Episode #118: IYLIA – Layla-Joy
Guest Spotlight: Layla-Joy Williams, Founder & CEO of IYLIA — From Footwear to Fine Wine Layla-Joy Williams is a creative powerhouse and the founder of IYLIA, a brand that began in the world of women’s luxury footwear and has since expanded into the adult beverage industry. With a background in industrial design and years of experience at top fashion brands like Nine West and Michael Kors, Layla-Joy has transformed her entrepreneurial drive into two thriving product lines. In this episode, she shares her journey from designing shoes in Spain to creating clean, high-quality wines that reflect her passion for craftsmanship and detail. This Episode’s Highlights From Footwear to Fine Wine: Layla-Joy transitioned from designing high-end shoes to producing Spanish wines when the pandemic disrupted global manufacturing. Pandemic Pivot: Stuck in Spain during COVID-19 lockdowns, she turned her energy toward learning the wine business from the ground up—right in the heart of Spanish wine country. Why Spanish Wine? She believes Spanish raw products offer superior quality and consistency compared to their Italian and French counterparts. Mindset for Success: Layla-Joy attributes her entrepreneurial growth to kindness and respect—treating everyone from servers to executives with equal dignity. Healthier Wine Habits: Her top tips to avoid wine hangovers? Stay hydrated, eat starchy foods, and get plenty of rest. Watch the full episode to hear Layla-Joy’s inspiring pivot story and business advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99FVveuXBN8&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=6 Memorable Quote: It’s important for you to be as respectful to the person that’s serving you food as the person who’s the executive at the company. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Layla-Joy Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Episode #117: Stradea – Hugo Gatsby
Hugo Gatsby of Stradea: Turning Adversity Into Entrepreneurial Success Through Behavioral Science Web Design Hugo Gatsby is the founder of Stradea Design Labs, a web design company rooted in behavioral science. Diagnosed as non-verbal autistic until the age of 12, Hugo’s journey into entrepreneurship came later in life, but his impact has been nothing short of inspiring. With a strong focus on mindset, branding, and leading with purpose, Hugo helps small businesses build smarter, more impactful websites. This Episode’s Highlights Tell Your Brand Story: Hugo shares how weaving your personal story into your brand creates connection and trust. Mentorship Matters: He emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor to help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Fail Forward: Hugo embraces failure as a learning opportunity and encourages others to keep moving ahead despite setbacks. Optimize Your Website: He outlines three critical things every business owner should do to make their website effective. Lead with Purpose: Hugo believes in teaching others to lead and inspiring them to stay, creating a positive ripple effect in business and life. Don’t miss Hugo Gatsby’s incredible story of resilience and growth. Watch the full Clicks & Bricks Podcast episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9UM_4WjeUc&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=51 Memorable Quote: I fail a lot—but I fail forward every time. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Hugo Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Episode #116: Luvafoodie – Michelle Mazzara
Michelle Mazzara, Founder of Luvafoodie: From Dating for Foodies to Clean Eating Success Michelle Mazzara took a leap of faith when she left the security of corporate America to chase her entrepreneurial dreams. What started as a dating site for food lovers evolved into Luvafoodie, a thriving clean eating and holistic product brand. In this episode, Michelle shares her inspiring journey of pivots, passion, and perseverance, showing what it takes to build a brand from scratch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9GtX6Sh55g&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=50 This Episode’s Highlights Big Leaps Pay Off: Michelle left her corporate career at Sara Lee to build something entirely her own—starting in a completely new industry with zero experience. Pivoting with Purpose: When the online dating space proved too competitive, she quickly shifted Luvafoodie into a consumer products company focused on clean, natural foods. Problem Solving with Passion: A short shelf life for her first product, caramels, led her to develop longer-lasting chocolates, spices, and eventually salt-free spice blends inspired by her personal health journey. Health-Driven Mission: After battling heart disease, Michelle became a champion for clean eating and created products that help others lead healthier lives, including a spice line for pets. Entrepreneurial Grit: Michelle built Luvafoodie without investors, driven by her passion to help people eat better and create products that genuinely make people smile. You have to want this more than anything else you’ve ever wanted, because you’re going to work harder than you ever anticipated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9GtX6Sh55g&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=50 Memorable Quote: You have to want this more than anything else you’ve ever wanted, because you’re going to work harder than you ever anticipated. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Michelle Facebook Globe Instagram X-twitter
Episode #115: CrankWheel – Gilsi Sigvaldason
