Fanatical DreamHer

April Kemp
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Fanatical DreamHer is the weekly podcast where host April Kemp sits down with inspiring women who dared to dream big and turned those dreams into reality. These incredible DreamHers share their journeys of resilience, determination, and triumph—facing obstacles, overcoming challenges, and achieving success on their own terms. Through raw and real conversations, you'll hear how these women stayed committed to their vision, proving that no dream is too big and no goal is out of reach. Tune in each week for stories that will empower you to chase your dreams with fearless passion and become the next Fanatical DreamHer.

  1. 4d ago

    From One Crockpot to a Closed-Loop Soap Company: Alyssa Cherry on Starting Small, Staying Scrappy, and Building Fillaree

    Alyssa Cherry did not grow up with one clear dream mapped out in front of her. What she did have was a belief that the world could be better—and that ordinary people could do something to help make it that way. That belief became personal when Alyssa started paying closer attention to her own family's waste. She composted. She carried reusable bottles. She looked for ways to use less and throw away less. Then one question kept bothering her: why couldn't she simply refill the cleaning products she already owned instead of constantly buying another container? A trip to California changed everything. There, Alyssa walked into a refill store and saw the idea she had been imagining brought to life. The next day, she saw another refill setup at a farmers market. She turned to her mom and sister and asked whether she could go back to North Carolina, teach herself how to make liquid soap, and start a refill company. Then she did the work. With a library book, a YouTube video, a thrift-store Crockpot, and a lot of persistence, Alyssa began experimenting. Her first batch failed. So did many after that. It took 85 tries before she made a clear, consistent batch she felt confident selling. More than a decade later, Fillaree has grown from one Crockpot to large production tanks, a small team, dozens of retail partners across the country, a Durham storefront, and a partnership providing amenities to the Inn at the Biltmore Estate. But Alyssa's story is not about overnight success. It is about organic growth, small wins, learning as you go, listening to your intuition, and doing what you can with what you have. For any woman waiting until she has the entire roadmap before beginning, Alyssa offers another way forward: figure out the first few steps, take them, and let the next ones reveal themselves along the way. Key Discussion Points • 01:44 — Alyssa shares that she did not grow up with one specific career dream and describes herself as an idealist who believed the world could be made better. • 02:20 — She explains how that idealism became part of the foundation of Fillaree and her desire to build a cleaner, better business. • 03:12 — Alyssa reflects on how slowly the company grew and how surprising it is to look back at what it has become. • 04:16 — She describes beginning with her own household waste by composting, using reusable bottles, and reducing disposable products. • 05:09 — Alyssa explains the frustration that made her wish there were places where she could simply refill cleaning products instead of replacing containers. • 05:47 — She recalls walking into a refill store in California and seeing the idea she had been imagining exist in real life. • 06:13 — At a farmers market the next day, Alyssa sees another refill business and asks her mom and sister if she could teach herself to make liquid soap and start a company. • 06:52 — Alyssa describes learning how to make soap through a library book and one YouTube video. • 07:12 — On December 31, 2013, she makes her first batch of liquid soap in a thrift-store Crockpot. • 07:26 — Alyssa explains that it took 85 attempts before she created a clear, consistent batch she felt good enough to sell. • 08:04 — She shares how determined she became to make the soap work, regardless of whether it ever became a business. • 09:06 — Alyssa describes Fillaree's growth from home production and Crockpots to a larger facility, a small team, and larger production tanks. • 10:34 — She explains Fillaree's closed-loop refill model and how empty refill packaging is returned, washed, sanitized, and reused. • 12:15 — Alyssa discusses the company's partnership with the Inn at the Biltmore Estate and supplying amenities there. • 13:10 — She reflects on how building Fillaree has fulfilled her personally and taught her many aspects of running a business. • 14:03 — Alyssa talks about the value of small business and the relationships Fillaree has built within its community. • 14:52 — She identifies being able to pay herself for the first time as one of her biggest milestones. • 16:13 — Alyssa explains how intuition has helped guide her decisions in business. • 17:05 — She talks about gaining confidence after surviving the challenges of the pandemic and building a strong team. • 18:12 — Alyssa discusses the difficulty of hiring, managing people, and learning to set stronger boundaries. • 19:09 — She shares the self-talk she uses on hard days: "I can do it all. I can do it all." • 20:13 — Alyssa remembers worrying that nobody would come to the storefront and how she kept showing up even after very slow days. • 21:01 — She credits her husband as one of her biggest sources of support and inspiration. • 21:58 — Alyssa gives practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: understand your market, know how the business will make money, and focus on the first few steps instead of the next 400. • 24:13 — She talks about starting the business while raising two young children and how that reality shaped the way Fillaree operates. • 25:49 — Alyssa shares the phrase "es lo que hay"—"it is what it is"—and how it reflects her approach to solving problems with the resources available. • 27:38 — She explains how laying a little groundwork and accumulating small wins can make fear feel more manageable. • 28:54 — Alyssa explains how customers can purchase Fillaree products, subscribe for refills, visit the Durham storefront, or work with the company as a wholesale partner. Notable Quotes "We can make the world a better place. We can make the world a cleaner place. We can use better products, all of that. We can build a better business." "I will make liquid soap out of this Crockpot." "I needed to have help before I needed to have money." "I can do it all. I can do it all." "You can do what you can do with less, and then that just makes it so much more profound when you end up getting to the next level." "Those little things growing organically and slowly will give you the confidence that you need to have those fears." Takeaways • You do not need to begin with a perfectly defined lifelong dream. Alyssa's path grew from her values, curiosity, and willingness to act on a problem she cared about. • Repeated failure can be part of the beginning. Alyssa made 85 batches before she created a product she felt ready to sell. • Starting small can protect the dream while it grows. Fillaree expanded gradually rather than taking on more risk than Alyssa was comfortable carrying. • Small wins matter. Learning to make the soap, getting into a farmers market, hiring the first employee, and eventually paying herself each became steps toward something larger. • Intuition can become stronger with experience. Alyssa credits listening to her gut with helping her make better decisions over time. • A business can reflect the life of the person building it. Motherhood became woven into Fillaree's culture rather than treated as something that had to be hidden from the work. • Fear can become quieter when you build evidence that you are capable. Preparation, momentum, and small successes gave Alyssa confidence to keep moving. Connect with Guest Website: https://fillaree.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fillaree/ @fillaree Email: alyssa@fillaree.com Connect with Us Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com Join the DreamHer Community Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us using #FanaticalDreamHer and share your favorite takeaway from today's conversation. Featured Music The official Fanatical DreamHer theme song, "Dream Her," is featured as the opening and closing music for this podcast. Performed by: Mandy Rose Wolf Lyrics & Music: Betsy Hammer, Susan Sheridan, and Larry Treadwell Publishing: Hammertime Music (ASCAP) / Boomers Mothers Music (BMI) / Simple Roger Music (BMI) Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved. For licensing requests, contact Betsy Hammer: (310) 650-5111 | betsyhammermusic@gmail.com

