Dallas, Texas: What’s Good? Lessons from your Local Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

Brianna Jovahn
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

Ever wonder what's happening behind the scenes of Dallas's business community? Dallas, Texas, What's Good? is a podcast hosted by Brianna Jovahn that uncovers the stories, lessons, and experiences of local entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, and community leaders shaping the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Whether you're starting a business, growing your brand, exploring new opportunities, or simply curious about the people making an impact in your own backyard, these conversations offer practical advice, fresh perspectives, and inspiration to help you move forward. From entrepreneurship and business development to marketing, leadership, and community impact, each episode explores the realities of building a business, navigating challenges, and finding opportunities through relationships, resources, and community. Discover the people behind local businesses, learn from their experiences, and uncover the organizations, connections, and hidden gems helping the Dallas-Fort Worth community thrive. Because sometimes, the resources, relationships, and inspiration you're looking for are right in your own backyard. Real stories. Local gems. Lessons worth sharing. Don't forget to Follow, Share, Rate, and Review!

  1. 15h ago ·  Bonus

    How to Sell Your Business for Maximum Value & Clean Your Financials with Paxton Smith

    How can small business owners prepare their company for a successful, high-value exit without getting stuck in the 70% of listings that never sell? Business broker Paxton Smith (founder of Anchorpoint Associates) says maintaining clean 3-year profit-and-loss statements, separating personal debit card expenses from business accounts, and building brand transferability are key steps to achieving a 90%+ close rate when selling a business. In this Wild Card Wednesday bonus episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good, host Brianna Jovahn sits down with Paxton Smith. Paxton shares his journey from corporate finance at Capital One to acquiring Anchorpoint Associates, why all six founders his firm helped sell this year were under 40, how $1 of improper personal write-offs can slash $3 off your sale price, and what it takes to structure an SBA-loan-ready business exit. Episode Timestamps; [00:00:00] - "All Six Founders Were Under 40": Selling Your Business Early [00:00:23] - Welcome to Dallas, Texas: What's Good (Wild Card Wednesday Bonus Episode) [00:01:14] - Meet Paxton Smith: Founder of Anchorpoint Associates [00:02:22] - Corporate to Entrepreneurship: From Capital One & Family Business to Business Brokerage [00:04:45] - Why Traditional Brokerage is Broken & Building a White-Glove Model [00:05:16] - 6 to 12-Month Prep: How Financial Readiness Hits a 90%+ Close Rate [00:07:47] - Founders Under 40: Why Selling Early Builds Next-Level Wealth [00:10:15] - What Buyers Look For: Clean Financials & Brand Transferability [00:12:54] - Family Business Succession: Cashing In on 50 Years of Work [00:14:16] - The #1 Mistake: Company Cards vs. Personal Write-Offs [00:15:40] - Seller Discretionary Earnings (SDE): How $1 in Personal Expense Costs You $3 in Sale Price [00:18:14] - SBA Lending Rules, 10% Down & 3-Year Tax History Requirements [00:22:40] - Master Sales & Marketing: The Fundamentals of Any Business [00:23:52] - Future Vision for What's Good Productions & Network Expansion [00:26:12] - Connect with Paxton Smith & Anchor Point Associates (anchorpointassociates.com) Guest Details Paxton Smith Anchorpoint Associates Website: www.anchorpointassociates.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paxtonsmith/ Subscribe to Dallas, Texas: What’s Good?, share this episode with a business owner who may find it helpful, and leave a review to support the podcast. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/

    How to Sell Your Business for Maximum Value & Clean Your Financials with Paxton Smith

  2. 2d ago

    Reinventing Shapewear: Comfort, Body Positivity & Product R&D with Shapellx Co-Founder Shane Shi

