In this episode of the EmpowerMoms Podcast, we're diving into the world of co-working—and why it’s so much more than just sharing a table and Wi-Fi. We explore how co-working spaces are transforming the way entrepreneurs, especially moms, work and connect. From boosting productivity to building meaningful relationships, we unpack the real benefits of working alongside like-minded women in a space designed for collaboration.

We also chat about the realities of remote work: the isolation, the distractions, and the lack of boundaries that can come from working at home. Co-working, we’ve found, can be a powerful antidote—offering not only structure and routine, but also the motivation that comes from being part of a community.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a freelancer in need of a change of scenery, or just curious about what co-working could do for your workflow, this episode is full of practical insight and inspiration.

🎙️ Key Takeaways:

✅ Co-working is more than shared space—it’s shared energy and collaboration
✅ Being around other driven people can help boost motivation and focus
✅ Co-working spaces naturally open doors to networking and community
✅ Entrepreneurs often feel isolated—these spaces help combat that
✅ A change of environment can spark creativity and productivity
✅ Flexible memberships make co-working more accessible than you might think
✅ Establishing a routine helps maximize the benefits of co-working
✅ Organic connections often lead to unexpected partnerships and support
✅ The atmosphere of co-working can be energizing and inspiring
✅ A local co-working space can support a healthier work-life balance

✨Tune in now on your favourite podcast platform and connect with us on Instagram @empowermoms.podcast! Let’s build something great—together. 💻💬👯‍♀️

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Erika Oakes—educator-turned-entrepreneur and co-founder of Os and Oakes, a children’s clothing brand that evolved into something much bigger than expected.

Erika opens up about what it really looks like to build a brand from the ground up while balancing the beautiful (and often chaotic) juggle of motherhood and entrepreneurship. From the early days of slow, steady growth to the emotional decision to sell her business, she shares the real lessons behind the highlight reel.

We talk about navigating identity beyond the job title, why community support matters more than ever, and how to embrace the sometimes uncomfortable—but necessary—seasons of growth.

Whether you're a small business owner, a dreamer in the early stages, or a mama redefining what success looks like for yourself, this conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and encouragement.

✨ Key Takeaways:
✅ Starting a business requires passion and dedication.
✅ Growth is often slow and not an overnight success.
✅ Listening to customer feedback is crucial for expansion.
✅ Networking and building relationships can propel your business.
✅ It's important to not take things personally in business.
✅ Finding a balance between work and family is essential.
✅ Your identity is not solely defined by your business.
✅ Supporting other women in business creates a strong community.
✅ Embrace uncomfortable situations for growth.
✅ Future aspirations should focus on community involvement.

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📲 Follow along @empowermoms.podcast for more stories that speak to motherhood, ambition, and everything in between.
✨ Connect with Erika on Instagram: @behindthebrandldn / @erika.oakes

In this episode of the EmpowerMoms Podcast, we’re taking you from coffee chats to client calls, diving into what really goes on behind the scenes in service-based industries—especially real estate. We really dive into the deeper side of what it means to work in roles that often go unseen or are sometimes under appreciated. We talk candidly about the invisible work that professionals—especially moms—do to keep things running smoothly, from coordinating schedules and managing expectations to delivering exceptional client experiences. In industries like real estate, it’s so much more than just handing over keys.

There are countless details, emotions, and moving parts that often happen behind the scenes. This episode is a real-time reminder that communication is key. When clients understand the value and effort that goes into what they’re receiving, everyone benefits. And as service providers, giving ourselves (and others) grace goes a long way in building stronger, more empathetic relationships.

Whether you're a realtor, a mom juggling multiple roles, or anyone working in a people-first profession, this conversation offers validation, insight, and a few laughs along the way.

✨ Connect with us on Instagram: @empowermoms.podcast

🎙️ Key Takeaways:

✅ Morning chaos is real—especially before coffee.

✅ A lot happens behind the scenes in service-based work.

✅ Real estate involves far more than just showing houses.

✅ Communicating your value builds trust and clarity.

✅ Clients won’t always see your effort—show them.

✅ Extend grace: we’re all doing our best.

✅ Transparency strengthens client relationships.

✅ Never underestimate the power of a good cup of coffee.

Chapters

00:00 Casual Conversations and Morning Routines

03:37 Behind the Scenes of Service Industries

14:09 Recognizing the Efforts in Service-Based Work

In this episode of the EmpowerMoms Podcast, we sit down with Melissa Tiller, founder of Blue Hens Market—a charming, home-based shopping destination rooted in vintage finds, antiques, and community spirit. Melissa shares her journey of transitioning from hosting traveling markets to establishing a permanent location right on her own property.

We chat about what it really takes to build something special from the ground up—from navigating zoning challenges and balancing family life, to curating a unique vendor mix and cultivating a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers. Melissa opens up about the heart behind Blue Hens Market, the meaning behind the name, and the importance of creating space for local makers and vintage lovers to connect and thrive.

Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own market, curious about turning a passion into a business, or simply love hearing from women doing things their own way, this episode is packed with encouragement, lessons learned, and a whole lot of heart.

✨ Connect with us on Instagram: @empowermoms.podcast
✨ Learn more about Melissa’s market: @bluehensmarket

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blue Hens Market

03:17 The Journey of Establishing a Home Base

06:49 Vision and Renovation Challenges

09:33 Navigating Family Life and Business

12:12 Vendor Relationships and Market Dynamics

15:07 Creating Unique Experiences for Customers

18:07 Future Plans and Community Engagement

28:36 Navigating Vendor Relationships and Product Selection

31:16 Top Products and Trends in the Market

36:00 Challenges of Relocating and Building Community

41:01 Balancing Business and Family Life

45:55 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

50:02 Creating a Dream Lifestyle through Business

In this lighthearted and laughter-filled episode of the EmpowerMoms Podcast, we dive into something that often gets lost in the shuffle of to-do lists and tantrums: fun. From silly games to spontaneous dance parties, we explore the simple ways parents can bring more joy into their everyday routines—and why doing so matters more than you might think.

We share creative ideas for weaving fun into family life, how small moments of play can shift the entire mood of a day, and personal stories that remind us parenting doesn’t have to be all logistics and structure. Whether it’s cracking a joke, playing a quick word game, or just taking time to laugh with your kids, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that fun is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

If you’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed or stuck in the serious side of parenting, this conversation will leave you smiling, inspired, and maybe even ready to start a new family game night tradition.

✨ Connect with us on Instagram: @empowermoms.podcast

Chapters

00:00 Fashion Choices and Family Involvement

03:26 Daily Life of Realtors

12:29 The Power of Fun

30:11 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

In this episode, we sit down with Bailey Pelkman, a talented voice actor and creative entrepreneur, to talk about what it really looks like to blend artistry, ambition, and motherhood.

Bailey shares her journey from working a traditional job to building a career in the voiceover industry, and how a moment of unexpected medical leave became the catalyst for pursuing a more flexible and fulfilling path.

We explore the ins and outs of self-employment—from setting rates and building a home studio to navigating the freelance hustle—while also getting real about mom guilt, balancing family demands, and the power of community support. Bailey opens up about the daily rhythms of voice acting, her dreams of landing a recurring role on a major show, and the ongoing process of trusting your voice—literally and figuratively.

Whether you’re curious about the world of voice acting, thinking about a creative pivot, or simply trying to balance your passions with parenting, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and relatable moments.

