Johnson City Living Colin Johnson

About the Guests:
In this episode, we're introduced to Vik Vatarana and Kartik Kumar, the entrepreneurial duo behind the lively Diablo Bar and Grill located in Johnson City. Vik, who hails from a small town near the Himalayas in north Punjab, India, moved to Johnson City from New Jersey in 2005. With over two decades of experience in the restaurant and real estate industry, Vik has successfully run Sahib Indian Restaurant since 2006 and has expanded into local hotel ownership. 
Kartik Kumar grew up in the bustling capital of India, New Delhi, before moving to Johnson City under the mentorship of Vik. With a background in managing family hospitality businesses back in India, Kartik has adapted and thrived in the local restaurant scene, now co-owning Diablo Bar and Grill and bringing his dream of a nightlife spot to life.
Episode Summary:
In this lively episode, we dive into the inspiring journeys of Vik Vatarana and Kartik Kumar, two passionate entrepreneurs who have introduced vibrant dining and nightlife experiences to Johnson City. These industry veterans share their stories from early beginnings to the recent successes of opening and managing Diablo Bar and Grill.
Starting with a nod to the beloved golf Masters weekend, the conversation quickly transitions to the entrepreneurial ventures of Vik and Kartik. We learn about the inception and growth of Sahib Indian Restaurant, a cornerstone of Johnson City's culinary scene, as well as the birth of Diablo Bar and Grill, which brings Mexican cuisine and exciting nightlife to the forefront.
Key Takeaways:
Vik Vatarana and Kartik Kumar share a deep passion for the restaurant industry, which led them to open Diablo Bar and Grill alongside Sahib Indian Restaurant in Johnson City.Despite the challenges of COVID-19, their resilience and commitment to their businesses have led to thriving establishments that add vibrancy to the local community.Diablo Bar and Grill offers a unique combination of Mexican cuisine and a nightlife experience, filling a niche in Johnson City.The significance of family and connections shines through their journey, as both Vik and Kartik emphasize the role of their cultural background and familial support in their entrepreneurial paths.Both guests highlight the opportunities and the welcoming nature of America, expressing gratitude for the chance to succeed and grow in their adopted city.Notable Quotes:
"Life, you'll have challenges, and we just have to overcome and work hard and just, you know, and just keep moving forward." — Vik Vatarana on overcoming obstacles."You show up every day and try to, you know, get things done and life, life is not easy. But if you work hard and you're focused, it's the easiest thing." — Vik Vatarana on hard work."Now I'm grateful, to be honest. Yes. Blessed." — Kartik Kumar reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey.Resources:
Sahib Indian RestaurantDiablo Bar and Grill - Located at 216 East Main Street, Johnson City.Tune into this episode for a full plate of inspiration, served with a side of entrepreneurial spirit that is sure to engage food enthusiasts and business-minded listeners alike. Stay tuned for more captivating stories and insights from industry leaders in our future episodes!

