Gritty is the New Pretty

What happens when the career you worked so hard to build no longer has room for you to grow? In this episode of Gritty is the New Pretty, host Krystle Edwards sits down with Elaine McKnight, founder of The McKnight Element [https://www.themcknightelement.com/], to talk about leaving the perceived safety of corporate life, grieving the identity attached to a dream job, and building a business rooted in strategy, storytelling, and cultural connection. Elaine shares how she turned years of marketing experience into a purpose-driven business that helps small businesses and nonprofits better understand their customers, reach overlooked audiences, and create marketing that feels human—not performative. Join us as we discuss: • When the Dream Changes: Why leaving a prestigious career can feel like losing part of your identity—and how grief can be part of professional growth. • Marketing Is Bigger Than Social Media: How storytelling, customer experience, referrals, accessibility, and trust work together to grow a sustainable brand. • Stop Overlooking Entire Markets: Why authentic, year-round cultural inclusion helps businesses reach customers who are ready to engage, buy, and belong. If this episode hit, take 10 seconds and help it travel—follow the show, leave a quick rating, and share it with a woman who's ready to be heard. Follow us @gritcitywomen | www.gritcitywomen.com

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/]