In this value-packed episode of Because Marie Said So, Marie sits down with Beth Giambrone of IMS Barter and Lydia Jackson of Oh My Gowns to talk about two major pillars of entrepreneurship: resourcefulness and resilience.

Beth breaks down the power of bartering in modern business—how IMS Barter helps over 14,000 businesses across the U.S. trade services to save cash and boost visibility. Whether you're a dentist, landscaper, or boutique owner, you'll learn how to use barter as a smart strategy for growth, employee perks, and more.

Then, Marie catches up with Lydia, a fellow bridal store owner in Florida who bought her boutique through seller financing—no bank, no VC, just grit and trust. They dive into the emotional side of bridal retail, the dangers of Instagram dress envy, and how authenticity wins every time.

💡 Plus: A fascinating conversation with Professor Michael Lynn, a leading expert on tipping psychology, where he debunks myths, explores tip culture's controversial past, and shares what service workers can do to earn more—all rooted in decades of data.

This episode is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship, relationship building, and knowing your worth—because if we’re not talking entrepreneurship, we’re not talking.

In this glamorous and deeply insightful episode of Because Marie Said So, Marie sits down with Matt Sutherland of Jovani Fashions — one of the biggest names in designer eveningwear — for a behind-the-scenes look at fashion trends, bridal business, and what it really takes to thrive in the industry. From styling Reba McEntire and Real Housewives to shaping future trends in prom and bridal, Matt shares stories from the showroom, advice on fashion sales, and what makes Giovanni truly unique in the market.

Later in the episode, Marie is joined by Gen Z bride Larissa Nichols for a fresh, honest conversation about wedding planning in the digital age. Larissa shares her journey from Pinterest boards to finding the dress, what Gen Z shoppers truly value, and how her generation is changing the bridal experience—from budgeting and vendor expectations to the psychology behind saying yes to the dress.

💡 Key highlights:

• The evolving trends in prom and bridal fashion (hello, simplicity and Bridgerton sleeves!)
• Why experience and inventory matter more than ever in retail
• Matt’s unforgettable celebrity styling moments (yes, including Tyra Banks)
• Gen Z’s take on credit cards, buy-now-pay-later options, and the modern shopping mindset
• Tips for brides on making the most of their dress appointments

Whether you're in the industry or preparing to walk down the aisle, this episode is full of wisdom, laughter, and sparkle. ✨

Why tune in? Because Marie said so.

In this inspiring episode of Because Marie Said So, host Marie Adornato sits down first with Growth Mode Content Founder Matt Masur to unpack the power of modern crowdfunding, the importance of accepting credit cards in business, and the evolving landscape for women entrepreneurs. Then, in a candid second half, Marie interviews her son, Dante Egnoto, to share what it’s really like growing up with two entrepreneurial parents.

From lessons on work ethic and independence to the honest challenges of balancing business and family, this episode is full of insight for business owners and parents alike.

💡 Topics covered:

• How Honeycomb Credit is changing the game for small business funding
• The case for accepting digital payments as a small business
• Women in entrepreneurship & the real progress still needed
• A raw and personal conversation about parenting while running a business

➡️ Don’t miss this deep dive into what it takes to grow both a company and a family—with humor, heart, and a whole lot of hustle.