On today’s episode of The Cultivate Podcast, I am joined Britty O’Connor. Britty is the owner and head baker of Flour & Salt Bakery and Cafe, as well as Martha’s on Madison. She is also the president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Britty got her degree in education, but as someone who has been baking since early adulthood, when she was offered the brick-and-mortar for Flour & Salt, she knew she couldn’t pass up the opportunity. During our conversation, Britty shares insights into h...
Apr 29, 2024•39 min•Ep. 32
On today’s episode of The Cultivate Podcast, I am speaking with Bill Berthel and Erika Davis from Emergent. Emergent is a leadership team and organizational development organization right here in Central New York. It offers an array of services to affect both individual and organizational transformation. Their offerings extend from executive coaching to leadership training and corporate retreats, to motivational speaking. Bill has 25 years of experience in various leadership roles and found his ...
Apr 22, 2024•55 min•Ep. 31
I am sitting down with Amanda McCarty, the owner of 315 Beauty Bar and a salon business and growth strategist. Amanda opened up the first Beauty Bar in 2019. Driven by her commitment to growth and advancement, she expanded her business and opened the second and third salon in 2022. During our conversation, Amanda discusses her journey into business ownership, the challenges and successes she has encountered, including navigating her business during the pandemic, and her experience opening anothe...
Apr 08, 2024•39 min•Ep. 30
This episode features Emma Martens, a professional astrologer and brand strategist who creates scroll-stopping brands for spiritual entrepreneurs looking to monetize their magic. As someone who has been studying astrology for over 10 years, she is proof that woo-woo modalities can be used as powerful business tools and that spirituality certainly has a place in every boardroom. Emma has seen firsthand how effective using astrology can be for your business, so she decided to merge the psychology ...
Apr 03, 2024•55 min•Ep. 29
On Today’s episode, I am sitting down with Kelly O’Campo. Kelly is the executive director at Hope for Bereaved, an independent nonprofit community offering support, understanding, coping strategies, friendship, and hope to the bereaved, as well as education, consultation, and resources. Kelly has served almost 20 years in nonprofits, most of which have been in leadership positions. She has a Master’s degree in Inclusive Special Education from SU, is certified in grant writing, and started her bu...
Mar 25, 2024•48 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, I sit down with Jacqueline Colello, an artist based in Syracuse, New York with a mission is to inspire and uplift her community. She has commissioned murals for large businesses and developers around Central New York, and much of her work can be found in local restaurants, salons, and on the side of historical buildings. Jacqueline is very open about her life before becoming an artist. She struggled with addiction for many years and received 3 DWIs during that time. While this w...
Mar 19, 2024•55 min•Ep. 27
In this thought-provoking bonus episode, Diamond Thaxton is back to explore a topic that resonates with many: the psychology behind procrastination and strategies to conquer it. Diamond is a psychotherapist and Chief Transformational Officer of Thanxton Therapy. Along with being a clinical psychotherapist, she is also an adjunct professor of Psychology and Addictions at multiple junior colleges. After struggling with borderline personality disorder and tragic life events, she experimented with m...
Mar 16, 2024•14 min
My guest today is Dani Benjamin, otherwise known as Wandercuse. Dani is a travel blogger who is involved with many small businesses here in Syracuse. She not only creates engaging content for them but also serves as a food critic for Syracuse.com and writes for CNY Magazine. Before she became a travel blogger, Dani earned her degree in math education. This led her to teach internationally in Australia, and then work with international students at Syracuse University. It was during that time she ...
Mar 11, 2024•36 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, I chat with Tess Daly. Tess is a transformational breathwork coach who also specializes in SRI, which stands for Somato Respiratory Integration. She began facilitating breathwork classes after going through her own healing journey and currently focuses on shadow work, ego work, and inner child work. We cover a variety of holistic healing topics, including dealing with anxiety, connecting with the body, shadow work, and conscious relationships. She also shares her tips on how to ...
Mar 04, 2024•37 min•Ep. 25
Today, I have on Robert Simpson, the president of CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity. CenterState CEO is an independent and forward-thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; focused on creating a region where business thrives and all people prosper. Through his work, Robert is focused on improving the capacity of organizations and individuals to identify and meet their strategic objectives. He is also involved in a number of...
Feb 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, Alex chats with Troy Evans about the origin story of Commonspace and VanderKamp, the influence our environment has on our energy and mindset, and the reality of entrepreneurship and figuring things out as you go along. Troy Evans is the founder of Commonspace Properties Inc., a development company that creates and manages inclusive spaces that cultivate connective human experiences. He believes our differences make us unique, and our commonalities are the key ingredients for a c...
