Women Business Voices of Central Florida: Kendra Cooke on Women's Empowerment & Financial Literacy in Tampa

Join host Ariel in this episode of Women Business Voices of Central Florida as she sits down with Kendra Cooke, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of K Cooke Consulting in Tampa. After 30 years building a successful real estate business, Kendra now dedicates her work to empowering women entrepreneurs throughout Central Florida, Orlando, and beyond through retreats, coaching, and speaking events.

Discover how Kendra creates safe spaces for women to address limiting beliefs, talk openly about money, and design lives on their own terms. She shares her journey from near bankruptcy to selling her brokerage at 50, the pivotal moment her husband gave her permission to follow her passion, and how therapy and journaling became her foundation for helping others.

Learn about Kendra's book "Embrace, Empower, Evolve," The Daily Well planner she co-created with business partner Julie Davis, and her sold-out women's empowerment retreats at Evermore Resort near Disney in Orlando. She discusses the importance of filling your well, celebrating victories, investing in the right rooms, and why emotions are data worth acknowledging.

Kendra also shares her mastermind coaching approach, upcoming speaking events across the country, and her involvement in Amberly Lago's Unstoppable community. Her work serves women in Tampa, Orlando, Lake Mary, and throughout Central Florida who are ready to become CEOs of their own lives.

Perfect for Central Florida women entrepreneurs seeking authentic business wisdom, financial literacy education, and supportive community connections.

Connect with Kendra Cooke: kendracooke.com | Tampa, Florida | TEDx Speaker | Author | LinkedIn & Instagram: @kendracooke

Ariel Faith, Visual Alignment Expert, I help women leaders align their brand messaging through commercial photography, bringing joyful growth to their business.

Commercial Photographer | Speaker | Podcast Host

Service West Volusia and Central Florida.

https://arieljoyfaith.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-personalbranding

In this episode of Women Business Voices of Central Florida, Ariel interviews Tammy Bishop, a unique business owner who teaches children and adults how to ride bikes. Tammy, originally an occupational therapist, explains how she developed a structured system to teach bicycle riding through activity analysis. The lessons are designed to help students overcome their fear, resulting in lifelong skills. Tammy discusses the business growth, challenges, and strategies she applies, including the potential of expanding into books, online courses, and training other instructors. She also shares insights on the mental and physical benefits of biking and her aspirations to make her business more fruitful through collaboration and learning from others. Despite the ups and downs of business, her passion for teaching this life skill keeps her motivated. Tammy's story highlights the importance of physical activity, overcoming fear, and the joy of learning something new at any age.Overcoming Fear and Teaching Balance: Tammy Bishop's Journey of Bicycle LessonsIn this episode of Women Business Voices of Central Florida, Ariel welcomes Tammy Bishop, an occupational therapist turned entrepreneur who teaches children and adults how to ride bicycles. Tammy shares her journey of transitioning from occupational therapy to creating a full-time business in teaching bike riding. She discusses her unique methods, the importance of overcoming fear, and the fulfillment she finds in helping others gain a lifelong skill. Tammy also highlights the challenges of starting and growing her business, the impact of e-bikes, and her expansion plans.In this episode of Women Business Voices of Central Florida, Ariel interviews Tammy Bishop, a unique business owner who teaches children and adults how to ride bikes. Tammy, originally an occupational therapist, explains how she developed a structured system to teach bicycle riding through activity analysis. The lessons are designed to help students overcome their fear, resulting in lifelong skills. Tammy discusses the business growth, challenges, and strategies she applies, including the potential of expanding into books, online courses, and training other instructors. She also shares insights on the mental and physical benefits of biking and her aspirations to make her business more fruitful through collaboration and learning from others. Despite the ups and downs of business, her passion for teaching this life skill keeps her motivated. Tammy's story highlights the importance of physical activity, overcoming fear, and the joy of learning something new at any age.00:00 Introduction to Women Business Voices00:20 Meet Tammy Bishop: The Bike Riding Instructor00:57 The Aha Moment: More Than Just Bike Riding01:44 Breaking Down the Bike Riding Process03:26 Overcoming Fear: Lessons Beyond Bike Riding08:41 The Joy of Teaching: Passion and Motivation12:33 Logistics of Bike Riding Lessons15:59 Navigating Business Ups and Downs20:09 Greatest Lessons Learned on the Journey20:40 Challenges in Growing a Business22:20 Networking and Seeking Help25:36 Marketing and Word of Mouth28:24 Advice for Adult Learners30:52 E-Bikes and Their Impact35:48 Safety and Community Involvement37:36 Serving the Central Florida Community38:32 Conclusion and Contact InformationContact Tammy Bishop! https://tammy-bishop.comhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004788739198 https://www.youtube.com/@bicyclelessons4allHost and Sponsor:Ariel Faith - Speaking and Education - arielfaith.com Bring Your Brand to Life With Story-Driven Strategy, Marketing, and Photography. https://arieljoyfaith.comWomen Business Voices of Central Florida https://podcast.arielfaith.com/voicesYou Matter In Businesshttps://podcast.arielfaith.com/umib

Women Business Voices of Central Florida: Haile Smith on Inclusive Theater & Recovery in Orlando

Join host Ariel in this episode of Women Business Voices of Central Florida as she sits down with Haile Smith, founder of The Reveler's Hour Theater in Orlando. Based in the Windermere area and serving Winter Garden, Kissimmee, and throughout Orange County, Halie shares her journey from addiction recovery to building Central Florida's newest inclusive performing arts organization.

