We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kelly Diemond of Metal Morphosis, LLC. 

We teach people to confidently create jewelry they are proud to say they made. We make jewelry from scratch, using sheet metal, wire, torches, hammers, and saws. Additionally, we custom-fit and weld "clasp-less" jewelry that stays on permanently.

Q: What inspired you to start your business, or begin in this line of work? 

Kelly: “I was an Administrator at a Non-Profit Agency for 19+ years and wanted more freedom in my life and work. I wanted to get up when I wanted, walk my dog in the mornings, take a break in the middle of the day, and go to a movie. I also had a calling to create things with my hands. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed creating until I was in my 40's!  I took a Teacher Training Class to learn how to teach painting classes, which I did for several years on the side before I discovered jewelry making and metalsmithing.

Once I got that hammer in my hands I was hooked!

I gradually phased myself out of my regular job, cutting my hours to part-time to open the studio in 2018 and then eventually resigned (during COVID!) to grow the studio/school into my full-time career.”

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry? 

Kelly:  “We are the only privately owned Metalsmithing School in CNY and we specialize in teaching beginners who have never used a torch or a jeweler's saw. We walk people through the process of making jewelry and offer classes to help them set up their own studio at home. We also offer Date Nights where couples can come in and make rings together and work with couples interested in making their own wedding bands.

With our Permanent Jewelry services, what sets us apart is that we are a jewelry school and use only quality metals. We have a permanent location so you can always find us if you need a re-weld or an adjustment.”

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out? 

Kelly:  “Don't be afraid of making mistakes-that is where the learning happens and often the point where people feel they aren't good enough and give up. 

In metalsmithing, we always want things to go smoothly, but then we accidentally melt something or can't get a ball to solder in place and we have to figure it out. It's in the creative problem-solving that we learn the most. 

There are always options and there are always multiple ways to move forward. Don't give up! Sit back down at the bench, be patient with yourself, and keep practicing and you will get better.”

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it? 

Kelly:  "When I was first thinking about opening a Jewelry School I felt that I really had no business opening a jewelry school because I didn't have a degree in Metalsmithing or Fine Arts. 

I believed that maybe I hadn't been making jewelry long enough and didn't have enough skill to teach others the craft. 

I spent a good deal of time worrying about not being good enough.

At the same time, I looked into degree programs and I wasn't really interested in learning much of what was being taught in those classes. 

What I really wanted was to learn how to make jewelry that I wanted to wear and that I could potentially sell. I didn't want another degree or to go back to college.

It occurred to me that if this is what I wanted, there must be other people out there who also wanted to learn to metalsmith and make jewelry without spending thousands of dollars on a degree program.

Maybe if I tried teaching classes locally, I could test the waters and see how people responded, while at the same time, continuing to grow my skills.

So, I began teaching classes in the community and discovered there was interest and a need for the classes I was offering. 

People liked my jewelry and classes and kept asking "Where will you be teaching next? I'd like to take another class."

And that gave me the confidence to take a risk, rent a studio space, and start offering more regular classes.

It's been six years of running the studio/school and we're still going strong!"

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce? 

Kelly:  “We have an Open House coming up on November 17th where we invite people in to visit our space, shop the work of our students, teachers, and local artisans, partake in free lessons and demos, and win free jewelry and classes. We've been doing this for the last 2 years and we've had a great turnout and lots of positive feedback.”

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Kelly: “I love being on the water. We have a boat we keep at Cayuga Lake and there is nothing more relaxing than an evening cruise in the fall when the water is calm and the leaves are changing.”

Contact Details 

My business is located in Syracuse, in the former Strathmore Paint Building that's currently under renovation.

• Website: www.metalmorphstudio.com
• Email:  kelly@teachingcreative.com
• Business Phone:  315-256-8832
• Facebook: @metalmorphstudio
• Instagram: @metalmorphstudio
• WBOC Profile: https://wboconnection.org/Sys/PublicProfile/49489492/3640459

I encourage you to try your hand at jewelry making, even if you don't "think you're creative." You will likely surprise yourself with what you can do. We offer classes that are just 2-3 hours and you leave with finished pieces or longer 6-week deep dives into the world of Metalsmithing. We also can host private parties for jewelry making or permanent jewelry, where you will take home a tangible memory of your time together. All of our classes and details are posted on our website and change monthly.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mandy Webb of KW Fitness Personal Training.

We are exclusively a Personal Training studio that helps non-gym people exercise in a comfortable, non-intimidating environment. We help women and men lose weight and feel better so they can do the things they love with the people they love.  

We are not a fitness studio for those who consider themselves "gym rats" or Instagram models. In fact, one of our clients in her 70's who has been with us for over 6 years so graciously put it "I'm so glad I found you. There aren't any sweaty college kids flexing in the mirror. I'm just here to age gracefully".

Q: What inspired you to start your business, or begin in this line of work? 

Mandy: “My husband Kevin started this business as a solo trainer because he is passionate about helping people live longer, healthier lives. I jumped on board with him in 2017 because I became super tied in with the lives and the people that were being impacted. Now, it is crystal clear that our mission is to provide a sustainable career for Personal Trainers, and to be THE gym for non-gym people to live their healthiest lives!”

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry? 

Mandy:  “Many of our clients have called us the "Cheers" of fitness studios... "where everyone knows your name". We meet each individual right where they're at and help progress them to where they want to go by personalizing each individual's experience, even with our small-group personal training sessions.”

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out? 

Mandy:  “Hire a business coach!”

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it? 

Mandy:  “We have been in business for over 10 years and have learned a lot! I would say that one of our biggest challenges was our lack of systems at first. We did pretty well in the very beginning getting people results, but we didn't have solid systems in place so every trainer could duplicate a similar outcome. Some trainers would get better client results than others. We now have a strong culture where we hire those with the right amount of experience, solid education (not just a certification).  With ongoing education and communication, our personal trainers can be themselves, make great income, and they don't have a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all program. Through trial & error and investing time & experience into the process, we have a solid system with clear metrics that our team follows that helps to ensure our clients will each get the results they came here for.”

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce? 

Mandy:  “We are working on ramping up our Internship Program for aspiring Personal Trainers and hope to open a 4th location in the Syracuse area in the next 2 years!”

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Mandy: “For me personally, I love spending time with my family. We have 4 kids and we have so much fun together. It gets a little chaotic at times (they are ages 1-5), but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I also love singing and playing in the worship band at my church.”

Contact Details 
We have 3 locations: Cicero, Fayetteville, and Vestal, NY
Website:  kwfitnessny.com
Email:  mandy@kwfitnessny.com
Business Phone:  315-400-3252
Facebook: facebook.com/kwfitness315 and facebook.com/kwfitnesscicero
Instagram: @kwfitnessfayetteville and @kwfitnesscicero
WBOC Profile: https://wboconnection.org/Sys/PublicProfile/53669439/3640459

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with the Conscious Coach and Business Strategist Lindsay Mastrogiovanni.

Lindsay is passionate about helping ambitious-yet-overwhelmed leaders to create an intentional life, thriving business, and foster cohesive communities. 

Q: What inspired you to start your business, or begin in this line of work? 

Lindsay: “After a 15-year career in HR and Organizational Strategy, and a lifetime in spiritual and mediumistic growth, I became obsessed with the idea of helping other intuitive professionals find a framework for bridging the gap between those two very different worlds of woo and the workplace.  I started a side gig to focus on service, coaching and consulting in all things spirituality, HR, and small business startups.

Very quickly, I fell into the opening of Crescent Collective in Liverpool NY where we serve our local community in holistic growth.”

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry? 

Lindsay:  “I help identify each of my client’s specific balance points between spirit and strategy.  There is not “one way” to do this because every person's intuitive gifts, skills, experience, and environment is unique.  Intuitive leaders and executives need a healthy balance of both conscious and intentional focus and tactical and practical strategy.  My team and network helps to build a curated path toward conscious life and leadership.”

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out? 

