Episodes

  • Fighting for Hemp: Dee Dee Taylor on Kentucky Laws, Integrity, and 502 Hemp’s Future

    Fighting for Hemp: Dee Dee Taylor on Kentucky Laws, Integrity, and 502 Hemp’s Future
    Aug 21 2025
    Dee Dee Taylor, owner of 502 Hemp and President of the Kentucky Hemp Association, returns to Small Business Success Talk for an update on the challenges and victories in the hemp industry. From Kentucky legislation to federal battles, Dee Dee shares the inside story of lobbying, integrity in business, and why hemp products matter for both customers and communities. This candid conversation dives into entrepreneurship, politics, and perseverance in a shifting industry. If you’ve ever wondered how small business owners fight back against powerful lobbyists—or how passion and integrity keep a business moving forward—this is the episode you need to hear. Join the Success Builders Launchpad community HERE: https://smallbusinesssuccesstalk.biz/ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR https://502hemp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Finding Clarity in Chaos – How to Lead, Pivot, and Thrive in Business & Life

    Finding Clarity in Chaos – How to Lead, Pivot, and Thrive in Business & Life
    Aug 14 2025
    In this special “Christy’s Corner” episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood opens up about navigating one of the most chaotic seasons of her business and personal life. From unexpected financial hits and rebranding on the fly, to rebuilding from scratch and letting go of her team, Christy shares real, unfiltered insights on finding calm, making bold decisions, and leading with clarity through change. Packed with practical tools—like her simple yet powerful “Centering Protocol”—and seasoned with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone facing uncertainty. Learn how to reset, refocus, and take the next best step… even when the world feels upside down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • From Eyepiece to Evidence: Telscreen's Tech Transforming Eye Exams.

    From Eyepiece to Evidence: Telscreen's Tech Transforming Eye Exams.
    Jul 24 2025
    This week on Small Business Success Talk, I sat down with Kent and Wes Harris of TelScreen—a Louisville-based company helping eye doctors communicate more effectively with their patients. Their story includes humble beginnings, a powerful medical save involving a brain tumor, and some surprising laughs. They’re proof that innovation doesn’t always come from Silicon Valley—it often starts with a question from a single doctor and a willingness to figure it out. 🎧 Listen in to hear about: Why today’s eye doctors need better communication tools How TelScreen’s tech fits with the practice, not just in it Their hilarious “tick in the eye” story (yes, really) And how their systems support evidence-based care—without hype. 🎙️ Episode Link: https://smallbusinesssuccesstalk.biz/s3e10-from-eyepiece-to-evidence-telscreens-tech-transforming-eye-exams/ #TelScreen #SmallBusinessSuccessTalk #HealthcareInnovation #OptometryTech #StartupStories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • S3E9: From Allergies to Entrepreneurship: How Two Global Leaders Built Bodhi Salt Wellness Center

    S3E9: From Allergies to Entrepreneurship: How Two Global Leaders Built Bodhi Salt Wellness Center
    Jul 10 2025
    What happens when two powerhouse women—one a former Nestlé executive and certified leadership coach, the other a yoga instructor and education leader—meet in Louisville, KY and both get knocked flat by allergy season? They build a wellness center unlike anything else in the region. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with Anna Shulgina and Dasha Grankina, co-founders of Bodhi Salt, a luxurious-yet-approachable 2,400 sq.ft. wellness center designed to help families heal naturally through salt therapy, cedar steam barrels, red light therapy, kids programming, and more. 🌍 Learn how their global experiences, scientific approaches, and holistic traditions came together to create a business that’s thriving—with purpose. 💡 Get their take on entrepreneurship, parenting, leadership, and why building a business with heart (and salt!) matters now more than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • S3:E8 From Dance Studios to Casting Calls: Kim Swanson on Starting Small and Dreaming Big

