

The Iconic Podcast
The Iconic Podcast | Jennifer Szpigiel
Join Jen Szpigiel, CEO and Editor in Chief of Becoming Iconic and Iconic Magazine weekly as she interviews industry moguls to provide you with the inspiration, insights and lessons for how to grow an iconic life and business for yourself. Each episode will feature actionable steps, expert advice and personal stories to support you to spark, grow and scale your business as an entrepreneur. This podcast is for the visionary leaders who are committed to creating their legacy, pursuing their dreams and achieving their goals beyond their current circumstance. The Iconic Podcast sets itself apart through Jen’s unparalleled interview style, genuine curiosity and commitment to having women rise to their potential. Formally known as the Becoming Iconic Podcast, this new iteration is dedicated to providing you with the most potent and powerful conversations with those who have overcome, prevailed and built their lives and businesses into the incredible success we see today. Subscribe now and leave a review to be a part of this Iconic movement. Don’t forget to also check out this month’s magazine where we deep dive with the guests who are interviewed here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
Alter: Bootstrapping a Hot and Cold Studio
In today’s episode, Jen welcomes Aleya and Melissa, the co-founders of Alter, a sauna and ice bath studio in Toronto. Together, they share their remarkable journey of building a brick-and-mortar wellness business with their partners. The conversation highlights the complexities and joys of launching a business with close friends, while also exploring the benefits of hot and cold therapies. Aleya and Melissa walk us through how they brought their vision to life, the importance of adaptability, and how they’ve cultivated a supportive community around their unique wellness practice.Today on the show:How Alter came to life and the power of co-founding with friendsThe personal and wellness benefits of hot and cold therapyBalancing the creative and financial aspects of a capital-intensive businessCreating an approachable, community-centered space for wellnessThe value of focusing on quality and personalization in the wellness industryInsights on how the team prioritizes customer experience and growthLearn more about Alter:Be sure to check out Alter www.alterwellnes.caConnect on Instagram: @alter.torontoConnect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Oct 21, 2024 • 54min
Ali Budd: Becoming a World Renown Interior Designer
In today’s episode, Jen is joined by Ali Budd, renowned interior designer and creative force behind Ali Budd Interiors, to talk about her inspiring journey in the world of design, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Ali shares her story of building a highly successful design firm, balancing creativity with business, and navigating the challenges of working with clients while staying true to her unique style.Throughout the conversation, Jen and Ali dive into the creative process, what it takes to foster a strong team, and the importance of building trust in both leadership and design. Ali also opens up about the pressures of entrepreneurship, the lessons she learned from her late father, and how she maintains balance in her life amidst a thriving business and growing media presence.Today on the show:Ali’s creative journey and how she discovered her passion for interior designThe importance of trust and collaboration in leading a successful design teamBalancing family, work, and personal life as a business ownerHow Ali stays inspired and innovative in her design workNavigating the challenges of working with demanding clientsAli’s upcoming show on HGTV and what’s next for Ali Budd InteriorsConnect with Ali:Connect on Instagram: @alibuddinteriorsVisit Ali's Website: www.alibuddinteriors.comConnect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Oct 14, 2024 • 48min
Silk and Palm: Self Funded Brick + Mortar Solopreneur
In today’s episode, Jen is joined by Kacie from Silk and Palm, a registered acupuncturist, herbalist, and aesthetician, to discuss her incredible journey of entrepreneurship and holistic wellness. Kacie shares her experiences navigating the complexities of running a brick-and-mortar business while building a strong online presence.Through their conversation, Jen and Kacie dive deep into the world of skin therapy, women’s health, and the art of balancing multiple roles in business. Kacie opens up about her passion for helping women achieve health and beauty through acupuncture, as well as the challenges she faced in launching and growing Silk and Palm without a team.Join Jen and Casey as they explore the empowerment that comes from embracing your uniqueness, taking bold risks, and building a business that’s rooted in passion and service.Today on the show:The powerful connection between holistic health and skin careHow Casey transitioned from personal health struggles to entrepreneurshipThe realities of running a brick-and-mortar business in a digital ageWhy social media is crucial for brick-and-mortar businessesThe beauty and complexity of balancing aesthetics and wellnessThe role of acupuncture in supporting hormonal health and skin rejuvenationConnect with Kacie:Silk & Palm www.silkandpalm.caConnect on Instagram @silkandpalmHappy 300 Episode Special: Subscribe to the Iconic MagazineConnect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Oct 7, 2024 • 56min
