What does real empowerment look like when the expectations placed on women seem endless? In this episode of LET's Network The Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jackie Shoemaker Holmes, sociologist, community builder, social justice advocate, and founder of a thriving women-centered community, to explore identity, motherhood, mental health, and personal transformation.

Jackie shares her honest journey through postpartum depression and anxiety, the grief that can accompany motherhood, and the challenges of balancing ambition, caregiving, and self-discovery. Together, we unpack societal pressures, boundaries, truth-telling, and why reclaiming your authentic self is one of the most empowering things you can do.

Whether you're a mother, caregiver, leader, or woman navigating a major life transition, this conversation offers validation, practical wisdom, and encouragement to create a life rooted in honesty, self-trust, and alignment.

In This Episode

• Explore empowerment as alignment with your authentic self
• Understand how societal expectations shape women's identities
• Learn why motherhood can trigger a major identity shift
• Hear Jackie's experience with postpartum depression and anxiety
• Discuss grief and the loss of pre-motherhood freedoms
• Examine the pressure to be the "perfect" mother
• Discover how boundaries support personal well-being
• Understand why guilt is often used to influence women's choices
• Learn how writing and poetry can support healing and self-expression
• Navigate the realities of the sandwich generation
• Challenge the myth of "doing it all"
• Embrace truth-telling as a path to empowerment and connection

Key Takeaways

• Empowerment comes from self-awareness, not external validation.
• Grieving past versions of yourself is a healthy part of personal growth.
• Boundaries are a skill that can be learned and strengthened.
• Seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• You do not need to meet every expectation placed upon you.
• Authentic conversations create deeper community and connection.
• Critical thinking helps protect against unrealistic societal messaging.
• Self-sacrifice should not come at the cost of your identity.
• Small, intentional choices can create a more fulfilling life.
• Telling the truth about your experiences helps others feel seen and supported.

About the Guest

Dr. Jackie Shoemaker Holmes is a sociologist, community builder, social justice advocate, educator, and writer dedicated to advancing equity and meaningful social change. Her work spans community development, leadership, qualitative research, housing initiatives, and women's empowerment, all grounded in evidence-based practice, accountability, and human connection.

Known for her candid conversations about motherhood, identity, mental health, and personal growth, Jackie has built an engaged online community where women can share their stories, find support, and challenge limiting expectations. Through writing, poetry, mentorship, and advocacy, she continues to create spaces that encourage honesty, healing, and empowerment.

Follow Jackie: Facebook: @eatingheryoung
Instagram: @eatingheryoung

Connect with LET's Network

LET's Network connects women entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders through events, workshops, coaching, and meaningful conversations.

Subscribe to LET's Network The Podcast and follow LET's Network on social media to discover upcoming events, resources, and opportunities to connect.

In this episode of LET's Network The Podcast, Emily Harrington and Talia sit down with Tara Shaw, founder of Loose Grip Athletics and The Loose Grip Loft in Kemptville, Ontario. Tara shares her journey from a nearly 20-year career in the federal government to full-time entrepreneurship, building a wellness business centered on movement, community, and authentic connection.

The conversation explores entrepreneurship, career transitions, self-trust, business systems, and sustainable growth. Tara discusses the realities of starting a business, the mindset shifts required to leave a stable career, and why designing a business around your desired lifestyle creates greater fulfillment and long-term success.

Whether you're considering leaving a traditional job, launching a business, or looking for practical strategies to avoid burnout, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a life and business aligned with your values.

In This Episode

• Discover how Loose Grip Athletics was founded through community and connection
• Learn what sparked Tara’s transition from government work to entrepreneurship
• Explore the realities of leaving a stable career to follow intuition
• Understand the mindset changes that come with self-employment
• Discuss the role of community building in a wellness business
• Explore how human design influenced Tara’s leadership approach
• Hear practical strategies for managing overwhelm and self-doubt
• Learn why walking and mindfulness remain key business tools
• Discover how motherhood shaped Tara’s entrepreneurial decisions
• Explore the future vision for The Loose Grip Loft and Loose Grip Collective

Key Takeaways

• Build your business around the life you want to live.
• View mistakes as data collection and opportunities to learn.
• Start with simple systems before investing in complex solutions.
• Think long term when choosing processes and technology.
• Consistency often matters more than rapid growth.
• Rest and recovery are essential parts of sustainable success.
• Community can be a powerful competitive advantage.
• Ask for support before reaching a breaking point.
• Trust your intuition while remaining open to feedback.
• Small daily habits, like walking, can improve decision-making and resilience.

About the Guest

Tara Shaw is the founder of Loose Grip Athletics and The Loose Grip Loft, a hot yoga and social wellness studio in Kemptville, Ontario. After nearly two decades in the federal government, Tara transitioned into entrepreneurship to create a business focused on movement, wellness, personal growth, and meaningful community connection.

Through her coaching, wellness programming, and community events, Tara helps create experiences that encourage people to move their bodies, build relationships, and feel more at home in themselves. Her approach combines practical business thinking with a strong commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and personal well-being.

Website: https://www.loosegripathletics.ca
Instagram: @loosegrip.coaching
Instagram: @the.loosegrip.loft
Facebook: The Loose Grip Loft

Connect with LET's Network

LET's Network connects women entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders through events, workshops, coaching, and meaningful conversations.

Subscribe to LET's Network The Podcast and follow LET's Network on social media to discover upcoming events, resources, and opportunities to connect.

Can innovation thrive in a small town? According to entrepreneur and Small Town Giants founder Jordana Wright, the answer is yes. In this episode of LET's Network The Podcast, Emily Harrington and Talia Hreljac sit down with Jordana to discuss how entrepreneurs can use technology to solve real-world problems and create meaningful impact.

From validating ideas and building apps to challenging assumptions about women in tech, this conversation offers practical insights for aspiring founders and business owners. Jordana shares her experience scaling technology ventures and launching Small Town Giants, a venture studio that helps turn ideas into useful products.

In This Episode

· Jordana's journey from tech founder to founder of Small Town Giants.

· Why small towns can be powerful centres of innovation.

· The importance of validating ideas before investing in development.

· How prototypes help test concepts and gather feedback.

· Common misconceptions about building apps and technology products.

· The difference between venture-backed and sustainable business models.

· Why customer feedback should guide product development.

· How AI and modern tools are making entrepreneurship more accessible.

· Lessons learned as a woman leading in the technology industry.

· The role of trust and relationships in growing a business and community.

Key Takeaways

· Start with the problem, not the product.

· Validate ideas before spending significant time or money.

· Build a simple first version before adding features.

· Let customer feedback drive decisions.

· Small towns are full of talent, opportunity, and innovation.

· You do not need venture capital to build a successful business.

· Learning to build something yourself creates valuable knowledge.

· AI is making entrepreneurship more accessible than ever.

· Trust and consistency are essential for long-term success.

· Women founders belong in innovation and leadership.

About Jordana Wright

Jordana Wright is the founder of Small Town Giants, a Canadian venture studio focused on building technology solutions that solve everyday challenges in small communities. Her experience includes scaling a social media platform to more than 50,000 users and growing a property rental platform to thousands of listings.

Learn more: https://smalltowngiants.com/

Connect with LET's Network

LET's Network connects women entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders through networking events, workshops, coaching, and meaningful conversations.