Joy Makers; Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship

Litigation attorney turned entrepreneur Cassandra Burnett joins Joy Makers to talk belonging, grief, people-pleasing, and the joy practices that keep her grounded. On founding Lizzie’s Love Cakes, the Hey Girl Women’s Conference, and The Aunties podcast — plus why pausing is the bravest thing you can do.
Episode Summary
What happens when you stop trying to fit in and start letting yourself belong?
This week on Joy Makers, I sat down with Cassandra Burnett — litigation attorney turned entrepreneur, community builder, and the founder behind Lizzie’s Love Cakes, the Hey Girl Women’s Conference, and the Hey Girl Fund nonprofit. She also hosts The Aunties podcast.
Cassandra has spent years being “the one” in professional rooms — and that experience shaped a deep calling to build spaces where women can drop the titles, lower the guard, and quit the comparison game.
We get into the hard, beautiful stuff: how losing her mother and then her father set off what she calls a “great untethering” — the unraveling that finally freed her from people-pleasing and reconnected her to who she actually is. She shares how grief deepened her marriage, why she stopped apologizing for being multi-passionate, and how she learned to tell a healthy space from one that’s quietly draining her.
We also talk about rest as a calling (not a reward), capacity over hustle, and the daily joy practices — devotional time, movement, community, affirmations — that keep her tethered now.
If you’ve been running on empty, performing belonging instead of feeling it, or wondering whether the pause you keep craving is allowed — this one’s for you.
What You’ll Take Away
Why belonging beats fitting in — and how to tell the difference
How to stop apologizing for being multi-passionate
The link between people-pleasing and losing yourself
What grief can teach you about identity, marriage, and joy
Why pausing protects your peace, capacity, purpose, and rest
Simple daily joy practices you can actually keep
How gratitude rewires your brain (and why Cassandra leans on it)
Timestamps
00:00  — Podcast Welcome
00:33  — Meet Cassandra Burnett
02:24  — Why Safe Spaces Matter
06:28  — Belonging Over Fitting In
08:12  — Stop Apologizing for Being Multi-Passionate
09:27  — Losing Yourself to People-Pleasing
12:28  — Grief and the Great Untethering
14:50  — Marriage Through Major Change
21:51  — The Joy of Grief
24:01  — Motherhood Identity Shift
26:14  — Go Find Yourself
28:32  — Choosing to Pause
30:16  — Capacity Over Hustle
32:51  — Rest as a Calling
35:54  — Set-Apart Identity
37:17  — Brave Faith and Joy
39:11  — Feel It and Release
40:50  — Daily Joy Practices
46:18  — How Gratitude Rewires the Brain
48:06  — The Perfect Three Hours
50:47  — Connect and Closing
About Cassandra Burnett
Cassandra is a litigation attorney turned entrepreneur and community builder. She founded Lizzie’s Love Cakes in honor of her late mother, created the Hey Girl Women’s Conference and the Hey Girl Fund nonprofit, and produces The Aunties podcast. Through monthly baking workshops, she brings women together to bake, connect, and honor their ancestors.
Connect with Cassandra:
https://heygirlconference.com/
https://lizzieslovecakes.com/
https://cassandraburnett.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cassandraburnett_/
 
Connect with Nichole:
www.nicholemchphotography.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/
@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

If you’ve ever felt like you needed to “fix” your body before fully showing up in your life… this episode is for you. 💛
In this conversation, I sit down with therapist and eating disorder specialist Gabby Morreale to talk about body image, perfectionism, healing, and the pressure women carry to constantly change themselves before feeling worthy.
Here’s what we unpack:
• Why so many women delay visibility until they “look different”• The deeper roots of comparison and perfectionism• How diet culture shapes the way we see ourselves• Why “your body is not your currency”• Gabby’s recovery journey from anorexia and infertility• The importance of community, support, and self-compassion• Small resets for hard days and overwhelming seasons
This episode is such an important reminder that your worth was never meant to be measured by your body. ✨
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:31 Why This Topic Matters02:15 Healing Shapes Leadership04:17 Building the Practice06:51 Pandemic Demand and Hiring08:39 Fertility Journey and Growth10:28 Support Over Perfection12:43 Releasing Perfection and Comparison16:02 Body Is Not Currency17:09 Delaying Visibility and Root Causes18:46 Why Body Messages Stick22:58 Hard Days and Impermanence24:19 Winter Survival and Reset27:09 Friendship as Self Care30:18 Sparkle Round Rapid Fire32:14 Closing and Where to Find Gabby
 
