A Line Stories - podcast cover

A Line Stories

Karmen Berentsenwww.aline-online.com

Join Karmen Berentsen and A Line Boutique in highlighting the beautiful, unique voices of our community through organic conversation and exploration of our shared human journey. Here, you are at home. We invite you to listen, learn, and join in on the conversation with industry leaders, style icons, the A Line team, and the everyday people who have loved, fumbled, failed, and emerged confident and purposeful through exploration and imagination.

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Episodes

96. This is How They Learn: Parenting Teens with Deanna Combs

Karmen and her bestie Deanna Combs are both mothers navigating the complexities of parenting teenagers. Today, they share their experiences, insights, and challenges. They discuss the delicate balance of letting go of control while providing support, the developmental milestones of adolescents, the impact of screen time and social media, and the importance of building a supportive community among parents. Karmen and Deanna emphasize the need for understanding and empathy as they guide their chil...

Jun 24, 202554 minEp. 96

95. Harmonizing Life and Medicine: Lessons from an Oncologist with Maria Borrero

In today’s episode, Karmen sits down with Dr. Maria Borrero, an oncologist with a transformative approach to cancer care. Maria delves deep into how her Colombian heritage influences her treatment style, her lifelong mission to not only treat cancer but to deeply connect with her patients, especially within the Hispanic community. They cover essential cancer prevention tips, the significance of regular screenings, and advice on advocating for oneself in a healthcare system. Plus, hear Karmen and...

Jun 03, 202540 minEp. 95

94. Freedom on Two Wheels: The Bluejay E-Bike Story with Jen Bogan

Today Karmen chats with Jen Bogan, founder of Bluejay Electric Bikes. Jen discusses her journey from working in fashion and beauty marketing to creating stylish and functional e-bikes. Both Karmen and Jen share personal stories on how e-bikes have transformed their daily routines and brought joy and freedom to their families. Jen explains her inspiration for starting Bluejay, the design process, and the impact her bikes have on customers. The conversation also touches on balancing entrepreneursh...

May 13, 202524 minEp. 94

93. The Most Fabulous Third Act with Jill Rawstorne

Jill Rawstorne embodies grace, curiosity, and a fierce sense of relevance. A stylist at A Line's Salt Lake City location, she joins the show to share her inspiring journey from a traditional upbringing to embracing her role in fashion and empowering the women in her circle. Women's roles have evolved and style is just one of many ways of stepping into your power. Jill reflects on her personal experiences like finding purpose after significant life changes and the value of simple things like smal...

Apr 29, 202538 minEp. 93

92. Rediscovering Self Through Style with Channing Olch

Channing Olch has done it all, but even she felt lost in her identity as a mother. A Line helped her rediscover her voice and confidence. In this episode, Karmen and Channing dive in on the importance of vulnerability, community support, and self care in the journey of empowerment and personal growth. They highlight how A Line serves as a safe space for women to embrace their individuality and feel seen. The ripple effects of finding purpose and embracing one's true self can open the door to une...

Apr 01, 202555 minEp. 92

91. Breaking Boundaries in Boutique Business with Britni Jensen

Today Karmen welcomes Britni Jensen, the CEO and founder of Inspyre Boutique, April and West, and Wild West Baby Co. They discuss the power of collaboration among women entrepreneurs, the journey of building successful businesses, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. Britni shares her journey, the importance of continuous learning, and the joy of pursuing passions. They also touch on the realities of mom guilt and the excitement of new experiences, including A Line's...

Mar 18, 202545 minEp. 91

90. Styling Confidence & Fashioning a New Path with Abby Stultz

This week, Abby shares her transformative journey from being a dietitian to becoming a stylist at A Line. She discusses the challenges of body image, the importance of self-expression through fashion, and how her background in nutrition informs her approach to styling. Abby emphasizes the need for women to dress for their current bodies and to embrace change, while also highlighting the joy and empowerment that comes from helping others feel confident in their clothing choices. Her personal expe...

