Fame Host (https://fame.so) Made Locally https://podcasts.fame.so/made-locally https://feeds.fame.so/made-locally Made Locally is for the entrepreneurs building amazing local businesses. The owners, operators, and founders grinding every day to create something important to their communities. Made Locally is produced by Keystone and hosted by Rahul Jaswa. Each episode explores the stories, tools, and strategies that successful local businesses have used to acquire customers, build strong local brands, and grow rapidly and profitably. No theory. No fluff. Just practical insights and best practices from entrepreneurs that have been in the trenches. From the best online marketing strategies to systems and protocols that improve retention, from hiring the right talent to automating the most painful and mundane parts of your business, this is your playbook for growth. You’ll hear real stories, honest lessons, and proven strategies from operators who’ve been in your shoes and done it right. If you’re trying to get more customers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts, this podcast is your unfair advantage. Copyrights © 2026 All Rights Reserved by Keystone en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:57:55 +0000 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:36:28 +0000 https://content.fameapp.so/uploads/yx12kvnq/8aea7580-42e7-11f1-a8fd-f985dd7eb995/8aea76a0-42e7-11f1-8e4d-09a5b81691dc.jpg Made Locally https://podcasts.fame.so/made-locally Made Locally is for the entrepreneurs building amazing local businesses. The owners, operators, and founders grinding every day to create something important to their communities. Made Locally is produced by Keystone and hosted by Rahul Jaswa. Each episode explores the stories, tools, and strategies that successful local businesses have used to acquire customers, build strong local brands, and grow rapidly and profitably. No theory. No fluff. Just practical insights and best practices from entrepreneurs that have been in the trenches. From the best online marketing strategies to systems and protocols that improve retention, from hiring the right talent to automating the most painful and mundane parts of your business, this is your playbook for growth. You’ll hear real stories, honest lessons, and proven strategies from operators who’ve been in your shoes and done it right. If you’re trying to get more customers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts, this podcast is your unfair advantage. Keystone Made Locally is for the entrepreneurs building amazing local businesses. The owners, operators, and founders grinding every day to create something important to their communities. Made Locally is produced by Keystone and hosted by Rahul Jaswa. Each episode explores the stories, tools, and strategies that successful local businesses have used to acquire customers, build strong local brands, and grow rapidly and profitably. No theory. No fluff. Just practical insights and best practices from entrepreneurs that have been in the trenches. From the best online marketing strategies to systems and protocols that improve retention, from hiring the right talent to automating the most painful and mundane parts of your business, this is your playbook for growth. You’ll hear real stories, honest lessons, and proven strategies from operators who’ve been in your shoes and done it right. If you’re trying to get more customers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts, this podcast is your unfair advantage. No No episodic Keystone Made Locally is for the entrepreneurs building amazing local businesses. The owners, operators, and founders grinding every day to create something important to their communities. Made Locally is produced by Keystone and hosted by Rahul Jaswa. Each episode explores the stories, tools, and strategies that successful local businesses have used to acquire customers, build strong local brands, and grow rapidly and profitably. No theory. No fluff. Just practical insights and best practices from entrepreneurs that have been in the trenches. From the best online marketing strategies to systems and protocols that improve retention, from hiring the right talent to automating the most painful and mundane parts of your business, this is your playbook for growth. You’ll hear real stories, honest lessons, and proven strategies from operators who’ve been in your shoes and done it right. If you’re trying to get more customers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts, this podcast is your unfair advantage. Made Locally is for the entrepreneurs building amazing local businesses. The owners, operators, and founders grinding every day to create something important to their communities. Made Locally is produced by Keystone and hosted by Rahul Jaswa. Each episode explores the stories, tools, and strategies that successful local businesses have used to acquire customers, build strong local brands, and grow rapidly and profitably. No theory. No fluff. Just practical insights and best practices from entrepreneurs that have been in the trenches. From the best online marketing strategies to systems and protocols that improve retention, from hiring the right talent to automating the most painful and mundane parts of your business, this is your playbook for growth. You’ll hear real stories, honest lessons, and proven strategies from operators who’ve been in your shoes and done it right. If you’re trying to get more customers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts, this podcast is your unfair advantage. Rahul Jaswa team@fame.so No No No How Science, Service, and Community Built Tree Amigos https://podcasts.fame.so/e/v85jl06n-how-science-service-and-community-built-tree-amigos How Science, Service, and Community Built Tree Amigos 10 No No 81q37yv1 What does it take to turn a passion for trees into a trusted local business? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Andrew Anstrom, co-founder and owner of Tree Amigos, to explore how he built an Austin-based tree care company around expertise, community, and long-term relationships. From delivering science-based recommendations to homeowners and landowners to creating a brand rooted in environmental stewardship, Andrew shares why doing the work well, earning trust, and staying connected to your community can be powerful drivers of sustainable growth.
What if building a great local business starts with caring deeply about the community you're building it in? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Andrew Anstrom, co-founder and owner of Tree Amigos, to explore how he turned his passion for arboriculture and the environment into an Austin-based tree care company built around expertise, trust, and meaningful relationships.


Andrew shares the story behind Tree Amigos and its commitment to providing science-based recommendations tailored to the needs of homeowners and landowners. Rather than treating tree care as simply a transactional service, he explains how the company approaches every project with a focus on long-term tree health, customer goals, and responsible stewardship of the environment.


This conversation explores what it means to build a small business in a highly local industry, from earning customer trust and delivering consistent service to creating a reputation that can grow through community relationships. Andrew also discusses why being genuinely invested in the place where you operate can become an important part of a company's identity and differentiation.


Ultimately, this episode is about building locally with intention - combining expertise, customer service, environmental responsibility, and community connection to create a business designed to grow alongside the people it serves.


