Time To Be You Podcast - Entrepreneurship - Self-Development - Motivation and Business with Laura Berens Laura Berens

Summary: In this compelling episode, Laura engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Kristina Kuzmic, a mom of three who transitioned from waiting tables to becoming a successful content creator, comedian, and author. Kristina  shares her journey from creating cooking videos to being discovered by Oprah, the challenges she faced with authenticity in the media, and her pivotal decision to focus on real, relatable content. The discussion delves into Kristina's personal and professional hurdles, her advice for content creators, and her latest book that addresses her son's mental health struggles. Kristina also discusses her evolution from a control-focused parenting style to one centered on connection and curiosity, emphasizing the importance of self-care, the pitfalls of seeking external approval, and practical advice for balancing parenting with a career. Additionally, she highlights the significance of support groups for children and the need for early mental health education.
Key Points Discussed: Introduction to Kristina  (00:00:00 - 00:00:44)
Kristina’s background and journey into content creation.
Her initial discovery by Oprah and the resulting pressures.
Authenticity and Media Pressure (00:00:44 - 00:04:09)
Struggles with media expectations versus authentic self.
Oprah’s advice on authenticity and dealing with TV producers.
Transition to making humorous, relatable parenting videos.
Navigating a Content Creation Career (00:04:09 - 00:06:29)
Transition from waiting tables to full-time content creation.
Balancing media pressures and authenticity.
Creating a mission statement to stay focused.
Impact of the Pandemic on Career (00:06:29 - 00:07:37)
The pandemic’s effect on her book tour and comedy shows.
Adapting to career disruptions.
Advice for New Content Creators (00:07:37 - 00:09:29)
Kristina’s approach to content creation.
Handling algorithm changes and focusing on mental health.
Maintaining Mental Health and Authenticity (00:09:29 - 00:11:01)
Managing the ups and downs of social media.
Importance of self-kindness and authenticity.
Kristina’s Latest Book on Mental Health (00:11:01 - 00:17:34)
Inspiration from her son’s mental health struggles.
Collaborative writing process with her son.
Control vs. Connection (00:18:08 - 00:18:26)
Christina’s realization about choosing connection over control in parenting.
Curiosity Over Assumption (00:18:26 - 00:19:02)
Importance of approaching children with curiosity.
Parenting with Fear (00:19:02 - 00:19:52)
Negative impacts of fear-based parenting.
Being a calm and supportive parent.
Listening vs. Advising (00:20:24 - 00:21:30)
The value of asking children if they want advice or just to be heard.
Self-Care and the Myth of Selflessness (00:21:49 - 00:23:12)
Necessity of prioritizing self-care.
The Illusion of Fixing Everything (00:24:09 - 00:24:53)
Pressure parents feel to fix everything for their children.
Support Groups and Mental Health (00:25:22 - 00:26:58)
Benefits of support groups and early mental health education.
 
Balancing Career and Parenting (00:28:42 - 00:30:00)
Kristina’s perspective on managing dual roles without guilt.
Living for Self-Approval (00:31:39 - 00:32:03)
Importance of personal happiness over external approval.
Dropping Unnecessary Suitcases (00:33:00 - 00:34:07)
Letting go of negative judgments and pressures.
Notable Quotes: "People don't want to see a perfect mom in a perfect kitchen because most of us know that it's fake. Nobody has a perfect life."
"The harder the day, the kinder I have to be to myself."
: "I have a choice to make, whether I want to control or connect. I cannot do both."
"When a parent comes from a place of fear, the kid has nobody steady now because you're shaken up."
"I will not feel guilty for choosing to have a career that makes me fuller and makes me a