Feb 19, 2024•46 min•Ep. 23
In this episode, I sit down with Alicia Suskin, otherwise known as Syracuse Doula. Alicia is a DONA-trained birth and postpartum doula, and soon-to-be certified breastfeeding specialist who supports families throughout Central New York. As a doula, Alicia is there to support and empower her clients throughout their journey by providing them with access to a variety of tools and resources so they can make the most informed decisions that are best for their needs. During our conversation, we discu...
Feb 12, 2024•42 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, I chat with Holly Lowery-Davis, a somatic coach that helps her clients build the skills needed to shift and heal patterns of behavior that are no longer serving them. We discuss what Somatic work is, simple ways to move your body throughout the day, and the importance of not only following your intuition, but also knowing what your intuition feels like within your body. Holly is a Somatic coach, group facilitator, and has spent over 6 years of professional experience in the ment...
Feb 05, 2024•42 min•Ep. 21
Today on The Cultivate Podcast, I sit down with Amy Bleier Long, the editor-in-chief of Central New York Magazine. Amy Bleier-Long has been editor-in-chief of CNY Magazine since March 2023. Prior to that, she served as content editor for 5 years. In addition to running Central New York Magazine, she is also the editor for a client publication, Central Upstate MFG., which is an annual member magazine produced by MACNY, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York. For college, Amy went to Ne...
Jan 30, 2024•54 min•Ep. 20
Today on the Cultivate Podcast, I’m sitting down with Anthony Stevens and Rebecca LeMunyon. Anthony is the Vice President of Equitable Advisors. He is dedicated to addressing the financial planning needs of families and business owners, leading workshops across the state. Anthony has been recognized nationally within Equitable as an Elite Leader for his continued success developing advisors in Central New York. He thrives on collaborating with family-owned businesses, drawing inspiration from hi...
Jan 25, 2024•49 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, we plug an episode of the [SOUL]idified Podcast by Kim Fischer to talk about goal setting to prepare for our Manifesting 2024 event together on Saturday, January 27th. For 20% off of the Manifesting 2024 virtual event, enter code Cultivate20 at checkout when you register on Eventbrite. For more information on Manifesting 2024, click here . To connect with CNY Women's Network, click here . To connect with Kim Fischer, click here. To check out the [SOUL]idified podcast, click here...
Jan 22, 2024•15 min
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Danielle Mercuri, CEO of Dremer Group Restaurants. Danielle was born and raised in the Rome area, and has developed her passion for food in the CNY region. She has found a unique way to mix food with abstract creativity, bringing a “big city feel” to the restaurant scene of Syracuse. As a child, her mother and father were heavily involved in the world of restaurants, both finding careers in the field. Following in their footsteps, Danielle has four of her o...
Jan 15, 2024•46 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, Alex sits down with Marguerite Mitchell, the Director of Education at RedHouse, a non-profit organization that presents and produces new works in theater, film, visual art and music in Onondaga County, New York. Marguerite has been featured in CNY Magazine, ‘Faces of Syracuse’, nominated as Arts Education of the Decade, and represented the Ed. Dept. as a Tedx Speaker. Outside of RedHouse, she is an adjunct presenter alongside Daneli Partners, an organization that empowers leader...
Jan 08, 2024•41 min•Ep. 17
On today’s episode of The Cultivate Podcast, I’m talking with Kathleen Avery. Kathleen is a certified professional coach, group facilitator, and public speaker, as well as the founder and CEO of Kathleen For Today, a boutique consultancy working with small business leaders and their teams on the best ways to integrate personal fulfillment and a successful life. Kathleen has delivered over 200 presentations on team culture and customer service across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Her...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, Alex is sharing some of the products, habits, and mindset shifts that have absolutely changed her life in 2023. We discuss a couple of her favorite supplements, what she's been using to grow her brows, and so much more. To check out the products Alex mentioned in this video, click here . To connect with Alex Canavan, click here . To connect with the Cultivate Podcast, click here . To connect with the CNY Women's Network on TikTok, click here . To connect with the CNY Women’s N...
Dec 30, 2023•32 min
In this episode, I’m chatting with Anna Sofer. She is the owner of She Fancy Grazing Co. which provides Central Upstate New York with some of the most gorgeous charcuterie boards. She is an absolute artist and has done an incredible job with her business, despite some setbacks that she has faced over the past year. Anna recently received some great news that she is officially located in the Salt City Market, so be sure to check her out there and get your hands on what we call 'adult lunchables',...
