“For me, success is that you really enjoy certain things and then you don’t even complain about it,” says Sripal Jain, a first-generation entrepreneur and co-founder of Simandhar Education. In this episode, Sripal shares his journey from working at corporate giants to founding an educational institute that offers alternative certifications and prac…

Tamara Edwards, Founder and Principal of Tamara Edwards and Co., spent a decade working in public relations for several prominent congressmen in Washington, DC, a fast-paced, highly-choreographed environment that required a great deal of nimbleness and strategic thinking. Once she moved back to her native Chicago, she realized that communication in…

As an entrepreneur, are you struggling to effectively manage your time? Well then, you’re not alone! In today’s episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai sits down with Megan Sumrell, owner of The Pink Bee to discuss the importance of weekly planning and how to reimagine the concept of self-care so you can prevent overbooking and feel confident a…

In this episode, host Nesha Pai engages in a heartfelt conversation with Ashley Theis, renowned as The Constant Wayfarer. Their conversation dives into Ashley's remarkable journey as a travel concierge and the hurdles she overcame while building her own enterprise. Unveiling the misconceptions surrounding travel agents, Ashley explains the invaluab…

April Simpkins, Chief Human Resources Officer for Quest Co, is on a mission to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote mental wellness in the workplace. Following the passing of her beloved daughter, Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, who battled depression for years, April has since dedicated her life to advocating for mental health. Wi…

“We women operate the best when we feel the best. When you've put this amazing outfit on that makes you feel amazing, this is when you become magnetic, and this is when you become unstoppable,” shares Tali Kogan, Chicago-based premier fashion stylist, empowerment coach and founder of Tel Aviv Couture. Fifteen years ago, Tali was an overweight accou…

“That's what I call the Paris effect. You were in Paris, and you changed,” shares Edith de Belleville, native Parisian, official Paris tour guide, University professor, and published author. Edith spent many years as an attorney before deciding at the age of 50 to return to university for her official tour guide license. Now, she shares her love of…

“I was trying so hard to be who I thought other people wanted me to be. I spent so much energy wanting to be accepted or wanting to look cool or look successful, but that wasn't authentic,” explains R. Michael Anderson, serial software entrepreneur, author, leadership coach, and speaker with advanced degrees in psychology and neuroscience. Michael …

“Even as a young person, I was in rooms where I never thought I would be. So I said, ‘If I can do this, I bet other students can also do it’,” shares Meredith Dean, founder of The Deans List, a Charlotte-based digital branding and career consulting agency focused on building a strong community of empowered individuals. Meredith started The Dean’s L…

“With a PR team, you don't only look at media outlets. You look at other stakeholders that you're trying to reach in other ways that they get their other media or their news, and what are other creative ways that we can reach them that don't call for a paid advertisement,” explains Brittney Bogues, serial entrepreneur and founder of Bogues Group. B…

“This is your one life. And if you're not enjoying what you're doing, your clients are going to feel that, whoever you work with is going to feel that. So let's see how good we can let it get,” shares Amy Pocsik, owner of Bold Moves Coaching and Women’s Business League, a national community for women entrepreneurs. Amy spent a decade working as a C…

The path to finding your place as an entrepreneur rarely looks like a straight line. Kiley Peters started her first small business, Brainchild when she was 30, before making a pivot several years later driven by her evolving vision. The door that was Brainchild closed so that Kiley could open the door wide open on her current business, RAYNE IX. Ki…

Conventional paths to "success" can often look the same: go to school, get the degree, get the job, and (if you're a woman) get the husband and kids at a certain age. But what if we could let go of society’s expectations of us and its predetermined paths? What if we could break free of the boundaries of “having to be liked?” What if we could… give …

At the highest levels of achievement, the payoffs of all your talent and hard work can be incredible. The dangers of the uncompromising drive for perfection, however, can be full of danger and pitfalls. Our guest today on Piece of the Pai is Julian Reeve, the former musical director of the red-hot Broadway musical Hamilton, is also the founder of P…

There's very few times where we as entrepreneurs won't face some form of fear. Perhaps it's the fear of stepping into the unknown of small business ownership, maybe it's fear of rejection of proposals, or usually it's the far-too-familiar imposter syndrome that haunts so many. Fortunately for us, today's guest allows us to recognize fear, acknowled…

It's the unique vision that sets any great entrepreneur apart from the crowd. Oftentimes, that vision is born through the individual experiences of that person, and shape them in ways both big and small. For Britnye Shore, founder and CEO of The Bardot, her entrepreneurial vision was molded during her time working in a series of salons and wedding …

Let's face it: the higher you climb towards your personal and professional goals, the more leadership becomes an essential skill. The ability to create a collective will from separate parts and focus it towards a singular goal is not easy, and it must be earned. Today's guests on Piece of the Pai have decades of experience helping coach leaders and…

Sometimes entrepreneurship runs in the family. That's certainly the case with Khaleel Loyd, the co-founder, CEO and big brother to the three Loyd brothers that make up Loyd Visuals. Founded in Charlotte in 2016, Loyd Visuals creates boutique video content for promotion, documentary and commercial clients, working with Fortune 100 companies such as …

It takes years of experience to be able to orchestra a six-course meal at a high level. It takes even longer to be able to do it as a small business owner. Doing it all as a woman in a male-dominated industry requires a special talent. Enter Tillie Kerna of Chef Tillie, a private and boutique chef who travels all over the world to bring her clients…

One sign of a great entrepreneur is success across multiple industries. That definitely describes Jayme Valo, co-owner of Valoie skincare along with her husband, Nick. Jayme was a leader in the automotive industry when she was based in Idaho. When she moved to Charlotte a few years ago, she switched industries after she discovered that skincare was…

Operating with a low battery is a space that Desmond Wiggan rarely finds himself in. Desmond knows the power of having a full charge at all times, which is why he founded Battery Xchange, a service that allows you to rent batteries to power your devices on demand and on the go. An entrepreneur through and through, Desmond's education took him to th…

Fashion designer Daniel Gonzalez designs boutique ready-to-wear clothing for the "powerful, chic, artistic woman, a woman who many look to for answers and inspiration." Daniel's timeless and classic designs have found a home in Charlotte, as he opened Daniel Gonzalez Designs in 2019. Daniel Gonzalez and host Nesha Pai talk in today's episode of Pie…

Self-care is almost intrinsic to Rita Garnto. After spending 20 years working in trauma centers around the world, Rita became a licensed massage therapist after moving to Charlotte in 2004. Now she's using her love of care and teaching to help people directly through her business, Simple Self-Care by Rita. Rita Garnto talks with Nesha Pai about her…

Entrepreneurship requires a special kind of person, but that could be anyone from anywhere. That includes a young Gaurav "G" Patel, who immigrated to the US when he was just ten years old and knew no English. Today, at 38 years of age, G Patel is one of Raleigh's hardest-working and most well-known figures in the hospitality industry. G is the foun…

Being a mother is always hard work, and often very thankless. That can lead to plenty of internal struggles that moms deal with on a daily basis. Fighting these battles can feel like you're trying to slay a dragon! Slay Like a Mother is the title of the book written by today's guest Katherine Wintsch. In addition to being an author, Katherine is th…

Did you know 40% of Americans who make $200k or more live paycheck to paycheck? Today's guest on Piece of the Pai knows one of the most important life skills people can learn early is financial literacy. George Kroustalis is a finance expert and author who left a job with one of the country's biggest banks to become a financial advisor, mentor and …

Over the past eight years, Page Fehling has built a profile in Charlotte as the anchor of Good Day Charlotte, a morning news show that Fehling helped make a top ranked program of its kind. Audiences were drawn to her larger-than-life personality and endearing relatability. However, in 2021 Page made the decision to leave the career in TV she had kn…

Host Nesha Pai has a profound respect for people who are overcoming ordinary obstacles (so much so that she wrote a book with that title). Today's guest on Piece of the Pai overcomes obstacles both ordinary and extraordinary, and is able to not only succeed but come out strong on the other side. Natasha Hemmingway is a sales coach, mother and a dev…

Entrepreneurs come from all different places, and the inspiration for a great business idea can come from anywhere. Today's guest on Piece of the Pai is Tiffany Marino, owner of Confetti Castle, a Charlotte-based company that specializes in creating fun and unique balloon designs for parties, events and more. Tiffany wasn't always an entrepreneur. …

Few people have known host Nesha Pai for as long as today's guest, Anna Roop White. Anna and Nesha became friends in kindergarten and stayed in touch through the years as both have grown into successful entrepreneurs. Anna joins Nesha on today's episode of Piece of the Pai to talk about her business, Rest & Heal, a curated care package company whic…

There's nothing more that Nesha Pai loves than a female business owner succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Today's guest on Piece of the Pai knows that world as well as anyone. Katie Schindler is the owner of Fine Grit, a custom cabinet and furniture shop based in Charlotte, NC. Since 2015, Katie has been creating bold, original …

Lindsey Regan Thorne, beauty maven and lifestyle influencer in Charlotte has reached a mass following from starting a very organic blog when blogging was a new thing and social media was a baby. LRT, as she is affectionately known, turned her career of interior design into creating works of art on women through make up and hair styling. Her biggest…

Lindsay Anvik was living in NYC and a business coach traveling the world and speaking to big audiences before a one-time charcuterie board made for a Charlotte non-profit changed her life. Listen to this fairly new entrepreneur talk about her success and the pain it has taken to get there. Her company, Babe & Butcher, is killing it and while it loo…