    From One Crockpot to a Closed-Loop Soap Company: Alyssa Cherry on Starting Small, Staying Scrappy, and Building Fillaree

  2. Sep 15

    From Ballet Dreams to Fashion and the Oscars: D'on Lauren Edwards on Reinvention, Confidence, and Finding Her Own Lane

    D'on Lauren Edwards once dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina. She started ballet at three years old, fell in love with the art form, and by 17 was preparing for the possibility of moving to New York City and pursuing a professional career. Then her health changed everything. After becoming seriously ill and later being diagnosed with Behcet's disease, severe arthritis and chronic pain made ballet increasingly difficult. The dream she had worked toward for years could no longer look the same. But creativity had always been part of D'on's life. With encouragement from her father, she began looking toward fashion and eventually attended SCAD, where she immersed herself in evening wear and couture, won multiple awards, and began discovering just how far her design instincts could take her. Her work would later expand into footwear, accessories, and styling—giving her a creative career far broader than the single path she once imagined. Along the way came unforgettable moments: designing for acclaimed costume designer Ruth Carter, spending awards season in Los Angeles styling her, preparing her for the Oscars, and realizing that styling had become another dream she wanted to pursue alongside design. But D'on is equally candid about what sits behind those glamorous moments. Fashion is demanding. Health has required boundaries. Rejection is inevitable. Burnout is real. And sometimes the most important thing is remembering who you are instead of chasing whatever everyone else is doing. For women who have watched one dream change shape—or who worry they must choose only one passion—D'on's story offers another possibility. A dream can evolve. A detour can become a new direction. And success does not require fitting neatly into someone else's lane. Key Discussion Points • 01:42 — D'on shares how ballet became her first major passion and how creativity shaped her childhood through dance, drawing, painting, and other art forms. • 02:23 — She explains her dream of becoming a professional ballerina and moving to New York City to pursue ballet professionally. • 02:37 — D'on talks about becoming seriously ill at 17 and eventually being diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease Behcet's disease. • 03:34 — A conversation with her father helps D'on begin imagining a creative future in fashion when ballet is no longer physically possible. • 03:59 — She discusses attending SCAD and falling deeply in love with evening wear and couture design. • 04:22 — April and D'on talk about several awards she received while at SCAD, including recognition connected to Gucci and the National Black Arts Festival. • 05:26 — D'on explains how winning awards strengthened her confidence and taught her to trust her instincts. • 06:29 — She describes how footwear and accessories entered her career almost by accident and ultimately broadened her knowledge as a designer. • 07:26 — D'on explains why the realities of unpaid apparel opportunities in New York influenced her decision to move into footwear. • 08:57 — She shares her first experience designing and styling Ruth Carter, including creating a dress for the Costume Designers Guild Awards. • 10:01 — D'on talks about designing for different body types and her belief that every woman should be able to wear something beautiful and comfortable. • 11:50 — She reflects on the moments when she realized she could truly build a career in fashion, first through her college success and later through styling Ruth Carter. • 13:05 — D'on discusses health, stress, anxiety, rejection, and learning how to find another route when someone tells her no. • 14:26 — She shares one of her mother's most important reminders: stay grounded in who you are rather than changing yourself to follow trends. • 15:44 — D'on describes the surreal experience of helping prepare Ruth Carter during Oscars season. • 16:34 — She talks about the support she receives from her fiancé, parents, friends, and especially her father as a mentor. • 17:54 — D'on gives advice to young people entering fashion, including understanding how difficult the industry can be and finding the lane that genuinely works for them. • 20:04 — She encourages young designers and students to reach out to her for advice, feedback, and encouragement. • 20:51 — D'on shares one of her favorite affirmations about trusting God, timing, and believing that what is meant to be will be. • 23:04 — She gives listeners a glimpse into her personal aesthetic through her favorite shoes, dream dress, and accessories. Notable Quotes "I need to stick by this and trust my gut and trust my intuition that this is going to take me far." "Every woman is built differently and every woman should be able to wear something that's beautiful, that they feel comfortable in, regardless of their size." "I want to be able to do both, and I can do both." "Whenever someone tells me no, I always try to find a different way to figure out how I can get what I need to get done." "I have to remember to slow it down, take things one at a time, and just remember, focus on the most important things and just kinda do baby steps." "Trust God, everything will work out in the right way at the right time." Takeaways • A dream can change without creativity disappearing. D'on's transition from ballet to fashion allowed her artistic life to continue in a completely different form. • Confidence can grow through experience. For D'on, awards and recognition helped reinforce that her instincts were worth trusting. • Learning more than one area of an industry can become an advantage. Her experience across apparel, footwear, accessories, and styling expanded both her skills and her future possibilities. • Rejection does not always mean stop. D'on often responds to a "no" by looking for another route forward. • Protecting your health matters when pursuing a demanding career. D'on learned to pay attention to stress and anxiety so she could continue doing the work she loves. • Trying to fit into someone else's version of success can lead to burnout. Finding the lane that genuinely works for you can make the dream more sustainable. • You do not always have to choose between creative passions. D'on's experience taught her that designing and styling can both have a place in her career. Connect with Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donlaurenedwards/ @donlaurenedwards Email: donlaurenedwards@gmail.com Connect with Us Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com Join the DreamHer Community Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us using #FanaticalDreamHer and share your favorite takeaway from today's conversation. Featured Music The official Fanatical DreamHer theme song, "Dream Her," is featured as the opening and closing music for this podcast. Performed by: Mandy Rose Wolf Lyrics & Music: Betsy Hammer, Susan Sheridan, and Larry Treadwell Publishing: Hammertime Music (ASCAP) / Boomers Mothers Music (BMI) / Simple Roger Music (BMI) Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved. For licensing requests, contact Betsy Hammer: (310) 650-5111 | betsyhammermusic@gmail.com

