Emily Henry - Blogger, D.C. Pioneer Woman

1.  Tell us about yourself, connection to Ave and your blog.
 I was one of a small number of final freshmen admitted to Ave Maria College before the closure of the Michigan campus. Since we were the last freshmen class, we were endearingly referred to as freshmen even throughout our sophomore year. Upon its closure, I transferred to Hillsdale College where I finished my B.A. in Classical Studies. Since then, I moved to the Washington D.C. area, where I work as a nanny by day and an online Latin instructor by night. I have been blogging for over a year, writing short stories. My newest venture is D.C. Pioneer Woman, a blog in which I enjoy sharing innovative ways to do things with small town values in the big city.

2.  What spurred you to start your own blog and what keeps you going?

There isn't a time that I can recall in which I wasn't fascinated by books and words. Growing up, I was inspired by the stories written by Louisa May Alcott (Little Women), L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables), and Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie). I wanted to be like them (even if some of their characters were fictitious). I dreamed of emulating both the authors' and their characters' achievements, having high hopes of becoming a writer. I realized, what better way to start gaining experience writing than within the medium of blogging?

As to what keeps me going: wanting to bring both joy and creative ideas to my readers. I don't want this blog to be all about me or some façade of perfection. Instead, I want it to be a place of delight and inspiration for my readers. I want them to walk away feeling excited about life. It is my hope to provide a very honest, down to earth blog for people filled with all kinds of fun reading, including tips on food, fashion, travel, fitness, organization, and cleaning.

3.  What is your favorite part of your blog? 
Since my blog is very new, I think I would have to say my favorite part is the excitement and freshness of it all. I hope it will be a fun place to share ideas and to encourage one another in our ambitions to live life to the fullest and with purposefulness.

4.  What are you most proud of achieving in your blog 
I think the fact that I have actually started this blog is an achievement for me. I am most grateful to my friend Carol who listened attentively to my ideas and encouraged me to go for it. Honestly, I owe the start of this blog to her.

5.  What is your work process? 

 am not sure I have anything definitive set in place as of yet. I do know, however, that in order to think clearly and creatively, I need to be in a place where I feel at ease (coffee shop, couch, comfy chair, outdoors in a beautiful setting, etc.) and generally sipping something, like a latte, tea, or water. I need to be fully present and focused on the moment. I also have a favorite Pandora station that I have listened to since college that helps me get into my creative groove.

Fr. Joshua McCarty - Lolek Productions

I am a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Owensboro. I was ordained to the priesthood in 2009 and I am currently serving as the Associate Pastor at Blessed Mother Parish in Owensboro, Kentucky. I am the oldest of five children. My parents live in Southern Indiana. 

While serving on a NET Ministries team (National Evangelization Team)  I traveled through several states with my team going into parishes to work with young people, challenging them to love their Catholic faith. We were witnesses to the faith by leading many retreats all across the country. I had plans and dreams for my life already. I always wanted to have a beautiful wife, a good job, a big house and a riding lawn mower. But along the way I heard people tell me that I had the qualities that would make a good priest. Though it wasn't something I'd thought of much, I eventually discerned that God might be calling me to the priesthood. After NET I studied philosophy at Vincennes University, for two years, and Ave Maria, for three years.  I spent two years at the Ave Maria campus in Ypsilanti, Michigan and then moved to Florida for the inaugural year of Ave Maria University at the temporary campus in Naples, Florida.  After affiliating with the Diocese of Owensboro, I went to study theology at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. Ultimately, I finished my studies and was ordained. 

Evangelization and sharing the love of the Gospel is the mission of a priest. I noticed that there was not a strong presence of good and beautiful Catholic media that could reach out to people.  In this digital and high tech media world there should certainly be a more creative, strong and dynamic communication of the Gospel. That is the reason for starting Lolek Productions. It is a vehicle for me and other creative individuals to produce beautiful and inspiring media works that touch people with the love of God within the human condition. As Saint John Paul II  reminded us, we are all called to evangelize wherever we find ourselves. "Lolek" is his boyhood nickname, so our company was named after him. He is definitely a hero of mine and he has inspired us to carry on the mission of living and sharing the Gospel. 

