A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up

Episode Overview: Welcome to the AMSE monthly update! Join Moni, CEO and Founder of the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs, as she shares everything happening this month inside the AMSE Circle—your verified community for military spouse business owners. In This Episode: 🎉 Big News: Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide Issue 11 75,000 printed copies distributed across military installations nationwide Ad space available starting at $250 (limited spots remaining!) Automatic inclusion for all members as of January 1st in the Military Spouse Directory Created by military spouses, for military spouses, in partnership with Stars and Stripes Submit your photos for potential feature consideration! 🔐 Join the AMSE Community Free membership at amseemembers.com Verified through GovEx (similar to ID.me) Safe, vetted community exclusively for military spouses 📅 January Events - 6 Opportunities to Learn & Connect 1. Imposter Syndrome Reset Circle Host: Heather Jones (certified coach, military spouse & veteran) Explore the mind-body connection behind freezing, shrinking, and undercharging Recurring sessions: February 18, March, April, May 2. Hampton Roads Chapter Meetup Date: January 16, 8-10am Location: Back Bay's Farmhouse (in-person) Chapter Leader: Christina Kimbrough, Founder of Free Life 3. Military Spouse Entrepreneur Open House Date: January 20 Learn AMSE benefits and network with fellow military spouse entrepreneurs RSVP via Eventbrite link 4. AMSE Leadership Lab: Lead Like You Mean It Host: Andrea Singas (certified coach) Discover leadership qualities you already have as a military spouse 5. DC Chapter Virtual Meetup: Reach Customers Online with Google Date: January 23 Chapter Leader: Stephanie Shepherd Open to entire AMSE community 6. Additional networking and learning opportunities throughout the month ✨ All Access Member Perks On-demand small business courses including Maria Elena's 3-part "Googleize Your Business" series Voxer coaching with Moni for real-time support Exclusive VIP intensive this month Access to the All Access Lounge Monthly CEO Power Hour guidance 👋 Welcome New Members! 13 new members joined in December—welcome to the community! Don't forget to introduce yourself in the intro thread. Resources Mentioned: Join AMSE: amsemembers.com Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide ad inquiries: here Submit photos for the guide: here Chapter information and meetup RSVPs: Available in member portal We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today! We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! Join the ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/ Learn more about AMSE at www.amseagency.com Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Connect with AMSE: Ready to stop building your business alone? Join our verified community of military spouse entrepreneurs today and access events, resources, coaching, and a network that truly understands your journey.

Episode Summary In this episode, AMSE CEO and Founder Moni sits down with Megan Harless, founder of PCS Like A Pro, to discuss everything military spouse business owners need to know about moving their businesses during a PCS. From maximizing reimbursements to managing the stress of relocation, Megan shares insider knowledge on regulations, documentation, and strategies that can save military families thousands of dollars. This conversation covers the often-overlooked financial benefits available to spouses, common costly mistakes, and practical tools for making your next PCS smoother for both your family and your business. Key Takeaways Money & Reimbursements: Military spouses can get reimbursed for licenses, certifications, equipment moving, permits, registrations, and technology upgrades Each service branch offers up to $1,000 for business costs and $1,000 for licensing (up to $2,000 total) These reimbursements are IN ADDITION to regular PCS moving expenses You must have established your business at your current or previous duty station to qualify Documentation Essentials: Keep all receipts and invoices (set up email filters to auto-sort into folders) Required documents: service-specific verification form, PCS orders, current/previous licenses, new state licenses, fee payment receipts, and marriage certificate Use apps like Stride or Google Drive to organize and store documentation Document everything as you go—don't wait until tax season Tax Implications: You CANNOT double-dip—if the military reimburses an expense, you cannot claim it on your taxes Consider Schedule C for self-employed individuals for non-reimbursed expenses Contact a tax professional as soon as you know you're moving Keep business and personal expenses separate and well-documented Timeline Strategy: Before the Move: Research requirements for establishing business in your new state Print and prepare reimbursement forms Get quotes for moving specialty equipment Notify clients as soon as possible about your moving timeline During the Move: Communicate with clients about service interruptions Share your journey on business social media (humanizes your brand) Set expectations for response times and availability Create a "last chance" promotion if applicable After the Move: Re-register your business in the new state Update tax information (city, state, IRS) Submit reimbursement packet immediately Network in local military and civilian communities Join Facebook groups for your new area We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today! We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! Join the ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/ Learn more about AMSE at www.amseagency.com Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook "Once a spouse, always a spouse" - Supporting military spouse entrepreneurs in every season of their journey.

Exclusive Interview with Josh Turner Episode Description: Join us for an intimate, one-on-one conversation with country music star Josh Turner. In this special episode, we strip away the typical interview format for a more personal dialogue where we each asked the questions that mattered most to us. Get ready for candid insights and meaningful conversation with one of country music's most authentic voices. Featured Guest: Josh Turner - Country music singer, songwriter, and performer Episode Highlights: Intimate Q&A format with focused, meaningful questions Candid insights from Josh Turner Personal dialogue beyond the typical interview structure Exclusive access and behind-the-scenes conversation Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Capital Concerts for making this incredible interview opportunity possible. Upcoming Events: Don't miss Capital Concerts' July 4th celebration 8PM EST/7CST on PBS- tune in for an incredible patriotic event! We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today! We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! Join the ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/ Learn more about AMSE at www.amseagency.com Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Here's a refined version for your podcast: Missed the National Memorial Day Concert? You can still watch! The concert will be streaming through Sunday, June 9th – don't miss this incredible tribute to our fallen heroes. In this episode of Owning Up, you'll hear an intimate and powerful conversation with Gold Star Spouse Krista Simpson Anderson. Join me alongside fellow military spouses and organizations as we dive deep into Krista's journey navigating motherhood, military life, and building a nonprofit to support others walking in her footsteps. This is a conversation that matters – one filled with resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bonds of the military community. Krista's story will inspire you and remind you of the strength that exists within our military families. I can't wait for you to hear this one. We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today! We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! Join the ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/ Learn more about AMSE at www.amseagency.com Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