    How can a shapewear brand bring together comfort, effective shaping, and thoughtful product innovation while building a lasting business? In this episode, Shapellx co-founder Shane Shi shares how her personal experiences and entrepreneurial journey have shaped the brand’s approach to modern shapewear. From rethinking the balance between compression and everyday comfort to refining fit and construction through months of testing on real women, Shane discusses the ideas and product development process behind Shapellx. Recorded live at the W Hotel during the What She Said showcase with @themoderndaywife, this episode features host Brianna Jovahn in conversation with Shane about the inspiration behind Shapellx’s approach to shapewear design, lessons learned while navigating inventory and business challenges in 2020, and the brand’s growth in the U.S., including Texas becoming its second-largest market. Episode timestamps; [00:00:00] - "Comfort & Compression": Redefining Modern Shapewear [00:00:35] - Welcome to Dallas, Texas: What's Good at the W Hotel (What She Said Showcase) [00:01:31] - Meet Shane Shi: Co-Founder of Shapellx & VP of US Marketing [00:02:08] - Origin Story: Growing Up in a Single-Mother Household in 90s China [00:03:32] - Moving Away from Extreme Compression to Daily Wearability [00:05:03] - Solving Roll-Down, Stitching & Body Inclusivity [00:06:21] - Multi-Month R&D: Testing Garments on Real Women Before Launch [00:07:18] - The 2020 Inventory Crisis: 2 Years of Cash Flow Lessons & Layoffs [00:08:38] - Celebrating Shapellx's 7th Anniversary with Modern Day Wife [00:09:59] - Why Texas is Shapellx's #2 US Market [00:11:14] - Connect with Shane Shi & Shapellx Guest Details Shane Shi Co-founder of Shapellx Website: www.shapellx.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shapellx/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapellxofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaneyangbizw Explore Shapellx at www.shapellx.com and follow @shapellxofficial and @shaneyangbizw on Instagram. Subscribe to Dallas, Texas: What’s Good?, share this episode with an aspiring entrepreneur, and leave a review to support the podcast. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/

    Reinventing Shapewear: Comfort, Body Positivity & Product R&D with Shapellx Co-Founder Shane Shi

  3. Oct 26

    Preventive Health, Personalized Nutrition & Habit Building with Meridan Zerner

    How long does it actually take to build a sustainable health habit, and why do generic one-size-fits-all diets fail? Registered Dietitian and integrative nutritionist Meridan Zerner reveals that building a lasting habit takes 66 days (not 28), and true preventive health requires personalized data—like Resting Metabolic Rate and muscle mass testing—rather than trusting a bathroom scale. In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good, recorded live at the W Hotel during the What She Said showcase, host Brianna Jovahn sits down with Meridan Zerner. Meridan shares her transition after 25 years at the Cooper Clinic to launching Meridan Zerner Nutrition, her famous "trying on habits like a pair of shoes" philosophy, and how women can advocate for their sleep, gut health, and unique body goals. Episode Timestamps; [00:00:00] - "How Much You Need Depends on Your Goals": Personalized Nutrition [00:00:27] - Welcome to Dallas, Texas: What's Good at the W Hotel (What She Said Showcase) [00:01:09] - Meet Meridan Zerner: Dietitian, Mom & Women's Health Advocate [00:01:37] - Pivoting After 25 Years at Cooper Clinic to Launch Meridan Zerner Nutrition [00:02:20] - From Journalism & Fitness Instruction to a Master's in Nutrition [00:03:21] - What is Preventive Medicine & Integrative Nutrition? [00:04:34] - The Science of Habit Building: Why It Takes 66 Days (Not 28) [00:06:20] - "Try On a Habit Like a Pair of Shoes": Finding What Fits Your Life [00:07:22] - Testing Muscle Mass vs. Fat: Why You Should Throw Away Your Scale [00:08:24] - Fixing Sleep & Insomnia First: The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [00:09:09] - Motivational Interviewing: "I Know What to Do, I'm Just Not Doing It" [00:10:13] - There is No One-Size-Fits-All Recipe for Wellbeing [00:10:49] - Be Your Own Advocate: Asking Questions in Women's Healthcare [00:11:28] - Free Resources & How to Connect with Meridian Zerner (meridanzernernutrition.com) Meridan Zerner Website: www.meridanzernernutrition.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meridanzerner/ Connect with Meridan and learn more about her work in nutrition at www.meridanzernernutrition.com. Follow her on Instagram at @meridanzerner for more insights. Subscribe to Dallas, Texas: What’s Good?, share this episode with someone interested in building healthier habits, and leave a review to support the podcast. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/