I love what I do. I love being a priest and ministering to the people. The favorite part of my work with Lolek Productions is hearing the real life stories of how God is truly working and present in people's lives and being able to share their stories with others by way of powerful and inspiring videos. When I hear the feedback from what people are saying about our work, I am amazed and humbled at how God is present in the midst of it all. That's what keeps me going and keeps me motivated to keep up the work we are doing and grow it in whatever ways we need to in order to reach more people. 

Because I am a priest first and foremost and the Associate Pastor at a thriving and busy parish, the time I spend working with Lolek Productions is limited. I try to devote one day a week to production work, but it really just depends on what time I can be available to do it. It is a passion for me in more ways than one. Evangelization is my vocation, but I also love all things digital. I even call myself a nerd. So the two go hand in hand. God has blessed me with being a priest, but by allowing the work with Lolek Productions, I am also able to keep my creative juices flowing and use the gifts and talents He has given me in other ways that I enjoy. I do not work alone. I have a lot of people who help me with Lolek, including a talented board of Directors, generous benefactors, and a small number of passionate volunteers who help make it all possible.  I am so thankful for all that they do. 

I am most proud of what I am working on currently, the icon Project. When it goes national, then it will have the potential to reach more people, to evangelize and share the love of God. The more people we reach, the more people can know, love and serve the Lord. 

Please check out our work at lolekproductions.com 

Lisa Martinez - Owner, illuvint llc

1.  Tell us about yourself, connection to Ave and your business.

I served Ave Maria College as both the Admissions Counselor and the Director of Residence Life from 2000-2004. In 2012, my husband, Mike, and I started illuvint llc - a small business that provides digital marketing, web, and creative services to other small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and non-profits. 

2.  What spurred you to start your own business and what keeps you going?

Mike and I love serving others, and share similar and complimentary gifts: He’s the technical and creative one, and I’m the marketing-minded and creative one. We wanted a way to utilize our gifts to serve others and provide a channel for giving back and sharing our blessings with others.

After years of taking on a variety of contract work, often on top of full-time jobs, in 2012 we felt it was time: Time to use our experience to really begin forging our own path, and take the plunge into the digital marketing arena. Through many years of working with small businesses, entrepreneurs, and ministries, this was the niche they felt could really benefit from these types of affordable yet professional services.

When everything aligned, we officially formed illuvint, our Dallas-based startup, in October 2012. In Spring 2013, we felt called to unify with other industry leaders—working in the field already—to build a digital agency through partnerships. Our collaborative efforts would serve more people better.

We have grown to a team of 12 now, and that -- along with the clients that we love helping -- is what keeps us going!

3.  What is your favorite part of your business? 

I love it when we successfully capture what someone was trying, but unable, to express – whether it’s a website, logo, press release, graphic, or whatever. It’s fulfilling work to help small businesses and organizations grow and thrive.

4.  What are you most proud of achieving in your business?

Towards the beginning of this year, I prayed that God would expand our territory and help us be a light to the nations (our logo features a lighthouse). A couple of weeks later, someone approach us concerning our first international project with a client based in the United Arab Emirates.

In April, we landed that project. Since then, we’ve been working with the Catholic Church in Southern Arabia to rebrand their Apostolic Vicariate (aka “Diocese”). What an amazing opportunity, and blessing to expand our company internationally going into only our second year.

5.  What is your work process?

When clients contact us, I schedule an initial (and free) consultation. At that time we discuss their needs and, depending on what those are, we may even complete a questionnaire then.

For multi-faceted projects or monthly service packages requiring the expertise of 1 or more teammates, we’ll schedule a conference call to introduce and discuss things with all the potential players.

Based on the results, we’ll put together and submit a proposal, which we’ll discuss during a follow-up call to make sure it’s the right fit.

How to connect with illuvint:

web: www.illuvint.com     

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Twitter: @illuvint

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Pinterest

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Kathy Campbell - Owner, Homemade Spa Essentials

1.  Tell us about yourself, connection to Ave and your business.

I attended Ave Maria College for four years and graduated in 2005. My friend Tammi Wachterhauser and I have started a business selling bath and body products on Etsy, as well as to local friends and acquaintances. 

2.  What spurred you to start your own business and what keeps you going?

When I was pregnant with my first child, I started researching herbs and natural living. I found some do it yourself bath recipes and began making different products for friends and family. People liked them so much they started suggesting I start my own business. Tammi was a business major in college and thoroughly enjoys the marketing and accounting aspect. We decided if we put our talents together we would have the possibility of a successful business.
What keeps us going is the excitement of creating something new and making people happy to receive a product with which they can pamper themselves without unnecessary harsh chemicals.

3.  What is your favorite part of your business? 

I have 2 favorite parts of having my own business, the first is creating the products and coming up with a great scent combination. The second truly is making people happy. I love when someone gets excited to use one of our made to order products.

4.  What are you most proud of achieving in your business?

Homemade Spa Essentials is a brand new business, so we're hoping to have plenty of achievements in the very near future. Right now, having the motivation to actually start up our business and not just talk about it is our biggest accomplishment.

5.  What is your work process?

We make orders as they are received so they are as fresh as possible when the person receives it. The product is then delivered, if local, or shipped the next business day.

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Naomi Huzovicova - Blogger, Almost Bananas

1. Tell us about yourself, your connection to Ave and your blog.

I attended Ave Maria in Ypsilanti from 2001 - 2004. I'm originally from Canada, but since marrying Michal, another Ave graduate, I've lived in Slovakia. We have four children, the last two are twins. 

I have a blog called Almost Bananas, where I blog about real food and Slovakia. 

2. What spurred you to start your own blog and what keeps you going?

I'm passionate about healthy but delicious food, that's simple to make and budget friendly. As a busy mom, I don't have time to fuss over recipes with many steps and I can't spend a lot of money on gourmet ingredients. I also really enjoy photography, and combining the two naturally led to a blog and a way to share kitchen creations with other people.

I also wanted to share life in Slovakia with others. Slovakia is a small country and not very well known, and I wanted a way to tell family and friends what it's like here.

People writing and letting me know that they enjoyed a post or photo really help keep me going. I don't want what I write just to disappear down the black internet hole, so it's nice to know that people appreciate it. I also really enjoy food photography, I could spend hours at it if I had the time, and would like to develop the food photography into a business.

3. What is your favorite part of your blog?

Hearing from people, people telling me they actually tried a recipe and like it, makes my day. I also enjoy the creative process of taking food photos.

4. What are you most proud of achieving in your blog?

I needed a blog with more options than free platforms could provide, so I created one myself. I don't know anything about tech/programming/designing but didn't have the resources to outsource it. It was sometimes frustrating and it took a long time, but I learned a lot. It still needs some work but it's beyond my abilities now.

5. What is your work process?

At the moment I don't really have a work process. I think of something to eat, try it out a few times, when I'm satisfied with the recipe I photograph it (preferably during nap time). I have different ideas for props, sometimes I choose them based on mood, season, or colour, prowling around my home seeing what else I can use.

www.almostbananas.net

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Chantelle Gossett, Pampered Chef Consultant

1. Tell us about yourself, connection to Ave and your business. 

Hi! My name is Chantelle Gossett and I went to Ave Maria in 2001, hard to believe it was that long ago.  I am married to my husband Aaron, we have been married 12 years this year, and we have four kids, 3 boys and a girl.  Collin is 10, Kaitlynn is 9, Tyler is 7 and Gavin is 4.  My brother who is 16 also lives with us.  I sell Pampered Chef as a full time job that also allows me to be a full time mom.  Pampered Chef offers high quality kitchen tools to make your time in the kitchen easier and our mission is to keep families together around the table.