Discover how Haile created a nonprofit theater company that welcomes performers of all body types, heights, and backgrounds, breaking down traditional entertainment industry barriers in the Orlando area. She discusses the challenges of securing affordable venue space in Central Florida, finding grant funding through Central Florida Arts, and building a mission-driven business without prior experience.

Haile also shares powerful insights on self-care for women entrepreneurs, honoring women's 30-day energy cycles, and the importance of remembering your "why" when building a business in competitive markets like Orlando, DeLand, and across Volusia and Orange County.

Learn about the upcoming Tabula Rasa Cabaret, celebrating change and new beginnings, scheduled for late January or early February 2026 in the Orlando area.

Perfect for Central Florida women entrepreneurs seeking authentic business wisdom, recovery stories, and insights on building inclusive, values-driven businesses.

Connect with Halie Smith and The Reveler's Hour Theater: https://revelershourtheater.org/

| Orlando, Winter Garden, Windermere, Kissimmee

On Instagram @halie_k_smith13

#supportinglocalarts #supportingsmallbusinesses #supportlocaltalent #orlandoarts #orlandothearter

Host and Sponsor:

Ariel Faith - Speaking and Education - arielfaith.com

Bring Your Brand to Life With Story-Driven Strategy, Marketing, and Photography. arieljoyfaith.com

https://arieljoyfaith.com

How you can help Halie and her Company | Orlando Area Venue opportunities | Funding Support | Attend a Production | Introductions to Local Art Supporters

Join host Ariel in this episode of Women Business Voices of Central Florida as she sits down with Jacqueline Powell, author of "Finding Your Way to Self-Love" and founder of Powell to Empower. Based in West Volusia County, Jacqueline shares her journey from corporate career to empowerment coaching, helping women in DeLand, Deltona, and throughout Central Florida build confidence and self-worth during major life transitions.

Discover how Jacqueline's "Rise and Thrive" program supports women navigating divorce, empty nesting, career pivots, and toxic workplace environments through mindset transformation, journaling, and weekly group sessions. She discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in business success and shares practical strategies for women entrepreneurs building values-driven businesses in Volusia County and beyond.

Jacqueline also shares her community involvement as president of West Volusia Toastmasters and her work with 1 Million Cups, connecting women business owners across DeLand, Debary, Orange City, and the greater Orlando area.

Perfect for Central Florida women entrepreneurs seeking authentic business wisdom, confidence-building, and supportive community connections.

Connect with Jacqueline Powell: Powell to Empower | West Volusia networking | Women's empowerment coaching Central https://www.powell2empower.com/

Host and Sponsor:

Ariel Faith - Speaking and Education - arielfaith.com

Bring Your Brand to Life With Story-Driven Strategy, Marketing, and Photography.

https://arieljoyfaith.com

Women Business Voices of Central Florida is where local women business owners share their real stories - the messy middle, the beautiful breakthroughs, and everything in between.

Hosted by Ariel Faith, Strategic Business Photographer, each episode features a Central Florida woman business owner in a 15-20 minute conversation about what really matters: the story that led her to offer her specific service, why she loves the clients she serves, the struggles that shaped how she works, and the lessons she wants other women to know.

This isn't about polished success stories or perfect business plans. It's about authentic voices, real journeys, and the wisdom that comes from actually doing the work.

Whether you're building a business, thinking about starting one, or just want to support local women entrepreneurs, you'll find connection, inspiration, and practical wisdom in every episode.

Season 3 Starting in 2026, New episodes weekly. Subscribe so you don't miss a story.

Visit arielfaith.com to join our free REAL Women In Business Community and learn more about us.

Arieljoyfaith.com to learn about bringing your marketing and your brand to life with storytelling and strategy.

Life is full of transitions, and so is this episode.

See the Full list of Episodes on your favorite Podcast player or Visit - https://www.arielfaithphotography.com/podcast

Remember

"Keep Exploring, Keep Learning, and Keep the Conversation going, Stay Curious, and have a happy Artist Journey. " Ariel

Transitioning to “YOU Matter, In Business” with Ariel Faith podcast For Women in Business,

Because You Matter In Your Business.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-matter-in-business/id1775085338

Host Ariel Faith's website: ⁠arieljoyfaith.com⁠

Discover how brand photography becomes a powerful tool for women over 50, redefining their identity and embracing life transitions.

In this transformative episode, photographer Paget Norton and Ariel Share how they help women capture their authentic selves through the lens. Through intimate storytelling and personal experiences, we explore how professional photography can be a gateway to self-discovery and renewed confidence.

Key highlights:

- The intersection of personal branding and authentic self-expression

- Overcoming impostor syndrome and embracing life transitions

- How visual storytelling empowers women to showcase their true selves

- The importance of genuine representation over artificial glamor

- Breaking free from societal pressures around aging

A touching example features a physician's journey from conventional medicine to a more purposeful practice, illuminating how professional photography can catalyze personal transformation.

Ready to rewrite your visual story? Listen to this episode to discover how brand photography can help you embrace your authentic self and confidently step into your next chapter.

• Branding photography can significantly boost self-esteem and help women over 50 redefine their self-image during life transitions.

• Women often face shared struggles like imposter syndrome, which can be addressed through community support and personal storytelling.

• Aligning personal style with client expectations is crucial for authenticity, highlighting the importance of individuality in personal branding.

#PersonalBranding #WomenEmpowerment #AuthenticityMatters

00:00:00 - Empowering Women Through Branding Photography

00:03:54 - Women Navigating Life Transitions

00:06:12 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Business

00:09:23 - Exploring Women's Multifaceted Identities

00:11:13 - Rediscovering Self After Caregiving

00:13:30 - Choosing Clothing for Client Connection

00:16:22 - Creative Flow in Photo Shoots

00:18:17 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Photography

00:20:02 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Together

00:22:37 - Emotional Expression Through Emoji Series

00:25:29 - Co-Creating a Confident Future

00:27:18 - Embracing Confidence in Professional Photography

00:30:14 - Embracing Aging and Photography

00:32:25 - Importance of Personal Branding

Paget Norton has learned through rock climbing that growth happens at the edge of our comfort zone. She brings this wisdom to her photography - knowing when to encourage that next bold move and when to create a space of absolute trust and safety. As a teacher, Paget has learned to attune to the uniqueness of each person's story. This informs how she captures each individual's essence through her art and writing background coupled with a deep listening that she's developed over years of teaching. As a woman over 50, Paget understands intimately what it means to feel invisible. This fuels her passion for creating images that command attention and respect. She uses all of this: climbing, teaching, aging, parenting, and so much more in every session. With six years behind the lens, Paget has refined her technical expertise while maintaining the genuine care and connection that makes each session special.

www.pagetnortonphotography.com

Host Ariel Faith's website: ⁠arieljoyfaith.com⁠

Visit “YOU Matter, In Business” with Ariel Faith podcast

For Women in Business, Because You matter in your Business.

From Self-Doubt to Empowering Others: A Photographer's Journey

Discover how a postpartum photoshoot transformed Paget Norton from a self-conscious new mother into a passionate photographer who's spent 13 years empowering others through her lens. Her unique approach combines strategic branding with authentic storytelling, creating images that capture not just appearances but the essence of each individual.

The episode explores Norton's evolution from teaching international students to becoming a sought-after photographer, including the valuable lessons learned from early criticism and the importance of client comfort during shoots. She shares insights about creating magical moments for women over 50 who often feel invisible, and how her work has sparked transformative confidence in clients, particularly illustrated through a powerful shoot with a medicine woman in her 60s.

Norton emphasizes the significance of intentional photography, proper lighting techniques, and the delicate balance between technical expertise and creating a comfortable atmosphere where clients can be their authentic selves.

Ready to be inspired? Listen to this episode to discover how one photographer's journey from vulnerability to empowerment is helping others find their light through the lens.

• Paget Norton’s journey into photography was sparked by an empowering postpartum shoot, showcasing how personal experiences can ignite creative passions.

• The focus on capturing clients' true essence rather than just appearances is a game-changer in the photography industry, emphasizing deeper connections.

• Creating a comfortable atmosphere during shoots is crucial for fostering confidence, particularly for women over 50, highlighting the transformative impact of visual storytelling on self-perception.

00:00:00 - Empowering Photography Journey

00:03:41 - Discovering Photography Through Experience

00:05:22 - Learning Photography Through Feedback

00:09:43 - Learning Retouching Techniques

00:11:27 - Visioning for Personal Branding and Boudoir

00:13:08 - Building Comfort for Better Photos

00:14:48 - Strategies for Effective Photography Sessions

00:22:38 - Visual Storytelling in Coaching Photography

00:24:32 - Transformative Client Journeys

00:25:56 - Empowering Women Through Photography

00:28:10 - Empowerment Through Photography

Paget Norton has learned through rock climbing that growth happens at the edge of our comfort zone. She brings this wisdom to her photography - knowing when to encourage that next bold move and when to create a space of absolute trust and safety. As a teacher, Paget has learned to attune to the uniqueness of each person's story. This informs how she captures each individual's essence through her art and writing background coupled with a deep listening that she's developed over years of teaching. As a woman over 50, Paget understands intimately what it means to feel invisible. This fuels her passion for creating images that command attention and respect. She uses all of this: climbing, teaching, aging, parenting, and so much more in every session. With six years behind the lens, Paget has refined her technical expertise while maintaining the genuine care and connection that makes each session special.

www.pagetnortonphotography.com

Host Ariel Faith's website: ⁠arieljoyfaith.com⁠

Visit “YOU Matter, In Business” with Ariel Faith podcast

For Women in Business, Because You matter in your Business.