Grace Gill's journey into floral design was rooted in her upbringing as the daughter of two gardener extraordinaires. Inspired by her parents, who instilled in her a love for the magic of flowers and the value of hard work, Grace named her business as a heartfelt tribute to the hands that nurtured her passion.

Since launching Daughter's Floral Design in 2021, Grace has devoted herself to creating breathtaking designs for weddings and events. She is passionate about incorporating locally and seasonally grown flowers into her work, believing they bring a unique charm and authenticity to every setting—whether adorning a kitchen counter or gracing the hands of a bride on her most special day.

For Grace, the artistry of floral design is deeply personal. Her love for flowers began in the garden, where the process of planting and nurturing blooms became her greatest inspiration. Today, she considers it her highest accomplishment to share that beauty with others through her thoughtful, nature-inspired creations.

Khamila Barnes, affectionately known as "Kitty" in the food and beverage industry, is the creative force behind Kitty on Top Bartending, a five-star mobile bartending firm renowned for crafting elevated libations and memorable experiences. A proud Penn State alumna with a degree in Integrative Arts, Kitty combines her academic foundation with a deep passion for mixology and spirits.

Licensed in mixology and certified in whiskey, rum, and gin, Kitty is also a certified Bourbon Steward. Her expertise shines through her engaging cocktail-making classes, where she inspires creativity and educates enthusiasts about the art of crafting exceptional drinks.

Recently, Kitty launched the KCQ Simple Syrup Line, a collection of all-natural syrups made with fresh ingredients and no additives, designed to enhance cocktails, mocktails, and even coffee and tea stations. From lavender and spiced chai to strawberry-hibiscus and spicy arbol-habanero, KCQ reflects Kitty’s dedication to quality and flavor innovation.

Under her leadership, Kitty on Top Bartending continues to set the standard for bespoke bartending services, offering tailored packages for private, corporate, and interactive events.

Karen Seymour, CEO of KJS - Digital Marketing, transforms industry leaders into recognized authorities through strategic digital presence. Since founding her all-female boutique agency in 2017, she has partnered with businesses to build thought leadership, establish brand authority, and create meaningful industry impact.

With over 15 years of management and small business expertise, Karen develops innovative strategies that elevate executives and brands from experts to influential voices in their industries. Her leadership has extended to board service with the AMA, The Walnut Club, and the NAWBO. She holds a Master's in Environmental Management from Duke University, bringing a unique perspective to authority building and strategic communication.

Yadira Enriquez is the CFO of Enriquez Produce Inc., a wholesale produce distribution company founded by Pablo and Agustina Enriquez, her parents, in 1989.

She is proud to have grown up in Pilsen because her upbringing offered a unique perspective of the resilience and grit of the Mexican community in Chicago. This gave her foundational values ​​she carries today, committed to development and growth not only for herself but for those around her, for the organization and, most importantly, for her team.

As a first-generation Latina, Enriquez understands that it takes boundless dedication, sound work ethics, persistence and resourcefulness to grow a company into a successful organization. Seeing her parents start with an outdoor food stand in the Maxwell Street Market and now leading a company with over 79,000 square feet of space was the best education in entrepreneurship she could have received.

After living abroad for nine years and taking time to raise her three children, she rejoined the family business full-time in 2019. She brings a wealth of knowledge in human resources, team building, communication, problem solving and business management. She especially enjoys opportunities finding to build strategic partnerships in order to obtain efficiency and improved workflow.

Enriquez holds a bachelor's degree in international commerce specializing in agricultural business from ITESM (Tec de Monterrey) in Mexico, and a certification from the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Program. She is currently earning her MBA at EGADE Business School of Tec de Monterrey and is halfway through a yearlong leadership development program.

Christi Venable is an award-winning Business Owner, Organizational Leadership and Culture Change Expert and Speaker. She’s the founder of SMILE Therapy Services, a multi-million-dollar mental health agency that she managed to build from the ground up.

Over the years SMILE Therapy has developed an arsenal of workshops that speak to the needs of a diverse market and an ever-changing social climate. Some of the most sought-after topics include Leading with Effective Communication, Leveraging your Leadership Style, Mental Health Spot-Checking, Sexual Harassment, Resiliency, Self-Care and Stress Management, The Power of Patience and many more. Christi received her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and her master’s degree from George Washington University.

Christi Venable is a National Certified Counselor, A Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

This week Marcia is joined by Karen Laos.

Coached by her father, Karen first recognized the power of confident communication when she successfully negotiated her first flea market purchase at six years old. She now guides women to transform self-doubt into self-confidence resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.

With 25 years serving as C-Suite advisor and commanding coveted stages such as Google, Starbucks and NASA, Karen leads the frontline of best practices for creating results through confident communication. She guides corporations and individuals with a proven model and is known for her actionable tips and ability to build trust quickly. During her corporate career, she led a team of facilitators while traveling the globe consulting industry leaders on the seemingly soft skills that impact the bottom line.

Karen is the author of Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication, as well as the host of her highly ranked podcast, Ignite Your Confidence, equipping women to stop holding back and start taking their seat at the table. Following her lifelong dream to live in Manhattan, she rented an apartment there for the month of her 50th birthday.

#18 - Lindsay Polic | President & Principal Consultant of Lindsay Polic Consulting, Inc.

In today's episode, Marcia is sitting down with Lindsay Polic, the President and Principal Consultant of Lindsay Polic Consulting, Inc.

Lindsay explores the intersection of safety, risk-taking, and work-life integration. As a multi-passionate entrepreneur and seasoned health and safety consultant, Lindsay’s expertise lies in guiding companies toward regulatory compliance with a human-centered, solution-based approach. She is passionate about creating safe, healthful workplaces that not only protect employees but also boost productivity and help businesses thrive.

Outside of her professional work, Lindsay serves as a certified child passenger safety technician, helping new parents and grandparents demystify the often confusing world of car seat safety. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her at the beach with her family, snuggling with her pup, or staying active with Les Mills BodyPump, yoga, and pilates.

Join us as we dive into Lindsay's inspiring journey as a safety consultant, her approach to work-life integration, and how she empowers both individuals and organizations to take better care of their people while maintaining a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

#17 - Michele Leff | Principal of 12th St. Catering

Welcome back to the Shadow Her Podcast! In this episode, Marcia sits down with Michele Leff, Founder & Principal of 12th St. Catering.

Michele shares how she started with 12th Street Cantina in Reading Terminal Market in 1982, then expanded into wholesale with La Cantina Provisions. She later opened the fine dining Mexican restaurant Zocalo and, in 1988, launched 12th Street Catering. Now operating out of a 32,000 square foot location in University City, Michele talks about how she has continued to adapt her business to meet client needs and support the community over the years. Tune in to hear Michele’s insights on building a successful catering company and her experiences in the culinary world.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.