Mtg: More Than Graphics

Ready for another dose of awesome sisterhood conversations from women in the tech industry?  With all the things swirling both physically and mentally around COVID-19 (recorded before the current protests) we all could use some inspo on how to PIVOT. Be encouraged and inspired by our special guest Karen Swyszcz, published author, speaker and entrepreneur trailblazer. Karen Swyszcz graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. She started Makinthebacon as a hobby blog back in 2012, as a way to escape her monotonous day job. Over the years, it has evolved into a platform, initially providing content on personal finance, to now providing inspiration for entrepreneurs/aspiring entrepreneurs through blog posts and interviews. She has partnered with brands such as Camp Tech, Minted.co, Meridian Credit Union and Supperworks on digital campaigns. In 2019 she co-authored the Best-Selling Book in Women’s Health on Amazon - Fitness To Freedom and launched a business and techn

We're continuing our IDEAS convo with a bonus episode with Molecular Biologist Cagney Coomer founder of NERD SQUAD a local non profit sharing STEM education with young school aged black girls in the community. Cagney Coomer is a Lexington, Kentucky native. She received an Associates' degree in biotechnology from BCTC and a BS degree in biology and chemistry from Virginia State University. Ms. Coomer is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the department of biology at UK. In the pursuit of her science degrees, Ms. Coomer has noticed a serious lack of representation and inclusion in the STEM fields. She used this as an inspiration to start a non-profit organization called NERD SQUAD Inc. NERD SQUAD empowers girls of color by exposing them to STEM careers and mentors. High and middle school-aged girls design, develop and facilitate STEM-based activities in the community based on the careers and fields they are exposed to. Ms. Coomer has developed a number of STEM-based student and community programs, some of which hav

Happy April everyone! With all the things swirling both physically and mentally around COVID-19 we all could use a few IDEAS on just how to better thrive as a community during this time, which is our April theme! Be encouraged and inspired by our special guest by community activist, teacher and non profit leader Josh Nadzam. Josh Nadzam is the co-founder and director of On The Move Art Studio and an instructor at the UK College of Social Work. He escaped a tragic childhood and went on to run Track and Field at the University of Kentucky and ultimately earned a master's degree in social work. Since then, he has been involved in and led many community initiatives around social justice and community building. Recent honors include: 2016 Lexington Leadership Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2017 880 Cities Emerging Cities Champion and 2019 Lauren K. Weinberg Humanitarian of the Year Award. Welcome to the show Josh! Show Notes: “How can we reach communities with social distancing?” - Josh “Do

This month is themed MOVEMENT and we just so happen to have the perfect guest for this, Samantha Johnson of Samanhattanpr! Given her last full-time position as Director of Communication and Events for the North Limestone Community Development Corporation, Samantha jump started her entrepreneurial career by turning her employer in to her first client. Locally known as the girl who directs The Night Market or even, “The Plug,” Samantha launched her own business in 2018. This two year old company that began as a social media and marketing consultancy has quickly turned in to a collective of partnerships incorporating Black and women-owned businesses. Everyday I ask myself, "What's the best that could happen?" - Samantha SHOW NOTES /TAKEAWAYS:  “I wasn’t ready but I just jumped and took it.” - Samantha “Every time you take a breath, take a step.” - Samantha “Everything always works out.” - Samantha “WTBTCH was birthed from my first solo international trip.” -Samantha “There’s so much growth in being self aw

Welcome to season 2! Our February episode is themed POWER and we're pumped to share the thoughts of Patch Drury that wields storytelling as a unique power to empower others. Patch Drury is an award-winning writer, published cartoonist, former actor, and professional filmmaker - you know, a storyteller. He has spent his life telling his and other people's stories - these days he coaches businesses and salespeople on how to better tell their stories to increase their sales. He also coaches individuals on how to start and complete their personal Hero's Journey. Learn more about Patch and some free strategy on story in his facebook group, Storytelling Rooftop Garden. HIGHLIGHTS: “I’m going to give you a glimpse of me and when you recognize yourself in me then we’re seen as equal.” - patch “Power is my ability to enact my will in the world.” - patch “Everybody has a six pack, deep down in there.” - Cicely “Storytelling is the skeleton key of your life.” - Patch “Just because I can do something, doesn’t mean I shou