About Gabby:
Gabby is the Owner and Clinical Director of Recovered & Restored Eating Disorder Therapy Center, based in Ambler and serving clients across PA, NJ, DE, MD, CT, VT, FL, and SC. What began as her personal calling has grown into a thriving group practice of 8 therapists and 3 therapy dogs, all rooted in providing compassionate, trauma-informed care.
She is an eating disorder therapist and HAES-aligned provider specializing in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, binge eating disorder, OCD, and maternal mental health challenges, as well as supporting individuals and families navigating anxiety, trauma, and infertility.
Gabby’s work is deeply personal—she is fully recovered from anorexia herself and an IVF warrior, which allows her to bring lived experience, empathy, and understanding into the healing space she creates for others.
Outside of her work, Gabby is a mom, wife, and aunt who finds her greatest joy in time with her daughters, niece, and family. She loves the beach, glitter, cooking, fitness, and cozy reality TV nights, and is passionate about living a life rooted in both purpose and joy.
 
Connect more with Gabby here - 
http://facebook.com/RecoveredandRestoredTherapy
https://www.instagram.com/gabriellelpc/
https://www.tiktok.com/@Gabriellelpc?lang=en
 
and with Nichole here - 
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator
 
#BodyImageHealing #EatingDisorderRecovery #SelfWorthJourney #WomenSupportingWomen #HealingJourney #PerfectionismRecovery #MentalHealthPodcast #JoyMakersPodcast

If you've ever felt overwhelmed planning a Disney trip or thought you had to hit all four parks to make it "worth it," this episode is for you.
Nichole sits down with Tighler, Disney travel specialist and content creator, to reimagine what a Disney vacation can look like—especially for families with kids four and under. Tigh shares why focusing on Magic Kingdom (instead of park hopping like crazy) creates more joy and fewer meltdowns, plus practical strategies for making the most of your time without burning out.
What You'll Learn:
✨ Disney Planning Strategy:
Why slow and intentional beats rushing through all four parks
The Magic Kingdom advantage for families with young children
What "rope dropping" means and how to do it effectively
Transportation trade-offs: free Disney options vs. paid rideshares
💰 Cost-Saving Tips:
When annual passes actually save you money (hint: two visits per year)
How flexible travel dates can slash your costs
The surprising math on driving vs. flying to Disney
Budget-friendly planning hacks for families
📸 Content Creation & Instagram Growth:
How Tigh turned Disney outfit posts into a massive following
Using your marketing background to grow authentically
Creating content that's actually fun (not just another job)
Networking strategies that accelerate growth
Finding your niche with Disney products and Amazon finds
Whether you're planning your first Disney trip or your fiftieth, this conversation will shift how you think about Disney vacations—and maybe even inspire you to share your own Disney content.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome And Guest Intro
00:24 - Name Story And Background
01:59 - First Disney Trip Memories
05:01 - Slow And Intentional Disney
09:26 - Planning Priorities For Families
12:05 - Rope Dropper Strategy Explained
13:37 - Transportation And Time Hacks
15:47 - Why Become A Disney Specialist
17:24 - How Often She Visits Disney
21:19 - Favorite Character And Classics
24:24 - Disney Princess Strength Ariel
26:50 - Saving on Disney Tickets
27:52 - Annual Pass Perks
29:20 - Flights vs Road Trips
30:27 - Last Minute Planning
32:51 - Disney Outfit Strategy
40:33 - Shopping and Amazon Finds
43:12 - Social Media Growth Secrets
49:11 - Personal Brand and Inspiration
54:45 - Where to Find Tigh
 
About Tigh
Tigh is a Disney Travel Specialist, content creator, and founder known for blending elevated vacation planning with impactful digital storytelling. Through her platform, she partners with leading family and lifestyle brands while creating thoughtfully curated content that inspires modern families to experience Disney in a more seamless, intentional way. As a wife, mother, and business owner, Tigh brings both expertise and authenticity to her work, bridging the gap between aspirational travel and real-life execution.
 
Connect more with Tigh here - 
https://www.instagram.com/travelbytigh/
https://www.tiktok.com/@travelbytigh
https://www.facebook.com/people/Travel-By-Tigh/
 
and with Nichole here - 
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator
 
 
Keywords:
Disney travel planning, Disney with toddlers, Disney kids under 5, Magic Kingdom tips, rope drop Disney, Disney transportation, Disney annual pass, budget Disney vacation, Disney content creator, Instagram growth tips, Disney outfits, Disney Amazon finds, slow travel Disney, intentional Disney trip, Disney travel specialist

Andrea Martin, a nurse practitioner and founder of Glow Health, a women’s telemedicine practice focused on sexual health, perimenopause, and menopause, and Nichole discuss how women are often brushed off by the medical system and emphasizes the need for preparation and education about perimenopause, which can affect many body systems and feel isolating. She reviews common symptoms (brain fog, sleep disruption, mood and anxiety changes, pain with sex, vaginal dryness, low libido), explains how cyclic patterns can help identify hormonal shifts, and notes that hormone labs are often unhelpful in perimenopause, though other tests like anemia and vitamin levels may matter. They clarify differences between birth control hormones and menopause hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormones, and explore libido myths, responsive desire, mental load, and tools like clitoral suction devices and magic wands.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:22 Instagram Education and Consistency02:16 Why Women Feel Brushed Off03:32 Googling Symptoms and Confusion04:49 Oil Change Analogy for Perimenopause07:01 Voice Note on Common Symptoms08:48 Is It Stress or Hormones12:08 Hormone Therapy Basics Explained14:43 Not Feeling Like Myself Signals17:03 Testing and Lifestyle Foundations19:57 Libido Myths Midlife21:05 Spontaneous vs Responsive22:58 Pleasure Needs First25:22 Orgasm Reality Check26:54 Mental Load Kills Mood29:16 Toys and Clit Anatomy32:36 Aging Body Identity33:56 Menopause Mindset Shift36:13 Where to Find Andrea37:27 Final Wrap and Review
 
You can reach Andrea here:
https://www.instagram.com/andrea.sexplains.it.all/
Grab her freebie here!: https://glowhealthbyandrea.myflodesk.com/dlx3ti0bt8You can reach Nichole here:
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator
 
 
 

In this special collaboration episode with Totline Podcast, Sarah and Nichole talk about entrepreneurship, motherhood, and navigating big life transitions. Nichole shares her whirlwind season of leaving corporate, getting engaged while pregnant, house hunting, and welcoming her baby.
Sarah discusses her path from school speech therapist to occupational therapist, launching a private practice, and starting the Totline Podcast. Together they also explore toddler feeding anxiety, the pressures of motherhood and business, and the grounding practices that help them manage stress.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:13 Nichole Life Update02:07 Sarah Career Pivot02:58 OT Origin Story04:41 Gaps in Child Support07:08 Why Start Podcast09:05 Entrepreneur Mindset10:13 Sarah Corporate to Photo14:14 Building Photography Business16:03 Niche and Branding18:03 Toddler Feeding Advice24:16 Perspective on Parenting Fears25:51 Mom and Business Owner Balance26:31 COVID Baby and Early Community28:38 Burnout Signs and Body Signals30:04 Societal Pressure and Matrescence33:02 Grief for the Old Self39:05 Trust Timing and Stay the Course39:57 Rituals and Boundaries That Help45:04 Rebuilding Habits After Baby49:20 Final Takeaways Self CompassionListen to Sarah Abbot on The Totline Podcast here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-totline-podcast/id1857630572 You can reach Nichole here:
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

