LAURA NGUYEN is an experienced marketing executive and entrepreneur with an extensive background in data-driven marketing, digital marketing and communications for Fortune 500 companies. She is the founder of Solle Solutions, a marketing consultancy. Laura is also a certified executive coach, helping mid-career, high-achieving leaders go from burned out to balanced through her coaching program and online community. 

Laura received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science at Truman State University, and her Master in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her family.

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | LAURA NGUYEN | EPISODE 135

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Anika Pavel was born Jarmila Kocvarova in Czechoslovakia. What was intended as a one-year stay in England turned her into a refugee when the Soviet Union invaded her homeland, writing a bloody end to the Prague Spring. She received a crash course in life that took her from sleeping in a telephone booth at the Victoria railway station in London to waitressing, to the lights of the fashion runway, and on to magazine covers, even a James Bond appearance, under the more pronounceable moniker, Anika Pavel. When the lights had dimmed, she returned to her first love, writing. Her work has been published in print, online and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. 

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | ANIKA PAVEL | EPISODE 134

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS

AMY DROX| EPISODE 133 | SHOW NOTES

FEATURED GUEST

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Amy Droz is the co-owner and co-founder of Dux Somnium alongside her husband Dusty. Amy loves the quality and craftsmanship of vintage antiques. An old book or antique map is both decorative and educational. Born in San Jose, California, she moved to Los Molinos, California at the age of 12. Amy and Dusty met freshman year of high school in Los Molinos and have been together ever since. She graduated from CSU Chico in 2007 with a major in interior design and married Dusty that same year. In 2008, Amy and Dusty started their first entrepreneurial venture together with Drozian Photoworks and began shooting weddings together. In 2020, they founded a small boutique lavender farm called Rody + Rory in Los Molinos next to the ranch Dusty grew up on. They sold handmade lavender products as well as flower presses. Amy and Dusty have always loved playing board games together and in 2022 they were inspired to make a Victorian flower hunting game called Botany. In 2023 they launched Botany on Kickstarter and raised over $1 million as first-time creators on the platform. Since then they have launched their second flower-inspired board game, La Fleur, on Kickstarter, and have even more games in development. Amy loves being able to create pretty board games that use historical artwork and themes that she feels resonate with other kindred spirits. Amy enjoys traveling, antiquing, crafting, photography, board gaming and spending time with her husband, Dusty, and two children, Ronan and Poppy.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

Adventurous: She and her husband have a variety of creative and technical interest that combine and compliment. Amy shares the back story of their collective and united paths that have brought them to this current adventure into board games. Tune in!

Nature: It’s the bees’ knees…truly! Amy has amazing tales of true life that they have incorporated into their board games and publications. Her love of nature, flower presses, art, vintage, history is the inspiration for her successes. 

Aromatic: It’s a beautiful fragrant, sweet success! Follow along on their socials to be part of this magical adventure and her Silhouette of Success journey.

INTENTIONAL INSPIRATION

Wealth dynamics: realize and focus on what you are good at-hire out for the rest.

RESOURCE LIST

AMY DROX [https://duxsomnium.com/]

IG [https://www.instagram.com/duxsomnium/]

WEB [https://duxsomnium.com/]

PRE-ORDER [https://lafleur.duxsomnium.com/]

Favorites:

Floret [https://www.floretflowers.com/]

Pierre-Jospeh Redoute’ [https://www.botanicalartandartists.com/about-pierre-joseph-redoute.html]

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | AMY DROX | EPISODE 133

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Michele Locke's distinguished career journey includes her tenure as an Associate Municipal Court Judge, a role she embraces with dedication. As a practicing family law attorney, her primary motivation for this pivotal shift was to deepen her engagement with family law litigation. In this area, she has always felt a profound connection and commitment. 

Before ascending to the judiciary, Michele had already established a formidable reputation through her successful family law practice. Here, she demonstrated her prowess in representing clients across a broad spectrum of highly contested legal disputes, showcasing her skillful advocacy and deep legal acumen.

While on the bench, Michele presided over a specialized Domestic Violence Court. This court was primarily focused on handling Protective Order Applications, alongside a spectrum of related family law issues such as divorce proceedings, custody battles, child support enforcement, and various complications stemming from those Protective Orders. Her judicial responsibilities also extended to overseeing the Child Protective Services Court, further solidifying her expertise in navigating the intricate legal challenges associated with domestic violence, stalking, harassment, child abuse, and other contested family law matters.