Guest Profile: Gilsi Sigvaldason of CrankWheel — Simplifying Sales Calls with Instant Screen Sharing Gilsi Sigvaldason, co-founder of CrankWheel, joined the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share how his bootstrapped Icelandic startup revolutionizes cold calls and sales demos. With over 60,000 users worldwide, Gilsi and his team help sales professionals close deals faster by making screen sharing instant, simple, and available on any device—no downloads required. If you’re in sales or lead a business frustrated by long sales cycles and no-show demos, this episode is for you. Gilsi’s down-to-earth approach to entrepreneurship, rooted in solving real problems, shows how focus and simplicity can win in tech. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-FNw5wSNk8&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=49 This Episode’s Highlights Start Simple, Stay Focused: CrankWheel solves one problem—seamless screen sharing—and refuses to overcomplicate their product. Shorten the Sales Cycle: Instantly show prospects your solution during the first phone call, cutting multi-call sales processes down to one. Bootstrapped & Profitable: Instead of chasing venture capital, CrankWheel stayed lean, grew customer-first, and is now used on six continents. Sell the Solution, Not the Software: The team prioritizes creating real-world results over piling on features customers never asked for. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Solve the frustrations you experience at work; chances are others feel the same pain and will pay for a fix. Catch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-FNw5wSNk8&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=49 Memorable Quote: We are selling a solution, not a problem.” — Gilsi Sigvaldason Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Gilsi Facebook Linkedin Globe
Episode #114: PlyoJam – Jason Layden
Jason Layden, Founder of PlyoJam: Bringing Heart-Healthy Dance Fitness to the Masses Jason Layden, creator of the global dance fitness sensation PlyoJam, joined Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share how his passion for heart health inspired him to build a fitness brand with global reach. What started as a local dance class with a twist of plyometric jump training has grown into a worldwide movement, helping people rediscover the joy of movement and the importance of fitness in their lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuVkKbJCMJM&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=48 This Episode’s Highlights PlyoJam’s Unique Blend: Jason combined follow-along dance routines with plyometric training to create a fun, heart-healthy workout for all skill levels. Your WHY Drives Success: Personal loss inspired Jason to focus on heart health and create a fitness platform with purpose. Finding the Right Partner: He emphasized the importance of partnerships, sharing how his business partner Stacy helped elevate PlyoJam beyond what he could do alone. Leaning on Technology: Long before the pandemic, Jason embraced digital fitness, allowing PlyoJam to thrive with live classes and on-demand content during lockdowns. The Power of PR: Celebrity shoutouts (including BTS on James Corden’s show!) and organic media helped build PlyoJam’s brand without heavy ad spend. Ready to learn how dance, business partnerships, and the power of your WHY can transform your career and your life? Watch the full episode with Jason Layden now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuVkKbJCMJM&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=48 Memorable Quote: You have to be obsessed with your WHY—otherwise those hard days will break you. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Jason Facebook Globe Instagram
Episode #113: Spectra Spray – Janet Ryan
Janet Ryan of Spectra Spray: Revolutionizing Wellness with Vitamin Spray Solutions Janet Ryan, founder of Spectra Spray, turned a personal family tragedy into a mission-driven business dedicated to improving health through innovative vitamin sprays. With over 25 years in wellness consulting and partnerships with healthcare professionals, Janet’s products solve real absorption issues that traditional supplements often miss. In this episode of Clicks & Bricks, she shares how patience, smart partnerships, and a bold leap of faith fueled her entrepreneurial journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTPN3aHQERY&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=47 This Episode’s Highlights Solve a Real Problem: Janet’s sprays help people with malabsorption issues get the vitamins they need—quickly, conveniently, and effectively. Bootstrap with Purpose: She built her business step by step, including investing $1,500 on credit for a trade show that proved her product’s market demand. Find Your Niche: Despite vitamins being for “everyone,” she found traction focusing on the travel industry and on-the-go consumers. Patience & Persistence: Success didn’t happen overnight—Janet stresses the importance of small steps, SWOT analysis, and clear business planning. Leverage Technology & Delegation: Janet uses data-driven marketing and virtual assistants to amplify her reach while staying focused on what she does best. Want to hear Janet’s full story and get practical advice on starting your own business? Watch the full Clicks & Bricks episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTPN3aHQERY&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=47 Memorable Quote: Do what you do best and try to delegate the rest. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Janet Facebook Linkedin Globe Instagram
Episode #112: Texas Business Broker – Mike Feindmen
Mike Feinman of Texas Business Brokers: Mastering the Art of Buying & Selling Businesses Mike Feinman, Managing Partner at Texas Business Brokers, joins the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to break down what it really takes to minimize risk when buying or selling a business. With decades of hands-on leadership experience across the restaurant, fitness, and jewelry industries, Mike has helped countless entrepreneurs navigate complex deals—and build businesses that last. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7SfcGkBIjA This Episode’s Highlights Buying an existing business reduces risk compared to starting from scratch—if you do your homework. Understand whether a business is truly absentee-owned or still dependent on the seller’s day-to-day involvement. Asset purchases are safer than buying a company’s entire legal entity (LLC), reducing liability risks. The seller’s involvement post-sale should be limited to transition and training, not daily operations. Never underestimate the value of a strong attorney and clear personal guarantees to protect your investment. Catch the full conversation and hear more of Mike’s tips on managing business acquisitions the smart way. Watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7SfcGkBIjA Memorable Quote: You never buy a business high—you always want to buy a business with opportunity. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Mike Linkedin Globe