Think getting a big tax refund means you won the year? Think again.In this episode, Nichole sits down with her go-to CPA, Andrew Elkan for a refreshingly honest, jargon-free conversation about the taxes questions every entrepreneur, freelancer, and small business owner is too afraid to ask. Whether you've been running your business for years or just started your LLC last month, this one will change the way you think about your money.Andrew breaks down why the thing most people celebrate at tax time might actually be a red flag and what it really means for your cash flow. He also clears up one of the biggest misconceptions about LLCs (hint: it's probably not what you think it is), and explains the moment it might make sense to flip a switch that completely changes how your business is taxed.They get into write-offs, what actually qualifies, why your coffee run probably counts less than you hoped, and why that "wild" deduction you heard about at a dinner party may not work the way you think. There's a real case that will make your jaw drop a little.Andrew also walks through the tax changes hitting in 2025 that affect tips, overtime pay, and auto loans plus a Philadelphia-specific update that directly impacts local business owners and freelancers.And if you've ever wondered what it's actually like to work with a CPA, Andy shares how he approaches client relationships and why the most important conversations happen before you make a big financial move, not after.
 
This episode is for you if:
You have an LLC and aren't sure what it actually does (or doesn't) protectYou've Googled "should I elect S-corp status" and gotten more confusedYou want to know what's actually deductible before your next business expenseYou live or work in PhiladelphiaYou want a CPA who explains things like a real personTopics Covered:Tax refunds, LLC basics, S-corp election, reasonable compensation, payroll, write-offs, meal deductions, entertainment deductions, 2025 federal tax law changes, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, auto loan interest deductions, Philadelphia BIRT exemption, proactive tax planning, working with a CPA
 
00:00 Meet Andy the CPA01:56 Are tax refunds REALLY the best case scenario03:52 LLC Protection Basics05:40 S Corp Election Explained09:33 When S Corp Makes Sense12:43 Write Offs Demystified14:47 Meals and Deductions Rules17:01 Creative Write Off Myths17:51 Wild Write Off Case18:58 Luxury Purchases Reality Check19:40 New Federal Tax Breaks22:25 Philly BIRT Exemption Ends24:48 Planning Ahead And Organization28:06 Working With Andy31:34 Save Money and get an even bigger ROI from your CPA with this Advice35:36 Reach Out And Wrap Up
 
 
About Andy:
Andrew Elkan, CPA, is the founder of his own tax preparation and advisory practice, where he helps individuals and small businesses navigate tax strategy with clarity and confidence.
After beginning his career in financial planning at Northwestern Mutual, Andy earned his Master of Accounting from Villanova University and went on to pass all four sections of the CPA exam on his first attempt. He then spent five years at Grant Thornton, working with a wide range of clients before launching his own firm to provide more personalized, strategic support to entrepreneurs and families.
Andy specializes in helping business owners understand not just what they owe, but why — breaking down complex tax concepts into clear, practical guidance that empowers better financial decisions year-round.
Outside of the office, he’s a proud season ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles and once crossed “compete in a professional wrestling match” off his bucket list — in a match against his brother, no less. 
 
You can connect more with Andy here: 
https://www.andrewelkancpa.com/
 
And with Nichole here:
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

In this expanded version of the previous episode, Nichole speaks to moms building businesses who feel guilt or emotional exhaustion around being visible online. After experiencing a “wired and tired” vulnerability hangover herself, she explores how modern motherhood, nervous system changes, and cultural pressure make visibility feel heavier than it should.
She explains the biology behind mom guilt — from postpartum brain shifts to stress hormones — and why it’s not a mindset problem to push through. Instead, she offers a compassionate approach: regulate first, question the guilt story, prioritize presence over proximity, and redefine courage as vulnerability plus self-trust so showing up can feel safer and more sustainable.
00:00 Why Visibility Feels So Hard for Mom Entrepreneurs (Episode Setup)
01:09 The “Wired & Tired” Vulnerability Hangover: A Personal Story
05:20 From Quiet Work to Personal Brands: How Business Changed
09:19 The First Generation Asked to Do Both: Motherhood + Visibility
12:21 Mom Guilt Explained: The Caregiving Brain & Threat Response
14:33 Hormones, Stress, and the Body Signals Behind Guilt
16:55 Regulate First: Grounding Practices Before Mindset or Strategy
18:50 Reframing the Story: Presence Over Proximity
22:31 Mantras That Your Nervous System Can Believe
25:13 Quiet Courage & Worthiness: Showing Up Without the Armor (Wrap-Up)
 
