Second Cup Sessions

It's the end of Season One! We're a little happy, a little sad, and a lot caffeinated as we wrap up this first season of Second Cup Sessions. In this episode, Kati and Calley trade questions, crack each other up, and reflect on life as small business owners heading into the busy season. From "Freaky Friday" body swaps and what we'd do with each other's businesses, to confessions about chaotic morn...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , we sit down with marketing strategist Mary Czarnecki to unpack how small business owners can use stories with intention—not just for entertainment, but to build trust, relevance, and connection with their customers. Mary is a speaker and marketing strategist who helps founders and leaders communicate with clarity and confidence. For over 25 years, she's wor...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , Calley and Kati get real about how their visions of success have shifted over time—from dreams of infinity pools, multiple store locations, and picture-perfect timelines to finding fulfillment in freedom, balance, and even a few unexpected shop cats. They dive into the evolving ways we measure accomplishment in both business and life, the pressure of early...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , Calley and Kati dive into the ever-important question: who is your ideal customer? From the quirks of Pacific Northwest culture to the realities of who actually shows up in their shops, they unpack why knowing your audience matters more than ever—especially during challenging business seasons. They share real-life stories about loyal customers, the joy of c...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , we're joined by Jana and Susie, the powerhouse duo behind Omega NW , a Portland-based nonprofit that helps women transition out of addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and abuse by stepping back into the workforce with mentorship, job skills, and real-life support. We talk about what it looks like to not just place someone in a job, but to walk alongside...

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Calley and Katie sit down with Sarah, founder of Simplicity by Sarah , to dive deep into the world of vendor markets—the highs, the headaches, and the huge potential they hold for small business owners. From funny "small world" stories of growing up in the same neighborhood, to Sarah's inspiring journey of leaving teaching, navigating cancer treatment, and lau...

This week on Second Cup Sessions , we sit down with Hannah Luttrell of Luttrell's Little Cookie Company to talk about the sweet (and sometimes messy) reality of running a business from home while raising a little one. From late-night baking sessions after bedtime to squeezing in cookie decorating during camp days, Hannah shares the honest truth about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. We c...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , Calley and Kati tackle a challenge every business owner has faced at some point—analysis paralysis. You know the feeling: too many options, too many "what ifs," and not enough action. They share personal stories of when overthinking stalled their own progress, the surprising costs of waiting too long to make a decision, and the mindset shifts that helped th...

In this deeply empowering episode of Second Cup Sessions , we sit down with Brittany to explore the science, soul, and strategy behind becoming your highest CEO self. Brittany Brzezinski shares her newest program, Activate Her , designed specifically for women business owners ready to ditch burnout and step into their million-dollar mindset — without the pressure of going from zero to 100. We unpa...

In this honest and hilariously relatable episode, Calley and Kati dive into the awkwardness of promoting your own business—why it feels cringey, especially for women, and how self-deprecation often sneaks into our everyday language. They reflect on how easy it is to rave about a friend's store but how uncomfortable it feels to say the same things about your own. The conversation includes role-play...

In this honest and hilarious episode of Second Cup Sessions , Kati and Calley sit down with Sarah, a financial coach and entrepreneur whisperer from Journey to Influence. Sarah is a financial coach who brings practical, mindset-shifting advice to small business owners. Over coffee and sparkling grapefruit water, they dig into: Common financial pitfalls entrepreneurs face—like DIYing too long or hi...

In this hilariously honest episode of Second Cup Sessions , Calley and Katie get real about mid-year goal slippage, marketing missteps, and the chaotic reality of trying to run a business during summer. What started as inspired intention after a powerful class quickly turned into... well, a lot of other things. They confess to missed deadlines, too many F-bombs (sorry, moms), and the emotional tug...

Recessions happen—but that doesn't mean your business has to go down with the economy. In this episode, we're tackling the emotional rollercoaster of running a small business during tough economic times, sharing the honest fears (and occasional ugly cries) that come with slower seasons. We're talking about the power of adaptability, creative ways to pivot your products or services, and how making...

In this episode, we're diving into what it really means to choose collaboration over competition—especially as small business owners. We're sharing personal stories, lessons we've learned, and why building genuine connections has been a game-changer in our own journeys. Whether you're feeling stuck, inspired, or somewhere in between, this conversation is all about community, support, and showing u...

Grab another cup and sit down with Kati and Calley while they discuss real numbers when it comes to opening a brick and mortar store front.  Spoiler: It's twice as expensive as you think it is. Join them as the discuss the hard (expensive) lessons that they've learned through the process of opening a store and for Kati, moving to a second location!

In this conversation between Calley and Kati, they discuss the efforts and challenges involved in participating in market events and setting up a new storefront. Calley shares her experiences from a busy week handling double markets and the intricacies of preparing for them, including the physical and logistical demands. They also talk about the importance of creating an inviting store atmosphere...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , we're pouring ourselves a second (or third) cup and catching up on everything —from exciting life updates to the official grand opening date of NW Accent's brand new location!  Kati and Calley talk life lately, mental health, and whether or not Shop Cat should get a new name!  Pull up a chair, refill your cup, and join us for a warm, honest conversation.

Ever stared at your shoes and questioned your entire morning routine? Same. In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , Calley and Kati dive into the chaos of long work days, caffeine experiments, and those foggy moments that signal something deeper—burnout. From mismatched shoes to sitting in the wrong seat of the car, we laugh through the signs of overwhelm and pivot into a meaningful conversation...

In this episode, we're talking burnout—how to spot it, why it sneaks up on us, and what happens when the hustle becomes too heavy. We share our own crispy moments, play a round of Burnout Bingo , and get honest about what it means to run on empty as women, business owners, and humans. If you've ever said "I'm fine" through gritted teeth, this one's for you.

In this episode, Calley and Kati spill the tea on navigating small business chaos—from accidental cat ownership (yes, really) to being over-caffeinated and under-rested while still showing up for our dreams. We're talking messy mornings, surprise building "features" (hello, floor hole), and the Daydream Project Event we attended that reminded us to be who we came to be . It's the perfect mix of ri...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , Kati and Calley unpack the unique perspectives of being on both sides of the wholesale equation — one as a maker selling her goods, the other as a retailer sourcing them. They dive into the differences, the challenges, and the magic that happens when makers and shop owners build strong, collaborative relationships. Whether you're crafting your products or c...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , Kati and Calley dive into the sneaky habits and mindsets that steal our time and energy as small business owners. They break down the "Four Thieves of Productivity," share how these traps have shown up in their own work, and get real about what it takes to protect your focus (and your sanity). Grab your coffee — it's time for a fun, relatable, and eye-openi...

Ever been talked over while explaining your equipment… in your business… by someone you hired? Same. In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , Kati and Calley open up about the frustrating reality of being female business owners in spaces where men often get the assumed authority. From contractors brushing off instructions to movers ignoring the literal boss in the room, we're diving into the subtl...

In this episode of  Second Cup Sessions , Kati and Calley spill the tea (or coffee!) on all things networking—from the cringe moments to the unexpected wins. As two PNW women running their own businesses, they share real stories, practical tips, and why showing up matters more than having the perfect elevator pitch. Whether you're a networking newbie or just trying to make it feel less weird, this...

In this episode of Second Cup Sessions , Kati and Calley dive into the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Kati shares her journey of scaling her business and searching for a new location, while Calley opens up about having cancer removed and staying positive at work. Along the way, they swap work stories, joke about video games, and keep it real about life as women business owners. Grab your coffe...