What You'll Learn:

  • Why trust and expertise are critical to building a successful local service business
  • How science-based recommendations can differentiate a company in a crowded market
  • Why customer experience matters as much in essential services as it does in hospitality or retail
  • How environmental responsibility can become part of a company's brand identity
  • The role of community involvement in building a lasting local reputation
  • Why small businesses can compete by offering personalized, expert service
  • How to balance business growth with a commitment to quality and customer relationships
  • Why having a clear sense of purpose can strengthen a local company's long-term vision
  • How entrepreneurs can build businesses that contribute positively to the communities they call home


Andrew Anstrom is the co-founder and owner of Tree Amigos LLC, an Austin-based tree care company committed to providing expert, science-based recommendations for homeowners and landowners. A lifelong Austin resident and passionate advocate for trees and environmental stewardship, Andrew has built Tree Amigos around dependable service, personalized care, and a commitment to helping create a greener community. Beyond arboriculture, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and adventure, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. 


If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.

Episode Resources:

Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 2353 What does it take to turn a passion for trees into a trusted local business? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Andrew Anstrom, co-founder and owner of Tree Amigos, to explore how he built an Austin-based tree care company around expertise, community, and long-term relationships. From delivering science-based recommendations to homeowners and landowners to creating a brand rooted in environmental stewardship, Andrew shares why doing the work well, earning trust, and staying connected to your community can be powerful drivers of sustainable growth. What does it take to turn a passion for trees into a trusted local business? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Andrew Anstrom, co-founder and owner of Tree Amigos, to explore how he built an Austin-based tree care company around expertise, community, and long-term relationships. From delivering science-based recommendations to homeowners and landowners to creating a brand rooted in environmental stewardship, Andrew shares why doing the work well, earning trust, and staying connected to your community can be powerful drivers of sustainable growth. tree care business, local service business growth, arborist marketing, customer acquisition strategy, tree removal Austin, local business scaling, word-of-mouth marketing, Reddit marketing strategy, certified arborist, plant health care, tree service pricing, customer retention local business, environmentally friendly, CRM for service businesses, equipment investment business, seasonal business management, lead generation local services No No How to Build a Dental Practice That Doesn’t Need You in Every Room https://podcasts.fame.so/e/x8vlzvw8-how-to-build-a-dental-practice-that-doesn-t-need-you-in-every-room How to Build a Dental Practice That Doesn’t Need You in Every Room 9 No No 70yp6rv1 What if the best way to grow a dental practice is to stop building it around the dentist? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Chaz Vittitow, founder of The Local Dentist and The Dental Jumpstart, to explore how to build a practice around people, culture, and a patient experience that can thrive without the founder doing everything. From generating early momentum through word of mouth to hiring the right team and creating a sustainable business beyond his own reputation, Chaz shares what it really takes to turn a successful practice into a business built to last.
What if the biggest threat to a successful business is when it becomes too dependent on its founder? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Chaz Vittitow, founder of The Local Dentist and The Dental Jumpstart, to explore what it really takes to build a practice that can grow beyond the person at the center of it.


Chaz shares how he built momentum from the very beginning, growing from just two chairs to a fully booked seven-operatory practice through reputation, word of mouth, and a strong focus on creating an exceptional patient experience. Rather than relying on traditional marketing alone, he explains how relationships and delivering consistently for patients helped create the kind of local reputation that compounds over time.


The conversation then moves beyond growth into one of the biggest challenges for founder-led businesses: letting go. Chaz explains why finding and developing the right people is essential to implementing a business playbook, and why keeping people who aren't aligned with the vision can quietly hold an organization back.


Ultimately, this episode is about understanding that the right people, culture, and leadership systems are what really allow a successful company to keep growing.


What You'll Learn:

  • Why a business shouldn't depend entirely on its founder
  • How Chaz built early momentum through reputation and word of mouth
  • Why patient experience can become one of your strongest marketing channels
  • Why finding the right people matters as much as having the right playbook
  • The leadership challenge of hiring, developing, and letting go of employees
  • How to build a brand that customers trust beyond the personality of the founder
  • Why sustainable growth requires people who can implement the vision
  • How entrepreneurial success changes when you shift from doing everything yourself to leading others
  • The difference between creating a successful practice and creating a business that can last


Dr. Charles “Chaz” Vittitow is a dentist, entrepreneur, speaker, and coach, and the founder of The Local Dentist in Bellingham, Washington, and The Dental Jumpstart, where he helps dentists build more profitable, sustainable practices with greater freedom and less dependence on traditional insurance models. A former U.S. Navy Dental Corps officer, Chaz combines hands-on practice experience with a practical, no-nonsense approach to leadership, business growth, and lifestyle design.


If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.

Episode Resources:



Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 2946 What if the best way to grow a dental practice is to stop building it around the dentist? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Chaz Vittitow, founder of The Local Dentist and The Dental Jumpstart, to explore how to build a practice around people, culture, and a patient experience that can thrive without the founder doing everything. From generating early momentum through word of mouth to hiring the right team and creating a sustainable business beyond his own reputation, Chaz shares what it really takes to turn a successful practice into a business built to last. What if the best way to grow a dental practice is to stop building it around the dentist? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Chaz Vittitow, founder of The Local Dentist and The Dental Jumpstart, to explore how to build a practice around people, culture, and a patient experience that can thrive without the founder doing everything. From generating early momentum through word of mouth to hiring the right team and creating a sustainable business beyond his own reputation, Chaz shares what it really takes to turn a successful practice into a business built to last. dental entrepreneur, dental practice startup, dental practice growth, local dentist, local healthcare business, dental practice marketing, healthcare entrepreneurship, dentist business owner, dental leadership, practice culture, patient experience, dental branding, local business marketing, Google reviews, social media marketing, community marketing, patient acquisition, word of mouth marketing, team leadership, employee autonomy, business coaching, startup dentistry, dental practice management, sales communication, patient communication, scaling a dental practice, small business growth, founder journey, entrepreneur, small business owner, business owner, CEO, scaling, local business No No How Patience Built an Award-Winning Whiskey Brand https://podcasts.fame.so/e/08jy4vyn-how-patience-built-an-award-winning-whiskey-brand How Patience Built an Award-Winning Whiskey Brand 8 No No 41pq7yq0 What if the secret to building a standout brand isn't scaling faster, but mastering your craft first? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Brandon McCraney, founder and master blender of Olde Raleigh Distillery, to explore how he transformed a passion for whiskey into an award-winning craft spirits brand. From the science of blending and barrel aging to building community partnerships and creating products with purpose, Brandon shares why patience, consistency, and authenticity matter more than chasing shortcuts in business.
What if the strongest brands are built one thoughtful decision at a time rather than one viral moment at a time? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Brandon McCraney, founder, master blender, and owner of Olde Raleigh Distillery, to explore what it really takes to build a premium craft whiskey brand from the ground up.


