Take The Leap

Hosted by Victoria Proppe & Ashlan Glazier-Anderson

Business Entrepreneurship Marketing EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

178

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Take the Leap is the podcast where we get real about the rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship and life. Sure, some folks make running a business look like a walk in the park, but let's be honest – it's more like a wild ride through a theme park with unexpected twists and turns! Join us your co-hosts, Victoria & Ashlan, as we spill the beans on our own real-life experiences and shine a spotlight on some amazing guests. From the highs of success stories to the lows of epic failures, and hey, we'll even throw in some cringe-worthy, laugh-out-loud embarrassing moments for good measure! So buckle up and tune in every week for a dose of raw, unfiltered truth about what it's really like to chase your dreams and build a business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just dipping your toes into the startup world, we've got something for everyone. Even if it's just to make you think, "I'm so glad I didn't do what they did!"

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60 recent

July 28, 2026Episode 6519 min

#151: Season 3 Finale – Celebrating Three Years, Countless Entrepreneur Stories & One Big Thank You

Season 3 comes to a close with Ashlan and Tory reflecting on an incredible year of conversations, lessons, and growth. After more than 60 episodes and 151 podcast episodes overall, they celebrate the entrepreneurs who generously shared their stories, the listeners who have supported the show, and the community that has formed around Take the Leap. The conversation looks back on what they've learned from three seasons of podcasting, why consistency has mattered more than perfection, and what's coming next in Season 4. They also share updates from their own businesses, discuss new productivity experiments, and invite listeners to help shape the future of the podcast through a new listener survey. Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or just discovered the podcast, this season finale offers a behind-the-scenes look at what the past three years have meant to the hosts. It's a celebration of entrepreneurship, community, consistency, and the reminder that building something meaningful happens one conversation at a time. Take our listener survey and shape the future of the podcast! Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/4XeNTfqmi4JgudBQ9 Key Takeaways Three years and more than 150 episodes later, the biggest lesson is that consistency compounds over time. Every entrepreneur has a different path, and there is no single "right" way to build a business. Starting before you feel completely ready often leads to opportunities you couldn't have planned. Podcasting has become an accountability system for consistently creating meaningful content. Listeners and guests have shaped the direction and growth of the Take the Leap community. Deep work requires protecting your calendar and intentionally designing your schedule. Setting realistic expectations helps reduce unnecessary stress and guilt. Entrepreneurship is more sustainable when you create systems that support your energy. Consuming positive, encouraging media can help balance the constant stream of negative news. Season 4 will feature both returning guests for deeper conversations and brand-new entrepreneurs with fresh perspectives. Host information: Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory: https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

July 23, 2026Episode 6422 min

#150: Why Self-Trust is Your Greatest Business Asset

In this reflection episode, Ashlan and Tory unpack their conversation with Christine Manning and explore what it really means to evolve as an entrepreneur. Christine's decision to sell a successful business–not because it was failing, but because it no longer aligned with who she wanted to become–opens a broader conversation about self-trust, intuition, and giving yourself permission to pivot. The discussion also dives into the stories entrepreneurs tell themselves that hold them back, the importance of creating content without chasing perfection, and why building a business that reflects your values matters just as much as building a profitable one. As always, the episode wraps with personal wins, lessons learned, and the books currently capturing their attention. Entrepreneurship isn't just about starting a business–it's about continually deciding whether the business you're building still fits the life you want. If you've been questioning your direction, second-guessing your instincts, or feeling pulled toward a change, this conversation offers encouragement to trust yourself and build a business that continues to evolve alongside you. Key Takeaways Selling or pivoting a successful business can be just as courageous as starting one. Entrepreneurship gives you the freedom to realign your work with your values as you grow. Self-trust is one of the most valuable skills a founder can develop. Before accepting limiting beliefs, ask yourself: "Is this true, or is it a story I'm telling myself?" Overthinking often becomes the biggest obstacle to taking action. Marketing doesn't have to be overly complicated. Consistency matters more than perfection. Repurposing content with new messaging and hooks is a smart long-term strategy. Authentic conversations often create stronger connections than perfectly scripted content. Having supportive people in your corner makes entrepreneurship significantly easier. Setting realistic expectations and intentionally building rest into your schedule helps prevent burnout and supports long-term creativity. This episode references our conversation with Christine Manning, episode #149 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information: Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory: https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