Summary:
In this episode, Laura engages Sarah Wells, founder of Sarah Wells Bags, in a deep dive into her entrepreneurial journey, from creating breast pump bags to expanding her brand into clothing products. They explore Sarah's motivation, challenges faced, and strategies for navigating rapid growth and financial hurdles. The conversation also delves into the evolution of consumer needs, adaptation during the pandemic, and Sarah's advocacy for working moms through her book.
Key Points Discussed with Timestamps:
Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:29)
Laura  introduces Sarah Wells and discusses their shared background in e-commerce businesses.
Sarah's Background and Business Start (00:00:29 - 00:04:57)
Sarah shares her journey from identifying a need for breast pump bags while exclusively pumping for her first daughter to founding Sarah Wells Bags.
Balancing entrepreneurship with new motherhood and quitting her job to focus on her business full-time.
Reflecting on the risks taken and the immense support received from her partner, childcare, and business mentor.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Product Expansion (00:05:33 - 00:10:07)
Sarah discusses her entrepreneurial spirit and the evolution of her brand from breast pump bags to cooler bags, wet/dry bags, and clothing products.
Adapting to changing consumer needs, especially during the pandemic, by introducing washable and durable products.
Overcoming Business Hurdles (00:10:51 - 00:13:50)
Challenges of scaling rapidly and maintaining financial stability.
Difficulties in securing financing and managing inventory quantities.
Managing Inventory Dynamics (00:13:50 - 00:15:24)
The challenge of forecasting demand accurately amidst market fluctuations.
Balancing inventory across different sales platforms like Amazon and personal websites.
Adapting in Business and Parenting (00:15:24 - 00:16:57)
The necessity of pivoting quickly in response to challenges in business, akin to adapting in parenting.
Learning from experience and understanding that challenges will be overcome with time.
Advocacy for Working Moms (00:17:21 - 00:39:44)
Transitioning from the nonprofit sector to entrepreneurship and advocating for systemic changes in corporate environments to support working moms.
Writing a book focused on guiding managers and employers to create a supportive environment for working moms.
Emphasizing the importance of dialogue between employers and employees and fostering a culture of support for all caregivers.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship (00:26:46 - 00:39:44)
Supporting caregivers in the workplace benefits all employees, fostering empathy and productivity.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship by prioritizing quality interactions and advocating for a supportive work culture.
Sarah's DIY approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding every aspect of the business.
Notable Quotes:
"Creating a product is great. You always have to step into creating the product, but just know that it's always going to transform." 
"We're never going to have it like this. There's no perfect spreadsheet... accepting that it's going to be an ebb and flow." 
"What I really want is not just lots of reading, I want lots of change." 
"Children appreciate presence more than multitasking." 
Resources Mentioned:
To learn more about Sarah and her book "Go Ask Your Mother," visit goaskyourmothers.com.
 
Other Resources:
BIO: https://goaskyourmothers.com/pages/about-sarah-wells-author-ceo-mom
WEBSITE STORE: sarahwellsbags.com
Connect with Sarah Wells:
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sarahwellsbags/
 
Connect with Laura Berens:
WEBSITE STORE: www.loveandfit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/
 

Summary:
In this episode of the Time to Be You podcast, Laura interviews Amanda Fisher, a pelvic floor physical therapist from Empower Your Pelvis. Amanda shares her personal journey of experiencing pelvic floor issues and how it led her to specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy. They discuss various topics related to pelvic floor health, including common issues, exercises, bladder symptoms, and lifestyle factors affecting pelvic health. The conversation also delves into the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights and practical advice for listeners.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:46):
Laura introduces Amanda Fisher, a pelvic floor physical therapist, and sets the stage for the discussion.
Amanda's Background and Journey to Pelvic Floor Therapy (00:00:46 - 00:02:33):
Amanda shares her background as a pelvic floor physical therapist and how her personal experiences with pelvic floor issues influenced her career path.
She discusses her journey of discovering pelvic floor physical therapy during grad school and realizing the need for such specialized care.
Amanda emphasizes the importance of addressing pelvic floor issues with positivity and hope.
Preparing for Pelvic Floor Health (00:02:33 - 00:05:36):
Amanda and Laura discuss the importance of preparing for pelvic floor health, especially during and after pregnancy.
They highlight the significance of proper form and functional movements in daily activities to support pelvic floor muscles.
Amanda emphasizes the need for a full range of motion in pelvic floor muscles and the impact of poor form on pelvic health.
Exercises and Rehabilitation for Pelvic Floor Health (00:05:36 - 00:14:00):
Amanda explains the challenges of pelvic floor exercises and the importance of connecting with the pelvic floor muscles.
She discusses internal pelvic floor assessments and the different layers of pelvic floor muscles.
The conversation touches on the role of stress, anxiety, and lifestyle factors in exacerbating bladder symptoms.
Amanda provides insights into bladder irritants and strategies for managing bladder symptoms through hydration and diet.
Overcoming Challenges and Adopting Healthy Habits (00:10:06 - 00:14:00):
The discussion explores personal challenges, such as reluctance to drink water due to busy schedules.
Amanda explains how the bladder adapts to increased fluid intake and encourages listeners to prioritize pelvic health despite challenges.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship (00:14:00 - 00:25:50):
Urinate every 2 to 3 hours to prevent bladder retention and stretch.
Practice relaxation exercises for pelvic floor muscles to ease pain during sex.
Recommended exercises include deep squats, child's pose, and happy baby pose.
Techniques like contract-relax can help alleviate pain and tension.
Guest's experience balancing three boys and a business.
Strategies for time management and setting boundaries.
Importance of being present with family and prioritizing tasks.
Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of failure in entrepreneurship.
Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs to start imperfectly and embrace growth.
Quotes:
"Your bladder is a fast learner. Once it starts to know that you're adding extra fluid, it'll start to stretch out the length that you're holding your urine in again." - Amanda Fisher on bladder adaptation.
 