About the Guest:
Brian Mullin is an experienced tattoo artist and snake charmer known for his expertise in the field. He has made a significant mark in the tattooing community with his impressive work that spans various styles, with a particular affinity for Japanese style and traditional tattooing. Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest and having a professional background in automotive painting, Brian brings a unique blend of skills and aesthetic to his craft. Now a Johnson City resident, he co-owns and operates Snake Charmer Tattoo Parlour located on North Roan Street. Brian is not only known for his artistry but also for the deep, personal connections he establishes with his clients.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode, listeners are introduced to Brian Mullin, a tattoo artist with a passion for self-expression and the intricate art of tattooing. With his move to Johnson City and the purchase of a house, Brian has embraced the community and the beauty of East Tennessee's natural landscape.
The conversation with Brian Mullin delves into the intricacies of the tattooing profession, exploring both the personal and artistic dimensions of this unique form of self-expression. From discussing the impact of weather on viewing the eclipse to the soothing pastime of bonsai tree care, Brian offers insight into his life and passions outside of his tattooing career.
Key Takeaways:Tattooing is not only an artistic expression but also a tradition with a rich history, requiring expertise and an understanding of the craft.Selecting a tattoo artist involves more than just evaluating their work; it's about personal connection and trust between the artist and client.Tattoos are personal decisions often representing memories or important aspects of an individual's life, and their permanence is a major consideration.Aftercare is crucial for the longevity of a tattoo, with hydration, skincare, and protection from the sun being vital.The journey of tattooing is as much about the relationships built along the way as it is about the final piece of art.Notable Quotes:
"Tattooing is like, it's tattooing and when it comes down to it, there's a right way and a wrong way to do it.""I get paid to do what I love.""People often call it therapy because we'll take the time.""Nothing better than a good session where the client’s happy, you’re happy, everything works out, everybody wins.""A cover up is like something that you take time."Resources:
Brian Mullin's Instagram: @tattoosby.brianSnake Charmer Tattoo Parlour Location: 1210 North Roan Street, Suite 2, Johnson CityFor anyone intrigued by the art of tattooing or considering their first or next tattoo, this conversation with Brian Mullin provides not only a behind-the-scenes look at the tattooing process but also the philosophy and personal connections that make it significant. Tune in to the full episode to absorb more of Brian's passion and stories from the world of tattooing, and stay connected for more episodes that tap into the fascinating experiences of diverse individuals.

About the Guests:
Timmy Norman and Angela Bowes are the dynamic and talented duo from Cake Buds Bakery located in Johnson City. As celebrity superstars in the baking world, they have graced several cooking shows on TV with their presence and have a strong reputation for crafting unbelievable baked creations. Timmy, with a background in graphic design and fine arts, combines his love for art and baking by specializing in sculpted cakes. Angela hails from Pennsylvania, with a rich heritage of country baking and years of experience in the baking industry, bringing passion and creativity to Cake Buds.
In this mouth-watering episode of the podcast, host Colin sits down with Timmy Norman and Angela Bowes of Cake Buds Bakery, well-known from their appearances on various TV cooking shows. The Johnson City weather sets the backdrop for a conversation that delves into the local culinary scene, Cake Buds' origins, and the secrets behind their winning streak in baking competitions.
Timmy and Angela share their personal journeys, including Timmy's leap from graphic design in the medical field to opening Cake Buds, driven by his passion for creative baking. Angela recounts her background, her move from Connecticut to Johnson City, and how she saw an opportunity to work with Timmy. The turning point was her keen eye for quality, which made Cake Buds stand out amongst other local bakeries.

Timmy and Angela highlight the unique warm-and-humble qualities of Johnson City and its Appalachian roots.
The conversation leads us into the heart of Cake Buds, where Timmy and Angela unravel the bakery's offerings, including custom cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, and French macarons.


Timmy Norman transitioned from a career in graphic design to opening Cake Buds Bakery, fueled by his love for cake sculpting.
Angela Bowes joined Timmy to pursue her passion for baking, leaving behind a career in the medical field.
Cake Buds stands out for its custom-designed cakes that have caught national attention, winning several baking shows on TV.
The bakery offers an array of goodies, from flavorful cupcakes to delectable ice cream, appealing to the diverse tastes of Johnson City residents.
Both Timmy and Angela are passionate about teaching, offering classes to share their baking skills with enthusiasts.


"We love Johnson City weather because it's always different. Keeps you on your toes." - Colin
"It's appalachian, and you have the warmth of southern people, but it's not the backwoods." - Timmy
"I started googling all the bakeries that were in, like, a 30 minutes radius of me… and I came across Timmy's page, and I was like, wow, he's actually the, can I say, the only bakery in the area that I saw that really had the quality of work that I was looking to be part of." - Angela
"I've always unsculpted cakes, and so it kind of catches people's attention when it's not a sheet cake and it's not, you know, a store bought cake." - Timmy
"We're really trying to focus a lot more lately in doing more, like, pastry style and baked goods." - Timmy


Cake Buds Bakery Website: mycakebuds.com
Cake Buds on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @cakebuds, @cakebuds.JC

As we wrap up a delightful session of cake talks and insights into the sweet life of baking, we encourage you not to miss out on this rich and flavorful episode with Timmy and Angela from Cake Buds Bakery. Stay tuned for more episodes that promise to tantalize your taste buds and inspire your culinary adventures!

