How Mom Made It!

Hey Sugar Mamma!

Welcome to another sweet episode of the "How Mom Made It!" podcast, the show that uncovers the inspiring stories of mothers who've turned their passions into livelihoods, crafting success from the comfort of their own homes.
Today, we're unwrapping the sugary success story of Nancy Gulizia-Flint, the culinary artisan behind Sugar Mamma Caramels. Nancy's journey is one of tenacity, taste, and the transformative power of motherhood. She began with a simple pot, a spoon, and a kitchen filled with love, and has since cooked up a profitable candy company that still holds true to its homegrown roots.
In our conversation, we'll melt into the details of how Nancy transformed a family caramel recipe into a bustling business that sweetens the day of caramel connoisseurs far and wide. From her first batch to her latest creation, Nancy's tale is as rich and enticing as the confections she crafts.
Join us as we delve into the sticky, yet satisfying world of home-based entrepreneurship. We'll discover how Nancy balances the roles of mom and mogul, stirs in creativity with business savvy, and turns the challenges of running a home-based operation into opportunities that set Sugar Mamma Caramels apart.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a foodie, or just someone who appreciates the magic that happens when passion meets perseverance, this episode promises to be a treat. So, tie on your apron, preheat your entrepreneurial spirit, and let's get a taste of how Nancy Gulizia-Flint made Sugar Mamma Caramels a household name, one delicious bite at a time. Welcome to "How Mom Made It!"—where we celebrate the mothers who are raising businesses and babies with equal flair.

Breakdown with Bethany

Welcome to a journey through the multifaceted world of parenting, lifestyle, and the vibrant intersection where they meet pop culture. In the spotlight today is none other than Bethany Braun-Silva, a name synonymous with the pulse of modern parenting and the heartbeat of home and culture. Join us as we dive into the mind and musings of the esteemed host of "The Breakdown With Bethany," a podcast and web show sensation on Mom.com.
Bethany isn't just another voice in the parenting arena; she's a seasoned guide, having steered Parenting.com as its former editor and lent her pen to esteemed outlets like People, Real Simple, and Parents. Her insights into the essentials for children and families are not only read but lived, as her engaging works span health, women's lifestyle, and even the culinary arts.
Author of "Like a Mother," Bethany brings to the page and the airwaves a treasure trove of anecdotes, hard-earned wisdom, and a revolutionary manifesto for mothers forging their unique paths. She narrates the dance of parenting with a blend of tenacity and grace, sharing how she navigated raising her children, weathering marital ebbs and flows, and ascending the ranks of her profession with an unyielding spirit and the support of a community of fierce women.
A familiar face beyond the written word, Bethany graces television screens, from local TV to QVC, and continues to capture the stories of celebrity moms and everyday triumphs alike. Her academic roots run deep, with theater arts and creative writing shaped by New York University, and a Master of Fine Arts from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, all fueling her passion for storytelling and community service.
Bethany's move to Los Angeles in 2010 marked a decisive step into journalism, propelled by her passion for broadcast storytelling at UCLA. Welcoming her son Eli into the world was a turning point, melding her love for motherhood with her craft in writing, leading her to influential roles at various media powerhouses, including Understood.org, Big Apple Parent Magazine, and Hollywood Life, to name a few.
So, gear up to peel back the layers of the parenting world with a maven who walks the walk, talks the talk, and writes the stories that help other parents do the same. Bethany's narrative weaves through the parks and playgrounds, studios, and stages of life, always ready to share a tale or tip with a fellow traveler. Welcome to a conversation with Bethany Braun-Silva, where every episode is an invitation to break down the walls and build up a life you love, like a mother.

Making Honey & Selling It!

Bee-fore you listen to any other podcast today, bee sure to listen to this one, bee-cause it is bee-yond fun!
Joining us in this episode is bee-keeping mom, Kemi Pavlocak. Paying homage to her sweet sense of adventure, Kemi recently opened a new specialty store in San Diego's Old Town. Kemi and her husband, Mike, are outdoor enthusiasts and their store reflects their passions. You'll be able to satisfy your foodie sweet tooth by tasting raw and organic honey sourced from around the country; you'll also be able fulfill your sense of adventure at the same time. They also sell ultralight hiking and camping gear.
In this episode, Kemi shares with us why they decided to open a store blending raw honey with the rugged outdoors. 
To learn more about Kemi, visit:
Savage Bee-Ches
 

Making Chocolate & Opening Her Own Chocolate Factory!

We've been following, for a couple of years now, the entrepreneurial journey of a single mother, veteran and determined business woman! Thereasa Black is the owner of the chocolate company, Bon AppéSweet. It's not just your ordinary chocolate company and it's not just your ordinary story. 
In our chat with Thereasa, she shares the ups and downs- the raw story of a veteran mom on a mission to create the best life possible for her and her daughter.
Thereasa says the idea of Bon AppéSweet was "founded in the broken heart of a deployed mother."
She was deployed and had to leave her daughter for 13 months, just before her daughter's second birthday. She was devastated. She spent her deployment thinking of a way that she would never have to leave her daughter again. Her company was born as a promise to never leave her again.
Supporting Thereasa helps her keep that promise to her daughter. 
Check out her shop, Bon AppéSweet!
 

Exposing Bullies & Leading with Love

New Award-Winning Children’s Book, Henri and the Magnificent Snort, Makes Hearts Burst with Joy  
 
With kids back in school and October as National Bullying Prevention Month, a local author’s award-wining picture book about a bullied French bulldog helps children rise above bullying and love all parts of themselves. A touching review from 12-year-old reader, Avery C.: The book made her “heart burst with joy.” 
 
Henri and the Magnificent Snort has already been awarded three book awards and has 142 five-star Amazon reviews. MomsTown has asked local Solana Beach author, Samantha Childs, to tell readers about Henri and the Magnificent Snort, why she wrote it, and the importance of the book’s themes.   
 
Henri and the Magnificent Snort is about a little French bulldog, named Henri, who is bullied because he snorts. Henri later learns that he is lovable, snorts and all! 
 
The book is inspired by two true stories: my own childhood experiences being bullied, and the story of my Frenchie, Henri. I mix the two stories and share what happened to me through the lens of Henri. I believe it’s easier for kids to relate and understand when the messages are taught through dogs. And Hannah Farr’s amazing illustrations really bring it all to life. 
 
In the book, Henri turns his challenging experiences into an opportunity to help others see that they are loved, uniquely special, and all connected. For me, the book is my opportunity to do the same, and for beauty to blossom from my own past challenges. It’s also a special way to further share Henri with the world. [Henri is beloved celebrity dog @henrilefrenchie and has 67k Instagram followers.] 
 
It is a children’s book, but it’s filled with humor and messages for both children and adults. The book is for anyone, at any age, who needs reminding of their own magnificence. We are all magnificent. We all deserve to feel our hearts bursting with joy. 
 
The book is available on Amazon, select shops, and the book’s website: www.henriandthemagnificentsnort.com  

Blending Spices

This episode hits some spicy notes as we talk to a mom who turned her side hustle into a full time gig! We're talking with food entrepreneur, Samantha Binkley about why and how she got started in the spice business and the unique musical twist she's bringing to kitchens across America.
When Samantha's daughter went off to college she said to her mom it's time to discover what makes you happy. Samantha says she followed her advice! Samantha left a job in tech to start her own business. What started as a side hustle teaching healthy cooking classes from her home kitchen turned into an organic spice company.
Today, Sam's Healthy on You spice and salt blends can be found on store shelves in Southern California and online.
In this episode, Sam shares how she got started and tips for others who are thinking of starting a product-based business. You'll also want to hear what unique marketing tips she has and what makes her spices sing!
Healthy on You spice blends are USDA organic certified, which means no harmful toxins, pesticides, and fertilizers used on our ingredients. Ever!

