I absolutely loved having Carrie Ermence on this episode of Heart of the Hustle! Carrie is the powerhouse behind Lone Star Roots—a boutique Texas lifestyle brand that blends heart, humor, and hometown pride in every product.

Carrie and I started our businesses around the same time, and I’ve admired her from day one. In this episode, we talked about how she went from teaching first grade to building an award-winning retail brand, all while staying deeply involved in her community. Her story is full of heart—and hilarious merch.

We also filmed this one in-studio, and Carrie brought some of her best-selling products (yes, I’m still laughing about the “Sorry About My Husband” hat). If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion into a product—or you want to see what authentic community-driven entrepreneurship looks like—this one’s a must-watch.

💡 In this episode, we dive into:
-How Lone Star Roots started with a heart-shaped Texas logo and a love of storytelling

-What it takes to build a merch brand that resonates with both native and new Texans

-Why community involvement (Frisco Chamber, Refresh NTX, and beyond) is essential for real business growth

-How Carrie won Entrepreneur of the Year—and nearly missed the gala!

-The power of turning personal loss into purpose, and entrepreneurship into impact

🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube or on your favorite podcasting platform.

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📍 Featuring her shop, her top-selling merch, and even a few business bloopers (hello, emergency hair appointment before a gala award night), this episode is a must-watch for any entrepreneur balancing humor, hustle, and heart.
🔗 Shop Lone Star Roots: https://lonestarroots.com
📸 Follow Carrie: @lonestarroots
🎧 Listen to More Episodes: Search “Heart of the Hustle” on your favorite podcast platform or watch full episodes on YouTube!
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Timestamps:
00:00 Building Community Through Business
01:08 Introduction to Today's Heart of the Hustle
02:06 The Origin Story of Lone Star Roots
02:44 From Teaching to Entrepreneurship
03:04 Creating a Relatable Brand
07:45 Expanding Through Mercantile Spaces
09:49 Humor and Texas Pride in Merchandise
13:03 Popular Products and Market Presence
15:12 Fun and Versatile T-Shirts for All Seasons
16:13 Community Involvement and Business Growth
20:04 Awards and Recognitions
23:40 Supporting Local Nonprofits
25:24 Leadership Programs and Future Plans
29:01 Family Business and Future Endeavors
30:49 Where to Find Lone Star Roots Products

#TexasPride #HeartOfTheHustle #LoneStarRoots #CarrieErmence #TexasEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #CommunityDriven #SupportLocalTX #MerchWithMeaning #FriscoBusiness #HeartCenteredLeadership

🎯 Want to Walk Away With a Month of Content in Just One Hour?

✨ Be a guest at the Heart of the Hustle Studio and leave with more than a great interview. You’ll get:

-Short-form reels and audiograms
-Done-for-you captions and pull quotes
-A full SEO blog post
-Strategy-backed content that builds authority and connection

📩 Apply now at https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication and let us turn your story into your most powerful marketing asset.

#HeartOfTheHustle #WomenInLeadership #SherrySutton #LeadershipWithHeart #DoneForYouContent #MarketingStudio #ContentThatConnects

What happens when a 74-year-old Marine, retail executive, and mortgage mogul decides to take on the Texas Supreme Court?

You get Nelson A. Locke.

In this episode of Heart of the Hustle, Nelson shares the wild ride of how he went from managing hundreds of employees in retail and mortgage banking to building a thriving federal law practice—and why the Texas Bar initially said “no” simply because he studied online. He didn’t just take the hit—he fought back. And he won.

This one’s for the rule-breakers, the lifelong learners, and anyone who's been told they’re “too late” or “not enough.” Nelson’s story will inspire you to keep pushing, even when the system says no.

⏰ What You’ll Hear:
00:00 Introduction to Heart of the Hustle
01:19 Nelson Locke's Journey: From Retail to Law
04:02 The Decision to Pursue Law
11:49 Challenges with the Texas Bar
18:45 The Fight for Online Education Recognition
20:36 Non-Profit vs. For-Profit Legal Education
21:14 Quality of Online Legal Education
22:40 Challenging the Texas Board of Law Examiners
24:29 Legal Mechanisms and Supreme Court Rulings
30:23 Current Status and Future Plans
38:49 Advice for Online Law School Graduates
39:57 Impact on Other Regulated Industries
41:41 Conclusion and Contact Information

🎥 Watch the full episode right here on YouTube or tune in on your favorite podcasting platform—Apple, Spotify, Amazon, all the places.

