Proofing Stage

Not just business as usual!Proofing Stage provides real talk, actionable guidance, lessons learned (don't make the mistakes we did) and the validation that YOU ARE NOT CRAZY (like when you've been gaslit) for female business owners. Season 1 laid the foundation by unpacking 8 years of running a successful food business. Now Joan and Michelle continue the discussion with a cadre of brilliant, straight-shooting guests. Available now anywhere you get your pods. Listen. Subscribe. Spread the word.Theme music by Thorn HazeArtwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

Welcome to Proofing Stage. We're here for it. And, you're in for a treat. Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

Michelle and Joan are doers. They don't just have ideas, they go after them - sometimes too hard and for too long. Sometimes to great success and following. This first episode of Proofing Stage lays the groundwork for why, after a professional lifetime of going after things, creating and improving, it's time to take a look back and figure out where to go from here. And, why doing it with others is the only way to do it. As the episode title suggests, we answer the question: "Why are we doin' the podcast?" Together with our host, Amanda, the answer includes:Capturing years of entrepreneurshipShining a light on the challenging experiences we face as minority business ownersDescribing what Michelle and Joan did before the bagel bizExplaining how businesses reflect their foundersDemonstrating what goes into a minimally viable productFostering communityTalking about how others perceive your dreamsTo open up our networksHighlighting mistakes for others to learn fromBecause the hustle and grind wants to keep us from communingAlong the way, you learn more about Joan, Michelle and Amanda.And, yes, Michelle explains the significance of this pod's name. CW: Seasoned with explicit languageLinks:Fugue the App"Descent into Sadness" (Fugue app commercial)"Through the Ages" (Fugue app commercial)Karmic MessengerBottoms Up BagelsTheme music by Thorn HazeArtwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

Joan shares why the Proofing Stage pod is important to her, and to us. Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

You're getting to know our founders a little more everyday. The context provider. The cut-to-the-chase-er. The outside observer. While the businesses we've begun are in different industries, the hustle is similar - living the literal dream while trying to make ends meet, and having the right tools for the job. Were we getting ready for a dog show? Nope. A theater performance? Nope. A farmers market? YES! This week, you'll learn about Bottoms Up Bagels' (BUB's) first sales day - which was not unlike the build up and culmination of a Christopher Guest movie. Whether you are an over-complicator, over-achiever or just thrive on the "figuring it out" of entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.But first, here are the other tasty, crispy bits on the edge of this podcast lasagne:There is a big difference between your friends liking your food and strangers liking what you make. Related, cooking for 4 people is different from prepping a variety of foods for 100.How Bottoms Up Bagels (BUB) got its name. Spoiler alert: We're not florid alcoholics.When it's time for a career changeHear Michelle read to lo-fi beats. So soothing!What's your MVP (Minimally Viable Product?)Introduction to Joan's Foreshadowing Moment segmentsPrepping for your first sales opportunityWhat's a Black Russian bagel and can you still call it that?Defining "traction"Microdosing hospitality life (in the arsenic sense)Food business start-up Growing Pains - minus Bible ManWe unpack what Joan means by "The Drug."Motivation to pick up the pace can come from anywhereAnd does polyamory apply to prep kitchen usage? I mean...CW: Adult language and themes; pro-caper sentimentLinks:Maryland Cottage Food Business ResourcesServSafe®Small Business SaturdayTheme music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by Pumpupthemind (via Pixabay)Artwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

Gather around for story-time... this mini-sode about the power of gifting yourself permission is more evergreen than seasonal. #impostersyndrome #loxtoreflecton #criticalcontrolpointFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

Ah, Anthony Bourdain, you are still deeply missed. What happens when the utopia of accessing commercial equipment, making your product with a bit more ease, and being around theoretically like-minds begins to fade? Here, the everyday challenges of scaling a food business butt up against culture clashes and finding your voice. What's in any of our control? And what should you look for when relying on other, more powerful, entities to help you build your dream? This double-wide episode gets down and dirty in the (shared) back of the house, while dishing out helpful hints for finding the right space to grow your business.Today, we're serving up...Different flavors of commercial kitchen spacesHow shared kitchens are a microcosm of larger systemsAll-you-can-eat unsolicited adviceFood business permit/license sherpas, and how you don't need themA light sprinkle of "fakers" vs "makers"When fines aren't [fine]A very special "Listener Take Note" momentTaking price incentives to an extreme: always read the billThe Pros, Cons, Bros and "C'mons" of sharing a kitchen #ultimateroommatescenarioSomeone taking "broom-swept" to a whole 'nother level.THE question: Did Bottoms Up Bagels (BUB) over-proof at the shared kitchen?And, the main course... Michelle brings down the house with a #standandeliver moment about a #kingmaker      - Heads up! This is required reading/listening for any female business ownerCW: Adult language and themesGlossaryRoadshowTilt skilletsLinkShared Kitchen Confidential- Joan's Oct. 2019 Ignite presentation (6 mins., 23 sec.)- I mean, how many one-liners are in this?!!!Theme music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by ToniSound (via Pixabay), OctoSound (via Pixabay), Grand_Project (via Pixabay)Artwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

