Just Talking Business with Stephanie van Vark

Hosted by Stephanie van Vark

Business

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Episodes

105

Latest episode

Mar 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Hard knock small business owner Stephanie van Vark learned entrepreneurship on the job. For thirteen years, through hail, hurricane, persistence and pandemic, she's survived using wit, grit and Southern Charm as her weapons of choice. Listen as Stephanie and a few friends (old, new and fellow entrepreneurs) share stories of pivot, perseverance, survival and redemption in the small business landscape.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

March 17, 202648 min

Cornell Crews Talks Truth about DEI compared to Historic Redlining in Raw Interview

In this conversation, Stephanie Van Vark speaks with Cornell Crews Jr., the executive director of the Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida, about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in financial institutions and communities.They discuss the historical context of redlining, the ongoing challenges faced by communities of color, and the need for advocacy and accountability in financial practices. There is a $310 trillion cost to racism in businesses based on an International Banking Federation study. Cornell highlights the economic impact. What do you think the impact is? Let us know your thoughts. Then, LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion04:52 The Impact of DEI on Financial Institutions09:58 The Misconceptions of DEI15:58 Strategies for Supporting Black Businesses21:40 The Role of Leadership in DEI26:51 Action Plans for Equity32:05 Cultural Influence on Trends37:58 The Future of DEI and Community Resilience#DiversityMatters #InclusionRevolution #equityinaction #justtalkingbusiness #theentrepreneurspodcastSee this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

February 17, 202635 min

The DEI Series: Roni Bennett Speaks the Necessity of DEI in Modern Business

In this conversation, Roni Bennett and Stephanie Van Vark discuss the critical role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in business. We explore the historical context of DEI, its importance for business success, and the challenges faced in implementing effective DEI initiatives. The discussion emphasizes the need for authentic engagement, community building, and strategic approaches to ensure that DEI is not just a performative act but a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. We also address the economic implications of DEI and the necessity for businesses to adapt to a changing landscape.Takeaways📌DEI is essential for business success.📌Diverse teams lead to higher profitability.📌Authenticity in the workplace fosters innovation.📌Boycotts must be well-organized to be effective.📌Community building is crucial for support.📌Economic challenges impact DEI initiatives.📌Organizations must prioritize inclusivity.📌Transforming workplace culture requires commitment.📌Small businesses can lead in DEI practices.📌Unity among diverse groups is necessary for progress.Chapters00:00 Introduction to DEI in Business02:54 The Importance of DEI for Business Success05:44 The Impact of Boycotts and Community Action08:25 The Evolution of DEI: What Went Right and Wrong11:16 Transformative Approaches to DEI13:56 Building Inclusive Communities through DEI17:03 Navigating the New Business Landscape22:15 Empowering Small Businesses for Growth27:49 Building Community and Mutual SupportTell us your best and worst workplace experience when it comes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?👇🏽And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to hear more about the subject.See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

February 11, 202632 min

Episode 1: The DEI Series: Empowering Communities Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This series is explores the need (or lack of) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives. And we're talking the experts about it. In this conversation, host Stephanie Van Vark speaks with Daniella Pierre from the NAACP Miami-Dade about the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's society. Takeaways from this Conversation:⭐️Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for community growth.⭐️Historical context shows DEI has roots in civil rights movements.⭐️Current challenges include legal battles against DEI rollbacks.⭐️Support for small businesses is crucial for economic development.⭐️Boycotts can be effective, but community support is vital.⭐️Engagement in local initiatives can drive change.⭐️Advocacy for educational access is a priority.⭐️Networking and mentorship are key for small business success.⭐️Data shows disparities in access to opportunities.⭐️The future of DEI requires collective action and investment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to DEI and Community Service02:39 The NAACP's Stance on DEI05:31 Historical Context of DEI Initiatives08:35 The Importance of DEI Today11:26 Legal Actions and Support for Small Businesses13:51 Impact of DEI Rollbacks on Communities16:41 Advice for Small Businesses19:29 Boycotts and Consumer Pledges22:19 Future Strategies for Economic Empowerment25:07 Conclusion and Future Aspirations👇🏽Like, subscribe, and share.See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

February 3, 202635 min

130. Danielle Jeter, she Left Government to Launch Two Businesses. Here's How.

In this engaging and thought-provoking conversation, Danielle Jeter, two-time founder and entrepreneur, shares her journey of building a purpose-led career at the intersection of media, community, and impact. She opens up about founding AOI Events and Public Relations and the nonprofit Women in Media Global, and how both ventures work together to create meaningful change.Takeaways⭐️ Danielle Jeter is a two-time founder with a focus on media and PR.⭐️ The media landscape is evolving, with more opportunities for women.⭐️ Mission-driven clients are essential for meaningful work.⭐️ Balancing a nonprofit and a for-profit can be challenging but rewarding.⭐️ Personal branding plays a crucial role in business success.⭐️ Visibility and networking are key to business growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Danielle Jeter and Her Ventures02:46 The Birth of Women in Media Global05:37 Navigating the Media Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Women08:15 The Interplay Between Nonprofit and For-Profit11:14 Mission-Driven Clients: The Heart of the Business13:52 Balancing Client Needs with Personal Growth16:46 The Power of Personal Branding in PR19:32 The WimSpeak Show: Amplifying Women's Voices22:13 Transitioning from Government to Full-Time CEO24:56 The Wild West of Podcasting: Opportunities and ChallengesTo find Danielle Jeter:Instagram @DPGeterSee this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