Mar 04, 202534 minEp. 90

89. PVolve: Redefining Fitness with Kirstin Keohane and Ashley Dechant Jones

Today Karmen sits down with sisters Kirstin and Ashley, franchise owners of PVolve, a fitness method focused on functional movement and longevity. They share their personal journeys of transformation, the leap into entrepreneurship, and the importance of redefining fitness to prioritize how one feels over how one looks. The conversation emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself, the challenges of business ownership, and the empowerment of women in pursuing their passions. They also explore...

Feb 18, 202552 min

88. Innovation in the Kitchen and Beyond with Sydney and Brian De Souza from The Regular

Today Karmen delves into the inspiring story of the entrepreneurial duo behind one of Denver's best restaurants, The Regular. Sydney and Brian's love story began in a New York City kitchen, and their restaurant started as a series of free dinner parties in their home. They credit resilience, creativity, playfulness, and the union off their different points of view in helping them foster a nurturing environment that promises success for their team and their business. Connect with The Regular: the...

Feb 04, 202545 min

87. Just Start and Don't Give Up with Shana Colbin

Karmen and Shana Colbin, founder and owner of Denver's beloved Kismet boutique, serendipitously met on a flight and immediately connected. Shana shares her journey from growing up in New York City, modeling for Ralph Lauren, working in retail, to eventually founding Kismet. She speaks candidly about her entrepreneurial journey, challenges in hiring a team, and the importance of just taking the first step–and then pushing on. Connect with Shana and Kismet: kismetaccessories.com IG: @kistmetandkis...

Jan 21, 202540 min

86. Living with Margin: Peace in Organization with Jennifer Martin @Reset_Your_Nest

To ring in 2025 Karmen sits down with Jennifer Martin, owner and founder of Reset Your Nest, to dive into the transformative impact of home organization. Jen shares insights into how organizing our physical spaces can lead to greater emotional and spiritual freedom, and shares key tips like decluttering first and starting small. Just like A Line, Reset Your Nest has empowered so many women, including their own team. Tune in to get inspired for a clutter-free, organized, and fulfilling 2025! Conn...

Jan 07, 202549 minEp. 86

85. A Line in Africa: The Magic of the Mara with Becky Stevens

This week, Karmen and fellow safari traveler Becky Stevens reflect on this year's A Line Adventures safari trip across Kenya's Mara. Karmen shares how the journey allowed her to connect with her softer, more feminine side amidst the wild beauty of the land. Becky recounts empowering connections made on the trip, both with the group and the wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and a community visit to a Maasai village. It's time to receive, let go of control, and embrace the magic of the unknown!...

Dec 31, 202446 minEp. 85

84. Inside Citizens of Humanity: Exploring Design and Sustainability with Marianne McDonald

In this episode, Karmen sits down with a very special guest: Marianne McDonald, the creative director of Citizens of Humanity. They discuss the iconic status of the brand, its innovative approach to sustainability, and the design process that sets it apart. Marianne speaks to the importance of craftsmanship, the transformative power of fashion, and the label's groundbreaking work in regenerative farming. Design should be intentional, and style isn't just about following trends. Connect with Mari...

Nov 19, 202422 minEp. 84

83. Ballet and Boutique with Olivia Miller

Meet one of our Salt Lake City Stylists, Olivia! In this conversation, Olivia shares her personal style journey, the evolution of her fashion inspiration, and the importance of curating a working wardrobe. To Olivia, A Line is no judgment zone and she wants clients to feel comfortable and confident in their choices. Growing up as an artsy kid in the Midwest, Olivia never quite fit in and that's what makes a community like A Line so special. Her life's purpose is helping others, but Taylor Swift ...

Oct 22, 202444 minEp. 83

82. From Hollywood Trainer to A Line Stylist with Debbie Siebers

Introducing Cherry Creek's newest stylist, Debbie Siebers! Karmen and Debbie dive into Debbie's incredible journey from a small-town girl in Wisconsin to becoming a celebrity personal trainer in Los Angeles and eventually a fitness celebrity in her own right. Debbie shares her experiences training high-profile clients, overcoming personal challenges , and the pivotal moments that led her to her to where she is now. In a new chapter of life at 64, Debbie applies her wealth of experience to stylin...