Making Ice Cream

 
A Mom Makes a Family Passion for Ice Cream into Yummy Success 
Sarah Wynn | Founder, Wynston’s Ice Cream 
Visit: Wynstons.com  
 
It’s safe to say two scoops of ice cream is better than one; which means two ice cream stores is also better than one (and, we got the scoop that a third location is possibly in the works!) 
Wynston’s ice cream in San Marcos just opened a second location on the 101 in Del Mar. Sarah joined us on the podcast to share some breaking news. She also shared her family’s entrepreneurial journey and some great tips for moms who dream of turning their passion into profits. 

Journaling Her Way to a Great Day

Executive National Vice President with Arbonne & New Author 
Shannon Blas | Thrivingto50andBeyond.com 
 
Shannon Blas has a diverse background. She began her career as a Registered Dietician, but later transitioned into the real estate industry. For the past 16 years, she has been dedicated to building her health and wellness business. Shannon is passionate about mindset and empowering women to thrive in all areas of their lives. Based in Carlsbad, Shannon enjoys spending her time with her of 27 years , as well as their adult son. She embraces an active lifestyle and loves the beach, traveling, and being outdoors. 

Writing- ”Dispatches from the Cowgirl”

How Mom Made It! as an award-winning author!
Julie Tully
Writer/Author
www.julietullywriter.com
Cowgirl-turned-nomadic navy spouse, Julie Tully writes about life, culture and the places where they intersect. Her quirky lifestyle has taken her around the world, from rural Northern California to Europe and Africa. Julie’s writing has appeared in Legacy Magazine, Military Spouse Magazine, and Your Teen for Parents. Her memoir "Dispatches From the Cowgirl", published in 2022, details the years she lived in Sub-Saharan Africa and won the Independent Book Publishers Association
Benjamin Franklin Gold Medal Award for Memoir. Now, after spending eighteen years overseas, Julie and her family have embarked on an even greater adventure—rediscovering the United States. She lives in California with her husband, John, son, Quinn, and two rambunctious cats.
In this episode we talk to Julie about
Walking away from a career to become a stay-at-home parent.
How she reinvented herself through a lifelong passion: Writing.
What it means to her to have the faith to become something more.
The importance of wanting her son to see her achieve her dreams.
How the crisis of reinvention forces you to come to terms with who you really are.
To learn more visit: Julie Tully
*This podcast is for entertainment & education purposes only.

Designing Bikinis

How Mom Made It! In Bikinis - 
Netta Ziv | Founder & Designer, Naya Swimwear
Netta Ziv is the founder and designer of Naya Swimwear, a local San Diego swimwear brand that hand draws her prints.
Netta is also the mom of a little boy. Since Netta was a little girl, growing up on the coast of the Mediterranean, she always knew she would be working in the fashion industry, designing and creating.
She studied textile design in college and that’s where she learned to express her creativity, turning her drawings and art into prints and fabric. Swimwear is where her love for the ocean and its creatures and fashion, art and textiles are combined. It’s the inspiration behind Naya Swimwear.
Every Naya Swimwear piece begins with a drawing that Netta hand draws and paints, then designs and turns into an original pattern, that she prints on high quality recycled fabric, and sewn into swimwear pieces. Naya Swimwear’s designs are very unique, with vibrant colors and textures that are  flattering and stand out.
Her inspiration also comes from travels. Hawaii, India, Costa Rica, California and Israel. The vibrant colors that exist in nature, flowers in shapes she’d only imagined possible and exotic fish and animals unlike anywhere else. The name Naya is from the Hawaiian word Na’ia which means Dolphin. She started her swimwear line with a vision to create a brand that reflects my own personality but also enables women and girls to share their own vision with her, to feel beautiful, trendy, optimistic, and comfortable, especially when women oftentimes feel the most vulnerable - in a bikini.
Be sure to listen as we talk to Naya about:
Her hand drawn prints & the incredible design process
The importance of sizing and body positivity
What it takes to build sustainability into a business
The opening of her new store in Carlsbad, California
To see more visit: Naya Swimwear