Leading Ladies Corpus Christi

I'm super excited to share this very special episode of LLCC. I had the kick-ass opportunity to sit down with Matthew Rodriguez, aka Planet Matte, to discuss his trailblazing journey of discovering his true self, his extremely supportive family, delving into the world of make up, the iconic looks he creates to bless our feeds, and the importance of spiritual growth.

Suraida Nañez-James, founder and CEO of the non-profit Gulf Reach Consulting and Gulf Reach Institute, discusses the importance of BIPOC representation in STEM fields, her natural affinity for teaching, why she emphasizes doing your own research instead of taking "facts" at face value, being able to reconcile Biblical teachings and science, and why she refers to herself as a Science-Health-Educati...

Amanda Whitaker, owner of Daze Jewelry, bears with my technical difficulties in episode 108 as we discuss the evolution of her jewelry to better represent her aesthetic, her journey into becoming a silversmith, working in >100° temps while creating, the inspiration behind the Agua Dulce and Moon Daze Collections, the pieces she makes just for herself, and why she's rarely on social media.

Natalie Trevino, creator of The Roughian Supper Club, joins me via Zoom as we discuss the magical succulent dishes she cooked in her grandmother's backyard as a child, being one of the first students to graduate with a Bachelor's from The Art Institute's Culinary Art School in Austin, the brilliant idea to start a business throwing dinner parties in someone else's house, and why she'll never again...

Jynelle Ornelas-Stanton, owner of Peace of Mind Organic Spa, discusses celebrating 10 years of being in business, using massage to connect with her grandparents when they returned home from work, the sustainable and organic business plan that her instructor didn't think was possible, becoming a designated Safe Zone for all, and why she's picky about who she does business with in episode 106.

Savannah Moore, owner of Bloom Beauty Studio, discusses the moment she decided she wanted to make a name for herself in the beauty industry, pursuing her passions even when people told her "no", being her real and hilarious self on the internet, her many collaborations with Coastal Bend talent, and why she always knows she'll succeed in episode 105.

Jonda Watson, owner of Luminous Blessings, joins me via Zoom to discuss why healing sessions are still effective at a distance, how from a young age she's always received guidance from her higher self, her natural calling to become a healer, and the universal energy that connects us all in episode 104.

Monica Sawyer, creator/owner of The One Bride Guide and the nonprofit Corpus Christi PATCH, shares the chance encounter that led to her ongoing mission to restore The Ritz Theatre in downtown Corpus Christi, starting her own Graphic Design and Marketing Company McLeod Creative, how wanting to provide a comprehensive list of all local wedding vendors inspired her to create The One Bride Guide, and...

Lander Beck, Assistant US Attorney and creator of the Mental Health and Fashion Blog Heels and Valleys, discusses why influencers need to be more mindful with their content, the importance of vulnerability when sharing on social media, how strangers on the internet helped her find her lost dog Kinsley, and why the best interactions she has on social media is when she shares about mental health in...

Kayla McMains, owner of the Law Office of Kayla McMains and fashion blogger known as The Beachy Lawyer, discusses her unlikely decision to go into law, how she passed the Bar Exam one-handed, her transition from a Prosecutor to a Defense Attorney and business owner, and the pros and cons of fashion blogging as a lawyer in episode 101.

EPISODE 100!!!!! Liza Wisner, Founder of the non-profit organization Power Up and Learning & Development Manager for the City of Corpus Christi, discusses accidentally making the Kenyan Women's National Golf Team, starting a successful business teaching kids how to code (without a business plan), finishing in the top 3 on her season of The Apprentice, how wanting everyone to succeed led to her fou...

Marianna Chavarria, owner of Lily Padz Face Painting and co-owner of Corpus Christi Cotton Candy Company, discusses being the artsy kid growing up, having an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, joining forces with her partner to bring Corpus 60 flavors of cotton candy (including Hot Cheeto), the importance of women business owners to know their worth, and why your mind is incredibly powerful in...

Stephanie Esquivel, aka My Nail Girl Steph, discusses the kick-ass nail kits she made for her clients during Stay at Home, how her love for her career took time to develop, becoming the one and only nail artist in Shop L&rk, venturing into the wild world of nail art, and why she gave herself a raise in episode 98.

Amanda Howell, creator of Phat Knits, feeds me snacks and discusses how Phat Knits was born, the layoff that led to pursuing her polymer clay-dreams full time, her knack for creating and naming clay colors, how she easily puts in 12-14 hour days doing what she loves, and why she's down to educate newbies, without revealing her secrets, in episode 97.

BONUS EPISODE!!! I had a blast talking to Deanna Amidon, Areli Lopez and Erica García, all Esthetics Instructors at The Aveda Institute Corpus Christi, about teaching their students while social distancing, deciding to become instructors after getting their license, the basics of skincare, their own personal favorite treatments, and skincare trends you should absolutely NOT try at home! Special ap...

Valerie Garza, owner of Intimates by Sydelle, discusses her transition from family photography to boudoir photography, her ability to connect with her clients to get the most beautiful shots, the importance of women celebrating themselves exactly as they are, how owning her own business is already rubbing off on her daughters, and why everyone should do what sets their soul on fire in episode 96.

BONUS EPISODE!!! Nikki Riojas, owner of Made in Corpus Christi and founder of WES Corpus Christi, joins me via phone call to discuss the effect of COVID-19 on local business and how to adapt: through virtual markets of course! After a successful Virtual Shop Hop, she's ready to bring 25+ local vendors to your fingertips with the WES Virtual Spring Gift Market this Sunday, April 26, starting at 8 p...

It's been a minute (actually a month) but LLCC is back with my first ever phone interview: Karen Wilson, owner of Karen Wilson Healing, discusses the importance of staying grounded during these unprecedented times, the role the 7 chakras play in our lives, the difference between being empathic and being an empath, the virtual meditation workshops she's begun hosting while Staying Home, and the pow...

Eliza Vielma, owner and CEO of ESV Creative, discusses changing paths from Medical Chemistry to Social Media Consultant, her recognition of the benefits of social media for business promotion before it was common knowledge, the decision to leave a job with benefits to pursue owning her own business, how people should implement quality over quantity when it comes to followers, and why it takes a vi...

Ilavarasi Shenbagamoorthy, owner of Ila Designs, discusses being a creative from a very early age, the decision to pursue an education in Graphic Design after completing a degree in Finance, her first design job thanks to her sister in law, how women inspire her original designs, her creative process when branding a business, and why starting a business is much easier in America than India in epis...

Morgan Bartel, co-creator of The Bartel Family Vlog and Social Media Coordinator for Susann's Custom Jewelers and Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine, discusses small-town life in Beaver, OK, the first website she created, the major decision to give up something she loved and start anew, how her desire to prioritize family led to The Bartel Family Vlog on YouTube, and why your worth is not dependent on...

Janet Rodriguez, owner of Hi-Voltage Hair, discusses why she changed career paths from history teacher to salon owner, the importance of finding the right people to go into business with, why learning to say no is necessary to preserve her sanity and business, and her very Virgo-like tendencies in episode 91. Shout out to @nick_lopez361 for introducing me to the badass!

Janet Rodriguez, owner of Hi-Voltage Hair, discusses why she changed career paths from history teacher to salon owner, the importance of finding the right people to go into business with, why learning to say no is necessary to preserve her sanity and business, and her very Virgo-like tendencies in episode 91. Shout out to @nick_lopez361 for introducing me to the badass!

Taylor Ojeda, La Brujita herself, discusses the "random" insights she would get as a child, the science that backs up the metaphysical, calling on your ancestors for guidance, her magic products that deliver results, and why she'll always give it to you straight during tarot readings in episode 90.

Valeria Ford, realtor and world traveler discusses the amazing work ethic she received from her parents in Moldova, the 2-minute decision that brought her to Corpus Christi and completely changed her life, how becoming a realtor has made her a jack of all trades, her love of supporting local, and why failure is not an option in episode 89.