People like us

A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending the Milken Conference. I received a last minute invite and within 12 hours managed to stuff all my things in a suitcase, fly to LA, and found myself seated next to high ranking senior officials in the military at an appreciation breakfast. This was the kind of conference that had the most high profile people in the world, and throughout the week I was just inches away from spiritual leaders like Deepak Chopra, more angel investors than I could count, and world changers of all types. 

What the creators of 'Wildflower Honey with Ricotta Walnut Lace Cookies' ice cream can teach us about business

Milspo Project believes in equitable partnerships that further and transform both parties, while staying true to their core values. If you’ve ever traveled to Portland, Oregon you’ve probably read about, or most likely visited, Salt & Straw. It’s hard to miss their little craft ice cream shop, as the line is often wrapped around the block, especially on a summer day. This little storefront is an ice cream paradise for foodies. Flavors include Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise, Wildflower Honey with Ricotta Walnut Lace Cookies, and even vegan options like Orange Blossom Sorbet with edible flowers.

The magic timing of fly fishing at midnight

Something my friends used to like to do as teenagers was night fishing. If the moon was just right, and the sky was full and spotted with stars, you could see the water and the fish biting. Actually, the biggest trout on the river often come out after dark. Standing knee-deep in the lapping water, blanketed in that certain serenity that only comes in the early hours of the morning, is one of the closest things to magic I’ve experienced.

My French tutor's best-kept business secret

When I first learned French, it was in an oversized textbook closet that had been converted to a classroom (I wish I was joking), and my teacher was a French-Canadian Jesuit Priest, honestly, you can’t make this stuff up. He used to smack us on the side of the head with a bible when we pronounced our French homework incorrectly. Yes, if you are doing the math I went to high school in the 2000s, not the 1950s. Point being, that style of high-pressure learning really doesn’t serve me.

Stop throwing away money on internet "gurus"

When I first became a business owner, I gave myself a self-appointed MBA through business books, online programs, and free webinars. Since Elizabeth, businesswoman 1.0, didn't know a lick about being an entrepreneur when she got started, it often felt as though I was drinking out of a fire hose in those early years.

17 ways milspouses can make money in 2019

Lately, I've been receiving many questions about what kinds of businesses to start as a military spouse. While I do believe that starting the right business is very important and takes a lot of soul searching, sometimes it helps to hear about different types of businesses before deciding. Here’s 17 ideas . . .

My uncensored advice about billable hours

Imagine leaving on a white water rafting trip without a compass or a map. You might sense what basic direction you are heading, but without a river guide you will get bumped and bruised in the rapids.

Like an inexperienced river rafter, you will flail around for the better half of the year wondering why things don’t add up until you wake up and realize your revenue goals are out of whack because you never calculated them correctly in the first place!

New law benefits military spouses, but it is not enough.

Maybe you have heard about the new Ohio state law that allows spouses of transferred military members to collect unemployment benefits if the move forces the spouse to quit their job?

While legislation of this nature shows military families that Ohio appreciates their service, it does little to help military spouses find lasting and meaningful employment.

I hope your road is a long one

All these teachable moments, whether they appear in my life as procrastination, unrealistic optimism, or even forfeiting pay in my own company for my team, or ‘the greater vision’ just reeks of a worthiness complex. I mean, does anyone really want to follow the person who chooses themselves last into battle?