Michele's unwavering passion for family law was ignited during her law school days and has been fueled throughout her childhood. As someone who has navigated the personal challenges of being a child of divorce, Michele possesses a unique and empathetic understanding of family relationships' dynamic and complex nature. This personal background has equipped her with an invaluable perspective on the profound impacts of divorce and family disputes on the individuals involved, especially during such emotionally charged times.

In her private practice, Michele Locke specializes in a comprehensive range of family law services, including but not limited to Divorce, Custody, Child Support, and Family Violence. Her practice is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of her clients, ensuring they receive the highest level of legal representation during their most challenging moments. Through her extensive experience, both on the bench and in private practice, Michele continues to make significant contributions to the field of family law, driven by her deep-seated passion and commitment to justice and the welfare of families.

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | MICHELE LOCKE | EPISODE 132

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Stephanie Roehm is a dynamic individual who wears many hats as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Throughout her life, she has always been on the lookout for good opportunities.

Stephanie's journey as a businesswoman began when she started building a business from the ground up. With her hard work and dedication, she was able to turn her passion into a successful enterprise. Her experience provided her with the knowledge and skills necessary to help drive the overall operation and growth of her current ventures.

Stephanie is working towards growing TOCCOA while making a positive impact in her community. Stephanie's drive, determination, and passion make her an asset to any team. She is committed to making a difference and leaving a lasting legacy.

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | STEPHANIE ROEHM | EPISODE 131

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Gloria Mansfield is a Parenting and Family Fun Financial Literacy Expert. She has been in the childcare industry for over twenty-five years. She has been serving children and their families on many levels, including teacher, director, and owner of a childcare center. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching E-6 and a Bachelor of Business Studies in Marketing from Dallas Baptist University.

Gloria is an advocate for building strong families, which she founded Character Avenue, a social impact brand that partners with families of young children, schools, churches and the community instilling character education and financial literacy. Piggy Bank Tutor is a division of Character Avenue. [https://characteravenue.com/]

 She has appeared on various radio, newspaper, and media outlets including ABC/Good Morning Texas, NBC5, Fox Radio Syndicated Morning Shows and CBS affiliate stations. 

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | GLORIA MANSFIELD | EPISODE 130

Adesuwa Elaiho is the founder and Executive Chef of Asukar, a premier pastry company specializing in artistic pastries.

After receiving her degree in Food Science from Colorado State University, Adesuwa went on to study culinary arts in Paris, France at the Le Cordon Bleu. After she graduated, Adesuwa spent the next five years driving growth and sales for national restaurant brands, such as Hard Rock Café and Longhorn Steakhouse to name a few.

It was during this time, Adesuwa reconnected with her desire to pursue her passion for pastry.

As she lay the foundation for Asukar, she stayed dedicated to her deeply rooted respect for traditional French cuisine. However, Adesuwa was also inspired by the art that surrounded her. She began to experiment with the shape, form and overall design of her culinary pieces.

The result was inspired, and Elaiho was soon sought out by the most elite events requesting these pastry showpieces. From suspended pastries to complex sugar arrangements, Adesuwa has established herself as one of San Antonio’s foremost culinary artists.

Adesuwa is also active in her community serving on the several boards, such as ILEA, where she proudly represents black female owned business owners in the SanAntonio area. 

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | ADESUWA ELAIHO | EPISODE 129

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Cassie Lamere is blending a lifelong passion for exceptional event curation with a keen eye for detail, Cassie LaMere stands as a paragon in luxury event planning. As the Founder and Creative Director of Cassie LaMere Events, she has redefined the art of creating memorable experiences, merging meticulous design with a flair for the extraordinary.

From her early days, Cassie was destined to dazzle. Her innate desire to transform every occasion into a cherished memory has been the cornerstone of her 15-year career. This journey has seen her evolve from a zealous entertainer into a venerated architect of bespoke events, celebrated for her commitment to excellence and innovation.

The philosophy of personalization and authenticity is at the heart of Cassie LaMere Events. Each event is a tapestry of unique experiences woven with the threads of Cassie's diverse expertise across various sectors. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the event, from conception to execution, resonates with the client's vision and exceeds their expectations.

