Kickstart Connections

On today’s episode we are joined by the amazing talent, Robert Mbu Batuo, CEO and co-founder of Batuo Inc. Marc and Robert discuss his journey in the fashion industry, including what inspired him to create Batuo Inc. as well as the qualities that make a great leader, the importance of creating safe spaces and healthy cultures within an organization, and of course they preview the upcoming Halifax Fashion Week where Robert will be showing off a new collection on August 15th at the Queen’s Marque in downtown Halifax. Tune in now! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 5:50 - Robert’s pursuit in the fashion industry and the creation of his company Batuo 12:30 - Batuo’s fashion inspirations 17:20 - Creating a safe space within Batuo 24:05 - How does BATUO celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive environment? 29:25 - Halifax Fashion Week preview with Batuo 34:50 - What does the future hold for Batuo? FIND ROBERT ON:  WEBSITE: https://batuo.ca/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/batuoinc/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@batuoinc YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCden7wk7C2YNcsovPN6Ko9A FOLLOW KICKSTART CONNECTIONS: ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kickstartconnectionspodcast ON TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@kickstartconnections?lang=en ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/kickstart-connections/ FOLLOW BNV MEDIA: ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/bnv.media ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/bnv-media/?originalSubdomain=ca

On this week’s episode, we have a returning guest! Jason Davis of Ralli Marketing is back to chat with Lucy about all things entrepreneurship, in particular, the Mindset Project. The Mindset Project is an initiative designed to uncover what is holding entrepreneurs back in Nova Scotia. One of their studies in 2017 found that 72% of entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia are not getting what they want from their business, a number that ranks dead last among all Canadian provinces. If you’re an entrepreneur, click this link (https://www.themindsetproject.ca/) and take the Mindset Project survey to help the initiative get to the bottom of this problem and find solutions. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 00:35 - What is the Mindset Project? 5:30 - Why aren’t entrepreneurs feeling supported in Nova Scotia? 12:55 - Current outlook of the Mindset Project 17:00 - Why are entrepreneurs feeling discouraged? 20:05 - How can local entrepreneurs get involved with the Mindset Project? CHECK OUT THE MINDSET PROJECT: https://www.themindsetproject.ca/ FOLLOW JASON DAVIS: ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/jason-davis-80154033/?originalSubdomain=ca ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/itsjasondavis/ FOLLOW KICKSTART CONNECTIONS: ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kickstartconnectionspodcast ON TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@kickstartconnections?lang=en ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/kickstart-connections/ FOLLOW BNV MEDIA: ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/bnv.media ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/bnv-media/?originalSubdomain=ca

On today's episode, we're delighted to have Katie Mahoney join us to talk about her fantastic business, We Are Young. Along with Cara Chisholm, Katie founded the company after spending a day with a senior through an “Acts of Kindness” initiative. She quickly realized that this was the first time in years someone made a day about her, and this realization shook Katie’s perception of how seniors were supported. Since then, We Are Young has fulfilled close to 60 wishes for seniors and has big plans for the future. They hope to become a household name nationally and are quickly on their way to granting 100 wishes! In the episode, Katie goes into detail about how We Are Young came to be, the types of wishes they grant, examples of some of the wishes, as well as what the future holds for the business. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 00:40 - What is We Are Young and how did it get started? 5:55 - What are some of the wishes We Are Young has granted? 14:05 - Looking towards the future with We Are Young CONTACT WE ARE YOUNG ON: WEBSITE: www.weareyoung.ca/ INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/weareyoungway_/ FOLLOW KICKSTART CONNECTIONS: ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kickstartconnectionspodcast ON TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@kickstartconnections?lang=en ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/kickstart-connections/ FOLLOW BNV MEDIA: ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/bnv.media ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/bnv-media/?originalSubdomain=ca

