Tune in for an insightful conversation between Melody and guest Carrie Guenther as they touch on everything from flexible entrepreneurship to the complexities of cultural adaptation. In this engaging episode they discuss the benefits of positive online communities, versus toxic ones. They explore the challenges of imposter syndrome in male-dominated industries and share personal experiences from their careers. Carrie, who spends winters in Thailand, speaks about adapting to different cultures, language barriers, and unique perspectives from living abroad. Melody, who is working with her team in the Philippines, shares cultural reflections and the warmth of the local community. Hear how their encounters in Southeast Asia shape their unique global perspectives and entrepreneurial journeys. From strategic seasonal work to fascinating cultural adaptations, this episode is packed with insightful stories and reflections on living and working abroad. Don't miss their heartfelt discussion about identity, connection, and the beauty of thoughtful design in everyday life.

Carrie Guenther is an entrepreneur and avid traveler who runs her window cleaning business, while spending winters in Thailand. She started her journey in business in the early 2000s and founded Mysticity in 2013.

As a strong leader, Carrie has faced many challenges, especially in male-dominated industries, and has worked through feelings of imposter syndrome. She’s found support in communities like the "Into the Flow" Facebook group, which has been a positive space for her growth.

Carrie’s love for travel has taken her all over Southeast Asia for more than 20 years, and she appreciates the region's slower pace and rich culture. This offers a nice contrast to her time in the fast-paced U.S. She enjoys blending work with her passion for design and treasures unique items like the string lights Melody gifted her.

Carrie’s story is about resilience and balance—finding ways to work and enjoy life, stay connected to others, and embrace new cultures.

All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.

Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected

Facebook: @businessmisfits

TikTok: @thebusinessmisfit

Instagram: @homeserviceva

Connect on LinkedIn: @melodysedwards

Find all my things: www.melodythings.com

In this compelling episode of Business Misfits, Melody engages with Libby De Lucien in an illuminating conversation about balancing business growth and personal development. Libby recounts significant milestones, such as her cleaning business hitting $1 million in revenue and launching WHOOP Recruit. Learn how she expertly navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic and diversified her business portfolio across various states, while wrestling with the challenges wrought by natural disasters like hurricanes. The episode touches upon Libby's journey in book writing, coaching, and the value of mentorship, offering listeners a comprehensive look at how she harmonizes her family life with her ambitious entrepreneurial pursuits. Tune in for practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and an inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity.

Libby, a mom and entrepreneur from a business-oriented family, founded WootRecruit, a SaaS that helps 500+ companies globally with hiring, and Organize It, a cleaning and organizing company since 2017. Recently, she launched Service Cart, another SaaS, to streamline online sales for cleaning services.

Melody Edwards is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found HomeServiceVA.com with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.

Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.

Through her podcast, The Business Misfits, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.

Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun.

You can find all her things on www.melodythings.com

All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.

Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected

Facebook: @businessmisfits

TikTok: @thebusinessmisfit

Instagram: @homeserviceva

Connect on LinkedIn: @melodysedwards

Find all my things:

Episode 7 of "Business Misfits" features the remarkable Irum Jones, a woman whose life story is a testament to resilience and determination. Melody guides the conversation as Irum shares her experiences with abandonment, foster care, and the harsh realities of being a woman in the trades. Discover the strategies she used to overcome these challenges and build a successful career. Topics like the importance of feedback, managing imposter syndrome, and the role of authenticity in business are just a few of the highlights. Tune in to hear about the innovative concept of "dream management" and how vision boards can align your professional and personal life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone needing a boost of motivation and practical advice.

Irum Jones is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, STEAM educator, podcaster, philanthropist, and advocate. But she doesn't stop there—she even wears a hard hat as a licensed HVAC & Electrical contractor. Talk about a diverse skill set! Her passion lies in working hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and businesses to create sustainable programs for under-resourced communities. She's a catalyst for change, revitalizing neighborhoods and bringing hope to those in need. Not only does she bring operational effectiveness and excellence to her family's flagship business, Electrician On-Call, but she has also served as a trusted advisor to thousands of businesses nationwide. She also serves as the Chief Empowerment Officer for Dallas Professional Women - a referral network community that supports, consults and pairs women business owners with partnerships. Most recently she's helped launch over 60 branches of On Call Service Pros, a property maintenance company that connects homeowners to vetted 5 Star Businesses.

Irum's commitment to driving change impacts and Irum's commitment to driving change impacts and extends far beyond her immediate sphere, reaching communities near and far. When she's not immersed in her professional endeavors, Irum finds joy in volunteering with her family. Whether it's lending a helping hand, speaking passionately to students, or simply being the enthusiastic taste-tester for her husband's mouthwatering BBQ!

Irum's heart-work focuses on improving the community and pours her energy toward initiatives that strengthen family values, create inclusive environments, empower families, supports workforce development in the trades and create safe spaces for women & children to thrive. In Irum's dynamic world, the sky is not the limit— it's a launching pad for extraordinary achievements. She fearlessly seizes every opportunity to uplift others and make a lasting, positive impact. Her infectious energy, unwavering determination, and compassionate spirit inspire everyone around her to dream big, reach for the stars, and create a better tomorrow.

Melody Edwards is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found HomeServiceVA.com with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.

Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant,...