Let's face it: the higher you climb towards your personal and professional goals, the more leadership becomes an essential skill. The ability to create a collective will from separate parts and focus it towards a singular goal is not easy, and it must be earned. Today's guests on Piece of the Pai have decades of experience helping coach leaders and visionaries from some of the world's most successful companies. Dan Tocchini and Adrian Koehler are co-founders of Take New Ground, an executive lead...
Jan 05, 2023•47 min
Sometimes entrepreneurship runs in the family. That's certainly the case with Khaleel Loyd, the co-founder, CEO and big brother to the three Loyd brothers that make up Loyd Visuals. Founded in Charlotte in 2016, Loyd Visuals creates boutique video content for promotion, documentary and commercial clients, working with Fortune 100 companies such as Air BnB and Honeywell. Like many entrepreneurs, Khaleel Loyd had to find himself and his passion while working a more traditional 9-5 job, data consul...
Dec 07, 2022•31 min
It takes years of experience to be able to orchestra a six-course meal at a high level. It takes even longer to be able to do it as a small business owner. Doing it all as a woman in a male-dominated industry requires a special talent. Enter Tillie Kerna of Chef Tillie, a private and boutique chef who travels all over the world to bring her clients the freshest and most innovative meals. Thanks to an upbringing in the rural Pacific northwest, Chef Tillie began hunting, fishing and foraging her o...
Nov 16, 2022•27 min
One sign of a great entrepreneur is success across multiple industries. That definitely describes Jayme Valo, co-owner of Valoie skincare along with her husband, Nick. Jayme was a leader in the automotive industry when she was based in Idaho. When she moved to Charlotte a few years ago, she switched industries after she discovered that skincare was a shared passion she had with Nick. Using that inspiration, they self-taught themselves a new marketplace and introduced Valoie skincare products. Ja...
Oct 31, 2022•38 min
Operating with a low battery is a space that Desmond Wiggan rarely finds himself in. Desmond knows the power of having a full charge at all times, which is why he founded Battery Xchange, a service that allows you to rent batteries to power your devices on demand and on the go. An entrepreneur through and through, Desmond's education took him to the next level while studying for his Master's degree in Asia. It was his experience there being exposed to high technology that influenced him to start...
Oct 31, 2022•32 min
Fashion designer Daniel Gonzalez designs boutique ready-to-wear clothing for the "powerful, chic, artistic woman, a woman who many look to for answers and inspiration." Daniel's timeless and classic designs have found a home in Charlotte, as he opened Daniel Gonzalez Designs in 2019. Daniel Gonzalez and host Nesha Pai talk in today's episode of Piece of the Pai about how Daniel found fashion design through his first love, ballroom dancing. Daniel speaks about his upbringing in Columbia, South Am...
Sep 28, 2022•38 min
Self-care is almost intrinsic to Rita Garnto. After spending 20 years working in trauma centers around the world, Rita became a licensed massage therapist after moving to Charlotte in 2004. Now she's using her love of care and teaching to help people directly through her business, Simple Self-Care by Rita. Rita Garnto talks with Nesha Pai about her journey through medicine, including studying in her home country of Canada, through working trauma centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She also describe...
Sep 14, 2022•36 min
Entrepreneurship requires a special kind of person, but that could be anyone from anywhere. That includes a young Gaurav "G" Patel, who immigrated to the US when he was just ten years old and knew no English. Today, at 38 years of age, G Patel is one of Raleigh's hardest-working and most well-known figures in the hospitality industry. G is the founder of the Eschelon Experiences hospitality group, co-founder of Social House Vodka, and commercial real estate expert with CityPlat. Listen to today'...
Aug 24, 2022•30 min
Being a mother is always hard work, and often very thankless. That can lead to plenty of internal struggles that moms deal with on a daily basis. Fighting these battles can feel like you're trying to slay a dragon! Slay Like a Mother is the title of the book written by today's guest Katherine Wintsch. In addition to being an author, Katherine is the founder and CEO of The Mom Complex, a consulting company working with some of the world's biggest brands (such as Walmart, J&J and Chobani) to c...
Aug 03, 2022•34 min
Did you know 40% of Americans who make $200k or more live paycheck to paycheck? Today's guest on Piece of the Pai knows one of the most important life skills people can learn early is financial literacy. George Kroustalis is a finance expert and author who left a job with one of the country's biggest banks to become a financial advisor, mentor and published author. George works with entrepreneurs and young adults to help create strong money habits as early as possible by showing them the foundat...
