In episode 9 of The Speech Source podcast, hosts Kim and Mary are joined by sisters MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Emily McAnelly who share their story into the world of podcasting and self-discovery. Together, they recently launched The Great Noticing Podcast, encouraging listeners to pause, observe, and engage more deeply with the world around them.

MaryAnn shares how a casual conversation nine years ago planted the seeds for The Great Noticing. Emily recalls being invited into this dream by MaryAnn, noting her initial hesitation but expressing admiration for her sister’s vision and leadership.

For MaryAnn and Emily, “noticing” is a transformative practice that helps break cycles, encourages nonjudgmental awareness, and allows for personal growth. MaryAnn developed this concept while working in leadership and coaching with her company Collective Growth Leadership. Emily, too, finds herself using “noticing” to manage emotions, better understand relationships, and bring curiosity into her daily life.

Emily recently made the brave decision to step back from her tech career to focus on her family, a transition that has prompted self-reflection and a reevaluation of identity. This conversation between the sisters goes into the common struggle many women face in balancing career and family, as well as the societal pressures surrounding these choices.

Through The Great Noticing Podcast, they hope to inspire listeners to become “noticers” in their own lives, allowing mindfulness to guide their responses rather than reactions. Their ultimate goal? To help others gain insight into their experiences, build a deeper understanding of themselves, and foster growth in both personal and professional realms.

Tune in to hear more from MaryAnn and Emily about their journey and the lessons they’ve learned from each other and from those they interview. Plus, hear Kim and Mary reflect on their own personal experiences, illustrating the powerful impact of community and connection. Don’t miss out on these inspiring stories—subscribe to The Great Noticing Podcast and The Speech Source Podcast for more genuine conversations.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode of our Changing the Game season, Meg Minter, founder of Studio of Movemint, shares her journey from competitive dancer to transformative studio owner in Fort Worth, Texas. Growing up in the world of competitive dance, Meg witnessed many challenges, from body image pressures to extreme competitiveness, that shaped her desire to create a different kind of dance environment: a safe, positive space where kids can experience movement, grow in confidence, and form genuine connections.

Starting from scratch in Fort Worth with no initial clientele, Meg and her husband took a leap of faith. They opened Studio of Movemint with just 50 students, but thanks to their community-centered approach and commitment to high standards, the studio has grown rapidly, now nearing 1,000 students. Meg emphasizes that the studio isn’t just about dance classes – it’s about building a community. She has introduced inclusive programs like adaptive dance for children with special needs and a dance class specific to those living with Parkinson's, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of movement.

While the studio’s fast growth has been exciting, it has also brought challenges. Meg talks openly about the struggles of balancing an expanding business with her commitment to maintaining a welcoming and high-quality environment. To manage this, she relies on her team, whom she carefully hires to share her vision of inclusivity and excellence. Her passion for giving back to the Fort Worth community is evident through initiatives like “Pink Week” for breast cancer awareness and the “Dancing with Joy” scholarship, which supports students in need. Inspired by a former student, this scholarship is a deeply personal cause for Meg and is on its way to becoming a full non-profit.

Meg also reflects on the partnership with her husband, which has been crucial to balancing the demands of a successful business and family life. Clear communication and teamwork allow them to support one another, especially with a busy household. She speaks about the power of community, highlighting how word of mouth has fueled Studio of Movemint’s growth and reinforced its place in Fort Worth. With a strong commitment to her values and a heart for making dance accessible for everyone, Meg’s story is a powerful example of how passion, community, and inclusivity can transform not just a business, but an entire city. As she puts it, “It’s easy to give back to a city that has given so much to us.”

Don’t miss this inspiring episode that redefines success, as Meg shares her vision of making dance a joyful, welcoming experience for all.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode of the Speech Source Podcast, hosts Kim and Mary sit down with Sarah Calk, the creative mind behind Sadl's Designs. Sarah shares how her need to a creative outlet sparked a business that has grown alongside her journey as a mom, wife, and full-time professional. From learning to sew with her mom to creating custom pillows for designers and homes in Fort Worth, Sarah’s story beautifully illustrates the balance between creativity and life’s changing seasons.

Sarah began sewing as a creative outlet during the newborn phase with her first son. Wanting to break the monotony of caring for a baby, she called her mom for a sewing lesson, sparking a passion that quickly grew into a business. With no sewing machine or storefront of her own, Sarah started small, using her mom’s machine and selling her first creations at a local market. She emphasizes the importance of beginning where you are and reinvesting profits to grow steadily.

Throughout the episode, Sarah discusses the power of collaboration and community. Partnering with interior designers, artists, and monogrammers has allowed her to expand her business while learning from others. She explains how working with people who share her creative vision makes the process more rewarding. Sarah also touches on setting boundaries, explaining that managing a side hustle while raising a family requires intentional choices. Success, for her, isn’t about doing everything but focusing on what truly matters and staying aligned with personal values.

Sarah’s business journey is a reminder that success isn’t always measured by growth or profit. For her, joy comes from contributing creatively to her family’s life, whether by paying for a vacation or adding beauty to someone’s home. She encourages entrepreneurs to focus on what they can do instead of being overwhelmed by limitations. Staying in her own lane and avoiding unnecessary comparisons has helped her maintain balance and fulfillment.

Sarah reflects on how she loves having her creative outlet as a side hustle rather than a full-time commitment. She explains that not every business needs to grow endlessly and that scaling back has allowed her to rediscover joy in her work.

Make sure to follow Sarah Calk and Sadl's Designs on Instagram to see her beautiful, custom-made pillows!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary interview Sabrina Gebhardt with Sabrina Gebhardt Photography, a talented photographer, educator, and entrepreneur, who shares her journey from corporate America to launching a thriving photography business. Sabrina discusses how she balances motherhood, creative growth, business expansion, and personal well-being, offering valuable insights for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs.

Sabrina’s passion for photography began early in life, growing up with parents who valued the art form. Her mother captured family moments, while her father focused on landscapes, both of which inspired her love for photography. However, she set the camera aside during college and a corporate career, only to rediscover her passion after the birth of her first child.

Her journey into photography evolved organically, starting with capturing moments of her children, which soon led to friends requesting photos. Over time, Sabrina turned this passion into a business.

As her photography business grew, she realized the importance of delegating tasks and hired support for administrative work, such as invoicing and editing. Outsourcing allowed her to reclaim joy in her craft while balancing business growth and personal life. This shift in mindset not only enhanced her well-being but also improved the quality of her work.

Eight years into her photography career, Sabrina expanded into education and mentorship, which now forms a significant part of her business including mentorship programs, mastermind courses, retreats, and even launched her podcast, Shoot it Straight. Sabrina’s approach to education is not about teaching others to replicate her style but about empowering creatives to embrace their unique artistic voices.

A key theme throughout Sabrina’s story is her adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of aligning your business with the different seasons of life. As her family’s needs changed, she modified her business to fit those shifts, ensuring she could be present for her children while maintaining a thriving career. This flexibility has been instrumental in her personal and professional success.

Sabrina also touches on the importance of financial planning and legacy building. For her, success is not just about artistic achievement but also about creating a financial foundation for her children’s futures. Drawing on advice from her mother, Sabrina emphasizes the importance of maintaining an identity outside of motherhood. She wants her children to understand that they, too, can create fulfilling lives that align with their passions.

Throughout the conversation, Sabrina stresses that business should be fun and fluid, evolving naturally over time. She encourages entrepreneurs to experiment, take risks, and listen to their intuition when making decisions. By embracing change, setting boundaries, and trusting herself, Sabrina has built a business that supports her creative vision and personal happiness.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary interview the talented Katie Murray of "Katie Paintbrush," an artist, muralist, and teacher who's made a name for herself both locally in Fort Worth and nationally. Katie shares her journey from a passion for art that began as early as kindergarten to eventually establishing her own business, working on stunning murals and curating art projects.

Katie’s career path is full of twists and turns. She initially studied fashion merchandising, then switched to architecture before eventually earning her degree in graphic design. Her love for art, combined with her fascination for geometry, played a significant role in shaping her creative style. Despite working in graphic design and teaching, it wasn't until her friends in real estate encouraged her to paint murals that she discovered the unique niche in the city of Fort Worth. Creating the “Dream On, Dreamer” mural snowballed into multiple mural projects around Fort Worth. She also speaks about her work as a curator and how much she enjoyed collaborating with other artists, helping to make art more accessible and exciting in her community.

Katie's creative process involves a lot of intentional thought. Whether she's working on murals, portraits, or large-scale installations, she draws on her background in architecture and graphic design to create visually striking, meaningful pieces. One of her most intensive projects was a mural installation for an architectural trade show in Chicago, where she incorporated unique elements like screws, glass, and Legos to create a stunning impressionistic piece.

Throughout the episode, Katie reflects on the balance between being a business owner and an artist. She candidly shares her struggles with burnout and the constant demand of freelance work but also highlights the joy and satisfaction of working on projects that align with her artistic vision. She emphasizes the importance of art not just as a form of personal expression but as something that can inspire and beautify the community.

From managing clients and projects to finding ways to stay true to her style, Katie’s story is an inspiring example of how following your passion can lead to incredible success, both personally and professionally.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, Kim and Mary talk with Betsy Beaman, the owner of BBeamanStylist, a personal stylist and consultant business. Betsy shares her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to creating her own styling business, offering valuable insights into the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship. She discusses how her early career in communications and donor relations, particularly her time at the Presbyterian Night Shelter, pushed her outside her comfort zone and provided life lessons that shaped her passion for helping women express themselves through style. Betsy emphasizes that her approach to fashion goes beyond following trends—it's about finding what makes her clients feel good and confident. Reflecting on her first memorable fashion experience in sixth grade, she highlights how those early lessons still influence her philosophy today.

