofits. (32:44) Debi discusses the challenges of social media, and the difficulty in keeping up with constantly changing algorithms, which makes content planning and ensuring valuable messaging a time-consuming, full-time job. (38:06) Debi explains the contrast between a fixed mindset, which is closed off to learning and improvement, and a growth mindset, which embraces failure as a learning opportunity. (43:28) Key Quotes: “One of the things that I've really learned is to put myself into spaces with people that know more than me.” - Debi Kinney “Every day is a new day to start again and to take smaller steps, smaller bites and start just making progress.” - Debi Kinney “I've helped businesses with startups and creating and establishing systems to make them more efficient and effective and provide value.” - Debi Kinney Resources Mentioned: Debi Kinney LinkedIn Hello Coaching Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, with host Ashley Mastowski. In this episode, we're joined by Jackie Zlatanovski, Senior Mortgage Advisor at Geneva Financial, who shares her fascinating path from a daring move to Las Vegas to her success in the real estate industry. Jackie's journey offers a unique perspective on navigating life and career transitions. Episode Highlights: Jackie shares her journey of moving from Chicago to Las Vegas with no plan, starting from scratch, and how she pursued her dream of working in real estate. (2:05) Jackie discusses why supporting each other's dreams is crucial in maintaining a strong relationship. (11:40) Jackie mentions that seeking professional advice for financial and real estate planning is important, as it provides strategies and opportunities that online calculators cannot offer. (18:25) Jackie discusses the importance of vulnerability in building trust and connection with clients and showcasing professionalism through social media content. (24:49) Jackie shares that potential homebuyers should not be afraid to purchase a home due to varying price points, and getting an underwritten mortgage pre-approval can make the process quicker and more efficient. (33:18) Jackie mentions that trust is invaluable and that having someone to rely on for guidance and protection is crucial in achieving success. (37:21) Key Quotes: “As a mortgage lender, we have the strategies to give buyers to make them homeowners and it's a lot easier than people think because there are so many different programs.” - Jackie Zlatanovski “The opposite of fear is knowledge. And that's where I like to come in and help…let's see what the facts are and then make a decision.” - Jackie Zlatanovski “Our relationship with money is the biggest hurdle we have to overcome, to make all of our dreams come true.” - Jackie Zlatanovski Resources Mentioned: Connect with Jackie Zlatanovski Geneva Financial Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosted by Ashley Mastowski with guest Samantha Ramsier, Owner of Mr. Tax of Mount Vernon (with locations in Loudonville, Archbold, & Las Vegas), and an entrepreneur who has carved a niche in the tax and real estate industries. Samantha discusses her journey of navigating through male-dominated industries, balancing being a mother while managing a successful business, and shares invaluable insights on overcoming personal and professional challenges on the road to success. Episode Highlights: Samantha shares her path into the tax and real estate sectors shaped by personal challenges and family connections. (5:55) Samantha mentions that her tax business has grown a lot, especially in its Las Vegas office, so they had to make it bigger and make it a permanent site. (15:44) Samantha explains that during tax season, it is important for individuals to meet with professionals to plan their end-of-year finances and find ways to invest in their business to avoid writing a check to the government. (20:03) Samantha discusses her struggle to balance work and parenting responsibilities, realizing that the approach of bringing her child to the office did not work for her. (29:28) Samantha expresses her passion for working in a tax office and helping people save money and improve their businesses. (34:07) Samantha shares that her payroll business has experienced rapid growth without the need for advertising, and they have successfully resolved issues and reduced costs for their clients through software. (41:23) Samantha mentions that making mistakes on payroll can be very costly and often lacks understanding, resulting in penalties, which she has experienced firsthand with her mom's business. (44:02) Samantha explains how having a separate phone for work has been beneficial in reducing stress and allows her to focus on personal time with her son. (58:10) Key Quotes: “I love meeting with people, I love helping them save money and giving them all these different possibilities on trying to improve their business and not pay as much tax.” - Samantha Ramsier “It's more fun to really make mistakes and learn and grow and figure out what you need to do.” - Samantha Ramsier Resources Mentioned: Mr. Tax of Mt Vernon Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join Ashley Mastowski in a captivating conversation with Kristin Hayes on