Jul 20, 2022•34 min
Over the past eight years, Page Fehling has built a profile in Charlotte as the anchor of Good Day Charlotte, a morning news show that Fehling helped make a top ranked program of its kind. Audiences were drawn to her larger-than-life personality and endearing relatability. However, in 2021 Page made the decision to leave the career in TV she had known for more than 15 years to become an entrepreneur. On today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai sits down with Page to to talk about her ...
Jul 06, 2022•30 min
Host Nesha Pai has a profound respect for people who are overcoming ordinary obstacles (so much so that she wrote a book with that title). Today's guest on Piece of the Pai overcomes obstacles both ordinary and extraordinary, and is able to not only succeed but come out strong on the other side. Natasha Hemmingway is a sales coach, mother and a devoted person of faith. Her faith and resilience are what helped her overcome the loss of her first son during pregnancy, as well as a shift from pharma...
Jun 22, 2022•38 min
Entrepreneurs come from all different places, and the inspiration for a great business idea can come from anywhere. Today's guest on Piece of the Pai is Tiffany Marino, owner of Confetti Castle, a Charlotte-based company that specializes in creating fun and unique balloon designs for parties, events and more. Tiffany wasn't always an entrepreneur. She began her career in the pharmaceutical sales industry, before a relocation from Nashville to Charlotte forced her hand. She started Confetti Castl...
Jun 09, 2022•33 min
Few people have known host Nesha Pai for as long as today's guest, Anna Roop White. Anna and Nesha became friends in kindergarten and stayed in touch through the years as both have grown into successful entrepreneurs. Anna joins Nesha on today's episode of Piece of the Pai to talk about her business, Rest & Heal, a curated care package company which supports women facing life challenges. Anna talks about her journey to entrepreneurship after a career in investment banking, and the bouts with...
May 26, 2022•27 min
There's nothing more that Nesha Pai loves than a female business owner succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Today's guest on Piece of the Pai knows that world as well as anyone. Katie Schindler is the owner of Fine Grit, a custom cabinet and furniture shop based in Charlotte, NC. Since 2015, Katie has been creating bold, original new designs for her clients based on their unique visions. Katie's work can be seen in Charlotte at establishments like The Waterman, Lilbelle, Seleni...
May 12, 2022•32 min
Lindsey Regan Thorne, beauty maven and lifestyle influencer in Charlotte has reached a mass following from starting a very organic blog when blogging was a new thing and social media was a baby. LRT, as she is affectionately known, turned her career of interior design into creating works of art on women through make up and hair styling. Her biggest WHY is that she loves making women feel confident and beautiful and her encounter with a fan who had breast cancer changed her life. Listen to this a...
Dec 22, 2021•28 min
Lindsay Anvik was living in NYC and a business coach traveling the world and speaking to big audiences before a one-time charcuterie board made for a Charlotte non-profit changed her life. Listen to this fairly new entrepreneur talk about her success and the pain it has taken to get there. Her company, Babe & Butcher, is killing it and while it looks glamourous on the pages of a glossy magazine, Lindsay gets real with us. One thing we know for sure, is she loves what she does!
Nov 10, 2021•27 min
Dominique Sensabaugh is more than a NFL athlete's wife. She has taken her platform in her own hands and been on a fast track to support other wives, young athletes, all women, and entrepreneurs by sharing her talents, vision, and time and creating seats at her table. Listen on to learn more about the foundation she created with her husband, Coty, as well as her #DSLBInspired mission!
Oct 20, 2021•39 min
Melissa Herriott, an artist and interior decorator in Charlotte NC, has made a name for herself while working on her side hustle during her corporate America reign in the space of IT recruiting. She finally jumped the cliff and went out on her own full time. In this episode, we cover how to find balance as an entrepreneur, how and when Melissa made the decision to go out on her own, and what brings her the most joy in her work.
Jun 02, 2021•33 min
Toska Husted began her journey over 20 years ago in London, England when she became a graduate of the elite “Steiner” School of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, appointed by Queen Elizabeth II. Toska also holds a diploma in Beauty Culture, and received her diploma as a qualified Beautician from the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, which is internationally recognized in over 30 countries for its exceptionally high standards, advanced qualifications, and reputation for...
