Entrepreneurially Thinking: Innovation | Experimentation | Creativity | Business

Joining us today are Mimo Davis and Miranda Duschak, Co-Founders of Urban Buds: City Grown Flowers, an urban farm located in St. Louis' Dutchtown neighborhood. Together their story is one of land, community, culture and love.  In this episode: Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore talks about how she keeps her REAL Cannabis Company teams'  morale engaged and staying positive when things don't go as planned. Cheryl says it's important to stay focused and continue to move forward so that your company can move in the right direction.  Also in this episode: Miranda explains the history of the location that now houses Urban Buds-City Grown Flowers. The nursery is located in the Dutchtown neighborhood which was founded in the 1870's. As the neighborhood grew, so did the love for the nursery. Miranda and Mimo are production focused and love catering to their community. Miranda and Mimo discuss how they formed a business relationship with the City of St. Louis in an effort to "grow" a successful business. Miranda explains the pro

We round out our April Encore Series with our conversation with Jeff Gamble. Jeff’s company has pivoted again since our conversation in November 2018. Now called Rezilient, they provide care without limits on their virtual healthcare platform. Like many other companies in the healthcare space, they have been working hard since the entire COVID-19 situation started to ensure that doctors and other medical professionals have the resources they need to continue to serve patients remotely. On boarding a small number of new subscribers at a time they are doing their best to rollout their platform in a way that ensures it performs optimally for patients and physicians now and in the future. Hear how Jeff came to partner with Danish Nagda to found a healthcare startup at the heart of our new normal. #staylistening #stayathome #314together    In this episode:    What led Jeff to create Dynamic Surgical.  The Dynamic Surgical platform.  How Dynamic Surgical connects the physician experience with that of the pat

Our April Encore Series continues with our interview featuring Gabriela Ramirez – Arellano and Junior Lara – hosts of the Autentico podcast. Gabriela and Junior created their show to provide Latino professionals entrepreneurs with access to information and resources to support them in business success. This mission went into high gear with the Covid-19 crisis as they rapidly set out to address the dearth of Spanish language resources for impacted entrepreneurs. They have been curating and translating resources ever since. At the same time, Gabriela’s husband quickly pivoted to curbside pickup to keep serving patrons at Don Emilianos – their family restaurant. Always on the front lines, Gabriela and Junior are an inspiration. Listen to learn more about them, their podcast and their commitment to the Latino business community.  #staylistening #stayathome #314together #takeithome  In this episode:  Gabriela discusses how she found her voice in her delivery of the vast amount of resources available to minorit

This week April Encore Series we are featuring our interview with Jenifer Garcia of Garcia Properties. Garcia Properties has been doing business in and supporting the St. Louis community for 20 years. Noting that our independent, locally owned restaurant community was among the first and hardest hit by the stay at home order they began a gift card give away on Facebook – giving away $100 gift cards to local eateries. This will continue for about 30 days to help support local businesses and employees and encourage those inclined to take out for curbside pickup to checkout these neighborhood treasures.  Checkout their favorite places to dine and enjoy your next meal while listening to Jenifer share how it all started.  #staylistening #stayathome #314together #stltakeithome  In this episode : Jenifer talks about how she started as an entrepreneur at the very young age of 14 and how an infomercial took her by chance down a path that would eventually steer her towards real estate.   Jenifer discusses how Garci

The first episode we are featuring for our April Encore Series is Tiny Little Monster – customer t-shirt printing. In an immediate response to the stay at home and social distancing orders owners Sloan and Jenny stated the #HereForGood campaign to help keep their team employed and put money into the pockets of other small business owners. Check out their website to learn more about the campaign, how you or a small business you love can take part (or you can replicate in your own area) and buy a t-shirt or two. Then listen to our conversation with Sloan to get their back story and inspiration for your next venture. #staylistening #stayathome #314together  

