• E62 The VIP Café Show with Jennifer Frank on Fashion for All: Celebrating Every Body
    Apr 23 2025

    Jennifer Frank, creator of the Every Body Fashion Show, shares her journey from fashion-loving Italian girl to New York City professional and finally to passionate mentor of fashion students.

    • Started the Every Body Fashion Show in 2013 in memory of student Danielle Peters who passed away from complications of bulimia
    • Models of all shapes, sizes, and ages (from 6 months to 74 years old) walk the runway
    • Fashion has psychological impact, giving people opportunity to "sparkle" and feel confident
    • Show planning requires thousands of hours of preparation and coordination
    • The fashion industry now focuses more on social media influencers than traditional magazines
    • Understanding your body type helps you adapt fashion trends to what works for you
    • Mentoring students is Jennifer's greatest joy and success

    The Every Body Fashion Show will be held May 7th at Eastwood Event Center, doors open at 5:30pm, show starts at 6:30pm. Free admission. Anyone interested in modeling should email Jennifer at jmfrank@ysu.edu right away.


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    26 m
  • E61 The VIP Café Show - Susan Sutton's Ember Project for Teen Mothers
    Apr 23 2025

    Susan Sutton transforms the landscape for teen mothers through The Ember Project, an organization dedicated to empowering young mothers to pursue education and career goals despite early parenthood. Drawing from her personal experience as a teen mom who faced discouragement and stigma, Susan has created a mentorship program that helps young women maintain their ambitions while navigating the challenges of early motherhood.

    • The Ember Project stands for Early Mothers Becoming Empowered and Resilient
    • Less than 50% of teen mothers obtain high school diplomas by age 20
    • Even at age 40, women who had children before 20 earn 30% less than those who waited until after 25
    • The program offers tutoring, test preparation, college application assistance, resume writing, and job coaching
    • Teen mothers are matched with successful mentors who were also teen mothers
    • The project focuses on the mothers rather than just providing for their children
    • Society often labels teen mothers as "lost causes" when they actually need support to reach their potential
    • Success is measured through diplomas, degrees, and "moms with direction"
    • The cycle of teen pregnancy often continues through generations without intervention
    • Susan's journey to founding the organization came after recognizing the limited legacy she was leaving

    Visit theemberproject.org or find us on social media to learn more about volunteering or applying for the program.


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    38 m
  • E60 The VIP Café Show - Turning Passion into Purpose: Jerri B's Musical Journey
    Apr 21 2025

    Jerri B takes us behind the curtain of Entree Musician International, a thriving global community born during the 2020 pandemic when musicians everywhere faced the devastating reality of canceled performances. Drawing from his own career of failures and comebacks, Jerri transformed personal lessons into a movement that now connects artists across continents.

    What began as practical advice quickly evolved when industry veterans recognized something special in Jerri's approach. Linda Bolero from Berkeley, Tony Bennett's former road manager Vance Anderson, and metadata strategist Daryl Looney joined forces with him to create a virtual hub where musicians could grow together through honest feedback and encouragement.

    The magic happens in Jerri's collaborative sessions where musicians present their work to receive constructive criticism from seasoned professionals. One participant, a young Youngstown native named Jaron Brooks, has been working with Jerry since age 16 and is developing into "the next Usher" through this mentorship. Jerri's production philosophy echoes that of his heroes Arif Martin and Quincy Jones—drawing out each artist's authentic spirit rather than chasing fleeting trends.

    Having started his musical journey as a church drummer at four years old, Jerri learned his craft by studying the masters. He shares insights on finding your musical voice through careful study of influences (like Prince did with James Brown and Little Richard) while emphasizing that true musicianship requires more than talent—it demands the right mindset, discipline, and focus.

    For Jerri, music must fulfill four essential purposes: engage the spirit, enrich the heart, encourage the soul, and empower the listener. This philosophy guides everything he creates and produces. Ready to unlock your potential as an entrepreneur musician? Visit theentreemusician.com or join Jerri's free workshop on April 3rd, focusing on sharpening your musical mindset.

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    27 m
  • E59: The VIP Café Show with Angela Johnson - Life Coaching: Unpacking the Journey to Self-Discovery
    Mar 6 2025

    This episode is a deep dive into Angela Johnson's transformative journey. A life coach, Angela shares her personal story of loss, love, and professional growth. She explores the importance of self-discovery, relationships, and the possibilities that come with seeking guidance.

    • Angela's insights on navigating loss and resilience
    • The balance between success and happiness in personal lives
    • Importance of communication and establishing boundaries
    • How seeking coaching parallels seeking medical help
    • Cultivating one's potential and embracing vulnerability

    If you're curious about how life coaching can transform your life, contact Angela on Instagram at @coachang.allin or visit her website at allinwithang.com.


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    30 m
  • E58: The VIP Café Show with Casey Krell - Transforming Lives with Strategic Giving
    Nov 19 2024

    Casey Krell (cfmv.org), the inspiring president of the Community Foundation in Youngstown, joins us for a heartfelt discussion on gratitude and generosity. Despite starting her marketing and public relations career, Casey found her true calling in the nonprofit sector, using his communication skills to support community causes. She shares the challenges and rewards of fundraising and how her career evolved into a mission of giving back and becoming a beacon of hope and change in the community.

