The first episode we are featuring for our April Encore Series is Tiny Little Monster – customer t-shirt printing. In an immediate response to the stay at home and social distancing orders owners Sloan and Jenny stated the #HereForGood campaign to help keep their team employed and put money into the pockets of other small business owners. Check out their website to learn more about the campaign, how you or a small business you love can take part (or you can replicate in your own area) and buy a t-shirt or two. Then listen to our conversation with Sloan to get their back story and inspiration for your next venture. #staylistening #stayathome #314together  

Entrepreneurially Thinking

ETHINKSTL-ENCORE EPISODE 169 - Tiny Little Monster - Sloan

Joining us today is Salman Shah, Co-Founder and designer of JORD Wood Watches. Salman is the creative mind behind the innovative line of wood watches. He has extensive experience working closely with global manufactures throughout the manufacturing process and brings a unique set of flair and personable characteristics that make him a great spokesperson for the JORD brand. In this episode: Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore informs us that unfortunately REAL Cannabis Company did not win the application process from the State of Missouri and she discusses the scoring that REAL Cannabis received in the manufacturing and cultivating licensing process and explains the current application appeals process in which the hope they will be successful so that they can move REAL Cannabis Company to the next level.    Also in this episode: Salman discusses his path from college to business owner/entrepreneur. In working with other companies and helping them optimize their SEO's, Salman realized that he too could use his inner entrepreneur and the learned skills he had to create his own products and brands to become a CEO himself.    Salman talks about his personal love of watches and how a social media post from an influencer inspired him to try his first ever wood watch. Salman says he was disappointed in the craftsmanship of that particular watch and so he set out on a mission to make the best possible wood watch on the market.    Salman speaks about the evolution of JORD Watches from start to present time. He talks about the importance of crafting a timepiece that consists of natural quality and the ability to create an emotional attachment and a passion. He explains the importance of his brand being eco-friendly and forward thinking.  Salman discusses how he and his partners are moving towards expanding their brand with even more eco-friendly products such as women's handbags that are made from cork-infused fabric called 'suber-hyde'. Salman says that Entrepreneurially thinking to him   Learn More: Email: salman.shah@woodwatches.com Website: Company Facebook: https: Company Twitter:  

ETHINKSTL 168: Salman Shah|Co-Founder and designer of JORD Wood Watches

Joining us today is Tamara Keefe, Founder of Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery and self-proclaimed 'Flavor Temptress'. Tamara is one of the lucky ones, she makes a living doing something she loves. Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery is not just a place to get ice cream, Tamara has worked hard to make sure that a visit to her creamery is also an experience.   In this episode: Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore discusses marketing and the strategies REAL Cannabis Company is using. She says that they started by building a brand and brand guidelines, website development, designs etc. They have also hired a PR firm that already has scored REAL Cannabis Co. with an interview on NPR. Cheryl discusses the importance of strategic marketing and creating an even balance within the business.   Also in this episode: Tamara explains that after unwillingly transferring to St. Louis from Southern California for an employer, that she instantly fell in love with the city, food scene and welcoming neighbors. She goes on to explain how after a minor meltdown while on a weekend retreat within the Ozarks with a group of girlfriends she decided to bestow upon our city her talents of making REALLY good ice cream.     Tamara tells us how she used experience in marketing to get her business plan and business up and running. Tamara started her ice cream shop in her kitchen then moved to a kitchen incubator space for food prep and has since moved into a full sized 5000 square foot production facility. Tamara speaks about the importance of networking and building great relationships with the business world.    Tamara discusses the sacrifices she has had to make in order to make her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur come true. She speaks of her determination to make the business work no matter what!  Tamara tells us that entrepreneurially thinking to her means rising tides, raises all ships. She firmly believes in paying it forward and supporting other businesses and that way everyone wins. She also talks about giving back to the community through being a mentor and by helping other small businesses succeed.     Learn More: Email: tamara@clementinescreamery.com  Website: m  Company Facebook:   Company Twitter:  

ETHINKSTL 167: Tamara Keefe, | Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery

Joining us today is Jamila Owens-Todd, Naturopathic Doctor and serial entrepreneur. Jamila started her career path with studying sciences at The University of Missouri-St. Louis. Jamila has a passion for helping others heal themselves and has pledged to educate and provide insight in regaining your innate healing power.    In this episode:   Dr. Cheryl Watkins- Moore discusses raising capital for REAL Cannabis Company and the challenges that come with that. She explains the value of your company plays an important role in fundraising. Key factors in value are a strong business plan, a professional team, and good relationships.    Also in this episode:   Jamila tells us about a great opportunity she was given in her Senior year of high school to become an analytical student chemist with the FDA. She shares a personal story that took her in the direction of homeopathic cures and tells us the many voyages she has been on in her quest for her Ph.D. Jamila says that entrepreneurially thinking to her means being a solution bearing person.   Jamila speaks about her solo projects and a few of the other projects that she works on with other entrepreneurs. She tells us about her tea business called RootBerryLeaf and how the concept came to life. She started by simply blending different teas to not only provide an appeal to the taste buds but to also serve a medicinal purpose. The teas provide a therapeutic remedy that is not only accessible but also affordable.     Jamila speaks about self-identifying. She says she doesn't identify as an entrepreneur per se, but rather as a holistic support system. She has had to learn how to deal with customers in a private practice setting with MINT as well as a transactional setting with Golden Grocer.   Jamila talks about her new line of CBD products and the reality of what CBD can do for some folks. She tells us about her process of product experimentation, tours of facilities and steps she took in making the best-informed decision for a successful line of products.     Learn More:  Email:  jamila@minthealth.org  Website:    Company Facebook:    Company Twitter:   

ETHINKSTL 166: Jamila Owens-Todd, | Golden Grocer | Root Berry Leaf

Joining us today is Daphne Benzaquen, Creative Designer, CEO and Founder of Daph., a St. Louis based fashion and lifestyle brand inspired by her Peruvian heritage. Founded in 2016, Daph. is one of the only U.S. fashion and lifestyle brands that solely culminates modern, timeless designs with Peruvian resources and handmade craftsmanship.    In this episode:  Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore discusses how REAL Cannabis Company is using technology in a way that is not obtrusive to future customers but at the same time offers a secure environment for customers and employees as well.    Also in this episode:  Daphne tells us about her Peruvian heritage and how that has an influence on her designs. She goes into detail about how the concept of her fashion and design business came to be and explains her unique prototype process.  Daphne says that entrepreneurially thinking to her means coming up with various creative solutions to everyday problems.  Daphne explains that it was while she was completing her MBA that her dreams of one day being her own boss encouraged her to try an entrepreneur course which in turn gave her the fuel she needed to take the leap into starting her own business.   Daphne tells us how her collection went from one item to a whole line of accessories, handbags, apparel, and totes. She goes into detail about the design process which can sometimes take up to a year to create and she also tells us what kinds of Peruvian products she likes to use in the design process. Daphne is very focused on her companies values which are: Quality over quantity, sustainability, and giving back.   Daphne explains how she got her business off the ground financially and also tells us how she is experimenting with other events such as pop-up shops and social media. She gives us a heads-up on what to expect in the future for Daph.    Learn More:  Email:  daphne@shopdaph.com  Company Website:  http://www.shopdaph.com  Company Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopdaph  Company Instagram:  https://www.instagram/shopdaph 

ETHINKSTL 165: Daphne Benzaquen, | Daph

Joining us today is Brandin Vaughn, Owner and Fashion Designer of The Brandin Vaughn Collection, a clothing line that is a 'contemporary bridge' ready to wear line for both men and women. Before launching his business, Brandin was the Director of Development at Create Space. Brandin has always had an entrepreneurial spirit.   In this episode:  Dr. Cheryl Watkins - Moore updates us on REAL Cannabis Company and the importance of prioritizing and creating a nice 'balance' not only in business but in your personal life as well.   Also in this episode:  Brandin talks about how his love for fashion and design transpired by first creating cushions for his couch at home. He tells us that he taught himself how to sew and the rest just fell into place. Brandin says that to him, entrepreneurially thinking means never giving up, falling and getting back up but always staying consistent with what you believe. He also explains how his creative visions turned profitable in high school.   Brandin discusses the challenges he has faced in his first few years of business. He talks about letting go of some of the business responsibilities and handing those tasks over to a trusted individual or manufacturer.   Brandin tells us about how he celebrated his 1000th designed item and what that success felt like and what he plans to do with his future collections. He explains that in his vision the 'working person' has a right to have something made just for them and he loves being able to give that to his clients.  Brandin tells us how he keeps himself inspired by going to different functions and keeping an eye on the fashion industry. He discusses how he keeps his business relevant through social media. He feels the importance of connecting with clients and giving them a piece of himself.     Learn More:  Email:    Website:    Company Facebook:    Company Instagram:   