    Preventive Health, Personalized Nutrition & Habit Building with Meridan Zerner

  4. Oct 21 ·  Bonus

    How to Build a Multi-Million Dollar Brand Without Social Media Hype with Danni Fernino

    How do small business owners generate real revenue and build brand staying power without relying on viral social media algorithms? Branding expert and serial product founder Danni Fernino (Visions From Neptune) shows that hitting the streets, engaging directly with your local community, and defining one simple-sentence brand foundation drive more sustainable sales than chasing passive social media views. In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good, host Brianna Jovahn sits down with Dallas native Danni Fernino to discuss the real-world grit required to scale product brands. Danni breaks down why small-business word-of-mouth referrals outperform big-agency corporate pitches, her pet peeves about premature business coaching and price lists, and how to navigate 70-hour workweeks while finding genuine "pockets of joy" in entrepreneurship. Episode Timestamps; [00:00:00] - "Hit the Streets": Why In-Person Connections Beat Social Media Hype [00:00:31] - Welcome to Dallas, Texas: What's Good with Dallas Native Danni [00:01:36] - Meet Danni Fernino: Branding, Product R&D, and Founding Visions From Neptune [00:02:27] - How Danni Built a Product Consulting Business from Scratch [00:03:50] - Why Small Business Referrals Outperform Big Agency Pitches [00:06:17] - Mindset of a Long-Term Entrepreneur: Problem-Solving in 5 Seconds [00:09:04] - Value Systems vs. "Boundaries": Protecting Your Time & Mission [00:12:35] - Defining Your Niche & One Simple Sentence Brand Foundation [00:13:53] - Bootstrap vs. VC Funded: Building a Brand with Staying Power [00:18:56] - "Get Off the Device": Why 50,000 Views Don't Pay the Bills [00:22:02] - The Truth About Business Coaches, Price Lists, and Starting Out [00:25:17] - What Corporate Transitions Get Wrong About Business Ownership [00:30:56] - 700 Texts, 1,200 Missed Calls, and Finding Pockets of Joy [00:33:12] - Where to Find Danni's Brands & Free DIY Brand Guide (visionsfromneptune.com) Guest Details Danni (Danielle CeCelia Fernino Balis) Co-founder, Visions from Neptune Visions from Neptune: www.visionsfromneptune.com Shop Joywell: www.shopjoywell.com Subscribe to Dallas, Texas: What’s Good?, share this episode with another entrepreneur, and leave a review to support the podcast. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/

    How to Build a Multi-Million Dollar Brand Without Social Media Hype with Danni Fernino

  5. Oct 19

    How to Close More Sales & Turn Dead Email Leads into Revenue with Tiffany Fulcher

    How do small business owners bridge the gap between getting social media marketing eyeballs and actually closing signed contracts? ConvertHer founder and sales strategist Tiffany Fulcher reveals that consistent email follow-up—taking 3 to 7 touches—and leveraging AI-powered daily sales systems are the fastest ways to convert silent leads into revenue. In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good, recorded live at the W Hotel during the What She Said showcase, host Brianna Jovahn sits down with sales strategist and tech co-owner Tiffany Fulcher. Tiffany breaks down why dead leads in your 30-day email inbox are leaving money on the table, how her AI-powered Daily Sales System creates daily accountability, and why letting AI handle the "hardware" lets you be the human advantage in closing deals. Episode Timestamps; [00:00:00] - "There's Money Sitting in Your Inbox": Reopening Dead Email Leads [00:00:33] - Welcome to Dallas, Texas: What's Good at the W Hotel (What She Said Showcase) [00:01:11] - Meet Tiffany Fulcher: Tech Co-Owner & Founder of ConvertHer [00:02:01] - Top-of-Funnel Marketing vs. Closing Contracts: Why Eyeballs Aren't Enough [00:02:40] - Overcoming the Fear of Silent Leads & Rejection [00:03:42] - The 3 Pillars of Business: Maintenance, Marketing & Moving Money [00:04:29] - Community Building & Finding Opportunities in Everyday Encounters [00:05:48] - The AI-Powered Daily Sales System & Sales Growth Audits [00:07:08] - Preparing Your Back-End Systems Before Sales Chaos Hits [00:07:35] - How Many Follow-Up Touches Does It Take to Close a Sale? [00:07:56] - Let AI Be the Hardware, You Be the Software (The Human Advantage) [00:09:53] - One Free Strategic Advice: The 30-Day Email Lead Challenge [00:12:13] - Where to Find Tiffany Fulcher & Convert Her (converther.com) Guest Details Tiffany Fulcher Website: www.converther.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffulcher/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TiffanyFulcher/ Connect with Tiffany and learn more about her work at www.converther.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and YouTube at @tiffulcher. Subscribe to Dallas, Texas: What’s Good?, share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur, and leave a review to support the podcast. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/

