On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I wanted to shine a light once again on the small businesses who have been featured on past episodes. It is especially important this holiday season to consider supporting small businesses when shopping for our friends and family. I've linked below all twenty Instagrams of the small businesses mentioned in this episode. Happy holidays and, as always, happy listening! ----more---- Check out the 20 small businesses featured in this episode on Instagram, and listen to their episodes of Virtual Coffee: @shopthriftinthecity // episode 5 @fourteentwentyninecbus // episode 9 @tangledthreadstudio // episode 10 @soleilandclay // episode 14 @fosterhandmade // episode 15 @nightcapit // episode 16 @madysblingshop // episode 17 @teardroptap // episode 18 @bucks.for.pups.confections // episode 20 @abbieandharry // episode 21 @naked.by.nature.llc // episode 22 @picnicraleigh // episode 23 @petpaintingsbynicole & @nicoledrake_paints // episode 24 @mamisbaking // episode 25 @lastobject // episode 27 @raleighcheesy // episode 28 @muddydogroastingcompany // episode 29 @tartanblanketco // episode 30 @lamodamask // episode 32 @kandy_apples_by_k - episode 34, coming out next week! ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't forget to leave a rating & review for Virtual Coffee! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Diana True, Co-Founder of La Moda Mask. La Moda Mask sells mask and glasses chains. Diana is also a Digital Marketing Director at Gwynn's and shares a ton of valuable marketing advice in this episode. She has pursued several side businesses and is all about appropriately balancing a full-time career with side hustles. You can learn more about La Moda Mask at https://lamodamask.com/. Happy listening! La Moda Mask's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't forget to leave a rating & review for Virtual Coffee! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Chatting with me today on Virtual Coffee is Shelby Matussak, Founder & Owner of Dead Lemon Games. Dead Lemon Games is a board game company who is currently working on launching their first title, Z's Revenge. They aim to create unique gaming experiences fueled by the founders' passions for fun and thoughtfulness. On this episode, Shelby explains the benefits of playing board games (for both kids and adults!), his journey of launching Dead Lemon Games, and his advice to other new small business owners. This is a fun and passionate episode, and you can learn more about Shelby and Dead Lemon Games at https://www.deadlemongames.com/. Happy listening! Dead Lemon Games' Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't forget to leave a rating & review for Virtual Coffee! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Emma and Fergus Macdonald take us through their journey to founding The Tartan Blanket Co. We discussed their beautiful and cozy products, what it's like being co-founders and co-parents, their advice to other small business owners, and how they've merged their backgrounds and expertise to help them achieve success through The Tartan Blanket Co. Their products are the perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season, and you can learn more about them at https://tartanblanketco.com/. Get cozy, and happy listening! The Tartan Blanket Co.'s Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't forget to leave a rating & review for Virtual Coffee! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Debbie Pellegrini, Founder & Owner of Muddy Dog Roasting Company. This small business is the perfect fit for our podcast due to their love of and passion for coffee! Muddy Dog is a small-batch artisan coffee roaster whose coffee is sourced directly from the growers. They are located in Morrisville, North Carolina but ship their product across the country. Debbie and I spoke about how she founded Muddy Dog and where her journey has taken her over the last 20+ years. You can find more about Muddy Dog at https://muddydogcoffee.com/. Happy listening! Muddy Dog Roasting Company's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't forget to leave a rating & review for Virtual Coffee! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I chatted with Courtney Bowman, Founder & Owner of Raleigh Cheesy. Through her business, Courtney offers beautiful, hand-crafted cheese and charcuterie boards to the Raleigh-Durham area here in North Carolina. We talked about her journey to launching Raleigh Cheesy and the blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into it. Courtney gives real and raw advice for other small business owners, and she is definitely someone to admire. She stays true to her authentic self while successfully and intelligently launching and running her own business. You can learn more about Raleigh Cheesy at https://www.raleighcheesy.com/. Happy listening! Raleigh Cheesy's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't forget to leave a rating & review for Virtual Coffee! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with one of the Co-Founders of LastObject, Isabel Aagaard. Isabel shares her journey to launching LastObject and their various reusable and sustainable products. LastObject is definitely a disruptor in the market of reusable products, and Isabel shares how her and her team created (and continue to create) a beautiful user experience that stays true to their mission. It was a great experience to speak with a professional designer who is rooted in empathy and whose goal in life is to positively impact the world's environment. You can learn more about Isabel and LastObject at https://lastobject.com/. Happy listening! LastObject's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't forget to leave a rating & review for Virtual Coffee! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Wilf Nelson is back to share his expertise on the topic of science and business. To learn about Wilf and his own academic and career journeys, check out episode 11 of the podcast. On this episode, Wilf brings his perspectives and insights on what PhD graduates are doing post-graduation. He explains why some are starting their own businesses, and we also dive into why you should consider hiring a PhD graduate onto your team or within your company, no matter what industry you're in. This is a great episode for those pursuing or who have obtained their PhD as well as those who have influence on the hiring process within their business. You can learn more about Wilf and his own media production company at https://watercoolerneuroscience.co.uk/. Happy listening! ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Maria & Paul, the Founders & Owners of Mami's Baking Co. Their mission is to provide you with the best gourmet cookie experience. During our conversation, Maria & Paul described their delicious cookies and their journey of launching Mami's Baking Co. They also shared some of their trial and errors as well as their major successes thus far. You can learn more about Mami's Baking Co. at https://www.mamisbaking.com/. Happy listening! Mami's Baking Co.'s Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Nicole Drake takes us through the journey of launching their two businesses, Pet Paintings by Nicole and Nicole Drake Paints. They have great advice on how to experiment with marketing and branding two businesses. Nicole also explains how everyone should explore a passion other than the passion they execute at work. Nicole is a wonderful artist whose paintings you definitely want hanging in your home! You can learn more about Nicole and their businesses at https://linktr.ee/nicoledrake_paints. Happy listening! Pet Paintings by Nicole's Instagram Nicole Drake Paints' Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Dusti Patterson shares her journey of founding & launching Picnic Raleigh. Her business sets up luxury picnic experiences that will leave you with cherished memories. Dusti is a North Carolina State University engineering student, Air Force Reservist, and an avid supporter of women's entrepreneurship. She is transparent in her episode and gives great advice on how to pursue multiple passions and handle varying priorities. Happy listening! You can learn more about Picnic Raleigh at https://www.picnicraleigh.co/ Picnic Raleigh's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Amber Williams describes her journey of launching Naked By Nature. She sells handcrafted skincare products in order to empower everyone and make them feel their best and natural selves. Amber gives great advice for small business owners which includes (but isn't limited to!) the advice that you don't have to tell everyone about your idea right away. Tune in to this episode to hear the rest of her advice - happy listening! You can learn more about Naked By Nature at https://www.nakedbynature1.com/ Naked By Nature's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Alessandra Schembari walks us through her journey of launching her modern handmade jewelry business, Abbie & Harry. She dives into why she wants to be her own boss, how to share your personal life on your business' social media pages, and how to stay true to your Why while figuring out the How. Alessandra is offering our listeners 10% off their orders with the code coffee10. Check out Abbie & Harry at https://abbieandharry.com/ Happy listening! Abbie & Harry's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Alicia Hindman, Founder & Owner of Bucks for Pups Confections, dives into her mission and story. Bucks for Pups sells homemade baked goods and a portion of the proceeds is donated each month to a dog shelter or rescue organization, typically within Ohio. Alicia is extremely passionate about her business, and that shines through in this episode. You can learn more about Bucks for Pups at their webiste: https://www.bucksforpupsconfections.com/ Happy listening! Bucks for Pups Confections Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Larisa Kavetsky speaks about her current experience of going to medical school. Larisa is currently a medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and she has amazing and specific advice for those who are applying to or are already in medical school. Happy listening! ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, the Founders & Owners of Teardrop Tap, Madison Page & Abby Christensen, explain their journey of starting their small business. Teardrop Tap is a trailer bartending service in Minnesota that travels for events & celebrations. Madison & Abby dive into the plethora of engagement they've had so far, advice for launching a small business, and how they work together as best friends. You can learn more about Teardrop Tap at teardroptap.com. Happy listening! Teardrop Tap's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Mady Bowman explains how she spent her summer break from school starting her jewelry business, Mady's Bling Shop. Mady is a 12-year-old entrepreneur who has a passion for supporting her community and a drive to innovate and succeed! She shares her advice for her peers who are interested in starting their own business and describes some of the challenges she's faced with building a business and how she has overcome them. You can find Mady's Bling Shop on Instagram and Facebook. Happy listening! ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Michael and Shirah Benarde explain how they turned a literal dream into their extremely successful small business, NightCapIt. NightCapIt protects and empowers people, specifically women, from drink spiking. They have won multiple awards throughout Florida and have been featured on a major news station. Find out how these two young entrepreneurs "just did it" and set themselves on the road to success! Find out more about NightCapIt at nightcapit.com NightCapIt's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ☕️ Linktree ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Adele Foster shares her journey of founding and running Foster Handmade. Find out how she turned losing her job into an opportunity that has grown into a successful small business! You can learn more about Adele and her business at foster-handmade.com. Happy listening! Foster Handmade's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Endless Love Harris, Founder & Owner of Soleil and Clay, walks us through her journey of how a fun hobby turned into a successful business. She provides advice on how to: differentiate your business in a saturated market, trust your gut on when to say no or yes to opportunities, and be a realistic dreamer. You can learn more about Endless at http://endlessloveanderson.com/ Soleil and Clay's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Jay Couture walks us through his career journey thus far which includes obtaining his Masters, leading teams, following his passions, and being an innovator. Jay shares his advice on how to navigate a large organization, lead change, and grow your network. Happy listening! ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Mayra explains how she pursued her passion of live streaming by launching her own podcast, M(A)Y RAy of Sunshine. Her podcast is dedicated to shedding light in difficult situations through positivity and encouragement. Make sure to check out the M(A)Y RAy of Sunshine podcast, and happy listening! M(A)Y RAy of Sunshine's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Wilf Nelson dives into his journey of obtaining his Bachelor's in Psychology and his Master's in Neuroscience. Now pursuing his PhD, hosting his own podcast, and running a podcast company, Wilf shares his learnings from his career path thus far. You can learn more about Wilf and his podcast at https://watercoolerneuroscience.co.uk/. Happy listening! ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Virtual Coffee, Alexis Collier walks us through her journey from how a hobby turned into a small business. She gives advice on how to leverage social media to grow your business and shares other learnings that she gained from her Digital Marketing degree. Check out Tangled Thread Studio Tangled Thread Studio's Instagram ----more---- ☕️Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️Email: [email protected]  ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Virtual Coffee, Amanda Caldwell, Founder & Owner of Fourteen Twenty Nine, shares her journey from her business idea to today. She shares her tips & tricks of how to balance running a business and raising young children as well as the importance of keeping your mission at the forefront of everything you do. You can learn more about Fourteen Twenty Nine at fourteentwentynine.org Fourteen Twenty Nine's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Virtual Coffee, Jules Reich walks us through her journey from undergraduate school to receiving her Masters. She speaks about studying abroad in Hungary and finding your niche. Happy listening! ----more---- ☕️Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️Email: [email protected]  ----more---- Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Mike Gasser walks us through his unique journey from high school to college to the National Guard to his current Software Developer position. He also gives advice for finding your passion and balancing those passions and your personal life. Happy listening! ----more---- ☕️Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️Email: [email protected]  Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, my husband and I talk about our financial journey and how we became debt free in our early 20s. Nathan explains the financial lessons he's learned through various resources and gives his advice for reaching your financial goals. ----more---- ☕️Instagram & Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️Email: [email protected]  Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Angela describes her journey from consultant to business founder and owner. She shares her advice on how to start your own company, when, how, & why to make the decision to quit your corporate job, and tips & tricks for when you are your own boss. Check out thriftinthecity.co! Thrift in the City's Instagram ----more---- ☕️ Instagram/Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️ Email: [email protected]  Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, Hannah Brown tells us about her experience in local government and her passion for equality and social justice causes. She gives advice on networking, balancing a busy schedule, and tips and tricks for organization. ----more---- ☕️Instagram/Facebook: @virtualcoffeepodcast ☕️Email: [email protected]  Music: Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Virtual Coffee, we hear from Ricki Levitus, an undergraduate at Brandeis University pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. We discuss her experience as a Project Manager and Business Development Fellow, how she helped launch an impactful product on her university's campus, and her advice for balancing work and life. You can learn more and contact Ricki through her LinkedIn. Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeod. Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-trance License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/