the She Means Business podcast. This episode features Kristin's remarkable transition from her early career as a flight attendant to a thriving real estate agent in Las Vegas. Listeners will get an insight into the realities of navigating a new industry, the intricacies of the current real estate market, and how motherhood reshaped her professional path. Episode Highlights: Kristin shares about the diverse work experiences that have ultimately led to her current career in real estate. (4:27) Kristin explains that navigating the challenging real estate market requires the right resources and guidance from a realtor to overcome any market challenges and succeed. (15:51) Kristin discusses the challenges of juggling work and parenting, including bringing her daughter to showings and constantly being on the go. (19:04) Kristin shares that finding a trustworthy and experienced realtor is key when navigating the current housing market, as they can provide personalized guidance and have established relationships with lenders for smoother transactions. (26:28) Kristin emphasizes that she is willing to help clients with their real estate plans, even if they are still waiting to buy a home, and is committed to working with them in the long term. (29:38) Kristin mentions that she plans to start investing in real estate to better assist her clients and learn from investors, recognizing the importance of understanding the investment side of the industry. (31:50) Key Quote: “When you contact me, you don't have to be ready to buy a home. We can set a game plan for two years from now. And we can even start putting everything into place” - Kristin Hayes “My brokerage has still been very successful in this market. And, I think it's really just because we are all optimists and young and just find a way to make stuff work with our resources.” - Kristin Hayes Resources Mentioned: Connect with Kristin Hayes Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosted by Ashley Mastowski with guest, Elizabeth Culley, Owner of GravityCerts. Elizabeth opens up about her journey, including the challenges of managing a business remotely, navigating personal and professional transitions, and her commitment to innovation in the insurance industry. Episode Highlights: Elizabeth shares her journey of falling into the insurance industry and finding purpose in helping people protect their assets, despite facing challenges as a woman in the industry. (3:48) Elizabeth discusses the challenges of transitioning from business owner to employee, while also dealing with the loss of relationships and the need to reinvent herself. (13:31) Elizabeth shares that she started her successful insurance agency by implementing strategies learned from conferences and experiences, but after facing challenges and burnout, she decided to create tools for other agencies to benefit from. (18:33) Elizabeth explains that creating a user-friendly and efficient back-end website is crucial for both clients and staff, as it helps streamline processes and organize information effectively. (22:45) Elizabeth mentions that automating processes and utilizing a website as the main tool for an agency can save time and money, boost rankings on Google, and drive traffic to the site. (28:00) Elizabeth discusses how navigating the challenges of technology and the insurance industry requires patience and perseverance, as both require time and effort to fix and connect underlying issues. (33:37) Elizabeth believes that steady growth may not be as flashy or exciting as rapid expansion, but it allows for a more intentional and purposeful approach that ensures quality service and client retention. (39:52) Key Quotes: “In order to be successful, I know I have to do things digitally. I can't do the traditional business model of insurance.” - Elizabeth Culley “What I really wanted to do is just help other agencies to kind of streamline things. And so they don't have to feel like they need to have 100 different solutions.” - Elizabeth Culley Resources Mentioned: Connect with Elizabeth Culley GravityCerts Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, as host Ashley Mastowski takes listeners through her 2023 journey, from doubling her insurance agency to navigating personal hurdles, underscoring the invaluable role of community and connection in her journey. Episode Highlights: Ashley believes that despite the challenges and difficulties faced in 2023, every experience has a purpose and offers growth and learning opportunities. (00:18) Ashley shares that after merging her business with another person, they are now focused on implementing new processes and roles, working with their CFO to plan for 2024 and achieve their ambitious goals. (1:24) Ashley mentions that in 2023 she was able to launch 10 episodes with inspiring women who have paved their paths in various industries, including government, coaching, law, business, finance, branding, design, and insurance. (6:56) Ashley discusses the importance of relatability, finding enjoyment in creating content, and having the right vision when starting a business for success. (12:00) Ashley mentions that 2023 was a year of learning and growth, and now she’s excited about the major