    From Ballet Dreams to Fashion and the Oscars: D'on Lauren Edwards on Reinvention, Confidence, and Finding Her Own Lane

  3. Sep 1

    From Weekend Markets to Ray Ray's Plants: Rachel Neighbors on Timing, Trust, and Creating a Place Where People Belong

    Rachel Neighbors did not grow up dreaming of owning a plant shop. In fact, her mom used to say Rachel did not like dirt as a child. Now, she spends most of her days with dirt underneath her fingernails. That unexpected turn is part of what makes her story so special. After COVID, Rachel and her husband, Len, moved to Williamsburg and found themselves in a season of reset. A Christmas gift—a Cricut machine—led Rachel into designing stickers and taking them to weekend markets. She brought plants along as table decorations, only to realize people were more interested in buying the plants than the stickers. So Rachel pivoted. What started with thrifted pots, Campbell's soup mugs, blenders, Crock-Pots, porch drilling, and 100-plus plants packed into the car became the foundation for Ray Ray's Plants, a warm and creative plant shop built around more than greenery. Rachel wanted to create a space where people could feel welcome, find something personal, connect with their homes, and maybe even find community. But the timing was anything but simple. Rachel found out she was pregnant with twins, assumed the plant shop dream would have to wait, and then received an opportunity to open a shop in Williamsburg while she was five months pregnant. She said yes, but she also allowed herself time. Instead of rushing the opening, she had her boys, took the summer to prepare, and opened the shop six months later. Rachel's story is about risk, patience, family, community, faith, and the courage to say yes when one piece of the puzzle finally fits. For any woman wondering whether her dream needs to look perfect before she begins, Rachel's journey offers a gentle but powerful truth: sometimes the right dream grows when you give it room, time, and people who believe in it with you. Key Discussion Points • 00:00 — April introduces Rachel Neighbors, owner and founder of Ray Ray's Plants. • 00:42 — Rachel shares that opening a plant store was not an early childhood dream and that she did not like dirt as a child. • 01:45 — April describes the warmth and uniqueness of Rachel's shop, including indoor plants, potting, drilling containers, and care instructions. • 01:52 — Rachel explains how a Cricut machine led to designing stickers and bringing them to weekend markets. • 02:18 — Rachel realizes customers were more interested in the plants she used as decorations than the stickers she was selling. • 02:31 — Rachel and her husband begin thrifting unique containers like Campbell's soup mugs, blenders, and Crock-Pots to use as plant pots. • 03:21 — Rachel shares that after market season, she found out she was pregnant with twins. • 03:36 — While five months pregnant, Rachel receives the opportunity to open a shop in Williamsburg and decides the risk is worth taking. • 05:09 — Rachel talks about saying yes to the shop and choosing not to rush the opening before the full vision was ready. • 05:36 — Rachel explains that she had her boys in April of 2025 and took the summer to prepare the shop between feedings and new-parent life. • 06:21 — Rachel remembers opening day, the support from family and community, and the feeling of realizing the shop was finally open. • 07:48 — Rachel describes how difficult it was to name the shop and how vulnerable it felt when the Ray Ray's sign went up on the building. • 09:24 — Rachel explains the "This Must Be The Place" sign and how it connects to the place where she and her husband got married. • 09:56 — Rachel shares her desire to create a corner of the shop where people in the community could come sit, gather, and feel welcomed. • 11:22 — Rachel talks about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and reminding herself that she does not have to get everything done in one day. • 13:34 — Rachel explains her belief that "houseplants make homes" and that plants should not be stressful for people. • 14:17 — Rachel credits her husband, Len, friends, and Sherry and Glen Lavender from Silver Hand Meadery with helping support the dream. • 15:33 — Rachel reflects that being a dreamer sometimes means allowing other people to speak into the dream, even though you still have to be the one to say yes. • 16:18 — Rachel advises others to look for opportunity and recognize when one piece of the puzzle fits, even before everything is figured out. • 17:26 — Rachel explains how two-plus years of market experience gave her valuable, lower-risk preparation before opening the brick-and-mortar shop. • 21:34 — Rachel shares that her faith carries her on hard days and that "the joy of the Lord is my strength." • 22:07 — Rachel gives her email address for anyone who wants to reach out. Notable Quotes "Opening the plant store was not on my list of things growing up." "My mom would often say that I did not like dirt as a child. So now I spend the majority of my days with dirt underneath my fingernails." "I had to say, 'Okay, this is worth the risk.'" "I said yes, and we did this thing." "Allowing myself the time to prepare for it to open, for it to be what I wanted, was absolutely worth the time it took to get there." "I tell myself that I don't have to get it all done today." "Houseplants make homes." "Sometimes being a dreamer means allowing other people to speak into that." Takeaways • A dream does not always begin in childhood. Sometimes it appears through curiosity, experimentation, and an unexpected pivot. • Starting small can teach you what people actually respond to before you take a bigger risk. • The right timing matters. Rachel's story shows that saying yes does not always mean rushing. • Community can be part of the dream itself, not just support for the dream. • Balancing motherhood and business ownership requires grace, help, and the reminder that everything does not have to happen today. • A physical space can become more than a store when it is built with welcome, creativity, and connection in mind. • Opportunity may not arrive with the full picture complete. Sometimes one piece of the puzzle is enough to begin. Connect with Guest Website: https://www.rayraysplants.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayraysplantsva @rayraysplantsva Email: grow@rayraysplants.com Connect with Us Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com Join the DreamHer Community Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us using #FanaticalDreamHer and share your favorite takeaway from today's conversation. Featured Music The official Fanatical DreamHer theme song, "Dream Her," is featured as the opening and closing music for this podcast. Performed by: Mandy Rose Wolf Lyrics & Music: Betsy Hammer, Susan Sheridan, and Larry Treadwell Publishing: Hammertime Music (ASCAP) / Boomers Mothers Music (BMI) / Simple Roger Music (BMI) Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved. For licensing requests, contact Betsy Hammer: (310) 650-5111 | betsyhammermusic@gmail.com

    From Weekend Markets to Ray Ray's Plants: Rachel Neighbors on Timing, Trust, and Creating a Place Where People Belong

  4. Aug 18

    From Fear to Freedom: Amy Oliver on Adventure, Entrepreneurship, and Building E-Bike Alley