Sep 03, 202444 minEp. 82

81. Fall Trends & Behind the Scenes of the Buy with Emily Smith and Jack Savoie

This week Karmen sits down with Emily and Jack to go behind the scenes on buying for A Line in Paris and New York and go all in on fall trends. Buyers as well as stylists, the duo travels to New York and Paris several times a year to select the best pieces for the store each season. They A Line buy is truly selected not only for quality and style but to match the needs of A Line clients. This rigorous process includes navigating multiple showrooms across the city and disappointments like unexpec...

Aug 27, 202448 minEp. 81

80. A Line in Salt Lake City with Brandon Charles Barker and Kelly Harrison

This week Karmen sits down with a few familiar faces! COO Brandon Charles Barker and CFO Kelly Harrison are back on the podcast to dive into the long-awaited opening of A Line's new location in Salt Lake City, Utah. Opening this store has been a wild ride, and we're so excited that our SLC spot is finally here! See you at our L'AGENCE trunk show this week on August 22nd and our grand opening party on the 24th! Connect with Karmen and A Line: aline-online.com IG: @alinestoriespodcast @alineboutiq...

Aug 20, 202444 minEp. 80

79. Finding Confidence, Community, and Style with Amanda Parsons

Today Karmen chats with Amanda Parsons, a stylist from A Line's California location in Carlsbad. She opens up about her challenging past year, her recent move to San Diego, the loneliness she has faced, and how it led her to discovering A Line Boutique and with it a new sense of community and purpose. The conversation delves into Amanda's lifelong passion for fashion, her favorite brands, and her role in empowering women through style. She also discusses the importance of building genuine relati...

Aug 13, 202425 minEp. 79

78. Never Stop Reinventing Yourself with Stephanie Wilcox

Stephanie Wilcox shares her inspiring journey of reinvention and embracing new opportunities at every stage of life. From the twists and turns of her career in fashion and special events to her work in education and business, Stephanie has constantly challenged herself and stepped out of her comfort zone. She emphasizes the importance of staying mentally and physically active, finding balance, and connecting with others. Stephanie's story serves as a reminder that age is just a number and that i...

Jul 09, 202443 minEp. 78

77. Everyone Deserves the Right to Feel Beautiful with Shalene Karavites

This week, Karmen interviews A Line stylist Shalene about her personal journey, her love for fashion, and her role as a stylist. Shalene shares her experience of battling and conquering cancer at a young age and how it has shaped her perspective on helping women feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. She discusses her approach to styling clients, her favorite fashion trends, and the joy she finds in styling her own mother. Shalene also emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming a...

Jul 02, 202429 minEp. 77

76. Remembering, Releasing, and Reclaiming with Megan Thoma

In this conversation, Karmen chats with master coach Megan Thoma about toxic relationships and the process of healing and reclaiming oneself. They discuss falling in love with the potential instead of the person, the impact of childhood experiences on what we seek in relationships, and the importance of self-awareness. Megan shares her 3 R's transformational process: Remembering, Releasing, and Reclaiming. They explore the process by examining the negative and positive characteristics of Karmen'...

Jun 25, 202449 minEp. 76

75. Being On-Trend Without Being Trendy with Taylor LeBon

Give it up for another stylist episode! In this conversation, Karmen chats with Taylor LeBon, the first stylist from A Line's Carlsbad, California location to join the show. Taylor discusses her experience working at the store and her personal styling preferences from her favorite brands to the importance of building a working wardrobe, and how to be on-trend without being trendy. Taylor also shares insights into her personal life, including her disciplined approach to juggling work, family, and...