Joining us today is Salman Shah, Co-Founder and designer of JORD Wood Watches. Salman is the creative mind behind the innovative line of wood watches. He has extensive experience working closely with global manufactures throughout the manufacturing process and brings a unique set of flair and personable characteristics that make him a great spokesperson for the JORD brand. In this episode: Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore informs us that unfortunately REAL Cannabis Company did not win the application process from the State of Missouri and she discusses the scoring that REAL Cannabis received in the manufacturing and cultivating licensing process and explains the current application appeals process in which the hope they will be successful so that they can move REAL Cannabis Company to the next level.    Also in this episode: Salman discusses his path from college to business owner/entrepreneur. In working with other companies and helping them optimize their SEO's, Salman realized that he too could use his inner entre

Joining us today is Tamara Keefe, Founder of Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery and self-proclaimed 'Flavor Temptress'. Tamara is one of the lucky ones, she makes a living doing something she loves. Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery is not just a place to get ice cream, Tamara has worked hard to make sure that a visit to her creamery is also an experience.   In this episode: Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore discusses marketing and the strategies REAL Cannabis Company is using. She says that they started by building a brand and brand guidelines, website development, designs etc. They have also hired a PR firm that already has scored REAL Cannabis Co. with an interview on NPR. Cheryl discusses the importance of strategic marketing and creating an even balance within the business.   Also in this episode: Tamara explains that after unwillingly transferring to St. Louis from Southern California for an employer, that she instantly fell in love with the city, food scene and welcoming neighbors. She goes on to

Joining us today is Jamila Owens-Todd, Naturopathic Doctor and serial entrepreneur. Jamila started her career path with studying sciences at The University of Missouri-St. Louis. Jamila has a passion for helping others heal themselves and has pledged to educate and provide insight in regaining your innate healing power.    In this episode:   Dr. Cheryl Watkins- Moore discusses raising capital for REAL Cannabis Company and the challenges that come with that. She explains the value of your company plays an important role in fundraising. Key factors in value are a strong business plan, a professional team, and good relationships.    Also in this episode:   Jamila tells us about a great opportunity she was given in her Senior year of high school to become an analytical student chemist with the FDA. She shares a personal story that took her in the direction of homeopathic cures and tells us the many voyages she has been on in her quest for her Ph.D. Jamila says that entrepreneurially thinking to her means

Joining us today is Daphne Benzaquen, Creative Designer, CEO and Founder of Daph., a St. Louis based fashion and lifestyle brand inspired by her Peruvian heritage. Founded in 2016, Daph. is one of the only U.S. fashion and lifestyle brands that solely culminates modern, timeless designs with Peruvian resources and handmade craftsmanship.    In this episode:  Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore discusses how REAL Cannabis Company is using technology in a way that is not obtrusive to future customers but at the same time offers a secure environment for customers and employees as well.    Also in this episode:  Daphne tells us about her Peruvian heritage and how that has an influence on her designs. She goes into detail about how the concept of her fashion and design business came to be and explains her unique prototype process.  Daphne says that entrepreneurially thinking to her means coming up with various creative solutions to everyday problems.  Daphne explains that it was while she was completing her MBA t

Joining us today is Brandin Vaughn, Owner and Fashion Designer of The Brandin Vaughn Collection, a clothing line that is a 'contemporary bridge' ready to wear line for both men and women. Before launching his business, Brandin was the Director of Development at Create Space. Brandin has always had an entrepreneurial spirit.   In this episode:  Dr. Cheryl Watkins - Moore updates us on REAL Cannabis Company and the importance of prioritizing and creating a nice 'balance' not only in business but in your personal life as well.   Also in this episode:  Brandin talks about how his love for fashion and design transpired by first creating cushions for his couch at home. He tells us that he taught himself how to sew and the rest just fell into place. Brandin says that to him, entrepreneurially thinking means never giving up, falling and getting back up but always staying consistent with what you believe. He also explains how his creative visions turned profitable in high school.   Brandin discusses the chal