Lindsay:  “No one is going to do your thing the way you do it.  There’s no such thing as competition, only opportunities for collaboration.  Anyone who presents otherwise is just not your people.  Don’t let comparison rob the world of your gifts.”

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it? 

Lindsay:  “The biggest challenge was feeling stuck before making the decision to leave corporate and go out on my own.  I had to build up solid support systems in the areas of financing, friends, mentors, and mental health.  Most of all I had to believe I was capable of success.  I had to talk nice to myself - this is still the hardest part.”

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce? 

Lindsay:  “YES!  Coming Summer 2024, Vibed is a conscious leadership development company based in Syracuse where we’ll lead with fun, funky, and growth oriented podcasts for conscious and intuitive leaders.  I’ll be hosting a podcast called Ego & Ether which will feature discussions on the intersection of psychology and spirituality.

I’m also undergoing a massive rebrand for all things Lindsay Mastro; Conscious Consortium LLC is a collection of all projects and services new and old surrounding spirit and strategy for individuals and businesses.  I’ll be transitioning from Blue Moon Growth Co to Conscious Consortium over the coming months.”

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Lindsay: “I absolutely love being in nature and listening to music.  As often as I can, I escape to the Adirondacks.  At any turn, you can find me listening to Jam Bands, Blues, Motown, or 90s Alternative.”

Contact Details 

Website:  www.lindsaymastro.com
Instagram: @thelindsaymastro
Linkedin:  www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaymastro
Business Email:  Hello@lindsaymastro.com

If you’re curious about finding your balance between intuition and leadership, start by grabbing a copy of Becoming Conscious in a Corporate World (Without Losing Your Sanity).  You can find an Amazon link on my website!

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Elizabeth Conklin of Split14 Creative.

Through Split14's creative marketing services, Elizabeth is passionate about bridging the gap between other marketing firms and small to medium-sized businesses and nonprofits in the Syracuse and CNY region. She believes in an authentic approach to client relationships and intends to be a partner rather than just hired help. With this goal in mind, she cultivates long-term relationships by making a positive impact on Split14's clients and their audiences through impactful marketing strategies.  

Q: What inspired you to start your business, or begin in this line of work? 

Elizabeth: “I started graphic design in high school, and though I was by no means an expert, I did win a few design contests and thought this would be a fun job to have. In college, I majored in graphic design and minored in art history, again I needed to figure out what I was going to do once I graduated. However, after graduating and spending many nights spamming my resume and portfolio out to anyone hiring, I got a job at a local advertising agency in Syracuse. I spent a little over 4 years there, learning a lot as a graphic designer, digital marketer, social media manager, etc - you name it I probably did it. Then I wanted to make the transition from an agency to an in-house marketing position, where I was hired at Pinnacle Holding Company as the Marketing & Branding Manager for all of the subsidiaries. My boss, Liz Bartlett, CBDO of Pinnacle, saw me as the missing piece she needed to finally launch our marketing division of Pinnacle, adding another service line to help our business clients and others in CNY. That’s where Split14 Creative was born! The name “Split” indicates that it’s half made up of Liz Bartlett and her years of experience in business development and me (the other Liz) and my experience on the creative side. We bring our expertise together to form a union that has the best of both worlds. And the “14” comes from our age difference! ”

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry? 

Elizabeth:  “We like to think we have a different approach than most when it comes to our relationships with our clients. We believe that we are an extension of their team - a true partner wanting to help them grow their business, market an event, or whatever it is they need help with. We take the time to get to know them, find out what it is they want to get from our partnership and find the best way to make it happen. That’s why we have no standardized pricing or packages. We customize everything to fit the needs of our clients making sure they don’t pay for more than what they need. Not only that, but we have the backing of the Pinnacle brand behind us - we have connections and other resources that can help our clients that they wouldn’t have access to if they didn’t work with Split14.”

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out? 

Elizabeth:  “I spoke at a high-school career day recently to future graphic designers and the best piece of advice I could give them on starting college, choosing a major, and career was to not be afraid to put yourself out there. I know it sounds cheesy, but the only way to show others you’re serious about what you’re doing is to actually show them! Whether it’s utilizing social media to post about your projects or submitting work to galleries and shows, the only way to get the right people to notice you is to put yourself out there.”

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it? 

Elizabeth:  “Personally, my biggest professional challenge has been the nagging feeling of “imposter syndrome.” I’m fairly young (turning 30 this year, yikes!), and I can’t believe I’m in the position I’m in with my current role at Pinnacle Holding Co. and Split14 Creative. I feel like I’m too young, why would anyone listen to me as a thought leader in creative marketing when I hardly have the experience as our other competitors? What’s helping me overcome it is seeing the growth and success of our clients through the work we do for them. They show their appreciation for our help, making me feel like - maybe I do know what I’m doing.”

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce? 

Elizabeth:  “This year we are excited to focus on growing our clientele and meeting new people through networking groups such as WBOC. We have seen in our industry, and others we work closely with, that the best marketing you can do for yourself is meeting people face to face and building a relationship with them.”

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Elizabeth: “I love to spend my free time outdoors - especially if it’s with our dog, Dacks. My husband and I are avid hikers in the Adirondacks, completing various hiking challenges including becoming 46ers in 2022; we enjoy camping, going to camp at Sandy Pond, and spending the weekend at the beach or on the pontoon boat.”

Contact Details 

EConklin@Split14Creative.com
315-295-3800
Split14Creative.com
Info@Split14Creative.com
5845 Widewaters Parkway, Suite 300, East Syracuse, NY 13057
Personal LinkedIn
Split14 LinkedIn
Split14 Facebook
Split14 Instagram
WBOC Profile

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Emily Tills of Nourished with Emily, LLC.   

Emily is passionate about helping busy professional women who struggle to make time for themselves and their health feel confident in their own skin and in the kitchen through nutrition education, counseling and support through the Nourished with Emily nutrition coaching method. 

Q: What inspired you to start your business, or begin in this line of work? 

Emily: “As someone who struggled with an eating disorder in high school and now a Registered Dietitian, I have experienced firsthand how others negative words about our bodies and diet culture in the media and on social media place pressures on women to look and be a certain way through restrictive dieting and shaming the eating of some of our favorite foods. I never want to have a woman go through the same struggles I did. I want women to learn how to incorporate their favorite foods into their routine and reach their goals without having to only measure their success off the scale and eat as little as possible.”

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry? 

Emily:  “Nourished with Emily was started a few months after I finished college and has been an online business since it started. We help women reach their goals uniquely through our nutrition coaching and counseling program that focuses on accountability, support, education, and helping our clients get back to their confident selves without having to cut out their favorite foods or spend hundreds of dollars on supplements.”

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out? 

Emily:  “Ask for help from those who have been in your shoes, they know what you're looking to achieve and have learned lessons along the way that they can share with you and help you prevent from making those same mistakes. There are tons of resources here locally like through the WISE business center as well as other professionals that are here to help support and guide you. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, asking for help and building a team around you can help.”

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it? 

Emily:  “The hardest part has been making the jump from a soloprenuer to having a team that can help support me. As someone who is a perfectionist and has a vision for everything we do, it was hard at first to add team members to help make change happen in the business and help us grow. Once I was able to hand off projections and expand with support staff, I learned quickly how to be a better communicator to my team and still get the outcomes without my hands in every pot.”

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce? 

Emily:  “This year we are really focused on growing our membership that offers women monthly masterclasses, access to our recipe folder, educational guides and video library as a way that you can have access to nutrition education on various topics every day. We are also excited to start offering small group coaching programs inside of the business for our clients as well as for private companies. Employee wellness is a hot topic and nutrition should be at the center of that conversation. More info on these on our site!”

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Emily: “I love to watercolor paint. I used to take art classes daily throughout high school and loved it. My Fiancé got me watercolor paints for Christmas and I've been loving unwinding and painting.”

Contact Details 

emilytillsrd@gmail.com

315-552-8811

Website

Facebook

Instagram:  @nourishedwithemily

LinkedIn

WBOC Profile

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Sheila Dion, Founder and Executive Director of Erin’s Angels of CNY.   Sheila founded the organization to provide essential resources and support to students facing food insecurity.

