Agnes Noonan has been the President of WESST, Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team, since 1991.  She has seen many changes in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the progress made since the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988. Listen in as she takes us on her journey. Expand your understanding of nonprofits, enjoy stories of success, learn how to engage effective board members, run a successful organization and more, through a nonprofit lens.

Ayanna Denise Zahra is a master skin health therapist, specializing in skin disease prevention & treatments. As an educator in the healing art of skin, her treatments get results. Ayanna Denise Skin offers products power packed with nutrients your skin needs to heal and protect itself. Today we talk with the “minister of skin,” herself to learn the tools it takes to build a successful skin care brand.

Kenneth Winfrey and Jay Blackwell are the founders of Umoja Behavioral Health Counseling and Psychotherapy. Their offerings of mind/body healing through modalities such as Art Therapy, Kemetic Egyptian Yoga and even Sand Play are a few tools they use to support clients. With an African centered approach to mental health care, their practice embraces people of all cultures, genders, ethnic backgrounds, and assists families to live more balanced lives. Listen in as we explore the outer limits of the mind!

An insider's sneak peek into the self-care field!  Lisa McCulloch, owner of Betty’s Bath and Day Spa, shares her wisdom and inspiration for cultivating a bountiful spa business. Lisa has been an esthetician, spa owner, and business strategist. She shares ideas on implementing thriving systems, strong leadership, and understanding what makes a phenomenal spa experience from the client’s point of view.

Imagine a planet where humans constructed all living and work environments to be in harmony with nature. Founder, Kris Callori began designing a new world long before becoming an architect. As a child her father passed her two play toys, a calculator and protractor. This was the beginning of her path toward shaping ethical work environments for people and setting a precedent in sustainable building practices. Verdacity is leading the way in green building as a “Woman-Owned Small Business with a primary mission to make buildings healthier for people and the environment.”

Rebecca Kitson Law takes a human centered approach to serving our immigrant community. Our country thrives because of the contributions of these innovators, creatives and leaders. Today we take a deep dive into what the citizenship journey truly looks like. Ms. Kitson and her team give voice to so many in need of representation. “We unequivocally support all communities, and thereby embrace and advocate for all peoples of diverse races, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, genders, and abilities.”

Aleitress Owens-Smith, CEO of Aleitress Designs & Event Planning introduces her newest brand, Aleitress Mobile Restrooms. This “multipreneur” has taken what folks thought was an ordinary porta-potty experience to a luxury spa on wheels. We’ve all experienced an outdoor event and cringed at the thought of using the restroom. No more, people wait in line just to take tours and selfies of her custom designed luxurious mobile restroom. Her story is all about celebrating a life of abundance and prosperity, listen in as she shares how you become a “woman of glimmer.”

Larry Donahue, attorney with Slingshot LLC., parent company of Law4Small Business and one of New Mexico’s Fastest Growing Companies, shares his wisdom collected after many years of helping business owners improve their legal knowhow and avoid legal potholes.  This hour is packed with helpful insights to help you navigate issues you may encounter in your entrepreneurial journey.

Clay comes from the earth and has a way of connecting us to our creative spirit. Meet Angela Smith Kirkman the owner of Paseo Pottery in Santa Fe, NM.  The Pottery wheel is something anyone can learn with the right teacher. After all, she’s an expert after almost 30 years. In addition, she is a ceramic artist and photograph. Teaching Pottery classes is her way of sharing life with her community.  So, spin the wheel while hearing her stories of hiking the Inca Trail, riding by camelback through the Sahara, living on a vineyard in Portugal,  and communing with snow monkeys in Japan. All while running a successful Pottery business.

Stephanie Sherrodd, CEO of Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union, shares her journey of 23 years in the credit union world and provides advice for business owners. Find out about smart growth, employee engagement, profitability, retaining talent, improving your leadership skills, the importance of diversity and finding your superpower. When facing difficult situations, she highlights the power of asking yourself:  what is the outcome I’m looking for? Find out how SLFCU can assist you on your entrepreneurial journey, what Stephanie’s superpower is and how it can also be yours!

Josh Castleberry opened Castle Coffee in downtown Albuquerque in October 2019 with the dream of building a place that brought people from all backgrounds and life stages together. In a short time he has succeeded and he has been serving every cup of coffee with a joyful heart since day 1.  Listen in as Josh shares how he built the foundation for his “castle” and lessons learned from working for both, a successful and a failed business. He is growing and expanding with a second location and his story about how he was able to acquire the property will melt your heart and affirm your faith in humanity. This podcast may make you want to relocate to downtown just so you can enjoy having Castle Coffee and Josh as your neighbor!