    Long before Amy Oliver opened the doors to E-Bike Alley, she learned what could happen when she stepped into the unknown and trusted herself to figure things out. After graduating from college in 1988, Amy worked three jobs, saved $3,000, and set off alone for four months of travel through Europe. When fear nearly sent her home—and an expired emergency credit card left her running out of money—Amy found an unexpected solution: she bought a pair of scissors and started cutting hair across Europe to earn the $10 a day she needed to continue her journey. Years later, that same willingness to face uncertainty would become essential to her life as an entrepreneur. Amy launched what she describes as the first food truck in Hampton Roads in 2012, was diagnosed with breast cancer the following year, spent years working in real estate, and eventually discovered e-bikes during a family trip to California. One unforgettable day riding with her husband and four teenagers sparked an idea: Hampton Roads needed this experience too. Building what eventually became E-Bike Alley was anything but predictable. Amy shares the fear of putting her home on the line, leaving the e-bike brand she originally represented, teaching herself a changing industry, surviving months when customers weren't walking through the door, and finding creative ways to build a community around riding. Today, with locations in Williamsburg and Norfolk, she isn't interested in simply selling someone a bike—she wants people to experience the freedom, adventure, and happiness that made her fall in love with e-bikes in the first place. Amy's story is a reminder of what can happen when fear stops determining the direction you take. As she discovered during that first solo adventure decades ago: "Wow, I can do it. What else can I do?" Key Discussion Points (02:01) Amy shares how she decided to travel Europe alone after graduating from the University of Dayton in 1988. (02:58) Fear almost sends her home from Scotland until advice from her stepfather changes the direction of her trip. (04:33) An expired emergency credit card forces Amy to get creative and start cutting hair across Europe to support herself. (05:15) Learning to rely on herself—and finding her own customers—becomes an early lesson in entrepreneurship. (05:54) Amy discusses her entrepreneurial spirit and launching a food truck in Hampton Roads in 2012. (06:26) A breast cancer diagnosis in 2013 leads to another major change in direction. (06:47) A family e-bike adventure in California becomes the unexpected inspiration for what would eventually become E-Bike Alley. (08:27) Amy explains why building the business hasn't changed who she is—it has given her "room to be more of me." (08:52) Starting as a Pedego dealer, navigating COVID-era demand, and opening a second store. (10:05) The decision to leave Pedego and create E-Bike Alley as her own independent business. (10:17) Putting her home on the line and facing the financial fear of keeping the business alive. (11:02) Why Amy chooses the uncertain path when she reaches a fork in the road. (12:10) Pivoting from one e-bike brand to eventually carrying 15 brands and educating herself on the industry. (14:27) How breast cancer affected Amy's relationship with fear—and her decision not to let fear control her life. (16:10) Opening her first store to "crickets" and using $5 group rides to introduce people to e-bikes and build a community. (18:36) Thinking outside the box during COVID by delivering sanitized bikes to people's homes for week-long rentals. (19:40) Amy shares the simple favorite quote that fits her approach to life: "Just do it." (20:38) How guided test rides help nervous customers become comfortable with e-bikes. (22:01) E-Bike Alley's group rides, destination rides, rentals, and focus on the complete e-bike experience. (24:07) Amy reveals her favorite part of the business: seeing people return from a test ride grinning from ear to ear. Notable Quotes "I had to go find my business, right? I had to go find my customers." "I knew I could do it. I didn't know how, but I was gonna figure it out." "It's hard either way, and I would rather go in the direction of doing something that I don't know what the outcome is, so I can create my own." "Wow, I can do it. What else can I do?" "Just do it." "When you're around people that are happy, like, it's just, it's just a good day." Takeaways Facing fear can build confidence for the next challenge. Amy's solo European trip showed her early in life that she could be afraid, solve problems, and keep moving anyway. Resourcefulness matters when the original plan fails. From cutting hair in Europe to creating group rides when customers weren't coming into the store, Amy repeatedly found another way forward. A business idea can begin with an experience you wish existed closer to home. Amy's first e-bike ride showed her something she believed Hampton Roads was missing. Sometimes entrepreneurship requires a difficult pivot. When Amy determined her existing dealership model was no longer sustainable, she took the risk of creating E-Bike Alley. Learning doesn't stop once the business opens. Amy continues to study industry news, research products, and educate herself and her staff. Community can be part of the product. Group rides, destination rides, rentals, and guided test rides helped E-Bike Alley create an experience around cycling rather than simply selling bikes. Fear doesn't have to disappear before you act. Amy's story repeatedly demonstrates her willingness to move forward without knowing exactly how things will turn out. Connect with Guest • Website: https://www.e-bikealley.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebikealley_757/ @ebikealley_757 Connect with Us • Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher • Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ • April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com Join the DreamHer Community Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us using #FanaticalDreamHer and share your favorite takeaway from today's conversation. Featured Music The official Fanatical DreamHer theme song, "Dream Her," is featured as the opening and closing music for this podcast. Performed by: Mandy Rose Wolf Lyrics & Music: Betsy Hammer, Susan Sheridan, and Larry Treadwell Publishing: Hammertime Music (ASCAP) / Boomers Mothers Music (BMI) / Simple Roger Music (BMI) Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved. For licensing requests, contact Betsy Hammer: (310) 650-5111 | betsyhammermusic@gmail.com

    From Fear to Freedom: Amy Oliver on Adventure, Entrepreneurship, and Building E-Bike Alley

  5. Aug 4

    Baking with Purpose: How Samantha Ward Turned Food Allergies into a Healthier Way to Gather

