23. Amy Snook: "Early is on time. On time is late. Late is like, don’t talk to me.”
If you’ve ever felt stuck in decision paralysis, craved clarity in your business, or wished you had someone in your corner who actually gets it, this episode is your permission slip to move. Meet Amy Snook — business coach, former Glossier exec, child actress-turned-founder, and the unapologetic voice of “just make the decision and move forward.” She’s built brands, advised startups, led creative teams, and coached dozens of female entrepreneurs around the world—all with a grounded mix of vision, humor, and candor. In this episode, we talk about: How 10-year-old Amy convinced her parents to move across the country so she could pursue acting What it was like to join Glossier in its earliest days and work directly with Emily Weiss Why women get paralyzed in decision-making and how to break that cycle fast The biggest mistakes people make when hiring and scaling their business The unexpected emotional labor of entrepreneurship (and why coaching can be a lifeline) This conversation will leave you braver, clearer, and a little more willing to chase the vision you can already see—even if no one else does yet. Follow Amy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/amylaurenlovell?igsh=Nm92bjVwbDBzamF3 Follow her Substack here: https://pareabooks.substack.com/
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22. The Story Behind How I Started My Business [and four steps if you want to start one, too]
Have you ever felt a nudge to pursue something more, but weren't quite sure what that "more" might be? In this candid solo episode, I'm peeling back the curtain on my journey from data analyst to accidental entrepreneur, and how I built a podcast production agency. I'm sharing the pivotal moments that shaped my path, including: The conference that sparked my passion for storytelling and marketing The moments I felt a nudge from Holy Spirit that led to an important encounter at a coffee shop The importance of being open to God's guidance and unexpected opportunities Practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to find their niche You'll learn about the challenges I faced, the lessons I learned, and how I navigated the transition from a 9-to-5 job to full-time entrepreneurship. I'll also reveal the strategies that helped me carve out a unique space in the podcasting industry. Key takeaways from this episode: Why it's crucial to "show up" even when you're not sure of the outcome How to identify and leverage your unique combination of skills The power of taking on beta clients and learning as you go Balancing faith, intuition, and strategic planning in business The importance of defining your scope of work early on Whether you're considering a career pivot, dreaming of starting your own business, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of podcast production, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join me as I reflect on the unexpected twists and turns that led me to where I am today, and discover how you can embrace your own journey of growth and transformation. Follow along on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/?hl=en
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21. Ashleigh Amoroso: "I Was a One Eyed Photographer!"
Chances are, you've seen Ashleigh's work...without knowing you've actually seen Ashleigh's work. From Joanna Gaines to Halfbaked Harvest and Target to Delta, Ashleigh's photos have been seen near and far! In today's episode, I'm sitting down with the wonderful food and lifestyle photographer, Ashleigh Amoroso in her beautiful studio in Austin, TX. [If you're listening to this episode, I suggest viewing this one instead!!]. We chatted about: How she pivoted from her career at Apple to dipping her toes into photography Why she showed up to her first shoot with JOANNA GAINES with an EYE PATCH How she overcomes fear before starting something new Food Photography tips for your next girl's night out Why you don't need a guidebook on how to find your unique lane - you can create it yourself This was truly such a beautiful conversation. Also -- come to find out, she went to the same, tiny highschool as my cousin in Baton Rouge?! Small world. Anyway, follow Ashleigh here! You'll love her! https://www.instagram.com/ashleighamoroso/ AND - if you heard the little, secret note in there about my PODCAST COHORT opening up - here is the link!! And DON'T FORGET the code for the free session after you've entered the program!! Now go call your mom - or your best friend. Chat soon! Xx
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20. If You Called Me Asking About a Life Change, This Is What I'd Say