    How to Close More Sales & Turn Dead Email Leads into Revenue with Tiffany Fulcher

  6. Oct 12

    From Devastating Loss to Full-Time Entrepreneurship with Chantel McKnight (Denim Overdose)

    How do you pivot from catastrophic personal loss into building a thriving, full-time business? Realtor and luxury fashion designer Chantel McKnight (founder of Denim Overdose) proves that rock-bottom moments—like losing her home in a fire—can become divine pivot points to leave a 9-to-5 and build a profitable, multi-business lifestyle. In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good, host Brianna Jovahn sits down with Chantel McKnight at the W Hotel during the What She Said showcase. Chantel shares how childhood inspirations (That's So Raven, True Jackson, VP, and Rugrats' Charlotte Pickles) sparked her passion for custom fashion, why knowing your numbers is key to bank approval, and her step-by-step process for custom design consultations. Episode Timestamps; [00:00:00] - "When You're Down to Nothing, God is Up to Something" [00:00:32] - Welcome to Dallas, Texas: What's Good at the W Hotel ("What She Said" Showcase) [00:01:16] - Meet Chantel McKnight: Realtor, Mom, and Founder of Denim Overdose (DOD) [00:02:23] - Building a Lifestyle You Don't Need a Vacation From [00:03:01] - Launching a Luxury Custom Denim Brand [00:03:46] - TV Inspirations: That's So Raven, True Jackson VP, and Rugrats' Boss Mom [00:04:42] - The No. 1 Rule for Success: God-Ordained Business & Mentorship [00:05:52] - Rebuilding After the Fire: How Losing Everything Ended Her 9-to-5 [00:07:02] - Why Knowing Your Numbers Takes Your Business to the Bank [00:07:35] - Step-by-Step Custom Fashion Consultation & Fitting Process [00:08:45] - Connect with Chantel McKnight & Denim Overdose Chantel McKnight Company Name: D.O.D Denim Overdose IG: https://www.instagram.com/d.o.denim Website: www.denimoverdose.com Connect with Chantel and explore D.O. Denim at www.denimoverdose.com or follow @d.o.denim on Instagram. Subscribe to Dallas, Texas: What’s Good?, share this episode with another entrepreneur, and leave a review to support the podcast. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/

    From Devastating Loss to Full-Time Entrepreneurship with Chantel McKnight (Denim Overdose)

  7. Season 12 Trailer

    Stories from the Heart of Dallas: New Season Teaser

    Season 12 of Dallas, Texas: What’s Good? kicks off with a special series from the What She Said event, sponsored by Modern Day Wife in Dallas, Texas. Brianna takes listeners behind the scenes of the event, where she and the What’s Good Productions team hosted a media corner and connected with business owners, influencers, podcasters, and other entrepreneurs to capture and share their stories. This season features eight conversations recorded in one day, including interviews with the creator of a dental product line, a sales strategist, two plastic surgeons, and a Black-owned menstrual product company. Brianna also shares a lesson from the event about the importance of showing up, being intentional with your content, and using the right hashtags to make your brand discoverable. As she reflects on how podcasting has opened doors to new rooms, collaborations, and sponsorships, Brianna invites listeners to tune in to these eight stories and discover what can happen when you consistently put yourself and your brand out there. Key Takeaways A behind-the-scenes look at What She Said and the What’s Good Productions media cornerEight business stories captured during one day at the eventThe importance of showing up consistently so people can discover your brandHow intentional content and strategic hashtags can create opportunities for connectionThe role podcasting has played in opening doors to collaborations and sponsorshipsA preview of the diverse entrepreneurs and business owners featured throughout Season 12 What She Said, sponsored by Modern Day Wife, brought together vendors, podcasters, influencers, and business owners in Dallas, Texas to share their stories, experiences, and journeys. Get ready for eight new conversations from the What She Said event throughout Season 12. Subscribe to Dallas, Texas: What’s Good?, rate and review the podcast, and share the season with another entrepreneur or business owner. Interested in collaborating, appearing on the podcast, or having What’s Good Productions cover your event? Visit whatsgood-productions.com to learn more and connect with the team. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/

    Stories from the Heart of Dallas: New Season Teaser

  8. Sep 28 ·  Bonus

    How to Build a For-Profit Social Impact Business with Mallory Martin (Founder of Mended)

    How can a for-profit business drive global social impact without relying on non-profit donations? Mended founder and social impact entrepreneur Mallory Martin shows how commercial businesses can create sustainable, above-living-wage jobs for survivor artisans in India through ethically crafted home textiles. In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good, host Brianna Jovahn sits down with Mallory Martin to explore her transition from corporate sports and International Justice Mission (IJM) to building an East Dallas brand rooted in purpose. Mallory breaks down how block-printed table linens power ethical job creation, how to turn big ideas into daily execution, and the multi-layered meaning behind the name Mended. Episode Timestamps; [00:00:00]- Episode Teaser & Introduction to Dallas, Texas: What's Good [00:00:52] - Meet Mallory Martin: East Dallas Mom & Social Impact Entrepreneur [00:01:25] - What is a "Social Impact Entrepreneur"? [00:02:05] - Career Transition: From Sports Sponsorships & Non-Profits to Business Owner [00:04:07] - Discerning Your Calling & Recognizing Your Founder Wiring [00:06:31] - How to Turn a Big Idea into Execution (Without Overwhelm) [00:08:49] - Stress Management: Pickleball & The Daily Practice of Stillness [00:11:00] - Releasing Heavy Burdens: Lessons from IJM Founder Gary Haugen [00:12:21] - The Birth of Mended: Why a For-Profit Model Can Change the World [00:13:10] - Partnering with Survivor Artisans in India & Bonded Labor Rescue [00:14:00] - The Art of Centuries-Old Block Printing & Ethical Table Linens [00:15:40] - Stair-Stepping to Full-Time Entrepreneurship & Overcoming Rejection[ [00:18:35] - Entering Tabletop & Home Decor with Zero Design Background [00:19:09] - Why Product Excellence Beats a "Pity Buy" [00:19:58] - The Multi-Layered Meaning Behind the Name Mended [00:21:21] - How Every Purchase Empowers Artisans & Where to Find Mended Guest DetailsMallory Martin is a social impact entrepreneur and founder of Mended, a purpose-driven business focused on creating meaningful impact through its work and designs. Her background in nonprofit work shaped her approach to entrepreneurship and continues to influence the mission behind Mended. Connect with Mallory Martin: Website: www.mended.coInstagram: @mended_co Want to learn more about Mallory’s work and the story behind Mended? Visit www.mended.co and follow @mended_co to explore the brand and its social impact. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast, share it with someone who would enjoy Mallory’s story, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue highlighting entrepreneurs and the meaningful work happening in our community. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/

    How to Build a For-Profit Social Impact Business with Mallory Martin (Founder of Mended)
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About

Ever wonder what's happening behind the scenes of Dallas's business community? Dallas, Texas, What's Good? is a podcast hosted by Brianna Jovahn that uncovers the stories, lessons, and experiences of local entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, and community leaders shaping the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Whether you're starting a business, growing your brand, exploring new opportunities, or simply curious about the people making an impact in your own backyard, these conversations offer practical advice, fresh perspectives, and inspiration to help you move forward. From entrepreneurship and business development to marketing, leadership, and community impact, each episode explores the realities of building a business, navigating challenges, and finding opportunities through relationships, resources, and community. Discover the people behind local businesses, learn from their experiences, and uncover the organizations, connections, and hidden gems helping the Dallas-Fort Worth community thrive. Because sometimes, the resources, relationships, and inspiration you're looking for are right in your own backyard. Real stories. Local gems. Lessons worth sharing. Don't forget to Follow, Share, Rate, and Review!

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