Joining us today is Christy Schlafly, CEO, and Owner of STL Foodworks, a culinary incubator located in the Central West End. Christy is a native St. Louis' who loves working with creative culinarians. Christy noticed a need for extra kitchen space for young businesses to ramp up and therefore decided to provide a professional environment for culinary entrepreneurs to work their magic.   In this episode:  Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore discusses where REAL Cannabis stands post-application process. She fills us in on what strategies they are focusing on in order to also get licensing in other states and how to move the company forward.   Also in this episode:  Christy talks about her love for the City of St. Louis and she tells us about the long line of entrepreneurs in her family starting with her Grandfather's business called Ford Hotel Supply Company. She talks about how after college, she dug her feet right into the family business by taking a position in the purchasing division and that eventually led to

Joining us today is Sucheta Bhide, Owner of The Resplendent Crow, a small business located in University City. Missouri that refinishes vintage furniture in glossy paint and lacquer. Sucheta is a dynamic entrepreneurial leader with a proven record of achievement and she demonstrates success in leading a franchise with sales close to 1 million dollars while maintaining over 96% customer satisfaction.  In this episode: Cheryl Watkins-Moore gives us an update on REAL Cannabis Company and the intense application process they have just undergone in order to get a permit to manufacture, distribute, and infuse cannabis.  Also in this episode: Sucheta explains that she moved to the United States from India in 1997. She talks about going to Washington University, St. Louis as an adult and once she qualified to legally hold full-time employment she started in retail. She tells us how The Resplendent Crow was birthed and says that entrepreneurially thinking to her means chasing your dreams and going after them hard.  Su

Joining us today is Dr. Cheryl Watkins- Moore, Co-Owner and Chief Marketing Officer of REAL Cannabis Company. REAL Cannabis Co. hopes to put their locations in a predominately minority communities in the St. Louis region and hire in those areas. Cheryl says she is encouraged that this strategy should boost its application, which seeks licenses for 5 dispensaries as well as a cultivation and processing center.  In this episode: Cheryl tells us what REAL Cannabis Company hopes to do in the future and explains not only how the process came about but how they raised capital and even had folks wanting to give them more than they were needing when it came down to it.  Cheryl talks about the intricate and exhausting process of obtaining a cannabis license in the State of Missouri. The first hurdle was to get the cannabis amendment passed. The second hurdle was the tedious task of filling out and writing the applications.  Cheryl tells us about the 'capped market' structured around the application process. The State

This week we are re-airing our interview with Derek Mays of REAL Cannabis Company and John Payne of Amendment 2 Consultants. You may recall that Cheryl is working with Derek to launch its vertically integrated medical cannabis venture. Next week will feature Christy’s conversation with Cheryl about what it means to build a new business in an emerging market. In the following weeks be sure to listen for the REAL Cannabis in Real-Time in-show mini-series chronicling Cheryl’s adventures in entrepreneurship.  REAL Cannabis Company is a St. Louis based group that seeks to open combined cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and dispensing facility. John Payne is Co-Founder of Amendment 2 Consultants which pioneered Missouri's new approach by leading the campaign for medical marijuana in Missouri.  In this episode: Derek talks about what motivated him to leap into the field of cannabis amendment support and business development. Derek talks about the lack of access to capital for minority entrepreneurs and how he felt

In this episode we're actually highlighting four amazing female entrepreneurs: Episode 9.8 — Psyche Southwell | Economy Of Style Episode 6.11 — Reine Bayoc | Love and Magic and Purpose and Business Episode 11.8 — Rachel D’Souza Siebert | Gladiator Consulting Episode 10.1 — Lisa Hu | Lux & Nyx Each of whom has a very different business but shares her thoughts on what it means to grow up with different expectations of success, how they've redefined those expectations and what success means to them. How the following their passions, embracing new identities and in some cases being a mom and an entrepreneur. But kids or no kids, being a working woman full-time, managing life and family of all shapes and sizes takes a lot and so we're really excited to highlight a few really powerful clips from our conversations with each of these women and if you find them as powerful as we did you can go and listen to the whole interview because those are pretty awesome conversations themselves.

Joining us today is Michael Dehn Breault, CEO of Gibson & Dehn. In 2017, Michael launched the namesake home fragrance brand Gibson & Dehn, building on his family’s entrepreneurial history in the floral and design business. As a 5th generation business owner, Michael brings over 125 years of family experience in botanicals, scent development and business acumen to his role as CEO. In this episode: Michael tells us about a long line of entrepreneurs in his family starting with his great-great grandparents who emigrated from Europe in 1892 and opened one of the first flower shops in the country in Saratoga Springs, NY. From his early experience in the family business and up-bringing in rural NY to international corporate executive roles, Michael shares how he made the transition to Founder and CEO. He says that Entrepreneurially Thinking to him means the opportunity to make a difference in business and in peoples’ lives through commerce and he explains how his collaboration with two nuns making candles o

Joining us today is Cbabi Bayoc, an internationally known Visual Artist and Illustrator. Cbabi's subjects include family, children, music and much more all designed with line, bold color and phunk. Cbabi is the creator of a project titled '365 Days with Dad', a journey that paints a positive image of black fatherhood. Cbabi spends his time working on a variety of projects including community murals, school murals, children's books, illustrations and is always up for a new challenge. In this episode: Cbabi discusses how art became his passion and how that continues to evolve through his everyday life. He talks about how he went from being commissioned to do an art piece for a local company to working in an art gallery in Union Station to doing caricatures at Six Flags to now being a known internationally as an Artist. Entrepreneurially Thinking to Cbabi means authentically sharing himself with the world. Cbabi talks about preparedness and how experience has played a large role in his efforts to further his por

Joining us today is Lakesha Mathis, Director of Inclusive Business Solutions for the St. Louis Regional Chamber. Lakesha is a practiced Business Consultant with demonstrated history of developing and implementing operational excellence focused growth strategies. Lakesha is skilled in Non-Profit Organizational Management, Budgeting, Strategic Planning, Policy Analysis, Team Building, and Program Development.  In this episode:   Lakesha explains how her role as Director of Inclusive Business Solutions is helping minority-owned businesses as well as women business owners to identify and implement strategies that move their businesses in a forward direction. Lakeshas' idea of entrepreneurially thinking means to build up the community.  Lakesha discusses the challenges that many minority business owners face such as steep learning curves and the lack of knowledge of how to get the right things done. Lakesha talks about the mental preparedness you must have when going into business and when creating a profitability

Joining us today is Marissa Paine, Founder of Painefree Coaching & Consulting. Marissa started Painefree in 2012 as a vehicle for living out her life’s purpose, which is to inspire and support other leaders in realizing their full potential. Marissa Paine and her dynamic team are passionate about serving you and helping you become your best you!  In this episode: Marissa talks about the launch of the new brand “Marissa Q. Paine” and reasoning for it, plus putting all the services offered under that umbrella & being a “culture shifter.”  Marissa talks about taking a pause from the work she is good at doing with Painefree Coaching & Consulting but not finding the joy in it anymore and get back to self-care habits.  Marissa speaks about 25 years of marriage and the next chapters on the home front and shifting of roles of each partner in the marriage.  Marissa explains how “shifts” open things for transformation and then allows change to happen.  Marissa shares about the new media platforms on the hor

Joining us today is Tami Lange, CEO and Founder of Save the Girls Touchscreen Purses! Tami is a resident of Edwardsville, she is married and has 5 wonderful children as well as 3 dogs and a plethora of cats.  Simply put, Tami was fed up! In one week, both of her daughters had mishaps with their phones. One had lost it on a hike and the other sent her phone into the washing machine abyss, by accident of course. Tami’s sister in law suggested the girls carry their phones in their undergarments (bra) to avoid any future mishaps. That just didn’t seem like the solution either. This drove the inner entrepreneur in Tami to the drawing board. It didn’t take her long to come up with the PERFECT solution. Tami created a one of a kind purse that not only carries credit cards, license and our cheaters, but it also has a clear backing pouch that your phone slides into that allows you to fully operate your phone without ever having to take it out of your purse.  Just when you thought this concept couldn’t get any better,