January 16, 202634 min

From Law to Hospitality: How Kevin Kelley Built a 7-Location Restaurant Empire | Kitchen + Kocktails

What does it take to successfully transition from law to hospitality and build a multi-location restaurant brand?In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Kelley, founder of Kitchen + Kocktails, as he opens his seventh location in Miami and shares the business mindset behind his success. With a background as an attorney, Kevin brings a unique, strategic approach to the restaurant industry, leveraging deep knowledge of entrepreneurship and scalable growth.From gourmet soul food and exceptional service to bold restaurant design and hands-on leadership, Kevin explains how discipline, structure, and financial literacy have helped him navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship in hospitality. He also opens up about the importance of family, leadership, and staying true to your vision while growing a brand.Whether you’re an aspiring restaurateur, business owner, or someone considering a career pivot, this conversation offers powerful insights into restaurant ownership, brand expansion, and business strategy. Topics CoveredTransitioning from law to hospitalityBuilding and scaling a restaurant businessLeadership and hands-on managementEntrepreneurship challenges in the hospitality industryThe southern-inspired menu complete with soul food delicacies and cocktails#KevinKelley #KitchenAndKocktails #RestaurantEntrepreneur #HospitalityBusiness #FromLawToHospitality #RestaurantOwnership #MiamiRestaurants #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurJourney #BlackOwnedBusiness #JustTalkingBusiness #theentrepreneurspodcastSee this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

August 11, 202536 min

What does it take to turn artistic passion into a profitable design business? Kenzie Perry tells us.

Kenzie Perry, shares the business, and the challenges, that lie behind beauty. Kenzie reveals the real challenges of scaling a creative company — from navigating supply chains and client demands to standing out in a saturated market.� In this episode, Kenzie shares:* How he navigated the leap from creative talent to CEO in a competitive industry* The challenges of scaling a design brand while maintaining artistic integrity* What it takes to stand out and stay profitable in a $137B+ market� Whether you're a creative, an entrepreneur, or navigating your own design journey, this candid conversation explores the real business behind the beauty.�POWERED BY THE GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU CELEBRATING BLACK BUSINESS MONTH� SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and COMMENT to support creative entrepreneurs!See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

August 4, 202545 min

How Dr. Saliha Nelson Made Her Small Business Grow Fast!

Dr. Saliha Nelson is redefining education by fusing youth development with enterprise and innovation. As CEO of URGENT, Inc. and founder of Urgent Academy, a new micro middle school, she has built a mission-driven educational ecosystem that leverages arts, culture, and entrepreneurship to empower urban youth—while modeling a scalable, sustainable approach to impact. In this episode, we explore:� How transformative learning models are reshaping education� The power of creative education to spark economic opportunity, leadership, and community impact� What it takes to pivot, scale, and sustain a mission-driven educational enterpriseSee this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

July 28, 202536 min

Brother Lyle Muhammad’s Community Model: Safer Streets, Stronger Bottom Lines

Brother Lyle Muhammad, Executive Director of The Circle of Brotherhood, is a visionary strategist and community architect with over 35 years of experience designing scalable, high-impact violence prevention and reentry programs. His work bridges grassroots organizing and public-private collaboration to drive measurable change in underserved communities. Mr. Muhammad’s programs have attracted investment from government agencies, nonprofits, and community redevelopment partners. He's agreed to share his unique ability to align grassroots leadership with institutional funding and measurable outcomes.� If you're interested in scalable models for public safety, workforce development, or justice reform, Mr. Muhammad’s blueprint offers both inspiration and results.See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

July 21, 202538 min

Design. Disrupt. Deliver. | Kenzie Perry of ZeHaus

Meet Kenzie — a creative force raised in Miami whose passion for art and design sparked the vision behind Ze Haus, a trailblazing brand transforming interiors across the globe.What started as a love for creativity has grown into a thriving design empire. In 2024, Ze Haus contributed to an industry that generated over $137.93 billion in revenue. From innovative wallpaper collections to comprehensive interior design services, Ze Haus delivers beauty, style, and personalized solutions to residential, commercial, and corporate clients alike.👉 In this episode, Kenzie shares:His creative journey from childhood to CEOHow Ze Haus stands out in the $137B+ design industryThe power of collaboration with leading manufacturersTips for merging passion and profit in the world of interior design🎨 Whether you're a creative, an entrepreneur, or just love beautiful spaces, this story will inspire you.🔔 SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and COMMENT to support creative entrepreneurs!See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV

July 14, 202548 min

From Pandemic Setback to Sweet Comeback: The Story of JeniferShwartz, the Maven Baker

In December 2016,The Maven Baker opened. It's a kosher wholesale bakery serving natural baked goods for restaurants and events. By 2019, it expanded into hospitality with Sushi Addicts.But in 2020, everything changed. The pandemic wiped out the bakery clients overnight, and while launching a retail line.After the pandemic, the business was rebooted with a new focus: scalable, shippable dessert products. This is a story of grit, growth, and sweet innovation.See this vodcast and others on YouTube @StephanieCreatesTV