    S3:E8 From Dance Studios to Casting Calls: Kim Swanson on Starting Small and Dreaming Big
    Jun 18 2025
    What do dance, casting, and dog poop bags have in common? Kim Swanson. In this inspiring episode of Small Business Success Talk, Kim shares her journey from being a single mom crying in her car to launching a thriving dance studio, building a successful casting business, and founding SHŪNŪ, an eco-conscious dog product company that gives back to veterans. From church basements and Emmy-winning commercials to a life-changing win on The Price is Right, Kim’s story is a testament to faith, hustle, and trusting the roadmap of possibility. Tune in to hear how Kim turned passion into purpose—and get ready to rethink what’s possible for your own entrepreneurial path. www.castingbykim.com SPONSOR: https://502hemp.com/ and https://812hemp.com/ https://smallbusinesssuccesstalk.biz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • S3:E7 From Bracelets to Boardrooms: Building a Law Firm with Heart

    S3:E7 From Bracelets to Boardrooms: Building a Law Firm with Heart
    May 28 2025
    What happens when a Deadhead entrepreneur becomes one of Louisville’s top attorneys and co-founds a powerhouse law firm in just one weekend? Meet Libby Gray, co-founder and managing partner at Gray Ice Higdon. In this episode, host Christy Smallwood digs into Libby's unconventional path from friendship bracelet slinger to federal court litigator, and how her firm is redefining law firm culture through inclusivity, intentional leadership, and business-savvy legal expertise. Whether you're navigating non-competes, scaling your business, or just trying to avoid costly legal pitfalls, Libby's insights are pure gold. Discover how commercial law, intellectual property, and strategic contracts can make—or break—your business. 🎧 Learn how to protect your business, lead with integrity, and build something meaningful with your name on it. 🔎 Topics covered: • Starting a law firm from scratch • Legal essentials for entrepreneurs • Managing business partnerships • Preventing costly litigation • Building inclusive, values-based culture • Why every small biz needs an attorney (ASAP) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • S3:E6 Rebranding with Purpose: How Maeve Chocolate is Reinventing the Industry—One Bar at a Time

    S3:E6 Rebranding with Purpose: How Maeve Chocolate is Reinventing the Industry—One Bar at a Time
    May 13 2025
    What happens when a former Microsoft exec buys a chocolate factory, reinvents the brand, and turns it into a movement? In this deliciously inspiring episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind Maeve Chocolate (formerly Seattle Chocolate). Founder Jean Thompson shares how she went from investor to CEO, tackling imposter syndrome, supply chain challenges, and brand transformation—while daughter Ellie brings in a fresh Gen Z perspective, helping the company transition to a more vibrant, purpose-driven brand. They spill the cocoa beans on: Reinventing a legacy brand while staying true to your mission Why the cocoa industry is more complex than wine Building a female-led, impact-driven chocolate business How storytelling, sustainability, and bold packaging win over conscious consumers Preparing the next generation for leadership (and legacy) If you love chocolate, entrepreneurship, or stories of brand transformation with heart—this one’s for you. 🌎 Learn more about Maeve Chocolate: https://maevechocolate.com 🎧 Subscribe for more small business success stories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • S3:E5 - Why Every Business Needs To Capture Its Origin Story

    S3:E5 - Why Every Business Needs To Capture Its Origin Story
    May 7 2025
    What if your story was the one thing that could shape generations to come? In this heartwarming and powerful episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy Smallwood sits down with David Sermersheim—corporate leader by day, founder of Celebrate Audio by passion—to uncover how storytelling is the most underutilized yet impactful tool in business today. David shares how a personal voicemail at a wedding changed everything for him, leading to a calling to help families and businesses preserve their legacies through audio storytelling. From bringing corporate values to life to capturing once-in-a-lifetime wisdom from loved ones, this episode dives deep into how stories are more than memories—they're the blueprint of success, connection, and legacy. 💡 Whether you're a founder, team leader, or family business owner, this episode will move you—and might even make you cry (in a good way). 🔗 Learn more about Celebrate Audio: [insert website or link] 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with leaders making waves in small business success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins