The Small Business Journey Show

6 Months in, lets reflect

Let’s reflect on the last 6 months and hone in on the upcoming 6 and make it a great year!!

How Sharing Your Story Can Lead to Sales

The Small Business Journey Show
How Sharing Your Story Can Lead to Sales
June 2, 2026

Episode Overview

In this refreshing solo episode, host Chanla returns to share one of the most powerful tools in a small business owner’s toolkit — her own story. After a season of building, growing, and gathering women in community, Chanla reflects on what has consistently driven her business forward: intentional connection.

What We Cover

As a skincare founder with over a decade of experience, Chanla has spent the last several years going all-in on community — hosting conferences, retreats, and masterminds designed specifically for women-owned businesses. In this episode, she explores how openly sharing your journey isn’t just meaningful, it’s a direct path to sales and growth.

Key Themes

 • The power of telling your story authentically
 • Why intentional networking creates real business momentum
 • Building community as a long-term business strategy
 • What it looks like to lead with connection first

About the Host

Chanla is a skincare founder, entrepreneur, and community builder dedicated to supporting women-owned businesses through curated events, masterminds, and retreats.

From Solo Esthetician to Acne Specialist to Building a Team of 5 With Shannon Murray of Esthetics with Me

From solo esthetician… to acne specialist… to building a full team of 5 ✨

 

On this episode of The Small Business Journey, I’m sitting down with Shannon of @estheticswme and getting into what really happens when you lean into your thing.

We talk about her pivot into acne, how she built confidence in her decisions, and how that clarity helped her grow into the spa she has today. Shannon shares the real behind-the-scenes of expanding, hiring, and specializing—and I even ask her questions I’m navigating in my own next phase of business.

It’s honest, it’s real, and it truly feels like a 1.5 hour conversation with friends—talking business, skin, growth, and everything in between.

If you’re an esthetician, skincare founder, or small business owner, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to get clear, go all in, and grow.

Connect with Shannon:

Instagram: @estheticswme

https://www.estheticswithme.com

 

Connect with me:

Instagram: @chanla.chau.cosmetics and 

@smallbusinessretreat

https://www.chanlachaucosmetics.com

How a music teacher became a full time Muralist with Kailey Rorer

Podcast Show Notes

From Music Teacher to Full-Time Muralist with Kailey Rorer

In this episode of The Small Business Journey Show, I’m sitting down with my real-life friend, Kailey Rorer — a muralist who completely transformed her life and career, without any formal art background.

Kailey shares her inspiring story of going from music teacher to full-time artist. What started as selling small art pieces on Facebook and painting a wall in her own home turned into something much bigger — and ultimately led her to building a thriving mural business.

We talk about how murals can completely transform a space, elevate a brand, and become a powerful marketing tool. As a coffee shop owner herself, Kailey has seen firsthand how murals create recognition, bring people in the door, and provide real return on investment for businesses.

We also dive into the importance of surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs — having people who truly understand the highs, lows, and everything in between. Kailey shares her experience attending my Small Business Retreat, how it helped shape her morning routine, her mindset, and the business strategies she still uses today.

This conversation is also a personal one. Kailey and I talk about our friendship, the power of collaboration, and how supporting one another can open doors you never expected.

Her story is such a beautiful reminder that you don’t need permission, credentials, or the perfect plan to start. Sometimes, it begins with saying yes to something new.

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In this episode, we talk about:

• Kailey’s transition from music teacher to full-time muralist

• How she started selling art on Facebook

• How painting one wall changed everything

• How murals transform businesses and spaces

• Why murals are a powerful marketing investment

• Owning a coffee shop and seeing mural ROI firsthand

• The importance of entrepreneurial friendships

• Her experience at the Small Business Retreat

• How retreats and community can shape your habits and mindset

• The power of collaboration in business and life

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About Kailey Rorer

Kailey Royer is a full-time muralist and business owner who creates custom murals for homes and businesses. Her work helps brands stand out, create memorable spaces, and connect with their audience in a meaningful way. She also co-owns a coffee shop, The Greenhouse in Sycamore IL with her husband, giving her a unique perspective on how art and business intersect.

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Connect with Kailey:

www.instagram.com/kaileyrorer

Kailey Rorer | Mural Artist

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Connect with Chanla:

Instagram: @chanla.chau.cosmetics
Podcast: The Small Business Journey Show
Retreats & Events: www.thesmallbusinessretreat.com

Seeing a Problem & Creating the Solution with Jessi Atkocaitis, Founder of Ren Jord

Seeing a Problem & Creating the Solution with Jessi Atkocaitis, Founder of Ren Jord

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jessi Atkocaitis, the founder of Ren Jord, a natural haircare line created from a real need and a deeper purpose.

Jessi shares her entrepreneurial journey- from recognizing a gap in the haircare industry to courageously creating a solution rooted in clean, intentional ingredients. We talk honestly about what it’s really like being a business owner: the highs, the lows, the moments of doubt, and the resilience it takes to keep going.

We also dive into Jessi’s experience attending The Small Business Retreat. She opens up about how the retreat made her feel supported, revived, and re-energized — both personally and professionally — and why stepping away from the day-to-day can be so powerful for growth.

This conversation is for any entrepreneur who has ever felt overwhelmed, inspired by a problem they want to solve, or in need of a reminder that they’re not alone on this journey.

