Liberty Sessions With Nada Jones | Celebrating Women Who Do & Inspiring Women Who Can |

Rachel Repko is the Founder and CEO of Repko Grants, a consultancy that supports non-profits in securing revenue from private and corporate grants.After years of working in Public Relations for both nonprofit and for-profit businesses, Rachel decided to step away from work to be home with her three children. When Rachel decided to leave her job, her employers suggested that she try her hand at grant writing from home. A few years later Rachel was ready to return to work and decided to test the grant writing waters again, but this time on her own.In this episode, hear how Rachel discovered that her talent for technical writing, the need for revenue generation for non-profits, her passion for ending homelessness and her ability in storytelling could become a business. She made a name for herself one grant at a time and began working with leading organizations in the Los Angeles-area.Today Repko Grants continue to support human services organizations that work to end homelessness, human-trafficking, and to suppo

In the late 90’s Abigail Killeen discovered the powerful story of Babette’s Feast. As a theater artist, she began working to adapt a version of Babette’s Feast for the stage. After sitting with her dream to share this story for over a decade, Abigail was now ready to present this play to a larger audience--the only thing she needed was cash.  Enter Jennifer King, a social entrepreneur and philanthropist and the Founder of The Rugged Elegance Foundation.In this episode, learn how an artist and investor collaborate to produce a play that catalyzes art to inspire action. Listen to Abigail share why Jennifer’s advice of turning Babette’s Feast into a for-profit organization gave her the ability to dream bigger.These two women offer insights from both the left and right side of the brain addressing the importance of artistry, social impact, strategic mission and philanthropic support when collaborating to create meaningful change and a sustainable platform. It is evident that both women are equally passionate abou

Emily & Alina Serebryany are Co-Founders of Petaloom, an e-commerce company that celebrates relationships through planted gifts. Tune in a learn how this mother-daughter duo is plotting to disrupt the corporate and office gift market one plant at a time.After selling her company, Emily Serebryany took some time to travel and ask herself “What’s next.” She discovered she wanted to give back, cultivate community, and support women in transition by launching a gifting company that specialized in plants. During the process of launching Petaloom, she sought out her daughter Emily's expertise in product development. Emily was supportive of this new venture and realized she wanted to join her mother in launching Petaloom.In this episode, you will hear an intimate and intentional conversation around the issues that family-owned businesses face. Emily shares how she always wanted to run a business with Alina and AIina details how she has been able to see her mother as an evolving individual and business woman. Bot

Laura Williams is the Founder and CEO of Poppyhill Flowers, a Wedding & Event Floral Design company based in Los Angeles.In 2010 Laura, a social worker and teacher, found herself in the midst of a health crisis that would no longer allow her to continue teaching. As she searched for what was she was next, her husband asked her, “What makes you feel alive?” She remembered the poppy hills of Spain that she encountered many years before. So naturally, she launched a floral design company!In this episode, Laura details how in the midst of healing from six surgeries that left her vocal chords compromised, flowers became her voice. She decided to dedicate a year to learn the craft and volunteered her floral design services. She didn’t necessarily have a business plan, but she knew her “why,” and that reflected in her floral creations. By going the extra mile for clients and being supportive of other vendors in the wedding industry, Laura and Poppyhill’s reputation grew to the thriving business it is today.Laura

Mareya Ibrahim is the Founder and CEO of Grow Green Industries, Inc., an eco solutions company focusing on produce food safety and shelf life. Grow Green Industries has created the Eat Cleaner product line which removes 99.99% of wax, pesticide and agricultural/handling residue that can carry bacteria from fresh produce. Although Mareya was in the food industry as a holistic nutritionist and trained chef, she didn’t see the need for the Eat Cleaner products until her father was diagnosed with cancer and was told to stay away from fresh produce. Mareya joined forces with her scientist father to create a solution that would allow him to eat produce and not be afraid of contracting foodborne illnesses. In this episode, Mareya shares how it felt to work her “second shift” building Grow Green Industries while maintaining a full-time marketing job and being a single mother. She also advises on the essential first steps to take when you are looking to patent a product. Mareya and her work is an example of how the pa

