Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! Today, I'm sitting down with Saanya Ali, the storyteller, consultant, and founder of SOIRÉE - a platform that's connecting over 100,000 engaged foodies through her newsletter and social platforms.

What started as a New Year's Eve dare turned into a journey of pivots, purpose, and discovering that sometimes the scariest thing isn't failure - it's not letting yourself fail properly. Saanya's path from tech startup dreams to building something she truly loves is a masterclass in entrepreneurial authenticity, and her perspective on food as the ultimate cultural connector will change how you think about community building.

In this episode:

• How Saanya pivoted from a tech-focused platform to a digital media approach.
• Embracing failure is a crucial part of the entrepreneurial journey.
• Food serves as a universal connector across cultures.
• Experiences shape passions that can lead to a fulfilling career.
• Pivoting with purpose can lead to new opportunities.

Share this episode with that friend who's been talking about leaving their corporate job to start something but keeps getting stuck in analysis paralysis. Whether you're contemplating a major career pivot, struggling with founder identity, or simply believe that the best conversations happen around a dinner table, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss.

Connect with Saanya:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stinglikeali

Instagram: www.instagram.com/justsoiree

Website: www.justsoiree.com

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! Today we're diving deep into the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship with multi-time founder Makena Finger Zannini, who shares her incredible journey from survival mode to scaling multiple successful ventures.

In our conversation, Makena opens up about the emotional aspects of leadership, the critical importance of operations in business success, and her unique approach to hiring adaptable team members who can thrive in fast-paced environments.

In this episode:

• How Makena's journey began
• The constant adaptation and process re-evaluation of a business.
• Hiring for adaptability is a crucial step in a fast-paced environment.
• Operations play a vital role in the success of a business.
• Accountability is often underestimated in leadership roles.
• Understanding ROI is essential for business viability.
• Making tough decisions as part of being a leader.

Share this episode with that driven entrepreneur in your life who's juggling multiple ventures or considering their next big leap. Whether they're a seasoned founder questioning their pricing strategy, a startup leader struggling with team accountability, or someone building their business while still working their day job, Makena's raw insights about the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and her practical advice on everything from hiring adaptable talent to testing product-market fit will give them the roadmap they need.

Connect with Makena:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/makenafingerzannini

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theboutiquecoo

Instagram: www.instagram.com/brickbybrickcollective

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! Today, I'm thrilled to reconnect with the incredible Deveney Williams, a multi-talented creative entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of Sunny Side Up, a creative agency that specializes in branding, design, and production.

Over the years, she's worn many hats - visual storyteller, senior social media strategist, brand designer, hype woman, and yes, even lead guitarist of a girl band called Midnight Blonde! With a master's degree in journalism from Georgetown and a bachelor's in visual communications from USC, Deveney's superpowers include understanding, emphasizing, conceptualizing, and producing visual eye candy that truly connects with audiences.

In this episode, we explore:

• How creativity is truly a journey of trial and error
• The importance of transparency in client relationships and understanding their unique needs
• Why finding inspiration can come from the most everyday experiences - from grocery store aisles to architecture
• The crucial role of building a personal brand as an entrepreneur and putting yourself in front of the camera
• The art of capturing authenticity and comfort in photography

If you have that friend who's always been the creative one in your group, share this episode with them - they need to hear that their creative journey, no matter how winding or unconventional, is valid and valuable. Deveney's story is one of embracing the messy, non-linear path of entrepreneurship while staying true to your authentic creative voice.

Connect with Deveney:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deveneywilliams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesunnysideupstudio/

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome to Minding Her Own Business! This week, I'm joined by Melinda Jackson, a strategic and results-driven PR expert specialized in brand elevation, media relations, and thought leadership.

In this engaging conversation, we explore the realms of public relations, entrepreneurship, and the significance of achieving a work-life balance. Melinda shares her journey from a small town in North Carolina to becoming a successful PR expert in Los Angeles and back. We discuss the challenges of corporate culture, the significance of setting boundaries, and the lessons learned from six years of running her own business.

In this episode:

• How Melinda moved to LA with $500 and no job.
• Why corporate culture often pushes employees to put work before personal health.
• How setting boundaries helps maintain mental health and work-life balance.
• Why entrepreneurs should value their work appropriately and avoid undercharging.
• How PR focuses on earning organic media coverage, not just buying ad placements.
• How AI tools can make PR work more efficient and spark new creative ideas.
• Why taking vacation days supports overall well-being and shouldn't be skipped.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with that ambitious friend who's always talking about making a big career move but feels stuck by fear or financial constraints. Melinda's story of moving to LA with just $500 and no job lined up isn't just inspiring – it's proof that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding outcomes. She didn't wait for the "perfect" moment or a safety net; she trusted her instincts and leaped anyway.

