You’ve always wanted to get to know your favorite local business owners. But with everyone’s busy schedules, it can be hard to actually sit down and chat with each other and learn about the dreams, setbacks, successes, failures, and everything in between! All of which help shape us into the humans we are today.The Sincerely, Your Small Business podcast is your window into the lives and identities of small business owners that you support year-round. What inspires them, what makes them tick, and what has helped them grow as business owners, parents, community members, and friends.It’s a way to get to know them, so that when you DO run into one another at the grocery store, park, or place of business, you’ll know that at the end of the day, we can all build relationships and connect with one another through shared experiences.
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60 recent
August 24, 2026Episode 251 min
Lauren DiFrank of Bella Ballerina Highland Creek
Lauren DiFrank is the owner of Bella Ballerina Highland Creek, a Bella Ballerina franchise serving families in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Since opening the studio four years ago, she has built a thriving community centered on helping young children grow in confidence, creativity, and a love of dance. A cancer survivor and widow, Lauren also serves on the Board of Directors for the 24 Foundation, where she advocates for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their families. She is passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences, building strong teams, and growing a purpose-driven business that makes a lasting impact on the families it serves. In this episode, Lauren shares her wisdom and perspectives on empowering people (instead of micromanaging them), practicing clear communication, and how grace, flexibility, and boundaries are what make small business (and life) sustainability possible. Learn more here: Bella Ballerina Highland Creek website Follow Bella Ballerina Highland Creek on Instagram ! Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
August 10, 2026Episode 145 min
Chris Martin of Florosa
Christina Martin (Chris) is the baker and owner of Florosa, a commissary bakery & flower farm based in Charlottesville, VA. A third-generation Nicaraguan American, she draws on her heritage to create Latine and Hispanic–inspired pastries, pan dulce, and desserts that honor traditional foodways while reflecting the landscapes and seasons of Virginia. She bakes with locally milled flour, eggs from her backyard flock, and herbs, flowers, and produce grown on her certified urban farm and sourced from nearby farmers. Florosa pastries and edible flowers can be found daily at JBird Supply, as well as through catering and cakes for events, meetings, and weddings. While working in the industry, Chris earned an AS in Baking & Pastry and a BS in Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship from Johnson & Wales University. As a queer community member, she volunteers with Charlottesville Pride and serves as an ambassador for CHOW, supporting wellness and mental health in the hospitality industry. In our conversation, Chris reflects on her journey as a small business owner, discussing the evolution of the bakery and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. We touch on the impact of relationships on business success and the balance between ambition and realism in entrepreneurship (something not talked about enough, maybe!). Big takeaways: - "I am nothing without the women who came before me" - Asking for help is not a shortcoming but a strength - Simple living outside of work can bring joy, fulfillment, and presence Connect with Chris: Instagram: @byflorosa Website: byflorosa.com Listen to the first time Chris was on the show HERE . Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
July 29, 2026Episode 2349 min
Christian Pfeiffer of More Than A Cup
Christian is the founder of More Than A Cup, a premium mobile coffee bar serving the Charlotte Metro area. Starting in high school and throughout college, Christian worked in private clubs serving weddings, baby showers, and more. In college he studied civil engineering. After two years with a civil engineering firm, Christian realized the moments that moved him weren't behind a desk. They were in front of people. More Than A Cup was born from that realization: that coffee, done right, is never just a drink. It's a connection point, a celebration, a reason to gather. Today, Christian brings a white-glove café experience directly to weddings, corporate events, and special occasions across Charlotte. One intentional cup at a time. Website: morethanacup.com Instagram: instagram.com/_morethanacup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/morethanacup Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
July 13, 2026Episode 2242 min
Caroline Addington of Blue Ridge Barbell
Caroline Addington is the founder of Blue Ridge Barbell, a community-driven gym in Charlottesville, Virginia. After years as a personal trainer, she opened the gym local lifters had been asking for: one full of focused training, genuine community, and good vibes. Caroline's work sits at the intersection of strength training, business, and community building. She's passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating environments that help people become more capable, resilient versions of themselves. She openly shares the realities of building a brick-and-mortar business—from raising capital and navigating setbacks to developing culture and leading a team with intention. Her mission is simple: build stronger people, stronger communities, and spaces where people can do meaningful work together. Get the Blue Ridge App: 12-Week Get Strong Program in the Blue Ridge App Learn more here: Blue Ridge Barbell Website and Instagram Membership info: 24/7/365 Access for members Day Passes are $15 and Monthly Memberships are $85 Blue Ridge Barbell has lots of strength training classes available, including several that are super beginner friendly! Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
July 6, 202647 min
[Encore] Ryan Becklund of Botanical
This episode originally aired in September of 2025. Enjoy! On this episode, discover how Ryan opened a vegan eatery, Botanical, amidst the challenges of the pandemic. You'll hear about the importance of community, the power of confidence, and the joy of creating a supportive environment for both staff and customers. Ryan Becklund is the owner of Botanical in Charlottesville and Bar Botanical in Crozet, VA. Both restaurants are 100% vegan and serve a variety of vegan fare, pastries, craft cocktails, coffees, and uncommonly found vegan products. Ryan lives in Crozet with her partner, dog, and cats (and usually a foster cat or two). She loves the challenging pace of the food service industry, becoming part of the rare community here in Cville, and spending her tiny amounts of free time with her friends and animals. Follow Botanical and Bar Botanical on Instagram! Learn more about Botanical here: https://www.botanicalfare.com/ Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
June 22, 2026Episode 2144 min
Allie Redshaw