Dec 28, 2023•36 min•Ep. 15
On Today’s episode, I am chatting with Lindsay Mastro and Liz London from The Crescent Collective, which is a shared holistic community space to pause, move, and grow. Lindsay Mastro is a corporate HR dropout, a psychic medium, leadership coach, business consultant, and author of Becoming Conscious in a Corporate World Without Losing Your Sanity. Through strategy and spirit, she helps intuitive and conscious leaders decide to move up or move out of their corporate careers. Liz London is a belly ...
Dec 18, 2023•51 min•Ep. 14
On Today’s episode of The Cultivate Podcast, I am chatting with Vinny Lobdell. Vinny is a businessman and former President of HealthWay, which he and his father started back in 2003. HealthWay is a company that specializes in indoor air purification systems. He’s also known for promoting the importance of clean indoor air quality, especially for those who suffer from respiratory issues. As a local who grew up in Pulaski, New York, he is super passionate about the community here in Central New Yo...
Dec 11, 2023•46 min
On today’s episode of The Cultivate Podcast, I'm talking to Stephanie Crockett, president and CEO of Mower, a fiercely independent, employee-owned, integrated marketing, advertising, and public relations agency located in Downtown Syracuse. Stephanie is responsible for growth, planning, culture and leading all internal and external activities of the Agency. With 25 years in marketing and communications, she has led multidivisional complex lead-generation and nurturing programs for key clients in...
Dec 05, 2023•49 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, I interview Julia Freeman, otherwise known as, SavorCuse. Julia is a marketing assistant by day, and a local foodie by night. SavorCuse is a Syracuse-based food Instagram specializing in restaurant social media marketing, food product collaborations, and food content creation/curation. In this episode we chat about her journey from marketing assistant at Advance Media managing other local brand pages, to becoming the creator of SavorCuse. We dive into her passion for supporting ...
Dec 01, 2023•37 min
This week, Tricia Sticca and Christine Spiak, founders of the Success Circle Mastermind, join me for an inspiring conversation about money, mindset, and having a supportive space where women can collaborate. Tricia is a career and leadership coach focusing on mindset transformation to reduce stress and build resilience for higher performance and has over 25 years of career leadership. Christine is a money coach, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. She helps people remove the money stress from their ...
Nov 27, 2023•53 min
Today, I have on Sarah Seib. She is not only the creator and owner of Syracuse’s first DIY candle bar, but she’s also the co-owner and board vice president of Wildflowers Armory. The mission of Wildflowers Armory is to create and sell regionally made artwork by local artists, but also to feature a section of homegrown products, Syracuse-inspired apparel, and a fun mix of eclectic and unique items, and Sarah’s business, Cuppa Candles, is located downstairs inside of Wildflowers in the McCarthy Me...
Nov 20, 2023•56 min
In this episode, I chat with Stacey and Jena from The Cosmetic Queens. Stacey Cooke is a board-certified physician assistant and received her degree from Update Medical University with high honors in 2014. As a surgical PA, she was introduced to the world of medical aesthetics in 2017 and has been trained by multiple distinguished doctors and injectors all over the U.S. and internationally. She prides herself on combining the science behind injections with an artistic eye to personalize treatmen...
Nov 13, 2023•59 min
Lisa Newcomb is the founder and CEO of Thrive in Healing, whose mission is to empower individuals and communities on their journey toward improved wellness by providing culturally relevant, accessible, and curated holistic health solutions. Lisa is also the founder of the Syracuse Yoga Collective. She is a wellness coach, SEL consultant, community builder, and a 200-hour yoga alliance certified trauma-informed yoga and meditation instructor. We dive deep into healing yourself from the inside out...
Nov 06, 2023•42 min
Today, I have on Caitlin, Kristyna, and Kathleen from Captivate Wellness. Captivate Wellness is an IV therapy and beauty bar location in Upstate New York. Some of my favorite IVs are their recovery bag and immunity bag coupled with an NAD booster. Caitlin Wojdyla RN is the co-founder and CEO of Captivate Wellness. Kristyna Giancola PA also the co-founder and President, Kathleen Niland RN & NP manages Captivate's Ketamine Therapy program. Captivate is an incredible brand with 2 locations, one...
Oct 30, 2023•47 min