Natane Lim is breaking barriers and creating the culture of what Break Dancing represents in New Mexico. She and her husband Check It are the heart of Dancing Turtle.  Their values are rooted in family and the freedom to move freely in life both personally and professionally. In an industry that is primarily dominated by masculine energy Dancing Turtle creates a space where gender is not the definition of capability. Listen in to hear how Dancing Turtle evolved from a neighborhood reptile store to a full dance studio and coaching space for world class athletes,  youth who will potentially be racking up gold medals at the Olympics!

Keri Piehl, the founder of Color Wheel Toys, shares her enchanting true story of how she has become Albuquerque’s only locally owned toy store. Every child dreams of a place in which their wildest dreams come true. Toys allow the wonderful world of education through play to manifest. If you’ve forgotten to nurture your childlike self this episode is most certainly for you.

Monica Jojola, President of Montech Inc., and Claire Lewis HR manager, share their journey into government contracting. Monica serves as role model for others entering the field of government contracting.  Clients include US Department of the Interior; US Department of Defense; US Department of Agriculture; US Department of Energy, and nation-wide Defense contractors. Listen in and learn how to get started, grow, and maintain your leadership in a field with many possibilities for woman owned businesses.

Rikki Quintana Shares the story of HoonArts, purveyor of fine handcrafted offerings from artisan partners in Central Asia. Rikki worked as an attorney and was fully retired when she heard about the opportunity to work with artisans of Tajikistan to build a sustainable U.S. market, she boldly raised her hand and declared “I’ll do it!” Then she went to work, built her company and learned how to deliver on her promise. Rikki is passionate about building meaningful connections between people and cultures, dispelling stereotypes and encouraging people to see and value our common humanity. Let’s go globetrotting without the jet lag!

Lisa Salas of Eagle Rock Contracting Inc. shares her journey of raising a family, attracting the right team and the keys to leaving a legacy for the next generation. As this family business celebrates over 20 years in serving New Mexico with custom acoustical drop ceilings, you can find their work in some of the most prominent buildings in our state. They pride themselves in offering their employees a safe work environment, full benefits and a place that values their skills. As the Salas family passes the baton this year to the next generation of Eagle Rock Contracting, you’ll learn when it’s time to let go and enjoy retirement.

Felicia Masias and Keith Allen, owners of Sopapilla Productions, relocated from California to Albuquerque during the pandemic. This star struck couple graduated from actors for hire to starting their own local film production company! Their platform now supports local businesses and other entrepreneurs to be showcased through film. Grab a “Sopapilla” and some local honey as you listen to how they created their “recipe” for success. This young couple shares the dish on restaurants in town through their hit production “Enchanted Foods of Albuquerque.” You’ll also gain a few tips on how to build a business with your very own life partner!

Blue Door Patisserie fuses the comfort of the Southwest with a glimpse into a world we all dream of. Imagine taking a stroll through France on a warm summer’s day and finding yourself at a “Blue Door” in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Award winning pastries invite you in with an aroma that could be no other than the best baked croissant in the city and so much more. We invite you to enjoy the journey with the baker himself, Chef Jove Hubbard, as he shares how mentorship, a great team and the right location at the Sawmill Market builds a space that warms the heart and the palate.

“Building interactive tools, integrating information, and presenting insights to drive meaningful action.” Charles Rath, president, and CEO of RS 21., and Inc. 500 is engineering a movement that’s impacting the world. After relocating from Washington, DC to Albuquerque, working for the labs and opening his business in downtown, we asked what’s next? Over 80 employees make up the RS 21 team of data scientists, AI inventors, engineers, designers, data architects, marketing, and healthcare analytics. Collectively, they hold true to practicing good data ethics and empowering organizations to make data-driven decisions that positively impact the world. Learn how to “Make better, faster, smarter decisions with data solutions that reveal hidden patterns and possibilities.”

Guaranteed to be an hour you don’t want to miss full of stories and surprises. In his epic Interview Nico Ortiz shares what has made Turtle Mountain Brewing Company a huge success year after year! Get a sneak peek behind the scenes in crafting the best brews and pizzas in town. You’re also guaranteed some deep belly laughs out loud. Mr. Nico leaves nothing on the table and opens up about how he got his start, scouts the best employees, and creates a neighborhood environment for all who enter the doors of Turtle Mountain Brewing Company.

What is that scent you’re wearing? Kate Viers, owner of Feral Lore perfumes, has taken the world of perfuming by storm; in under two years she’s managed to rival competitors with her magical scents and fragrances. Kate shares why natural, ethically sourced ingredients and pure essential oils are a must. An herbalist by trade with decades of experience, Ms. Viers reignites your passion and desire to experience mysticism, freedom and life lived out loud.

