What happens when everything you've built crumbles and you're left to rebuild from scratch? Stephanie Watts knows this journey intimately. Once a successful nurse and pharmaceutical developer, her life took a devastating turn when severe illness struck, eventually diagnosed as Lyme disease after years of misdiagnoses and deteriorating health.

In this deeply moving conversation, Stephanie reveals how rock bottom became the foundation for something beautiful. "I realized through all of this that no one was going to come save me," she shares with remarkable candor, detailing her path from survival mode to thriving. After spending decades trying to fit into spaces where she never belonged and facing both professional setbacks and personal trauma, Stephanie discovered that safety—the most basic human need—had always been missing from her equation.

The wisdom Stephanie shares feels hard-won and genuine. She distinguishes between wishing (planting seeds then immediately digging them up) and realizing dreams (planting seeds and trusting the process). Her reflections on failure are particularly powerful: "Strength is showing up when everything inside of you wants to give up, when you have justifiable reasons to give up." For anyone who's been paralyzed by perfectionism or fear, these words offer sweet liberation.

Today, Stephanie has transformed her painful journey into Vitality Wellness Apothecary and Market in Wetumpka, Alabama—a sanctuary where people can find healing, community, and acceptance. Her approach embodies what she calls the "open hand method," releasing the scarcity mindset that once kept her trapped. Perhaps most beautiful is witnessing how her personal healing extends across generations, as she finds profound joy in being "Lolly" to her grandson Clay.

Whether you're facing health challenges, navigating life transitions, or simply seeking to live more authentically, Stephanie's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with her mission by visiting the store, joining one of their community events, or exploring their holistic offerings—because as Stephanie reminds us, "You're stronger than you think you are."

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Niki Tsekareas never thought a retreat to Greece would completely transform her life, but that's exactly what happened. In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about the moment she realized she needed more than her identity as "Niki Peter's wife" or "Georgios' mom" – she needed to rediscover herself.

With remarkable candor, Niki shares her journey from feeling lost to launching her own interior styling business at age 44. "I wasn't doing things that were giving me purpose," she explains, describing how she transformed a spare bedroom into a dedicated workspace filled with plants, journals, and reminders to stay accountable to herself. Her approach to interior design comes from a deeply personal place – creating spaces that truly reflect who her clients are rather than following trends.

The conversation takes several profound turns as Niki reveals her struggles with depression, her extraordinary seven-year fertility journey, and how she maintains her Greek heritage through traditions like name days and community celebrations. What emerges is a portrait of remarkable resilience, with Niki developing daily practices that keep her motivated even on the hardest days.

Most powerfully, Niki offers wisdom that resonates far beyond her personal story: "Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do or have something that you want." Her transformation from uncertainty to purpose serves as inspiration for anyone standing at the threshold of change, wondering if it's too late to pursue their dreams.

Join us for this moving discussion about identity, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the courage to finally put yourself first. If you've ever felt defined by your relationships to others rather than your relationship with yourself, this episode will speak directly to your heart.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Behind every thriving small business stands a woman with a powerful story—a journey marked by purpose, passion, and perseverance in the face of doubt. In this special Small Business Month episode, we reunite with three extraordinary entrepreneurs who've been transforming their visions into reality.

Dr. Kuanita Murphy shares how her digital publication, Rural Leader Magazine, emerged from a pivotal moment when academic doors closed, revealing her true calling to spotlight talent from overlooked small communities. Her powerful tagline, "What you do matters," has been driving her mission since 2014.

Theodora Miller takes us through her remarkable transition from 30 years in the corporate world to becoming a full-time artist after a brain injury led her to discover painting's healing power. Now preparing to launch her first home collection of painterly wallpaper and textiles, she candidly reveals how creating art became both her therapy and soul's purpose.

Eloise Stewart, celebrating nearly a decade with her branding company, reflects on building from a one-woman show to leading a team that helps businesses discover and communicate their authentic identities. Her evolution demonstrates how following unexpected paths can lead to fulfilling work that perfectly aligns with your strengths.

These women don't sugarcoat entrepreneurship. They openly discuss battling self-doubt, learning their value, navigating creative burnout, and building sustainable businesses through systems, boundaries, and financial savvy. Their challenges—from perfectionism to pricing struggles to feeling isolated—mirror obstacles many business owners face.

Whether you're contemplating starting your own venture or already in the trenches of entrepreneurship, these transparent conversations offer both practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Their unanimous advice? Understand your "why," build a supportive community, give yourself permission to learn as you go, and remember that starting something meaningful always requires courage—but the journey is worth it.

Listen in and get inspired by women who aren't just chasing dreams but bringing them to life one challenging, rewarding day at a time.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff