Just Talking Business with Stephanie van Vark

Stephanie van Vark
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  • Entrepreneurship
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Hard knock small business owner Stephanie van Vark learned entrepreneurship on the job. For thirteen years, through hail, hurricane, persistence and pandemic, she's survived using wit, grit and Southern Charm as her weapons of choice. Listen as Stephanie and a few friends (old, new and fellow entrepreneurs) share stories of pivot, perseverance, survival and redemption in the small business landscape.

  1. Sep 21

    What happens when life forces you to rethink the business plan? Dr. Tisa Thomson shares.

    On this episode of Just Talking Business, Stephanie Van Vark welcomes back Dr. Tisa Thomson, transformational strategist, author, speaker, and founder of MC3 Consulting Inc. and the Change Hack Collective. Dr. Thomson is no stranger to the pivot. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership, organizational development, behavioral health, higher education, and program evaluation, she has built a career helping organizations and individuals navigate change. But this time, the pivot became personal. After launching her book and expanding her work around her Appraise. Adapt. Achieve. framework, an unexpected health crisis forced Dr. Thomson to step back and reassess how she was building her businesses—and how much of herself she could sustainably give to them. That experience created a new business question: How do you continue to grow when the entrepreneur behind the business has changed? Stephanie and Dr. Thomson get into the business realities behind that question—from turning intellectual property into books, workbooks, workshops, speaking engagements, and corporate services to finding new audiences, experimenting with distribution, and determining what sustainable growth actually looks like. They also discuss: • How a personal crisis can force a business pivot • Turning expertise into multiple products and revenue opportunities • Building a business around a methodology—not a traditional “widget” • What Dr. Thompson learned from self-publishing and marketing her first book • Using book clubs and small-group experiences to build awareness and generate sales • Expanding from individual customers to organizational and corporate clients • How employee wellness is creating new opportunities for businesses and consultants • Managing two brands—MC3 Consulting and the Change Hack Collective—under a connected strategy • Setting business goals when your personal capacity has changed • Why sustainability can be just as important as growth This is a conversation about business strategy, adaptation, and what it really means to pivot when circumstances change the plan. Because sometimes the smartest business decision isn’t figuring out how to do more. It’s stepping back, appraising where you are, adapting the plan, and deciding what achievement looks like now. Find Dr. Tisa at: https://www.changehackcollective.com/ https://www.mc3consultinginc.com/ SUBSCRIBE to Just Talking Business for candid conversations with entrepreneurs about the pivots, strategies, challenges, and lessons behind building a business that can both survive and thrive. See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

  2. Sep 14

    The Business of Caregiving: A Growing Industry Families Can’t Ignore

    Caregiving touches nearly every family—but too many people find themselves taking on the role without the information, resources, or support they need. In this episode of Just Talking Business, host Stephanie Van Vark sits down with Dr. LaToya Lewis, a nationally recognized nurse scientist, speaker, educator, and health equity advocate, for an important conversation about the realities of caregiving and the growing need for better caregiver education and support. In this conversation, we explore: 02:54 Meet Dr. LaToya Lewis 03:39 What Does a Caregiving Expert Do? 05:10 Why Caregiving Became an Industry 06:09 The Gap Between the Hospital and Home 07:40 Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace 08:16 Resources, Respite Care & Caregiver Support 12:45 5 Things Every Caregiver Should Know 15:38 What Employers Can Do to Support Caregivers 19:32 The High Cost of In-Home Care 20:03 Finding Financial & Local Caregiving Resources 23:32 Home Care vs. Nursing Home: How Do You Decide? 25:44 Adult Day Care & Other Care Options 27:17 How Caregiving Has Changed Over 24 Years 30:58 Aging, Community & Preparing Before a Crisis 34:58 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving 37:09 Why Families Need to Talk About Caregiving Now 38:04 How to Start Advanced Care Planning 40:34 Making Decisions for a Loved One 40:58 Wills, Power of Attorney & Planning Ahead 42:54 Is Caregiving a Business Opportunity? 45:45 What’s Next for Dr. LaToya Lewis? 46:05 The Mobile Caregiver Simulation Bus 47:00 Dr. Lewis’ Vision for a Caregiver Academy 48:07 Taking Caregiver Advocacy to the Global Stage 48:53 Final Thoughts & Closing Dr. Lewis reminds us that caregiving is ultimately an expression of love—but caregivers need education, resources, community, and support too. If you’re currently caring for a loved one, preparing for the possibility of becoming a caregiver, supporting caregivers in your workplace, or exploring opportunities in the caregiving industry, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. ABOUT DR. LATOYA LEWIS Dr. LaToya Lewis is a nationally recognized nurse scientist, speaker, educator, and health equity advocate. Her expertise includes caregiving, health equity, end-of-life care, palliative care, cultural humility, and healthcare workforce development. Learn more at https://drlatoyalewis.com/ 👍 Like this episode if you found it helpful. 💬 Share your caregiving experience or biggest takeaway in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders. See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