We're winding down our year and having some fun within the entrepreneurial landscape. What can prompt one human being to get up and go, can generate a Camden Yards-style wave of eyerolls from another. In this clip, not quite mini-sode, Joan runs down a few of 2023's standout CTAs for budding business owners.Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

In the spirit of the new year, we're sharing our aspirations. What are yours?In a recent production meeting, Michelle, Amanda and Joan asked: "What's your hope for this podcast?" This BTS bonus episode begins to answer that question... Some highlights below:Joan:"It had to have catharsis, but also have catharsis with meaning [outside of us]. I feel like just a bitch session for us would not be meaningful to listeners and also readers...So it's important to like to meaningfully share something, to establish who we - all the three of us - are, actually, to see if people want to continue on this journey with us and to bring people along as we go. But people are now listening to the foundational episodes and I think that's important to establish character and experience and see if anything resonates with people."Amanda:"I've been thinking about the catharsis that comes from creation a lot within the past, actually the past 24 hours, 48 hours. I was speaking with a friend of mine who's an author and we had brunch and it was really nice and we were talking about how well. I'm writing memoir right now and how there was one piece in particular that I had been carrying around for a really, really long time about a situation when I was very young and I wrote it and a very strange thing happened to me at least that you know, I think people talk about but they don't talk about as openly as they should is - that when you put it down on paper, you put it down and you're able to carry on."Michelle: "But you know that's a process, for lots of things is to just... put it down and then see what pieces of it you wanna pick up to go on your next journey, and that's for me it's very much that process. And then the bonus of seeing where it can go and what it brings out in people and if there's a community that we can help foster or connect to other communities talking about similar things, that's really exciting and it's been exciting to not be afraid to put our whole selves out there."Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

What's that they say about hindsight? Sometimes we're fortunate to see red flags in real time. But, most times it takes a while. And, even then we can still be left wondering what happened. Or, whose version of events were "right." Then, throw in the question of intentions (known and unknown) and it's easy to give up on the prospect of ever really understanding the meaning of a given situation. But here at Proofing Stage, we never give up. We're trying to put past business experiences into context and bring what learnings there are forward for us, and for you, dear listener. This week we continue the conversation about systems by focusing on gatekeepers and "mentorship." What options are there for growth when you're just starting out, and does true collaboration really exist? We uncover who gets asked what kinds of questions (prevention over promotion, much?) and debate the merits of food halls as amenities that are the brain child of development companies versus viable stepping stones for budding business to launch into prime time.Joan, Amanda and Michelle are a little punchy this week, and talkin':Nepo babiesA Nepo baby who made a play for BUB's recipesThe woman guised as a mentor who enabled said nepo babyGatekeepersNon-competes in commercial leasesNDAs, but like, the good kindDoes anyone have enough data to truly vote with their dollar?Being told that you don't know what you do know CW: Adult languageTheme music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by rain_of_thrones (via Pixabay) Artwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

Are you a food entrepreneur who's considering moving your business into a food hall?Here's Michelle's primer on which questions to ask - so you can get the answers you need. She covers:- Square footage and layout- Common areas- Build-out and outfitting- Types of lease structuresIt's time to equip yourself with knowledge - and Michelle's here to help!Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