Drawing on his unique journey from serving as a U.S. Air Force Captain to becoming a certified whiskey sommelier and master blender, Brandon explains why whiskey is equal parts science, patience, and storytelling. Rather than focusing on mass production, he shares how Olde Raleigh's philosophy revolves around carefully selecting, aging, and blending each barrel to create distinctive spirits that reflect both craftsmanship and intention.


This conversation explores the realities of building a premium product in a crowded market, from educating consumers and creating memorable tasting experiences to developing partnerships with local businesses that strengthen both the brand and the surrounding community. 


Ultimately, this episode is about playing the long game - building trust, investing in quality, and creating a business that leaves a lasting impact far beyond the product itself.


What You'll Learn:

  • Why patience is one of the greatest competitive advantages when building a premium product
  • How blending, barrel selection, and aging influence the final character of whiskey
  • Why craftsmanship and consistency matter more than rapid growth
  • How storytelling transforms products into memorable brands
  • The importance of educating customers to create long-term brand loyalty
  • How local partnerships strengthen both businesses and communities
  • Why creating premium experiences helps differentiate craft brands
  • The role of experimentation and continuous learning in mastering a craft
  • How purpose-driven businesses create value beyond the products they sell
  • Why thinking long-term leads to stronger brands and more sustainable growth


Brandon McCraney is the founder, owner, and master blender of Olde Raleigh Distillery, where he combines craftsmanship, science, and storytelling to create award-winning small-batch whiskey. Through an intensive blending and barrel-aging process known as élevage, Brandon hand-selects each barrel to produce distinctive spirits while pursuing his ambitious goal of releasing 1,000 unique whiskey blends from around the world.


Before entering the spirits industry, Brandon served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and later earned master's degrees from both the University of Cincinnati and Harvard University. Today, he is a Certified Executive Bourbon Steward, Whiskey Sommelier, educator at the Whiskey Marketing School, and an active member of several leading distilling organizations. Beyond crafting exceptional whiskey, Brandon is passionate about supporting local businesses, strengthening his North Carolina community, and building a legacy brand that creates lasting economic and cultural impact.


If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.

Episode Resources:

Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 1785 What if the secret to building a standout brand isn't scaling faster, but mastering your craft first? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Brandon McCraney, founder and master blender of Olde Raleigh Distillery, to explore how he transformed a passion for whiskey into an award-winning craft spirits brand. From the science of blending and barrel aging to building community partnerships and creating products with purpose, Brandon shares why patience, consistency, and authenticity matter more than chasing shortcuts in business. What if the secret to building a standout brand isn't scaling faster, but mastering your craft first? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Brandon McCraney, founder and master blender of Olde Raleigh Distillery, to explore how he transformed a passion for whiskey into an award-winning craft spirits brand. From the science of blending and barrel aging to building community partnerships and creating products with purpose, Brandon shares why patience, consistency, and authenticity matter more than chasing shortcuts in business. craft bourbon, craft whiskey, bourbon blending, whiskey blending, micro distillery, whiskey entrepreneur, founder journey, entrepreneurship, small business growth, business resilience, startup lessons, sales mindset, business development, brand building, premium spirits, North Carolina distillery, Raleigh business, leadership, scaling a business, entrepreneur podcast local business, founder, entrepreneur, CEO , scaling, small business owner, business owner Operations, branding, premium brand, customer loyalty, brand storytelling, premium positioning , business strategy , product differentiation, local entrepreneurship, premium branding, customer experience, whiskey business, bourbon business, founder interview, local business podcast, entrepreneur interview, brand strategy No No How Community, Creativity, and Consistency Built a Thriving Catering Business https://podcasts.fame.so/e/18p7kyzn-how-community-creativity-and-consistency-built-a-thriving-catering-business How Community, Creativity, and Consistency Built a Thriving Catering Business 7 No No z1r4y6m1 What if the biggest thing holding your business back is your reluctance to let go? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Robin Cabrini, founder of Savory Girl Idaho, to unpack how she transformed a passion for creating beautiful charcuterie boards into one of Idaho's fastest-growing catering businesses. From leveraging social media and local networking to hiring the right people and building operational systems, Robin shares the practical lessons behind scaling a creative business without sacrificing quality or customer experience.
What if growing your business had less to do with working harder and more to do with knowing when to step aside? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Robin Cabrini, founder and curator of Savory Girl Idaho, to explore how she built a thriving catering business by combining creativity, authentic community relationships, and intentional delegation.


Robin shares her unconventional entrepreneurial journey, from hosting dinner parties for friends to operating a full-service catering company capable of serving multiple large-scale events every day. Rather than relying solely on a traditional business plan, she focused on consistently showing up in her local community through social media, networking groups, venue partnerships, and exceptional customer service.


This discussion explores the realities of running a service business, including managing capacity, protecting quality, creating memorable customer experiences, and building a reputation that generates repeat business and referrals. Robin also offers practical advice on using social media authentically, creating strategic local partnerships, and continuously looking for new opportunities within your community.


What You'll Learn:

  • Why delegation is one of the highest-return investments you can make as a business owner
  • How authentic social media builds trust and attracts long-term customers
  • Why networking and community involvement outperform relying on a single marketing channel
  • How local partnerships can become a consistent source of referrals and new business
  • The importance of protecting quality by managing operational capacity
  • How assigning roles based on individual team strengths improves consistency
  • Why customer experience is the foundation of long-term reputation and five-star reviews
  • Why entrepreneurs should actively look for opportunities instead of waiting for them
  • How strong operational systems allow creative businesses to scale sustainably


Robin Cabrini is the founder and curator of Savory Girl Idaho, a rapidly growing catering and grazing-table company known for transforming food into memorable experiences. What began as a passion for creating beautiful charcuterie boards has evolved into a full-service catering business serving everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events throughout Idaho.


With a background in marketing and a natural talent for community building, Robin has grown Savory Girl Idaho through authentic storytelling, local partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to customer experience. Today, the business maintains more than 320 five-star reviews while serving multiple events each day with a dedicated team focused on quality, creativity, and hospitality.


If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.

Episode Resources:


Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 2045 What if the biggest thing holding your business back is your reluctance to let go? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Robin Cabrini, founder of Savory Girl Idaho, to unpack how she transformed a passion for creating beautiful charcuterie boards into one of Idaho's fastest-growing catering businesses. From leveraging social media and local networking to hiring the right people and building operational systems, Robin shares the practical lessons behind scaling a creative business without sacrificing quality or customer experience. What if the biggest thing holding your business back is your reluctance to let go? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Robin Cabrini, founder of Savory Girl Idaho, to unpack how she transformed a passion for creating beautiful charcuterie boards into one of Idaho's fastest-growing catering businesses. From leveraging social media and local networking to hiring the right people and building operational systems, Robin shares the practical lessons behind scaling a creative business without sacrificing quality or customer experience. charcuterie board business, grazing table catering, local catering company, food business marketing, entrepreneurship journey, social media for small business, hiring and delegation, business scaling, customer experience, brand building, commercial kitchen operations, food business accounting, staffing strategies, product diversification, corporate catering, wedding catering, local vendor partnerships, inventory management, pricing strategy, business growth challenges No No Pivot, Don't Panic: Growing a Restaurant Into a Multi-Channel Brand https://podcasts.fame.so/e/182rj9y8-pivot-don-t-panic-growing-a-restaurant-into-a-multi-channel-brand Pivot, Don't Panic: Growing a Restaurant Into a Multi-Channel Brand 6 No No 209928j0 What if scaling your business meant changing almost everything except your mission? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Maiko Kyogoku, founder of Bessou, to unpack how she evolved a neighborhood Japanese restaurant into a growing multi-channel food brand spanning fast-casual dining, airport retail, and packaged consumer products. From navigating seasonal demand and pandemic challenges to licensing her concept for future expansion, Maiko shares the mindset, systems, and strategic pivots that allowed her business to keep growing without losing its identity.
What if the key to building a resilient business isn't sticking to your original plan, but knowing when to reinvent it? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Maiko Kyogoku, founder of Bessou, to explore how she transformed a single Japanese restaurant into a diversified food brand by staying committed to her mission while continuously adapting her business model.


Growing up as the daughter of Japanese immigrants in New York, Maiko always believed food had the power to create belonging. That philosophy became the foundation of Bessou, originally launched as a neighborhood restaurant serving comforting Japanese home cooking. But as customer behavior, locations, and market conditions changed, Maiko realized that serving her mission sometimes meant changing the format rather than protecting the original concept.


Throughout the conversation, Maiko shares the real challenges behind building a hospitality business, from navigating the uncertainty of seasonal locations and difficult landlord negotiations to recognizing when a business model no longer fits its environment. She explains how experimentation led to unexpected opportunities, including launching packaged popcorn products, expanding into national retail, and opening licensed locations in major transportation hubs like JFK Airport.


This episode offers valuable lessons for any entrepreneur navigating growth, change, or uncertainty, proving that resilience comes from staying true to your mission while remaining flexible in how you deliver it.


What You'll Learn:

  • How to recognize when your business model needs to evolve without abandoning your mission
  • How seasonal businesses can diversify revenue through new products and channels
  • The importance of adapting your concept to fit the location instead of forcing the same model everywhere
  • Why documenting processes becomes essential as you scale
  • How to evaluate partnerships and commercial real estate decisions strategically
  • The role experimentation plays in discovering new revenue streams
  • Why strong brand identity matters more than sticking to one business format
  • How to scale through licensing without taking on the operational burden of every location
  • The importance of resilience, adaptability, and long-term thinking in entrepreneurship
  • How mission-driven businesses can grow across multiple channels while maintaining authenticity


Maiko Kyogoku is the founder of Bessou, a Japanese food brand built around the belief that authentic home-style Japanese cooking can create comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging wherever people are. What began in 2016 as a neighborhood restaurant in Downtown Manhattan has since evolved into a multi-channel brand that includes a fast-casual concept at Pier 57, an upcoming location at JFK Terminal 4, and a growing line of packaged pantry goods and snacks sold in retailers across the United States.


Raised in New York by Japanese immigrant parents, Maiko developed a deep appreciation for the role food plays in preserving culture while bringing people together across different backgrounds. Before founding Bessou, she built her experience across hospitality, luxury, and creative industries, working with Thompson Hotels, renowned contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, and Chef Daniel Boulud's acclaimed restaurant group. Today, she combines that diverse background with operational discipline and thoughtful brand building to create food businesses that evolve with changing markets while remaining grounded in their original purpose.


If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.



Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 2402 What if scaling your business meant changing almost everything except your mission? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Maiko Kyogoku, founder of Bessou, to unpack how she evolved a neighborhood Japanese restaurant into a growing multi-channel food brand spanning fast-casual dining, airport retail, and packaged consumer products. From navigating seasonal demand and pandemic challenges to licensing her concept for future expansion, Maiko shares the mindset, systems, and strategic pivots that allowed her business to keep growing without losing its identity. What if scaling your business meant changing almost everything except your mission? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Maiko Kyogoku, founder of Bessou, to unpack how she evolved a neighborhood Japanese restaurant into a growing multi-channel food brand spanning fast-casual dining, airport retail, and packaged consumer products. From navigating seasonal demand and pandemic challenges to licensing her concept for future expansion, Maiko shares the mindset, systems, and strategic pivots that allowed her business to keep growing without losing its identity. Japanese restaurant business, restaurant pivot strategy, local food business growth, multichannel restaurant expansion, Japanese comfort food brand, restaurant to retail business model, hospitality entrepreneurship, food business scaling, restaurant lease negotiation, food hall operations, fast casual restaurant concept, packaged goods business, co-packing manufacturing, restaurant staffing and culture, seasonal business challenges, Japanese home cooking, omotenashi hospitality No No Why Most Restaurants Fail and the Systems That Keep Them Alive https://podcasts.fame.so/e/vnwp6kx8-why-most-restaurants-fail-and-the-systems-that-keep-them-alive Why Most Restaurants Fail and the Systems That Keep Them Alive 5 No No 81x2pnl1 What if the difference between a restaurant that lasts ten years and one that disappears in three has nothing to do with the food? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Ryan Pernice, founder of R.O. Hospitality and owner of Table & Main and Osteria Mattone, to explore the operational systems, technology decisions, and leadership principles that create sustainable restaurant businesses. From inventory management and team building to scaling locations and staying relevant in a changing market, Ryan shares the practical realities behind long-term success in one of the toughest industries in business.
What if the secret to building a successful restaurant isn't culinary talent, but operational discipline? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Ryan Pernice, founder of R.O. Hospitality and owner-operator of Table & Main and Osteria Mattone, to unpack what it really takes to build restaurant businesses that thrive for decades rather than burn brightly and disappear.


Drawing on years of experience operating multiple acclaimed restaurants, Ryan explains why so many hospitality businesses struggle despite serving great food and generating strong customer demand. The difference, he argues, comes down to systems: inventory processes, food-cost controls, staffing structures, operating procedures, and leadership habits that quietly determine whether a restaurant can survive economic cycles, labor challenges, and shifting consumer preferences.


The conversation explores how operators should approach technology investments, why many restaurants adopt tools before they're ready to use them effectively, and how to evaluate whether a platform is solving a real problem or simply adding complexity.


Beyond operations, Ryan discusses the realities of modern restaurant marketing, why authenticity often outperforms polished campaigns, and how restaurants can use social media effectively without outsourcing their voice. Most importantly, he explains why longevity, not virality, should be the goal. The restaurants that endure aren't necessarily the trendiest or most talked about. They're the ones that consistently deliver great experiences year after year.


This episode offers a practical blueprint for building a hospitality business designed to last.


What You'll Learn:

  • Why operational systems matter more than great food when building a sustainable restaurant
  • The foundational processes every restaurant owner should master before scaling
  • How to evaluate technology investments and avoid unnecessary software expenses
  • Why your reservation platform is often your most important technology decision
  • How to scale from one location to multiple locations without losing control
  • Why trust and proximity matter when building leadership teams
  • The role landlords and strategic partners play in long-term success
  • How to use social media effectively without relying on expensive agencies or PR firms
  • Why authentic content often outperforms highly produced marketing
  • The importance of food costing, inventory management, and kitchen systems
  • Why consistency beats chasing trends and viral attention
  • The mindset required to build a hospitality brand that remains relevant for decades


Ryan Pernice is the founder of R.O. Hospitality and owner-operator of Table & Main and Osteria Mattone, two acclaimed restaurants in Roswell, Georgia. Throughout his career, Ryan has focused on building hospitality businesses that combine exceptional guest experiences with disciplined operational systems, long-term financial sustainability, and meaningful community impact.


As a restaurateur, he is deeply involved in every aspect of his businesses, from financial forecasting and kitchen design to team development, service standards, culinary direction, and brand strategy. Through R.O. Hospitality, Ryan also works alongside fellow restaurant operators to strengthen the foundational systems that support growth, including revenue forecasting, organizational structure, operational workflows, and hospitality execution.


If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.

Episode Resources:



Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 2481 What if the difference between a restaurant that lasts ten years and one that disappears in three has nothing to do with the food? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Ryan Pernice, founder of R.O. Hospitality and owner of Table & Main and Osteria Mattone, to explore the operational systems, technology decisions, and leadership principles that create sustainable restaurant businesses. From inventory management and team building to scaling locations and staying relevant in a changing market, Ryan shares the practical realities behind long-term success in one of the toughest industries in business. What if the difference between a restaurant that lasts ten years and one that disappears in three has nothing to do with the food? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rahul Jaswa sits down with Ryan Pernice, founder of R.O. Hospitality and owner of Table & Main and Osteria Mattone, to explore the operational systems, technology decisions, and leadership principles that create sustainable restaurant businesses. From inventory management and team building to scaling locations and staying relevant in a changing market, Ryan shares the practical realities behind long-term success in one of the toughest industries in business. Restaurant Business, Restaurant Management, Restaurant Operations, Restaurant Owner, Hospitality Industry, Hospitality Leadership, Restaurant Technology, Restaurant Marketing, Restaurant Systems, Food Cost Control, Inventory Management, Customer Experience, Restaurant Profitability, Scaling a Restaurant, Multi Location Business, Small Business Growth, Local Business Growth, Small Business Operations, Business Systems, Business Operations, Customer Acquisition, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Local Business Owner, Business Growth Strategy, Small Business Success, Technology Adoption, Restaurant Scaling, Operational Excellence, Hospitality Business No No Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection https://podcasts.fame.so/e/lnqwzv2n-tea-ritual-and-reinvention-building-a-lifestyle-brand-rooted-in-healing-and-connection Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection 4 No No 81nvnrk1 What if the most powerful brands aren’t built around products at all, but around the feeling they create? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Zhena Muzyka, founder and master tea blender of Magic Hour, to unpack how she transformed decades of experience in fair trade tea, herbalism, and healing practices into a lifestyle brand centered around ritual, connection, and conscious living. From entrepreneurship and wellness to spirituality and purpose, Zhena explains why tea can become more than a beverage, it can become a catalyst for transformation.
What if the most powerful businesses aren’t built around products, but around rituals, meaning, and human connection? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Zhena Muzyka, founder and master tea blender of Magic Hour, to unpack her journey from pioneering the organic and fair trade tea movement to building a modern wellness lifestyle brand rooted in ancient healing traditions.


