Balancing self-care and self-soothing can feel especially complicated as an entrepreneur. When hustle is normalized, boundaries blur, and rest often feels earned instead of necessary.

In this episode of Wise and WELL-THY, Ebony Unique sits down with Melody Johnson-Smith to explore the difference between self-care and self-soothing, why recognizing that distinction matters for entrepreneurs, and how both can play a role in sustaining your well-being while building and leading your own work. Together, they discuss practical ways to build self-awareness, identify healthier patterns, and take intentional steps toward caring for yourself... not just coping in the moment.

Melody also shares parts of her personal journey, including how lived traumatic experiences shaped her understanding of balance, healing, and purpose. Through vulnerability and reflection, she speaks to how she found herself along the way and how that journey ultimately led her to her current work as an entrepreneur, mentor, and ministry leader.

This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and rooted in growth. Offering perspective for entrepreneurs navigating personal healing, leadership, and redefining what self-care truly looks like.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes brief mention of childhood sexual abuse and a suicide attempt. These topics are shared with care and are not the primary focus of the conversation, but listener discretion is advised.

Ebony hosted Allison & Ebony for a reflection on 2025 and a vision for the new year. The group considers questions like - What if every Monday was like New Year's? What were the rose & thorn of the past year? What is your desired mindset? And, lastly, 'How do you define HEALTH?'

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Have you ever looked around and thought, “Why would anyone choose me?” This episode goes straight into the heart of what so many entrepreneurs feel — especially women. Saturation, comparison, imposter syndrome, and trying to build a business without losing your sanity.

Today, we sit down with Morgan Houck, esthetician and owner of MRH Aesthetics, who launched her business in a space that can feel overwhelmingly crowded. We talk about finding confidence, defining your niche, shifting your mindset, and balancing your health while running a business.

You’ll walk away with:

• Practical strategies to stand out without mimicking others
• How to stop comparison from stealing your joy
• What to do when imposter syndrome creeps in
• The truth about a “saturated” market
• How to balance hustle with health and self-care

If you’ve ever wondered whether your industry is too full, or if you're “behind” compared to everyone else around you, this one is for you.

Connect with Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrhaesthetics/

Book an appt with Morgan: https://mrhaesthetics.com/

Taking care of ourselves is good for business—but what happens when your health becomes the biggest factor in your business? In this episode of Wise and Well-thy, we’re asking a powerful question: Can you be a thriving entrepreneur while living with chronic illness?

Host Allison Graff sits down with Victoria Storm, the artist and owner behind Perfect Storm Tattoo, for an honest and empowering conversation about building a business that supports your health instead of draining it.

Victoria opens up about navigating expectations, honoring her body’s limits, and reshaping her business around what truly matters. She shares how unexpected health challenges have actually strengthened her business, sharpened her vision, and helped her build a life and business filled with freedom.

If you’ve ever worried you can’t start—or sustain—a business when you’re not feeling your best, this episode will remind you that entrepreneurship can adapt to you.

Connect with Victoria on Instagram @perfectstormtattoo or at linktr.ee/victoriastorm.

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for entrepreneurs and business owners—but only when it’s done with purpose. In this episode of Wise and Well-thy, we explore what the research says about networking for business growth, how to decide which events are truly worth your time, and the importance of setting boundaries that protect your energy while still expanding your reach.

Then, we sit down with Sarah Fredenberg, founder of SHP Brand Bash and Lustre Loft, to dive into what authentic connection really looks like in business. Sarah shares how she approaches collaboration with others in her industry (even those who might seem like competitors), how to spot when you’re unbalanced or overextended, and why genuine relationships are key to sustainable success as a business owner.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make networking feel more natural—and less like a drain on your energy—this conversation is for you.

Connect with Sarah on Instagram at @lustreloft and @shpbrandbash, or visit shpbrandbash.com and lustreloft.com.

In this episode, Ebony Unique sits down with her friend and guest expert, Michael Sgro of Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching, for a fresh, honest dive into emotional agility. They unpack the difference between emotional intelligence and emotional agility, share a few of their own very human moments, and—because Michael’s the real deal—he breaks down practical ways to stay grounded, self-aware, and steady when life starts life-ing.

If you’re looking to better understand your emotions and use them without letting them run the show, this one’s your sign to press play.

Learn more about Michael and his business here: https://www.michaelsgro.com/

Katherine Hyatt, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Director, and Founder of Branches of Growth Mental Health Counseling chats about emotional regulation, balancing demands with self care, and the importance of movement, routine, and sleep for mental wellness.

Curious? Visit https://www.branchesofgrowth.com for more information.

Check out Katherine's book - 'Mindful Maddie'

In Episode 1, Allison, Ebony, and Emily sit down with Jennifer McGee from the WISE Women’s Business Center in Syracuse, NY, to kick off the series with an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship and empowerment. Jennifer shares the mission behind WISE, how the center supports business owners across all stages, and the incredible resources available through their programs—like the Business Plan Intensive that helps turn ideas into action. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow, this episode will leave you feeling motivated and equipped to take your next step in business.

For more information on the WISE women's business center visit: https://wisecenter.org/

Learn how Ebony can help you and your company thrive: https://www.uniqueconsults.us/

Learn how Allison can help you become mindfully well: https://sites.google.com/view/gingerteayogacompany

Learn how Emily can help you feel more confident in your skin and in the kitchen: nourishedwithemily.com