July 21, 2026Episode 6338 min

#149: Why Selling Her Business Changed Everything

Christine Manning is a business and mindset coach who helps founders and leaders navigate the point where pushing harder no longer creates better results. Drawing on over 20 years in marketing leadership, a decade building and exiting her own food business, and extensive training in neuroscience and mindfulness-based coaching, Christine helps clients identify the unconscious patterns keeping them stuck and reconnect with their own intuition and self-trust. In this conversation, Christine shares why selling her successful food business was actually a bigger leap than starting it, explores the relationship between neuroscience and entrepreneurship, and offers practical insights on overcoming burnout, rebuilding self-trust, and creating a business that supports the life you truly want. If you've ever felt successful on paper but disconnected from your work, overwhelmed by constant decision-making, or uncertain about your next step, this episode will resonate deeply. Christine offers a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship, growth, self-awareness, and the importance of questioning the stories we tell ourselves about what success should look like. Key Takeaways Sometimes the biggest entrepreneurial leap isn't starting a business–it's knowing when to leave one. You don't need to wait until you're completely burned out before making a change. Growth for the sake of growth doesn't always lead to fulfillment. Many entrepreneurs become trapped by conditioning and expectations that no longer align with their values. Self-trust is one of the most important skills founders can develop. Fear often disguises itself as many other emotions, including excitement and uncertainty. Boredom and quiet reflection are powerful tools for improving clarity, creativity, and decision-making. Meditation isn't about eliminating thoughts; it's about strengthening your attention and awareness. Information overload and constant distractions are contributing to burnout and decision fatigue. Asking yourself, "Is this true, or is it a story I'm telling myself?" can unlock powerful personal and professional growth. Guest & Host Information: Guest, Christine Manning, Business and Mindset Coach Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect with Christine: Visit her website: https://christine-manning.mykajabi.com/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.christinemanning/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemanning/ Connect with us: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

July 16, 2026Episode 6221 min

#148: The Best Marketing Strategy is Still Nurturing Relationships with Your Network

In this solo reflection episode, Ashlan and Tory revisit their conversation with Christina Spaulding and discuss the realities of career instability, entrepreneurship, and building a sustainable business. Christina's story of experiencing multiple corporate layoffs sparks a conversation about why so many entrepreneurs ultimately choose to create careers they control themselves. The episode also explores the importance of consistently nurturing your professional network, staying visible even when business is thriving, adapting your marketing as your audience evolves, and finding opportunities hidden within your website analytics. If you've ever worried about layoffs, inconsistent client work, or how to build a more resilient business, this episode offers practical advice on creating stability through relationships, visibility, and intentional marketing. It's a reminder that long-term business growth comes from consistently showing up, even during your busiest seasons. Key Takeaways Corporate jobs can feel secure until they suddenly aren't, which is why many entrepreneurs choose to build careers they control. Business owners should continue prospecting and nurturing relationships even when their schedules are full. Networking is a long-term investment that often pays off months after the initial connection. Keeping your network updated on changes in your business helps create new opportunities. Website analytics can uncover unexpected opportunities, including the need for multilingual content. Search behavior and customer inquiries can reveal underserved audiences. Marketing strategies should always be tailored to your specific audience rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Visibility compounds over time, making consistent community involvement incredibly valuable. Systems and organization become even more important as your business grows. Building rest into your schedule protects your creativity and helps prevent burnout. This episode references our conversation with Christina Spaulding, episode #147 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information: Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory: https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

July 14, 2026Episode 6156 min

#147: What Small Businesses Need to Know About International SEO & Multilingual Marketing

Christina Spaulding, founder of Manzanita Marketing, shares how repeated layoffs throughout her career ultimately led her to entrepreneurship. After experiencing firsthand how quickly job security can disappear, she decided to bet on herself and build a business focused on SEO, content marketing, website development, and helping organizations grow their online visibility. In this conversation, Christina discusses the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of continuous prospecting, and the often-overlooked opportunities that exist in international and multilingual SEO. She also shares practical advice for small business owners looking to improve their online presence and reach new audiences. If you've ever wondered whether entrepreneurship could offer more control over your future, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of building your own business. Christina provides actionable SEO insights, explains how businesses can identify opportunities in multilingual markets, and shares valuable lessons about resilience, networking, and creating opportunities through consistent relationship-building. Key Takeaways Job security is often an illusion, making entrepreneurship an appealing path for many professionals. Building a business allows you to create the workplace culture and opportunities you wish existed in previous roles. Always be prospecting and nurturing your professional network, even when business is strong. Your network requires ongoing maintenance and relationship-building to create future opportunities. Entrepreneurs should avoid taking client decisions and business setbacks personally. Saying "yes" to opportunities that feel intimidating can lead to significant personal and professional growth. International and multilingual SEO can unlock entirely new markets and customer segments. Website traffic patterns and customer inquiries can reveal opportunities for multilingual content. Market research is essential before expanding products or services into new countries. A strong SEO foundation starts with site speed, technical health, and asking the right questions of your marketing team. Guest & Host Information: Guest, Christina Spaulding, CEO of Manzanita Marketing Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect with Christina: Visit her website: https://manzanitamktg.com/ Follow Manzanita Marketing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manzanita-marketing/ Follow Manzanita Marketing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manzanitamktg Follow Manzanita Marketing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manzanitamktg/ Connect with us: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

July 9, 2026Episode 6021 min

#146: The Business Case for Rest & Reflection

In this solo reflection episode, Ashlan and Tory unpack their conversation with returning guest Asmaa Methqal, exploring the themes that resonated most after the interview. They discuss why rest shouldn't be something we feel guilty about, the importance of creating intentional space for reflection, and how entrepreneurs can avoid constantly moving from one project to the next without processing what they've learned. The conversation also explores the challenges many women face around overgiving, comparison, and guilt, while sharing personal updates on business growth, networking, productivity, and the media they're currently enjoying. Entrepreneurship often rewards constant action, but sustainable success requires intentional pauses. This episode offers practical reminders about protecting your energy, building reflection into your routines, trusting your systems, and giving yourself permission to rest without guilt. Key Takeaways Rest is a necessity, not something that has to be earned. Entrepreneurs often struggle to disconnect productivity from self-worth. Reflection transforms experiences into lessons instead of simply moving on to the next project. Building post-project reviews into your workflow helps prevent repeating the same mistakes. Women frequently carry unnecessary guilt, comparison, and patterns of overgiving. Systems become even more valuable during busy seasons. Don't abandon them when you need them most. Success often comes from the visibility and networking efforts you invested in months earlier. Better time management sometimes means adjusting deadlines instead of sacrificing your wellbeing. Entertainment and hobbies that allow your brain to rest are just as important as educational content. Small moments of intentional recovery make it easier to sustain long-term entrepreneurial growth. This episode references our conversation with Asmaa Methqal, episode #145 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Asmaa #072. Host information: Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory: https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

July 7, 2026Episode 5958 min

#145: The Power of Showing Up with Integrity

In this episode, we welcome back Asmaa Methqal for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, intuition, and what it means to move through transition with trust. Since her last visit, Asmaa has launched The Thread: Women + Tech Vancouver, an in-person community created to help women in tech build real connection, sharpen their skills, and practice showing up with integrity. Together, we explore what happens when things don’t go according to plan, why clarity comes through action, and how honoring your emotions can help you move toward the next aligned step. This episode is a grounding reminder that your growth doesn’t require perfection–it requires presence, reflection, and the courage to honor yourself. Key Takeaways Clarity comes through action, not waiting until you feel perfectly ready. Community is built through consistency, follow-through, and real human connection. Your integrity shows up in whether you keep your word to others and to yourself. When something feels blocked, it may be time to pivot, pause, or let it go. Reflection helps you turn experiences into lessons instead of just moving on to the next thing. Rest only works when you release the guilt attached to it. Your life can change in a second when you begin expecting possibilities instead of limitations. Honoring your emotions is part of leadership, not a distraction from it. Women often carry guilt, comparison, and overgiving, and releasing those patterns creates more space for aligned growth. Sometimes the “gift” in a hard season is the clarity it gives you about what needs to change. Guest & Host Information: Guest, Asmâa Methqal, Transformational Leadership Alchemist & Executive Coach, Fire and Flow Academy, and Founder of Maestra Business Solutions Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect with Asmâa: Visit her website: https://iamasmaa.com/ Explore her business growth consulting business: https://maestrahub.com/ Join the Fire and Flow Leaders Community: https://iamasmaa.com/fireandflowleaders/community Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmaamethqal/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithasmaa/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireandFlowLeadership Connect with us: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

July 2, 2026Episode 5819 min

#144: Why Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness Matter in Business and Life

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with leadership coach Vicki Semanie and dive deeper into the role emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and consistency play in building successful businesses and careers. Drawing from their own experiences in corporate environments and entrepreneurship, they discuss why strong leadership starts with understanding yourself and how showing up consistently creates long-term trust and opportunity. The conversation also explores networking, relationship-building, and the difference between transactional interactions and meaningful connections that can support business growth for years to come. If you're building a business, leading a team, or trying to grow your professional network, this episode offers practical insights into the human side of leadership. Ashlan and Tory share real-world examples of effective and ineffective leadership, why emotional intelligence matters, and how entrepreneurs can build stronger relationships with clients, employees, and collaborators. Key Takeaways Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are foundational leadership skills. Great leadership requires understanding your strengths, blind spots, and impact on others. Being technically skilled does not automatically make someone an effective manager. Small business owners benefit from leading differently than large corporations. Consistency builds trust with clients, employees, and professional networks. Showing up regularly creates opportunities even when immediate results aren't visible. Networking is about building relationships, not collecting leads. Long-term business success often comes from being remembered and recommended by others. People want to work with businesses they know, trust, and feel connected to. Relationship-building should focus on mutual support rather than transactional outcomes. This episode references our conversation with Vicki Semanie, episode #143 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Vicki #063. Host information: Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory: https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

June 30, 2026Episode 5744 min

#143: Stop Controlling, Start Trusting: A New Way to Grow Personally & Professionally

In this episode, we catch up with returning guest Vicki Semanie as she enters year three of her business. Vicki shares how her work has evolved beyond coaching into consulting, speaking, and leadership development, and how embracing uncertainty has opened unexpected opportunities. We also dive into emotional intelligence, the power of purpose, and why trust, not control, is shaping her vision for 2026. If you’ve ever felt like you need everything figured out before taking the next step, this conversation is your reminder that growth happens through action, not perfection. Key Takeaways You don’t need everything figured out to start, clarity comes through action. Business evolution is normal and often leads to better alignment with your strengths. Emotional intelligence, especially confidence and self-awareness, is key to effective leadership. Consistency (like weekly content or networking) builds trust and long-term opportunities. Networking isn’t about instant results, but showing up and being known. Trusting the process can open doors you didn’t plan for but are fully capable of walking through. Negative self-talk can limit growth, but it can be reframed with intentional practice. Building a business takes time, success often comes from patience, planning, and persistence. Guest & Host Information: Guest, Vicki Semanie, Master Certified Professional Coach at Seven Stones Life Coaching Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect with Vicki: Visit her website: https://www.sevenstoneslifecoaching.com/ Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561743214060 Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-semanie-sevenstones Connect with us: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram

June 25, 2026Episode 5622 min

#142: Permission to Let Go of What’s Draining You in Your Business

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with Peya and explore what it really means to build a business that aligns with your values, energy, and goals. They discuss the importance of letting go of work that no longer serves you, recognizing when clients or offers are no longer a good fit, and creating a business that supports your life instead of draining it. The conversation also touches on personal and business systems, the impact of AI on entrepreneurship, and why entrepreneurs need to pay attention when opportunities keep presenting themselves. If you've ever struggled to let go of a client, continued offering something you no longer enjoy, or felt stuck doing business a certain way because you think you "should," this episode is a powerful reminder that you have permission to change course. Ashlan and Tory share honest reflections about boundaries, alignment, business evolution, and trusting yourself to build something that works for you. Key Takeaways It's okay to stop doing work that no longer feels aligned with your goals or values. Not every client relationship is meant to last forever, and that's okay. Offboarding clients respectfully can preserve relationships and open doors for future opportunities. If an offer, platform, or marketing tactic isn't working, you don't have to keep forcing it. Pay attention to activities that consistently drain your energy and reassess whether they belong in your business. Clients can often sense when you're no longer excited about an offer or service. Personal systems and business systems are deeply connected because you are the same person in both spaces. Entrepreneurs benefit from building businesses that support their lives instead of compartmentalizing everything. Sometimes repeated signs and feedback are invitations to finally take action. Alignment often requires letting go of old expectations about how business "should" be done. This episode references our conversation with Peya Robbins, episode #141 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our other conversations with Peya #022 and #088. Host information: Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory: https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube Instagram