On today’s episode, hosts Lucy and Marc are breaking down 5 of the biggest marketing trends for 2024 and beyond including purpose driven marketing, hyper-personalization, and one of our favourites, video marketing! Tune in now to learn how you should be marketing your business to your audience.   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction   11:20 - What is purpose-driven marketing and why is it effective?   17:15 - What is hyper-personalization and how does it work?   21:35 - How your company can leverage video marketing   26:45 - What is user-generated content and how can brands leverage this type of marketing?   31:20 - What is social commerce?   FOLLOW KICKSTART CONNECTIONS:   ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kickstartconnectionspodcast ON TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@kickstartconnections?lang=en ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/kickstart-connections/   FOLLOW BNV MEDIA:   ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/bnv.media ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/bnv-media/?originalSubdomain=ca

On today’s episode, Lucy and Marc (of BNV Media) chat about what’s been going on for their businesses over the last couple of months as well as the recent Kickstart Connections pop-up podcast in Ottawa at the Tirecraft Eastern Canada AGM. They also chat about the barriers to entry for businesses wanting to start a podcast, why podcasting can be an incredibly effective and efficient tool in your marketing mix, as well as a breakdown of what working with BNV Media looks like. Tune in now!   *** Flaneur - to wander without purpose or any specific destination   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction and BNV Media / Kickstart Connections Updates   13:50 - Barriers to entry for businesses who want to start a podcast   17:25 - Podcasting can be your marketing swiss army knife   26:45 - A step by step process of what BNV Media podcast production looks like   FOLLOW KICKSTART CONNECTIONS:   ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kickstartconnectionspodcast   ON TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@kickstartconnections?lang=en   ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/kickstart-connections/   FOLLOW BNV MEDIA:   ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/bnv.media   ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/bnv-media/?originalSubdomain=ca

Welcome to the first episode of our bonus mini season: Ask An Entrepreneur! On each episode Lucinda and Marc answer your questions about entrepreurship by sharing their own experiences - the good, the bad and the ugly.  Today, they discuss how to market your business as a brand new entrepreneur, and share how they found success in raising brand awareness in the local community.  If you have a question you would like featured in an episode, please reach out at: hello@kickstartconnections.com. Kickstart Connections. Your Business, Your Story.

It’s the last episode of the year for Kickstart Connections and host Lucy is joined by BNV Media’s Marc Boudreau to discuss the past year including how both Lucy and Marc’s businesses have grown, lessons learned from being an entrepreneur, as well as setting goals and predictions for 2024. Tune in now and we’ll see you in the new year!! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 2:35 - A look back on Lucy’s year 7:00 - A look back on BNV Media’s year 14:50 - The power of podcasting for your business/brand 20:20 - Why making human connections in business is so important 25:35 - Lessons learned as an entrepreneur 42:30 - Setting goals for 2024 49:15 - Predictions for 2024 52:10 - 2023 Wrap-up FOLLOW KICKSTART CONNECTIONS: ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kickstartconnectionspodcast/ ON TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@kickstartconnections?lang=en ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickstart-connections/

On the newest episode of Kickstart Connections Lucinda chats with Solitha Shortte, Founder and Creative Director of House of Soli. House of Soli encompasses Solitha's services in the fashion industry including coaching, productions and talent management.  In this episode, Solitha discusses her own journey in the fashion world from the small island of Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Halifax, Nova Scotia; and more recently showcasing local talent at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. Solitha is committed to showcasing the diversity of beauty and challenging the status quo in the industry.  Learn more at:  www.soliproductions.com Instagram: @house_of_soli @solimgmt @soli.productions  @solicoaching   Contact Kickstart Connections!  www.kickstartconnections.com Socials: @kickstartconnectionspodcast Email: hello@kickstartconnections.com

