Western Mass Business Show on 9.7.24 — Megan Allen and Christina Webster of The Sphere and Community Classroom

Join us as we learn about the Sphere in Northampton (er, Florence) and how the Co-founders came up with the need for a co-working, networking space dedicated to women and non-binary business owners. What began as a connection with another Florence business that Megan Allen started at Community Classroom, when she hired Christina Webster to be a teacher has blossomed into a new non-profit. Allen and Webster make a great team at the Sphere which has been hosting salons and get together for the past year in preparation for their co-working space to open on September 15 from 3-6PM on Maple Street in Florence. Listen in as we discuss the offerings and opportunities that will be created through the Sphere and go to www.spherenorthampton.com to learn even more. Thanks for listening.

Western Mass Business Show on 9.1.24 — Michelle Wirth, co-owner of Mercedes Benz

Join us as we speak with Michelle Wirth co-owner of Mercedes Benz (with her husband Peter). They moved here 7 years ago from New Jersey and have quickly made WMA their home with their 4 kids. As we know, Covid was a big disrupter to many businesses and seeing that MB was only in its 2nd year the need to hustle and pivot was essential. In addition to shoring up the dealership, Michelle also felt called to create a new business based around shopping local and Feel Good Shop Local was born in 2021/2022 at the Big E. Go to www.feelgoodshoplocal.com to learn more about the business and how over 70 businesses have joined the platform. How we think about supporting local, small businesses and the impact that we can have if we divert just a small amount of money away from Amazon and big box shopping, matters. Listen in as we hear an update from Michelle on her businesses and what events you should be on the lookout for in the fall of 2024.

Western Mass Business Show on 8.24.24 — Taylor Haas, Executive Director of the 3 County Fair

Join us as we meet Taylor Haas the new Executive Director of the 3 County Fair in Northampton. She is a native of PA and came to the area just before Covid in 2019 with her family. She grew up in a farming community around horses and livestock and has put that to good use in her role at the fair. Her background in marketing has also helped her find early success and strong community outreach regionally. The fair runs from August 30-September 2 and is $15 for adults and free for kids 11 and under. Also, free parking is a draw along with free concerts, performances, activities, competitions, and more. Taylor can’t do it alone, with over 100 volunteers to make the fair happen it’s no wonder why it’s the longest running fair in the county. In it’s 207th year, it’s quite impressive to be able to say that they began in 1818. Other events include the Paradise City Arts Festival, the Morgan Horse Show, and All Sport Indoor Soccer Arena. Join us as we meet Taylor Haas and learn why we too should be at the fair this end of summer. Thanks for listening. 

Western Mass Business Show on 8.17.24 — Mischa Roy, Owner of Spill the Tea Sis Apothecary

Join us as we hear about Mischa Roy’s journey into being the CEO and Owner at Spill the Tea Sis Apothecary in downtown Northampton. Drawing on her visual arts background she has created an intentionally curated shop that draws on the arts, creative, mystical, spiritual, beautiful, and local perspectives to make the products and space unique. Open 7 days and featuring crystals, tarot, books, jewelry, tea, and candles. Hand poured in the store the candles are a big source of pride and income for the business which is quite the family affair. Tune into hear which events you need to be at this fall, including, Full Moon and Mingle, Wheel of the Year, Harvest and Haunting, Block Parties, and more. Check out www.spilltheteasis.com while you listen in. 

Western Mass Business Show on 8.10.24 — Leslie Gould-Barkman of Ladybug Body Mind Healing

Leslie Gould-Barkman is a lifelong learner. Drawing on many years of education and practice she has created a practice of soul centered somatic caretaking. With an MSW, hypnotherapy, bodywork, and arts background, Leslie has created her own approach to healing. Her work is body focused through the musculoskeletal system which helps patients with mental health, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. She addresses what’s the root cause of one’s problems and goes after what’s stuck in the body and energy field. Join us as we discuss her experience and unique approach to healing people through energy work.

www.ladybugbodymindhealing.com

Western Mass Business Show on 8.3.24 — Susan Elena, Director of the Iyengar Yoga Center of Western MA