Running a successful Apiary is certainly serious “beesness.” Since 2005, Melanie Kirby of Zia Queen Bees Farm & Field Institute has been instrumental in growing our bee kingdom! Ms. Kirby is proud of her heritage as a Tigua and Apache mestiza tribal member from Tortugas Pueblo in southern NM. As a woman of both Native and Jamaican ancestry her awareness in facilitating educational environments are as diverse as her understanding of the many varieties of bees. As caretaker for over 250 hives in Northern New Mexico she saw the need to expand to urban back yards throughout the state, then the nation. In a world where everyone wants honey, she knew that raising healthy Queen Bees was a must. If you’ve ever wondered about the magical world of bees this story is one not to miss.

Denise Baker, owner of Rio Bravo Brewing Company in Albuquerque shares her story about mixing family and business along with traveling for “beer research.” Ms. Baker is an Albuquerque native who grew up in the South valley and one day decided to put ideas into action and pursue her passion of owning her own brewery. She shares about being a woman-owned business, increasing her confidence, getting involved in the community, and now knowing “I belong here.”

Dr. Ndidiamaka Okpareke tells her story of triumph and rebirth after a difficult divorce. She fearlessly leads by celebrating the legacy of African women in medicine. Learn how she’s built business bridges across the continents to generate wealth, prosperity, and freedom. Based in Rio Rancho New Mexico, Olive Tree Compounding Pharmacy offers custom blend medications for humans and pets alike.

What’s everyone sipping that’s got them energized, happy and healthy? Julie Morrell, founder of Urbanmama505 Kombucha takes us on an educational journey in Kombucha. This non-alcoholic brew is made with love and infused with faith. Today’s episode of Minding Your Business is truly one of tasty inspiration in a bottle.

Alonzo Vera, President and partner at IDEAS Engineering & Technology, Ideas-Tek.  shares his business story and how meeting with friends on early Saturdays blossomed into a thriving electronics business for aerospace applications.   Originally from Peru, Mr. Vera received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico. Listen in, get inspired and see what is possible here in our beloved NM state!

Chef Ahmed Obo, Owner of Jambo Café in Santa Fe, NM shares his journey and how he became a successful restaurateur. Originally from Lamu, an island off the coast of Kenya, Chef Ahmed came to the United States in 1995. Upon relocating to Santa Fe he started working in restaurants eventually becoming the head Chef. After a decade of simmering his idea, he opened his business. Jambo Café is the winner of numerous awards, including Santa Fe Reporter for the Best International Cuisine for 12 years running and Chef Ahmed for “Best Chef” from 2015 – 2021. Jambo Café was featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

If you’ve ever thought about starting a janitorial business, Krishner and La Shawn Peoples, owners of Marathon Janitorial did just that. During a global pandemic they identified the niche that allowed them to pursue their dream of entrepreneurship. While other businesses were not able to offer services they were “essential” for commercial establishments to stay open. The Peoples saw an opportunity and literally ran with it. Marathon Janitorial’s attention to detail has earned them a 5-star industry rating and the ability to expand through government contracting. All while maintaining the freedom of business and personal life balance. As they say, “business is a marathon, not a sprint.”

In this episode Kendra Loring, Owner of Enchanted Equine Adventures and PATH Certified Riding Instructor, shares her entrepreneurial journey. Her years of research, surviving the pandemic, and now having a thriving business with a waiting list for kids and adults.  She will share about therapeutic riding, inclusion in the horse industry, why we have so many unwanted horses in this country, the need to have more educated/certified instructors and trainers, and why Albuquerque is an amazing place to start a business!

Erika Campos, CEO of Hospital Services Corporation, and Lori Griegos, Director of Human Resources share their approach to communication, strategic planning, and decades of employee involvement in shaping their mission. Even if you are not in the health care industry you will learn lessons applicable to any business who is interested in having high employee engagement and satisfaction!

Celina Grife of Celina's Biscochitos

It all started with a menu drawn on a napkin. Mekala Kennedy and Nathan Sauceda – Halliday, owners of La Finca Bowls, share their journey in the food industry, which began with a food truck in Puerto Rico and continued with a 100% Gluten Free restaurant providing a healthy, fast, and clean food option in Albuquerque. Located in downtown on Central and Broadway, their story could be a theater play involving hurricanes, pandemics, love, and much more. If you are in the restaurant business or want to open one, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Real Estate Developer. Ahmet Tiryaki was born in Turkey but he is a true New Mexican. Ahmet shares his journey from humble beginnings to today and provides inspiration and advice to all those who want to venture into real estate development.