The love for what she does comes from the fulfillment she derives in making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. Being able to contribute to a community where individuals can pursue their educational goals without hunger as a barrier is immensely rewarding. Witnessing the positive impact of Erin's Angels on the lives of students fuels her passion and dedication to the cause. Moreover, the joy comes from the sense of community and collaboration that is fostered through this initiative. Working together with volunteers, local businesses, and other organizations to create a supportive network brings a sense of unity and shared purpose. 

The love for this work is also rooted in the belief that through Erin's Angels of CNY, we are not just addressing an immediate need but also fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience within the student community. By providing resources and support, we are contributing to a foundation that enables students to overcome challenges and thrive in their academic journey.  

Q: What inspired you to start your business, or begin in this line of work? 

Sheila: “I was inspired to start Erin’s Angels when I worked in the food service department at the Phoenix Central School District and saw the need with so many children who were hungry. I witnessed firsthand the significant number of students facing food insecurity and I was inspired by their resilience and motivated to make a difference. I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to focus on their education without the burden of hunger. The prevalence of food insecurity among students is a pressing issue that I am determined to tackle, recognizing its impact on academic success and overall quality of life. ”

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry? 

Sheila:  “While many programs focus solely on the school year, we're proud to be a year-round advocate for ending hunger in our community! At Erin's Angels, our commitment doesn't stop when the school year ends. We recognize that hunger doesn't take a break, so neither do we. Our programs run throughout the entire year, ensuring continuous support for families facing food insecurity.”

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out? 

Sheila:  “Talk to everyone about what your mission and passion is. Keep putting your dreams and goals out to the universe! And never, ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it!!!”

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it? 

Sheila:  “The challenge of going from a lunch lady to nonprofit executive director is certainly a hurdle! I had to learn how to navigate the legal requirements, develop a clear mission and vision, create a strategy for fundraising and sustainability, and effectively develop a board. Just to name a few!”

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce? 

Sheila:  “Our partnership with the Upstate Foundation is the most exciting venture we have right now. This collaboration aims to ensure the perpetuity of our mission. The partnership opens doors to sustainable funding, expanded outreach, and the ability to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Sheila: “I love to travel. It is so fun waking up in one city and going to sleep in another on the same day. It is also my way of collecting moments, not things, and embracing the incredible diversity that makes our world so beautifully complex. It's a journey that continually fuels my passion for life.”

Contact Details 

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
WBOC Profile
Erin’s Angels of CNY
219 County Route 57
Phoenix, NY 13135
315-934-0181

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with mindset coach Karen Kwasnowski. Karen is passionate about helping individuals create more connection and meaning in their relationships.  Whether Karen is working with a busy working mom who wants to be more present for her children, an individual navigating the complexities of an intimate relationship, or someone who wants to foster better communication, Karen’s expertise is tailored to address a range of relationship dynamics. 

Karen especially loves witnessing the transformative moments when a client recognizes their role in an undesirable relationship dynamic and realizes they have the power to effect positive change.  Karen often gets emails from her clients the day after a coaching session excitedly saying, “you’re not going to believe what happened!” and they share how the other person showed up in a way that was different and easier than before.  It’s amazing the impact we can have on others when we change our part of the relationship dynamic.  

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

Karen: For most of my life I struggled with social anxiety.  I wanted to connect with people but I had no idea how.  So I embarked on a journey to learn how to relate and communicate.  I studied, trained, worked with coaches, and earned certifications all to help myself in the beginning.  Once I experienced the power of transforming myself and my ability to connect with others, I wanted to share everything I learned to help other people break free from the struggle.  I feel so privileged and honored to get to work with people in such a transformative way.  

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry?

Karen: There are a few things that set my business apart from others in my industry.  My focus is helping a client be authentic, present, and empowered.  Knowing who you are, what is important to you, and how to be fully present with another are key ingredients to connection.  It sounds so simple but it can be quite difficult to put into practice without consistent support from someone who sees the best in you.

I also know how easy it is to blame the other person or blame themselves when someone is struggling to connect.  I take a stand for my client, for the other person, and their relationship.  I believe we are all doing the best we can based on what we currently know and my job is to help someone get past blame and focus on the things that will help them get the results they truly want. 

I also believe that we all have our own best answers.  My job isn’t to give advice or share my personal experiences.  My job is to help you learn how to observe your mind and discern what is true and most beneficial for you and your relationships.    

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out?

Karen: Feeling uncomfortable means you are up to something important to you.  It’s part of the journey.  You don’t need to wait for things to feel comfortable before you take the next step.

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it?

Karen: My biggest professional challenge is asking for support. I’m still in the process of overcoming it.  I spent most of my life believing I was on my own and had to do everything myself so the thought rarely occurs to me to reach out to others.  Whenever I work with my coach and she cocks her eyebrow at me I laugh and say “Oh!  I can ask for support with this”.  Recognizing it is half the battle.

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce?

Karen: I have a series of workshops coming up for the new year to help people create more inspiring goals instead of the usual New Year’s resolutions.

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Karen: I love mountain biking, camping, hiking, dancing, and going on adventures with my family because I love to play, be outside, and move my body.

Contact Details

https://yourrelationshiplife.com/

315-459-1515
Address: Marcellus, NY is where I am physically located, but my business is mostly virtual
karen@yourrelationshiplife.com
LinkedIn
WBOC Profile

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Anna Kinney, the proprietess of Anna With Intention and co-founder of Fay Flower Farm, located in Hannibal, NY. Anna shared with us her passion for helping women who are tired of living with the programming of toxic patriarchy and who are ready to release harmful inherited belief systems so they can confidently step into their right place of power and love as a divinely appointed guide for the new paradigm!  And she grows flowers.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

Anna: I started Anna With Intention because of how much internal and external healing I have received through the modalities I practice. The journey has been so profound and I am passionate about helping others find the same healing and inner peace that I have. 

My husband and I started Fay Flower Farm along with our partner Gabriella Gauger because we love growing flowers and community that is bound by the healing power of beauty. We are building spaces for hosting events, weddings, workshops and education that are centered around sustainability, regeneration and love.

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry?

Anna: I blend a lifetime of knowledge, experience, coaching and healing modalities to create a personalized path toward healing and deconditioning to help you uncover your truth. When more of us are listening to and following the wisdom our soul is always communicating to us through our bodies, we can thwart the patriarchal over-culture and bring about aligned change and balance to the planet.

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out?

Anna: You already know more than the average person when it comes to what you are in business around. Trust in yourself. When you feel self-doubt, know that it is telling you that you are heading in the right direction.

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it?

Anna: Giving voice to my “big why” and clarifying my mission. It can be so hard to see your own gifts and talents. So I am leaning into my own Human Design chart to help me become clear on the profound way I impact others by being authentic, maintaining a high emotional frequency and sharing my unique practical solutions that blend the myriad life experiences I have had.

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce?

Anna: I am always working on bringing practical ways to use Human Design and energetics in life through workshops and 1:1 work.  And I am getting my next level of certification in the Quantum Alignment System this winter. To stay up to date on any new offerings or events, following me on IG is the best. 

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Anna: This past year, I discovered the thrill of Mountain biking. It pushes my perception of my  physical limits and it is a new way for me to experience being in an active flow state.

Contact Details

Email is best: Annawithintention@gmail.com

http://annawithintention.love/

Facebook page

Instagram

LinkedIn

Linktr

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Devan Robinson of Developing with Devan. 

She is passionate about helping you realize your true brilliance, even during those times when you might not see it yourself. Her wide array of services is designed to equip clients with the transformative tools and strategies necessary to unlock their full potential. With a mission rooted in empowerment, she is committed to guiding you on your personal journey towards greater clarity and unwavering confidence.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

Devan: "During my previous career, I observed a recurring pattern: women consistently held themselves back. What prevented them from reaching their full potential were the negative thoughts they held onto and the absence of consistent support in their lives. I decided that it was time to do something about that.

I began by researching and understanding the issues that were preventing women from achieving their goals. I discovered that a lack of self-confidence, fear of failure, and a lack of resources were major impediments to growth. It became clear to me that I had to take action and create an organization focused on helping women overcome these obstacles."

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry?

Devan: “Developing with Devan is truly unique in our approach to empowering individuals. Unlike other businesses that offer generic solutions, we take a personalized approach to every client, tailoring our services to their specific needs and goals. We believe that everyone has unique strengths, and our mission is to help our clients realize and make the most of those strengths. By providing transformative tools and strategies, we empower individuals to unlock their full potential and become the best version of themselves. We are passionate about what we do, and we won't stop until each and every one of our clients feels confident, clear, and empowered”.

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out?

Devan: “You DO NOT need to know everything or have your life perfectly figured out before you can start your own business.”

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it?

Devan: “Boldly embracing my authentic self has been the greatest challenge in both my personal and professional life. The fear of rejection, hurting others feelings, and receiving negative feedback on my opinions held me back. Which is why this is now the barrier I aim to shatter for others. To solve this issue for myself I enlisted the guidance of a coach and mentor, delved into and shattered my limiting beliefs, and crafted a process to assist others in achieving the same.”

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce?

Devan: “Yes, I have my 3rd annual Women's Self-Development Conference coming up on September 29-October 1 in Syracuse NY at the Collegian Hotel. We are spending 42 hours on ourselves, prioritizing our self-growth and refocusing on our most important project: OURSELVES. This year's theme is "It Starts with You" and our sessions will focus on all aspects of personal growth: career building, financial literacy, emotional well-being, healthy relationships and lifestyle balance. I'm so excited to bring together a community of women who are ready to become their best selves! I look forward to seeing you there! You can grab your ticket at bit.ly/elevatesyracuse2023”

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Devan: “My off time is spent with my family, writing my fiction fantasy novel, and re-organizing my house. I enjoy having different tasks every day, I'm not big on doing the same thing all the time. Variety is my favorite!”

Contact Details 
Developingwithdevan.com 
315-775-8451 
Address: Watertown, NY is where I am physically located, but my business is mostly virtual 
devan@developingwithdevan.com 
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We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Adrienne Peltz of Forge Gone Conclusions, a custom, fine jeweler for creating memories through one-of-a-kind pieces for you or your loved one, based in Skaneateles, NY.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

Adrienne: Having been an engineer and project manager for over 12 years, I was ready for a change when I lost my traditional job during the pandemic. My husband had always wanted to start a jewelry business, and I had the experience of working in the corporate world. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped in with both feet.

Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry?

Adrienne: You co-design and we manufacture. That means that you get to help create the design -- whether it is a traditional jewelry piece using round stones in traditional settings all the way to out of the box ideas such as a cardinal ring, bumblebee ring, or even creating a ring from an old bayonet. Even more, we will make a personalized video of how your piece was made. So, if it is a birthday present, we can include any text such as "Happy Birthday" and a photo of the recipient.

Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out?

Adrienne: Mindset is fundamental to your success. You have to believe in and be fully committed to what you are undertaking. I have learned from many others that you have to spend a lot of time on mindset in order to be successful.

Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it?

Adrienne: Even with some failures, there are opportunities to learn from them. When we first started displaying at tables and fairs, our very early events had low attendance, and not many people were interested. But we learned from each of those events and were able to improve significantly over time.

Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce?

Adrienne: Each project is unique and represents the person who is going to receive the piece. Definitely check out our portfolio page to see all the past creations – https://fgconclusions.com/shop/

Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?

Adrienne: My favorite activity is going outside during the day. Working a traditional job, it was hard to get outside, but with our flexible schedule, we are able to take a break in the afternoon to enjoy the outdoors!

Contact Details:
www.fgconclusions.com
(315) 209-2982
support@fgconclusions.com
27 Fennell St Ste B #263
Skaneateles, New York 13152  USA

Join Our Forge Circle: https://fgconclusions.com/join-our-email-list/

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