Marina Katherine: Growing Your Brand Through Personal Content
In today’s episode, Jen is joined by Marina Katherine from Marina Katherine Creative, who shares her inspiring journey of navigating career pivots, embracing multiple passions, and scaling her personal brand. Marina, a former wedding contributor to Iconic Magazine, opens up about her path from working in event planning, PR, and retail, to finding her stride in social media management and content creation.Throughout the conversation, Jen and Marina explore the importance of following your curiosity, being brave enough to pivot when something doesn't align, and showing up authentically to build a brand that resonates. Marina dives deep into how her wedding journey reignited her passion for content creation, leading to a thriving business that now includes brand partnerships, creative social media strategies, and wedding industry expertise.Today on the show:The art of pivoting and following your passions in businessHow Marina transitioned from corporate roles to entrepreneurshipBalancing multiple passions while building a cohesive personal brandThe importance of behind-the-scenes content in growing a social media presenceOvercoming imposter syndrome and embracing growthWhy staying true to yourself and your journey attracts the right clientsConnect with Marina:Connect on Instagram: @marinaakatherineConnect on Tik Tok: @marinakatherineVisit Mk Creative Webisite: www.marinakatherinecreative.comConnect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Sep 30, 2024 • 44min
Tabatha DeBruyn: The High Achiever's Secret Weapon
In today’s episode, Jen is joined by Tabatha DeBruyn, an accomplished success coach, energy healer, author, wife, and mom. Tabatha shares her transformative journey from being a high school teacher to becoming a multi-million dollar entrepreneur and coach. With her deep expertise in personal transformation and healing modalities, Tabatha dives into the power of breathwork, energy healing, and personal growth. Together, they explore how these tools can profoundly impact not only entrepreneurs but anyone striving to live a life aligned with purpose, clarity, and intention.Tabatha opens up about her own journey of overcoming limiting beliefs, challenges in her marriage, and how she uses her lived experiences to help high-achieving women create safe spaces to grow, heal, and thrive. She explains how different modalities, such as breathwork and hypnosis, help people reprogram their subconscious mind and release what no longer serves them. The conversation is full of powerful insights on how to build a life of fulfillment, peace, and balance while achieving great success.Today on the show:How breathwork can reprogram the subconscious mind and transform livesTabatha’s journey from being a teacher to a successful entrepreneurThe importance of safe spaces for high-achieving womenLessons learned from personal challenges and how they shape her coachingHow to support yourself and others through grief and personal growthCreating balance in relationships while being a high achieverConnect with Tabatha:Connect on Instagram: @Tabatha_DeBurynVisit the website: www.tabatha.onlineConnect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Sep 23, 2024 • 49min
Cheekbone Beauty: Bringing a Dream into Product Reality
In today’s episode, Jen sits down with Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, a sustainable and Indigenous-owned beauty brand. Jenn shares her inspiring journey of building Cheekbone Beauty from the ground up, driven by her passion for creating a company that not only offers high-quality products but also aligns with her values of sustainability and giving back to the Indigenous community.Jenn dives deep into her personal story, touching on her Indigenous roots, the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur, and how her cultural heritage shaped the mission and vision of Cheekbone Beauty. She highlights the importance of representation in the beauty industry and how Cheekbone Beauty is making a difference through its focus on eco-conscious products and giving back to Indigenous youth.Throughout the conversation, Jen and Jenn explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, purpose, and sustainability. Jenn offers valuable insights on what it takes to build a purpose-driven brand and shares the behind-the-scenes details of developing Cheekbone Beauty’s product line, which is vegan and cruelty-free, all while staying true to her mission of sustainability.Today on the show:The importance of representation in the beauty industryHow Jenn’s Indigenous heritage shaped the mission of her brandSustainability and eco-conscious practices in beautyChallenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneursThe role of purpose in building a brand that gives backCheekbone Beauty’s impact on Indigenous youth and communitiesConnect with Jenn:Cheekbone Beauty on InstagramVisit the website Connect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Sep 16, 2024 • 42min