  3. Sep 7

    Is Your Business Actually Growing? Dr. Jermaine Jones Tells the Truth

    You’ve been in business for years—but are you actually growing? In this episode of Just Talking Business: The Entrepreneurs Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jermaine A. Jones, DBA, MBA, M.S. for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable business in today’s economy. And Dr. Jones doesn’t sugarcoat it. We talk about the difference between being in business and actually building a business—and why some companies can operate for years while financially still looking like startups. We also get into: 📌 Are you building a business—or financing a very expensive side hustle 📌 Why some businesses struggle to qualify for funding 📌 The difference between a micro business and a small business 📌 The financials every serious business owner should understand 📌 When it makes sense to keep pushing—and when it may be time to scale back 📌 What it really takes to position a business for growth 📌 When is it time to make that difficult decision Dr. Jones brings more than 21 years of experience in strategy, market research and financial analytics to a conversation that is direct, practical and sometimes uncomfortable. The question isn't just, “Can you start a business?”  Can you build one that grows, pays you and lasts? Watch GROWING BUSINESS and tell us in the comments: Is your business actually growing? Subscribe to StephanieCreatesTV for more conversations about entrepreneurship, pivots and success. See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

  4. Aug 31

    How Kendra Bulluck Brought a Legendary HBCU Football Classic Back to Life

    The Orange Blossom Classic was gone for more than 40 years. Then Kendra Bulluck helped bring it back. But how do you resurrect a historic HBCU football tradition — and turn its comeback into a sustainable business? In this episode of Just Talking Business, I sit down with Kendra Bulluck, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic, to uncover the business story behind the return of one of HBCU football’s historic events. Kendra takes us behind the scenes of the Classic’s 2021 revival and shares what it really takes to rebuild an event with history, cultural significance and a community that cares deeply about its legacy. And bringing it back was only the beginning. We get into the decisions most fans never see: protecting the brand, attracting sponsors and small-business partners, generating economic impact, navigating the sports and entertainment industry, and building a strategy designed to keep the Classic alive for years to come. In this conversation: 🏈Why the Orange Blossom Classic was brought back after decades away 🏈The business strategy behind reviving a legacy event 🏈Why protecting the Orange Blossom Classic brand mattered 🏈How sponsorships and small-business partnerships help power the event 🏈The economic impact of major sporting events on their host communities 🏈Kendra’s experience as a woman leading in sports and entertainment 🏈What it takes to build an event that can survive beyond the excitement of its comeback This is bigger than a football game. It’s a story about business, culture, legacy — and what it takes to bring an important idea back to life. Kendra Bulluck: Resurrecting a Classic SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the conversation. #OrangeBlossomClassic #HBCUFootball #sportsbusiness  #justtalkingbusiness #theentrepreneurspodcast See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

  5. Mar 17

    Cornell Crews Talks Truth about DEI compared to Historic Redlining in Raw Interview

    In this conversation, Stephanie Van Vark speaks with Cornell Crews Jr., the executive director of the Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida, about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in financial institutions and communities.They discuss the historical context of redlining, the ongoing challenges faced by communities of color, and the need for advocacy and accountability in financial practices. There is a $310 trillion cost to racism in businesses based on an International Banking Federation study.  Cornell highlights the economic impact.  What do you think the impact is?  Let us know your thoughts.   Then, LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 04:52 The Impact of DEI on Financial Institutions 09:58 The Misconceptions of DEI 15:58 Strategies for Supporting Black Businesses 21:40 The Role of Leadership in DEI 26:51 Action Plans for Equity 32:05 Cultural Influence on Trends 37:58 The Future of DEI and Community Resilience #DiversityMatters #InclusionRevolution #equityinaction  #justtalkingbusiness #theentrepreneurspodcast See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