    For Samantha Ward, creating allergen-free baked goods was never about asking people to settle for less. After discovering her own gluten sensitivity and navigating food allergies within her family, she began experimenting in the kitchen to create healthier versions of the foods she had always loved—pancakes, muffins, waffles, donuts, cookies, and the comforting recipes that bring families together. That experimentation grew into Orchids Baked Goods and Sammie's All-Purpose Mix, a versatile allergen-free baking mix created to make healthier eating both convenient and genuinely enjoyable. Samantha shares how persistence helped her move from baking at home to supplying coffee shops, entering supermarkets, and partnering with Goldbelly for nationwide shipping. She also reflects on the discipline she developed through bodybuilding, the role faith plays in her decision-making, and the importance of continuing to move forward when stores say no or opportunities do not unfold on her preferred timeline. This conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to build a product-based business while raising a family and pursuing more than one dream. Samantha's story encourages listeners to prepare carefully, take consistent action, and trust that setbacks may be redirecting them toward an opportunity they cannot yet see. Key Discussion Points (with time stamps): (02:24) How Samantha's gluten sensitivity and her son's food allergies led her to begin baking (03:09) Recognizing how food sensitivities can affect inflammation and digestive health (04:27) Recreating the familiar breakfast foods and family traditions she grew up enjoying (05:12) Learning to cook for her siblings and developing an early love of gathering around the table (07:17) Balancing family life while developing products at home (07:42) Creating low-glycemic and allergen-free recipes that still taste indulgent (08:40) Persistently approaching coffee shops, supermarkets, and wholesalers (09:07) How the journey strengthened her faith and persistence (10:31) Milestones including placement in more than ten coffee shops and her first supermarket (10:55) Partnering with Goldbelly to offer Sammie's Mix nationwide (11:38) Lessons from Samantha's earlier career in the fashion industry (12:18) How bodybuilding strengthened her discipline and patience (14:09) Writing down goals and learning that success may take longer than expected (16:21) Responding when retailers discontinue a product (17:15) Prayer, meditation, and remembering the gifts placed within her (18:15) Advice for women: take one step toward the goal every day (20:45) The emotion of making her first store delivery (22:27) Feeling proud that families can create healthy experiences together (24:49) Advice for aspiring bakers on mastering their craft and building a distinctive brand (27:09) Samantha's guiding principles: preparation, faith, and doing it scared Notable Quotes: "It came out of necessity." "I'm not gonna stop. I'm gonna be persistent about it." "Sometimes you have to mold the personality that you need to have in order to accomplish that dream." "The time is passing anyway." "Do it scared." "Preparation is the key to success." Takeaways: A personal or family need can become the foundation for a meaningful business. A healthier product can still preserve the joy, flavor, and traditions connected to food. Product-based businesses require persistence, especially when approaching stores and distributors. Setbacks do not always signal failure; sometimes the timing or audience is not yet right. Discipline developed in one part of life can strengthen another dream. Consistent daily action matters, even when only a few minutes are available. Preparation and faith can help build confidence before the results are visible. Connect with Guest: • Website: https://www.sammiesmixes.com/ • Website: https://www.orchidsbakedgoods.com/ • For Ordering: https://www.goldbelly.com/restaurants/orchids-baked-goods/sammie-s-all-purpose-mix-allergen-free • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delicious_orchidscookies/ @delicious_orchidscookies • Email: sward@orchidsbakedgoods.com Connect with Us: • Follow April Kemp on Instagram: [@fanaticaldreamher] • Stay updated on new episodes of Fanatical DreamHer: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ • April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com Join the DreamHer Community: Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media! Featured Music The official Fanatical DreamHer theme song, "Dream Her," is featured as the opening and closing music for this podcast. Performed by: Mandy Rose Wolf Lyrics & Music: Betsy Hammer, Susan Sheridan, and Larry Treadwell Publishing: Hammertime Music (ASCAP) / Boomers Mothers Music (BMI) / Simple Roger Music (BMI) Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved.