Olivia May Adkins is a seasoned fashion blogger and social media influencer known as Olivia Maybell. With a background that includes a family of medical professionals, Olivia initially embarked on a pre-med path before finding her calling in the social media world. Combining her passion for fashion, travel, and digital content creation, Olivia has built a successful online presence spanning multiple platforms. As a mother of three, she balances her bustling family life with her professional pursuits in the ever-changing landscape of influencer marketing.
In this engaging episode, Colin Johnson, host of the podcast, invites Olivia May Adkins, an old friend and fashion influencer, to share her journey, insights into influencer marketing, and her love for Johnson City's culture and charm. As they discuss various topics ranging from favorite local spots to the intricacies of social media, listeners will get an intimate glimpse into Olivia's life and the motivations behind her vibrant online persona.
Olivia opens up about how she stumbled into the world of content creation, discussing the growth of her online presence and her strategies for staying relevant in the rapidly evolving landscape of social media. From learning to code her own website to navigating the complex algorithms of different platforms, she provides a unique inside look at what it takes to be a successful influencer. As a local influencer, Olivia also shines a light on Johnson City's evolution, highlighting her favorite restaurants, parks, and community features.

Olivia May Adkins recounts her unexpected transition from a pre-med track to becoming a fashion blogger and influencer, known as Olivia Maybell.
The discussion delves deeply into the influencer marketing industry, including the ever-changing social media algorithms and content creation strategies.
Olivia emphasizes the importance of starting a project yourself, learning as you go, and the value of uniqueness in establishing a personal brand.
Johnson City's culture, including its food scene and family-friendly activities, are celebrated as Olivia shares her top local picks.
A glimpse into Olivia's personal life and future plans reveals her upcoming move to San Diego, supported by her husband's navy career.


"I like to associate myself with [the term blogger]… I think 'influencer' gets a bad rap to people who are not heavy in social media." - Olivia May Adkins
"I would say, just start. That's probably the biggest piece of it." - Olivia May Adkins on how to break into content creation.
"You never realize how, like, small-town and southern Johnson city is until you move away and come back." - Olivia May Adkins on her affection for Johnson City.


Olivia May Adkins' social media presence can be found under the name @OliviaMaybell across various platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and her personal website: https://oliviamaybell.com/.

Join us in this delightful episode to hear more about Olivia's story, insider tips on becoming an influencer, and the factors that make Johnson City a special place for her and her family. Don't miss out on the full conversation for deeper insights and stay tuned for more inspiring episodes from the podcast.

About the Guest:
Angie Williams is an experienced RN with over two decades in the healthcare industry. Her journey began in the NICU and OB-GYN departments, and she later transitioned into emergency medicine. Angie's passion for combining the art of healing with aesthetic medicine led her to enter the field of aesthetics and wellness, where she co-founded Prime MD Aesthetics and Wellness. Operating in multiple locations, Angie is committed to offering cutting-edge, personalized wellness and aesthetic treatments to her clients.
In this invigorating episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, we are introduced to Angie Williams, a seasoned RN and co-founder of Prime MD Aesthetics and Wellness. Angie shares her heartfelt connection to Johnson City and her journey from traditional nursing to pioneering in the aesthetics space. As spring arrives and the community blossoms, Angie's insights bring a refreshing perspective on wellness, beauty, and the nuances of starting a successful business in a tight-knit Southern community.
The conversation with Angie Williams uncovers the intricate relationship between aesthetics and wellness, offering listeners a window into treatments that artfully blend healthcare with beauty enhancements. The episode brims with personal anecdotes, professional wisdom, and the underpinnings of a community-centered approach to business. From discussing her initial foray into the med spa industry in New York to expanding her business back to her roots in Johnson City, Angie's narrative is riddled with valuable insights and an infectious passion for her craft.