Jun 18, 202437 minEp. 75

74. No Shame in Your Game: Experiential Retail with Kate Drinkwater

So, what is experiential retail? Retail educator Kate Drinkwater joins Karmen on the podcast to dive into the world of creating memory-grade experiences that engage all the senses. It involves providing a unique and immersive shopping experience that goes beyond just buying a product. Different generations have different shopping habits and preferences, with Gen Z being more likely to research online and then buy in-store for the instant gratification while Baby Boomers don't mind waiting days f...

May 21, 202458 minEp. 74

73. Strong Independent Women: Stepping Into Our Female Power with Caroline Kicklighter

Content warning: this episode contains discussion of suicide. If you or a loved one are struggling, help is available. Text or call 988 for 24/7 support and resources. In this week's conversation, Karmen Berentsen sits down with Caroline Kick lighter. They discuss the challenges faced by strong, successful women, particularly in relationships. They share personal stories of dealing with difficult marriages and the impact of their independence on their partners and explore the concept of perfecti...

May 14, 202452 minEp. 73

72. Just Start, and Don't Stop: Echoes of Empowerment with Leigh Radtke

This week, Karmen sits down with Leigh Radtke. Leigh took a risk and started her tech career with no experience in Washington D.C. in the 90s, when boardrooms echoed with deep voices and women's words often fell on deaf ears. Now, she's a leader in the technological arena at Visa. Karmen and Leigh dive in on Leigh's journey and that of the women whose shoulders we all stand upon, tracing the path from women who's only option was housewife to the bright future ahead of girls today. Leigh's story ...

May 07, 202440 minEp. 72

71. Luck Doesn't Just Happen with Michele Baratta-Detwiler (AKA Bella Branch DIY)

In this conversation, Karmen talks with fashion influencer and former high-end jewelry designerMichele Baratta. At 50 and 58, respectively, they discuss key mindset shifts like embracing aging, positive self-talk, the power of asking for what you want, and staying grounded and centered in daily life. They emphasize the power of choosing how to respond to challenges instead of react to them, and the importance of self-awareness when it comes to understanding your needs. This conversation also hig...

Apr 30, 202435 minEp. 71

70. Stay True to What You Want with Amy Jackson

This week Karmen sits down with Amy Jackson, founder of MAYSON The Label. Amy shares her journey in the fashion industry from her start as a blogger and dives into the inspiration behind her brand, emphasizing the importance of getting clear on what you want and staying true to your identity. If it's not a "yes" it's a "hell no"! Some of the most important pieces of creating MAYSON were crafting the clothing with the perfect fit and using of high-quality fabrics to give each piece a luxury feel ...

Apr 23, 202435 minEp. 70

69. Finding Food and Body Freedom with Katie Galsworthy

In this conversation, Karmen and Katie Galsworthy discuss the relationship between nutrition, psychology, and body image. Katie shares her personal struggle with food and how she found a better relationship with her own body. They dive in on the importance of listening to your body's needs, distinguishing between emotional and physical hunger, and giving yourself permission to indulge in foods that bring you comfort to prevent bingeing and build a more balanced approach to eating. They also high...

Apr 16, 202432 minEp. 69

68. Women Can Do Anything with Danielle Touche of CMH

Today Karmen chats with female heli-skiing guide Danielle. She shares her experience and journey in a male-dominated field and talks about the process of becoming a guide, the challenges she faced, and the importance of networking and gaining experience. Danielle also discusses the unique aspects of heli-skiing, such as skiing in the alpine and the thrill of landing and taking off in a helicopter. She focuses on the importance of finding the right lodge and terrain for each skier's skill level. ...

Apr 09, 202438 minEp. 68

67. Fashion Funds the Fight with Cancer Cartel

In this powerful conversation, Karmen sits down with Katy Tinney, Kerry Solmonsen, and Shelly Tinney-Miller of Cancer Cartel. Cancer Cartel is an organization founded by three cancer survivors who wanted to help others by providing direct financial grants to cancer warriors in need, with 100% of donor funds going directly to their initiative. They raise money through reselling donated luxury fashion. Each of the founders shares how cancer changed them and how Cancer Cartel has transformed their ...

Apr 02, 202438 minEp. 67
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