Jenny Zheng is the Founder and CEO of Little Fluffy Head Cafe, a Los Angeles based “cheese tea” shop selling an innovative, tasty treat new to the American market. Think of a fluffy cream cheese topping--not a block of cheese!Three years ago while on a trip to Asia, Jenny tasted cheese tea for the first time and loved it. During that time she was working on her master’s in bioengineering at UCLA, but cheese tea ignited a passion in her to bring this unique beverage to her new home in Los Angeles.In this episode, Jenny shares how she dreamed of owning a tea shop upon retirement. Alas, her cheese tea excitement flipped the timeline, and she opened her first cafe in her twenties. Jenny intentionally created the Little Fluffy Head Cafe space to accommodate Millennials social media skills by making each nook and cranny “Instagramable.” She wanted her customers to spread the gospel about these high-quality cheese teas and gave them the tools they need to willingly and happily do so.Six months in and Jenny has learn

Courtney Cowan is the Founder and CEO of Milk Jar Cookies, a Los Angeles based cookie shop selling small-batch handmade classic and adventurous cookies.  Courtney has been baking cookies since she was a child, and this hobby continued to give her joy into her adult life. She would often bring cookies to work, but her co-workers had no idea they weren’t from a bakery and that Courtney herself had made them. Soon she began selling cookies online as a side-hustle. Although Courtney enjoyed her job in television, her dream shifted when she considered a future in cookies.  In this episode, Courtney shares what it was like to transition a seven-year side-hustle into a re-branded brick & mortar shop and online business. Since Milk Jar Cookies opened five years ago, she has seen her sales consistently grow month after month. Courtney generously details how she has handled quality control, a growing team and running her brick and mortar shop during times of growth and expansion. Courtney offers her social media ti

Mary Cecchini is the Founder, Chief Adventurer and Travel Designer of Living Big Travel, a travel company that offers hosted small group adventures and travel design to support women in making their vacation...a vacation!After years of climbing the corporate ladder in marketing and event production, Mary realized she wasn’t finding joy in her work. She decided to quit her job, travel extensively and create space to dream of a career that would allow her to thrive.In this episode, Mary shares how blogging her way through her solo trip peaked women’s interest in her travels, They were asking for advice in planning their adventures. Naturally, Mary identified an underserved population in the travel market...women.Mary provides insight on building a company around your skills. She also discusses ways to differentiate your business by identifying your ideal customer and curating services specifically for them. Mary’s self-awareness, adventurous spirit and business insights are a breath of fresh air. After listenin

Liz Dennery Sanders is the Founder and CEO of SheBrand, a boutique branding and marketing firm specializing in women and women-owned businesses. Liz is also the author of a newly published book called Style & Substance: How to Create a Compelling Brand.  For 20+ years Liz has worked in fashion, marketing and public relations. Before launching SheBrand, she owned and ran a successful PR agency, Dennery Marks Inc. In this episode, Liz shares how she has put her belief in women into action. SheBrand help women cut through the noise and present a focused narrative about their brands. With the release of Style & Substance: How to Create a Compelling Brand, women everywhere can learn from her expertise. Liz is a fountain of sage advice. From slowing down in order to grow to understanding how to channel your anger for good, this podcast is filled with branding and life wisdom. You can follow Liz at @shebrandliz on Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to go to https://shebrand.com/book/ to get your copy of Style &a

Christine Hildebrand is the Founder and CEO of Emergent and Life Foundations. These two service-based companies help businesses and individuals identify their mission and grow into their potential from the inside out. In this episode, Christine shares how she experienced an “awakening” while rising to the top of her retail buying position. She discovered it wasn’t what she expected and decided to figure out what she was being called towards. This journey took her on the entrepreneurial path of starting two companies. Christine now teaches companies and individuals how to both incorporate “spirituality” and better understand the role of energetic practices. Tune into this conversation to take advantage of Christine’s list of actionable practices you can begin to utilize right away!You can follow Christine and the Emergent team at @emergentsf on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Also, you can follow her at Life Foundations at @lifefoundationsSF on Facebook and @aligntoyou on Instagram. Be sure to go to www.emerg

