Class E Podcast Mary Sturgill

In this episode of the Class E Podcast, we sat down with guest Martine Helou-Allen, CEO and founder of RIZE Prevention. Martine shares her personal journey and how it led her to create a groundbreaking program empowering teens to resist drugs and make healthy choices. Through RIZE, Martine is transforming communities by addressing the root causes of addiction and offering hope to young people. Join us as we explore her inspiring story and the impact of RIZE Prevention.
Guest: Martine Helou-Allen
Host: Mary Sturgill
Producer: Isabella Martinez
To learn more about RIZE visit their website: https://rizeprevention.org/
 

In this special episode of the Class E Podcast, we're revisiting the most impactful insights from our incredible guests this season. From the wisdom of Jennifer Jones on turning pain into power, to Chad Price's reminder that in entrepreneurship, you set the rules of the game, and Fred Cary's inspiring mantra to be comfortable with the discomfort of chasing your dreams. And don't miss Jason Richards' profound question: 'How do you want to spend your day?' Whether you're seeking motivation or guidance, join us as we uncover these remarkable nuggets of wisdom that have resonated deeply with us. Tune in and let these voices ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!
Guests: Jennifer Jones, Chad Price, Fred Carey, and Jason Richards
Host: Mary Sturgill
Producer: Isabella Martinez
Links to full episodes:
 
Jennifer Jones – “Empowering Voices: From Pain to Power with Jennifer Jones of Beauty Marks for Girls”
https://class-epodcast.libsyn.com/disrupting-the-system
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wS4pppAkQKn3pxCfiUlH6?si=7196df8ae48b485f
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empowering-voices-from-pain-to-power-with-jennifer/id1499156754?i=1000635686015
Chad Price – “Why Entrepreneurs in Any Industry Need to Prepare for Battle”
 https://class-epodcast.libsyn.com/why-entrepreneurs-in-any-industry-need-to-prepare-for-battle
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oIKMOhRPUonb3oof0FnRx?si=e9beaa04bef04722
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-entrepreneurs-in-any-industry-need-to-prepare-for/id1499156754?i=1000634172515
 Fred Cary – “Competition and Failure: Two Things Every Entrepreneur Shouldn’t Fear” 
https://class-epodcast.libsyn.com/competition-and-failure-two-things-every-entrepreneur-shouldnt-fear
https://open.spotify.com/episode/25ZNxmiMTenGdCAzFhwwJf?si=7843e933816548dc
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/competition-and-failure-two-things-every-entrepreneur/id1499156754?i=1000627878496
Jason Richards – “One Question: How Do You Want To Spend Your Day?”
https://class-epodcast.libsyn.com/one-question-how-do-you-want-to-spend-your-day
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2yP1L2w7gm6ZXLMgMbMYaY?si=867651920d6f49fa
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-question-how-do-you-want-to-spend-your-day/id1499156754?i=1000626184884
TRANSCRIPT
MARY: Hi there everyone and welcome to the Class E Podcast. I am your host Mary Sturgill. This podcast is brought to you through a partnership between the Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Communication Studies department at Furman University. 
Today we have a special episode where we are taking a look back at some of the best conversations we’ve had with our guests this season…and we’ve sure had some impressive motivational guests. 
If you’re in need of some advice or even some inspiration, take a listen to some of these amazing nuggets of wisdom that this season’s guests have shared with us. 
MARY: First, let’s look back at our episode titled, “Empowering Voices: Turning Pain to Power,” with guest Jennifer Jones, the founder of the nonprofit mentoring program, Beauty Marks for Girls. 
JENNIFER JONES: Every scar tells a story and we don't look at those scars as shame, but they're now badges of honor where I can tell my stories to the ladies and it was relatability, like wow, this young lady has taken time out of her day and she's going through something very similar as I am but we turn pain into power those young ladies.
JENNIFER JONES: Discipline is freedom. You have to be disciplined as an entrepreneur. And I like to also say because I come from corporate America, the same type of motivation and hard work and discipline that you put within someone else's company, it needs to be to a second level for your own.
MARY: Our own personal experiences inform how we move through the world… and how we work as entrepreneurs and innovative things… sometimes we need to look at entrepreneurship like we

