Gritty is the New Pretty

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 launched Confetë Party Box, bringing high-end curated gift boxes and virtual party experiences to businesses of all sizes—including big names like Facebook and Microsoft. Join us as we discuss: * Burnout & lessons you can get out of going through tough times. * How anxiety led me to retrain my brain * Going from almost bankrupt to generating over $300K in revenue

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 to the finished product. Her journey as an entrepreneur has been a continuous source of personal and professional growth. As a creative designer with a strong sense of business acumen, her proudest accomplishment has been launching her clothing brand, The Common Theory, which embodies her passion for design and bringing attention to important social issues. Join us as we discuss: * Running a business with a spouse * Impact of a meaningful brand * Making space in to lead in your business

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 of directors, spearheaded a project called The Market, which reimagines food security. This initiative offers the dignity of choice through curated locally grown foods and fresh ingredients. In Fall 2022, her organization introduced a revolutionary refrigerated smart locker distribution model, creating a network of support hubs for food and resources throughout Pierce County. Stacey's ultimate vision is to ensure the organization's sustainability by fostering local food production and supporting local food producers. Join us as we discuss: * Key to innovating solutions to old problems * Value of a human centered approach * Rebranding- when, why and how? Learn more by visiting Goodroots.org

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 and has demonstrated strong leadership through service and board membership. She is a member of the Junior League Tacoma and is currently the President of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Join us as we discuss: * United Way's Mission * What a CEO Does * Importance of Women Mentorship

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 entrepreneurs with the Spaceworks program and safety concerns with Tacoma Business Council. More recently she has started quarterly Businesswomen of Tacoma Table Talks. Join us as we discuss: * Finding creativity in business * Importance of giving yourself grace * How businesses can come together to serve their business community Linkedin [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-johnston-71427b245] @CourtHouseSquareTacoma (Instagram) www.CourtHouseSquareTacoma.com [http://www.courthousesquaretacoma.com/] @TacomaVenuesEvents (Instagram) @DowntownTacomaPartnership (Instagram)

Brought to you by Grit City Women [https://www.gritcitywomen.com/] - 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 Learn more about Tosha: * LinkdIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tosha-siebert-760a185b/]

Brought to you by Grit City Women [https://www.gritcitywomen.com/] - 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 guest Liz Morrow, interior designer and DIY evangelist as they discuss: 1. Empowering Women in DIY Spaces 2. Tips and Tricks of Planning your DIY project 3. Navigating home renovations with contractors Learn more about Liz visit: * Website : lizmorrowstudios.com/ [http://lizmorrowstudios.com/] * Insta : @liz.morrow

Grit and Grind podcast is 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 Entrepreneur and Chef Chantel Jackson of Thyme Well Spent as we discuss Chantel's journey and big things she is bringing to Tacoma! * Breaking into the food business * Grass roots learning by doing * Overcoming obstacles * Power of love and positive attitude Learn more about Chef Chantel: * Website https://www.thymewellspentinc.com/ [https://www.ginapalumboma.com/]