ETHINKSTL 164: Brandin Vaughn, | The Brandin Vaughn Collection

Joining us today is Christy Schlafly, CEO, and Owner of STL Foodworks, a culinary incubator located in the Central West End. Christy is a native St. Louis' who loves working with creative culinarians. Christy noticed a need for extra kitchen space for young businesses to ramp up and therefore decided to provide a professional environment for culinary entrepreneurs to work their magic.   In this episode:  Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore discusses where REAL Cannabis stands post-application process. She fills us in on what strategies they are focusing on in order to also get licensing in other states and how to move the company forward.   Also in this episode:  Christy talks about her love for the City of St. Louis and she tells us about the long line of entrepreneurs in her family starting with her Grandfather's business called Ford Hotel Supply Company. She talks about how after college, she dug her feet right into the family business by taking a position in the purchasing division and that eventually led to sales.   Christy explains that after speaking with some really neat people and entrepreneurs, she decided to take a leap of faith and start her very own business called STL Foodworks. Christy explains how she found the space for her new business and how they transformed an old hardware store to meet all of the needs for future culinary incubator tenants.   Christy describes the process a 'foodpreneur' has to go thru I order to become a member/client of STL Foodworks. This list consists of having insurance, training on equipment (which is provided through STL Foodworks), and the future tenant must have their "Serve Safe Hazard" training certification. She also tells us how the STL Foodworks membership works.   Christy talks about the challenges she has faced as a new entrepreneur and she says that to her, entrepreneurially thinking means thinking with excitement, passion, motivation, and inspiration! Christy loves showcasing other entrepreneurs and feels like St. Louis has a wonderful pot of 'foodpreneurs' to choose from.   Email:    Website:    Instagram:  https;//  Facebook:   

ETHINKSTL 163: Christy Schlafly, | STL Foodworks

Joining us today is Sucheta Bhide, Owner of The Resplendent Crow, a small business located in University City. Missouri that refinishes vintage furniture in glossy paint and lacquer. Sucheta is a dynamic entrepreneurial leader with a proven record of achievement and she demonstrates success in leading a franchise with sales close to 1 million dollars while maintaining over 96% customer satisfaction.  In this episode: Cheryl Watkins-Moore gives us an update on REAL Cannabis Company and the intense application process they have just undergone in order to get a permit to manufacture, distribute, and infuse cannabis.  Also in this episode: Sucheta explains that she moved to the United States from India in 1997. She talks about going to Washington University, St. Louis as an adult and once she qualified to legally hold full-time employment she started in retail. She tells us how The Resplendent Crow was birthed and says that entrepreneurially thinking to her means chasing your dreams and going after them hard.  Sucheta talks about what media outlets she uses to promote her pieces. She started by using ETSY and now uses Instagram, Facebook and many other avenues for her business. She also tells us where the name The Resplendent Crow came from.  Sucheta talks about the day to day task of running the business and how she makes working with her husband, who is by chance a cabinet maker by trade, an asset not a hindrance.  Sucheta talks about where she sees The Resplendent Crow in the future. She talks about the things her customers are asking for and how her team strives on a daily basis to make sure the demands are met.    Learn More: Email Website:  Facebook: Instagram: https;//www/

ETHINKSTL 162: Sucheta Bhide|The Resplendent Crow

Joining us today is Dr. Cheryl Watkins- Moore, Co-Owner and Chief Marketing Officer of REAL Cannabis Company. REAL Cannabis Co. hopes to put their locations in a predominately minority communities in the St. Louis region and hire in those areas. Cheryl says she is encouraged that this strategy should boost its application, which seeks licenses for 5 dispensaries as well as a cultivation and processing center.  In this episode: Cheryl tells us what REAL Cannabis Company hopes to do in the future and explains not only how the process came about but how they raised capital and even had folks wanting to give them more than they were needing when it came down to it.  Cheryl talks about the intricate and exhausting process of obtaining a cannabis license in the State of Missouri. The first hurdle was to get the cannabis amendment passed. The second hurdle was the tedious task of filling out and writing the applications.  Cheryl tells us about the 'capped market' structured around the application process. The State of Missouri only allowed applications for 60 cultivation centers, 80 manufacturing centers, and 194 dispensaries in total. Cheryl talks about the future of REAL Cannabis Company and she shares with us how she manages her busy life schedule from family to entrepreneurship.  Learn More: Email: Company Website:

