Her First: Reinventing What it Means to be a High-Achieving Woman

We’re excited to welcome Barbara Clarke Ruiz, CEO of BC Swirl Incorporated, to the podcast! Barbara takes us through her amazing career in the global activewear world, where she’s worked with giants like Adidas, Nike, and Eleven by Venus Williams. From her early days to leading big projects like designing for Walmart and boosting sales with Kohl’s Tech Gear, Barbara’s story is packed with big moves and bold choices. She also shares her leap into entrepreneurship with her pet treat brand, Lick You Silly, and her latest adventure in children’s book publishing. This episode is full of real, practical insights for anyone dreaming big in business!Get to Know Barbara:https://www.facebook.com/barbara.c.ruiz.3https://www.instagram.com/barbaraclarkeruiz/https://linkedin.com/in/barbaraclarkeruizLick You Silly Pet Products:https://www.facebook.com/lickyousillypetproducts/https://www.instagram.com/lickyousillyyumyum/https://www.tiktok.com/@lickyousillypetproductsTime Stamps:01:10 Barbara Clark Ruiz's Impressive Career Journey02:19 Early Career and Major Accomplishments06:22 Navigating Challenges and Success in the Activewear Industry11:53 Collaborating with Venus Williams15:07 Transition to Entrepreneurship: Lick You Silly19:27 Building a Successful Pet Product Business23:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs28:35 New Ventures and Final Thoughts[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

We dive deeper into the concept of personal power and how to sustain it over time. Building on a previous episode that covered the basics of reclaiming personal power, today's discussion focuses on the continuous process of maintaining alignment, overcoming setbacks, and leveraging both intuition and analytical data for long-term success. We explore practical strategies for self-care, productivity, and creating supportive environments, aiming to help high-achieving women stay empowered in both their personal and professional lives.Time Stamps:01:15 Recap of Personal Power Part One02:58 Continuing the Journey of Personal Power03:43 Long-Term Growth Strategies03:55 Maintaining Alignment in Business and Personal Life04:40 Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges06:34 Sustaining Personal Power Over Time13:24 The Importance of Perspective26:23 Creating a Supportive Environment[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

We dive into the journey and impact of Kamala Harris as the first female, Black, and South Asian U.S. Vice President, exploring the unique challenges and criticisms she faces as a woman in leadership. Reflecting on Kamala’s story, we share insights on how diverse representation can shape leadership and offer practical lessons for business owners, coaches, and creators.Call Her Daddy Snippet: Kamala Harris Talks 'Humble' vs. Childless Women on 'Call Her Daddy'Time Stamps:00:53 Kamala Harris's Background and Career02:18 Criticism and Public Perception03:56 Kamala Harris's Leadership Qualities05:58 The Importance of Representation08:06 Gender and Leadership12:40 The Future of Leadership[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

Today we’re chatting about the double standards and pressures that high-achieving women face—especially when they're in the spotlight. Highlighting Chappell Roan, we chat about the scrutiny female musicians deal with, from political expectations to public criticism. We also get real about juggling careers, motherhood, and handling relentless media glare. Plus, we dish out tips on how to stay grounded, set boundaries, and focus on what really matters: personal goals, self-love, and redefining success on your own terms. It's about finding happiness without losing your sanity!Time Stamps:02:45 Chappell Roan's Rise to Fame03:14 Challenges of Fame and Privacy04:46 Political Pressures and Backlash06:17 Mental Health and Public Scrutiny08:17 Balancing Public and Private Life12:19 Gender Double Standards in Society15:50 Balancing Life and Business17:22 Setting Boundaries and Differentiation18:08 Navigating Criticism and Decision Making19:03 The Role of PR in Public Perception20:34 Personal Strategies for Professional Growth21:41 Cultural Expectations and Personal Vulnerability24:39 Mindset and Authenticity29:25 Redefining Success and Self-Worth[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

One of our longtime listeners, Jackie Stone, joins Joanna and Michelle on today’s episode to share her incredible, life-changing story. After listening to one of our earlier episodes, Jackie was inspired to dive into a topic we covered, leading her down a path of exploration that unearthed some unexpected and life-altering family secrets. Tune in to hear how she uncovered surprising truths about her past and how it’s reshaped her life in ways she never imagined![Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