Jala Smith-Huys is the Founder and CEO of Seek & Swoon, a textile company that makes heirloom quality knit throws.  These beautiful, recycled cotton blankets are inspired by faraway travels but made right here in America.In this episode, Jala shares that she was ready to pivot from social media and marketing consulting, but was waiting for an idea that she cared about before she made any sudden moves. It was her son’s baby blanket that sparked the inspiration to explore launching a textile brand. From creating a strong story to connect with customers, to researching mills, to insights on whether or not to hire a PR firm in the first couple of years of business, Jala is generous with detailing the essentials of how to start a new textile brand. She also encourages you to let go of your fear and take a chance on something you really believe in.You can follow Jala at @seekandswoon on Instagram and Facebook. Also, be sure to check out the decorative Sweek & Swoon throws at www.seekandswoon.com.Don't forge

Kathryn Petralia is the President and Co-Founder of Kabbage. A financial services data and technology platform that provides an automated application process for small business loans.   In this episode, Kathryn admits that she never saw herself as an entrepreneur, but always pursued jobs that sparked her interest, which happened to be start-ups.  From crowdfunding to angel investors, Kathryn advises on how to prove your business’s worth by being committed to actually doing the work you set out to do. She also highlights how the internet is the great equalizer. In the case of Kabbage, this distinction removes gender, ethnicity and other cultural barriers from the loan application process which levels the playing field. She is giving small business a greater opportunity to pursue their interests to make a difference.You can follow Kathryn and the Kabbage team at @kabbageinc Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Also, if you are at a point in your business needing some operational funds, be sure to check out www.kabb

Cristina is an Attorney, Author, 3-time Emmy Winner Television Personality, Radio Host, and Speaker. She has used her passion for the law and people to educate the public on the importance of identity, family, diversity, and integrity. Cristina didn’t set out to become a multi-hyphante-preneur. She planned on being an excellent lawyer, wife, and mom. Her hard work, passion, and dual cultural vantage point opened up unexpected doors. From taking a seat as a judge for courtroom television to authoring three books, Cristina has walked through those open doors and told some great stories along the way. In this episode, Cristina shares how being the daughter of Colombian immigrants, watching them struggle with racism, and growing up in both the U.S. and Mexico profoundly shaped her interest around issues of justice and immigration. From learning how to parlay your expertise into new business opportunities and book publishing options, to work-life balance, Cristina has a world of experience to share.Please follow C

Jennifer Kennedy is the Founder and CEO of By Your Side Collection. Her business offers tangible ways for communities of friends to support and encourage through jewelry.  In this episode, Jennifer shares how her diagnosis of cancer inspired the mission of her company. During her 12th year of living cancer-free, Jennifer’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer as well. At her mother’s first chemo appointment, Jennifer had a life-altering interaction with a patient in the waiting room. Seeing the woman sitting alone, Jennifer took off her necklace and gave it to the chemo patient as a physical reminder that “there is hope.” That simple exchange birthed the inspiration for By Your Side. Jennifer has learned a lot in the process of designing, manufacturing, and building her jewelry company. She offers thoughts about learning a new industry while being present with her family.  Her passion for using her survival story and creating hope keeps her committed to this venture, even in the hard times. Please follow J

Heather Trilling is the Founder & Principal of Trilling Landscape & Design and the Founder & Designer of the newly launched Lumber + Linen. In both businesses, she designs and curates intentional outdoor spaces.Heather has always worked in creating a “healing environment”. Originally, she was a nurse in the pediatrics department at UCLA, but her landscaping hobby caught the eye of an HGTV producer. To her surprise, she landed a role on an HGTV show and subsequently launched Trilling Landscape & Design. Over the past 14 years, Heather has built a thriving business known for intentional drought-tolerant design and building spaces for people to gather and create memories. In this episode, Heather shares how she came to a crossroads with Trilling Landscape & Design. The business was growing and all was going well, but she found that managing the day to day operations wasn’t the role she wanted anymore. After several conversations with clients, Heather was encouraged to create an outdoor line o