On the latest episode of Kickstart Connections, Lucinda chats with Blake Bunting of GoParity Canada about their innovative platform that democratizes access to to sustainable finance. GoParity Canada connects citizens with organizations promoting projects that contribute to the United Nations' sustainable development goals.  To learn more and sign up, visit www.goparity.ca or Instagram @goparityca In the Kickstart Spotlight today is Common Good Solutions. Find out more at www.commongoodsolutions.ca or Instagram @commongood4all Contact Kickstart Connections!  www.kickstartconnections.com Instagram & Facebook: @kickstartconnectionspodcast Email: hello@kickstartconnections.com

On the latest episode of Kickstart Connections, Lucinda chats with the Founder of Re-Defined, Ritika Saraswat. Re-Defined is a non-profit organization focused on empowering people from marginalized communities, especially the BIPOC community and International Students and has helped over 30,000 people in 4 countries and 20 regions. Ritika has won several awards for her work, including the Business Leadership Award and Indian Achiever Award from the Indian Achievers Forum, the Women Creating a Better World Award from the Women's Economic Forum and was selected as one of the top 3 people in Canada to be an ambassador at the One Young World Conference. She has spoken at over 20 events and conferences, including twice for TEDx. To learn more about Ritika and Re-Defined:  Website: www.redefined.social Email: redefined.npo@gmail.com Instagram: @redefinedcanada In the Kickstart Spotlight this episode is Alice Hendy of R;pple, a browser extenstion tool that can recognise harmful web searches and intervene to prevent individuals from deciding to take their own life.  Learn more at: www.ripplesuicideprevention.com Contact Kickstart Connections!  Website: www.kickstartconnections.com Email: hello@kickstartconnections.com Social: @kickstartconnectionspodcast

Today's episode is a VERY special one! Listen in as Lucinda, Marc and Jamie make an exciting announcement about what is next for Kickstart Connections! Learn more: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN YOUTUBE

Today on Kickstart Connections, Lucinda is joined in the studio by Heidi Tremblay - owner of The Grateful Baker. Heidi shares her incredibly inspiring journey to entrepreneurship and the discusses the importance of resilience in life and business.  WARNING: This episode contains discussion of infant loss and grief.  Learn more about The Grateful Baker:  www.the-grateful-baker.ca Instagram: @the_grateful_baker_halifax Facebook: @thegratefulbaker In the Kickstart Spotlight today is Jana Anderson of Scotian Gal Pantry. Find out more on Facebook: @scotiangalpantry Check out 100 Women Who Care:  www.100womenhfx.com

On the latest episode of Kickstart Connections, Lucinda chats with Jessica Earle, owner of New Leaf Occupational Therapy about her journey to entrepreneurship and how amazing things happen when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable.  New Leaf Occupational Therapy is a mobile and virtual therapy practice that provides services in pediatric feeding therapy, sensory integration and attachment-based therapy.  Learn more and connect with Jessica at: www.newleafoccupationaltherapy.com In the Kickstart Spotlight today is Affinty Specialized Development Group. Find out more at: www.asdgroupinc.ca   Contact Kickstart Connections!  www.kickstartconsulting.ca/kickstartconnections podcast@kickstartconsulting.ca

On the latest episode of Kickstart Connections, Lucinda is joined in the studio by Todd Richardson and James Channer, co-founders of In Motion Brands (IMB). They discuss their journey to entrepreneurship and how their experiences enable them to create value and enhance the lives of their client partners and team at IMB. In the Kickstart Spotlight this episode is:  Anderson Automotive: www.andersonautomotive.ca NS Diesel: www.nsdiesel.ca Finish Grade Excavation: www.finishgradex.ca Andy's Tire Shop: www.andystire.ca Learn more about In Motion Brands:  www.inmotionbrands.com   Contact Kickstart Connections!  Socials: @kickstartconnectionspodcast Email: podcast@kickstartconsulting.ca

Welcome to part two of a special edition of Kickstart Connections - recorded live from Wonder Women 2023, hosted by Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Lucinda was joined by the BNV Media team to record a pop-up podcast from the event, and conducted a series of mini-interviews with inspiring female entrepreneurs from our local business community. Contact Kickstart Connections! Website: www.kickstartconsulting.ca Email: podcast@kickstartconsulting.ca Instagram & Facebook: @kickstartconnectionspodcast