In this episode, we dive into the age-old practice of bartering and how it can be a game-changer for modern entrepreneurs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your business without breaking the bank, bartering can help you exchange goods and services while conserving cash. We discuss how to identify valuable barter opportunities, set clear terms, and create win-win exchanges that benefit all parties involved. You'll hear real-life stories of entrepreneurs who have successfully leveraged bartering to grow their businesses, build relationships, and access resources they otherwise couldn't afford. Tune in as we break down the best practices for effective bartering and share tips on how to approach potential barter partners with confidence. This event is available to our All Access Pass members hosted 1x a month. Once you jjoin grab your Bartering Checklist and a sample agreement to implement. We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/ Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Thanks to our Owning Up Sponsors at BCBS FEP Get 30 days free All Access Pass Here.

In this episode, Anna and Selena, your favorite AMSE event hosts, chat about the recent move from the Millspouse Creatives Facebook group to the new Circle community. They share their excitement about the transition, how easy it is to use Circle, and why you should join them there. From connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs to exclusive courses and events, there's so much happening in Circle that you don't want to miss out on! Key Takeaways: Introduction to Circle: Anna and Selena introduce themselves and dive into why they made the switch to Circle. The community is now more accessible, organized, and user-friendly. Why Circle is Better: Circle offers a seamless experience both on desktop and mobile. It consolidates all the interactions, events, and courses into one place, making it easy for members to stay connected without the clutter of multiple apps. Exclusive Content & Events: Circle hosts all the content previously found in Millspouse Creatives, including industry leader secrets and military spouse ambassador sessions. There are also exclusive events like "What the Brew," a casual morning chat that fosters connection among entrepreneurs. Community Vibe: One of the best compliments they've received is how warm and welcoming the Circle community feels. It's a space where members feel encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and be themselves without judgment. How to Join: Joining Circle is easy! You can access it via the app or on your desktop. Anna and Selena are there daily, ready to interact with members and build a thriving community. Join for free at www.amsemembers.com. Call to Action: Download the Circle app or join via desktop using the link provided. Start engaging with the community today and take advantage of all the resources and events available to you as an AMSe member. Don't miss out—come say hello and connect with Anna, Selena, and other entrepreneurs like yourself! We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today! Remember, membership Circle has all you need to register for events, connect with other members, and share your wins! You can find all you need to start, grow, and elevate your business! We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/ Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Thanks to our Owning Up Sponsors at BCBS FEP Get 30 days free All Access Pass Here.

The kids are home and its a free for all but you still have a business to run. If you can releate this, this episode is for you. Join me as I share why "75 Soft Biz Challenge" will help you create space to soak up the sun spend time with the people you love and still crush your business by implementing with intention. In this episode you will learn about: The "75 Soft Biz Challenge" for summer business growth, focusing on: Business development Building relationships Getting inspired The challenge aims to help military spouse entrepreneurs balance family time and business growth during summer. Emphasis on flexibility, intentionality, and consistency in business growth, rather than strict adherence to rules. Rejection of the "work-life balance" concept in favor of work-life integration. Importance of community support for entrepreneurs, especially military spouses. Encouragement to join the free AMSE membership for networking and accountability. Invitation to participate in the challenge and share progress using #75softbizchallenge on social media. This episode offers practical advice for military spouse entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while enjoying summer with their families, highlighting the importance of intentionality, community, and flexibility in the entrepreneurial journey. It's not too late to join, jump in when you can and get started. Grab all the deets here. We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today! Remember, membership Circle has all you need to register for events, connect with other members, and share your wins! You can find all you need to start, grow, and elevate your business! We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/ Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Thanks to our Owning Up Sponsors at BCBS FEP Get 30 days free All Access Pass Here.

In this episode, We have an incredible conversation with the amazing Charlinda Scales. If you're looking for some serious entrepreneurial inspiration, you're in for a treat! Charlinda is a powerhouse - she's the founder and CEO of Mutt Sauce, an Air Force reservist, author, and TEDx speaker. Oh, and did we mention she's doing all this while being a mom? Talk about Owning up! We got into the nitty-gritty of balancing entrepreneurship with military service and motherhood. Charlinda kept it real, sharing her experiences of hitting "rock bottom" and how she bounced back. Her book, "Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline," dives even deeper into this - definitely adding it to our must-read list! For all you networkers out there, Charlinda shared some golden advice on building authentic relationships. Spoiler alert: it's not about sliding into DMs asking for favors! She talked about the power of cultivating genuine connections over time, and how that's led to some amazing opportunities for her. We also got the scoop on her latest venture - a huge commercial kitchen and incubator in Ohio. It's clear that Charlinda is all about lifting others up as she climbs! Some key nuggets of wisdom from our chat: - Don't be afraid to pivot and adapt your business, especially when times get tough - It's okay (and sometimes necessary) to make your circle smaller and focus on what truly matters - Include your family in your entrepreneurial journey - they're part of your success too! We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today! Remember, membership Circle has all you need to register for events, connect with other members, and share your wins! You can find all you need to start, grow, and elevate your business! We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/ Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Thanks to our Owning Up Sponsors Get 30 days free All Access Pass Here.