It's 2019 and Bottoms Up Bagels (BUB) is feeling the pinch of increased overhead while working with a limited business model - relying on pop ups, catering and wholesale without everyday direct-to-customer sales opportunities. The wheels are set in motion though, and the dream of production meeting retail in BUB's first brick and mortar is on its way to being realized. At this, our halfway point of Season 1, Amanda follows Joan and Michelle through the early stages of locating a space for the future home of their business, and digs into the balance between finding fertile ground, making space in your community for beautiful things to happen, and what it takes to even get to the starting line. Episode 5 also breaks down some terms we've been tossing around:Land BankingBUB RoadshowBUB Hub betaWe then get into the nitty gritty of:Moving from a shared kitchen to a shop of our ownWhat it takes to find a space: the timeline is no jokeWe answer the "Why Harwood?" questionADA compliance and the importance of making spaces accessibleNational Main Streets programsOpen production: theatrical yet transparentHow yesterday's bagels are simply not. a. thing.Building the Proofing Stage community - we want to hear from you!CW: Adult languageLinks:Main Street AmericaPlacemaking in the Era of Ghost Kitchens, BBGA Fall 2021Theme music by Thorn HazeArtwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

Any small business involves risk, often calculated and sometimes underestimated. Still, the brands you love press on every day through countless obstacles and decisions, bringing a team and the desire to not skip a beat along for the ride. But, what's behind your favorite place setting up shop, or shuttering its doors? This episode covers the ground from BUB Hub beta's build out and the team finally having a space of their own, through the end of the initial lease term - all against the backdrop of a global pandemic. We also remind you (and us) why this journey is worthwhile.Hard-won victories, lessons learned and pro-tips abound, like:In the world of commercial real estate, what's a vanilla shell? Moreover, what's got Joan feeling like a cold dark shell?Negotiating for graduated rentWe stop ourselves short from unpacking health department and building inspection processesThe eustress (not me-stress) of movingHow "coming soon" is a phrase that shouldn't be used lightlyPaying to build out a space you don't ownAmanda creates a colorful new expletiveWhy property ownership makes sense for small businesses"I"m a real estate startup, and I'm here to help... our investors!"Treating people like crap when you think you're better than themGreen means go. Yellow means caution. Red (flags) mean nothing when you have no options.Whoever dies with the most toys winsWhen landlords gaslight you"The Wire" helps us explain some thingsRewarding landbankersDid someone say "conspiracy?"Michelle's pitch for you to "like and subscribe"CW: Adult languageTheme music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by AlisiaBeats (via Pixabay)Artwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

The air was thick with election fever, but even thicker with the scent of fresh bagels.Imagine our surprise when what we thought was a media frenzy for our beloved bagel bonanza at the Marion Public Library turned into an impromptu meet-and-greet with a Republican presidential candidate! In today's bonus episode, Michelle and Joan recap this somewhat humorous, mostly unnerving, Tale from the Roadshow. Join us for laughs, a sprinkle of politics, and a whole lot of heart from the Proofing Stage team.Then on Feb. 7th, we resume new episodes with a focus on the Bottoms Up Bagels (BUB) Roadshow. This bonus episode is just a taste of what's in store.Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

No Surgeon General's Warning needed for this bonus content. Catch us chatting about smoking of the savory smokin' kind. Meats. Dairy. Pellets vs. chips. Indoor vs. outdoor. This little excerpt didn't make the cut for our conversation about the BUB Roadshow in Bozeman, Montana, but it's full of flavor. Enjoy this preview of what's to come when full episodes of Proofing Stage resume THIS Wednesday, 2/7.#smokedmeats #bbqbitches #smokinhot #beefbrisket #briskethashFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

Earlier in the pod we introduced the BUB Roadshow, Bottoms Up Bagels (BUB)'s way of busting the water myth and testing new markets for expansion. Part bagel pop up - part traveling circus - at its core, "The Roadshow" is about bringing good bagels to more people with local communities at its center. Today, Joan, Amanda and Michelle pull back the curtain on the how, and the why (oh, why?!) of doing an insane thing on top of the already questionable thing of running a small business. Because when you know your customer is everywhere, you go find them.In this, the first of two episodes about the Roadshow, we explore: #BozangelesWhy is there an "it's the water that makes a great bagel" myth? Who does that serve? What does it say about people who don't live in the NJ, NY, CT tri-state area?We learn about pay-what-you-can restaurants - and serve breakfast and lunch out of one.Michelle rises to the occasion of high altitude baking.Our crazy extensive menu leaves us asking #whatthehuck were we thinking?!SPOILER ALERT: The decision to be the culinary "away team" doesn't suck. SPOILER-ER ALERT: There's no hero's welcome when returning to Baltimore.Hold up, is anyone else hankering for a Sailor's Club right now?CW: Adult languageVideos- The BUB Roadshow (1 min., 30 seconds)- Tales from the Roadshow (1 min.)Theme music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by: VITOVI (via Pixabay)Additional music by: SergeQuadrado (via Pixabay)Artwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