The unique combination of aesthetics and wellness services offered at Prime MD Aesthetics and Wellness maintains a focus on natural, rejuvenated looks and optimal health.
Regenerative medicine is a key component of the services provided, where self-produced stem cells and growth factors are favored for their organic qualities and safety.
The importance of mentorship and perseverance in building a successful business, especially in the aesthetics and wellness industry.
The grand opening of Prime MD Aesthetics and Wellness in downtown Johnson City is an event that highlights community growth and business innovation.
Angie Williams' personal touch and family-oriented approach to patient care set her practice apart, providing a tranquil and trusted atmosphere for clients.


"Our motto really is, if you look good, you feel good, right?"
"Every day there's something new and advanced and really miraculous coming down the pipe with regenerative stuff."
"Just start somewhere. It doesn't have to be something that big."
"When I'm restoring beauty or anti-aging for folks, I look at that as just a blank canvas, and I can kind of use it as an art."
"I think people see that croissant that's already been baked, right? That beautiful golden croissant, and they're like, 'Oh, I can do that, no problem.' Then there's a lot that goes into that croissant to make it that way."


Prime MD Aesthetics and Wellness Website: primemd.com


Prime MD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primemd_jc/?hl=en

About the Guest:
Mary Ellen Miller is a seasoned communications expert and public relations consultant, recognized for her significant contributions to infrastructure projects. With a rich professional history steeped in broadcasting and community relations, Mary Ellen has made a striking impact by providing communicative clarity and building connections in complex scenarios. Her recent work includes being an advisor for Washington County Commission, as well as fostering mentorship with the next generation of communicators through scholarships and internships. Mary Ellen is the author of "Fill the Dam Thing Up," a book that encapsulates her experiences and learning from the Boone Dam project.
Episode Summary:
In this captivating episode, Colin Johnson warmly welcomes Mary Ellen Miller to discuss the rewarding essence of spring and delve into the intriguing complexities of the Boone Dam project. Mary Ellen, with her radiant enthusiasm and seasoned expertise, pulls back the curtain to reveal the intensive process of managing and communicating throughout the lifecycle of a critical infrastructure project.
Mary Ellen Miller discusses her latest book, "Fill the Dam Thing Up," which provides an insider's perspective on the comprehensive communication strategies deployed during the Boone Dam project. The conversation also explores her love and contributions to Johnson City, including her role in the community and her work with the Washington County Commission. A lively discussion unfolds as Mary Ellen nostalgically recalls how the dam rehabilitation project brought together engineering talent from across the globe and how, through strategic communication, it garnered the trust and patience of the local population.
Key Takeaways:

Mary Ellen's book, "Fill the Dam Thing Up," shares insights into managing communication for an infrastructure project like Boone Dam.
The Boone Dam project was an internationally collaborative effort, enforcing safety and innovation, while the rehabilitation was completed on time, under budget, and without accidents.
Mary Ellen is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of communicators and is a proponent of giving back to the community.
Local community engagement and transparent communication played pivotal roles in the success of the Boone Dam project and in building trust with stakeholders.
Mary Ellen's storytelling intertwines professional wisdom with her personal journey, demonstrating the power of vision and faith in project management.

Notable Quotes:

"Half of life is showing up, right Colin? - Mary Ellen Miller
"People, especially people connected to real estate, would ask me, 'Are they really going to do this? Is this really going to work?' And of course, I would always answer yes, because I knew they were." - Mary Ellen Miller
"It's small-town with a big city feel." - Mary Ellen Miller on Johnson City
"International minds. Minds from all over the world were brought in to work on this project." - Mary Ellen Miller

Resources:

Mary Ellen's company: marketingmel.com
Linktree for Mary Ellen's social media presence: Mentioned as available
The book "Fill the Dam Thing Up" is available on Amazon and at the Jonesborough Visitor Center.