UPDATE: Just 24 hours after the release of this podcast, Nelson received official word that he has been admitted into the Texas Bar! Congratulations Nelson!!

🔗 Want to connect with Nelson?
Check out his practice and incredible work here: https://lockelaw.us

🚀 Here’s the deal—want a full month of social content from one hour with me?
Be a guest on Heart of the Hustle and you’ll walk away with done-for-you reels, captions, blog posts, and email blasts—all pulled from your episode. You focus on telling your story. I’ll turn it into marketing that actually works.
Learn more or reach out: @HeartoftheHustleShow
https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication

#HeartOfTheHustle #SherrySutton #NelsonLocke #TexasBar #OnlineLawSchool #TexasSupremeCourt #EntrepreneurLife #LegalInnovation #PodcastMarketing #MarketingThatWorks #DoneForYouContent #ContentStudioDallas

🎯 Want to Walk Away With a Month of Content in Just One Hour?

✨ Be a guest at the Heart of the Hustle Studio and leave with more than a great interview. You’ll get:

-Short-form reels and audiograms
-Done-for-you captions and pull quotes
-A full SEO blog post
-Strategy-backed content that builds authority and connection

📩 Apply now at https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication and let us turn your story into your most powerful marketing asset.

#HeartOfTheHustle #WomenInLeadership #SherrySutton #LeadershipWithHeart #DoneForYouContent #MarketingStudio #ContentThatConnects

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Brandon Denmon, the founder of Peak Executive Solutions, for one of the most insightful leadership conversations I’ve ever had on Heart of the Hustle. Brandon’s story is so powerful—starting out in machine shops and dirty factories, learning from bad bosses, and eventually becoming the kind of leader who puts people and culture first.

In this episode, we dive into how real leadership isn’t about titles or boardrooms—it’s about trust, vulnerability, and creating space where your team can thrive. Brandon shares how he helps manufacturing companies align their teams, scale their operations, and build culture that sticks.

Whether you’re a CEO, team leader, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom on what it truly means to lead from the heart.

⏱️Timestamps

00:00 – The Essence of Effective Leadership
01:17 – Introducing Brandon Denmon
01:27 – Brandon's Early Life and Career Beginnings
02:52 – Lessons from Barry and Career Growth
03:37 – Transition to Engineering and Family Life
05:58 – Why Brandon Founded Peak Executive Solutions
08:28 – Vulnerability and Trust: Why They’re Essential for Team Success
19:46 – Challenges in Leadership Development in Manufacturing
24:17 – Future of Coaching: Real-Time Feedback, Not PowerPoints
25:30 – From Seminars to Ongoing Coaching and Culture Work
26:29 – Sherry & Brandon’s Personal Coaching Journeys
28:18 – Listening and Feedback: The Missing Keys to Effective Leadership
34:41 – Company Size & Leadership Dynamics: From 20 to 200+ Employees
36:19 – Extreme Sports, Personal Growth, and Leadership Parallels
40:21 – Final Thoughts & How to Work with Brandon Denmon

🔎 Keywords:
leadership coaching, emotional intelligence in business, how to lead a manufacturing team, Brandon Denmon interview, Peak Executive Solutions, team alignment strategy, how to build trust at work, dirty businesses explained, vulnerability in leadership, coaching for CEOs, business culture change, executive coaching podcast, Heart of the Hustle

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

-Why trust and vulnerability are the foundation of high-performing teams
-What Brandon means by “dirty businesses” and how to modernize them
-The coaching techniques that actually work for frontline and mid-level managers
-Why most leadership development programs fail—and how to fix that
-Brandon’s tips for introverts and extroverts on leading together
-How Brandon helps private equity-backed companies scale or sell

📌 Guest: Brandon Denmon – https://peakexecutivesolutions.com
🎙️ Host: Sherry Sutton – @Heartofthehustleshow

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcasting platform (Apple, Spotify, Google, and more)

#LeadershipPodcast #HeartOfTheHustle #BrandonDenmon #ExecutiveCoaching #ManufacturingLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #BusinessCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #PeakExecutiveSolutions #TeamTrust #PeopleFirstBusiness #CultureTransformation #EmotionalIntelligenceInBusiness

🎯 Want to Walk Away With a Month of Content in Just One Hour?

