HAYVN Hubcast

A lot of entrepreneurs who sell amazing products don’t always start in business. Sometimes, they come up with an idea for a product (that often doesn’t exist in the marketplace) and then make a business out of that idea. That’s exactly the story of our guests Ann Guerrera and Áine Kappel. Anne and Áine are the best friend and founder duo behind Alchemists Laboratories, a skincare brand dedicated to producing all-natural products to help women look as young and healthy as they feel. These friends were previously research chemists and met when they were working as chemistry teachers.  After 20 years of friendship and multiple lunchtime conversations, they started talking about their aging skin. This conversation led them to start research and test product development in 2019 for a product that’s effective and without all of the hard-to-pronounce ingredients.  “Why wouldn't you ingest the nutrients that are needed for healthy skin where it's able to work on the cellular level from the inside out?” - Áine Kappel Key points discussed in this episode are: Balancing being best friends and business partners Starting their business doing everything themselves The shift and changes when taking the next step in their business “Every time we’d do something we had to learn it ourselves. We'd like to take the next step where we can hire people who are specialists.” - Ann Guerrera Now their focus has shifted from getting their product formulas right to being ready to take a large step forward in their business growth.  This duo recently won HAYVN Hatch, and they’ve been amazed at all of the help people have been willing to give them. They realized that this doesn’t have to be a lonely journey, and people are willing to help them as they bring their business to the next level. Connect with Alchemists Laboratories: Website Facebook Instagram Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

State Representatives play an important role in their communities. It’s their job to recognize the needs of the people they represent and make sure those needs are met by legislation. In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we’re joined by Rep. Tracy Marra. She’s currently the State Representative for Norwalk & Darien. Ever since high school, Rep. Marra was focused on a career as a pharmacist. Even though she compared being a pharmacist to being a lawyer, with the amount of reading, research, and knowledge it required, she never thought that she’d go into politics. While living and working in Bermuda, her time away from our country gave her a new level of respect for the U.S., and an appreciation for the fact that she could vote and have her words heard by her government. After getting actively involved in her local Darien community, she worked as an organizer, a campaign manager, and eventually a representative.  In her first year as State Representative, she is actively engaged on the Education, Public Health and Transportation committees.  “I didn't want it to be by the 10% from either side that was acting crazy. I wanted to make sure that our community was represented by someone thoughtful.” - Rep. Tracy Marra Rep. Marra shares with us: Why she decided to get into politics The projects and passions she’s working on  The support businesses need in Connecticut.  “We need to move forward with rational, calm legislation. The noise is just noise.” - Rep. Tracy Marra In this episode Rep. Marra shares her knowledge, her sense of civic responsibility and the work she is doing for Connecticut, while demonstrating how her thoughtfulness and appreciation for the country are influencing her work.  Connect with State Representative Tracy Marra:  Website Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

HAYVN is a community of passionate and driven entrepreneurs who we are proud to celebrate. In this episode, we get to hear about the exciting business journey of Kara Mac, founder of Kara Mac Shoes, also a recent winner of the HAYVN Hatch. As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in knitwear technology, Kara quickly worked her way up in the fashion industry. One day after walking to work with shoes in her bag to change into for a later event, only to find a dozen other shoes under her desk for different outfits, her idea came for Kara Mac Shoes, "The World's First Instantly Convertible Shoes from Heel to Toe." After several successful business pitches, Kara quit her job and worked on her shoe company full time. Key Points discussed: Challenges in starting a new brand business Keeping the brand and business sustainable Understanding the client Shifting the focus to looking for capital and growing the business “You have to build your moat so other people can't steal your work.” - Kara Mac From the conception of the idea until about a year ago, Kara Mac Shoes has been self-funded and running on revolving cash flow. Kara has been bootstrapping at a global level, sourcing manufacturers and factories, fulfilling the orders herself, hiring interns and freelancers, flying all over the country to get proof of concept, and getting friends and families to help. During this time, she was able to understand her customers, work on and improve the product, and secure the patents. Now, she’s ready to expand the business, increase capital, expand the customer base, and bring in more sales. Connect with Kara Mac: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed speaks with Ed Knight, Founder and CEO of Transference, a company dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of administrative and tedious tasks during challenging life transitions.  One of the most uncomfortable conversations to have is what to do in case of tragedies like injuries, medical emergencies, or even death. When loved ones are unprepared, all the paperwork, legalities, and involved parties can add even more stress.  With a background in finance and insurance, Ed recognized the need for dedicated support in managing the paperwork and red tape that needs to be taken care of during these crucial times. With Transference, his goal is to provide clarity and assistance to those navigating the complexities of estate management, end-of-life affairs, and caregiving responsibilities. Ed talks about: Navigating life transitions and unexpected tragedies Proactive preparation and estate management Maximizing technology now for less headaches later People often go to lawyers in these situations when they don’t know what  else to do. Transference offers the same administrative services, making it more accessible and typically more affordable to people who need it most.  Using seminars, strategic partnerships, and groups like HAYVN, Ed is maximizing the power of networks to expand his new business and make sure that people know about his business whenever they might need it.  Connect with Ed Knight Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Congressman Jim Himes, with a background in business and politics, discusses modern economics, social capital, challenges facing Connecticut and the US, and the role of civic engagement. He emphasizes the importance of social networks for small businesses and community engagement, offering valuable insights on entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses.