milestones and accomplishments she has planned for 2024. (14:07) Key Quotes: “I always look back on my experiences and situations and try to grow from them. It always doesn't feel like that when you're in the moment. But I know everything happens for a reason.” - Ashley Mastowski “At any point in time in our career, in our lives, having just that little push, or that little ounce of inspiration can mean everything to somebody.” - Ashley Mastowski “I really just want to say thank you for all of your support launching this podcast and continuing to support and grow this amazing community full of women. So, let's continue to support one another.” - Ashley Mastowski Resources Mentioned: Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosted by Ashley Mastowsk, with guest Beth DeLaForest, owner of Aspire Insurance. Beth discusses her journey to owning her business and the challenges and rewards of building an agency from scratch, balancing work with family life, and her passion for creating a boutique agency experience. Episode Highlights: Beth mentions that she fell into insurance by accident after starting as a receptionist at a State Farm agency at age 20 and became licensed 3 months later. (2:12) Beth shares that when she started her independent agency in 2010, she took no clients or business and built her book from scratch. (10:35) Beth discusses how her husband's schedule gave her flexibility to build her agency while her kids were young. (21:39) Beth explains how she and her husband have separate home offices and don't work directly together, which has helped their marriage. (28:01) Beth emphasizes the need for self-care and prioritizing date nights to maintain a strong relationship while juggling business ownership. (35:50) Beth explained that visiting her new agency location in Gilbert, Minnesota provided an opportunity to decompress in the vacation rental space above the office. (39:23) Beth mentions that Aspire focuses on word-of-mouth marketing, building relationships, and providing high-quality service, resulting in high retention rates and customer satisfaction. (41:23) Key Quotes: “We're more positioned as a service type of agency than a sales agency, our sales are good, but our sales are most oftentimes a result of relationships and service.” - Beth DeLaForest “We just go out and connect with people, and make friends and help. I'm in a helping profession. That's how I approach what I'm doing. And, I don't feel like I'm in a sales role. I feel like I'm helping people and I'm not going to shove a product that isn't a fit or try to sell somebody that's better served someplace else, or with the product that they currently have if it's not the right fit for them ” - Beth DeLaForest Resources Mentioned: Connect with Beth DeLaForest Aspire Insurance Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media

Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosted by Ashley Mastowski with guest Stephani Ortiz, Owner of CAST Design Studio. Stephani discusses the critical role of design in business success and how her unique approach to branding helps clients stand out in crowded markets. Episode Highlights: Stephani mentions that she started her own business because she wanted the freedom and financial success she saw her hard-working single mother strive for. (2:17) Stephani emphasizes the importance of prioritizing design in business, and how focusing on design first leads to better-end products and improved functionality. (7:43) Stephani believes that starting a business requires more than just being good at what you do; it involves learning and managing various aspects such as bookkeeping and shifting your mindset from being a worker to being a business owner. (15:40) Stephani discusses the importance of understanding the client's needs and providing value beyond just the price. (20:59) Stephani mentions that she values flexibility and not being tied to an employer, as she had a negative experience of being let go by her previous employer and not wanting someone else to dictate their financial situation. (30:27) Stephani explains that CAST Design Studio helps businesses with branding, including messaging frameworks, persona development, logo design, website design, marketing, and product design. (35:16) Stephani believes that the future of hiring is shifting towards hiring for talent and specialization, empowering employees and freelancers to excel in their specific areas of expertise. (41:48) Key Quotes: “As a business owner, you have so many opportunities, and so many ways that you can make money, that it doesn't always have to be one time at a time exchange.” - Stephani Ortiz “They think we're more expensive than what we are, which is a good thing. But we're like no, we're still affordable. We're in between that freelancer and an actual, big agency that you would pay. We're right in the middle.” - Stephani Ortiz “You have to work hard in order to be able to play but the working heart always comes first.” - Stephani Ortiz Resources Mentioned: Connect with Stephani Ortiz CAST Design Studio Connect with Ashley Mastowski She Means Business Podcast First Choice Insurance Group Contact First Choice Insurance Group Little Dog Social Media