ETHINKSTL 161: Dr. Cheryl Watkins- Moore|REAL Cannabis Company

This week we are re-airing our interview with Derek Mays of REAL Cannabis Company and John Payne of Amendment 2 Consultants. You may recall that Cheryl is working with Derek to launch its vertically integrated medical cannabis venture. Next week will feature Christy’s conversation with Cheryl about what it means to build a new business in an emerging market. In the following weeks be sure to listen for the REAL Cannabis in Real-Time in-show mini-series chronicling Cheryl’s adventures in entrepreneurship.  REAL Cannabis Company is a St. Louis based group that seeks to open combined cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and dispensing facility. John Payne is Co-Founder of Amendment 2 Consultants which pioneered Missouri's new approach by leading the campaign for medical marijuana in Missouri.  In this episode: Derek talks about what motivated him to leap into the field of cannabis amendment support and business development. Derek talks about the lack of access to capital for minority entrepreneurs and how he felt the need to use his skill sets to change that in the cannabis industry. John discusses regulatory requirements to apply for a cannabis license in Missouri.  John tells us what needs to be taken into account when entering the cannabis industry. Derek describes all of the different stages of cannabis distribution. John reviews Amendment 2, recently put forth in legislation.   Learn More: Email: Derek Mays - John Payne -   Company Website: REAL Cannabis Co. - Amendment 2 Consultants:   We pioneered Missouri's new approach by leading the campaign for medical marijuana in Missouri.

ETHINKSTL 160: Derek Mays and John Payne|REAL Cannabis Company and Amendment 2 Consultants

In this episode we're actually highlighting four amazing female entrepreneurs: Episode 9.8 — Psyche Southwell | Economy Of Style Episode 6.11 — Reine Bayoc | Love and Magic and Purpose and Business Episode 11.8 — Rachel D’Souza Siebert | Gladiator Consulting Episode 10.1 — Lisa Hu | Lux & Nyx Each of whom has a very different business but shares her thoughts on what it means to grow up with different expectations of success, how they've redefined those expectations and what success means to them. How the following their passions, embracing new identities and in some cases being a mom and an entrepreneur. But kids or no kids, being a working woman full-time, managing life and family of all shapes and sizes takes a lot and so we're really excited to highlight a few really powerful clips from our conversations with each of these women and if you find them as powerful as we did you can go and listen to the whole interview because those are pretty awesome conversations themselves.

ETHINKSTL 159: The Best of Entrepreneurially Thinking

Joining us today is Michael Dehn Breault, CEO of Gibson & Dehn. In 2017, Michael launched the namesake home fragrance brand Gibson & Dehn, building on his family’s entrepreneurial history in the floral and design business. As a 5th generation business owner, Michael brings over 125 years of family experience in botanicals, scent development and business acumen to his role as CEO. In this episode: Michael tells us about a long line of entrepreneurs in his family starting with his great-great grandparents who emigrated from Europe in 1892 and opened one of the first flower shops in the country in Saratoga Springs, NY. From his early experience in the family business and up-bringing in rural NY to international corporate executive roles, Michael shares how he made the transition to Founder and CEO. He says that Entrepreneurially Thinking to him means the opportunity to make a difference in business and in peoples’ lives through commerce and he explains how his collaboration with two nuns making candles on Long Island lead him to locate his production facility in Clarksville, MO (population ~420) where he's created jobs and supply chain partnerships, while actively working to bridge the urban/rural divide and supporting survivors of human trafficking. Michael shares how his hands-on approach and focus on building business relationships at a human scale allow him to scale globally and create exceptional experiences for wholesale and retail customers through a distinctive home fragrance brand. From placing candle wicks alongside employees and scrambling to relocate operations up hill when the Mississippi flooded the production facility to finding local craftspeople to create wooden candle lids, Michael reflects on what it means to build a business with intention, with an eye on opportunity and a willingness to invest in people who are willing to experiment and quickly learn from mistakes. Learn More: Email: Company Website: Facebook: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gibsonanddehn