Join us as we speak with Susan Elena who is the Director of the Iyengar Yoga Center of Western MA. Located on the Parsons Block in Florence in the former Herlihey’s women’s clothing store. As we learned, it is not an easy feat to be designated as a Center and Susan-Elena has put her time and effort into learning the practice of Iyengar. Go to IYCWM.com for more information about the practice and her studio. Susan-Elena’s training as a dancer and artist helped her find the path of studio ownership along with the help of her studio administrator Sarah LeBeouf, they create an atmosphere for learning and growth in Florence. From a beginner to Rohan Bopanna’s path to Olympic Gold, Iyengar has been helping people find their strength and path to healing. Find out about upcoming events and Open Houses, how no 2 classes are alike, and how technology plays an important role in the classes at 76 Maple Street in Florence. Listen in as we discuss health and wellbeing from an ancient Indian tradition of fitness and wellbeing. 

Western Mass Business Show on 7.27.24 — Rachel Martins

Join us as we hear an update on Rachel Martins and her coaching business for parents. Bouncing off our first conversation from a year ago, Rachel helps us reimagine what a different relationship might look like with your kids. One where you are coming from a place of love vs. fear. How to talk so your kids will listen is not only the volume at which you speak but also the control and non-judgement that you show up with. How can you focus on self-care to have a full well so that you can be the best parent you can be? What do you have control over vs. what you are worrying about that you can’t control. As a Mom of 17, 13, and 11 she has real world and lived experience through her Master’s in Education and her work as a teacher in the classroom. What red flags will you hear from this episode that might make you reach out to her? How to break the cycles of overwhelm so that you can come out a better person and role model of self-care to your kids. To find out more tune in and go to www.rachelmartinscoaching.com

Western Mass Business Show on 7.20.24 — Kisha Zullo, Sonia Alvelo, Jennifer Bouquot

Kisha Zullo is a Yes person. In fact, she’s a YES, YES person. Working in event planning and seeing a need for a women’s conference is just one of the many ways that Kisha shows up with the yes when a need is seen. She is inclusive by creating space for others to join her, like for this interview: Sonia Alvelo, CEO, Latin Financial and Jennifer Bouquot, VP, Talent Development and Organizational Effectiveness, Liberty Bank. Join us as we discuss why it matters to support women and each other and why you need to join the Breaking Barriers conference in Springfield on September 13th for the Women in Business Summit’s 19th Conference. I’ll leave you with this:
Who’s Fly?
I’m Fly.
Are You Fired Up?
I’m Fired Up.
Are You Powered Up?
I’m Powered Up.

Western Mass Business Show on 7.13.24 — Laurie Millman and Steven Haguma

Laurie Millman and Steven Haguma join us to talk about why the C4NA is such an important nonprofit in our region. With offices in Northampton, Greenfield, Amherst, and Springfield they try to reach as many immigrants as possible coming to the 413. Laurie has been the Executive Director for 15+ years and has a desire to effect positive change and help others and she’s doing it according to Steven who came to our area from the the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2020 with his family. They had been trying to flee Africa for over 20 years, can you imagine? With over 30 employees, C4NA helps immigrants navigate a new land, language, systems, and world. Through events like 30 Poems in November, Citizenship/Naturalization Ceremony on 7/4, and Immigrant Voices at the Shea Theatre funds are raised to help the Center function and grow. Tune into see how you can help new immigrants feel more welcomed in a new land. Many come to WMA because of the way that we choose to show up in the world-together we can continue to make that belief a reality. Thank you to Laurie and Steven for joining the show. 

Western Mass Business Show on 7.6.24 — Dr. Fadia Nordtvei

Who knows what DEIBS stands for? Most know what DEIB is but if you add the S it stands for sustainability. Join us as we speak to Dr. Fadia Nordtveit who’s work centers around communication, business equity, and sustainability. While working at NYU and Springfield College, Fadia can use her platform to teach the next generation of leaders about how to communicate inclusivity and what their leadership means for the society of the future. If that isn’t enough, Fadia also has a steady stream of workshops, including her popular Inclusive Business Canvas Model which she has given to the Amherst Chamber community. Check out her website to learn more about how she chooses to show up in the world. Thank you for all that you do Fadia.