Virtual Coffee

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I interviewed Alex Djordjevic, Co-Owner of PupRing. They sell rings that you can engrave your dog or cat’s name onto so that you can always have your pet with you. Their rings are simplistic and beautiful, and I absolutely love this idea for a product. I love that it’s pet related but isn’t in your face - it’s very elegant. On this episode, Alex tells us the foun...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I had the pleasure of speaking with Anna Murphy, the Founder and Owner of Raleigh Blooms. Anna founded Raleigh Blooms from her love for finding joy in the simple things. She creates beautiful, custom bouquets for a variety of events here in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. On this episode, we discuss how she balances her side hustle, Raleigh Blooms, with her ful...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Sammy Moreno, Founder and Owner of Shop Sammy. They create handmade items that are personalized to you. Shop Sammy is based out of New Jersey but is able to ship most of their items within the United States. On her episode, Sammy takes us through her journey to launching her business and her plans for the future. She also gives advice based on lesson...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, we welcomed back Shelby Matussak, Founder and Owner of Dead Lemon Games and main designer of Lonely Undead, a not-your-average zombie-themed board game. Shelby was first on Virtual Coffee on episode 31 where we discussed his background, how he discovered his passion for creating board games, and his advice for others. On this episode, we dive into the details of...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I shared what has been on my mind lately. We discuss finding your why and what drives you, defining what success means to you, and focusing on quality over quantity. This was a fun episode to record, and be sure to let me know your thoughts in a review on the Apple Podcasts app. Have you found your why? What is your why? How do you define success? Let me know, an...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I had the pleasure of speaking with the Founders & Owners of Sanikind, Miles Pepper and Martica Wakeman. They created a convenient and reusable hand sanitizer dispenser, and they also sell their own sanitizer that’s made with clean ingredients. Sanikind actively helps reduce single-use plastic around the world, and they have helped thousands of people around the...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Crystal Harris, Founder and Owner of Mama’s Salsa. Crystal and her family (husband and three kids) sell their homemade salsa and chips that are all made with natural ingredients and no added sugar. You can purchase Mama’s Salsa locally here in the Raleigh area at various markets and shops. On this episode, Crystal dives into how she finally pursued h...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Kara Leake, Founder & Owner of Dyeraid. They sell products which include women’s accessories that are naturally dyed with no toxins or chemicals. Kara has a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Entrepreneurship, and she founded Dyeraid from her passion to solve sustainable supply chain issues. On this episode, we discussed the journey to her business,...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I chatted with Mitch Orkis, Co-Founder of Cake. Cake is a wellness brand for the bedroom, and their goal is to help people have more fun sex. Their products are made with premium and natural ingredients, and their entire brand is modernizing the sex wellness industry. On this episode, Mitch dives into the story behind Cake and gives unique advise for other busine...

On this celebratory 52nd episode of Virtual Coffee, we celebrate one year of the podcast! Thank you to everyone who listens weekly, just started listening, or has listened to a specific episode. Because of you, we get to promote and support small business owners and their passions. On this episode, I also (finally!) officially introduced myself and discussed what I've learned this past year and my...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Alejandro Contreras, Owner and Chef at Tepuy Doughnuts. Alejandro hand makes all of his donuts, and he has flavors such as PB&J, glazed, and lemon poppy seed donuts. He moved to America from abroad and is rapidly growing his business. I hope you’ll check him out if you’re in the Raleigh, North Carolina area - happy listening! Tepuy Doughnuts' Instagr...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Kirsten Fuchs, the Founder and Owner of Baked Pie Company. Baked Pie Company has two locations in Asheville, North Carolina, and they sell delicious homemade pies and drinks. Kirsten also owns a cafe in Asheville, P B & Jay’s Café. On her episode, Kirsten and I spoke about how she founded her three businesses in her 50's, and she gives powerful advic...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Bri Makaric, Founder and Owner of BRITE Bites. They sell three flavors of bites which are made with high-quality superfoods and packed with probiotics. Bri graduated from Michigan State University in 2020 and has already had great success with her business. On her episode we dive into how she was able to take her business full-time and what she has l...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Nicole Howell, the Founder and Owner of 3 Pups Bakery. Nicole owns 3 Pups Bakery with her husband, and they sell homemade, gourmet dog treats. Their treats are so adorable, and my own dogs had the pleasure of trying them - they loved them of course! In this episode, we dove into Nicole’s journey, advice, and the ins and outs of her business. Check ou...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Ashley Seahorn, Founder & Owner of Bangle & Babe. When Ashley became a mother she quickly realized how many things she had to hold and juggle, and this is where the idea for Bangle and Babe was born! They sell flexible, easy to clean, comfortable, and stylish key rings that will help anyone on the go. On her episode, we dove into her advice for other...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Chloe Machajewski, Owner of Curated By Chloe Designs. Chloe works with small businesses to create logos, branding pieces, and custom printed apparel designs, and she has also worked with companies such as Reddit, John Deere, and Fiverr. Besides running her graphic design business, Chloe founded a non-profit, This I’m Thankful For, whose mission is to...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Paul Peterson, Founder & Owner of The Wake Zone Coffee House located in Apex, North Carolina. When Paul realized he wanted to make more human connections and create beautiful experiences through his work, he decided to open his own coffee shop. The Wake Zone Coffee House brings joy to its community through its delicious coffee and drinks. Listen to t...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Kati Singley, Founder & Owner of CupKate's. In high school, Kati turned her passion for baking into a small business. She sells beautiful, custom cakes as well as sugar cookies, edible cookie dough, and other delicious items. In her episode, we discussed her journey and dove into her advice for balancing a full-time job with running a business. Check...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Eric and Taylor MacAulay, Founders & Owners of Let's Stay Home Cocktail Kits. This small business is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and they sell homemade cocktail mixes which you can use to make mixed drinks or mocktails at home. Eric is a seasoned bartender, and Taylor brings her photography skills to the business. Together, they are an amazing...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Sarah Valeri, Founder & Owner of Hello Clutter. Sarah is a professional organizer, and she helps her clients declutter their homes in a meaningful way. In her episode, Sarah shares a ton of organizational tips and tricks, and we also dive into her journey of launching Hello Clutter. Be sure to check out Sarah & her business at https://www.helloclutte...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I had the pleasure of speaking with Allison Vick, Founder & Owner of Little Blue Macaron. Allison is a trained pastry chef who discovered her passion for macarons and decided to open her own pastry shop. She sells beautiful macarons and does standard flavors as well as custom orders with intricate designs. In this episode, we discussed how Little Blue Macaron bec...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Amanda Ash, Founder & Owner of Phoebe & Co. Amanda runs a size inclusive brand and sells clothes ranging from small to 3XL. Each Phoebe & Co. purchase donates 10% of the proceeds to local charity. In her episode, Amanda walks us through her journey to launching her company, including her feature in one of Sierra Schultzzie's YouTube videos. We also d...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with the Founder & Owner of Junie B's Bake Shop, Cheryl Palermo. She dives deep into her journey of launching her business and shares several stories from along the way. This episode is jam-packed with advice to others who have a dream and want to fulfill it but might not know where to start. Also, if you're curious what an eTuk is, definitely give this e...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I discuss why and how I started the podcast. This is a great episode to check out if you want to learn more about the Virtual Coffee podcast itself. Take a listen to learn how I started the podcast for $0 and how easy it is to start your own podcast!  If you are a small business owner and/or early career professional or know one who would be a great guest to have...

On this episode of Virtual Coffee, I spoke with Maura McCarthy, Founder & Owner of 12 Paws Ice Cream. Maura hand makes premium ice cream for humans, and the flavors she sells are extremely unique. She often partners with other small businesses in order to create awesome flavors! Maura & I discussed her journey to founding 12 Paws Ice Cream, how she was able to see herself as an entrepreneur, and h...