HAYVN Hubcast #HAYVNCoworking

A lot of entrepreneurs who sell amazing products don’t always start in business. Sometimes, they come up with an idea for a product (that often doesn’t exist in the marketplace) and then make a business out of that idea. That’s exactly the story of our guests Ann Guerrera and Áine Kappel.
Anne and Áine are the best friend and founder duo behind Alchemists Laboratories, a skincare brand dedicated to producing all-natural products to help women look as young and healthy as they feel. These friends were previously research chemists and met when they were working as chemistry teachers. 
After 20 years of friendship and multiple lunchtime conversations, they started talking about their aging skin. This conversation led them to start research and test product development in 2019 for a product that’s effective and without all of the hard-to-pronounce ingredients. 
“Why wouldn't you ingest the nutrients that are needed for healthy skin where it's able to work on the cellular level from the inside out?” - Áine Kappel
Key points discussed in this episode are: Balancing being best friends and business partners
Starting their business doing everything themselves
The shift and changes when taking the next step in their business
“Every time we’d do something we had to learn it ourselves. We'd like to take the next step where we can hire people who are specialists.” - Ann Guerrera
Now their focus has shifted from getting their product formulas right to being ready to take a large step forward in their business growth. 
This duo recently won HAYVN Hatch, and they’ve been amazed at all of the help people have been willing to give them. They realized that this doesn’t have to be a lonely journey, and people are willing to help them as they bring their business to the next level.
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State Representatives play an important role in their communities. It’s their job to recognize the needs of the people they represent and make sure those needs are met by legislation. In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we’re joined by Rep. Tracy Marra. She’s currently the State Representative for Norwalk & Darien.
Ever since high school, Rep. Marra was focused on a career as a pharmacist. Even though she compared being a pharmacist to being a lawyer, with the amount of reading, research, and knowledge it required, she never thought that she’d go into politics.
While living and working in Bermuda, her time away from our country gave her a new level of respect for the U.S., and an appreciation for the fact that she could vote and have her words heard by her government. After getting actively involved in her local Darien community, she worked as an organizer, a campaign manager, and eventually a representative. 
In her first year as State Representative, she is actively engaged on the Education, Public Health and Transportation committees. 
“I didn't want it to be by the 10% from either side that was acting crazy. I wanted to make sure that our community was represented by someone thoughtful.” - Rep. Tracy Marra
Rep. Marra shares with us: Why she decided to get into politics
The projects and passions she’s working on 
The support businesses need in Connecticut. 
“We need to move forward with rational, calm legislation. The noise is just noise.” - Rep. Tracy Marra
In this episode Rep. Marra shares her knowledge, her sense of civic responsibility and the work she is doing for Connecticut, while demonstrating how her thoughtfulness and appreciation for the country are influencing her work. 
Connect with State Representative Tracy Marra: 
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HAYVN is a community of passionate and driven entrepreneurs who we are proud to celebrate. In this episode, we get to hear about the exciting business journey of Kara Mac, founder of Kara Mac Shoes, also a recent winner of the HAYVN Hatch.
As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in knitwear technology, Kara quickly worked her way up in the fashion industry. One day after walking to work with shoes in her bag to change into for a later event, only to find a dozen other shoes under her desk for different outfits, her idea came for Kara Mac Shoes, "The World's First Instantly Convertible Shoes from Heel to Toe."
After several successful business pitches, Kara quit her job and worked on her shoe company full time.
Key Points discussed: Challenges in starting a new brand business
Keeping the brand and business sustainable
Understanding the client
Shifting the focus to looking for capital and growing the business

“You have to build your moat so other people can't steal your work.” - Kara Mac
From the conception of the idea until about a year ago, Kara Mac Shoes has been self-funded and running on revolving cash flow. Kara has been bootstrapping at a global level, sourcing manufacturers and factories, fulfilling the orders herself, hiring interns and freelancers, flying all over the country to get proof of concept, and getting friends and families to help. During this time, she was able to understand her customers, work on and improve the product, and secure the patents.
Now, she’s ready to expand the business, increase capital, expand the customer base, and bring in more sales.
Connect with Kara Mac:
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In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed speaks with Ed Knight, Founder and CEO of Transference, a company dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of administrative and tedious tasks during challenging life transitions. 
One of the most uncomfortable conversations to have is what to do in case of tragedies like injuries, medical emergencies, or even death. When loved ones are unprepared, all the paperwork, legalities, and involved parties can add even more stress. 
With a background in finance and insurance, Ed recognized the need for dedicated support in managing the paperwork and red tape that needs to be taken care of during these crucial times. With Transference, his goal is to provide clarity and assistance to those navigating the complexities of estate management, end-of-life affairs, and caregiving responsibilities.
Ed talks about: Navigating life transitions and unexpected tragedies
Proactive preparation and estate management
Maximizing technology now for less headaches later
People often go to lawyers in these situations when they don’t know what  else to do. Transference offers the same administrative services, making it more accessible and typically more affordable to people who need it most. 
Using seminars, strategic partnerships, and groups like HAYVN, Ed is maximizing the power of networks to expand his new business and make sure that people know about his business whenever they might need it. 
Connect with Ed Knight
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In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, we welcome US Representative Jim Himes who represents Connecticut's 4th District. Congressman Himes shares insights into his journey from a background in business to politics and discusses key issues affecting community businesses, our state and our country.
Congressman Himes has served as a representative for Connecticut's 4th District for eight terms (that’s 16 years!). With a background in business, including a 12-year stint at Goldman Sachs, Congressman Himes brings a unique perspective to policy making, focusing on issues such as economic growth, sustainability, and social capital.
“It's never easy to start a small business, but it’s easier now than it was 30 years ago.” - Congressman Jim Himes
Key Topics Discussed:
How modern economics have evolved with innovation
Importance of social capital
Challenges facing Connecticut and the US
Role of civic engagement
With a genuine appreciation of the resiliency of the “incredible people” of Connecticut, Himes offers a thoughtful perspective on what keeps him up at night and how we can come together in these divisive times. And bringing it closer to home, he notes that HAYVN epitomizes how social capital can work.
“There's no substitute for the social networks that you're part of.” - Congressman Jim Himes
By hearing Congressman Himes' perspectives on entrepreneurship, community engagement, and continued support of small businesses, this episode offers valuable insights for listeners interested in what’s going on in government and the things they can do right now for their businesses and careers.
Connect with Congressman Jim Himes:
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On this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we’re hearing the inspiring journey of Tori Brown, the Founder and Chef of Breakfast Belle. Tori shares her story of transitioning from learning how to cook from her family to being a successful food entrepreneur.
 
Tori's journey into the world of cooking began with her love of breakfast foods, inspired by her grandmother's southern culinary heritage. After initially pursuing a career in event planning and fundraising, Tori discovered her passion for catering while organizing events. This led her to launch Breakfast Belle in 2016, where she serves delicious southern-style breakfast and brunch dishes. She now creates, markets and sells sought-after packaged goods like: Bamma Fish Fry and Bamma Hot Sauce.
“Lay a brick every day.” -Tori Brown
Key points Tori discusses: How her brand went from a one-woman show to scaling up
Leveraging e-commerce and influencer marketing to grow her brand
Her experience applying for grants and pitching her business
“To anybody that's looking to get into this field, keep going.” -Tori Brown
Tori's story is an example of how resilience, determination, and resourcefulness are required to succeed as an entrepreneur (and new mother). Her commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and willingness to ask for support has been instrumental in her journey from cooking in her kitchen to food entrepreneur.
Connect with Tori Brown: 
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