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

Brianna Jovahn
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Ever wonder how Dallas’s most successful brands actually got built? What's Good goes behind the scenes with local founders to uncover the raw stories and specific strategies they used to grow in the DFW market. Whether you’re building in 'Big D' or scaling a business elsewhere, these raw stories of resilience and innovation offer a blueprint for any entrepreneur driven to move forward. In each episode, you’ll learn answers to questions like: • What’s it like to be an entrepreneur in Dallas? • How do Dallas creatives and entrepreneurs build their brands? • What are the challenges and rewards of running a business in Dallas? • What advice do local entrepreneurs have for starting a business? • How can I find inspiration from successful business owners? • What are the common traits of successful entrepreneurs? • How does the Dallas business community support local innovation? • What are some practical tips for networking and growth? • How do business owners in Dallas stay resilient through challenges? • What unique opportunities exist for Dallas creatives and business owners? • What resources are available for the Dallas local community to build a successful business? Don't forget to Follow, Share, Rate, and Review!

  1. Stop Using ChatGPT for Contracts! Legal Tips for Entrepreneurs | Asia Wright

    3d ago

    Stop Using ChatGPT for Contracts! Legal Tips for Entrepreneurs | Asia Wright

    Are you exposing your small business to massive legal risks without even knowing it? Former Deloitte auditor turned Fractional General Counsel, Asia Wright, breaks down the exact legal foundations you need to build and scale your business fearlessly! SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations and wealth-building insights! In this episode, we sit down with Asia Wright, attorney and founder of The Wright Choice Firm, to break down the legal realities entrepreneurs often overlook when building a business. Asia shares common misconceptions about attorneys, the most frequent contract mistakes she sees, and how she helps clients assess and manage risk with confidence. This conversation highlights the importance of legal foundations, continuous learning across industries, and making informed decisions that protect and strengthen your business in the long term. ⏳ Episode Chapters (Click to skip to a topic!): 00:00:00 - Introduction & Are Lawyers Misunderstood? 00:02:20 - Who is Asia Wright? From Accounting to Contract Law 00:05:46 - The Ripple Effect of Contract Law & Fractional General Counsel 00:07:27 - The Danger of ChatGPT & Legal Templates 00:12:03 - Understanding Your Business Risk Factor 00:13:42 - The Two Biggest Business Risks: Partners & Contractors 00:16:41 - Why You Need a Trademark Search NOW 00:20:11 - Entrepreneur Highs: Securing Series Funding & Celebrity Investors 00:23:35 - Entrepreneur Lows: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Raising Prices 00:27:01 - Affirmation: "I Can Do Hard Things." 00:30:32 - How to Connect with Asia Wright 00:32:45 - Motivational Moment: Protection is a Foundation Guest Details Asia Wright is an attorney and founder of The Wright Choice Firm, a legal practice dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners protect their companies through strategic legal guidance, risk assessment, and contract support. She is committed to making legal knowledge more accessible and empowering clients to make informed business decisions. Connect with Asia Wright: Website: www.thewrightchoicefirm.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewrightchoicefirm/ Ready to protect and strengthen your business with the right legal foundations? Connect with Asia Wright at The Wright Choice Firm to ensure you make informed, confident decisions. If this episode gave you valuable insights, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with fellow entrepreneurs, and leave a review — your support helps us continue delivering impactful conversations for business owners. 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_/ Mentioned in this episode: Ready to Book your Podcast Power Session? Thinking about starting a podcast or leveling up your current one? Book a 30-minute Podcast Power Session with What's Good Productions to turn your ideas into reality. Let’s make podcasting easy and fun! Book Your Free Podcast Power Session Here

    41 min
  2. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Transitioning from Corporate | Marian Diop

    Jun 3

    Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Transitioning from Corporate | Marian Diop

    Are you a professional woman struggling with imposter syndrome as you transition into your own business? Marian Diop shares how to build the systems, mindset, and confidence you need to make the leap! 👇 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations and business insights! In this special Wild Card Wednesday bonus episode, Brianna Jovahn welcomes you to the newly rebranded "Dallas, Texas What's Good" podcast! Today she sits down with Marian Diop, a photographer and business coach who shares her incredible journey of moving from Hawaii to DFW. Marian discusses her time doing corporate insurance consulting, the reality of navigating male-dominated spaces fresh out of grad school, and how she successfully transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship. They dive deep into why creative entrepreneurs must embrace business systems and how the "Marian Method" helps women align their mindset, marketing, and visual branding. Marian also drops a massive perspective shift on photography: a brand photoshoot isn't just about looking pretty—it's a direct return on investment (ROI) that builds your confidence and changes the way you answer the phone and close deals! ⏳ Episode Chapters (Click to skip to a topic!): 00:00:00 - Intro & Podcast Rebrand to "Dallas, Texas What's Good" 00:01:05 - Who is Marian Diop? (Moving from Hawaii to Texas) 00:03:05 - Navigating Corporate Insurance Consulting with an MBA 00:05:47 - Transitioning to Full-Time Photography & Leaving Corporate 00:07:50 - Why Creatives Must Learn Sales & Business Systems 00:09:18 - Changing How Women See Themselves Through Photography 00:13:13 - The True ROI of Professional Branding Photos 00:14:29 - The Marian Method: Coaching Women in Business 00:16:41 - Testimonial: Launching a Business with Confidence 00:18:51 - Final Advice: Do Hard Things 00:19:22 - How to Connect with Marian Diop 🔗 Connect with Marian Diop: Website: www.themarianmethod.com If this bonus episode helped you rethink your business systems or branding, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow woman in business who needs a confidence boost! 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_/ Mentioned in this episode: Ready to Book your Podcast Power Session? Thinking about starting a podcast or leveling up your current one? Book a 30-minute Podcast Power Session with What's Good Productions to turn your ideas into reality. Let’s make podcasting easy and fun! Book Your Free Podcast Power Session Here

    21 min
  3. Why 90% of Businesses Fail in 10 Years (And How to Survive!) | VR Small

    Jun 1

    Why 90% of Businesses Fail in 10 Years (And How to Survive!) | VR Small

    Are you unknowingly setting your business up to fail by skipping your foundation or discounting your services? VR Small is here to help you smash those survival statistics! SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations and wealth-building insights! In this episode, we sit down with VR Small, founder of the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), to discuss entrepreneurship, financial independence, and building sustainable businesses that create long-term impact. VR shares how her understanding of entrepreneurship has evolved through working with veteran women, the importance of strong business foundations, and the role sales plays in transforming ideas into profitable ventures. This conversation highlights the power of mentorship, strategic growth, and empowering women entrepreneurs to create lasting wealth and success. Episode Timestamps; 00:00 Performance-Based Funding 00:25 Welcome and Icebreaker 01:05 Veteran Women and Access 03:03 Meet VR Small 06:04 Building Programs That Work 07:17 VWEC to Virtual Platform 09:17 AI Tracking and Modular Learning 13:00 Credit Lines and Financial Literacy 15:14 Advisors and Long-Term Mentorship 17:47 Foundation Before Fast Money 22:29 Smashing Survival Statistics 29:31 Sales Systems That Convert 36:20 Coupons That Convert 36:48 Discounts And Brand Value 37:47 Client Values And Research 38:57 Know Your Sales Cycle 40:08 Highs Mentorship Impact 43:31 Lows Staffing And Funding 46:08 Rumors About Millions 51:15 Free Advice: Be Intentional 57:01 Women Helping Women Win 01:00:14 Motivational Moment: Faith 01:07:35 Final Wrap And Support VR Small is the founder of the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), an organization dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs—especially veteran women—build strong businesses, create financial independence, and achieve long-term success. Through mentorship, education, and business development support, VR empowers entrepreneurs to scale with confidence and sustainability. Connect with VR Small and VWEC: Website: www.veteranwomensec.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteranwomensecPhone: 469-777-VWECEmail: info@veteranwomensec.org Ready to strengthen your business foundation and grow with purpose? Learn more about the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center and connect with VR Small for resources, mentorship, and support. If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with fellow entrepreneurs, and leave a review — your support helps us continue amplifying stories that empower and educate business owners. 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_/ Mentioned in this episode: Ready to Book your Podcast Power Session? Thinking about starting a podcast or leveling up your current one? Book a 30-minute Podcast Power Session with What's Good Productions to turn your ideas into reality. Let’s make podcasting easy and fun! Book Your Free Podcast Power Session Here

    1h 11m
  4. How to Build Wealth & Scale a Beauty Business with Heather Weatherspoon

    May 25

    How to Build Wealth & Scale a Beauty Business with Heather Weatherspoon

    In this episode, we sit down with Heather Weatherspoon, esthetician, entrepreneur, and founder of a mentorship and scholarship-based community, to explore her journey in the beauty industry and beyond. Heather shares how she built a thriving esthetics business performing up to 120 Brazilian waxes a week, and how that foundation evolved into a mission to educate, mentor, and empower other estheticians. From building wealth to giving back, this conversation dives into pivoting, purpose, and creating sustainable impact through business and community. Episode Chapters (Click to skip to a topic!): 00:00:00 - Introduction & Making $100K in 10 Months 00:01:29 - Reactions to Doing 120 Brazilian Waxes a Week 00:03:50 - Leaving Pharmacy School for the Esthetics Industry 00:06:19 - Business Foundations & The Power of Quiet Time 00:07:07 - What it Really Means to Pivot in Business 00:10:04 - Market Research: Taking Corporate Strategies to Build Your Dream 00:12:29 - Transitioning to Educator & Working with Her First Mentee 00:15:09 - Building a Mentorship Curriculum Beyond State Board Prep 00:17:16 - The Scholarship Foundation & Job Placement 00:19:30 - 31 Ways to Make Money as an Esthetician 00:20:51 - Entrepreneur Highs: Mentees Reaching Six Figures 00:22:31 - Entrepreneur Lows: The JCPenney Black Friday Pivot 00:25:09 - One Free Advice: Make Time for Yourself 00:26:00 - Motivational Moment: "I Think Therefore I Am." Heather Weatherspoon, known as The Lady Brazilianaire, is an esthetician, entrepreneur, and educator dedicated to empowering beauty professionals through mentorship, business education, and community support. She is the founder of a scholarship-based mentorship program designed to help estheticians build wealth, confidence, and sustainable careers in the industry. Connect with Heather Weatherspoon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_lady_brazilianaire/LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theromanticeyelashgirlWebsite: www.theeladybrazilianaire.com If this episode inspired you to think differently about business, beauty, and building community, make sure to connect with Heather Weatherspoon and explore her mentorship platform. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with someone in the beauty or entrepreneurship space, and leave a review — your support helps us continue highlighting stories of impact and growth. Let's Connect! 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_/ Mentioned in this episode: Ready to Book your Podcast Power Session? Thinking about starting a podcast or leveling up your current one? Book a 30-minute Podcast Power Session with What's Good Productions to turn your ideas into reality. Let’s make podcasting easy and fun! Book Your Free Podcast Power Session Here

    31 min
  5. From the NFL to FinTech: How AI is Democratizing Wealth | Ben Malena

    May 18

    From the NFL to FinTech: How AI is Democratizing Wealth | Ben Malena

    In this episode, we sit down with Ben Malena, a former NFL player turned fintech entrepreneur, to explore his journey from professional sports into the world of financial technology. Ben shares how he leveraged his marketing background to build a data-driven solution that helps users better understand and improve their finances. From identifying market gaps to choosing a B2B model via banks, this conversation highlights innovation, resilience, and the power of data to drive meaningful financial change. Episode Chapters (Click to skip to a topic!): 00:00:00 - Introduction & The NFL to FinTech Transition 00:06:28 - Who is Ben Malena? Marketing & College Startups 00:10:56 - The Vision for Algo Pair: Why is it So Hard to Grow Wealth? 00:17:46 - The "Zelle" Strategy: Pivoting from B2C to B2B 00:24:24 - The 7 Pillars of Financial Literacy & Democratizing Wealth 00:26:48 - Meet "Celine": How Generative AI is Changing Personal Finance 00:37:26 - Rethinking Money: Savings is a Lifestyle, Not a Deposit 00:43:27 - Entrepreneur Lows: The Art of the Pivot in a Startup 00:49:36 - One Free Advice: Don't Quit & Finish Through 00:55:35 - How to Connect with Ben Malena & AlgoPear 00:56:52 - Motivational Moment: Proverbs 3:5 Ben Malena is a former NFL player and fintech entrepreneur, currently leading innovation at AlgoPear, a platform that helps individuals better understand and optimize their financial decisions with data-driven insights. By combining his background in sports, marketing, and technology, Ben is creating tools that empower smarter financial habits. Connect with Ben Malena: Website: www.algopear.comEmail: malena@algopear.com Curious about how data can transform your financial decisions? Explore AlgoPear and discover how smarter insights can lead to better outcomes. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with someone interested in fintech and innovation, and leave a review — your support helps us continue sharing impactful stories and insights. Let's Connect! Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/ Mentioned in this episode: Ready to Book your Podcast Power Session? Thinking about starting a podcast or leveling up your current one? Book a 30-minute Podcast Power Session with What's Good Productions to turn your ideas into reality. Let’s make podcasting easy and fun! Book Your Free Podcast Power Session Here

    1h 3m
  6. HR Secrets for Small Businesses with Krishna Powell

    May 13 ·  Bonus

    HR Secrets for Small Businesses with Krishna Powell

    In this wildcard episode, we sit down with Krishna Powell, business strategist and HR expert, to explore what it truly takes to grow a business beyond the startup mindset. Krishna shares how entrepreneurs can transition from operating small to building companies with strong systems, departments, and intentional culture. From defining company values early on to aligning teams around a shared vision, this conversation offers practical insights for business owners ready to scale with structure and purpose. ⏳ Episode Chapters (Click to skip to a topic!): 00:00:00 - Introduction to Wild Card Wednesday & Krishna Powell 00:01:22 - Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce 00:02:42 - You Don't Have to Do It All: Shifting to a CEO Mindset 00:03:52 - Why You Need HR Before You Hire an Employee 00:07:36 - Stop Copying Corporate America's Employee Handbooks! 00:08:36 - The Unlimited PTO Loophole Mistake 00:10:42 - Transformation Story: Setting Boundaries with Friends & Family 00:15:19 - Why Every Employee Must Contribute to Your Bottom Line 00:18:41 - Why Entrepreneurs Need a Business Coach AND a Therapist 00:22:01 - One Free Advice: Remembering Your "Why" 00:24:35 - How to Connect with Krishna Powell Krishna Powell is a business strategist and HR expert dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build structured, scalable businesses with strong leadership and intentional company culture. Through her work, she supports business owners in developing systems, teams, and strategies that foster sustainable growth and long-term success. Connect with Krishna Powell: Website: www.hr4yoursmallbiz.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krishna_powell/ Ready to build a business with stronger systems, culture, and leadership? Connect with Krishna Powell to learn how intentional structure can transform your company’s growth and success. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with fellow entrepreneurs and leaders, and leave a review — your support helps us continue bringing valuable business insights and inspiring conversations to the 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_/ Mentioned in this episode: Ready to Book your Podcast Power Session? Thinking about starting a podcast or leveling up your current one? Book a 30-minute Podcast Power Session with What's Good Productions to turn your ideas into reality. Let’s make podcasting easy and fun! Book Your Free Podcast Power Session Here

    26 min
  7. How to Build Generational Wealth with Kevin Jefferson

    May 11

    How to Build Generational Wealth with Kevin Jefferson

    In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good, we sit down with Kevin Jefferson to explore what wealth truly means beyond money—freedom, legacy, and opportunity. Kevin shares how his early experiences shaped his understanding of finances, the lessons he gained through the military, and the turning point that led him to ask deeper questions about money. This conversation dives into practical tools, mindset shifts, and the first steps to take when you begin generating extra income and want to grow it intentionally. Episode Timestamps; 00:00:00 - Introduction & Money Mindset Teaser 00:00:54 - Icebreaker: Does Wealth Mean Freedom, Legacy, or Opportunity? 00:02:01 - Who is Kevin Jefferson? From Dallas to West Point 00:05:19 - Early Financial Education & Passing Lessons to Kids 00:11:54 - Powerful Financial Tools: Traditional, Roth, and Self-Directed IRAs 00:17:46 - The Pivotal Moment: Defining Your Life's Vision 00:33:51 - First Steps to Grow Extra Income (The 5/10/20/65 Allocation Rule) 00:43:06 - Celebrating Entrepreneurship & Trading Highs 00:47:27 - Overcoming the Lows: SEC Investigations and Protecting Your Peace 01:01:43 - How to Connect with Kevin Jefferson (FM Trades & Vantage Point) 01:03:18 - Motivational Moment: Wealth is What You Build, Protect, and Pass On Kevin Jefferson is a financial educator and strategist focused on helping individuals better understand money, investing, and wealth-building opportunities. Drawing from his life experiences and disciplined approach, Kevin empowers others to take control of their financial future and build lasting impact. Connect with Kevin Jefferson: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kevjeff/Website: www.fmtrades.comPlatform: www.vantagepointflow.com Take the next step in your financial journey by connecting with Kevin Jefferson and exploring his platforms for tools and insights on wealth building. If this episode gave you a new perspective on wealth, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with someone ready to grow financially, and leave a review — your support helps us continue bringing powerful conversations to the 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_/ Mentioned in this episode: Ready to Book your Podcast Power Session? Thinking about starting a podcast or leveling up your current one? Book a 30-minute Podcast Power Session with What's Good Productions to turn your ideas into reality. Let’s make podcasting easy and fun! Book Your Free Podcast Power Session Here

