Creating Connections with Magdalena

What happens when two creatives with no food science background decide to build a CPG brand from scratch? Tayler and Alex, founders of Sup Syrup, wrote down their idea in February 2025 and made their first sale June 2026. In this episode we talk about how they navigated formulation, finding a copacker, minimum order quantities, and launching their first two syrups - all while figuring it out as th...

Everyone hands you a blueprint. Do this, post that, follow the formula. And sure it'll get you started and take you so far. But the brands and businesses that actually stick? There is another crucial element. Your idea's success lies in one simple truth: you have to bring you to the table. And not just the "perfect" version of you. In this episode, I'm digging into the one in...

In this episode, I talk to Brooklyn, who’s building an app designed to help women start running - combining practical training, running trips, and a strong sense of community all in one place. It’s not just about the hype of running right now - it’s about creating something sustainable. An app that actually supports you as a beginner, with guidance on how to train, how to stay consistent, and how...

If working on your dream feels hard every weekend… you might be unintentionally making it harder than it needs to be. In this episode, I break down why flow doesn’t come from pressure - it comes from staying close to the thing you’re building.

What if we instead worked alongside our limited beliefs? Tune into this episode to see how I'm doing that and why it's working.

We’re not starting over this year - we’re building. For a long time, I used the language “starting over” whenever I fell out of consistency. That mindset held me back by dismissing the progress I had already made. In this solo reflection, I share how to reframe this way of thinking when you’re trying to get an idea off the ground. I also offer three journaling prompts to help you stay connected to...

In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Lozano , CEO and Founder of Zero To Anything Co. , to dive into her Flexible Effort Approach —a method designed to help multi-passionate overthinkers finally find consistency without burning out. We talk about: Why consistency doesn’t mean doing the same thing every day How “flexible effort” gives you freedom and follow-through What it really takes to start fr...

You want to create something more for yourself but you don't know where to start... OR You have an idea, but you can't seem to make progress in it... If either of those are you, I hope this video finds you and helps you get past that hump.

April Monterrosa didn’t wait for someone else to tell the Southside’s story—she built the platform herself. As the founder of Live From The Southside , April has created more than a magazine—she’s created space for pride, representation, and truth. In this episode, she shares how early lessons from her father’s plumbing business shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, what it took to pivot industries,...

What if the key to your big-ticket business idea lies in recognizing the gaps in the spaces you’re already part of and creating a solution? Businesses thrive when they provide value, and that’s exactly the story behind Nailsfordayze—a scalable brand that began with a circumstance that sparked Denay’s journey into nails and has grown into a hub for education, creativity, and innovation. In this epi...

What happens when a love of reading turns into a community-driven, eco-friendly brand? That’s the story of Melissa Rocha, founder of Shelf Haven, a book-inspired goods and apparel store with a mission to create unique, sustainable merch for readers everywhere. From plantable bookmarks to recycled-material fanny packs for your Kindle, Melissa has found a way to merge her passions for reading, desig...

What if, instead of following the usual post-college path, you chose to build something entirely your own? That’s exactly what Jordenn is doing. In her last year of college, she took a chance on NABaldie , a digital space dedicated to the growing world of zero-proof drinks. In just a year, Jordenn’s created a community, collaborated with brands, and made her mark in a space that aligns with her vi...

Ever wonder if working in a startup is for you? Adrian, co-founder of Spark, is making it easier and better for you to find out. Discover how "Spark" is all about leveling the playing field for professionals of color (POC) when it comes to job applications and startups. We'll explore how Spark not only provides solutions but also tackles the mental hurdles POCs often face, like turn...

Can't get past the starting phase? This might do the trick.  #MadMondayz are motivational episodes that help you clear your mind before a productive week! 

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Gabriella, who shares her deeply personal journey of making the tough decision to walk away from her life as a D1 athlete. She takes us back to the crossroads of choosing her college path and navigating the maze of uncertainties. We dive deep into her journey from being a D1 athlete, the emotions and thoughts that came with considering a life beyond sports...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with indie artist, filmmaker, and actor, Bertrand Best. Born and raised in "The SWAT" in Houston, Texas, Bertrand's journey is a captivating blend of cinema and personal growth. Discover how he transformed his passion for filmmaking into a serious endeavor during his time at Sam Houston State University. Bertrand co-founded a black film society,...

A check in with yourself inspired by Barbie and my latest conversation with my therapist. 

If you've been struggling with why things haven't been working out for you lately, this is for you. 

In this deeply personal episode, I want to share with you how a recent YouTube video by the incredible Bessel van der Kolk sparked a profound shift in my perspective on healing trauma without medication. Inspired and motivated, I decided to embark on a 30-day journey, crafting my own version of what I learned from the video, with a special focus on embracing body acceptance. Join me as I open up a...

Join me as I dive into the whirlwind of societal pressures and expectations that come knocking with age, love, and career choices. In this candid episode, I share my recent visit home, where I found myself bombarded with well-meaning questions about marriage, kids, and future plans. It took me right back to my high school days, when everyone wanted to know which degree I'd pursue, where I&apo...

Join me on an introspective journey as we explore the enchanting territory of the "messy middle" in life. In this episode, I delve into the exhilarating yet bewildering phase where we're inundated with countless interests, leaving us grappling with the question of what truly ignites our soul. In this episode, I'll guide you through a powerful exercise that will help you navigat...

In this introspective episode of Creating Connections, we'll challenge a common misconception perpetuated by movies - the belief in a single, grand AHA moment that validates our entire existence. Inspired by a powerful scene from the Rocky movie, we'll dive deep into this notion and uncover the real secret to finding true fulfillment. 

Join me as I explore the essential elements needed to reignite progress and turn things around. Through candid self-reflection, I emphasize the significance of discipline and understanding the underlying "why" behind our endeavors. I delve into the misconception that motivation is the sole factor holding us back, revealing how it's often a matter of prioritizing conflicting motivati...

In the first episode of my "Grow Through What You Go Through" series, I have the privilege of sitting down with Sydney, the incredible founder of SP Health, a health and wellness brand. Sydney graciously opens up about her own healing journey, which proved essential in her pursuit of her dreams and building unshakeable self-belief. Throughout our heartfelt conversation, Sydney shares the...