Azura: Creating and Building a Tech Company
In today's episode, Jen is joined by guest Natasha, founder of Azura, who shares her journey of building a tech company from the ground up. Natasha talks about the challenges of starting a tech business, including managing bugs, embracing growth, and letting go of control while navigating the unpredictable world of software development.She dives into her personal experience of investing over $100,000 from her mentorship business to build Azura, without loans or investors, and the grit it took to make her dream come to life. We explore the balance between success, growth, and fulfillment, offering listeners a raw and real look into what it takes to create something from scratch. Natasha emphasizes the importance of staying connected to your North Star and having the belief in yourself and your product, even when the journey gets tough.If you’ve ever considered expanding your business beyond the online space or if you’re curious about the world of tech entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and encouragement. Natasha’s passion and determination will leave you motivated to take the next step in your own business journey!Today on Iconic:Simplifying the client experience is essential for business growth.The importance of listening to your users and implementing feedback quickly.The power of investing in your dream without waiting for proof of success.Entrepreneurship requires grit, persistence, and a belief in the long-term vision.Why staying connected to your North Star will guide you through challenges.Connect with Natasha:Website: www.weareazura.comInstagram: @weareazuraConnect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Sep 9, 2024 • 17min
Introducing the Iconic Podcast
In today’s episode, Jen takes listeners on a journey through the evolution of her personal and professional brand, Becoming Iconic, now extending into Iconic Podcast and Iconic Magazine. As she dives into the story behind the transition, Jen shares her passion for creating a platform where visibility and empowerment intersect with branding, leadership, and storytelling.She reflects on the key drivers behind her decision to expand her brand identity and offers a fresh perspective on visibility, urging entrepreneurs to embrace growth through innovative marketing strategies. Jen also introduces Iconic Voicemail—a raw, unedited, and timely podcast that addresses real-time questions from her audience, and unveils a new, exciting opportunity for listeners to gain visibility through her "Triple Threat" marketing platform, connecting them with digital, print, and audio representation.Today on Iconic:The transition from Becoming Iconic Podcast to Iconic PodcastImportance of visibility and marketing innovation for entrepreneursIntroduction to Iconic Voicemail: answering audience questions in real-timeThe evolution and impact of Iconic MagazineTriple Threat marketing: digital, print, and audio for brand growthInvitation for listeners to rise to the occasion and seize visibility opportunitiesConnect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Jul 29, 2024 • 51min
The Realizations from Building a Billion Dollar Business with Marta Hobbs
In this episode, Marta Hobbs, an author, mentor, and entrepreneur, joins Jen to share her powerful journey of personal growth and healing. After a life-changing panic attack in the paradise of St. Barts, Marta embarked on a decade-long spiritual journey, shedding her armour and coping mechanisms to embrace her true identity. Her book "Unraveling" beautifully captures this transformative experience, inspiring readers with its honesty and vulnerability.Today on Becoming Iconic: Marta Hobbs' personal growth journeyTreating clients like family in businessImportance of reputation and discretionSustainability for women entrepreneursPrioritizing enjoyment and self-careMMarta's retreats for high-achieving womenConnect with Marta:Hangout with Marta: @martahobbsWork with Marta: https://linktr.ee/MartaHobbs Connect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co

Jul 22, 2024 • 12min
The Artistic Expression of Building a Business
In today’s episode, Jen shares her journey of discovering her true passion - styling businesses to help them stand out and be seen. Much like a fashion stylist, Jen approaches branding with an eye for individuality and uniqueness, ensuring her clients' businesses reflect their authentic selves. She emphasizes the importance of creating a world-class customer experience, inspiring listeners to channel their own passions into their brand identity and marketing. Jen's work is a new way of empowering women, helping them build confidence through their businesses.Today on Becoming Iconic:Styling businesses like fashion stylingImportance of unique, individual brandingCreating a world-class customer experienceChanneling personal passions into business brandingEmpowering women through business confidenceConnect with Jen: Read Magazine here: www.instagram.com/iconicmagazine__ Business Mentorship here: www.instagram.com/becomingiconic Watch here: www.youtube.com/@theiconicmagazine All resources: www.becomingiconic.co


