Fanatical DreamHer

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp visits Ditchley Cider Works to sit down with the extraordinary Cathy Calhoun —engineer, Naval Academy graduate, former Navy officer, global consultant, problem-solver, farmer, builder, and visionary behind one of Virginia's oldest continually operating farms. Cathy shares her story of transforming 162 acres of historic...

In this powerhouse episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with professional UFC fighter, entrepreneur, and new mom Miranda Maverick . Known for her tenacity inside and outside the octagon, Miranda shares her incredible journey from growing up on a Missouri ranch to becoming a UFC athlete, business owner, and role model for young women worldwide. She opens up about her discipline...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with Kate Stewart , founder and CEO of Bauble Stockings , to talk about the family tradition that became a global brand. What began as a cherished Christmas ritual in her Atlanta home grew into a company that now employs fair-trade artisans in Haiti and collaborates with world-renowned designers and celebriti...

In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with Anna Cordrey , owner and CEO of the Williamsburg Salt Spa , to discuss her incredible journey from growing up in Belarus to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the wellness industry. Anna shares her story of courage, perseverance, and transformation — from immigrating to the U.S. alone to learning every aspect of the s...

In this uplifting and soulful episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with Lily Fasil , founder and owner of Buna Kurs RVA in Richmond, Virginia. Lily shares her incredible journey from growing up in Ethiopia to building one of Richmond's most talked-about cafés — a warm, creative hub celebrating Ethiopian food, art, and culture. What began as a dream for an event and art space b...

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with Amy O'Brien , founder and CEO of Sew Fun VA in Richmond, Virginia. Amy has built a creative community that empowers kids and adults alike through the art of sewing—teaching not just stitches, but confidence, patience, and creativity. From her early days teaching Montessori students to launching a thri...

In this empowering episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with Britt Lapiska , owner of Bird Girl Bottle Shop in Newport News, Virginia. From selling frogs as a ten-year-old entrepreneur to creating one of Virginia's most talked-about neighborhood gems, Britt shares her journey of resilience, motherhood, and determination. She opens up about the challenges of building a restaura...

In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp welcomes Susan MacKenzie , owner of Liberty Hill Needleworks in Williamsburg, Virginia. From stitching doll dresses at age seven to running one of Virginia's most beloved cross-stitch shops, Susan shares her journey of passion, resilience, and community building. She opens up about turning a lifelong hobby into a thriving business,...

In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with entrepreneur and community leader Michelle Sieling . Michelle, alongside her husband Steve, owns several beloved Williamsburg businesses including Aromas, The Hound's Tale, and The Barkery Corner. She shares how her Chicago roots and family business background shaped her leadership style, how she navigated fires, ceil...

In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with Lashonda Sanford , founder of Scratch Bakery , to share her incredible journey from a foster home in Kentucky to running one of Virginia's most beloved bakeries. Lashonda reveals how her foster mother's passion for baking shaped her own, the determination it took to launch during a recession, and how resilience and co...

In this deliciously inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , April Kemp sits down with Terri Crowder , owner of Northern Neck Popcorn Bag , to talk about her entrepreneurial journey, family legacy, and the joy of building a business rooted in creativity and community. From childhood memories of running a pretend pantry store to working in her grandmother's snowball stand, Terri shares how her pat...

In this empowering episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with martial artist, coach, and soon-to-be mom, Heather Enyingi , of the House of Muay Thai in Williamsburg, VA. Heather shares her lifelong journey in martial arts, from being inspired at age five by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to competing in MMA and ultimately becoming head coach of a thriving Muay Thai program. H...

In this episode of Fanatical DreamHer , April sits down with Peggy Patteson, the visionary behind the enchanting Hope and Glory Inn. Peggy shares her journey of transforming a historic schoolhouse into one of the most unique inns in Virginia, blending history, charm, and luxury. From embracing change to creating a legacy rooted in hospitality, Peggy's story highlights the power of following a drea...