✨ Be a guest at the Heart of the Hustle Studio and leave with more than a great interview. You’ll get:

-Short-form reels and audiograms
-Done-for-you captions and pull quotes
-A full SEO blog post
-Strategy-backed content that builds authority and connection

📩 Apply now at https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication and let us turn your story into your most powerful marketing asset.

#HeartOfTheHustle #WomenInLeadership #SherrySutton #LeadershipWithHeart #DoneForYouContent #MarketingStudio #ContentThatConnects

When I first met Dr. Gill, I knew he was building something special. Not just as a chiropractor, but as someone who gets what it means to invest in your future. So I had to bring him back—not to talk about adjustments and wellness, but about building generational wealth through real estate.

In this episode of Heart of the Hustle, Dr. Gill breaks down what every doctor, dentist, and healthcare professional needs to know about owning their space, investing in income-generating property, and making smarter decisions when launching or expanding their business.

We talk about the real numbers, the fear, the "analysis paralysis," and why it’s not just about owning property—it’s about creating freedom.

If you're a medical professional thinking about opening your own practice (or already running one), this episode is for you. Dr. Gill shares the exact strategies he's used to go from first-time landlord at 16 to managing deals, developments, and long-term wealth through Dr. Realtors.

💡 Here’s the best part: You don’t have to do this alone. I created Heart of the Hustle Studio for entrepreneurs like you—doctors, creatives, leaders—who want content that works without adding more to their plate.

📸 Want a full month of content by just hanging out with me for an hour?
Be a guest on Heart of the Hustle and walk away with done-for-you podcast episodes, social posts, and more—all crafted from your story. Let's make your message work harder.

🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcasting platform. You don’t want to miss this one.

👉 Learn more about the studio and how we help leaders turn ideas into income at:
https://www.heartofthehustlestudio.com

🕒 Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Why real estate is the safest asset for doctors
01:30 – Welcome back, Dr. Gill! Introducing Dr. Realtors
03:00 – What doctors really need in residential vs. commercial spaces
05:45 – Dr. Gill’s personal real estate story started at 16
08:20 – Should you lease or buy? Here's what he tells new business owners
11:15 – The biggest fears docs face when opening their first office
13:45 – How Dr. Realtors helps doctors buy buildings with 0% down
16:00 – Why now is the best time to invest—despite interest rates
18:25 – Turning real estate into retirement and freedom
21:00 – Going from one door to 100: real examples from real physicians
23:45 – Customizing your clinic space: What most people forget
26:10 – Why a real estate agent who gets doctors makes all the difference
28:40 – Final thoughts: reduce risk, build equity, and create your legacy

🎯 Want to Walk Away With a Month of Content in Just One Hour?

✨ Be a guest at the Heart of the Hustle Studio and leave with more than a great interview. You’ll get:

-Short-form reels and audiograms
-Done-for-you captions and pull quotes
-A full SEO blog post
-Strategy-backed content that builds authority and connection

📩 Apply now at https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication and let us turn your story into your most powerful marketing asset.

#HeartOfTheHustle #WomenInLeadership #SherrySutton #LeadershipWithHeart #DoneForYouContent #MarketingStudio #ContentThatConnects

I’ll be honest—insurance isn’t exactly what I’d call a “sexy” topic. But after sitting down with Brad Kiesling of the Kiesling Insurance Agency, I realized just how critical it is that we get this stuff right—especially as entrepreneurs, homeowners, and parents trying to protect what we’ve worked so hard to build.

In this episode of Heart of the Hustle, Brad breaks down insurance in a way that finally makes sense. We dig into how to cover yourself, your family, your business—without getting lost in the fine print. Whether it’s umbrella coverage, auto protection, or navigating claims after a Texas hailstorm, Brad brings real-world advice you can actually use.

💡 If you’ve ever clicked “I agree” on an insurance policy you didn’t understand... this episode is for you.

What We Talk About:

Why insurance is personal for Brad (and how 30 years in finance led him here)

- What most people misunderstand about their auto and home coverage
- Personal injury protection, uninsured drivers & other overlooked essentials
- How to know if you’re overpaying or underinsured
- Why having an actual human agent can save your sanity during a claim
- The one question to ask before switching providers

🎁 Want a month of content just by hanging out with me for an hour?
Be a guest on Heart of the Hustle and you’ll leave with ready-to-post social content based on your interview, plus video, audio, and written assets tailored for your biz. Let’s get you seen and heard.

🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcasting platform.