In this episode, Allie shows her dedication to community support, quality, and how those have also coincided with her personal growth. Listen to this chat to hear wisdom about resilience, adaptation, intentionality in business, and the importance of community (in both life and business). From Allie: 4 phrases or words to best describe me because I’ll choose an even number (4) over an odd (3) any day: -family woman -adventurer -technology averse -Loves God & animals I am a mom to two beautiful daughters, Sawyer & Willow! Together with my culinary school sweetheart, I live in Free Union, VA with our Hen, Wise One, our Great Pyrenees puppy, Como, & our old hound. Peachy. With two chefs in the family, we eat well, adventure big, and always love coming home to our fur and feathered friends. When I am not in the kitchen making bone broth, I am a mountaineer, a rock climber, and an inclusion advocate! I love yoga as a personal practice but also as a career at Hot Yoga Charlottesville and the Contemplative Sciences Center of UVA :) Learn more about C'est Bon Bone Broth here , and follow Allie on Instagram here ! Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
June 8, 2026Episode 2049 min
Linda Livernois of Rouge 9 Makeup Studio
Linda Livernois is an award-winning makeup artist and beauty expert specializing in makeup for film and photography with a special focus on luxury bridal makeup. With a love of high fashion, luxury beauty, and art, Linda brings her trained eye to create beauty that is timeless and elegant. Her work has been published in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Carats and Cake, and many other publications. Linda prides herself on her relationship-driven approach to find the most beautiful version of her clients with lots of laughter along the way. Big takeways to listen for in this episode: Be Yourself: Linda shows that being real and highlighting natural beauty makes clients feel connected and seen. Read the Room: Knowing what people need without them having to say it can make a difference. Set Boundaries: Sometimes saying no is actually good for everyone. Linda takes breaks and knows when to decline requests, which helps her stay awesome at what she does. Take Care of Yourself: Looking after yourself isn’t just nice; it’s a smart business practice. Collaborate with Others: Working with like-minded small business owners can open up fun opportunities. Learn more about Rouge 9 Makeup Studio here , and follow Linda on Instagram ! Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
May 26, 2026Episode 1945 min
Eden Estabrook
A local to the Charlotte Metro area for 13+ years, Eden Estabrook has had a passion for writing for as long as she can remember -- even making a career out of it as a communications specialist! With Arnie the Armadillo Goes to Antarctica and Arnie the Armadillo Goes Backpacking in Brazil, Eden has been sharing her love of learning and literacy with the next generation since 2023. Listen to hear these 3 big takeaways from Eden's chat: The reality of publishing and the misconception that publishing a book guarantees immediate success. Embracing mistakes and rejection: how they're integral parts of being an author. Community and collaboration: how it not only supports her work but also strengthens the local literary community. Learn more: https://www.meetarnie.com/ Follow Eden on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arniethearmadillo Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
May 11, 2026Episode 1850 min
Dr. Rachael Carreon of Foundations Pediatric Therapy & Wellness
Dr. Rachael Carreon is a pediatric physical therapist, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and infant development expert with over 12 years of experience. She specializes in supporting babies with oral ties and feeding challenges, torticollis, plagiocephaly, body tension, and gross motor delays. As a mom of two, Rachael understands the worry that can come with early feeding and milestone concerns and is passionate about empowering parents with the knowledge and confidence to support their baby’s development during the critical early years. Listen as Rachael shares topics that you can relate to, like: - Establishing more work-life balance as her practice grows - Handling falling into the comparison trap, especially on social media - How she views "business growth", and if she wants "an empire" Learn more here: https://www.foundationspediatricpt.com/ Follow Rachael on Instagram here . Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
April 27, 2026Episode 1744 min
Dr. Jennifer Iskat Frankoski
Jennifer Iskat Frankoski is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She is a Board Certified Physical Therapist with clinical experience in an Orthopedic Residency Program and advanced pelvic floor training. Jennifer is a certified Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES). She is also Certified in Dry Needling. She is currently in the process of studying for additional certifications in orthopedics, pelvic health, and strength and conditioning to expand her expertise on sports rehab, orthopedic rehab, women’s health and pelvic floor health. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and specialized in Exercise Science at Liberty University and became certified as a personal trainer with ACSM before going on to Lynchburg College to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. For the past 13 +years she has been treating athletes and active individuals from various fitness and sport facilities with rehab and prevention of injuries. Dr. Frankoski started the PT practice, Be the Change Physiotherapy, in April 2018 to be able to create the change she wishes to see in the therapy and medical world by empowering patients with knowledge, individualized and one-on-one care without insurance limitations. She believes in conservative treatment including manual therapy, exercise prescription, strength training, tool assisted soft tissue work, dry needling, motor control training and educating the patient are the most effective approaches to treat various musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, pelvic floor and other painful conditions. Jennifer has a history of 8 years of gymnastics experience with 7 years of gymnastics coaching experience, Crossfit coaching experience, 4 years of track and field as a hurdler and pole vaulter. She has also run 2 ultra-marathons and currently is active in fitness including Crossfit, HIIT training, & some running. She has been active in the fitness and Crossfit communities in Charlotte for the past 12 years. She is also a coach at Vitality Fitness. In her free time, you’ll find Jenn spending time with her husband, Jeremy, son, and daughter, enjoying the outdoors, working out, running, or writing. Learn more: https://bethechangephysiotherapy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethechangephysiotherapy# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethechangephysiotherapy/ Jenn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physio.rx/ Follow Sincerely, Your Small Business on Instagram ! Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify !
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