Welcome to season 2! Meet Michelle Franzetti, owner & photographer of Franzetti Photography, educator and influencer! Michelle is a Lexington-based photographer with a passion for building up women through positive experiences in front of the camera. As Kentucky's premier boudoir photographer, she believes boudoir can be a healing, uplifting, and incredibly fun experience for all women. She currently works as the manager of special events for Lexington Parks and Recreation and teaches for the Arts Administration Department with the University of Kentucky. Learn more about Michelle and other women in the area in the Franz with Benefits facebook group. HIGHLIGHTS: Dave Ramsey Teachings My why has broadened, tapped into your why Breaking goals into tiny pieces. “It if takes more than 10 minutes the piece is too big” - Michelle Getting things done system - organizing in bite size chunks “You have to start your day with a WIN” - Michelle Say to yourself everyday before you get out of bed “I’m a winn

Tune in as podcast founder and producer Danielle Meadows Stinnett of Octane Design Studios shares the excitement of what's coming in Season 2. Follow the show: Twitter Facebook Follow the Co-Hosts: @octanedesigns @bougiebeautybabe --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mtg-more-than-graphics/support

Still looking for THE gift for that special creative or techie in your life! Hey guys its Danielle with the MoreThanGraphics podcast. Its the holiday season and the ladies of the More Than Graphics Podcast are here chatting all things gift giving. Check out our convo on some great gifts that could make your spirits brighter for the new year. Welcome to the VERY Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide. Gifts for her Sneakers, vans HP Performance work pants Unstainable workwear Yoga pant business pants  and/or mile-marker heels (flexible, slip-proof, memory foam stiletto). Get $15 off at https://tinyurl.com/mtgbetabrand Gifts for him Dollar Shave Club Shea Moisture for Men Gift sets Dress pant sweatpants, Get $15 off at https://tinyurl.com/mtgbetabrand Gifts for entrepreneurs (productivity, apps) Starbucks gift card Adobe cloud sub Enlight product sub Bluetooth earbuds Switcher Studio Pro sub Temp Office rental (1-2 mo) Professional development tools (coaching etc) Asan

Enjoy a fantastic episode with Brittany, Cicely and Danielle as they discuss the topic of ASK/REACH with creative entrepreneur Priscilla Aguila of The Meet Cute Co.   Equally right-brain left-brain, this seriously playful mother of two young ones found success in the advertising industry for over twenty years by combining her skills as a copywriter, graphic designer, and project manager. But after returning to her home state of Ohio with her children, Zoey and Max, she chose to shift focus back on her mini family of three. She knows firsthand how creativity strengthens the parent-child bond, and that’s when her “zone of genius” kicked in. Priscilla was inspired when she realized how well she and Zoey worked together on art projects and in life. And that’s how The Meet Cute Co. was born. A youthful party/event branding and parent-child workshop boutique that she runs with her children, The Meet Cute Co. brings the parent-child collaboration to life for their clients. Before becoming a mother, Priscilla wa

Relish the Fall Feelings and join Brittany, Cicely and Danielle as they get deep in themed discussion on DOUBT with special guest renown comic artisan Justin Stewart.  If you're a Kentuckian and into comics, Justin Stewart is an MVP in the comic industry. As a creative and comic artist he's founder of Six Bomb Boards that host live public art events throughout Kentucky. Justin is the not only the Art Director for the Lexington Comic and Toy Convention but has done work for Marvel and Image. His latest published work includes art in the latest Netflix Stranger Things fan art book available Oct. 15. Justin is a mentor, parent, entrepreneur and creative community advocate. Welcome to the show! --- Follow Justin3000 for more amazing comic works. Top Takeaways: “As creatives we can spend a lot of time in our own heads and that can be dangerous.” - Justin “Doubt feeds the creative process.”-Brittany “You have to have people that will look at you (your work) with a critical eye but will tell you/give creative

Join Cicely and Danielle as they unpack a BONUS EPISODE discussion on EMPATHY with special guest renown lettering artist and purposeful fashionista Ciara LeRoy of Pretty Strange Design. Ciara is a native Ohioan but has lived in Lexington, Kentucky for over a decade. She works as an independent artist specializing in hand lettering, illustration and embroidery.  In 2017, she started her creative firm Pretty Strange Design, with a mission to make bold, beautiful, and offbeat creations that inject imagination into everyday life. Her goal is to make work that is well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing, but also deeply thoughtful and socially conscious. She is passionate about connecting art with community development and using creativity to build bridges and explore deeper questions. Top Takeaways: “I’m listening and passing the mic and making artwork in response to that.” “Empathy is something that can be nurtured.” “It’s hard to be something you’ve never seen.” - Cicely “It’s okay to feel. You can empathi

Join Brittany, Cicely and Danielle as they unpack a themed discussion of EMPATHY with special guest Dale Michelle Williams.  Dale is host of the HBCU Kings & Queens Conference in New Orleans and nominee for the 2018 People's Choice Award in EBONY Magazine's Power 100. Dale is a community leader, who's modesty and compassion really helped us unpack empathy both professionally and personally. She gifted lots of digital gems that could help you in your own journey in being #MoreThanGraphics! Top Takeaways: “Being nice is not equal to empathy.” “Not everyone grew up the way you did.” “You can’t serve the community without being empathetic.” “You never know what people are going through.” “The core of empathy is love.” “Empathy isn’t always doing something, it’s saying ‘I understand.’” “Not all heroes wear capes.” - Cicely “So many managers and leaders could help shape people (with empathy) and they don’t even realize it”

Prepare yourself for another amazing episode of the MoreThanGraphics podcast! July is all about BOUNDARIES and while everybody has a story, we wanted to bring someone on the show who's faced and set plenty of them in their rise to success. This month we have entrepreneur and thought leader Tony Forte who's been a national trailblazer for brands from P.Diddy to Nike as our special guest! Welcome Tony to the show!  Follow Tony: @mrtonyforte | mrtonyforte.com | fortellcommunications.com | urbanprofessor.com | woodstack.com |silverspoonfoundation.org Resources:  The Dip by Seth Godin

It's here! Check out our Mindset Episode featuring special guest Caylie Mindling Grubbs of Cayligraphy on Instagram!  Fave Takeaways: - Do something scary for 5 seconds - Be honest in mindset for projects - "Learn from those in front of you and give to the people behind you." - @cayligraphy - Tools: @FinalStraw_  & @bearfocustimer Links: Caylie's IG Caylie's Website www.mtgthepodcast.com 

Join Danielle and Cicely as they discuss the theme of MILESTONES with Special Guest Melody Westerfield of Power Your Vision. Follow Melody: https://www.facebook.com/melody.westerfield https://www.facebook.com/PowerYourVision https://www.instagram.com/poweryourvision Follow #MTGthepodcast: www.mtgthepodcast.com www.patreon.com/mtgthepodcast www.instagram.com/octanedesigns

April's episode is themed PLAN with special guest Lafe Taylor. Lafe is a an Illustrator, a compelling story teller, a high performing entrepreneur, a husband and father, a world traveling speaker, a social influencer, a good Steward of wealth and a humble and upright man. Tune into his thoughts and perspectives on plan & what to do when we get stuck in the planning process. Guest Links: www.lafespace.com www.instagram.com/lafespace www.twitter.com/lafetaylor

MTGThePodcast Season 1 Episode 3 explores the topic of permit featuring special guest Stephanie Nelson CEO of Nelson of Nelson Legacy Enterprises. www.nelsonlegacyenterprises.com  www.mtgthepodcast.com

It's here! Tune in as Danielle, Brittany and Cicely discuss the topic of SPACE with special guest NYC Photographer Sylvia Hoke. Be sure to rate and review our show via iTunes, Spotify or Google Play.  Special Guest links: www.silviahokephotography.com

Listen to our teaser for our SPACE themed episode featuring our first ever special guest NYC photographer Sylvia Hoke.