🕒 TIMESTAMPS
00:01:17 – Welcome Brad Kiesling, introduction and how we met
00:02:11 – What the Kiesling Insurance Agency does (home, auto, toys, umbrella, business, life)
00:03:01 – Service area: from Little Elm/Aubrey to all of Texas
00:05:47 – What’s an umbrella policy and why should you care?
00:07:14 – What’s covered in a car accident, even if it’s your fault?
00:09:17 – Understanding personal injury protection and medical coverage
00:11:20 – Why working with an insurance agent still matters
00:13:13 – Brad's journey: 30 years in finance and burning out
00:15:40 – What inspired Brad to become an agency owner
00:18:20 – Online insurance vs. agent-guided protection
00:20:03 – The two sides of insurance: upfront cost vs. using it
00:23:00 – Why premiums are rising in Texas
00:26:00 – The home insurance trap: hail damage and shady roofers
00:31:30 – When to file a claim (and when not to)
00:34:00 – Brad’s network of trusted roofers & contractors
00:36:00 – The agent’s job: being there when something goes wrong
00:39:00 – Final thoughts: You need coverage that fits your life, not just your budget

Find Brad Kiesling
📍 Kiesling Insurance Agency – https://kieslinginsuranceagency.com/
🧭 Serving Texas from Aubrey / Little Elm / Frisco
🏠 Home, Auto, Business, Umbrella, Life
(469) 447-5500

Follow me, Sherry Sutton:
🎙️ Host of Heart of the Hustle
📸 @Heartofthehustleshow
🌐 heartofthehustle.com

Full YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/-2V3JzYdC-8

🎯 Want to Walk Away With a Month of Content in Just One Hour?

✨ Be a guest at the Heart of the Hustle Studio and leave with more than a great interview. You’ll get:

-Short-form reels and audiograms
-Done-for-you captions and pull quotes
-A full SEO blog post
-Strategy-backed content that builds authority and connection

📩 Apply now at https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication and let us turn your story into your most powerful marketing asset.

#HeartOfTheHustle #WomenInLeadership #SherrySutton #LeadershipWithHeart #DoneForYouContent #MarketingStudio #ContentThatConnects

Tania Nawazkhan started a revolution on her driveway—and turned it into a thriving sisterhood that’s changing lives through movement, mindset, and emotional connection.

In this episode of Heart Of The Hustle, I sat down with Tania to talk about how she built Titan Shape during the pandemic and scaled it into a community that’s about so much more than squats and deadlifts. This is heart-centered entrepreneurship at its finest.

If you’re tired of hustle culture that’s all grind and no soul, this conversation is a powerful reminder that leading with heart isn’t just possible—it’s profitable, sustainable, and transformational.

💡 We talk about building connection in a disconnected world, empowering women to love the skin they’re in, and why emotional wellness needs to be part of every business model.

And if the idea of walking away from a podcast interview with a month of done-for-you content sounds like your kind of marketing magic… come join me in the studio. Be a guest on Heart Of The Hustle and let’s create something amazing together.

🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform!

Timestamps:
00:01:37 – Meet Tania Nawazkhan from Titan Shape
00:02:32 – From Congo to the Netherlands to Texas: Her global identity
00:03:00 – Titan Shape was born on a sidewalk during the pandemic
00:04:45 – The “Titan” nickname and how it became her brand
00:05:36 – From driveway workouts to a 100-woman strong sisterhood
00:09:21 – Leading with heart in a disconnected, digital world
00:10:01 – Emotional safety in fitness: seeing the whole woman
00:13:50 – Titan Talks: Why conversations matter as much as crunches
00:15:29 – Her annual events: Pool party + “You Are Royalty” gala
00:18:00 – Body confidence, celebration, and real-life transformation
00:31:08 – From client to coach: Creating legacy through leadership
00:39:46 – Want to join Titan Shape? What new members can expect
00:40:23 – Final reflections on heart-centered hustle

🔥 Ready to create a month of content just by hanging out with me for an hour? Be a guest on Heart Of The Hustle and leave with everything you need to show up online like a pro—social posts, reels, blog content, and a podcast episode that captures your story.

📲 Reach out @Heartofthehustleshow or visit Heartofthehustleshow.com to book your session.

Let’s create content that actually works—and feels good doing it.

🎯 Want to Walk Away With a Month of Content in Just One Hour?

✨ Be a guest at the Heart of the Hustle Studio and leave with more than a great interview. You’ll get:

-Short-form reels and audiograms
-Done-for-you captions and pull quotes
-A full SEO blog post
-Strategy-backed content that builds authority and connection

📩 Apply now at https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication and let us turn your story into your most powerful marketing asset.