Apr 28, 2021•24 min
Colleen Odegaard is an Emmy award winning broadcast journalist, TV host, certified life coach, video and media coach and the host of the Wake Up To Your Life podcast. She wants all of us to stop living on autopilot and “wake up” to creating richer, fuller lives through self awareness and mindfulness. Colleen relates to her clients and listeners with her personal stories, a sense of humor and practical steps we can all take to create positive changes in our lives. Colleen is a recipient of the Dr...
Apr 07, 2021•34 min
Fabi Preslar is the owner and president of SPARK Publications , a national, award-winning, independent publishing firm specializing in the design of niche magazines, special publications, and independently published books for print, digital, and interactive media. Her firm’s publications enhance credibility and distinction, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive and excel. Preslar has been honored as a 2020 FOLIO: Top Women in Media, was inducted into the 2019 North Carolina Women Busi...
Jul 01, 2020•35 min
Ole Mason Jar is a specialty line of menswear founded in Charlotte in 2013. Co-founder Bradley Rhyne brought a background in accounting and finance to the table, along with a passion for creating timeless, trusted men's clothing. In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Brad about making the shift from the 9-5 world to entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind the brand, and how Bradley is shifting during the pandemic to open their first storefront in South End. Visit Ole M...
Jun 08, 2020•31 min
Kent Youngstrom is a visual artist, designer and author in Charlotte, NC. His vivid artwork has found a home blurring the lines between traditional and modern arts. His designs and ideas have landed him major partnerships with companies such as No Bull and CB2 In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Kent about his art, his background, and why he doesn't think of himself as an entrepreneur.
May 20, 2020•24 min
It takes a special kind of dedication to endure the physical demands of being a top flight UFC fighter. However, in many ways, a UFC fighter needs the same entrepreneurial skills as a business owner in order to be successful. Today's guest on Piece of the Pai is Sara McCann. A mother, wife, and also the first woman to ever win a medal in Olympic wrestling, Sara talks about balancing the rigors of her profession, common misconceptions, and what business she's building on the side.
Jan 20, 2020•32 min
Maureen Anders of Anders Ruff is our guest on this episode of Piece of the Pai. Anders Ruff is a popular graphic design, party styling, DIY blog and online shop. Founded in 2013 with her friend Adria Ruff, the company has grown to more than 100 franchise locations across the country. From humble beginnings creating decorations for children's parties, AR has grown to designing sets for magazines and celebrity photoshoots. Tune in to hear Nesha talk to Maureen about her background and how she turn...
Jul 03, 2019•25 min
In this episode of Piece of the Pai we interview Cel Thompson, who is a single mom, self-made fitness guru and beat the odds to be the only salesperson to rise to the top of her fitness company without a college degree. From being in over 25 fitness competitions to coaching pro sport cheerleaders, she is the definition of hustle. More recently, Cel won the Judge’s Choice Award for the 2019 Carolina Breast Friends, Dancing with the Stars competition in Charlotte, to benefit funding for breast can...
Jun 05, 2019•34 min
In this episode we are honored to interview Jenn Andrews of Move For Jenn. Jenn worked in corporate America for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mom and launching a successful Isagenix career. Her passion for health and fitness was her foundation. What she didn’t know is that career would lead her to her security blanket when she was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma (as a mother of two very young kids). This led to Jenn having to make the biggest decision of her life: amputating he...
Nov 28, 2018•33 min
Today's episode of Piece of the Pai features small business and jewelry maker Preston Bolles of Ellison James Designs. Proving that necessity is the mother of all invention, Preston began making jewelry when she couldn't find the right pieces to wear during Carolina Panthers game days. Once she began making her own, she couldn't stop getting compliments. Tune in to hear Nesha talk to Preston about launching her own business around jewelry, the challenges of making all the jewelry herself, the fa...
Oct 24, 2018•31 min
In this episode we are focusing Mitch Purgason, head designer and owner of Stitched By Mitch. Mitch is a guy beyond his years and has the charisma of Frank Sinatra and cool of Richard Branson. He has differentiated himself in the industry with his customer service and creativity. He can create anything that he can draw so he does not limit himself to men’s suits, he also creates urban style jogger pants and bomber jackets or shoes. He has an awe-inspiring list of clientele from NASCAR to the NFL...
Sep 26, 2018•36 min