    We explore innovative philanthropic practices and the pivotal role of community foundations in shaping a better tomorrow. Listen as we explore how even small contributions can grow into significant support through endowed funds that can help individuals leave lasting legacies. You'll hear about impactful initiatives addressing food access issues and the transformative power of events like Giving Tuesday, which magnifies donations through matching contributions.

    Join us for a lively discussion on local eats featuring Youngstown favorites like Bellaria and La Villa, and discover a unique twist—try spaghetti sauce on your pizza. We emphasize the importance of family traditions of giving, especially around Giving Tuesday, encouraging families to pick a cause close to their hearts. With insights from the Community Foundation Mahoning Valley and touching stories from the Autism Society, we celebrate the spirit of giving and the personal connections that make community philanthropy so meaningful.

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    29 m
  • E57 The VIP Café Show with Butch and Joyce Shood: Veteran's Tales of Courage and Heart
    Nov 12 2024

    Have you ever wondered how love can endure through the chaos of war? Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Vietnam veteran Butch Shood and his wife, Joyce, as they share their incredible love story that began on roller skates and survived the trials of Vietnam through the exchange of audio tapes. Their story, filled with resilience and devotion, offers a profound glimpse into the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, showcasing the strength of the human spirit during times of conflict.

    We also bring you the gripping experiences of a Vietnam War truck driver, whose tales of navigating the dangerous roads of Saigon in a deuce and a half truck reveal the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the front lines. His accounts of tense convoy attacks and the camaraderie that was crucial for survival paint a vivid picture of the challenges and quick thinking required in the war zone. These personal anecdotes offer listeners a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War's impact on those who served, highlighting the tension and the bonds formed amidst adversity.

    Reflecting on the broader lessons of military service, we explore the enduring values instilled in veterans, from the profound significance of the American flag to the emotional journey of returning home and transitioning to civilian life. With stories of pride, achievements, and the therapeutic power of storytelling, this episode celebrates the unique experiences and contributions of veterans like Butch and Harry, honoring their service with gratitude and admiration. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of the sacrifices and triumphs of those who have bravely served our country.

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    30 m
  • E56: The VIP Cafe Show with Lucia Cerimeli - The Path to Authentic Beauty and Wellness
    Oct 30 2024

    Unlock the secrets to a healthier and more vibrant you by tuning into our latest episode of the VIP Cafe Show! We're starting with Lucia Cerimeli, the visionary owner of Color Vanity Glam Medi Spa https://colorvanitybeauty.com/. Lucia's journey from a makeup artist battling skin issues to a holistic health advocate is inspiring. She reveals the innovative beauty and recovery treatments she's brought to Youngstown, making luxury accessible for everyone without breaking the bank.

    Get inspired by the transformative power of natural health and beauty solutions. We dive into the essential conversations about societal pressures and how holistic approaches can improve self-esteem for both men and women. You'll also hear success stories illustrating how embracing wellness early can help you sidestep the dreaded holiday weight gain. Discover how advanced body scans and fun fitness tools, like digital boxing and Pilates reformers, can make achieving your health goals enjoyable.

    And there's more! Our episode takes a heartwarming turn as we explore themes of resilience and authenticity. An unexpected encounter in Los Angeles brings forth valuable life lessons, and we delve into the importance of gratitude and risk-taking. Lucia shares her bold decision to open her spa in Youngstown, defying the odds and initial doubts. As the holiday season approaches, we highlight exciting promotions and new services to help you or a loved one step into the new year with renewed vitality. Don't miss out on this enlightening and motivational episode!

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    34 m
  • E55: The VIP Café Show with Tim Petrey - Unlocking the Power of Generosity in Business
    Oct 28 2024

    What happens when you mix an entrepreneurial spirit with a penchant for processes and systems? Join us in the cozy back room of Havana House for an insightful chat with Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Growth Partners, as he shares his journey from his family business to washing semi-trucks in college. Discover how these formative experiences laid the groundwork for his understanding of business systems and the importance of transferable skills like accounting. Tim's story highlights how these skills have been pivotal in his career, offering valuable insights for aspiring business owners and investors.

    Unravel the transformative power of generosity and gratitude in building a resilient company culture. Through the story of an ambitious individual who turned setbacks into stepping stones, we delve into how mentorship and a strong sense of purpose can lead to unexpected success, even amid challenging times like the pandemic. The conversation underscores the significance of creating a contagious company culture that not only withstands adversity but thrives because of it, ultimately driving growth and fostering resilience in individuals and the organization.

    We also explore the profound impact of meaningful client relationships. By working with clients who value openness and change, businesses can create a positive cycle of mutual success. Tim shares insights into how personal motivations, especially for second-generation entrepreneurs, can propel one toward success by overcoming adversities and pushing beyond boundaries. Finally, we wrap up practical networking tips for LinkedIn, emphasizing its role as a powerful tool to connect with Tim and the HD Growth Partners team while expressing heartfelt gratitude to our listeners and participants for their unwavering support.

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    30 m
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