2. What spurred you to start your own business and what keeps you going? 

I started my business in 2005, when we had two babies 15 months apart, as a way to continue to stay home with them but also pay for a medical expense our daughter had.  Since then the reasons I sell Pampered Chef have changed but not my love for what I do! When our third child was born, I decided to make this a part time job (about 2 parties a week) this replaced my husbands 2nd income and allowed him to quit his second job.  Previously he had been gone 60-100 hours a week and that wasn't a good fit for our family.  It was also the first year I earned a free trip with my business.  Taking Aaron to Paris for free was an amazing bonus of my job.  Since then we  have never missed a trip and have been able to travel for free to places like Disney World, Toronto, a cruise, Los Cobos and Punta Cana.  This allows us to do something we never would have been able to do until much later in life. I LOVE my job.

3. What is your favorite part of your business? 

My favorite part of my business is two fold. I love teaching people how to prepare quick, healthy meals that save money and everyone in the family enjoys. No matter who you are, people are busy, but they have to eat.  Most people want to be as healthy as they can but they feel stressed for time, so when I show you how to make an amazing meal in under 20 minutes, it helps families eat together more often and helps people to spend more time together and I love that!  I also love helping people get started with their own Pampered Chef business.  This business has changed my life and I have seen it help people get out of debt, pay for their wedding, or even just stock their kitchen with awesome products and cook more, whatever the reason helping people is another great part about what I do.  

4. What are you most proud of achieving in your business?

Last year I was recognized as one of the top 20 consultants in the entire company during our trip to Los Cobos, that was a really special recognition, but the reason I pushed myself so hard was because Aaron had lost his job and I was able to support our family on my income without having to give up my role as a mom, which has always remained my top priority. I think the confidence that this has given me is really what I am most proud of.

5. What is your work process? (i.e. what happens when a customer contacts you)

My work process is different things for different people.  If someone contacts me to book a party or an online show, we set a date, get it set up on my website, and build a wishlist of products they will earn for free. If it is a live event we get together and cook a recipe and a dessert in 20 minutes and everyone gets to join in the fun and try out the tools I bring. Then they get to eat!!

If it is someone who wants to get started with their own Pampered Chef business, my job is to help them get off to the best start possible and then I coach and mentor them as they grow their business.
Thanks for taking the time to learn about me and my business.  If you are interested in learning more please feel free to ask me questions or contact me.


Shop my website 24/7 www.pamperedchef.biz/cincychef   NEW products on the outlet!!!

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Nino Garofola - Financial Analyst, Garofola Financial LLC

1.  Tell us about yourself, connection to Ave and your business.

I'm Nino Garofola, and I was at Ave Maria College in 2003-2004. My business is called Garofola Financial and we consult small businesses with 5-30 employees on how to best leverage themselves for profits. Essentially we give businesses that are too small to have a Chief Financial Officer the access to the same expertise and sophistication but without the prohibitive cost. In addition to advising businesses on their financial situation we also do general business consulting on how to better grow your business for efficiency.

2.  What spurred you to start your own business and what keeps you going?

After Ave Maria I transferred to Franciscan University where I graduated with a business economics degree. During my studies in economics I discovered I have a passion for analyzing how businesses run. It was at this point I started formulating a business plan to start a consulting firm for small businesses. In 2010 the dream was finally realized and it has been one of the hardest and one of the best things I have ever done. The greatest part of my job is I get to change the world for the better a little bit every day. When we help businesses reach their clients more efficiently and consequently take home more money I know that I am playing an instrumental part in growing wealth and making everyone better off.

3.  What is your favorite part of your business? 

We rolled out a service called "Cost of Capital" in March 2014. This is something I worked extremely hard for months to perfect. It is a return rate that your business needs to make in order for a project to be "worth it". I also enjoy developing budgets and sales projections. This gives me a reason to play in Excel all day!

4.  What are you most proud of achieving in your business?

In 2013 every client who was with us for 12 months or longer experienced growth of anywhere from 20% to over 100% in sales. In addition, none of these clients had less than a 20% growth rate in "take home" income.

5.  What is your work process?

When a prospect contacts me I meet with them and ask them about their business what the biggest challenges are that they face. If the needs are something that Garofola Financial can address I show them our "Profiability Process". It is a proven process where we make sure the most basic needs are met first before we can address the bigger concerns. By this process I can show them when and how we can expect to address their most pressing needs.

www.garofolafinancial.com