    Baking with Purpose: How Samantha Ward Turned Food Allergies into a Healthier Way to Gather

  6. Jul 22

    Dream It. Believe It. Do It. Betsy Hammer's Lifelong Journey of Music, Mentorship, and Making It Happen

    Some dreams begin so early that they become part of who you are. For singer, songwriter, actress, vocal coach, and producer Betsy Hammer, that dream started when she was just three years old. Encouraged by a preschool teacher who recognized her gifts and parents who filled her home with music and unwavering belief, Betsy never questioned whether she belonged in the entertainment world—only how she would get there. Throughout this special 75th episode of Fanatical DreamHer, Betsy reflects on a remarkable career that has spanned Broadway, recording studios, feature films, television, music production, and fifteen years with Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions. Along the way, she shares unforgettable moments—from working alongside Cher and Paul McCartney to mentoring the next generation of performers. Just as openly, she talks about the challenges she faced, including overcoming professional skepticism, recovering from a devastating hip injury, and choosing gratitude even in life's most difficult seasons. At the heart of Betsy's story is a simple philosophy that has guided her entire life: "Dream it. Believe it. Do it." Her journey is filled with encouragement for anyone pursuing a dream, reminding listeners that persistence, kindness, gratitude, and believing in yourself can open doors that once seemed impossible. As a special celebration of Fanatical DreamHer's 75th episode, be sure to stay through the end of the podcast to hear the debut of the new Dream Her theme song in its entirety, co-written by Betsy Hammer especially for the Fanatical DreamHer community. Key Discussion Points (with time stamps): (02:00) Discovering her dream of entertaining at just three years old (03:25) The lifelong influence of her parents' encouragement and positivity (04:27) Early milestones in theater, music, and vocal performance (06:31) Meeting Grammy-winning producer Brooks Arthur and joining Adam Sandler's circle (07:59) Beginning a 15-year career with Happy Madison Productions (08:34) Producing and coaching Cher during the recording of Zookeeper (10:45) Earning respect by letting her work speak for itself (11:43) Recovering from a devastating hip injury and returning to performing (13:20) Her daily mindset of gratitude and the origin of "Dream it. Believe it. Do it." (14:37) The Broadway callback that made her realize she had achieved her dream (15:29) Mentoring students and celebrating their professional successes (17:16) The people who encouraged and supported her throughout her career (20:06) Advice for young performers pursuing multiple creative passions (22:18) Why singing remains her greatest professional love (23:09) Meeting and dancing with Paul McCartney—one of her most treasured memories (24:40) Learning to love herself in order to fully love others and her work Notable Quotes: "Dream it, believe it, do it." "Grab the gratitude." "If you dreamed it, believe it." "Make it happen, make it happen." "You have to love yourself in order to love everything else." "Always be kind, be positive and have fun because people like to work with someone who's fun to work with." Takeaways: Believing in your dream begins with believing in yourself. Gratitude can become a powerful anchor during life's most difficult moments. Persistence and preparation often create opportunities that seem impossible. Mentorship and encouragement can change the trajectory of another person's life. Success is built through both talent and the ability to treat others with kindness and respect. Loving yourself creates the foundation for serving and encouraging others. Dreams don't have to fit into one box—you can pursue multiple passions throughout your life. Connect with Guest: • Website: https://www.betsyhammer.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsyhammerofficial/ (@betsyhammerofficial) • Email: betsyhammermusic@gmail.com or betsyhammeractor@gmail.com Connect with Us: • Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher • Stay updated on new episodes of Fanatical DreamHer: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ • April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com Join the DreamHer Community: Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media! Dream Her Theme Song Stay tuned after the interview to hear the full debut performance of the new Dream Her theme song, introduced during this special 75th episode of Fanatical DreamHer. Lyrics & Music for Dream Her by Betsy Hammer, Susan Sheridan and Larry Treadwell. Hammertime Music (ASCAP) / Boomers Mothers Music (BMI) / Simple Roger Music (BMI). Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved.

    Dream It. Believe It. Do It. Betsy Hammer's Lifelong Journey of Music, Mentorship, and Making It Happen

  7. Jul 7

    From Chef Burnout to Chin Dribblin Sauces: Ali Schlichter on Fear, Flavor, and Building Something of Her Own

    Ali Schlichter was eight years old when she was already making fresh pesto for her brother as a snack. Food was never just a job for her. It became the place where she learned, worked, created, pushed herself, and eventually built a career that touched nearly every corner of the kitchen—from pastry and butchery to dishwashing and leadership. But after years in the food industry, Ali reached a breaking point. Burned out from being a head chef after COVID, she realized she had spent so much time pouring herself into other people's kitchens and other people's visions that she no longer recognized herself. A conversation with a friend became the turning point. She needed a new path. She needed something that belonged to her. That is where Chin Dribblin Sauces began. With $15,000 saved and very little business experience, Ali stepped into entrepreneurship fueled by passion, grit, and the willingness to learn through expensive mistakes. Along the way, she faced grief, fear, imposter syndrome, business challenges, and the reality of building a food brand in an industry where costs are high, resources are limited, and giving up can feel tempting. Her story also includes unforgettable milestones: being discovered at a market, flying to London, pitching her product to Gordon Ramsay and Lisa Vanderpump, competing on a Gordon Ramsay show, and later being invited to compete at Aspen Food and Wine. Ali's journey is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply human. She talks about what it means to do it afraid, to slow down long enough to find clarity, and to keep moving even when the dream feels impossible. For any woman building something from scratch, recovering from burnout, or wondering whether fear gets the final word, Ali's story offers a flavorful reminder: sometimes the life you are meant to build begins when you finally choose something that is yours. Key Discussion Points • 01:39 — Ali shares how her love of cooking began as a child watching the Food Channel and making fresh pesto by age eight. • 02:13 — She reflects on spending 13 to 14 years in the food industry and doing "everything around the sun," including pastry, butchery, and dishwashing. • 02:47 — Ali explains that Chin Dribblin was born after burnout, exhaustion, and a need to rediscover who she was. • 03:38 — She talks about saving $15,000, jumping into the business, and realizing she knew very little about entrepreneurship at the beginning. • 04:45 — Ali describes how running a business became like "holding a mirror up to yourself every single day." • 05:38 — She shares how the loss of her mother, a major breakup, and losing one of her best friends changed her relationship with fear. • 07:03 — Ali recalls that six months after hitting rock bottom, she was on a plane to London to compete on a Gordon Ramsay show. • 07:25 — She tells the story of being discovered at a market and going through multiple rounds of applications before heading to London. • 08:00 — Ali describes pitching her product Shark Tank-style to Gordon Ramsay and Lisa Vanderpump before officially getting on the show. • 09:50 — She connects the Gordon Ramsay opportunity to her mom, who had always encouraged her to be on one of his shows. • 10:51 — April and Ali talk about Chin Dribblin sauces, including the chimichurri and spicy pineapple peanut sauce. • 12:05 — Ali reflects on major milestones, including her first order, getting her sauce in front of 9 million people, and competing at Aspen Food and Wine. • 15:19 — She explains why this year has made her slow down, pull back, and focus on the avenues that can truly move the dream forward. • 17:35 — Ali names expensive mistakes as one of her biggest obstacles and explains how setbacks became data. • 19:28 — She shares how her family, especially her mom, dad, and brother, have supported her and helped her keep going. Notable Quotes "By like the age of eight, I was making fresh pesto for my brother as a snack." "It was just literally born out of exhaustion, burnout, and honestly a desperate need to rediscover who I was." "I think passion is the only thing that makes sense of the chaos because the business side of food is brutal." "On the other side of fear is a version of yourself that didn't exist." "Failing is always momentum for me. It's not the end, it's information, and it redirects you." "Unapologetically fusion isn't just a product description. It's literally how I operate." Takeaways • Passion matters, especially when the practical side of a dream becomes difficult, expensive, or uncertain. • Burnout can become a turning point when it reveals the need to build something that truly belongs to you. • Fear may not disappear before the leap, but Ali's story shows the importance of moving anyway. • Expensive mistakes can become powerful teachers when you treat setbacks as information instead of defeat. • Slowing down can create clarity, especially for dreamers who are used to constantly pushing forward. • Support systems matter. Ali credits her family with helping her keep moving on the hardest days. • Building outside the box can be a strength, especially when your brand, creativity, and personality are all part of the dream. Connect with Guest Website: https://chindribblin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chindribblinllc @chindribblinllc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080395869180&locale=gl_ES&paipv=0&eav=AfZZGesZRpY5yPEG_ZCXpLjQppRhe2yahY34kiccLImGr2u6i2QglWEE0gJ5zHiMuQI&_rdr Email: chindribblin@gmail.com Connect with Us Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com Join the DreamHer Community Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us using #FanaticalDreamHer and share your favorite takeaway from today's conversation.

    From Chef Burnout to Chin Dribblin Sauces: Ali Schlichter on Fear, Flavor, and Building Something of Her Own

  8. Jun 23

    Turning Setbacks Into Service: Jessica Anderson on Leadership, Resilience, and Never Giving Up

    In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp welcomes Jessica Anderson, Delegate for Virginia's 71st House District, for an honest conversation about resilience, public service, and the courage to keep pursuing your dreams—even after experiencing disappointment. Jessica shares how growing up with a resilient single mother shaped her outlook on life, how becoming a single parent herself deepened her commitment to serving others, and how working in public schools opened her eyes to the challenges many families face. Those experiences ultimately led her from community advocacy to public office, where she continues working to improve the lives of Virginians through authentic leadership and meaningful service. After narrowly losing her first election, Jessica refused to let defeat define her. Instead, she returned stronger, built deeper relationships within her community, and ultimately earned victory through perseverance, integrity, and an unwavering belief in her purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that setbacks are often the foundation for future success. Key Discussion Points (with time stamps): (01:38) Growing up inspired by her resilient mother and learning perseverance from an early age (03:39) Becoming a single mother and discovering her passion for public service (04:07) Personal experiences navigating public assistance and recognizing systemic challenges (04:59) Working in public schools and witnessing the realities many families face (05:50) Building a public voice through social media and civic engagement (06:29) Running her first campaign and connecting with voters door-to-door (07:21) How losing her first election strengthened her determination (08:29) The importance of listening respectfully to people with different viewpoints (10:06) Turning a narrow election loss into motivation for future success (13:02) Why authenticity and integrity should never be compromised (14:44) The growing impact of women in political leadership (17:02) How years of customer service prepared her for public office (19:43) The emotions of being sworn into the Virginia House of Delegates (22:59) Campaign finance challenges and barriers to public service (26:29) Self-talk, perseverance, and focusing on making a difference one step at a time (28:20) The importance of self-care, exercise, and maintaining balance (30:59) Advice for young women pursuing leadership and overcoming criticism Notable Quotes: "I knew in that moment... I will be back two years later." "Don't compromise anything." "You do not have to compromise anything, including your personality, to get what you want." "I'm having the opportunity to move the needle a little further to where we want to be." "Be willing to have really hard conversations." "You don't know me, but I'm happy to introduce myself." Takeaways: Setbacks can become the catalyst for even greater success when you refuse to quit. Authentic leadership begins with staying true to your values. Listening respectfully to others builds stronger communities, even when opinions differ. Hard work, persistence, and consistency often matter more than immediate results. Women should never feel pressured to fit into someone else's definition of leadership. Strong support systems—including family, mentors, and friends—make difficult journeys possible. Every conversation is an opportunity to build understanding and create positive change. Connect with Guest: • Website: https://jess4va.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessanderson4virginia/ (@jessanderson4virginia) • Email: jess@jess4va.com Connect with Us: • Follow April Kemp on Instagram: [@fanaticaldreamher] • Stay updated on new episodes of Fanatical DreamHer: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ • April's email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com Join the DreamHer Community: Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media!

    Turning Setbacks Into Service: Jessica Anderson on Leadership, Resilience, and Never Giving Up
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About

Fanatical DreamHer is the weekly podcast where host April Kemp sits down with inspiring women who dared to dream big and turned those dreams into reality. These incredible DreamHers share their journeys of resilience, determination, and triumph—facing obstacles, overcoming challenges, and achieving success on their own terms. Through raw and real conversations, you'll hear how these women stayed committed to their vision, proving that no dream is too big and no goal is out of reach. Tune in each week for stories that will empower you to chase your dreams with fearless passion and become the next Fanatical DreamHer.

Information

  • Creator
    April Kemp
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2026 April Kemp
  • Show Website
    Fanatical DreamHer