"It doesn't have to be perfect all the time...just start it and just build the rest." - Amanda Fisher on starting imperfectly in entrepreneurship.
Resources Mentioned:
Empower Your Pelvis website: empoweryourpelvis.com
Connect with Amanda Fisher:
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/empower.your.pelvis/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweryourpelvis?_t=8lZrrUrl58i&_r=1
 
Connect with Laura Berens:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/
Instagram: https://w

Dr. Megan Rigby, @macro_mini is a Doctorate prepared GI Nurse Practitioner, certified nutrition consultant, and owner of Macro Mini, a wellness coaching business she owns with her husband.  After competing in IFBB competitions, Megan realized she wasn't happy. She thought focusing on her physique would make her happy, but subjecting herself to different diet plans and judging her body wasn't how she wanted to live anymore. She made an important switch and decided to focus on health and nutrition. 

Episode 39 of the Time To Be You podcast inspires you to follow your passions to find your purpose. Sometimes our happiness is superficial, but if we dive deep into our motivations, we'll reveal a way of life that will truly make us happy. Megan's passion for health and nutrition lead her to become a nutrition coach to help others love their body in a healthy way. It's not easy leaving the corporate world behind, but when you're passion's calling, you have to answer! 
 
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Bio:
 
Megan Rigby is a Doctorate-prepared GI Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nutrition Consultant, IFBB Figure Pro, and Owner of MacroMINI. She is passionate about educating others through her coaching, as well as publicly speaking on topics surrounding food, fitness & healthy mindset. Megan has helped hundreds of people experience great physical and overall lifestyle changes. She is on a mission to empower others to become healthier, happier versions of themselves while still enjoying food as one of life’s simple pleasures. In 2018, Megan left a corporate position as a Digestive Nurse Practitioner to open her own coaching business & has made over 400k+ within her first year. Megan has been featured in Oxygen & Strong magazines as a content creator, along with appearances on News Channel 12. She has been recognized as a top industry leader within her community.
 
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https://www.themacromini.com/
https://www.instagram.com/macro_mini/?hl=en
 
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Follow Laura on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/laura_loveandfit/?hl=en
 
 

Megan Reilly, @meganlreilly, mom of three, co-founder, and COO of Tippi Toe Dance Company, a mobile kids dance company that focuses on recreational dance. The business brings dance class to the kids, making it convenient for moms everywhere! The business started by her sister in college has grown into a franchise with 30 franchises. Driven by their goals, Tippi Toes has adapted over time and has grown with customer needs.
 
Episode 38 of the Time To Be You podcast is all about knowing what your customer needs and figuring out how to deliver it to them. When you're trying to build your business, it's important to put your plans into motion and understand that you will make mistakes. Learning to take small steps and learning to adapt along the way will help you down the path to success. Running a business as a mom is not easy, but for Megan, she gets to do what she loves all while raising her family and she loves every crazy minute of it!
 
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Questions:
 
1. How did you come up with your business and how did you go about starting it? 2. How to Balance running a business and raising three girls 3. How does one truly drive a business so that it sustains past the 10 year mark? 4. What are some of the key things you learned while creating your business and doing it while being a mama? 5. What would you tell someone who is just starting out?
 
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Bio:
 
Megan Reilly is a mom to three girls & is proud that they usually leave the house with a milk mustache & both shoes on! She beat her husband in a marathon which she reminds him of often. She is a registered dietitian with a masters in nutrition & has owned and operated her company, Tippi Toes, Inc, with her sister for over 20 years. Tippi Toes has more than 30 franchises around the US with plans to go international. She has survived swimming with the sharks on ABC's Shark Tank & she has written children's music that has made it onto Billboard and iTunes charts although she can't carry a tune!
 
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Www.Tippitoesdance.com 
https://www.instagram.com/meganlreilly/
 
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Follow Laura on IG!
https://www.instagram.com/laura_loveandfit/
 

Katrina McCarter, @marketingtomums  is the Founder of Marketing to Mums, a marketing research and consultancy firm, and award winning online shopping sit Bubbler.com.au. For the last 15 years, she's perfected the art of marketing to moms, the most powerful consumer demographic responsible for 80% of all spending.  Companies need to make sure they're targeting the right audience to get the best sales. 
 
Episode 37 of the Time To Be You podcast emphasizes the importance of targeting a niche market. If you don't understand who is responsible for your main source of sales, your marketing efforts won't be as effective as they should be. Oftentimes, the mom is responsible for purchasing products for three different generations.If you're not correctly targeting moms, you're missing out on a powerful market segment and potential sales!


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BIO: Katrina McCarter is the founder and CEO of Marketing to Mums, a research and marketing consultancy located in Melbourne, Australia. She is a marketing strategist who specializes in understanding mothers as a powerful market sector, through experience and research. Katrina is highly regarded for her creative growth strategies and her ability to negotiate strategic partnerships, and works with both small and big businesses to increase sales and profits selling to moms. An award-winning businesswoman and mother of three, Katrina is a sought-after media commentator and an accomplished speaker having spoken in Paris and New York in the past six months.
 
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Resources:
 
www.marketingtomums.com.au and www.katrinamccarter.com
www.instagram.com/marketingtomums
 
Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_loveandfit/