✨ Connect with us on Instagram: @empowermoms.podcast

✨ Follow Bailey’s journey: @baileypelkman

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Family Dynamics and Travel Plans

04:27 The Journey into Voice Acting

06:02 The Voice Acting Landscape

09:01 Building a Voice Acting Career

12:15 Balancing Motherhood and Work

15:01 The Evolution of a Home Studio

18:13 Understanding Self-Employment Challenges

20:55 Negotiating Value in Voice Acting

24:08 The Importance of Experience and Networking

27:19 Creative Collaborations and Musical Passions

30:10 Creative Beginnings: Music and Performance

33:15 Balancing Work and Family Life

36:23 The Importance of Community for Moms

39:13 Navigating a Career in Voiceover

42:20 Dreams and Aspirations in Voice Acting

45:05 The Emotional Impact of Parenting and Media

47:56 Finding Your Path in the Creative Industry

51:10 Mom Guilt and Work-Life Balance

54:22 The Flexibility of Self-Employment

57:06 Connecting with Bailey: Where to Find Her

In this episode of the EmpowerMoms Podcast, we dive into the idea of “forever homes”—and why that concept might not always hold up. From shifting family needs to evolving career paths, we open up about what happens when life changes course and you realize the home (or job) you thought was forever may have just been for a season.

We explore both the emotional and practical sides of moving, the tension between dream lifestyles and day-to-day reality (hello, rural life), and how parenthood often sparks a reassessment of what truly works for your family. Along the way, we get honest about career pivots, personal growth, and the freedom that comes from letting go of rigid expectations.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that it’s okay to change your mind—and your home address. Life isn’t linear, and neither is success. Whether you’re questioning your next move, navigating a career shift, or simply feeling the urge to do things differently, this one’s for you.

✨ Connect with us on Instagram: @empowermoms.podcast

🎙️ Key Takeaways:

✅ Forever homes don’t always last forever—and that’s okay.
✅ Life stages and family dynamics shape our housing needs.
✅ Moving is more than logistics—it’s an emotional transition.
✅ Career changes can lead to unexpected (and fulfilling) paths.
✅ Growth comes from embracing uncertainty and change.
✅ Redefining success on your own terms is part of the journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Forever Homes

00:56 The Reality of Forever Homes

05:12 Life Changes and Home Decisions

10:01 Career Choices and Life Transitions

17:06 Embracing Change in Homes and Careers

In this episode of the EmpowerMoms Podcast, we sit down with Kerri Rubicini, the inspiring founder of the Womb to Walking Baby Show and community builder behind the KW Moms Club. Kerri shares her journey of leaving the corporate world to follow her passion for supporting new parents, as well as creating spaces where families can find the resources, connection, and encouragement they need.

We chat about how her background in operations and finance gave her the skills to pivot into entrepreneurship, what it’s really like to build a large-scale event from scratch, and why expanding into new cities like London is both exciting and challenging. Kerri opens up about the real struggles and joys of balancing motherhood with business, the power of partnerships, and why community is everything when you're raising little ones and big dreams.

Whether you’re a parent looking for support or a woman dreaming about launching your own thing, this episode is full of honest lessons about timing, trust, flexibility, and the importance of showing up for your village—and letting them show up for you.

✨ Connect with us on Instagram: @empowermoms.podcast
✨ Learn more about Kerri’s work: @wombtowalkingbabyshow and @kwmomsclub ✨

🎙️ Key Takeaways:

✅ Community support is essential for new parents.
✅ Leaving the corporate world can open doors to deeper purpose.
✅ Building events that serve real needs strengthens local businesses.
✅ Strong partnerships help you grow personally and professionally.
✅ Trust the timing of your life—things unfold when they’re meant to.
✅ Supporting local matters: it lifts everyone up.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Networking Dynamics

10:17 The Evolution of the Womb to Walking Show

20:16 Understanding Market Differences: Kitchener vs. London

30:10 Event Planning and Community Engagement

33:36 The Importance of Connection

36:21 Building Trust in Partnerships

39:51 Navigating Motherhood and Business

45:53 Creating a Supportive Community

49:13 The Role of Therapy and Mental Health

52:22 Reflecting on Growth and Flexibility

53:43 Connecting Vendors and Building Networks