Dominique Sensabaugh is more than a NFL athlete's wife. She has taken her platform in her own hands and been on a fast track to support other wives, young athletes, all women, and entrepreneurs by sharing her talents, vision, and time and creating seats at her table. Listen on to learn more about the foundation she created with her husband, Coty, a…

Melissa Herriott, an artist and interior decorator in Charlotte NC, has made a name for herself while working on her side hustle during her corporate America reign in the space of IT recruiting. She finally jumped the cliff and went out on her own full time. In this episode, we cover how to find balance as an entrepreneur, how and when Melissa made…

Toska Husted began her journey over 20 years ago in London, England when she became a graduate of the elite “Steiner” School of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, appointed by Queen Elizabeth II. Toska also holds a diploma in Beauty Culture, and received her diploma as a qualified Beautician from the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and C…

Colleen Odegaard is an Emmy award winning broadcast journalist, TV host, certified life coach, video and media coach and the host of the Wake Up To Your Life podcast. She wants all of us to stop living on autopilot and “wake up” to creating richer, fuller lives through self awareness and mindfulness. Colleen relates to her clients and listeners wit…

Fabi Preslar is the owner and president of SPARK Publications, a national, award-winning, independent publishing firm specializing in the design of niche magazines, special publications, and independently published books for print, digital, and interactive media. Her firm’s publications enhance credibility and distinction, enabling individuals and …

Ole Mason Jar is a specialty line of menswear founded in Charlotte in 2013. Co-founder Bradley Rhyne brought a background in accounting and finance to the table, along with a passion for creating timeless, trusted men's clothing. In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Brad about making the shift from the 9-5 world to entrep…

Kent Youngstrom is a visual artist, designer and author in Charlotte, NC. His vivid artwork has found a home blurring the lines between traditional and modern arts. His designs and ideas have landed him major partnerships with companies such as No Bull and CB2 In today's episode of Piece of the Pai, host Nesha Pai talks to Kent about his art, his b…

Maureen Anders of Anders Ruff is our guest on this episode of Piece of the Pai. Anders Ruff is a popular graphic design, party styling, DIY blog and online shop. Founded in 2013 with her friend Adria Ruff, the company has grown to more than 100 franchise locations across the country. From humble beginnings creating decorations for children's partie…

In this episode of Piece of the Pai we interview Cel Thompson, who is a single mom, self-made fitness guru and beat the odds to be the only salesperson to rise to the top of her fitness company without a college degree. From being in over 25 fitness competitions to coaching pro sport cheerleaders, she is the definition of hustle. More recently, Cel…

In this episode we are honored to interview Jenn Andrews of Move For Jenn. Jenn worked in corporate America for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mom and launching a successful Isagenix career. Her passion for health and fitness was her foundation. What she didn’t know is that career would lead her to her security blanket when she was diagn…

Today's episode of Piece of the Pai features small business and jewelry maker Preston Bolles of Ellison James Designs. Proving that necessity is the mother of all invention, Preston began making jewelry when she couldn't find the right pieces to wear during Carolina Panthers game days. Once she began making her own, she couldn't stop getting compli…

In this episode we are focusing Mitch Purgason, head designer and owner of Stitched By Mitch. Mitch is a guy beyond his years and has the charisma of Frank Sinatra and cool of Richard Branson. He has differentiated himself in the industry with his customer service and creativity. He can create anything that he can draw so he does not limit himself …

In this episode of Piece of the Pai, we are focusing on Lauren Kunijo & Kenna Ehman, owners of the South End hair salon Kenna Kunijo. Lauren & Kenna are not only talented hair artists, but they are philanthropic entrepreneurs who give back to the community. They truly believe in community over competition and are dimes in the Queen City. Take a lis…

In 2011, Alyssa Wilen (né Gorelick) and her boyfriend (now husband and business partner) Andrew saw a gap in the market in terms of fun, friendly and hands on cooking classes. Alyssa, who had a degree in the culinary arts, began talking to Andrew, who had a background in business, marketing and events, about how they could fill that gap. Slowly, th…

In this episode we are focusing on Chrystal Rose, a self-made entrepreneur who battled through a long road of trial and error. Chrystal did not have the typical route of education and the perfect business plan to find her passion and entrepreneurial mission. Instead, many different jobs led her to what she now is doing and loving. Her company, Rebe…

In this episode we are focusing on Megan Miller, Marketing Director of Opera Carolina, speaks of taking the stage again, as well what it is like being in front of as well as behind the Opera. She talks about how she initiated new ways to involve a whole new younger demographic with opera as well as how she continues to think outside of the box. She…