On this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, we’re hearing the inspiring journey of Tori Brown, the Founder and Chef of Breakfast Belle. Tori shares her story of transitioning from learning how to cook from her family to being a successful food entrepreneur.   Tori's journey into the world of cooking began with her love of breakfast foods, inspired by her grandmother's southern culinary heritage. After initially pursuing a career in event planning and fundraising, Tori discovered her passion for catering while organizing events. This led her to launch Breakfast Belle in 2016, where she serves delicious southern-style breakfast and brunch dishes. She now creates, markets and sells sought-after packaged goods like: Bamma Fish Fry and Bamma Hot Sauce. “Lay a brick every day.” -Tori Brown Key points Tori discusses: How her brand went from a one-woman show to scaling up Leveraging e-commerce and influencer marketing to grow her brand Her experience applying for grants and pitching her business “To anybody that's looking to get into this field, keep going.” -Tori Brown Tori's story is an example of how resilience, determination, and resourcefulness are required to succeed as an entrepreneur (and new mother). Her commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and willingness to ask for support has been instrumental in her journey from cooking in her kitchen to food entrepreneur. Connect with Tori Brown:  Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter  

In this episode of the HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy has a conversation with Lana Gifas about the fulfillment of economically empowering women in the workplace, highlighting opportunities available to them, and providing the support they need to reach their full potential. Lana is the Executive Director of the Women's Mentoring Network, an organization that takes a holistic approach to helping low-income women find better employment and educational opportunities. Their services include professional development, financial literacy, digital literacy, education, and mentorship. They offer various workshops, one-on-one training, and a food pantry to assist women in areas they need help in. “We're an educational organization trying to open up the eyes of our members to the opportunities they can have.” -Lana Gifas Key points discussed: How the organization responded to the changing needs during the pandemic A holistic approach to supporting women The future of women in the workplace   “Your brand is the message you’re putting out into the world.” -Lana Gifas Despite recent changes in the professional world and the challenges women face, Lana is optimistic about the future. It’s through mentorship, education, and community support that women can achieve their fullest potential. Connect with Lana Gifas:  Website LinkedIn Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy is joined by Merry Thornton, a board-certified New York and Connecticut licensed physician assistant and founder of Element Medical Aesthetics. Merry shares her unique journey from finance to medicine, culminating in the creation of her own medical spa. She clarifies the distinction between medical aesthetics and traditional beauty treatments, guiding listeners on how to choose a reputable provider and what to expect from treatments. Everyone draws their line at different places. My job is not to draw those lines for people. It's just to support them. -Merry Thornton Key Takeaways: Medical aesthetics combines medical expertise with aesthetic treatments for a holistic approach to beauty. Choosing a qualified provider and reputable spa is crucial for safe and effective outcomes. Aesthetic treatments, when done correctly, can significantly improve your appearance and boost your confidence. Exploring the safety profile of common procedures, Merry addresses concerns and dispels myths, providing valuable insights for anyone considering aesthetic treatments. You'll also learn about the role of HAYVN in Merry's entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the supportive and collaborative community that has empowered her success. Connect with Merry   Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Nancy Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Alison Malloy, MD of Investments at Connecticut Innovations, discusses entrepreneurship and venture capital. She emphasizes starting as a new entrepreneur, perseverance, importance of the right people, and Connecticut's efforts to connect entrepreneurs and investors. She addresses the lack of female representation in VC investing, her excitement for CI's new funds, and the roller coaster journey of being an entrepreneur.

Annie Lamont discusses investing in healthcare and fintech, focusing on patient-centered care, technology, trust, and healthcare disparities. She shares insights on AI in healthcare, mental health awareness, and advocating for female representation in venture capital. The podcast highlights empowering women, supporting entrepreneurs, and anticipating future disruptions in the industry.