As the Roadshow rolls on, Bottoms Up Bagels (BUB) begins to hire locally for stops in various cities. In our next full episode, we'll relive some of those hits, but today's clip is decidedly about the misses.From would-be employees with a penchant for grand theft to those who've taken a swing at law enforcement (literally), we're exposing the hilarious, often alarming disconnect between cover letters (AI-generated ones to be specific) and the actual individuals behind them.Speaking of AI, the Proofing Stage crew doubles down on the tomes of future bonus content we're collecting. Enjoy!Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

The level of difficulty is slowly intensifying for the BUB crew as they embark on new formats and increasingly longer Roadshow stops from 2021-2023. From overcoming obstacles like staffing shortages and supply chain shortfalls to equipment breakdowns, team injuries and illness, the gnarly bits of taking the bagel show on the road abound.But, as Amanda and BUB's co-founders discuss, there are community connections and piles of scrumptious bagels, lox and sandwiches to make the trip(s) worthwhile. Episode 8 includes highlights from the likes of Cohoes, NY, Columbus, OH and Cedar Rapids, IA. Each with its own personality and flavor, these locations make the Roadshow an unmatched experience for Bottoms Up Bagels and communities alike. As always, we're a-learnin' and a-sharin':Don't let them see you sweatDo follow through on your promisesDon't try lifting heavy equipmentDo honor peoples' loyaltyDon't use vendors you can't rely onDo bring a film crew (whenever possible)Don't eat salad from ______ restaurant in Cedar Rapids, IADo calibrate your production to meet demandDon't underestimate what you've learnedDo be a respectful Away TeamDon't forget you're still the expert - no matter where you goDo be thankful for the yeses (as much as the noes)Don't miss out on local colorDo leave them wanting moreTheme music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by: VITOVI (via Pixabay)Additional music by: saavane (via Pixabay)Artwork by Lisa OryeLinks:Boffo Bagel Business for Pop Up in Cohoes (article)Baltimore’s Bottoms Up Bagels Pops Up in Columbus (article)New Jersey bagel shop to hold pop-ups at NewBo City Market, Marion (article; ignore the delightful typo)The BUB Roadshow video (Lonely Planet's version featuring Iowa)Nominate Your Town Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

We're approaching the end of Season 1, but not before a jam-packed episode on creativity and collaborations to help amplify your food business. This bonus clip covers important considerations for your brand's visual identity, including who can help and when to drop the big bucks:Whether working with a firm or independent designer, ask them in advance about:Their project discovery process In addition to logo, which visual branding pieces they provide (e.g. style guide)And, remember:Logo ≠ brand identityTake time to get to know your customer well before dumping a lot of money into version 1 of your logoCheck out a designer's portfolio before reaching out to them: if you don't like what you see, move onFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

We're celebrating the end of Season 1 with big slice of creativity, talking inspiration and intention with a generous sprinkling of strategy. After all, if you've started a business or dream of starting one, you've got that creative inside you. Whether it's thinking about a different way to design your venture altogether, or giving it just the right vibe or visual representation, your business and your brand is an extension of you. So, take some time to get it right and be PROUD of what you've created. In this season finale the creative forces behind Proofing Stage discuss the unexpected approaches to some of Bottoms Up Bagels (BUB) menu items, events, commercials and antics. And, it's more than just a good time with: the purpose of cementing your brand, connecting with your customers and driving business. We zero in on finding the right professional creatives to materialize a vision, and how to develop working relationships that respect what each party brings to the table. In doing so, we share examples from our journey together on Proofing Stage this season, and what's to come. Imbuing business with creativity isn't new.But what do you do when it's all up to you?Business title and item names are an obvious place.Next up: merch design - hope your illustrator's an ace!Marketing videos won't land if you don't have a clueOf what you want, or who can deliver that to you.So take heed, and do listen upTo this final episode of the season, Cheers! Bottoms Up!Break this one up if you need to, but don't miss any of these hits that surely stick the landing.And, check out our Instagram for the puppets. BUB TV:Spend Some Time with Miss Michelle [Romper Room spoof]Contactless vs No-ContactMichelle as Mary Tyler Moore [Roadshow promotional video]Foraging with JoanHalitos - One Seed Makes Everything [Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos spoof]Theme music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by: AlisiaBeats (via Pixabay)Artwork by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstage See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.