ETHINKSTL 156: Michael Dehn Breault | Gibson & Dehn

Joining us today is Cbabi Bayoc, an internationally known Visual Artist and Illustrator. Cbabi's subjects include family, children, music and much more all designed with line, bold color and phunk. Cbabi is the creator of a project titled '365 Days with Dad', a journey that paints a positive image of black fatherhood. Cbabi spends his time working on a variety of projects including community murals, school murals, children's books, illustrations and is always up for a new challenge. In this episode: Cbabi discusses how art became his passion and how that continues to evolve through his everyday life. He talks about how he went from being commissioned to do an art piece for a local company to working in an art gallery in Union Station to doing caricatures at Six Flags to now being a known internationally as an Artist. Entrepreneurially Thinking to Cbabi means authentically sharing himself with the world. Cbabi talks about preparedness and how experience has played a large role in his efforts to further his portfolio which has allowed him to go on and be a Seminole Artist while at the same time picking up on the "entrepreneurial language". Cbabi discusses his project titled '365 Days with Dad' and he also talks about how the artist Prince contacted Cbabi to do album artwork for his 28th album titled 'The Rainbow Children' in 2001. Cbabi tells us how his work has now also shifted to murals and cultural representation with the school communities. Cbabi says he loves to talk with the children at the schools where he is commissioned to do murals; he hopes that they can see with their own eyes that if you have a dream to be an artist or an entrepreneur and you follow that dream, it can come true. Learn More: Email: cbabibayoc@gmail.com Website: http://cbabi.bigcartel.com Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbabibayocoriginals Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbabibayoc

ETHINKSTL 155: Cbabi Bayoc | Visual Artist and Illustrator

Joining us today is Lakesha Mathis, Director of Inclusive Business Solutions for the St. Louis Regional Chamber. Lakesha is a practiced Business Consultant with demonstrated history of developing and implementing operational excellence focused growth strategies. Lakesha is skilled in Non-Profit Organizational Management, Budgeting, Strategic Planning, Policy Analysis, Team Building, and Program Development.  In this episode:   Lakesha explains how her role as Director of Inclusive Business Solutions is helping minority-owned businesses as well as women business owners to identify and implement strategies that move their businesses in a forward direction. Lakeshas' idea of entrepreneurially thinking means to build up the community.  Lakesha discusses the challenges that many minority business owners face such as steep learning curves and the lack of knowledge of how to get the right things done. Lakesha talks about the mental preparedness you must have when going into business and when creating a profitability strategy. These things include asking yourself, "What do I want"?, "When do I want it"? and "What am I willing to give up to get it"? Lakesha tells us about a few of her most favorite success stories of minority business owners she has worked with and she explains why it is important to not skimp on the marketing of your business.  Learn more: Email: Website:

ETHINKSTL 155: Lakesha Mathis| Inclusive Business Solutions

Joining us today is Marissa Paine, Founder of Painefree Coaching & Consulting. Marissa started Painefree in 2012 as a vehicle for living out her life’s purpose, which is to inspire and support other leaders in realizing their full potential. Marissa Paine and her dynamic team are passionate about serving you and helping you become your best you!  In this episode: Marissa talks about the launch of the new brand “Marissa Q. Paine” and reasoning for it, plus putting all the services offered under that umbrella & being a “culture shifter.”  Marissa talks about taking a pause from the work she is good at doing with Painefree Coaching & Consulting but not finding the joy in it anymore and get back to self-care habits.  Marissa speaks about 25 years of marriage and the next chapters on the home front and shifting of roles of each partner in the marriage.  Marissa explains how “shifts” open things for transformation and then allows change to happen.  Marissa shares about the new media platforms on the horizon for “Marissa Q. Paine” and importance of vision boarding.  Learn More:  Email:  Website:  Linkedin:  Twitter:  https:twitter.com/Painefreegroup  Facebook:   

ETHINKSTL 154: Marissa Paine| Painfree

Discover what it takes and what it means to think entrepreneurially from thought leaders throughout the St. Louis region. Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore and Christy Maxfield bring to you the best and most experienced trailblazers around to share insights that can unlock your pioneer potential for creativity, innovation and experimentation.Visit http://entrepreneuriallythinking.org

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