In this solo episode, I’m opening up about my recent move from vibey Austin, TX to a small town in Pennsylvania—and why it felt like the right (but unexpected) next step. If you’re standing at the edge of a big life transition or wondering if it’s time for one, this chat is for you. I’m breaking down five ways to navigate life’s pivots with more clarity and less panic—including the exact practice I use when I need to make a big decision and don’t know what to do. Whether you’re in the in-between, resisting the nudge, or just craving change, this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported. What we cover: [00:58] Why I moved from Austin to Wayne [05:21] Noticing the nudge to move [09:45] How to utilize the exercise of ‘trying on’ a decision to make a life change [11:34] How to know WHEN it’s time to make a change [20:17] How to trust your gut [26:28] What to do during the in between time of a change [30:00] Does it ever feel like I’m going backwards when making a life change? Here’s to trusting the quiet nudges, making brave moves, and building a life that feels deeply aligned—even when it doesn’t make sense on paper. Follow Elizabeth on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/ Read the Substack companion to this story here
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19. Soaring Like Eagles: Tori Bolt’s Journey from Tents to a Luxury Treehouse Empire
Tori shares her remarkable story of meeting her husband Seth (previous bass player of NEEDTOBREATHE) during a news interview, their whirlwind romance, and their leap into the world of hospitality. From living in tents and campers to creating a multi-million dollar treehouse retreat, Bolt Farm Tree House, Tori's journey is filled with unexpected twists, setbacks, and triumphs. You'll hear about the challenges they faced, including community opposition and financial setbacks, and how they overcame them through determination and a willingness to invest in themselves. Tori opens up about the personal growth required to transition from hands-on building to leading a team of 37 employees. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: How a bald eagle sighting led to a life-changing decision Why failure can be a better teacher than success in business How to balance big vision with practical risk management The importance of mentorship in scaling a business Transitioning from doing everything yourself to becoming an effective leader Tori's story is a testament to the rewards of pursuing your passion, even when it means taking the road less traveled. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for inspiration to chase your dreams, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartwarming moments. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and prepare to be motivated by Tori's journey from news anchor to treehouse tycoon. Who knows? You might just find yourself booking a stay at Bolt Farm to reconnect with nature - and yourself. Follow Tori Here! https://www.instagram.com/toribolt/ Follow Bolt Farm Treehouse Here! https://www.instagram.com/boltfarmtreehouse/?hl=en Follow Elizabeth here! https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/ Book you stay here! https://www.boltfarmtreehouse.com/
Sometimes finding yourself in adulthood looks a lot like getting back to who you were as a child…
Welcome to the Napkin Notes Podcast! Hosted by me! Elizabeth Evans.
I want to help us pick back up the pieces of who we used to be, the pieces of ourselves we really loved and cherished, that somehow were left behind along the way. Helping to remind us all who we once were before the world told us who to be. And not necessarily through hard conversations or deep therapy (albeit, I'm a big fan of both). But simply through things like:
- Reminding ourselves how to be in community,
- Sharing our non-linear stories of stumbling into unexpected passions,
- Re-learning our favorite recipes,
- Chatting about our most-loved family traditions, and
- Throwing memorable, yet effortless girl’s nights.
And who am I you ask? I’m Elizabeth :) Owner+Founder of Elizabeth Evans Media. I began my agency in 2018 and have produced dozens of top podcasts from world renowned musicians, impactful content creators, and best selling authors.
One thing has remained true throughout this entrepreneurship journey: I love the feeling of connection through storytelling - with a little flair of southern hospitality.
So in that spirit, I’ll be inviting on guests that have a passion for connection, generosity, and of course, great taste, to keep us inspired to write out our own story well - while obviously giggling along the way.
You’ll hear from women like:
- Olivia Adriance about the tenacity of building a dream community of over 1 million likeminded food lovers and how a mother’s influence at a young age can bring about a tradition of making tasty meals.
- And from Cortney LaCorte of Cheesegal on her own Napkin Note moment that started her brand (that will soon materialize into a cookbook!) - and how an unexpected family friend cultivated her love of gatherings.
- And from Mallory Ervin about how growing up with 22 first cousins crafted her familial loyalty and how that support encouraged her to pursue big dreams from Miss America to the Amazing Race.
Essentially, if you love handwritten letters, flower arrangements, family traditions, intentional questions, and a good cocktail – I think you'll quickly find your place here.
I want to bring us back to ourselves, and I believe we can do that through inviting small Notes of Nostalgia into each of our days.
And I’m just so glad you’re here.
I’m Elizabeth and this is the Napkin Notes Podcast.
www.elizabethevans.co
USA