Serious Lady Business

What happens when you quit your job, give up your apartment, and follow a spark of inspiration halfway around the world?In this episode of Serious Lady Business, Leslie Youngblood sits down with Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go, the surprise travel company she launched at just 23 years old after a chance conversation in a hostel in Latvia. What started as a lightbulb moment became a mission-driven business that has helped thousands of travelers discover overlooked destinations while supporting local communities and small businesses across the United States.Lillian shares the realities of building a company without outside funding, navigating rapid growth and post-pandemic challenges, learning to separate her identity from her business, and why entrepreneurship is often less about having all the answers and more about being willing to start before you feel ready.About Our GuestLillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + GoPack Up + Go WebsiteLillian's Coaching WebsiteConnect with Lillian on LinkedInFollow Pack Up + Go on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTokKey TakeawaysYour Next Big Idea Can Come From AnywhereBootstrapping Creates Different PrioritiesGrowth Isn't Always LinearYour Business Is Not Your IdentityDon't Let Planning Become Procrastination

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Rasheda Williams, an award-winning speaker and communication strategist, about the importance of visibility and storytelling for women and youth entrepreneurs. They discuss how to gain visibility without a budget, the misconceptions surrounding PR, and the power of personal narratives. Rasheda shares her journey of founding Empowered Flower Girl and emphasizes the need for positive youth stories in media. The conversation also touches on the significance of community, networking, and the unique culture of Detroit.About Out GuestRasheda Williams, Founder of Inspired Life Professionals and Empowered Flower GirlConnect with Rasheda on LinkedInEmpowered Flower Girl WebsiteInspired Life Professionals WebsiteKey TakeawaysVisibility is achievable without a large budget.Everyone has a story worth sharing.Networking should focus on giving value.Imposter syndrome affects many, especially women.Your expertise can impact others, regardless of experience.Telling your story can be done through various media.PR is accessible to everyone, not just those with money.Community support is vital for entrepreneurs.Detroit has a rich culture of resilience and innovation.Positive narratives can change perceptions of youth.KeywordsPR, storytelling, visibility, women entrepreneurs, youth empowerment, Detroit, marketing, community, networking, imposter syndrome

In this engaging conversation, Leslie Youngblood speaks with Angela Wisniewski-Cobbina, founder of Coup d'Etat, about the significance of independent retail as a form of rebellion against the dominance of big corporations. They explore the importance of physical spaces in fostering community and connection, the role of clothing in self-expression, and the journey of opening a boutique in Detroit. Angela shares her insights on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, the impact of social media, and the importance of authenticity in business. The discussion also highlights the unique culture of Detroit and the need for community support for small businesses, culminating in a powerful message about empowering women and challenging societal norms.About Our GuestAngela Wisniewski-Cobbina - Founder, Coup D’état Connect with Angela on LinkedInFollow Angela on InstagramCoup D’état websiteFollow Coup D’état on InstagramKey TakeawaysIndependent retail serves as a form of rebellion against corporate dominance.Physical spaces foster community and meaningful conversations.Clothing is a powerful tool for self-expression and identity.The journey to entrepreneurship is often long and challenging.Detroit's unique culture and style deserve recognition.Community support is essential for the survival of small businesses.Authenticity in branding is crucial for success.Social media can create illusions of community and success.Success is not just about financial gain but also about personal fulfillment.Empowering women is vital for societal change.Keywordsretail, rebellion, community, Detroit, fashion, entrepreneurship, self-expression, social media, women empowerment, small business

About Our GuestKiara Williams, Founder of Digital Movement Media + Treuse CinemaConnect with Kiara on LinkedInConnect with Kiara on InstagramDigital Movement Media Websitedetroit, entrepreneurship, social impact, organizing, nonprofit, new york, advocacy

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Nikki Sapiro-Vinckier, a reproductive healthcare activist and OB-GYN physician assistant. They discuss Nikki's journey into advocacy, the gaps in the healthcare system, and the importance of empowering patients to advocate for themselves. The conversation also touches on the historical context of reproductive health, the need for more clinical advocates, and the role of men in reproductive health discussions. Nikki shares insights from her upcoming book, 'We Deserve More,' which aims to provide patients with the tools they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, trust, and the ongoing fight for reproductive rights, particularly in a swing state like Michigan.About Our GuestNikkie Sapiro Vinckier, reproductive healthcare activist, content creator and OBGYN Physician AssistantFollow Nikki on InstagramFollow Nikki on TikTokConnect with Nikki on LinkedInNikki's WebsiteTake Back Trust WebsitePre-Order We Deserve MoreKey TakeawaysNikki's advocacy stems from her frontline experience in reproductive healthcare.There is a significant gap between patient needs and healthcare delivery.Empowering patients to advocate for themselves is crucial in healthcare.Historical injustices in gynecology impact current healthcare experiences.Trust in healthcare is fragile, especially for marginalized communities.Communication is key to effective healthcare advocacy.Men should be included in conversations about reproductive health.Patients should ask for pain management in advance of procedures.Digital platforms can help combat misinformation in healthcare.Community engagement is essential for effective advocacy.reproductive health, advocacy, healthcare access, women's rights, Michigan, Take Back Trust, self-advocacy, healthcare equity, women's health, community engagement

Host Leslie Youngblood interviews Lindsay A. Joseph, co-founder of BedConnect, a healthcare technology startup focused on improving patient transitions through smarter discharge workflows. Lindsay shares her journey from being a CPA and hospital CFO to becoming a tech entrepreneur in Detroit. The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities in the Midwest startup ecosystem, the importance of community support for women founders, and the vision for BedConnect to revolutionize healthcare. Lindsay emphasizes the need for collaboration and the belief that success is not a zero-sum game, highlighting the importance of uplifting each other in business.About Our GuestLindsay A. Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO of BedConnectConnect with Lindsay on LinkedInFollow BedConnect on LinkedInBedConnect websiteMichigan's PitchMI CompetitionLindsay Joseph, BedConnect, healthcare innovation, Detroit, startup ecosystem, women founders, capital raising, community engagement, Midwestern work ethic, tech entrepreneurship