Episode #111: Epigenetic Scan – Debra Crystal and Mary Cholock
Guest Profile: Debra Crystal & Mary Cholock of Epigenetic Scan: Transforming Preventive Health with Simple, Powerful Tech Meet Debra Crystal and Mary Cholock, the passionate entrepreneurs behind Epigenetic Scan, a game-changing wellness technology that’s making preventive health easier, more measurable, and more accessible. With backgrounds in pharmaceutical and medical sales, Debra and Mary are on a mission to bring cutting-edge cellular health technology into the hands of small business owners, fitness professionals, and wellness enthusiasts across the country. On Episode 111 of Clicks & Bricks, they share how their careers, life challenges, and a little bit of serendipity (thanks, Uber!) brought them into this innovative space. Their story is one of grit, passion, and a commitment to helping others measure and manage their health before disease strikes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URg69ZmSyBQ&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=47 This Episode’s Highlights Preventive Health Made Simple: Epigenetic Scan measures carotenoid levels in your skin in 30 seconds—giving you a real-time glimpse of your antioxidant protection. A Business with Purpose: Debra and Mary focus on prevention, helping people track their nutrition and reduce metabolic risks without invasive tests. Integrity Drives Leadership: Their #1 leadership trait? Doing what you say you’ll do. Integrity is non-negotiable in their business. Accessible Opportunity: With an initial investment of under $3,000, small business owners can add a profitable wellness service and supplement line to their existing businesses. Future-Proof Tech: Epigenetic Scan is continually innovating, including upcoming genome-based personalization and more AI-powered health solutions. Want to hear how this revolutionary technology works and learn how you can be a part of it?Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INSERT_EPISODE_URL Memorable Quote: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” — Debra Crystal Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Debra & Mary Facebook Linkedin
Episode #110: Ironwood Wellness – Kerry Streach
Kerry Steach of Ironwood Wellness: Turning Pain into Purpose and Building a Wellness Community in St. Louis Kerry Steach, founder and owner of Ironwood Wellness, brings a personal story of resilience to the world of fitness and wellness coaching. After overcoming debilitating chronic back pain, Kerry built a business focused on helping others move better, feel better, and live with energy. His leadership mindset and practical approach to combining in-person and virtual training make him a standout in the fitness entrepreneur space. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Ctj5HNbmY&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=45 This Episode’s Highlights Kerry’s personal struggle with chronic back pain inspired his career shift from corporate banking to wellness coaching. Ironwood Wellness offers both in-person training at its Webster Groves location and virtual sessions for clients anywhere. Leadership, according to Kerry, is all about “walking the talk” and setting an example for your team and clients. The COVID-19 pandemic taught Kerry the value of hybrid fitness models, blending technology with human connection. He believes the future of wellness relies on getting people “out of the box”—meaning more movement, less screen time. Catch Kerry Steach’s full entrepreneurial journey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5BINSERT_VIDEO_ID_HERE Memorable Quote: Leadership is about walking the talk—if I’m asking my clients to do something, I better be doing it myself. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now
Episode #109: CrossFit 43 North – Clayton Borah
Clayton Borah of CrossFit 43 North: Making Fitness Accessible for Every Body Clayton Borah, founder of CrossFit 43 North in Nampa, Idaho, joined the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share how he’s redefining CrossFit for the everyday person. With a background in graphic design and a heart for helping people, Clayton turned his passion for fitness into a thriving, inclusive gym community. His story is one of grit, resilience, and slow-but-steady growth driven by real human connection and long-term vision. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5O-VNHElp4&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=44 This Episode’s Highlights Inclusive Fitness for All: Clayton built CrossFit 43 North to help everyday people—not just elite athletes—experience the benefits of CrossFit without intimidation. Mindset Matters: His coaching focuses on building sustainable habits and a “low trajectory to a distant horizon” rather than chasing quick wins. Personal Training First: Every new member starts with one-on-one training to build confidence and reduce the risk of injury. Authentic Branding: The name “43 North” reflects the local geography and reinforces the gym’s unique, community-based story. The Power of Mentorship: Clayton credits much of his business growth to hiring a coach and humbly learning how to scale the right way. Want to hear Clayton’s full entrepreneurial journey and his practical advice for gym owners and business leaders? Watch the full episode now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hA-mEgr1zI Memorable Quote: The habit is the goal—make training part of your life, not just a temporary fix. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Clayton Facebook Linkedin Globe Instagram