Shows
The Small Business Social PodcastRooted in Nature: The Wild Raven Farm StoryIn this week’s episode of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour sit down with Jackie and Matt from Wild Raven Farm, an incredible herb farm and apothecary based in Oxford, Connecticut. They share their inspiring journey into herbalism, the wide range of natural products they’ve created, and the importance of reconnecting with nature in everyday life. From natural cleaning products to handcrafted wellness items, Jackie and Matt talk about balancing business with full-time jobs, the challenges of farming, and how research and development shape their growing brand.You’ll also hear h...
2025-11-1333 min
The Small Business Social PodcastFrom Setbacks to Stitching Success with Matthew BaneverIn Episode 13 of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour sit down with Matthew Banever, founder of Bards Clothing, a Connecticut-based custom clothing brand rooted in storytelling and American craftsmanship. Matt shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey—from early setbacks (including a $32K clothing disaster!) to building a brand that values intention over impulse and quality over fast fashion. The conversation dives deep into perseverance, mindset, and why focusing on opportunities—not excuses—is the key to sustainable success.
2025-10-2533 min
The Small Business Social PodcastThe Power of Presence: Redefining Success with Megan LyeIn this episode of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour welcome Megan Lye, a personal development coach, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to coaching. Megan discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the importance of being present, and her upcoming projects aimed at helping others navigate their personal and professional lives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intentionality, rest, and community support in achieving success and fulfillment.
2025-10-1729 min
The Small Business Social PodcastConnecting Economic and Community Development with Small BusinessesIn this episode of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour welcome Dawn Nielsen and Justin Malley from the Economic and Community Development Department of Bristol. They discuss the importance of supporting small businesses, the role of local government in fostering economic growth, and the marketing strategies being implemented to attract new businesses and tourists to the area. The conversation highlights various resources available for entrepreneurs, including grants, promotional support, and networking opportunities, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed to build a thriving local economy.
2025-10-1026 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #10 - Candle Making, Wholesaling & Small Business Growth with Lauren Cirkot of Seven ContinentsIn this episode of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour interview Lauren, the founder of Seven Continents, a home fragrance business inspired by her love for travel. Lauren shares her journey from creating candles as DIY gifts to establishing a successful brand with a focus on wholesaling. The conversation delves into her experiences with trade shows, customer engagement through scent creation, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
2025-09-0534 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #9 - The Always Busy Mama: Jewelry, Motherhood & EntrepreneurshipIn Episode 9 of Small Business Social, hosts Care Verikas and Steve Seymour sit down with Becky Imbimbo, the creative force behind The Always Busy Mama. Becky opens up about her journey from postpartum depression to launching a handcrafted jewelry brand that empowers busy women with meaningful, durable pieces. She shares the realities of balancing family life with entrepreneurship, the importance of finding supportive community, and how a virtual assistant helps manage her growing business. Listeners will also gain insight into her creative process and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn passion into purpose.
2025-08-2929 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #8 - Niches, Delegation & Real Talk on EntrepreneurshipThis one was such a fun conversation—Steve & Care dive into some of today’s hottest small business topics, from the rise of AI and how it’s reshaping the way we work, to the power (and challenge) of delegating, to the importance of finding your niche and leaning into what makes your business unique. Along the way, they share stories, insights, and laughs that every entrepreneur can relate to.
2025-08-2240 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #7 - Taylor & Jeff of Daydream Made: Where Art Meets PurposeThis week on the Small Business Social podcast, we’re joined by Taylor and Jeff, the husband-and-wife duo behind Daydream Made—a small business that transforms creativity and craftsmanship into meaningful, handmade gifts. In this episode, we talk about: Blending art and technology in a product-based business Creating gifts that tell a story, the magic behind their “Blind Date with a Book” bestseller and what it’s like building a creative brand together as a coupleWhether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or someone who loves thoughtful design, this episode will leave you inspired.
2025-08-0835 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #6 - Jesse Jablon | Rockwell Park Festival & Smart Small Business MarketingThis is a must-listen for anyone who loves local events, smart marketing, and building community impact!🎙️ We sat down with Jesse Jablon, the powerhouse behind the Rockwell Park Summer Festival and the Taste of Bristol promo, to talk about:🎪 How a grassroots festival grew to 180+ vendors and 12 bands🍴 Supporting small businesses through creative, no-cost promos 📣 Real advice for marketing events and making them truly inclusiveJesse dropped some serious marketing gems in this one—and we promise you’ll walk away inspired and ready to think differently about community-driven promotion.
2025-08-0144 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #5 - Eric Verikas | Co-Founder of Dusty Dude Woodworks & The Bristol BazaarWe’re thrilled to welcome Eric Verikas, co-founder of both Dusty Dude Woodworks and The Bristol Bazaar (and husband to our co-host, Care Verikas! )Eric began Dusty Dude Woodworks in 2017—turning his passion for crafting custom cornhole boards into a full-time shop that now builds tables, doors, built-ins, and moreIn 2023, Eric and Care took that same visionary spirit to build The Bristol Bazaar—an 5,800 sq ft indoor makers’ marketplace in downtown Bristol. It features dozens of artisans, Yellow King Bristol (a coffee-cocktail lounge) and event space—all born from their dream to support small businesses...
2025-07-2547 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #4 - Small Business BurnoutAre you running on empty as a small business owner? Let’s talk about it.Join us on the Small Business Social podcast as Steve & Care dive into: “What No One Tells You About Burnout”We’re sharing real stories, hard truths & practical tips for managing the hustle without losing yourself in the process. Whether you’re in the middle of the grind or feeling the burnout creeping in, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.
2025-07-1828 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #3: Anthony Anthony: Chief Marketing Officer for the State of CTWe’re sitting down with Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s first Chief Marketing Officer and the unofficial hype man for the state’s small businesses.From bakeries with cult followings to oyster farms turned foodie pilgrimages, Anthony is on a mission to make sure Connecticut’s entrepreneurs get the national spotlight they deserve. In this episode, we’re talking about: The power of storytelling for small businesses Free tools to help entrepreneurs grow Why small businesses are the heartbeat of Connecticut
2025-07-1153 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #2: Beret & BrushToday for our very first episode, we're sitting down with Virginia Brown, the creative mind and heart behind Beret & Brush - a local gem bringing art, community and creativity to Connecticut.
2025-07-0436 min
The Small Business Social PodcastEpisode #1 - Welcome to The Small Business Social!Join us as we kick off the Small Business Social podcast. A show hosted by two small business owners looking to help answer questions and make connections for entrepreneurs near and far!
2025-06-1304 min