• Tapping into Community with Nine Spot Brewing + Geva Theatre: Marina Nothnagle's Story of Resilience
    Oct 28 2024
    Ep. 46 In honor of #AmerianBeerDay we are celebrating a woman who saw a need to blend the flavors of Buffalo and Rochester, NY and crafted a community that continues to spart innovation. Marina Nothnagle’s story is one of passion, challenge, and resilience. Over the years, her relentless dedication has turned Nine Spot Brewing into a hub for beer enthusiasts while fostering a sense of community and collaboration among local businesses. This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of building a supportive network and adapting to changes in the industry. Marina discusses her partnership with Geva Theater, highlighting the uniqueness of such collaborations, and reiterating the need for continual growth and community engagement. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical lessons on resilience and adaptation in business. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the insider tips for starting a successful craft brewery in Rochester. Unlock the secrets to successful collaborations between breweries and local businesses. Overcome the unique challenges of running a brewery during a pandemic. Explore the exciting transition from a taproom to a theater venue and the opportunities it brings. Learn about the crucial role of community support for the success of small breweries. About the Guest: Marina Nothnagle, the co-founder and visionary behind Nine Spot Brewing, is a dynamic force in the craft brewery industry. Her commitment to sustainability, community, and crafting delicious beers embodies the spirit of upstate New York. As the president of the Monroe Avenue Merchants Association, Marina is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the local business community. Resources: Nine Spot Brewing: Instagram Monroe Avenue Merchants Association: Learn more about their initiatives and community-driven projects. Geva Theater: Experience craft beers and the arts by visiting their website. References to local businesses like Strange Bird and Rock Brewing, highlighting their collaborative spirit and influence. Contact Marina at ninespotmarina@gmail.com Discover the full story of resilience and creativity by tuning into this episode and stay up-to-date with future conversations from "Getting Real with Bossy" for more inspiring entrepreneurial insights. In Honor of: American Beer Day , Women in Beer, Workplace Politics Awareness Month , Women's Small Business Month, Speak Up for Service Day Chapters: 0:00 Introduction Rochester's Craft Beer Scene 2:54 The Journey of Starting Nine Spot Brewing 6:49 From Restaurant Woes to Craft Beer Dreams Amidst Adversity 10:04 Creative Collaborations Boost Brewery's Market Presence 12:53 Struggles and Community Support in the Brewing Industry 17:44 Rochester's Brewing Heritage and Unique Brewery Experiences 19:34 Brewing Creativity: A Theater and Brewery Partnership in Rochester 26:29 Intimate Theater Experiences and Pre-Show Dining Options 28:39 Building Community Bridges Through Business and Personal Resilience 31:00 Creating Community Through New York's Regional Cuisines and Culture 33:45 Crafting Unique Beers and Expanding Nine Spot Brewing's Reach 36:08 The Power of Community and Resilience in Business 39:00 Kelly's recap 41:00 Bossy Co-working Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • How Kelly + Kelly Cope with the Chaos: Stress and Mental Health Impact of Work and Family
    Oct 14 2024
    Ep. 45 Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras delve into the personal and professional challenges of managing stress and maintaining wellness as business owners. This candid discussion reflects on the real and raw experiences of entrepreneurship, offering listeners honest insights into the journey. Incorporating key wellness insights, the Kellys share personal anecdotes about how they cope with the overwhelming demands of running businesses in the hospitality sector. Phrases like "stress management," "wellness strategies," "coping mechanisms," and "mental health" are central to the conversation, highlighting common struggles and providing actionable insights. From laying on the floor to baking as a form of stress relief, they explore various ways to handle stress, including the challenge of managing personal health issues and navigating the loss of loved ones. This episode not only sheds light on personal stories but also emphasizes the resilience needed to thrive in the world of business. Key Takeaways: Stress management can take different forms, from baking to physical grounding techniques. Entrepreneurs often face uniquely interwoven personal and professional challenges. Emotional health and support systems are crucial for navigating business ownership. Coping strategies, though personal, can positively influence workplace morale. Sharing experiences can lead to the discovery of new wellness strategies. Related Episodes: 2024: A Year of Healing with Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras Kelly Bush: Working through Trauma Inside Out Sales: Talking Down Your Inner Critic to Boost Sales Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble Produced by JazzCast Pros Resources: Bossy ROC Website: bossyroc.com Email: bossyroc@gmail.com Social Media: @bossyroc on Instagram and Facebook #womensmallbusinessmonth #businesswomensweek #FoodServiceWorkersWeek #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek #BossDay #workandfamilymonth Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:12 Coping Mechanisms and Stress Management in the Hospitality Industry 7:30 Facing Personal Challenges 14:43 Grief, Legacy, and Immortality Through Storytelling 16:38 Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, and Coping with Chaos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • How Marge's Lakeside Inn's Weathered the Storm for Over 60 Years with Francine Beth
    Sep 30 2024
    Ep. 44 Running a small business is no easy endeavor, especially when it's an iconic beachfront bar facing a myriad of challenges. In this episode of "Getting Real with Bossy," Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush, have a heartfelt conversation with Francine Beth, the resilient owner of Marge's Lakeside Inn—a historic Rochester institution renowned for its beautiful beachside setting and lively atmosphere. From navigating through severe flooding, handling the repercussions of the pandemic, to managing daily operational hurdles, Francine's journey is a testament to determination and adaptability. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles and triumphs of maintaining a small business in a unique yet demanding environment. Key Takeaways: Generational Legacy: Learn about the rich history of Marge's Lakeside Inn and how Francine inherited the business from her family, adding her unique touch while maintaining its legacy. Challenges of Business Ownership: Gain insight into the various uncontrollable challenges like severe flooding and pandemic restrictions that Francine has overcome. Community and Customer Connection: Understand the importance of community and customer relationships in sustaining a long-standing business. Adaptability and Resilience: Discover how Francine has adapted and pivoted through challenging times, exemplifying resilience in business. Work-Life Balance: Witness the personal sacrifices and emotional journeys involved in small business ownership, including coping with personal loss. About the Guest Francine Beth is the dedicated owner of Marge’s Lakeside Inn, a beloved beachside bar on the shores of Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY. As the daughter of Fran Beth, who helped turn Marge’s into a local institution, Francine continues the family legacy, keeping the bar’s iconic charm alive. Known for its stunning views, laid-back vibe, and rich history, Marge’s is one of the few bars situated right on the lake, offering a unique experience for locals and visitors alike. Under Francine’s leadership, Marge’s has weathered challenges like seasonal flooding and the pandemic, remaining a cherished staple in the Rochester community. Subscribe to Getting Real with Bossy Podcast and join Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras every other Monday as they uncover the inspiring stories behind small business owners in Rochester, NY and beyond. Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble Produced by JazzCast Pros Resources: Bossy ROC Website: bossyroc.com Email: bossyroc@gmail.com Social Media: @bossyroc on Instagram and Facebook Chapters: 0:00 Kelly + Kelly Introduction 5:47 A Family Legacy: Running Marges Bar Through Generations 12:36 Struggles and Resilience in the Hospitality Industry 18:56 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Beachfront Bar 25:31 Travel Adventures and Music Trips with Francine Beth 32:04 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Family Business 38:33 Celebrating Marges Lakeside Inn and Rochester's Hidden Gems Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • The Real World of Business Ownership: A Raw Look Behind the Scenes with Kelly * Kelly
    Sep 16 2024
    Ep. 43 Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras dive deep into the essence of their podcast, "Getting Real with Bossy." Starting with a nostalgic nod to MTV's groundbreaking reality show "The Real World," the hosts emphasize the importance of presenting a raw, unfiltered view of business life. They discuss their mission to reveal the raw truth of small business ownership, contrasting the glossy facades often portrayed on social media. Hear them dissect the balance between authenticity and oversharing, the impact of social media on entrepreneurs, and how to authentically connect with your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, this candid episode offers valuable insights and genuine experiences from the frontline of entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Authenticity: Presenting a genuine image of your business helps build trust and a deeper connection with your audience. Navigating Social Media: While it's a powerful tool for business growth, social media requires careful management to avoid the negative impacts of overly curated content. Transparency vs. Oversharing: Finding the right balance is crucial; being transparent can cultivate loyalty, but oversharing can alienate potential customers. Understanding Your Audience: Tailor your content to resonate with your specific audience’s interests and preferences for optimal engagement. Staying True to Your Values: Businesses should adhere to their core values and mission, even if it means facing challenges or losing some customers. Notable Quotes: "We aim to peel back the layers of small business ownership in an era where social media often presents a glossy, curated version of success." – Kelly Bush "It's easy to get caught up in the ‘must be nice,’ but the reality is often more complex." – Kelly Bush "You have to do your business and get off [social media]." – Kelly Metras "By sharing these stories, we hope to provide not just insight, but also a sense of community and support." – Kelly Bush Resources: Bossy ROC Website: bossyroc.com Email: bossyroc@gmail.com Social Media: @bossyroc on Instagram and Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • From Banker to Scent Maker! Kickoff Pumkin Spice Season with Fragrance Bar Owner Christina Julian
    Sep 2 2024
    Ep. 42 ✨Ever wonder what it takes to pivot from a corporate career to owning and operating an experiential retail business? Meet Christina Julian, the visionary behind Rochester’s unique fragrance bar, Scents by Design. 🚀 From navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship during a global pandemic to hosting Taylor Swift album release parties, Christina’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to hear how she turned her passion into a thriving business, embracing creativity, community, and collaboration along the way. 🎧 #GettingRealWithBossy #ScentsByDesign #EntrepreneurLife #BossMoves Key Takeaways: Experiential retail is a marketing strategy that focuses on creating engaging and memorable shopping experiences that go beyond the traditional purchase. The goal is to connect with customers on an emotional level and immerse them in the brand's narrative. The Significance of a Business Plan: How a well-thought-out business plan helped Christina navigate initial challenges and continues to be a living document guiding her journey. Community and Collaboration: The vital role of community over competition and collaborations with local businesses in fostering growth and creating memorable customer experiences. Innovative Customer Engagement: Unique events like Taylor Swift album release parties and themed fragrance-making sessions as a way to attract and engage customers. Strategic Expansion: Christina's thoughts on potential business expansion and her approach to balancing growth with maintaining her core values and customer experience quality. Notable Quotes: "Creating a custom scent is not something you can do online; it's a unique, in-person experience that people crave." "We create spaces for memorable life events, from girls' nights to engagement proposals, which makes everything worthwhile." "The idea of expanding is appealing, but I don't want to lose the personal touch and creative joy that comes with being hands-on in my current space." Resources: Scents by Design Website: scentsbydesign.com Scents by Design Social Media: Instagram: @scentsbydesigncandlebar Facebook: Scents by Design Candle Bar Subscribe to Getting Real with Bossy Podcast and join Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras every other Monday as they uncover the inspiring stories behind small business owners in Rochester, NY and beyond. Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras founders of www.BossyRoc.com Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble Produced by JazzCast Pros About the Guest: Christina Julian, the owner and founder of Scents by Design, was born and raised in Rochester, New York. Christina earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Management and Design at Ithaca College before beginning a career in Commercial Banking. In 2019, Christina left the corporate world to pursue entrepreneurship. She opened Scents by Design, a pour-your-own candle and custom fragrance bar, in the Neighborhood of the Arts in November of 2020. Chapters: 0:00 Welcome from Kelly Metras + Kelly Bush 3:56 Introducing Christina Julian 4:49 From Banking to Custom Candles: A Pandemic Pivot 7:37 Creating Custom Candles and Fragrances for Unique Experiences 11:42 Navigating Business Trends and Consumer Behavior in a Unique Market 14:27 Creating Custom Scents for Emotional and Branding Purposes 18:25 Balancing Ambition and Personal Fulfillment in Business Expansion 21:39 Creative Events and Taylor Swift Album Release Parties 26:43 Balancing Creative Passion and Administrative Tasks in Business 30:40 A Journey of Transformation 35:32 Business Expansion Challenges 41:23 The Importance of Community and Collaboration in Small Business 44:56 Manifesting a Taylor Swift Collaboration with Scents by Design Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Lessons from the Clinic: Applying OT Mindsets to Small Biz Marketing
    Aug 19 2024
    Ep. 41 Are you ready for a surprising twist? The CEO of Bloom Consulting Firm, Katie Thomas Young, reveals a game-changing tactic that's not what you'd expect. Don't miss out on this eye-opening revelation that could transform the way you approach your business. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover successful pivot strategies that can help your business adapt to change and thrive in uncertain times. Uncover the importance of branding and how it can set your small business apart, attracting more customers and increasing loyalty. Learn how to choose the right marketing strategies that align with your business goals and resonate with your target audience. Gain valuable tips for achieving small business growth and expansion, unlocking new opportunities for success. Explore how to find the right marketing and branding agency to elevate your business and achieve your growth objectives. About the Guest Katy Thomas-Young is a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of Bloom Consulting Firm, where she drives breakthrough growth for businesses through strategic business development, sales training, and innovative marketing solutions. Recognized as Georgia’s 2023 CEO of the Year, Katy has led Bloom Consulting to rank among the Top 10 Marketing Consulting Firms in 2024. Before founding Bloom Consulting, Katy co-founded Spark Media Group, earning a national award for Outstanding Leadership in Marketing & Advertising. With over seven years of experience in sales and business development, Katy has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and achieving top industry awards. Her passion, professionalism, and relentless dedication make her a powerful leader in the business world. Here is a booking link for a free consultation https://link.bloomconsultingfirm.com/widget/bookings/bloomstrategysession Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras founders of www.BossyRoc.com Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble Produced by JazzCast Pros Chapters: 00:00:01 - Introduction to Katie Thomas Young 00:04:37 - Katie's Entrepreneurial Journey 00:10:08 - Making the Leap 00:12:54 - Belief in Self 00:13:50 - Embracing Change and Mentoring for Success 00:15:40 - Importance of Professional Support 00:18:41 - Supporting Small to Mid-Size Businesses 00:22:55 - Understanding Target Market and Consumer Behavior 00:26:24 - Recognizing the Need for Rebranding 00:28:25 - The Essence of Branding 00:29:51 - Rebranding Success Stories 00:32:35 - The Emotional Aspect of Branding 00:33:16 - Common Marketing Mistes 00:39:11 How to Make Giant Jumps in Business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Building Your Team Beyond Job Descriptions: Hiring Based on Values and Culture
    Aug 5 2024
    Ep. 40 In today's episode, we're Getting Real about small business hiring. We understand how tricky it can be to pinpoint the perfect time to welcome your first employee, and the hurdles that often come up when expanding your team. Trust us, we get it—integrating new personalities and skills into the mix, especially within a tight-knit family business, presents its own unique challenges. But we're here to share our insights on preserving the core values of your workplace, steering clear of the all-too-common burnout, and coming up with inventive benefits that make your business stand out. Our goal is to arm you with hands-on, practical advice that will help you build and lead a successful team. So, stay with us as we give you the real deal on the ups and downs of managing a small business. Whether you're about to make that crucial first hire or looking to grow your existing team, this is the advice you've been waiting for from Bossy co-founders Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras. Key Takeaways: Align Hiring with Values: When hiring, it's crucial to ensure that potential employees resonate with your company's core values to maintain a cohesive work environment. Delegate Smartly: Identifying tasks that can be efficiently delegated helps in maintaining both quality of work and owner sanity. Maintain Transparency: Clear communication and setting expectations with employees can mitigate surprises and improve work relations. Adapt and Innovate: Small businesses need to continually evolve their benefits and practices to stay competitive with larger corporate entities. Notable Quotes: “As long as they're getting that ultimate goal at the same level that you are, however they get there, it's probably going to be fine.” – Kelly Metras “Being able to be a leader and not the one doing all the work is so important. Working on your business as opposed to working in your business is really the only way you're going to get the growth you need.” – Kelly Bush “There are times where I'm envious of those bigger corporate entities or some of those small businesses that are owned by somebody who's got eight other small businesses, and they're just, they have their management team, and they're just not involved.” – Kelly Bush “If they're surprised when they get fired, we missed the mark on making sure that we're being open and communicating.” – Kelly Metras Resources: Shoes for Crews: Providing quarterly shoes for employees, a creative benefit Kelly’s business offers. Marvelous Minds: An example of flexible childcare solutions discussed in the episode. Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras founders of www.BossyRoc.com Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble Produced by JazzCast Pros Chapters: 0:00 Hiring Your First Employee 2:45 Balancing Quality and Trust in Delegating Work 5:06 Effective Team Management 9:36 Bias-Free Interview Techniques and Essential Qualities in Candidates 12:57 Balancing Speed and Skill in a High-Pressure Kitchen Environment 13:35 Integrating Values in Hiring and Interview Processes 15:54 The Dynamics and Challenges of Running a Small Family Business 22:53 Small Business Discipline and Creative Employee Benefits 27:15 Balancing Small Business Ownership and Family Life 31:15 Juggling Multiple Roles in a Post-COVID Business Landscape 32:51 Balancing Business Challenges and Personal Well-Being 38:07 DIY Roof Repairs and the Challenges of Managing a Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • More Than Just Old Buildings: The Relevance of Living History Museums
    Jul 22 2024
    Ep. 39 If you're feeling the tug of wanting to reclaim the simplicity and connection found during the pandemic but struggling to find those meaningful moments, then you are not alone! The hustle and bustle of daily life can make it challenging to prioritize these experiences. Imagine being able to step into a world of simplicity, connection, and immersive history, where you and your loved ones can create lasting memories and forge deeper bonds. Meet Becky Wehle, President & CEO of Genesee Country Village & Museum, the largest living history museum in New York State, located 25 miles southwest of Rochester. The Museum features 68 historic structures from the 19th century, moved from locations throughout Western New York, a gallery of sporting art, and a nature center and attracts more than 90,000 visitors each year. She manages 45 year-round staff and over 150 seasonal staff and a budget of over $3.5 million. Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras founders of www.BossyRoc.com Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble Produced by JazzCast Pros The struggle to find that peace and connection is real, especially as we navigate the complexities of modern life. But in this episode you’ll discover a place where you can escape the chaos and step into a world of meaningful experiences and rich history. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore immersive 19th-century preservation techniques that bring history to life. Experience family-friendly historical adventures at Genesee Country Village and Museum events. Discover engaging educational programs at living history museums for an immersive learning experience. Immerse yourself in the past by getting involved with local history museums. Uncover the value of hands-on experiences in understanding history at living history museum educational programs. “We're going to do probably around African American history. We're going to do some tours that connect various parts of different houses that have that history and kind of put them together that way.” - Becky Whaley Educational Living History Programs The museum's immersive workshops and historic village camps engage both adults and children in interactive learning experiences. Programs like History on Tap and agricultural fairs cater to a wide audience, making history accessible and engaging. By delving deeper into historical narratives and offering diverse workshops, the museum aims to make history relevant and educational for modern audiences. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit the Genesee Country Village and Museum website at GCV.org to find out about upcoming events, purchase tickets, and plan your visit. Follow Genesee Country Village and Museum on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on events, special programs, and behind-the-scenes insights. Explore the variety of workshops and classes offered at the museum, including cheese making, coffee roasting, and 19th-century donut making, to participate in hands-on historical experiences. Consider attending the History on Tap program, a Friday night event featuring breweries, wineries, live music, and a unique opportunity to experience the museum at night. Plan a visit during the agricultural fair in October, where you can enjoy a wide range of vendors selling alpaca-made goods, bread, soap, and more, while experiencing the rich history of the museum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins