More Precious Than Rubies

What does it take to stand out in a saturated photography industry? And how do you build a successful creative business without losing sight of what matters most? In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I sit down with Salomé Palomino - professional photographer, entrepreneur, and mom - to explore what she's learned throughout her 15 years in photography. We also discuss how younger gene...

Kate Carpenter did not set out to build one of the top-ranked restaurants in the nation. Before Sunny Side Kitchen became a beloved Escondido spot and earned national recognition on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., Kate was working in journalism and public relations. In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, Kate shares how she and her husband Bob built Sunny Side Kitchen from the gro...

On this week's episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I toured Sharia’s Closet, a woman-founded San Diego nonprofit providing free emergency clothing to individuals and families experiencing crisis, hardship, or major life transition. What started from Shamine Linton's own experience with clothing insecurity and a desire to serve her community has grown into a dignity-centered resource for...

Today on More Precious Than Rubies, we’re in San Marcos at TERI Campus of Life, a community serving individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through more than 20 programs. I’m joined by Heather Downey, TERI’s Program Quality Specialist and Registered Behavior Technician, to talk about TERI’s woman-founded mission, Heather’s career journey, wh...

A homicide prosecutor, a craft cider company, and building a San Diego space that feels like an outdoor adventure lodge, Lara Worm’s path to Bivouac Ciderworks is anything but predictable. In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I visited Bivouac Ciderworks in North Park, San Diego, to talk with co-founder and CEO Lara Worm about building a women-powered cider brand, creating a community-cen...

Pelvic floor physical therapy is something many women have heard of, but few of us were actually taught to understand. In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I sat down with Dr. Ivy Colbert, founder of Empower Physical Therapy in Rancho Bernardo. In this episode, you'll learn what pelvic floor PT is, who it can help, and why symptoms like leaking, pelvic pain, pressure, constipation, po...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I'm visiting Companion Bread in San Diego County to talk to founder Sienna Walters. Companion Bread began during the pandemic as a home-based bread project and grew into a local favorite for people who love sourdough. In this conversation, Sienna shares the story behind the name Companion Bread, what she learned from the science of bread making, wh...

A San Diego classic with an 87-year story: today I’m walking through the Chicken Pie Shop in North Park with General Manager and co-owner Lisa Townsend. In this episode, Lisa shares how the restaurant started in 1938 in downtown San Diego, moved through Hillcrest, and landed in North Park in 1992, plus why they’ve resisted trends to stay true to the restaurant's history. We talk about leading...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies I sat down with Dianne Sivulka, founder of Travel on Purpose, a full-service travel company curating culturally immersive trips that connect travelers with organizations doing good around the world. We talk about what it looks like to travel as a guest in someone's "home", why locals are the experts, and how ethical tourism can support com...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, we dive into the evolving conversation around body image and healthy habits for young women. From the impact of social media to fostering self-empowerment, we explore how we can shift the focus from appearance to well-being. Plus, we spotlight the incredible Carmellia Jackson-Hurley, Executive Director of Louisville Girls Leadership, and reflect on her...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, we sit down with Michelle Jue, founder of The Mawanda Project, to talk about the relationships, vision, and persistence behind a mission that began with one trip to Uganda and grew into lasting educational impact.  Michelle shares how she balances a demanding career in engineering with the responsibility of leading a nonprofit initiative across the wor...

There are places in the world where hope feels fragile, where poverty, loss, and violence have left children without consistent care, safety, or a path forward. And then there are places where hope is rebuilt, day by day, through people who choose to stay, to serve, and to love with endurance. In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, we sit down with Estha Trouw, a local TV journalist and the...

Discover how women in refugee and marginalized communities are reclaiming their dignity through fair trade, craft, and tradition. In this week’s episode, I sit down with Mitos Urgel, President & CEO of WFTO Asia and founder of WEAVE Fair Trade Enterprise. For decades, Mitos has worked alongside indigenous, refugee, and under-resourced women across Asia, helping create dignified livelihoods thr...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I sat down with Sasibai Kamis, founder of Earth Heir  @earthheir7374  , a Malaysian women-owned business that connects consumers with artisan-made goods while investing back into the communities behind each piece. Sasi shares her journey from a finance background to creating a social enterprise focused on ethical fashion, artisan empowerment, and suppo...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I sit down with Dr. Grace Al-Zoughbi, an assistant professor at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary. Originally from Bethlehem, Grace shares her profound insights on women's roles in theological education and mission across the Middle East. Discover how her cultural and spiritual heritage has shaped her approach to teaching and mentoring students...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I sit down with Mary Schueler to explore how global experiences, cross-cultural relationships, and intentional discipleship can shape the hearts and minds of young people. Drawing from Mary’s work with students in the U.S. and Spain through Good News Club, Young Life Spain, and hosting foreign exchange students, this conversation unpacks the power of h...

What does it mean to answer a global calling as a woman and transform scholarship and succession planning across continents? In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I’m joined by Flo Kagwamba whose journey from Nairobi to the United States is fueled by a passion for education, and stewardship. We’ll talk about the joys and challenges as a woman in male-dominated spaces, balancing family with...

What if your period could be pain-free? What if understanding your cycle could transform your energy, your work-flow, and even your fertility journey? In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Bomer, creator behind Flourish and Flow, to explore the life-changing power of really knowing your body. Caroline opens up about her personal journey from debilitating pain to healing, and together, we unpack...

This week, I sit down with Melody Holtz, a devoted mom of six, homeschooling parent, worship leader, and small business owner, to talk about what it really means to juggle many hats while staying rooted in faith. Melody shares honest stories about letting go of parental expectations, building community through her quilting studio, and how her family weaves their own legacy of music and faith. 💎 S...

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and doula, Juliana Lunde. We dive into everything from Juliana’s unexpected journey into birth work, to the wild story of catching a baby during a home birth! You’ll hear how Juliana weaves her faith into every birth, empowers women to use their voice, and even finds joy raising a clan of piglets on her family’s mini farm. Study mentioned in today&#3...

On this week's episode of MPTR, I sit down with my dear friend, Sarah Corr: nurse, pro-life advocate, and an absolute beacon of joy, as she shares her incredible journey serving women at Alternatives Medical Clinic. Sarah’s story isn’t just about her path into nursing or her faith, it’s about what really happens inside a pregnancy clinic, the misconceptions, and the powerful role of faith, com...

This week on More Precious Than Rubies, I sit down with sisters Macy and Madison, the powerhouse duo behind Girlyish Skincare. We talk about starting a business as sisters, why youth-safe skincare matters, and how even just three simple steps can change your skin, and your confidence. Whether you’re a skincare junkie or looking for ways to boost your self-love and confidence, you don’t want to mis...

Are you passionate about fashion, faith, or making a positive impact in your community? This week I sat down with Emmy McDowell, ministry worker and advocate for ethical fashion, to talk about her journey as a woman making space in church leadership and how what we wear can actually reflect our deepest values. 💎 Follow Emmy on Instagram! 💎 Check out The Good Loop Clothing Swap ✨ ⁠Follow us⁠ on...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, I sit down with Kendra Dahl, a devoted mother, speaker, Bible teacher and author of A Place for You: Reframing Christian Womanhood. Kendra shares her inspiring journey of embracing Christianity later in life and her desire to help women know God, their own minds, and that there's a place in the church for them. Order Kendra's book on Amazon! ✨...

In this episode of More Precious Than Rubies, we finish up our conversation with Cyndie de Neve. Cyndie is a DMin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 138446), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and author of four books. In this episode, we're shifting focus to explore Cyndie's passions and learn more about her partnership with Moms in prayer, working with complex trauma pati...