In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , April Kemp sits down with Dr. Emma Cain Louden—astrophysicist, president of Slooh, and author of Mia and the Martians . Emma shares how a childhood fascination with Mars rovers evolved into a groundbreaking career in astrophysics, education, and STEM advocacy. From her early experiences at science camps to her mission of connecting people worldwide...

In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer , April Kemp sits down with artist, author, and gallery owner Lindsay Wozniak . From a childhood spent painting and creating to a highly decorated career in advertising and photography with over 200 awards, Lindsay has never stopped following her creative instincts. Now the proud owner of Redfish Gallery in Irvington, Virginia, Lindsay shares how she...

In this episode of Fanatical DreamHer , April sits down with Sara Sloman, the dynamic founder of RichMahj , a growing business teaching people how to play mahjong—yes, the game that's quietly taking over social circles, coffee tables, and corporate team-building sessions alike. What began as a hobby turned into a movement, with over 1,700 beginners trained since early 2024. Sara opens up about lau...

In this episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with the vibrant and inspiring Autumn Clayton, founder of Covet , a beloved neighborhood gift boutique in Arlington, Virginia. From her early days exploring little shops as a child to becoming the heartbeat behind one of Arlington's most adored retail spaces, Autumn shares the scrappy, heartfelt, and creative journey that brought he...

In this powerful episode of Fanatical DreamHer , April Kemp sits down with 2024 NAIA National Champion and SCAD Women's Soccer Head Coach, Rebecca Gunn. A lifelong athlete and passionate leader, Rebecca shares how her coaching journey began, the culture she built from the ground up at SCAD, and how she inspires high-performing student-athletes with values of accountability, grit, and heart. From b...

In this energizing and heartfelt episode of Fanatical DreamHer , host April Kemp sits down with Emily Guillory, the spirited owner of the Kidokinetics franchise in Marietta, Georgia. Emily shares how her lifelong love for sports and working with children shaped her path—from teacher to stay-at-home mom to business owner. She opens up about the fears she faced, the power of selling herself, and the...

In this deeply inspiring episode, host April Kemp sits down with former professional soccer player turned chiropractor and business owner, Dr. Stephanie Smith. After a successful collegiate and pro career, Dr. Steph shifted her focus to healing others—founding AIM Chiropractic and Fitness in Marietta, Georgia. Steph shares how her lifelong passion for movement, mindset, and resilience shaped both...

In this unforgettable episode, host April Kemp travels to Greenville, South Carolina to visit WyldStay —a glamping and Highland cow farm experience created by the inspiring and resilient Cat Brickey. From an ER nurse and single mom to a full-fledged farm entrepreneur, Cat shares how she built a dream on land she visualized, funded herself, and grew with her own two hands (plus a few cow hooves). Y...

In this inspiring episode, host April Kemp sits down with Erinn Loren, the passionate and determined founder of Doggo Den Grooming in Williamsburg, Virginia. From working three jobs and bathing dogs at PetSmart to launching her own salon during the pandemic, Erinn's story is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and leadership. Now with a growing team, an expanded salon, and big dreams for industry educ...

In this heartwarming and color-filled episode, host April Kemp welcomes Bonnie Burton, the creative mind behind Colorful Stitches Fine Yarn in Williamsburg, Virginia. Bonnie shares how a lifelong love for knitting blossomed into a full-scale business that's now a destination for artists, crafters, and curious visitors alike. From corporate America to handcrafted windows that spark community buzz,...

Episode Description: In this deliciously inspiring episode, host April Kemp sits down with Mary Griffith, founder of Virginia's Finest Chocolates . What started as a high school hobby turned into a decades-long dream—now a thriving business built on chocolate, creativity, and courage. Mary shares how she grew her company from student projects to corporate gifting power player, while also mentoring...

In this heartfelt Mother's Day special, April Kemp sits down with Valerie Fatemi, founder of The Cheeky Teacup , and her daughter Andy—her teen business partner and co-visionary. Born out of the pandemic and powered by love, logistics, and teacups, this mobile tea party business is taking Atlanta and beyond by storm. Hear how they turned vintage charm into entrepreneurial gold, what it's like buil...