In This Episode, We Talk About:
• How Jessi founded Ren Jord after seeing a problem in the haircare space
• Turning frustration into purpose and innovation
• The real ups and downs of being a business owner
• Staying grounded during challenging seasons
• Jessi’s experience at The Small Business Retreat
• Feeling revived, supported, and inspired as a founder
Who This Episode Is For:
• Aspiring and current small business owners
• Founders in the beauty and wellness space
• Entrepreneurs feeling tired, stuck, or in need of renewal
• Anyone who believes businesses can be built with heart

Connect with Jessi & Ren Jord:
www.ren-jord.com 
IG: ren.jord
FB: ren jord

Want More Support Like This?
If you’re craving connection, clarity, and space to reset, applications for The Small Business Retreat are open. Apply at www.chanlachaucosmetics.com

Life, Business & The Emmys — A Summer of Growth and Big Wins

Life, Business & The Emmys — A Summer of Growth and Big Wins

 

Show Description:

After a little break from the mic, I’m back with a life and business update you won’t want to miss. In this episode, I’m catching you up on everything that’s been happening over the past few months.. from intentional summer slow downs with my kids, to record-breaking skincare sales, to one of the biggest milestones in my business journey yet: Chanla Chau Cosmetics making it into the official Emmys Gift Bags. 

 

I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of how it all unfolded, what it felt like to see my Camu Camu Moisturizer featured by press outlets like People Magazine and Yahoo, and how I celebrated this surreal moment with my community.

 

You’ll also hear about:

☀️ How I balance slowing down in summer while still growing my business

✨ The whirlwind of preparing 300+ units for Hollywood

🎂 Special family milestones and my kids inspiring me with their grit

🍰 Hosting unforgettable events like my Eye Cream Preview Party

💡 The excitement (and nerves!) of speaking at a beauty professional conference

 

This episode feels like coffee with a friend—I’m just bringing you along for the ride, sharing both the big wins and the everyday moments that make this journey so meaningful.

Behind the Retreat: Why This Life-Changing Getaway Is Exactly What You Need

Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Small Business Journey Show!
I’m your host, Chanla, and today’s episode is all about the upcoming Small Business Retreat happening this November — a transformational 3-day getaway for women ready to recharge, refocus, and reignite their business and personal growth.

I just launched the brand-new retreat website (after 7+ months of hard work!) and the buzz is REAL. With applications already rolling in and spots going fast, I wanted to record this episode straight from the heart — no script, no manager, just you and me talking about why this retreat could be exactly what you need this season.

In this episode, I cover:

• What the Small Business Retreat is and who it’s for

• The full itinerary, from jaw-dropping arrivals to deep-dive masterminds and peaceful hikes

• What’s included in your ticket (spoiler: it’s a lot)

• Why this is more than a retreat — it’s a reset

• Payment plan options + answers to the most frequently asked questions

• What to expect if you're coming solo (spoiler: you'll leave with a sisterhood)

If you're a female entrepreneur or creative looking to:
✨ Find clarity
✨ Build powerful connections
✨ Recharge your energy
✨ And feel truly supported in your business journey...

This is your sign.
Spots are limited and WILL sell out — so don’t wait.

Learn more and apply now at:

www.thesmallbusinessretreat.com

Finding Your Brand Through the Lens with Vanessa Ronowski, Branding & Lifestyle Photographer

Podcast Show Notes for The Small Business Journey Show

 

Episode Title:

Finding Your Brand Through the Lens with Vanessa Ronowski, Branding & Lifestyle Photographer

 

Episode Description:

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with my friend Vanessa—an incredibly talented personal branding and lifestyle family photographer. Vanessa shares her creative journey from discovering photography in high school to building a business that empowers women and small businesses through powerful, intentional imagery.

 

We talk about how impactful photography is when it comes to shaping brand identity, building client trust, and standing out in a saturated market. Vanessa also takes us behind the scenes of her client process—from vision boards to photoshoot day—and explains why branding photography is so much more than just a headshot.

 

Whether you’re a maker, a service provider, or just starting your small business journey, this episode will encourage you to show up confidently and authentically in your brand. Get ready to fall in love with branding photography and the thoughtful art Vanessa brings to every frame.

 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

 

• How Vanessa found photography as her creative outlet
• Her journey from film photography to full-time brand photographer
• The story behind her passion project in the NICU
• Why branding photography matters for small businesses
• The emotional impact of strong, intentional imagery
• A real-life example of how one scroll-stopping photo led to a business-changing experience
• Behind the scenes of her branding photography process
• Why showing personality is more powerful than the perfect headshot
• How Vanessa empowers her clients (especially women) to feel confident on camera
• Insights into Chanla's Small Business Retreat she attended

 

 

Links & Resources:

 

• Follow Vanessa on Instagram: @vanessa_ronowski_photo 
• Learn more about her work: Vanessa Ronowski Photography
• The Small Business Retreat: www.thesmallbusinessretreat.com

 

 

Connect with the Show:

 

• Follow The Small Business Journey Show on Instagram: @smallbusinessretreat
• Learn more about my business: www.thesmallbusinessretreat.com

 

 

Leave a Review:

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! It helps more small business owners find the show and feel less alone in the journey.