Join us in this episode of the Class E Podcast as we dive into the extraordinary journey of Callie Goodwin, the mastermind behind a thriving greeting card company born out of the challenges of the pandemic. From a humble start during quarantine to becoming a household name on TikTok, Callie shares her inspirational story of turning isolation into innovation. With her background in education and social work, Callie's path to entrepreneurship was unexpected but undeniably rewarding. Tune in to discover how she navigated obstacles like funding shortages and leveraged the power of social media to skyrocket her business. From viral TikTok campaigns to unexpected partnerships, Callie's journey is a testament to the resilience and creativity of small business owners everywhere. Join us as we explore the highs, the lows, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, practical tips, and a glimpse into the limitless possibilities of entrepreneurship in the digital age.
Guest: Callie Goodwin. Founder Sparks of Joy  
Host: Mary Sturgill
Producer: Isabella Martinez 
 
Transcript:
MARY: Hi there, everyone. Welcome to this episode of the Class E Podcast. I am your host, Mary Sturgil. This podcast is brought to you in partnership between the Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Communication Studies Department here at Furman University. And today we have a very special guest…you may know her from Tik Tok and some Tik Tok ads. It's Callie Goodwin, who is the founder of the greeting card company, Sparks of Joy. Callie, welcome to our show.
CALLIE: Hi! Thank you so much for having me. 
MARY: Callie, I want to start with… Do you remember the first time that we met in person? Because we’ve known each other for a while though.
CALLIE: It's been quite a while. I was helping film in Columbia. I don't know what year it was. But it's been quite a while.
MARY: It's been at least seven years probably. Yeah. Yeah. I was still in news. I was still a news anchor. And Callie had this drone and I was you know me, I'm a gadget girl. And so I went up to her and I was like, oh, show me what you're doing. Like we were just talking off air that we were flying drones and we didn't really know any of the rules back then. So we just flew them all over the place.
CALLIE: I look back now and I'm like, Ooh, yeah, we were definitely breaking some rules then. But honestly before… it was still the wild wild west of drones. 
MARY: You were on the cutting edge then and now you're on the cutting edge again. That's your life. 
CALLIE: I like to live on the edge.
MARY: Yeah, exactly. Exactly. So tell us a little bit about Sparks of Joy for people who might not have seen your TikTok ad because your TikTok ad… I say TikTok ad guys but it is all over TV right now.
CALLIE: Yeah, so Sparks of Joy started as a pre stamped greeting card company in the middle of the pandemic. I bought a house the summer 2020, moved in, was exposed to COVID had to quarantine and during that two weeks was going stir crazy. Neighbor dropped off a handwritten card and some brownies. And that handwritten card like really kind of sparked this idea of like, I want to send out cards out with my new address like I finally have an address on my own. But I realized that I didn't know what boxes my cards were in. And I didn't have any stamps. And so I used that two week quarantine period to start a business. I design all my own cards. And then we pre stamp the cards so that our customers don't have to or don't have to try to track down stamps at the post office so it has grown I started my TikTok right as I started my business and now it's grown into this massive account and this like really cool opportunity to partner with TikTok on these things. And I never would have dreamed that this loneliness of my brand new house would have turned into this three years later.
MARY: Right and so the…le

Step into the world of artistic entrepreneurship with Caroline Owen and Robert Cushing in this dynamic episode of the Class E Podcast. As accomplished musicians, they share their transformative experiences studying music abroad and crafting original musical compositions. This conversation takes you on a journey from the foundations of classical music to the entrepreneurial challenges faced when building a private teaching studio. Learn about the birth of the Decatur Fine Arts Academy, where Caroline and Robert blend their unique skills to create a haven for music education. Discover their innovative approach to supporting both teachers and students, breaking away from traditional models. This episode is a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of adapting to new challenges, and the joy found in cultivating a community passionate about the arts.
Guest: Caroline Owen and Robert Cushing
Host: Mary Sturgill
Producer: Isabella Martinez 

