These are the stories of women business owners here in Central Illinois! These stories will inspire you to try, help you to fail forward, and invite you to take the next step in your entrepreneurship journey. Join Meryl Brown and Vivian Doctora as we navigate the struggles, the wins and the fun of female entrepreneurship.
Listen to episodes
10 recent
April 15, 202430 min
MYOB Episode 9: TENACITY
Grit and grind are what we are all about in this episode.
"We don't sink", a phrase that we felt very deeply as Steph Mazanowski, of Mazter Mindz Media, spoke about her venture into entrepreneurship as a marketer, photographer and community connector and her take on making her business work for her, rather than her working for her business. Let's work hard to play hard!
Best Tip: Networking and utilizing LinkedIn!
March 22, 202434 min
MYOB Episode 8: COMMUNITY
On this episode we talk with our first business DUO! Kristin Booth and Amy Gammelgard of CO+LAB: Community Lab, LLC. What started as a fun way to connect people all over Facebook with the Love It List Group has become an exciting adventure of highlighting and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs of ALL ages!
Enjoy this episode as we learn the tips, tricks, stumbles and successes that make CO+LAB a supportive community of small businesses!
Special Bonus: We learn about a great event right here in Bloomington-Normal that helps our youngest entrepreneurs learn the business know-how! Check out: www.YEMBN.com to learn more about the Young Entrepreneur Market, happening this spring!
Facebook: The Love It List
Facebook: Co+Lab Event Consultants
Instagram: @colab.llc
Website: Co+Lab
Best Tip: Canva
February 16, 202435 min
MYOB Episode 7: TEAM
This episode is talking all about teams... from sports to business and high school to corporate. Barb Smith, CEO of Find My Team and Courtside Leadership talks to us all about how she found her team, her place and how she has used her coaching skills to be the best CEO and her business skills to be the best coach.
Where to find Barb:
www.findmyteam.com
www.courtsideleadership.com
Book- Beyond the Talent: Profile of a Winning Team
Upcoming Event: May 19, 2024, Champion Choices- The ultimate college recruiting workshop for aspiring student athletes and their parents.
February 2, 202433 min
MYOB EPISODE 6: BIG PICTURE
On this episode we will be talking with Amanda Jones, Owner of EatLocalBN and OMNIA.
Amanda Jones has over 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising and sales. In addition to Eat Local, she is the owner of OMINA which partners with local small businesses on their marketing efforts. Originally from the Plainfield, Illinois area, she moved to Bloomington-Normal over 25 years ago to attend college at Illinois State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Amanda is an active members of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and is serving her third year as a Chamber Ambassador. She also serves on the board of the Child Protection Network and is a member of the Central Illinois Communication Association.
Contact Information:
amanda@partnerwithomnia.com or amanda@eatlocalbn.com
www.EatLocalBN.com
Favorite Resource Right Now: ClickUp
January 19, 202431 min
MYOB EPISODE 5: CONNECTION
Karen Grotbo comes to us as a licensed Spanish teacher in Illinois, who saw a different path after having a family, and opened The Language Spot in 2021 as she embarked on her small business adventure. She has many years of experience teaching Spanish at all levels and to all ages as you as 4! Having taught Spanish in public schools for 5 years and continuing to teach Spanish through the Continuing Education Department at Heartland Community College and private lessons while she was able stay home with her three children!
Karen loves sharing this important skill with others. Growing up right here in Bloomington-Normal, Karen began learning Spanish in the 7th grade, and has been fortunate enough to have studied in Granada, Spain for a semester during college and has traveled to several Spanish speaking countries where she has been able to utilize her skill and gift. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in the Teaching of Spanish from University of Illinois, as well as a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Illinois State University.
We are fortunate to learn all about Karen Grotbo and The Language Spot, a wonderful resource here in McLean County.
Website: www.thelanguagespotbn.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelanguagespotbn
Instagram: @languagespotbn
November 17, 202333 min
MYOB EPISODE 4: LIGHT
Teresa Klokkenga Photography is a Family and Business Brand Photographer serving the Bloomington-Normal and surrounding area.
Teresa has been professionally behind the camera for over ten years, and even after all this time she still jumps up and down at every opportunity to capture who YOU are - as a business owner making magic happen, as a family connecting with one another or as a graduate heading off on your next great adventure. It’s no secret that each of us show up in the world in our own unique way, and whether you’re seeking imagery to help you level up your business, capture your family’s bond, or celebrate your accomplishments, Teresa Klokkenga Photography is ready to make you stand out!
Contact Info:
www.teresaklokkengaphotography.com
teresa@teresaklokkengaphotography.com
November 3, 202337 min
MYOB EPISODE 3: CLARITY
On today's podcast, we meet Crystal Larkin of Crystal Clear Professional Organizing.
Crystal Larkin, Owner and Lead Organizer for Crystal Clear Professional Organizing grew up in Tinley Park, IL and is a transplant here in the Bloomington/Normal area after transferring to Illinois State University for college, and meeting her husband. They have been married for over 18 glorious years. They have 2 teenage boys that play sports and keep us on the go, but we wouldn't want it any other way.
We talk about all things organization, real life situations, ways to navigate the amount of STUFF and gain clarity on business ownership, sustainability and growth.
Need a new planner? Look here for Crystal's suggestion!
Get Organized HQ
March 7, 202343 min
MYOB Episode 2: HELPING
On this episode we speak with Vivian Kong Doctora and learn about her entrepreneurship endeavor, her many businesses and her continued love of helping people.
January 20, 202338 min
MYOB Episode 1: RELATIONSHIP
This week on the podcast, we speak to co-host Meryl Brown, MM, MT-BC, DT and learn about Developing Melodies, career starts, career pivots and relationships with music.
Meryl Brown MM, MT-BC, DT is the founder and clinical director of Developing Melodies Music Therapy Center located in Normal, IL. Serving many populations through music therapy, Meryl discusses some of their business adventures on this episode.
In this episode we learn about how this entrepreneur navigates change, shut downs, relationships, build ups and adjustments throughout business ownership. We also learn a little about what makes Meryl tick outside of the business world and how she gives back to their community..
Website: www.developingmelodies.com
Instagram: @developingmelodies
Facebook: www.facebook.com/developingmelodies
Other links of note: www.mosesmontefioretemple.org, www.stjuderuns.org
January 13, 20232 min
Mine Your Own Business: An Introduction
Meet our hosts and listen to our plans for Mine Your Own Business: A Podcast!
Meryl Brown and Vivian Doctora
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