Category: Mindset

S3:E16 – Isolation: Reset or Self-Destruct?

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date November 18, 2025

November 18, 2025

S3E16: Isolation: Reset or Self-Destruct?

Featuring Christy Smallwood

In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood opens up about the fine line between healthy solitude and harmful isolation—especially for entrepreneurs navigating chaos, debt, and change.

Drawing from her own “cocooning” season, Christy shares how isolation can either transform you or trap you, and why intention and reentry are everything. She dives deep into:

Why business owners hide their struggles (especially financial ones)
The difference between cocooning for growth vs. isolating from pain
How to use solitude to recharge, realign, and reconnect
The physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of chronic isolation
How to build your support system, find accountability, and rejoin community

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Tags business coach, business owner, entrepreneur, kentucky, mindset, small business, strategy, Success Stories

Branding Entertainment Episodes: Video Marketing Mindset

S3:E15 – Movements, Marketing & Midlife Mojo: The We Do Not Care Club Effect

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date October 15, 2025

October 15, 2025

S3E15: Movements, Marketing & Midlife Mojo: The We Do Not Care Club Effect

Featuring Christy Smallwood

In this episode of Christy’s Corner on Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood dives into the viral rise of The We Do Not Care Club, a movement that started with one woman’s raw message and spread across the internet like wildfire.

Christy explores what makes movements go viral — from clear, relatable messaging to emotional resonance — and applies those same principles to small business success. From quicksand marketing traps to MVP (Minimum Viable Product) mindset, she gets real about balance, burnout, and why “we do not care” might just be the rally cry small business owners need.

You’ll hear:

How the We Do Not Care Club went from frustration to cultural moment
Why seven steps to seven figures isn’t always what it seems
How to simplify, show up messy, and still make momentum
A sneak peek into Christy’s Being Super Method and how to tap your own superpower
How to start your own “movement” in business that actually matters

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Tags book club, business owner, cocktails, entrepreneur, kentucky, mixology, small business, strategy, Success Stories

Education Entertainment Episodes: Video Event Industry Hospitality Mindset Publishing

S3:E14 AI, Cybersecurity & Tech Made Simple for Small Business

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date September 19, 2025

September 19, 2025

S3E14: AI, Cybersecurity & Tech Made Simple for Small Business | Jeff Chandler of ZJAK Technologies

Featuring Jeff Chandler, Owner Z-JAK Technologies

Technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with repeat guest Jeff Chandler, owner of Z-JAK Technologies, to unpack the world of AI, cybersecurity, and small business tech solutions.

Jeff shares insights on protecting your business from cybercriminals, avoiding shiny-object syndrome with new tools, and keeping technology practical and effective for everyday operations. From AI-powered platforms to the basics of staying safe online, this conversation is packed with real-world tips for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to scale with confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right tools, when to outsource, and how to keep things simple in a noisy tech world—this episode is for you!

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Education Entertainment Episodes: Video Event Industry Hospitality Mindset Publishing

S3:E13 Cocktails, Creativity & Confidence: Jennifer Brian on Make & Muddle’s New Book and Bold Flavors

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date September 3, 2025

September 3, 2025

S3E13: Cocktails, Creativity & Confidence: Jennifer Brian on Make & Muddle’s New Book and Bold Flavors

Featuring Jennifer Brian, Owner Make & Muddle

In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy sits down with Jennifer Brian, owner of Make & Muddle, to talk about the evolution of her business, the launch of her long-awaited book The Classic Cocktail Revival, and the power of trusting yourself as an entrepreneur. Jennifer shares the origin story of Make & Muddle, new product launches like the smoked persimmon syrup and chamomile-inspired “Four Tea Tonic,” and a live demo of how to make the perfect Aperol Spritz. Beyond cocktails, this conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, creativity, self-trust, and why aligning with your true people changes everything.

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, small business owner, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with both inspiration and practical wisdom.

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Entertainment Episodes: Video Media Mindset

S3:E8 – From Dance Studios to Casting Calls: Kim Swanson on Starting Small and Dreaming Big

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

From Dance Studios to Casting Calls: Kim Swanson on Starting Small and Dreaming Big

Featuring Kim Swanson of Hanson Entertainment Industries, Inc.

In this powerhouse episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with the multi-talented Kim Swanson—a serial entrepreneur, casting director, dance educator, and inventor—whose story is packed with resilience, faith, and next-level resourcefulness.

Kim opens up about her humble beginnings in a church basement where she taught dance classes for eight kids—planting the seeds for what would become a thriving dance studio still in operation 35 years later. But that was just the beginning.

Through a mix of divine timing, fearless pivots, and a deep desire to help others, Kim unintentionally launched a second career as an Emmy Award-winning casting director. And if that wasn’t enough, a frustrating walk with her dog during the pandemic led to her inventing an eco-conscious poop bag—SHŪNŪ—that’s now patent-pending and making waves for how it gives back to veterans through a partnership with K9s For Warriors.

You’ll hear how Kim:

Turned her passion into a thriving, family-run dance studio
Built a casting business out of a casual favor—and landed local Emmys in the process
Bootstrapped her product invention from concept to real sales
Manifested $25,000 on The Price is Right to fund her dream (no, seriously!)
Keeps her mindset strong through seasons of uncertainty using prayer, planning, and positivity
Believes the biggest key to business is: solve a problem, help people, and keep showing up

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like your idea is “too small to matter,” this episode will reignite your fire. Kim reminds us that success isn’t about the size of the start—it’s about the faith to start at all.

🎧 Listen in for real talk, real laughs, and the kind of inspiration that gets you moving again.

🔗 Resources mentioned:

SHŪNŪ Dog Bags – https://shunubags.com (insert actual link)
K9s For Warriors – https://k9sforwarriors.org

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Tags business owner, dance studio, entertainment industry, entrepreneur, patent, small business, strategy, Success Stories, Women-Owned Business

Culture Episodes: Video Law Leadership Marketing Mindset

S3:E7 – From Bracelets to Boardrooms: Building A Law Firm With Heart

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

From Bracelets to Boardrooms: Building a Law Firm with Heart

Featuring Libby Gray of Gray Ice Higdon Law Firm

What happens when a Deadhead entrepreneur becomes one of Louisville’s top attorneys and co-founds a powerhouse law firm in just one weekend?

Meet Libby Gray, co-founder and managing partner at Gray Ice Higdon. In this episode, host Christy Smallwood digs into Libby’s unconventional path from friendship bracelet slinger to federal court litigator, and how her firm is redefining law firm culture through inclusivity, intentional leadership, and business-savvy legal expertise.

Whether you’re navigating non-competes, scaling your business, or just trying to avoid costly legal pitfalls, Libby’s insights are pure gold. Discover how commercial law, intellectual property, and strategic contracts can make—or break—your business.

Learn how to protect your business, lead with integrity, and build something meaningful with your name on it.

Topics covered:
• Starting a law firm from scratch
• Legal essentials for entrepreneurs
• Managing business partnerships
• Preventing costly litigation
• Building inclusive, values-based culture
• Why every small biz needs an attorney (ASAP)

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Tags Attorney, business owner, entrepreneur, Law firm, small business, strategy, Success Stories, Women-Owned Business

Episodes: Video Food Leadership Marketing Mindset

S3:E6 Rebranding with Purpose: How Maeve Chocolate is Reinventing the Industry—One Bar at a Time

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date May 13, 2025

April 30, 2025

Rebranding with Purpose: How Maeve Chocolate is Reinventing the Industry—One Bar at a Time

Featuring Jean Thompson and Ellie Thompson of Maeve Chocolate

What happens when a former Microsoft exec buys a chocolate factory, reinvents the brand, and turns it into a movement? In this deliciously inspiring episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind Maeve Chocolate (formerly Seattle Chocolate).

Founder Jean Thompson shares how she went from investor to CEO, tackling imposter syndrome, supply chain challenges, and brand transformation—while daughter Ellie brings in a fresh Gen Z perspective, helping the company transition to a more vibrant, purpose-driven brand.

They spill the cocoa beans on:

Reinventing a legacy brand while staying true to your mission
Why the cocoa industry is more complex than wine
Building a female-led, impact-driven chocolate business
How storytelling, sustainability, and bold packaging win over conscious consumers
Preparing the next generation for leadership (and legacy)

If you love chocolate, entrepreneurship, or stories of brand transformation with heart—this one’s for you.

🌎 Learn more about Maeve Chocolate: https://maevechocolate.com
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Audio Production Culture Episodes: Video Leadership Marketing Media Mindset Production

S3:E5 – Why Every Business Needs To Capture Its Origin Story

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

Season 3: Ep 5 - Why Every Business Needs To Capture Its Origin Story

Featuring David Sermersheim of Audio Capture

What if your story was the one thing that could shape generations to come? In this heartwarming and powerful episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy Smallwood sits down with David Sermersheim—corporate leader by day, founder of Celebrate Audio by passion—to uncover how storytelling is the most underutilized yet impactful tool in business today.

David shares how a personal voicemail at a wedding changed everything for him, leading to a calling to help families and businesses preserve their legacies through audio storytelling. From bringing corporate values to life to capturing once-in-a-lifetime wisdom from loved ones, this episode dives deep into how stories are more than memories—they’re the blueprint of success, connection, and legacy.

💡 Whether you’re a founder, team leader, or family business owner, this episode will move you—and might even make you cry (in a good way).

🔗 Learn more about Celebrate Audio: https://celebrateaudio.com/

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Tags Audio Capture, business owner, entrepreneur, kentucky, national speaker association, NSA, NSA KY, small business, speaker, strategy, Success Stories

Autism Books, Author Culture Education Episodes: Video Leadership Marketing Media Mindset Non-Profit Production Publishing

S3:E4 – Building A Creative Legacy

Post author By smallbusinesssmalltalk
Post date April 15, 2025

April 02, 2025

Season 3: Ep 4 - Building a Creative Legacy

Featuring Kathryn and Todd Ziegler of Iron Pirate Publishing

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy sits down with two of her favorite collaborators (and friends), Kathryn and Todd Ziegler—co-founders of Iron Pirate Publishing. From Broadway spotlights to a book born out of love for their daughter with autism, this duo blends creativity, resilience, and purpose into everything they touch.

Get ready for a deep dive into how Iron Pirate evolved from a single Kickstarter campaign into a full-blown publishing, production, and education company. They talk about making bold moves, learning to listen (even when it’s hard), and what true success feels like—peace, purpose, and meaningful connection.

You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and you’ll walk away inspired to finish that “thing” on your heart. Whether you’re a fellow creative, an entrepreneur, or somewhere in between—this one’s for you.

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Guest References

TIFFANY EPIPHANY BY KATHRYN ZEIGLER

Meet Tiffany Epiphany, our first friend in The Spectrum Series™! The series features characters who celebrate their gifts, challenges, and accomplishments as children with autism. Tiffany is very lucky because she gets to see the world in a unique way. Through her adventures Tiffany shows her family and friends just how big and beautiful her world truly is.

You can meet Tiffany’s friend Solomon Sparks NOW! The Spectrum Series™ are books full of love with characters that celebrate the gifts, challenges, and achievements of children with autism.

Meta, Instagram, TikTok: @thespectrumseriesbooks

Developed and written by: Kathryn Rae Zeigler

Illustrated by: Mimi Beane Zeigler

Edited by: Todd Zeigler

Published by: Iron Pirate Publishing

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Episodes: Video Human Resources Insurance Marketing Mindset Non-Profit Operations

Small Business Success Talk: A Candid Conversation on Growth, Humanity, and Resilience with Christy Smallwood and Danielle Chesney

Post author By Project Manager
Post date January 10, 2024

Small Business Success Talk: A Candid Conversation on Growth, Humanity, and Resilience with Christy Smallwood and Danielle Chesney

In this episode of Small Business Success Talks, host Christy Smallwood engages in a deep and insightful conversation with special guest Danielle Chesney. Together, they delve into the intricacies of entrepreneurial success and personal development, covering a range of impactful topics:

Explore the transformative journey of continuous learning and its profound impact on business growth.

Uncover the vital connection between genuine humanity and the flourishing results it brings to your business relationships.

Discover the significance of in-person activities for insurance agents and how they contribute to building strong and lasting connections with clients.

Redefine success through a nuanced discussion that sheds light on the diverse interpretations of this elusive concept.

Learn the art of mastering time management, focusing on the significance of strategic time blocks and structuring your day for optimal productivity.

Navigate the challenges of coping with loss in the business world, gaining valuable insights on resilience and recovery.

Delve into the empowering role of children in times of loss, exploring the importance of open communication and its impact on the healing process.

Join Christy and Danielle for an authentic and inspiring conversation that transcends conventional business discussions. Subscribe now to Small Business Success Talks and gain valuable wisdom from these seasoned entrepreneurs on navigating the highs and lows of the business landscape.

*********************************************************************

This episode of Small Business Success Talk brought to you by

Chrysaetos. Making a better human experience by building better leaders. We are the Leadership Professionals. https://chrysaetos.biz/

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Interested in booking Christy for your next event? Visit https://christysmallwood.com/, or email sidekick@eagleeyestrategies.biz for more information.

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