In this episode of the Her First Podcast, we dive into the chaotic and rewarding world of entrepreneurship. We dish out the real talk on starting a business—why it’s not just about passion, but also mastering business models, emotional resilience, and, you know, profitability. With insights from big names like Elon Musk and Alex Hermosi, plus our own hard-learned lessons, we tackle freelancing vs. business ownership, debunk the "four-hour workweek" myth, and share tips on staying sane while scaling. If you’re ready for a dose of entrepreneurial reality, this one’s for you!Time Stamps:01:06 The Reality of Entrepreneurship03:06 Why You Shouldn't Start a Business05:18 The Emotional Labor of Business09:51 The Importance of Business Skills19:55 Understanding Business Models22:48 Freelancing vs. Business Ownership23:49 Motivation for Starting a Business26:34 The Desire for Freedom in Entrepreneurship30:56 Debunking the Four-Hour Work Week Myth36:19 Identifying and Solving Problems in Business41:19 The Importance of Enjoying Business Concepts[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

Joanna sits down with co-host Michelle to chat about her company To Be Honest Beverage Company, a non-alcoholic hemp infused spirit alternative, to chat about her journey in building a brand from scratch. Michelle opens up about how her personal shift in her relationship with alcohol—and her husband’s experience in alcohol production—sparked the idea for TBH.We dive into everything from the challenges of creating and marketing a physical product to the growing sober curious movement. Michelle shares what it's like running a business with her husband, how they navigate communication, and the all-important boundary-setting when work and life mix.Joanna and Michelle also dig into the unique marketing strategies TBH uses, including the power of local markets and personal connections, while reflecting on the deeper motivations that drive entrepreneurship—like the desire for freedom and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a niche product in a fast-evolving market, this episode is packed with insights and real talk!https://www.tobehonestbev.com/Time Stamps:00:47 Understanding TBH Beverage Company03:52 The Sober Curious Movement06:22 First Year Milestones and Achievements19:02 Sales and Marketing Strategies28:02 Challenges of Running a Business with a Partner35:19 Personal Motivation and Entrepreneurial Drive[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

We’re diving into the big difference between working on your business and working in it. We’ll chat about how female entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators can juggle the big-picture strategy stuff with the everyday tasks that keep everything rolling. We’re talking time management, how to prioritize what really moves the needle, and when to hand off those smaller tasks that suck up all your energy. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been at it for a while, this episode is packed with tips to help you grow, scale, and avoid the burnout trap.Time Stamps:00:41 Welcome to Her First Podcast01:06 Understanding 'In' vs 'On' Your Business01:40 Working 'In' Your Business: Day-to-Day Operations02:19 Working 'On' Your Business: Strategy and Growth03:03 Balancing Both: Strategies for Success05:11 Delegation and Task Management11:38 Time Management and Prioritization20:51 Avoiding Common Pitfalls[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

In this episode, we chat with Annabelle DeGrazio, the founder of TAJA Collection. Annabelle takes us through her wild journey from lawyer to launching her own customizable, non-toxic candle and home accessory biz. We talk all about the importance of finding happiness in what you do, thoughtful gifting, and why creating a positive company culture is a game changer. Annabelle gets real about self-care, work-life balance, and how trusting and empowering your team can lead to success.www.tajacollection.com@tajacollectionTime Stamps:01:49 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins06:20 Challenges and Setbacks as a Female Founder13:27 Creating a Positive Company Culture16:33 Lessons in Leadership and Management20:35 Personal Growth and Business Success24:04 Creating a Safe Company Culture25:25 Challenges for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs26:24 The Power of Community and Networking27:28 Expanding Beyond Initial Sales31:06 Learning from Business Decisions37:11 Balancing Self-Care and Business[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com

In this episode of the Her First Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into the wild world of public relations (PR) and why it’s a big deal for your brand and business. PR isn’t just a fancy buzzword—it’s all about managing how the world sees you (and no, we’re not talking about Instagram filters). We break down the basics of PR, showing you how to build trust, create buzz, and reach those niche audiences that’ll make your business shine.We’re also spilling our best secrets on how to craft killer pitches that get noticed—because nobody has time for vague emails that go nowhere. Plus, we’ll chat about the magic of being super specific and relevant when you’re reaching out to media outlets or collaborators.Reference links:HARO (Now Cision): https://www.cision.com/Qwoted: https://www.qwoted.com/Time Stamps:00:31 Understanding Public Relations02:17 PR Strategies and Examples05:10 The Importance of PR14:52 Crafting Your PR Pitch27:41 Real-Life PR Success Stories34:01 Tools and Resources for PR42:54 Building and Nurturing Media Relationships[Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share]10-Day Course Creation Challenge Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Get Descript for PodcastingTry Out Monday.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/herfirstcollective/ Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com