We have big plans for Season 2 of LIBERTY Sessions with Nada Jones, but before we share amazing stories of female founders, we want to hear from you! We have a little survey for you to participate in. So give this mini-episode a listen and share with us your comments and suggestions at info@libertyforher.com. Also, please check out our Kickstarter campaign and support our effort to get the LIBERTY Editorial Journal into the hands of women everywhere! The Kickstarter campaign ends January 31st, so don't delay! Hop on over to the Kickstarter page today. Don't forget to follow us at @libertyforher on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Please let us know your thoughts about this episode by using the hashtag #libertysessions and please rate and review us—it helps to know if this podcast is inspiring and equipping you to launch and grow your ventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brittany Merrill Underwood is the Founder and CEO of Akola Project, a non-profit jewelry brand that empowers marginalized women through training and employment in Dallas, Texas, and Uganda.A 2006 trip to Uganda and a meeting with a woman named Sarah, a woman who cared for the stray kids, changed Brittany’s life forever.  Seeing first hand that the creation of employment opportunities would, in turn, transform the lives of women, their children, and their communities prompted Brittany to launch Akola Project.In this episode, Brittany shares how she pivoted Akola Project from building an orphanage to employing women to make jewelry and earn a steady income. She details Akola’s deep dive into the entire production process, ensuring each step from sourcing materials to distribution yields a positive impact.In addition to her work in Uganda, Brittany expanded Akola’s social impact to include opportunities to marginalized women in Dallas. This growth had lead to the expansion of their collection to include an exclu

Amy Swift is a Brand Strategist, Copy Writer and Founder of AmySwift.com as well as the Founder of SMARTY. Her secret sauce lies in helping brands to unpack and restructure their messaging. Amy has been cultivating community and conversations around female entrepreneurship long before it was popular. First through Ladies Who Launch, where she co-authored a book and ran the West Coast region. Eventually, Amy pivoted to launch SMARTY a community platform that supported female-owned small businesses.While working hard to grow SMARTY, and continuing her work as a brand strategist, Amy decided that her family needed a change. They transplanted to Manchester by the Sea to slow down, but life had other plans. Amy became severely ill and surviving became the only goal. During Amy’s time of healing, she was able to step back and redefine how she wanted to structure her life and work.The wisdom that emerged from that season of life is evident. Amy’s insight and advice is a breath of fresh air in the midst of the boomin

Ryan Larson is the Founder and CEO of Tin Parade and Savoir Flair Weddings. She’s one of those people that has a knack for elevating the simplest of gatherings and turning them into something special.She caught the entrepreneurial bug early on. By the time she was eight years old, she had a paper route. Since then she has always looked for ways she could create her own income and live by her own rules.  As an adult, she channeled that same spirit by launching Savoir Flair Weddings, a wedding design service.While planning and creating meaningful celebrations for couples, Ryan she was inspired to create a line of memorable party and home goods. In 2013, Ryan founded Tin Parade and brought to market the first ever Table Banner.In this episode, Ryan shares the challenges of communicating high concept products to buyers and shares how she cleverly overcame that as she grew. She shares the difficulty in starting up in an industry that is unfamiliar and offers tips that will help you stand out at trade shows. It’s e

Kara Dykert is the Founder and CEO of Kara Elise and Author of Toast. She specializes in creating spaces that spark community. She is also a recipe creator, food stylist and officially the hostess with the mostess.After working in the wedding planning industry for years, Kara was ready for a change. She moved to Los Angeles and decided to create her dream job, a dinner party company. She began hosting a bi-monthly dinner party from her loft called Whisky Wednesdays. Kara’s dream job organically grew into catering for individuals and events, hosting retreats, food styling, creating branded content, and authoring a book about Toast!In this episode, Kara shares how her Enneagram 7 personality, “The Enthusiast,” has aided her in embracing who she is as a woman and entrepreneur. She has been able to build, and grow, a business that is life-giving based on a deeper understanding of both her strengths and weaknesses.Although Kara has focused on being a content creator, she developed an itch to produce something she