  6. Feb 17

    The DEI Series: Roni Bennett Speaks the Necessity of DEI in Modern Business

    In this conversation, Roni Bennett and Stephanie Van Vark discuss the critical role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in business. We explore the historical context of DEI, its importance for business success, and the challenges faced in implementing effective DEI initiatives. The discussion emphasizes the need for authentic engagement, community building, and strategic approaches to ensure that DEI is not just a performative act but a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. We also address the economic implications of DEI and the necessity for businesses to adapt to a changing landscape. Takeaways 📌DEI is essential for business success. 📌Diverse teams lead to higher profitability. 📌Authenticity in the workplace fosters innovation. 📌Boycotts must be well-organized to be effective. 📌Community building is crucial for support. 📌Economic challenges impact DEI initiatives. 📌Organizations must prioritize inclusivity. 📌Transforming workplace culture requires commitment. 📌Small businesses can lead in DEI practices. 📌Unity among diverse groups is necessary for progress. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DEI in Business 02:54 The Importance of DEI for Business Success 05:44 The Impact of Boycotts and Community Action 08:25 The Evolution of DEI: What Went Right and Wrong 11:16 Transformative Approaches to DEI 13:56 Building Inclusive Communities through DEI 17:03 Navigating the New Business Landscape 22:15 Empowering Small Businesses for Growth 27:49 Building Community and Mutual Support Tell us your best and worst workplace experience when it comes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? 👇🏽And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to hear more about the subject. See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

  7. Feb 11

    Episode 1: The DEI Series: Empowering Communities Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

    This series is explores the need (or lack of) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives.  And we're talking the experts about it.  In this conversation, host Stephanie Van Vark speaks with Daniella Pierre from the NAACP Miami-Dade about the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's society. Takeaways from this Conversation: ⭐️Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for community growth. ⭐️Historical context shows DEI has roots in civil rights movements. ⭐️Current challenges include legal battles against DEI rollbacks. ⭐️Support for small businesses is crucial for economic development. ⭐️Boycotts can be effective, but community support is vital. ⭐️Engagement in local initiatives can drive change. ⭐️Advocacy for educational access is a priority. ⭐️Networking and mentorship are key for small business success. ⭐️Data shows disparities in access to opportunities. ⭐️The future of DEI requires collective action and investment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DEI and Community Service 02:39 The NAACP's Stance on DEI 05:31 Historical Context of DEI Initiatives 08:35 The Importance of DEI Today 11:26 Legal Actions and Support for Small Businesses 13:51 Impact of DEI Rollbacks on Communities 16:41 Advice for Small Businesses 19:29 Boycotts and Consumer Pledges 22:19 Future Strategies for Economic Empowerment 25:07 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 👇🏽Like, subscribe, and share. See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

  8. Feb 3

    130. Danielle Jeter, she Left Government to Launch Two Businesses. Here's How.

    In this engaging and thought-provoking conversation, Danielle Jeter, two-time founder and entrepreneur, shares her journey of building a purpose-led career at the intersection of media, community, and impact. She opens up about founding AOI Events and Public Relations and the nonprofit Women in Media Global, and how both ventures work together to create meaningful change. Takeaways ⭐️ Danielle Jeter is a two-time founder with a focus on media and PR. ⭐️ The media landscape is evolving, with more opportunities for women. ⭐️ Mission-driven clients are essential for meaningful work. ⭐️ Balancing a nonprofit and a for-profit can be challenging but rewarding. ⭐️ Personal branding plays a crucial role in business success. ⭐️ Visibility and networking are key to business growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Danielle Jeter and Her Ventures 02:46 The Birth of Women in Media Global 05:37 Navigating the Media Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Women 08:15 The Interplay Between Nonprofit and For-Profit 11:14 Mission-Driven Clients: The Heart of the Business 13:52 Balancing Client Needs with Personal Growth 16:46 The Power of Personal Branding in PR 19:32 The WimSpeak Show: Amplifying Women's Voices 22:13 Transitioning from Government to Full-Time CEO 24:56 The Wild West of Podcasting: Opportunities and Challenges To find Danielle Jeter: Instagram @DPGeter See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

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About

Hard knock small business owner Stephanie van Vark learned entrepreneurship on the job. For thirteen years, through hail, hurricane, persistence and pandemic, she's survived using wit, grit and Southern Charm as her weapons of choice. Listen as Stephanie and a few friends (old, new and fellow entrepreneurs) share stories of pivot, perseverance, survival and redemption in the small business landscape.

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