Drawing from more than 25 years in the tea industry, Zhena explains how tea ceremony, herbalism, aromatherapy, and conscious living became the foundation for a business designed not just to sell products, but to create transformation and emotional connection.


The conversation explores how modern consumers are searching for deeper meaning, ritual, and intentionality in everyday life and why brands that create experiences around those desires are building stronger communities and longer-lasting customer relationships.


Zhena also reflects on her personal journey as an entrepreneur, author, herbalist, and coach, sharing how her Roma heritage, global travels, and spiritual practices shaped both her philosophy and her business model. From sourcing ethically produced ingredients to creating products designed around emotional and energetic states, she discusses what it means to build a mission-driven company in today’s wellness economy.


This episode is a thoughtful exploration of entrepreneurship, healing, conscious branding, and the growing desire for products that nourish not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why modern consumers are craving ritual, connection, and intentional experiences
  • How tea ceremonies can create mindfulness, healing, and emotional grounding
  • The role of storytelling and emotional resonance in building a lifestyle brand
  • Why conscious sourcing and fair trade practices matter more than ever
  • How to turn personal philosophy and lived experience into a scalable business
  • The difference between selling products and creating transformation
  • How wellness brands can build deeper customer loyalty through meaning and ritual
  • Why slowing down can actually become a competitive advantage in modern business
  • How herbalism, aromatherapy, and ancient healing practices influence modern wellness
  • The importance of authenticity when building a mission-driven brand
  • How spirituality, creativity, and entrepreneurship can coexist in business
  • Why conscious living is becoming a larger part of consumer identity and purchasing behavior 

Zhena Muzyka is the founder and master tea blender of Magic Hour, a fast-growing lifestyle and wellness brand dedicated to connecting people through the ancient art of tea ceremony. A pioneer in the organic and fair trade tea movement, Zhena has spent more than 25 years sourcing and creating ethically produced, high-quality teas designed to inspire healing, mindfulness, and connection.


Beyond tea, Zhena is an herbalist, aromatherapist, author, coach, and wellness educator whose work blends ancient healing traditions with modern conscious living practices. Drawing inspiration from her Roma heritage, global travels, and training across multiple healing modalities, she has built a brand focused on transformation through ritual, herbs, storytelling, and intentional living.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.


Episode Resources:



Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 2383 What if the most powerful brands aren’t built around products at all, but around the feeling they create? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Zhena Muzyka, founder and master tea blender of Magic Hour, to unpack how she transformed decades of experience in fair trade tea, herbalism, and healing practices into a lifestyle brand centered around ritual, connection, and conscious living. From entrepreneurship and wellness to spirituality and purpose, Zhena explains why tea can become more than a beverage, it can become a catalyst for transformation. What if the most powerful brands aren’t built around products at all, but around the feeling they create? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Zhena Muzyka, founder and master tea blender of Magic Hour, to unpack how she transformed decades of experience in fair trade tea, herbalism, and healing practices into a lifestyle brand centered around ritual, connection, and conscious living. From entrepreneurship and wellness to spirituality and purpose, Zhena explains why tea can become more than a beverage, it can become a catalyst for transformation. TeaCeremony, ConsciousLiving, WellnessBranding, FairTrade, OrganicTea, Herbalism, RitualDesign, MindfulLiving, LifestyleBrand, MissionDrivenBusiness, SpiritualEntrepreneurship, HolisticWellness, FounderJourney, PersonalTransformation, BrandStorytelling, PurposeDrivenBrand, DirectToConsumer, WellnessEntrepreneurship, WomenEntrepreneurs No No Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is https://podcasts.fame.so/e/2n6qjzr8-why-your-ads-aren-t-the-problem-your-follow-up-is Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is 3 No No j02r48v0 What if the reason your marketing isn’t working has nothing to do with your ads? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Lauren Petrullo, Founder and CMO of Mongoose Media, to unpack why most local businesses misunderstand marketing from the start. From building brand awareness on a $5/day budget to creating follow-up systems that actually convert leads into customers, Lauren shares the frameworks behind sustainable growth without wasting money chasing instant results.
What if your marketing problem isn’t your ad creative but the expectations you’ve attached to it? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Lauren Petrullo, Founder and CMO of Mongoose Media, to break down how local businesses can build scalable marketing systems without falling into the trap of expecting immediate ROI from every campaign.


Lauren explains why most businesses rush into lead generation before building any brand awareness, and why small-budget reach campaigns often outperform aggressive sales-focused ads in the early stages. She shares her philosophy that marketing should make your business impossible to ignore locally, becoming what she jokingly calls the “digital herpes of insurance.”


Lauren emphasizes that most failed campaigns aren’t caused by bad ads - they fail because businesses don’t respond quickly enough, nurture leads properly, or build systems for long-term customer relationships.


Finally, the episode explores the growing role of AI in marketing. Rather than using AI to replace human thinking, Lauren argues that businesses should use it as a strategic sparring partner to improve ideas, sharpen messaging, and increase effectiveness, not simply automate everything.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why local businesses should prioritize brand awareness before lead generation
  • How to market effectively on a $5–$60/day budget without wasting money
  • Why boosting Facebook posts hurts more than it helps
  • The real role of an ad and why it’s not responsible for making the sale
  • How landing pages, CRM systems, texts, emails, and calls work together to drive conversions
  • Most businesses fail because of weak follow-up systems, not weak ads
  • How to test ad creatives properly using completely different concepts and angles
  • The importance of customer lifetime value when evaluating marketing ROI
  • Why grassroots marketing still works for local businesses like med spas, Pilates studios, and salons
  • How to use discounts and promotions strategically without damaging your brand
  • Why AI should make you more effective, not just more efficient
  • How to think about marketing as a long-term investment instead of a quick transaction

Lauren Petrullo is the founder and CMO of Mongoose Media, a performance marketing agency specializing in paid media, lifecycle marketing, AI systems, and conversion-focused growth strategies. With more than 13 years of experience, Lauren has helped multiple brands scale to over $1 million per month in revenue through a blend of data-driven strategy, creative execution, and marketing systems design.


A former innovation producer at The Walt Disney Company, Lauren is also a Meta Leaders Network member and serves on Meta’s Global Small Business Innovation Committee. Her work and insights have been featured in Forbes, Inc., Advertising Week, Fox, CBS, and more.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.


Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 2873 What if the reason your marketing isn’t working has nothing to do with your ads? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Lauren Petrullo, Founder and CMO of Mongoose Media, to unpack why most local businesses misunderstand marketing from the start. From building brand awareness on a $5/day budget to creating follow-up systems that actually convert leads into customers, Lauren shares the frameworks behind sustainable growth without wasting money chasing instant results. What if the reason your marketing isn’t working has nothing to do with your ads? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Lauren Petrullo, Founder and CMO of Mongoose Media, to unpack why most local businesses misunderstand marketing from the start. From building brand awareness on a $5/day budget to creating follow-up systems that actually convert leads into customers, Lauren shares the frameworks behind sustainable growth without wasting money chasing instant results. No No From Corporate Burnout to $50K Months: Building a High-Ticket Wellness Business That Succeeds https://podcasts.fame.so/e/1np750v8-from-corporate-burnout-to-50k-months-building-a-high-ticket-wellness-business-that-succeeds From Corporate Burnout to $50K Months: Building a High-Ticket Wellness Business That Succeeds 2 No No z0r4jq30 What if your biggest growth problem isn’t marketing but who you’re attracting and how you’re pricing? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Kelly Lang, co-owner of Zivel Palm Coast, to unpack how he went from tech sales burnout to building a $50K/month performance and recovery studio. From discovering his unexpected ideal customer to using pricing as a filter for quality clients, Kelly shares the hard-earned lessons behind building a profitable, sustainable local business. What if your biggest growth problem isn’t marketing but who you’re attracting and how you’re pricing? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Kelly Lang, co-owner of Zivel Palm Coast, to unpack how he went from tech sales burnout to building a $50K/month performance and recovery studio. From discovering his unexpected ideal customer to using pricing as a filter for quality clients, Kelly shares the hard-earned lessons behind building a profitable, sustainable local business. 

Kelly shares the unfiltered reality of starting from zero - no clear customer profile, early marketing mistakes, and costly missteps like losing thousands to the wrong agency. One of his biggest breakthroughs came from realizing that his first customers weren’t his ideal market. Instead of gym-goers, his core audience became affluent, retired professionals with both time and disposable income.


This episode is a candid look at what it really takes to build a successful local service business, from early uncertainty to consistent profitability, without sacrificing culture, team well-being, or personal balance.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why your first customers don’t define your true market and how to identify your ideal client
  • How pricing strategy filters for better customers and drives long-term profitability
  • Why capping offers and creating scarcity can increase willingness to pay
  • The risks of cheap marketing and how to build effective agency partnerships
  • How to transition from generic ads to high-intent, targeted customer acquisition
  • The importance of protecting your team from difficult customers and emotional burnout
  • How to build a sales process that removes guesswork and improves consistency
  • The operational habits that improve efficiency, margins, and customer experience
  • How to use data and AI to enhance customer insights and marketing performance
  • Why treating employees as well as customers is critical for sustainable growth
  • How to scale to $50K months while maintaining work-life balance

Kelly Lang is the co-owner of Zivel and a lifelong athlete, coach, and recovery advocate dedicated to helping people move, feel, and live better at every stage of life. A former Stanford gymnast and team captain, he later taught Ashtanga yoga and coached elite athletes in strength training and performance. After overcoming multiple shoulder surgeries and significant back injuries through intentional rehabilitation, Kelly now operates at full strength, shaping his commitment to non-pharmaceutical recovery. He is passionate about helping people move beyond pain, regain confidence in their bodies, and return to the activities that matter most. 


If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.


Episode Resources:

Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 3036 What if your biggest growth problem isn’t marketing but who you’re attracting and how you’re pricing? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Kelly Lang, co-owner of Zivel Palm Coast, to unpack how he went from tech sales burnout to building a $50K/month performance and recovery studio. From discovering his unexpected ideal customer to using pricing as a filter for quality clients, Kelly shares the hard-earned lessons behind building a profitable, sustainable local business. What if your biggest growth problem isn’t marketing but who you’re attracting and how you’re pricing? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Kelly Lang, co-owner of Zivel Palm Coast, to unpack how he went from tech sales burnout to building a $50K/month performance and recovery studio. From discovering his unexpected ideal customer to using pricing as a filter for quality clients, Kelly shares the hard-earned lessons behind building a profitable, sustainable local business. Made Locally, Entrepreneurship, Career Transition, Startup Journey, Business Growth No No From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses https://podcasts.fame.so/e/xny74qrn-from-fully-booked-to-fully-independent-the-real-economics-of-solo-beauty-businesses From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses 1 No No l14r9821 What if the biggest obstacle holding back your income isn’t your skill but your pricing and positioning? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Jean-Michel Chalayer, founder of LeSalon and CEO of Jena, to break down the real economics of going solo in the beauty industry. From why most professionals undercharge to how just 100 loyal clients can fully book your schedule, he shares practical strategies to help you build a profitable, independent business without relying on platforms that eat into your margins. What if the biggest obstacle holding back your income isn’t your skill but your pricing and positioning? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Jean-Michel Chalayer, founder of LeSalon and CEO of Jena, to break down the real economics of going solo in the beauty industry. From why most professionals undercharge to how just 100 loyal clients can fully book your schedule, he shares practical strategies to help you build a profitable, independent business without relying on platforms that eat into your margins.

