Powered By Her

Host Tiffany Anton welcomes two sister entrepreneurs whose very different businesses share a common approach: give people real options without the pressure. Tate Craig, owner of Mint to Be, explains how her Cookeville wedding chapel—launched in March—offers courthouse-alternative elopements and simple signings with photo ops, guest seating, seasonal décor, and start-to-finish ease for couples across Middle Tennessee. Connor Giddens, IBCLC behind Foxhole Lactation (rebranded in 2023 from Southern Lactation Services), supports families prenatally and postpartum with individualized feeding plans—breastfeeding, bottle, combo, or formula—guided by low-pressure consultations and client goals. Together they talk boundaries, pricing their value, educating the public on what their services actually do, and the family “village” that makes entrepreneurship possible. It’s a practical conversation about designing services around people’s real needs—and giving clients permission to choose what works for them.

In this episode of Powered By Her, host Tiffany Anton sits down with Jessica Shannon, founder of Scouts Way. Jessica shares her journey as a single mom of three, including her youngest daughter, Scout, who lives with a rare and undiagnosed genetic disorder. From daily medical care and navigating state resources like Tennessee’s Katie Beckett program, to balancing work in pharmaceutical sales, entrepreneurship, and family life, Jessica opens up about the challenges and resilience required to keep moving forward. She discusses how Scouts Way is evolving into a resource hub and community for families facing similar circumstances, offering guidance where no roadmap exists. Her story is one of strength, advocacy, and choosing love over exhaustion, providing inspiration for women in business and motherhood alike.

In this spirited and heartfelt episode, host Tiffany Anton is joined by her longtime friend and powerhouse entrepreneur Lisa Uhrik to “spill the tea” on the incredible women shaping the business and nonprofit landscape of Middle Tennessee. From public shoutouts to deeply personal admiration, Tiffany and Lisa shine a spotlight on local leaders like Amber Flynn, Catherine Weisinger, Amy New, Andrea Burkhart, Ashley Michael, and Teresa Chastain—each of whom is quietly (or loudly!) changing the game in her own way. Through honest reflections and joyful storytelling, the duo celebrates women who lead with generosity, confidence, and collaboration—reminding us that leadership isn’t about ego; it’s about community, legacy, and lifting others up. This is part one of a multi-episode series that honors the women doing the work—out loud or behind the scenes—and leaves us all inspired to notice and affirm the greatness around us. Listen in and ask yourself: who are your women worth spilling the tea about?

After more than two decades at Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Institute, Michelle Baker made the bold leap into entrepreneurship—partnering with her son to co-found Stoneledge, a leadership development company. In this episode, Michelle joins Tiffany Anton to talk about identity shifts, navigating burnout, and why delegation is the key to growth. They dive into the challenge of stepping away from big titles, the myth that everyone should be a leader, and what it means to work on “the right things in the right order.” Michelle also shares how her business evolved from trying to serve everyone to focusing on high-level executive coaching—and why that clarity changed everything. Whether you’re burned out, leveling up, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing take on leadership in the real world.

What starts as a teenage job can sometimes turn into a thriving career—and Kora Sloan is proof. In this episode, host Tiffany Anton sits down with the founder of Playtime Pals Pet Sitting to hear how a high school gig at a doggy daycare grew into a full-time business that’s now thriving in Cookeville. Kora shares her journey from walking neighborhood dogs at 14, to managing a packed nine-to-nine client schedule, to rebuilding her business after a cross-country move. She talks about the lessons learned from burnout, the value of mentorship, and the importance of earning clients’ trust through communication and care. Whether it’s hand-feeding a nervous pup or making sure an owner can enjoy a worry-free vacation, Kora’s “if there’s a will, there’s a way” mindset shines through. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered if their passion could become their paycheck.

In this episode of Powered By Her, Tiffany interviews jet-setting CEO and business coach Sara Vezensek. Originally from Slovenia and now working with clients around the world, Sara shares her journey from working on luxury yachts to building a life of true freedom and purpose. She explains the philosophy behind her “Freedom Formula” and how she helps women turn their knowledge and life experience into thriving businesses that fit their lifestyle—without trading time for money. Sara and Tiffany dive into topics like redefining leadership, overcoming self-doubt, building income streams from your passions, and the power of knowing your ideal client (often a former version of yourself). Whether you’re a boutique owner, a service provider, or someone with untapped expertise, this conversation will spark new ideas about how you can grow with intention—and without burnout. Follow Sara on Instagram at @saravezensek or visit the episode notes for a link to her website and free resources.

She is extremely versatile AND a girls girl. Pamela Claytor has loved the world of photography since she was little. She has a home studio for amazing photo sets that leave ladies feeling like a million bucks! Plus she recently shot my own wedding! Thanks to this week's partners: The Biz Foundry Plenty Downtown Bookshop Miss Sallie's Market

Join Ashley Michael with Plenty Downtown Bookshop, Téa Phillips with Metaflex Therapy Glove and Tiffany Anton with The Biz Foundry for a roundtable discussion! If you are interested in sponsoring this episode, please reach out to tiffany@thebizfoundry.org