Len & Donna Romano share their story on how they started their brand design firm. They moved here from the DC area and didn't like working for other people, so they decided to create a business. Since 1998, they’ve worked with hundreds of clients to make their business stronger, more visible, and more profitable through branding. If you ever wanted to start a branding business this is an episode you must listen to.

Minding your business meets the builder and explores the La Luz

George and Marianne Schweers, owners of Heart of the Desert Pistachios, began farming pistachios in 1974 and went from selling nuts from their dining room table to owning 3 brick and mortar locations with 60 employees and a diversified retail business that now includes wines, ice creams, pastries, and popcorn.  They shared how their resolved a trademark conflict with Anheuser Busch, the process they followed to start their farming business, how to run a successful family farming business and practical advice that every entrepreneur should follow. George and Marianne are a fine example of how a man and a woman, working as a team, can just about accomplish anything they put their minds to.

Tune in for “Ms. Marley’s House of Colors.” Ms. Brenda Marley captivates audiences through Storytelling, Puppetry and Music. Ms. Marley shares her mission to Educate & Enlighten children of all ages. As a New Mexico entrepreneur of 29 years, she enchants audiences with stories across the state “La Llorona” is always a crowd favorite. Today, take a unique journey with us to discover how “passion” can fuel education even through the hardships of life. As she puts it, “Sharing stories transforms lives.”

Dr. Michele Coleman, owner of Attachment Healing Center talks about the balance between providing compassionate client care and running a successful outpatient mental health clinic with a waiting list of over 200. Dr. Coleman developed a model of treatment for children identified as having attachment trauma. Listen in as she shares how she uses Harriet Tubman legacy as a core value for her business. Besides business wisdom and inspiration, she also offers practical suggestions for self-care, difference between clean pain and dirty pain, and an amazing success story of a 14-year-old dyslexic who learned to read in 3 months.

Amanda Davison, Owner of the Family Connection shares her business experience from her humble beginnings as a one-woman enterprise operating in a one-room office to buying the entire building and adding 4 locations. She is making mental health services accessible and approachable. Learn her tips on managing a successful business, how to hold loosely, and practical routines she uses to increase productivity. She is an inspiration to many other women aspiring to fulfill their dream of creating a thriving practice.

In October 2019, Nico Morales began a new chapter in his life with the start of his business, No Halo LLC. Nico shared his story and how he went from addiction to recovery and how he is using his knowledge to help others embark on their unique journey. Listen in as he shares how he got started, why getting the right coach and mentor helped him and how he became an author and uses his book as his business card

More the the inaugural Poet Laureate of Albuquerque, Hakim Bellamy has found a home for his voice in the day-to-day of Albuquerque's city offices. Hear him describe his journey on this weeks episode.

Join and listen in about Trey and Vanessa’s “Imagination Station,” how they went from dancers with a dream to successful young business owners in the UNM area, their struggles and triumphs on their entrepreneurial journey and the amazing support they received from our Albuquerque community.

Ali Anderson, a 24-year-old self-defined extrovert/introvert, started Brown Skin Swimwear out of necessity when she couldn’t find a great quality swimsuit at an affordable price. Ali taught herself how to design, find manufacturers and market her products.

From baking at home to building a successful business. Q’s Cakes, connection with Queen Latifah, and being voted a top 5 bakery without having a physical store.

Suzanne and Bill Slauson make a mean cookie. But making delicious food and running a business are two totally different things. Hear their story and how they're moving Snugglecubs Cookie into the marketplace.

Restaurant veteran Rich Bartel knows food, but starting a hot dog joint in the middle of the pandemic is new territory. Hear the story of Clowndog Hot Dog Parlor.

Stephanie Wright's decision to open Resource Brewing Co. in 2020 started more than two years ago. After finding a location, making renovations, and perfecting the brews—she and her husband, forged ahead.

COVID-19 changed so many businesses, but hear about Aunt Goodie, a company that was birthed out of the pandemic. With 17 nieces and nephews across the country, Nancy Matira tells us her story.

Sometimes seeds sprout into the most interesting businesses, as is the case with Kristen Worthington and Worthington Pecans. Hear her amazing journey from orchard to Albuquerque staple in this weeks episode.

Don't act like you're not impressed. They look cool and everyone wants one, that's why Susan Gautsch started Free-to-Roam eBiking. Hear her story, and how much money you're wasting at the gas pump each week in this episode of MYB.