Jean-Michel shares lessons from building a £1M+ mobile beauty marketplace and explains why many professionals leave money on the table, often underpricing their services by as much as 50%. He reveals the simple math behind needing just 100 repeat clients to stay fully booked, along with the key levers for growth once capacity is reached: pricing, premium services, and operational efficiency.

This episode is a roadmap for beauty professionals who want more control, higher income, and long-term sustainability while avoiding the common pitfalls of going independent.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why most beauty professionals should increase their prices by at least 50% and how to do it confidently
  • The “100 repeat customers” framework to achieve a fully booked schedule
  • Why pricing becomes your most powerful growth lever once demand is stable
  • The two essentials for premium positioning: personal brand and consistency
  • How to launch a beauty business with £500–£1,000 and no initial clients
  • The “model call” hack to generate content, testimonials, and your first paying customers
  • What the “admin tax” is and how it silently reduces your income
  • When and why to hire admin or social media support to unlock growth
  • Why “freedom” is the wrong reason to go solo and what mindset actually works
  • How to grow from £50k to £100k+ annually without hiring staff or opening new locations
  • A smarter way to do customer research by focusing on behavior, not opinions 

Jean-Michel Chalayer is the founder of Jena, an all-in-one software platform designed to help beauty, health, and wellness professionals run independent businesses with ease. He is also the founder of LeSalon, a leading premium at-home beauty service in London, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Retail and E-Commerce.

With a background as a strategy consultant at Oliver Wyman and education from London Business School, Jean combines business strategy with deep industry insight. Through his work, he focuses on empowering solopreneurs to grow faster, increase profitability, and take control of their brand and operations without relying on traditional platforms.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.


Episode Resources:

Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 2737 What if the biggest obstacle holding back your income isn’t your skill but your pricing and positioning? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Jean-Michel Chalayer, founder of LeSalon and CEO of Jena, to break down the real economics of going solo in the beauty industry. From why most professionals undercharge to how just 100 loyal clients can fully book your schedule, he shares practical strategies to help you build a profitable, independent business without relying on platforms that eat into your margins. What if the biggest obstacle holding back your income isn’t your skill but your pricing and positioning? In this episode of Made Locally, host Rajul Jaswa sits down with Jean-Michel Chalayer, founder of LeSalon and CEO of Jena, to break down the real economics of going solo in the beauty industry. From why most professionals undercharge to how just 100 loyal clients can fully book your schedule, he shares practical strategies to help you build a profitable, independent business without relying on platforms that eat into your margins. No No Made Locally https://podcasts.fame.so/e/182r7k38-made-locally Made Locally 0 No No 2099nxz0 Made Locally is for the entrepreneurs building amazing local businesses. The owners, operators, and founders grinding every day to create something important to their communities. Made Locally is produced by Keystone and hosted by Rahul Jaswa. Each episode explores the stories, tools, and strategies that successful local businesses have used to acquire customers, build strong local brands, and grow rapidly and profitably. No theory. No fluff. Just practical insights and best practices from entrepreneurs that have been in the trenches. From the best online marketing strategies to systems and protocols that improve retention, from hiring the right talent to automating the most painful and mundane parts of your business, this is your playbook for growth. You’ll hear real stories, honest lessons, and proven strategies from operators who’ve been in your shoes and done it right. If you’re trying to get more customers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts, this podcast is your unfair advantage. Made Locally is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
 
Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
  • Why Your Ads Aren’t the Problem - Your Follow-Up Is
  • From Fully Booked to Fully Independent: The Real Economics of Solo Beauty Businesses
  • Tea, Ritual, and Reinvention: Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Healing and Connection

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Keystone Keystone 56 Made Locally is for the entrepreneurs building amazing local businesses. The owners, operators, and founders grinding every day to create something important to their communities. Made Locally is produced by Keystone and hosted by Rahul Jaswa. Each episode explores the stories, tools, and strategies that successful local businesses have used to acquire customers, build strong local brands, and grow rapidly and profitably. No theory. No fluff. Just practical insights and best practices from entrepreneurs that have been in the trenches. From the best online marketing strategies to systems and protocols that improve retention, from hiring the right talent to automating the most painful and mundane parts of your business, this is your playbook for growth. You’ll hear real stories, honest lessons, and proven strategies from operators who’ve been in your shoes and done it right. If you’re trying to get more customers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts, this podcast is your unfair advantage. Made Locally is for the entrepreneurs building amazing local businesses. The owners, operators, and founders grinding every day to create something important to their communities. Made Locally is produced by Keystone and hosted by Rahul Jaswa. Each episode explores the stories, tools, and strategies that successful local businesses have used to acquire customers, build strong local brands, and grow rapidly and profitably. No theory. No fluff. Just practical insights and best practices from entrepreneurs that have been in the trenches. From the best online marketing strategies to systems and protocols that improve retention, from hiring the right talent to automating the most painful and mundane parts of your business, this is your playbook for growth. You’ll hear real stories, honest lessons, and proven strategies from operators who’ve been in your shoes and done it right. If you’re trying to get more customers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts, this podcast is your unfair advantage. No No