Cassie's leadership extends beyond the realm of event planning. Her firm, a namesake testament to her dedication, is a collective of skilled designers and coordinators who share her enthusiasm for crafting joyous moments. Their work transcends the ordinary, creating luxury experiences that not only meet but anticipate the discerning standards of their clientele.

Under Cassie's guidance, the team at Cassie LaMere Events has mastered the art of hospitality, ensuring that each gathering is marked by unparalleled attention to detail and a deep understanding of the guest experience. This commitment has culminated in events that are not just occasions but lifetime highlights, leaving an indelible impact on all who attend.

Cassie's influence extends into the community through her active involvement and recognition in various prestigious circles. Her accolades include being a finalist and nominee in the Austin Under 40 Awards, a Center for Child Protection board member, and a celebrated participant in numerous philanthropic and industry events.

Cassie LaMere Events, under Cassie's visionary leadership, continues to set new standards in the event planning industry. Each project is a testament to her ability to blend creativity with practicality, turning the impossible into the unforgettable. For Cassie, every event is not just a project but a canvas to paint memories that last a lifetime.

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | CASSIE LAMERE | EPISODE 128

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest For over 20 years, Courtney Garner Lewis has been a commercial banker in the North Texas Market with both large and small institutions. She is currently leading the Middle Market effort for Cadence Bank in Tarrant County. 

A first-generation college student, she began her academic journey at Dallas Community College and won an academic scholarship to attend SMU where she was a pre-med student. After deciding medical school might not be an option with two small children, she changed majors and earned a degree in Finance which launched her career in banking. 

When not meeting with clients or working on deals she can be found serving the community. She is currently serving on the boards of the United Way of Tarrant County, Housing Channel and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. She is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth and Immediate Past Chairwoman of the Housing Channel. She is a Leadership Fort Worth Class graduate and a 40 under 40 recipient in 2013. 

Courtney currently resides in Fort Worth with her husband and three dogs. Her children are now grown, and she enjoys time with her 3 grandsons. 

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | COURTNEY GARNER LEWIS | EPISODE 127

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Cindy Williams is a creative entrepreneur living her dream in the Florida Keys with her partner of twenty years and their two amusing pups. She is the Owner and President of Cindy's Custom Linens and Upholstery in Cudjoe Key, Florida.

Cindy's creative journey began at a young age, designing and sewing unique clothing for herself and her barbies since she was just 5 years old. With her mom's guidance at the dining room table in Colorado, she developed her sewing skills. In high school, she realized her passion for fashion design and pursued it by earning a degree at Colorado State University.

After her studies, she ventured to New York City, where she gained invaluable experience at J.Crew, a renowned catalog retailer. Although not a designer, Cindy played a crucial role in the production side, working closely with factories overseas.

Eventually, after three years in the bustling city, she decided to take a break and relocated to Florida, not far from Key West. There, she found her true calling working for a prominent Interior Design and Architectural Firm. She began offering custom bed linens, pillows, and window treatments as a side gig, sparking the birth of Cindy's Custom Linens. She also delved into upholstery, learning this new craft from a master upholsterer and honing her skills for the past two decades.

Cindy now owns a small workroom and studio located 21 miles from Key West. Her business specializes in interior design, upholstery, window treatments, and custom bed linens, serving a wide range of clients, from residential to commercial hospitality. She takes pride in offering these custom services and employs a talented team to assist in all aspects of the work. Cindy's experience as a master seamstress spans 45 years, starting from her early years of sewing at the age of 5.

Beyond her thriving business, Cindy and her partner, Alecheia, have a zest for life, embracing the "Work Hard / Play Hard" mentality. They enjoy traveling, savoring good food, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Their two beloved pups, Roscoe and Sugar, play a central role in their lives, with plans to expand their furry family in the near future. The memory of past pets, including Marti, Isaac, Detroit, Jose, Cletis, and Lucy, remains dear to their hearts.

Cindy's story is a testament to following one's passion and continuously evolving in the pursuit of creative endeavors.

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | CINDY WILLIAMS | EPISODE 126

Who better to ask than a woman who has been there and done that? Looking for uplifting, intentional inspiration from fabulous women to help uplift and inspire you to reach your goals? Who better to hear from than woman who has walked down that path? Who better to learn from than woman who has succeeded, failed and thrived in her silhouette of grit and grace? If you are looking for empowering real-life success stories, motivational ideas, encouraging advice then this is where you need to be listening to The Amber Weitzer Podcast, Silhouettes of Success.