Betsy’s motivation is to help women find confidence and joy through style, making personal styling attainable for busy women who may not prioritize themselves. She opens up about the ups and downs of building a business, including self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to her mission and finding mentors and support systems. Throughout the episode, Betsy provides practical style tips, such as making small wardrobe changes—like switching leggings for jeans or adding accessories—to elevate one's look while maintaining comfort. She explains how small physical shifts can positively impact a person’s mindset and mood.

Betsy discusses her commitment to authenticity in her business, rejecting the influencer trend of pushing products that don’t align with her clients’ needs. Her goal is to build a business that not only supports her family but also sets an example for her daughters, showing them that women can create successful businesses on their own terms. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear business plan and staying accountable to one’s original mission, pivoting when necessary but always holding onto the core vision.

Listeners can connect with Betsy on Instagram at @bebeemanstylist or visit her website at bebeemanstylist.com. Tune in to hear Betsy’s authentic approach to style, business, and life—and be inspired to find joy in your own journey. If you’re ready to elevate your wardrobe and discover your style, reach out to Betsy for a consultation or explore her tips on Instagram. You can find her on Instagram @bbeamanstylist or visit her website bbeamanstylist.com.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

Brittany Voxland and Samantha Drumm are friends turned business partners in Fort Worth, Texas. Realizing their complementary skill sets, they merged their businesses, combining Brittany’s social media expertise with Samantha’s branding and website skills to form Project Social. This transition from friends to business partners wasn’t planned, but it felt natural, providing them with the energy and motivation to stay creative and driven. They emphasize the importance of “leaning into what felt right” as a key factor in their success.

Both women come from corporate backgrounds, with Brittany working in HR and Samantha in government PR, but they sought a career that would allow them the freedom to balance their family lives with meaningful work. Their entrepreneurial journey also led them to open Elle Maxine, a women’s boutique in Fort Worth. They treat the boutique as a client of Project Social, using the marketing strategies they’ve developed to build a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing shopping space that’s accessible to everyone. The boutique, with its chic yet comfortable vibe, feels like a place where customers can relax, enjoy a glass of champagne, and shop.

Brittany and Samantha attribute much of their success to the supportive Fort Worth community, noting how their clients have become friends who continue to support their ventures. The close-knit nature of the Fort Worth area has been instrumental in the growth of both Project Social and Elle Maxine. They also talk about the challenges of balancing business and life, agreeing that perfect balance is a myth. Instead, they’ve found a sense of harmony by involving their families in their work, whether it's their children helping out at the boutique or understanding the work that goes into running a business.

One of the key lessons they’ve learned in business is the importance of delegation. As their businesses have grown, they’ve realized the value of trusting their team and empowering others to take on responsibilities. Project Social now has a strong team, and both women emphasize that growth requires letting go of tasks and relying on the right people. Ultimately, for Brittany and Samantha, entrepreneurship is about creating a legacy for their families. They want their children to see the value in hard work and experience the joy that comes from building something meaningful. Their story is one of friendship, creativity, community, and the ability to balance the demands of business with the rewards of family life. This episode highlights how two friends took a leap of faith, merged their talents, and created businesses that reflect their passion and commitment to their families and the Fort Worth community.

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/

In this episode, we chat with the inspiring Abby Henegan, a wife, mom, and registered ICU nurse turned entrepreneur. Abby shares her journey from nursing school to owning her own aesthetics business, focusing on the challenges she faced, how she finds balance between her work and personal life, and her philosophy behind aesthetics.

By fostering an environment of kindness and genuine care, Abby sets a high standard in the aesthetics industry, ensuring that her clients leave feeling truly confident and beautiful. She emphasizes that aesthetics is more of an art than a science and took time to hone her skills with the guidance of several mentors.
She reveals the importance of word-of-mouth referrals, continuous learning, and genuine networking within the industry. Abby also introduces her specialized training program for aspiring injectors, emphasizing personalized learning and mentorship over large, impersonal classes.

This episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and professional insights, making it a great listen for anyone looking to start a business in their own field.

Interested in learning more about Abby, check out Abby Henegan Aesthetics

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow our podcast! You will be the first to know when new episodes release. We would also love for you to leave a review and rate our show. The Speech Source appreciates your feedback and support! Follow here!

Follow Kim and Mary on IG here! - https://www.instagram.com/thespeechsource/
For more information on speech, language, feeding and play - visit The Speech Source Website - https://www.thespeechsource.com/