Gritty is the New Pretty

In this episode of Gritty is the New Pretty , host Krystle Edwards sits down with Brigitte O’Michaels, author of Gurl Fix Your Crown , founder of Queenmakers International, executive coach, AI consultant, and 2025 South Sound Woman to Watch, for a powerful conversation about grief, identity, self-worth, reinvention, and building again after life changes everything. After surviving an abusive marri...

In this episode of Gritty is the New Pretty , host Krystle Edwards sits down with LaEisha Howard , former C-suite executive, author, and founder of 12/14 Collective , to talk about leadership, identity, self-advocacy, and the courage it takes to walk away from environments that demand too much and give too little in return. LaEisha shares how, corporate intimidation, motherhood, grief, and major l...

What happens when the career you worked so hard to build no longer has room for you to grow? In this episode of Gritty is the New Pretty , host Krystle Edwards sits down with Elaine McKnight, founder of The McKnight Element , to talk about leaving the perceived safety of corporate life, grieving the identity attached to a dream job, and building a business rooted in strategy, storytelling, and cul...

In this episode of Gritty is the New Pretty , host Krystle Edwards sits down with Jen Dugard, founder of MumSafe, to talk about changing the way mothers are supported in fitness, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and beyond. Jen shares how she built an international platform by identifying an overlooked need, educating an industry, and staying committed to safe, effective exercise for mums at every...

What happens when you stop shrinking yourself and start building from exactly who you are? In this episode, Krystle sits down with Laura—better known as La Jefa Laura G —a first-gen Chicana entrepreneur, insurance broker, and advocate for immigrant and first-gen business owners. Laura opens up about navigating the in-between of culture and identity, creating a business without a roadmap, and why p...

In this episode of Gritty is the New Pretty, Krystle Edwards sits down with Jen Mueller—legendary Seattle Seahawks sideline reporter, founder of Talk Sporty to Me, and author of The Influential Conversationalist to break down real-world leadership communication skills that help women speak up at work, build confidence, and get noticed (without turning into someone they’re not). Jen pulls back the...

In this episode of Gritty is the New Pretty , Krystle sits down with business and money coach Jillian Minter to unpack why “being good with numbers” isn’t the same thing as having a healthy relationship with money. Jillian shares her journey from owning (and selling) a struggling brick-and-mortar studio through the chaos of COVID, burnout, and tough financial decisions to becoming a coach who help...

What does it really take to build a business when you’re young, ambitious, and done waiting for permission? In this episode of Gritty Is the New Pretty , Krystle sits down with Dominique Dizon , founder of Belly Smoothie Co. , to talk about grit, leadership, and the unfiltered reality of opening a brick-and-mortar business before 25. From trusting the idea placed in your head to hearing “no” and f...

In this episode we celebrate 30 episodes, 5,000+ downloads., heard in 29+ countries. And since we’re celebrating all that Gritty Is the New Pretty has become…I’m taking you back to where it actually started.  My leadership journey wasn't linear or wrapped in achievement. It showed up in the wreckage. This episode is the part of my story I’ve never told start to finish — the actual origin of L...

💫 This episode of Gritty is the New Pretty  we're talking with Sarita Valdes, visionary entrepreneur, artist, advocate, and the powerhouse behind Herbology Skincare . 🌿 From handcrafting skin-nourishing formulas using ancestral wisdom to building a thriving business with zero outside funding, Sarita’s journey is all about resilience, creativity, and trusting your vision. As Miss Washington...

If you’ve been craving a brand conversation that doesn’t sound like a warmed-over marketing course you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Bex LaFranchi is rewriting that future with her bare hands and a whole lot of brainpower. From her roots in the Pacific Northwest to leading design strategy for IKEA US, Bex has built, broken, and reimagined brands across the spectrum  not to impress t...

You might know Vicci Martinez as the fierce and unforgettable “Daddy” from Orange Is the New Black (Seasons 6 & 7) or from her soul-shaking performances on The Voice and role as  Frida Kahlo on HBOmax’s Clone High . But behind the spotlight is a story few have heard — and in this episode, she tells it all. A Grit City Local, Vicci gets real about her journey from national stages to person...

It's not just one to listen to . It’s one to feel in your bones. Dallisa Hocking — 5th-generation psychic medium, world-event predictor, energy visionary — join us as we discuss: Building a business around your gift , not the grind. Using intuition as strategy — not backup. Unraveling the illusion of control in leadership. And yes... she read my tarot cards live on air.  This woman saw a glob...

If podcasting has been tugging at your sleeve—but the tech, tools, and tactics have felt like a second job—this episode is your permission slip to move anyway. In this conversation, I sit down with Hayleigh Hayhurst , founder of Espresso Podcast Production , the full-service agency helping experts stay in their lane while scaling their voice. From concept to editing, audience growth to monetizatio...

Founder and CEO Jamie Taylor started Confetë with a single balloon garland for her niece in 2015. That one creation quickly ballooned (pun totally intended) into a thriving business, earning features on King 5’s Evening Magazine , New Day Northwest , and even The New York Times . But Jamie didn’t stop there. With a background in interior design and a knack for making people feel special, she launc...

Kelsey is the founder of the Get Shit Done Rebelution, a business coach and host of the Get Shit Done Podcast where ambitious women learn to grow profitable, streamlined businesses without sacrificing their sanity. As today's guest on Gritty is the New Pretty, she’s bringing her expertise in profit strategy, leadership optimization, and team delegation to help you think bigger and take bold action...

As co-owner of Promo Originals, LLC , Lauren spent the past six years helping creatives and small businesses elevate their brands through high-quality custom apparel. With  a background in fashion, marketing, management, and  design/merchandising, she honed the expertise to guide individuals and  companies seamlessly through the product development process—from  initial concept...

Becca Boston is a bestselling author, speaker, self-care coach, and NAMI Pierce County's Ending the Silence Coordinator. Despite her learning disability, she inspires others with her motto "Stay Strong. Stay You." Becca empowers individuals to recognize their strength is giving their pain a voice and receiving the help that is needed while staying true to who they are. Her global influence include...

Starting her role at the food bank just days before the onset of the pandemic, Stacey leveraged her 12-year career at Nordstrom Inc. as a buyer and financial manager to lead with agility and expertise. She is a dynamic leader passionate about customer experience, health equity, and community vitality. By integrating technology and human-centered innovation, Stacey, alongside her exceptional board...

Tanisha Jumper is the current Chief Communications Officer for Tacoma Public Schools. Prior to that she worked with the City of Tacoma for 7 years serving as the Director of Communications, Strategy andEngagement. Throughout her career she has been responsible for implementing strategic initiatives, monitoring towards goals and achieving lasting impact. Tanisha is a skilled facilitator, collaborat...

Dona is currently the President and CEO for United Way of Pierce County. She is active with United Way at both the state and national level where she has served as the chair for the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and is a past co-chair of the Black Professionals Leadership Alliance, made up of United Way CEOs from across the country. Dona has consistently been very engaged in her community a...

Ashley Looker is an ICF-certified Empowerment & Journal Coach who teaches ambitious, over-achieving humans how to slow down and detach their productivity from their worth. She is passionate about using her 20+ years of experience and love for journaling as the tool for supporting her clients who want to stop wearing ’busy’ as a badge of honor and start living a more joyful, purpose-driven life...

Jessica Johnston is the Director of a vibrant and historical Tacoma landmark, Court House Square. With a wide range of experience Jessica also serves her community as the chair of the Tacoma's City Events and Recognition Committee and proudly sits on the Board for Downtown Tacoma Partnership as the Vice-President. She has lent her voice to help raise awareness and education for business entreprene...

Brought to you by Grit City Women - A female forward organization that nurtures a creative approach to empowering female entrepreneurs, small business owners, and leaders in Tacoma. Join host Krystle Edwards and Ruthy Taylor as they discuss: 1. Season of life with career and family 2. Leveraging sphere of influence to build your business 3. Value of being intentional with social media  Learn...

Brought to you by Grit City Women - A female forward organization that nurtures a creative approach to empowering female entrepreneurs, small business owners, and leaders in Tacoma. Join host Krystle Edwards and Tosha Siebert as they discuss: 1. Power of female mentors 2. Leveraging experience during interviews 3. Leading in a male dominated industry 4. Importance of seeking clarity in challenges...