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

Showing up on social media as a mother can feel heavier than anyone prepares you for.
In this episode, we explore why personal branding on social media feels so different after motherhood—and why visibility can feel exhausting, vulnerable, and emotionally loaded for moms in business.
Through a personal story and an honest conversation about motherhood, biology, and cultural expectations, this episode unpacks the real reasons visibility feels hard—not because of strategy, but because of the internal and societal pressure mothers carry. We talk about the “wired and tired” feeling so many moms experience, how perfectionism shows up online, and why courage—not confidence—has to come first when building a personal brand.
Inspired by Brené Brown’s work on wholehearted living, this episode invites you to rethink how you show up on social media, release the pressure to perform, and lead with authenticity instead of exhaustion.
You’ll hear about:
Why social media visibility feels emotionally different after motherhood
The biological, cultural, and internal pressures moms face online
Personal branding through the lens of courage, worthiness, and vulnerability
How to show up on social media without burning out or abandoning yourself
Redefining success and visibility as a mother and entrepreneur
If you’re a mom navigating social media, personal branding, and the desire to be seen without losing yourself, this episode is for you.
 
www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/
 
Free Resources -
Dream life blueprint/Calculator - total value $497 yours free for listening https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator

In this episode of the Joy Makers Podcast, host Nichole introduces Tracy Davidson, a distinguished Emmy award-winning journalist and professional speaker. Tracy's impressive career spans over 30 years, known for delivering trusted information and inspiring resilience through her stories. Transitioning from her role at NBC 10 to full-time speaking, Tracy provides deep insights on maintaining present and joyful living. Listen as she discusses practical strategies for staying grounded during life's shifts, discovering personal identities amid change, and sharing the profound importance of human connection and self-care. Tracy also shares her 'Reset Protocol,' a method to navigate overwhelming moments, and highlights the power of curiosity and courage in fostering personal growth and joy.
00:00 Welcome to the Joy Makers Podcast
00:14 Introducing Tracy Davidson
00:30 Tracy's Career Journey
01:50 The Importance of Presence and Joy
04:35 Navigating Identity Shifts
06:51 Self-Care and Creativity
08:40 Embracing Transitions with Grace
13:06 Gratitude and Resilience
15:18 The Reset Protocol
16:13 Curiosity and Self-Assessment
16:37 Understanding and Managing Reactions
16:57 Evaluating Options and Taking Action
17:50 Transitioning to New Challenges
19:04 Building Confidence and Embracing Change
20:54 Finding Joy in Learning and Growth
23:55 Overcoming Self-Doubt
26:29 The Power of Connection and Helping Others
27:08 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
 
You can connect more with Tracy here -
https://www.tracydavidson.com/
https://liftingyourvoice.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracydavidson/
and with Nichole here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/

In this episode, I am sharing a transformative conversation with a fellow entrepreneur that challenges the pressure of chasing seven-figure business goals. By discussing our true desires and needs, we have realized that a fulfilling life doesn't necessarily require such high financial benchmarks.
This epiphany lead me to create a 'Dream Life Calculator' to determine the actual cost of my ideal life, focusing on specific day-to-day desires and lifestyle preferences.
I am sharing this tool for free below to help you calculate what your dream life costs and redefine success looks and feels like for you!
Ultimately I hope it shows you that achieving a satisfying and enjoyable life may be more attainable than you previously thought.
00:00 Introduction: A Conversation That Changed Everything
00:26 The Pressure of the Seven-Figure Benchmark
01:43 Rethinking the Dream Life
02:37 Creating the Dream Life Calculator
03:49 Defining Daily Luxuries and Support
07:07 Calculating the Cost of the Dream Life
07:32 Realizing the Dream Life is Achievable
08:23 Implementing Small Aligned Shifts
09:13 Introducing the Dream Life Calculator Tool
10:13 Conclusion: Living a Satisfying Life
 
Find out how to get crystal-clear on your ideal lifestyle, price your services, and take intentional steps toward the life you actually want; without burning out or mindlessly chasing a million dollar brand.
GET DREAM THE CALCULATOR - HERE
https://nicholemchcoachingandphoto.myflodesk.com/dreamcalculator
 
You can Connect More with me Here -www.Nicholemchphotography.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholemhoward/@IamNicholemch on Insta and TikTok! - https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholemch/