Shining The Light On Small Business is an interview series where small business owners share one real challenge, how it showed up, what failed, and what finally worked. Hosted by the Illuminare Marketing Agency team, the show skips theory and gets into the practical truth of running a small business, from lead struggles to burnout to pricing fears. Real stories, real takeaways, new episodes every week.
In this episode, Yes, You Need A Business Coach!, Kelly sits down with entrepreneur and leadership coach Todd Halls to break down why working harder isn’t the answer to growing a business. Todd shares his journey from building multiple businesses to burnout, and how implementing systems, structure, and coaching transformed not only his businesses but also his leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of having the right people, clear KPIs, and an outside perspective to avoid becoming the bottleneck.
3 Apr 2026
Owning A Lash Business
In this Boss Bitches series episode, Ashley Higgins shares how she went from dental hygienist to full-time lash business owner. What started as curiosity turned into a business built on trust, cleanliness, client relationships, and the courage to go all in. Ashley talks about taking the leap into entrepreneurship, moving into her own space, hiring help, learning from a niche business coach, and realizing that running a business is about more than talent—it’s about systems, pricing, marketing, and creating an experience people want to come back to. The takeaway: You do not have to figure it all out alone, and building a strong business starts with knowing your value.
27 Mar 2026
What Editing Isn't Just Comma's? (Boss Bitches Mini Series)
In this episode, Kelly sits down with editor and writer Terra King to explore what editing really means—and why it’s so much more than fixing grammar. Using Kelly’s own book journey as a case study, they break down the different layers of editing, especially developmental and line editing, and how each stage shapes a book’s structure, clarity, and impact. Terra shares how editors act as translators between the author and the reader, helping bring ideas to life while preserving the author’s voice. The takeaway: great writing isn’t done alone—editing is what transforms a manuscript into something powerful and publish-ready.
20 Mar 2026
My Mountain Town
In this episode of Shining the Light on Your Business, Kelly talks with Sharon, owner of My Mountain Town, about how her platform keeps Colorado mountain communities informed, connected, and supported. From emergency updates and wildfire information to local business visibility and community engagement, Sharon shares how My Mountain Town fills an important gap for residents and small businesses alike. The episode also highlights the value of showing up locally, supporting one another, and getting involved in the community you call home.
13 Mar 2026
Take The First Step Its Not An Illusion
In this episode of Shining a Light on Small Business, a group of women business owners talk honestly about the unique challenges women face in leadership. They share real experiences, discuss imposter syndrome and fear of failure, and highlight how support, community, and visibility can help more women take risks and step into business ownership. The message is simple: you are not alone, and sometimes success begins by just showing up and taking the first step.
6 Mar 2026
Intent Make Some
In this episode, Kelly and Beth talk about a side of entrepreneurship that is rarely discussed: the loneliness of leadership. As a business owner, you carry responsibility for finances, your team, and the future of the business. While your team can come to you with concerns, there are often things you cannot share openly, which can create isolation at the top.
They discuss the emotional weight of leadership, why vulnerability matters, how loneliness can turn into fear, and the importance of building support systems with other business owners. The biggest reminder: you are not alone. Every small business experiences highs and lows, and a connection with others can make the journey more sustainable.
27 Feb 2026
Jenni and Kelly With the Word Intent
In this episode of Shining a Light on Your Business, Jenni and Kelly dive into one powerful word every business owner needs: intent. Through honest storytelling, Jenni shares what it was like launching and growing a veterinary practice during a recession—navigating massive loans, hiring mistakes, unexpected setbacks, and learning tough lessons the hard way. The core takeaway? Hustle and passion are necessary, but without intentional decision-making, they can lead to burnout, financial strain, and avoidable stress. They explore how slowing down to clarify values, culture, hiring standards, marketing strategy, and long-term vision creates stronger foundations. From brand consistency to operational planning, this conversation highlights the balance between moving forward boldly and making thoughtful, aligned choices.
The message is clear:
Don’t sprint blindly. Build with purpose.
20 Feb 2026
Kelly, Bob, and Kristy
In this episode of Shining a Light on Small Business, Kelly talks with Bob and Kristi of Baker Foundation Studio about what architecture and interior design really look like behind the scenes—beyond the “glamour” people see online. They break down how most firms spend more time on problem-solving, planning, and technical execution than pure design, and why the best projects aren’t built for awards but built around the client’s goals. The conversation walks through the real process (from pre-design and schematic planning to construction documents and on-site support), why bringing the right experts in early prevents costly mistakes, and how clear plans protect timelines, budgets, and the overall experience for clients—especially in industries like veterinary, dental, optometry, and automotive.
13 Feb 2026
Boss Bitches
In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Jenny, and Beth have an honest, unfiltered conversation about what it really means to be women business owners. From starting practices with nothing but grit and a vision, to navigating risk, leadership, imposter syndrome, and hard decisions, they unpack the realities that don’t make it into highlight reels. This episode is about persistence, learning through mistakes, and why sharing real startup stories matters—especially for women who are questioning whether they’re “ready” to take the leap.
6 Feb 2026
Susan and Kelly Our Beginning
In this episode of Shining a Light on Small Business, Kelly and Susan reflect on their early work during the early internet era and the intuitive decisions that quietly shaped their paths. From building online communities to following curiosity before there was a clear roadmap, this conversation explores how trust, timing, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities laid the foundation for the businesses and work they do today.
30 Jan 2026
Shannon and Kelly
In this episode of Shining a Light on Small Business, Kelly sits down with serial entrepreneur Shannon for an honest conversation about building businesses around life, not burnout. Shannon shares how she transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, why protecting time for family and personal well-being became non-negotiable, and how she built multiple income streams—including consulting, land investing, and peer-to-peer lending—without losing sight of her values. Together, they unpack the importance of defining your “why,” setting personal guardrails, creating sustainable habits, and staying consistent even when the work feels unglamorous. This episode is a reminder that long-term success isn’t about chasing numbers—it’s about alignment, discipline, and not quitting when things get hard.
23 Jan 2026
Kristy and Kelly Discussing Internal Design
In this episode of Shining a Light on Small Business, Kristi and Kelly explore how internal design impacts far more than aesthetics. They discuss how layout, flow, safety, and functionality influence customer experience, operational efficiency, and long-term business success. The conversation also connects physical spaces with online branding, emphasizing that trust is built when a business’s digital presence and in-person experience align. This episode is especially valuable for small business owners planning a build-out, renovation, or rebrand who want to make smarter, more intentional design decisions.
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