On today's episode, guest Jayne Akinyi joins Lucinda in the studio for a thought provoking conversation about immigrating to Canada, becoming a socially responsible business owner and the importance of authenticity in business and in life.  Jayne is the founder of Dada Dunia, an ethical virtual assistant organization that offers fair labour practices and social responsibility to VAs in Africa who support North American clients. Dada Dunia also provides ongoing support, training and mentorship to their team of VAs, empowering them to deliver high quality work and achieve financial independence. In the Kickstart Spotlight this episode is Tribe Network, a community of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada. To learn more about Tribe Network:  Instagram: @tribenetwork.ca Website: www.tribenetwork.ca To Connect with Dada Dunia:  Instagram: @dadadunia_ Website: www.dadadunia.com Email: hello@dadadunia.com   Contact Kickstart Connections!  Website: www.kickstartconsulting.ca Email: podcast@kickstartconsulting.ca Instagram & Facebook: @kickstartconnectionspodcast

Welcome to part one of a special edition of Kickstart Connections - recorded live from Wonder Women 2023, hosted by Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Lucinda was joined by the BNV Media team to record a pop-up podcast from the event, and conducted a series of mini-interviews with inspiring female entrepreneurs from our local business community.  Part 2 coming soon!

On the latest episode of Kickstart Connections, Lucinda welcomes Scott Woodworth into the studio to share his entrepreneurial journey and discuss the foundational values of good business. Scott is the owner of Innovative Detailing, an automotive detailing and protection business located in Burnside celebrating 10 years in business in 2023. In the Kickstart Spotlight today is Marquessa Cook, owner of The Mellow Mug and Nathan Rogers of NDR Auto Solutions. Learn more about Scott and Innovative Detailing:  Website: www.innovativedetailing.ca Instagram: @innodetailing Email: scott@innovativedetailing.ca   The Mellow Mug:  Website: www.mellowmug.ca Instagram: @themellowmug   NDR Auto Solutions:  Website: www.ndrautosolutions.ca Instagram: @ndrautosolutions   Contact Kickstart Connections!  Website: www.kickstartconsulting.ca Instagram & Facebook: @kickstartconnectionspodcast Email: podcast@kickstartconsulting.ca

In today's episode of Kickstart Connections, Lucinda is joined in the studio by Jason Dale, Executive Director of the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC). Both veterans in the industry, Lucinda and Jason discuss the wide range of career opportunities available and the exciting future of automotive retail.   To learn more about the Automotive Business School of Canada and their available programs:  Website: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/academic-areas/automotive-business/automotive-business-school-of-canada/ Social Media: @absc_georgian Email: absc@georgiancollege.ca   To learn more about Kickstart Coaching & Consulting:  Website: https://kickstartconsulting.ca/ Email: lucinda@kickstartconsulting.ca

Today, Lucinda is joined in the studio by Amy Harrison, the founder and force behind Pixels & Pieces Design - a small business that helps other business owners communicate well through their branding, with DIY friendly design. Amy is also neurodiverse and shares her journey to entrepreneurship and how neurodiversity can be a competitive advantage in business.  In the Kickstart Spotlight is Stephanie Howlett of Diversity NL. Stephanie provides training and consulting services to CEO's, individuals, and organizations to help them progress their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  To learn more about Diversity NL:  Website: www.diversitynl.ca YouTube: www.youtube.com/@bethechangepodcastnl More about Pixels & Pieces Design: Website: www.pixelsandpieces.ca Instagram: @pixelspieces Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/canva-design-mountain-molehill-amy-harrison/   Contact Kickstart Connections!  Email: podcast@kickstartconsulting.ca Website: www.kickstartconsulting.ca Facebook & Instagram: @kickstartconnectionspodcast