 Join us on the latest episode of the Class E Podcast, where we had an engaging conversation with Candace Morris, the founder of The Launch Ready Method. Candace takes us on a journey through her diverse experiences in social work, education, and entrepreneurship. From her days as a student life coordinator at a charter high school to pioneering an internship program, Candace reveals the gaps she identified in preparing young people for the professional world. Learn about the birth of The Launch Ready Method, an online curriculum aimed at guiding 16 to 24-year-olds through self-discovery, professional skills development, and practical application. Candace shares the challenges she faced, the lessons learned in Greenville Starts, and the importance of pacing oneself in the entrepreneurial marathon. Don't miss this insightful episode that delves into the core of preparing youth for success in the real world.
Guest: Candace Morris - The Launch Ready Method
Host: Mary Sturgill
Producer/Editor: Isabella Martinez

Dive into the latest episode of the Class E Podcast with Andrew Predmore, the executive director of Furman University's Shi Institute, as he shares insights into their innovative initiatives. From on-campus climate action planning to a closed-loop food system, the episode delves into sustainability challenges and solutions. Join the conversation as they discuss composting, student engagement, and outward-facing programs, including the Sustainability Leadership Initiative. Andrew sheds light on working with businesses for sustainability and fostering leadership in South Carolina. Discover how Furman is making strides in sustainability, from reducing carbon emissions to unique partnerships. Don't miss the innovative steps they're taking in waste reduction at athletic events, creating a blueprint for sustainable practices. Gain valuable perspectives on sustainability and be inspired by Furman's commitment to a greener future!
Guest: Andrew Predmore, Director of the Shi Institute at Furman University
Host: Mary Sturgill
Producer: Isabella Martinez '24
 
Transcript: 
Mary: Today, our guest is Andrew Predmore, who is the Executive Director of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities here at Furman University. Andrew, welcome to the show.
Andrew: Oh, thank you. I'm excited to be here and excited to talk about innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mary: Absolutely. Because you guys have some innovative programs, which we're going to talk about but you've only been here a year right?
 Andrew: Not even a year. Getting close. So I started October 5th or 6th of last year so getting close to a year, yeah.
Mary: How are you finding it? 
Andrew: Oh, I love it.
Mary: Not to put you on the spot. 
Andrew: Well yeah I can't exactly answer like, oh, no good at all. But no, I truly am enjoying the position. And you know, I tell people that I really have one of the most fun jobs there is out there because we do a lot of good. And really, you know, my biggest challenge is trying to figure out what in the world to say no to because all the sustainability work that comes our way is good work. And work that's needed in the world. So lots of opportunity and lots of good things to do.
Mary: So let's talk about that because you have some innovative programs that you guys are working on. Can you kind of… I don't want to say just list them all but kind of talk about them, list them and then I want to jump in…there's some that I want to dive into 
Andrew: Well it would depend on how you define innovative right? But we have a lot of programming. I couldn't possibly list them all for you. Yeah, I would say like just in a broad sense, like the Shi Institute is working on and off campus on sustainability issues and we're looking to make a difference in both places.
Andrew: And along the way, we engage students and faculty in that work. So you know, I'll mention just a couple of things going on on-campus and a couple of things off campus and then we can see where that takes us. But on campus our biggest push right now is climate action planning for the university. So Furman University has a carbon neutrality commitment for 2026. It's going to be really difficult to meet that commitment. And so we're really intentionally working on how we are going to pursue that commitment or we need to reset sort of when we're going to be carbon neutral and what is a pragmatic pathway to reduce carbon emissions because we're in here right now and the lights are on and we're using energy right now. And so that's, that's a real challenge for any university in any large organization. So you got to be innovative, you got to think outside the box. And we want to do it also in a way that supports the broader Greenville community. So that's a big thing that we do on campus and anything that we do on campus, we're always engaging students in that so we have a really vibrant student fellowship program. We also have a farm as you know, and that's an important