    1h 8m
  8. The Entrepreneur's GPS: Building Solid Business Foundations & Securing Funding with Darlisa Diltz

    May 4

    The Entrepreneur's GPS: Building Solid Business Foundations & Securing Funding with Darlisa Diltz

    In this episode, we sit down with Darlisa Diltz, a business strategist and advocate for entrepreneurial growth, to break down what it truly takes to build a sustainable and scalable business. Darlisa shares her journey from feeling overwhelmed to confidently embracing entrepreneurship, while highlighting the importance of strong foundations, audience clarity, and strategic decision-making. This conversation dives into the realities of funding, the difference between being an entrepreneur versus a business owner, and how to navigate both the highs and the pivots along the journey. Episode Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction to Season 10 [00:01:27] - Is Entrepreneurship Too Risky? [00:04:15] - From "Busyness" to Business [00:09:16] - Entrepreneurship vs. Business Ownership [00:10:37] - Creating Your Business GPS [00:15:16] - 3 Critical Questions Every Founder Must Ask [00:18:06] - Funding Readiness & The Truth About Grants [00:19:53] - Navigating Business Loans & Lenders [00:26:51] - CDFIs vs. Traditional Banks [00:30:11] - The Facade of Keeping Up with the Joneses [00:31:45] - Entrepreneurial Highs & Lows [00:37:35] - Free Actionable Advice [00:41:22] - Motivational Moment & The Power of Discipline Darlisa Diltz is a business strategist dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build strong, sustainable foundations for long-term success. Through her work, she supports business owners in gaining clarity, accessing the right resources, and making informed decisions that align with their growth goals. Connect with Darlisa Diltz: Flexspace: flexspace.sdfpinnovationcenter.comWebsite: www.foundationsedc.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/darlisadiltz Ready to strengthen your business foundation and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey? Explore resources and support through Darlisa’s platforms and start building with intention today. If you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with fellow entrepreneurs, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue delivering insights that empower business owners to grow and thrive. More Products Follow What's Good Productions on; Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/ Follow What's Good Podcast on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsgood_podcast/ Follow Brianna Jovahn on; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/ Mentioned in this episode: Ready to Book your Podcast Power Session? Thinking about starting a podcast or leveling up your current one? Book a 30-minute Podcast Power Session with What's Good Productions to turn your ideas into reality. Let’s make podcasting easy and fun! Book Your Free Podcast Power Session Here

    48 min
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About

Ever wonder how Dallas’s most successful brands actually got built? What's Good goes behind the scenes with local founders to uncover the raw stories and specific strategies they used to grow in the DFW market. Whether you’re building in 'Big D' or scaling a business elsewhere, these raw stories of resilience and innovation offer a blueprint for any entrepreneur driven to move forward. In each episode, you’ll learn answers to questions like: • What’s it like to be an entrepreneur in Dallas? • How do Dallas creatives and entrepreneurs build their brands? • What are the challenges and rewards of running a business in Dallas? • What advice do local entrepreneurs have for starting a business? • How can I find inspiration from successful business owners? • What are the common traits of successful entrepreneurs? • How does the Dallas business community support local innovation? • What are some practical tips for networking and growth? • How do business owners in Dallas stay resilient through challenges? • What unique opportunities exist for Dallas creatives and business owners? • What resources are available for the Dallas local community to build a successful business? Don't forget to Follow, Share, Rate, and Review!

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