Connect with Melinda:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindagale/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindajacksonpr/

Website: www.melindajacksonpr.com

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! In this episode, Angeles Shih is back for a deep dive into the evolution of her brand, International Party Girl.

We discuss Angeles's journey of self-discovery, the importance of community-driven marketing, and how personal experiences shape branding. The conversation also touches on navigating relationships, the role of data in marketing, and the empowering nature of fashion.

In this episode, Angeles shares:

• The importance of self-care and well-being.
• How Community-driven marketing can shape a brand's identity.
• How fashion can empower individuals and enhance their confidence.
• Data-driven insights can inform marketing strategies.
• Building a supportive community is essential for growth.

Angeles shares insights on how to embrace one's identity and the significance of being open to new experiences. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who's building their own version of womanhood.

Connect with Angeles:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelesnyc

Brand: www.instagram.com/internationalpartygirl.nyc

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! This week, I'm joined by Ali Kates, a somatic experience practitioner and trauma recovery coach who's helped countless ambitious women overcome burnout through nervous system regulation.

Ali's discusses her journey through trauma and healing, the importance of understanding how trauma affects the body, and the significance of self-awareness in personal growth. The conversation also touches on navigating boundaries, cultural differences in communication, and the impact of family dynamics on mental health. Ali shares insights on recognizing trauma and creating safety within oneself to facilitate healing.

In this episode:

• Healing from trauma requires understanding the nervous system.
• Cultural differences affect communication styles and perceptions of trauma.
• Rest and recovery are vital after experiencing trauma.
• Emotional resilience can be developed through somatic practices.
• The journey of healing is often nonlinear and requires patience.
• Entrepreneurs must navigate their own trauma to succeed.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with the friend who's always diving into self-help books, the colleague navigating difficult boundaries at work, or the loved one who's been quietly carrying the weight of past experiences. Ali's compassionate approach to trauma recovery and practical insights on creating bodily safety could be the missing piece for someone struggling to understand why they react the way they do.

Connect with Ali:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alikates.co/

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! This week, I'm joined by Latrice Smith, a legal and business consultant. In this episode, we talked about her journey as a young mother and entrepreneur.

Latrice shares her experiences of balancing motherhood and law school, the importance of core values in relationships, and how these values translate into her business practices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance, the power of choice in relationships, and the necessity of leaning into one's vision for personal growth.

In this episode:

• Latrice emphasizes the importance of a strong support system in navigating challenges.
• She believes that young mothers should not label themselves as struggling but focus on their goals.
• Latrice's journey involved balancing motherhood with law school, showcasing resilience and determination.
• Core values in relationships are crucial for long-term success and harmony.
• Latrice highlights the importance of choosing a partner who genuinely wants to be with you.
• She discusses how entrepreneurship requires a strong foundation of shared values between partners.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with the ambitious service provider who's growing their business without legal protection, the working mom juggling career dreams and family responsibilities, or anyone needing inspiration to pursue multiple passions simultaneously. Latrice's candid insights on time management, boundary-setting, and building a business while raising children offer practical wisdom for professionals at any stage. Her journey from law school to multi-hyphenate entrepreneur proves that with strategic focus and the right support systems, you can create success on your own terms—without sacrificing what matters most.

Connect with Latrice:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thomaslawandconsulting

Instagram: www.instagram.com/latricesmithesq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomaslawandconsulting/

TikTok: www.tikoktok.com/@latricesmithesq

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entroinet-realty/

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/

Welcome back to Minding Her Own Business! This week, I'm joined by Latrice Smith, a legal and business consultant for medical providers and service-based professionals.

Latrice shares her journey from law school to becoming a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, balancing motherhood and business, and the importance of legal support for business growth. She emphasizes the need for time management, setting boundaries, and building strong relationships with legal advisors. The conversation also touches on personal life, travel, and the challenges of being a working mom.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• You don't owe anyone an explanation for your availability.
• Legal support is essential at every phase of a business.
• Having a strong team is vital for business success.
• Understanding your business goals is key to legal formation.
• It's important to assess personal and business goals regularly.
• Balancing work and family requires setting clear boundaries.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with the ambitious service provider who's growing their business without legal protection, the working mom juggling career dreams and family responsibilities, or anyone needing inspiration to pursue multiple passions simultaneously. Latrice's candid insights on time management, boundary-setting, and building a business while raising children offer practical wisdom for professionals at any stage. Her journey from law school to multi-hyphenate entrepreneur proves that with strategic focus and the right support systems, you can create success on your own terms—without sacrificing what matters most.

Connect with Latrice:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thomaslawandconsulting

Instagram: www.instagram.com/latricesmithesq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomaslawandconsulting/

TikTok: www.tikoktok.com/@latricesmithesq

LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/entroinet-realty/

Let's Connect!
Website: https://www.victoriamariscal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mindingherownbusiness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-m-mariscal/