#HeartOfTheHustle #WomenInLeadership #SherrySutton #LeadershipWithHeart #DoneForYouContent #MarketingStudio #ContentThatConnects

Are you an entrepreneur wondering if you can actually afford health insurance without a corporate job? In this powerful episode of Heart of the Hustle, Sherry Sutton sits down with Julie Sears from Integrity Health Insurance Advisors to uncover the real truth about navigating health insurance for small business owners.

Julie shares the hidden realities of private plans versus the marketplace, explains qualifying events, and talks candidly about the mistakes most people make when it comes to health insurance. If you've ever felt scared to leave corporate America because of insurance, this conversation will absolutely change your outlook — and maybe even your life.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
-How small business owners CAN get affordable health insurance
-Marketplace vs Private Insurance: What's the real difference?
-How health insurance premiums are actually calculated
-The truth about pre-existing conditions, weight loss meds, and mental health records
-What every entrepreneur needs to know before making the leap

📈 Whether you're just starting out or scaling up your business, understanding your health insurance options is a must. Julie and Sherry break it all down in a way that's relatable, honest, and actionable.

👉 Watch the full episode here on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcasting platform!
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations about marketing, entrepreneurship, and building the life you dream of.


#HeartOfTheHustle #HealthInsuranceForEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessSuccess #HeartOfTheHustle #EntrepreneurLife #SmallBusinessTips #HealthInsuranceHelp #InsuranceMarketplace #AffordableHealthInsurance #BusinessOwnerLife #SelfEmployedInsurance #IntegrityHealthInsurance #SherrySutton #JulieSears #PodcastForEntrepreneurs

🎯 Want to Walk Away With a Month of Content in Just One Hour?

✨ Be a guest at the Heart of the Hustle Studio and leave with more than a great interview. You’ll get:

-Short-form reels and audiograms
-Done-for-you captions and pull quotes
-A full SEO blog post
-Strategy-backed content that builds authority and connection

📩 Apply now at https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication and let us turn your story into your most powerful marketing asset.

#HeartOfTheHustle #WomenInLeadership #SherrySutton #LeadershipWithHeart #DoneForYouContent #MarketingStudio #ContentThatConnects

Sabrina Fandell opens up about growing up with dyslexia, raising a neurodivergent child, and turning her lived experience into leadership as Vice President of the International Dyslexia Association (Dallas). This episode is a raw and empowering deep dive into the importance of early diagnosis, real support, and finding your voice—both as a parent and as a professional.

🧠 Key Moments: ⏱️ 03:12 – The blind teacher who changed everything
⏱️ 06:51 – Watching her son learn the way she never got to
⏱️ 15:23 – Why early diagnosis matters—and what the IDA is doing about it
⏱️ 24:00 – The hidden emotional cost of feeling “less than”
⏱️ 27:08 – Turning dyslexia into strategy: how it shaped her success
⏱️ 33:14 – The anxiety of reading aloud—and why it still matters
⏱️ 36:09 – Summer regression: what it is and how to stop it

✨ Whether you're an educator, parent, or entrepreneur, this episode will challenge what you think you know about learning, resilience, and impact.

🎥 At Heart of the Hustle Studio, we help you turn your real-life story into content that connects and converts.

If you’ve been hiding behind the scenes or struggling to “get it right,” stop waiting. You don’t need to fake it. You need support that sounds like you.
🎤 Book your session now → https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication

📦 Walk away with 30 days of content, done-for-you strategy, podcast clips, and a message you're proud to share.

#HeartOfTheHustle #DyslexiaAwareness #NeurodivergentVoices #SabrinaFandell #DoneForYouMarketing #IDA #ParentAdvocacy #DallasNonprofits #StorytellingMarketing #EntrepreneurPodcast #MarketingWithHeart

🎯 Want to Walk Away With a Month of Content in Just One Hour?

✨ Be a guest at the Heart of the Hustle Studio and leave with more than a great interview. You’ll get:

-Short-form reels and audiograms
-Done-for-you captions and pull quotes
-A full SEO blog post
-Strategy-backed content that builds authority and connection

📩 Apply now at https://www.sherrysutton.com/heartofthehustlevodcastapplication and let us turn your story into your most powerful marketing asset.

#HeartOfTheHustle #WomenInLeadership #SherrySutton #LeadershipWithHeart #DoneForYouContent #MarketingStudio #ContentThatConnects