Breaking Into Big Leagues: Becca Fallon on Landing a Dream Job with the Atlanta Braves
Release Date: 12/09/2024
From Vision to Vibe: Autumn Clayton on Building Covet, Arlington’s Favorite Gift Shop
Fanatical DreamHer
In this episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp sits down with the vibrant and inspiring Autumn Clayton, founder of Covet, a beloved neighborhood gift boutique in Arlington, Virginia. From her early days exploring little shops as a child to becoming the heartbeat behind one of Arlington’s most adored retail spaces, Autumn shares the scrappy, heartfelt, and creative journey that brought her dream to life. She opens up about building Covet without a business plan, trusting her gut, surviving the early years and COVID, and investing in the next generation of young women who work...
info_outline
Building Champions On and Off the Field: The Rebecca Gunn Coaching Journey
Fanatical DreamHer
In this powerful episode of Fanatical DreamHer, April Kemp sits down with 2024 NAIA National Champion and SCAD Women’s Soccer Head Coach, Rebecca Gunn. A lifelong athlete and passionate leader, Rebecca shares how her coaching journey began, the culture she built from the ground up at SCAD, and how she inspires high-performing student-athletes with values of accountability, grit, and heart. From balancing family life with a demanding coaching schedule to empowering young women through self-talk and sport, Rebecca’s story is packed with wisdom for athletes, moms, coaches, and every woman...
info_outline
From Coaching Dreams to Franchise Leadership: Emily Guillory’s Journey with Kidokinetics
Fanatical DreamHer
In this energizing and heartfelt episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp sits down with Emily Guillory, the spirited owner of the Kidokinetics franchise in Marietta, Georgia. Emily shares how her lifelong love for sports and working with children shaped her path—from teacher to stay-at-home mom to business owner. She opens up about the fears she faced, the power of selling herself, and the beautiful moment when her children could finally say, “My mom’s a coach!” Whether you’re exploring franchising, balancing motherhood and career, or just love stories about women chasing...
info_outline
From Pro Soccer to Purpose-Driven Practice: Dr. Steph Smith’s Path to AIMing Higher
Fanatical DreamHer
In this deeply inspiring episode, host April Kemp sits down with former professional soccer player turned chiropractor and business owner, Dr. Stephanie Smith. After a successful collegiate and pro career, Dr. Steph shifted her focus to healing others—founding AIM Chiropractic and Fitness in Marietta, Georgia. Steph shares how her lifelong passion for movement, mindset, and resilience shaped both her sports career and her dream to create a welcoming space where anyone could feel seen, supported, and strengthened. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone ready to take a...
info_outline
From Nursing Shifts to Glamping Dreams: How Cat Brickey Built WyldStay with Grit, Cows & a Vision
Fanatical DreamHer
In this unforgettable episode, host April Kemp travels to Greenville, South Carolina to visit WyldStay—a glamping and Highland cow farm experience created by the inspiring and resilient Cat Brickey. From an ER nurse and single mom to a full-fledged farm entrepreneur, Cat shares how she built a dream on land she visualized, funded herself, and grew with her own two hands (plus a few cow hooves). You’ll hear how Cat turned obstacles—county permitting issues, financing challenges, and self-doubt—into stepping stones, and how she uses her space to help families reconnect with nature, and...
info_outline
From Bath Time to Boss Moves: Erinn Loren’s Journey with Doggo Den Grooming
Fanatical DreamHer
In this inspiring episode, host April Kemp sits down with Erinn Loren, the passionate and determined founder of Doggo Den Grooming in Williamsburg, Virginia. From working three jobs and bathing dogs at PetSmart to launching her own salon during the pandemic, Erinn's story is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and leadership. Now with a growing team, an expanded salon, and big dreams for industry education reform, Erinn shares how she built a thriving business from scratch—one paw at a time. Tune in for real talk on entrepreneurship, community service, and why every step (and snip!) matters when...
info_outline
Stitching Joy: How Bonnie Burton Turned a Lifelong Passion into a Yarn-Filled Destination
Fanatical DreamHer
In this heartwarming and color-filled episode, host April Kemp welcomes Bonnie Burton, the creative mind behind Colorful Stitches Fine Yarn in Williamsburg, Virginia. Bonnie shares how a lifelong love for knitting blossomed into a full-scale business that’s now a destination for artists, crafters, and curious visitors alike. From corporate America to handcrafted windows that spark community buzz, Bonnie’s journey is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and following your joy. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a fiber art enthusiast, or someone looking for that extra spark to...
info_outline
From Side Hustle to Sweet Success: The 30-Year Journey of Virginia’s Finest Chocolates
Fanatical DreamHer
Episode Description: In this deliciously inspiring episode, host April Kemp sits down with Mary Griffith, founder of Virginia’s Finest Chocolates. What started as a high school hobby turned into a decades-long dream—now a thriving business built on chocolate, creativity, and courage. Mary shares how she grew her company from student projects to corporate gifting power player, while also mentoring young dreamers, navigating COVID pivots, and never missing a chance to deliver sweetness in person. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering if they can build a business from scratch,...
info_outline
A Mother-Daughter Dream Steeped in Tea: The Story of The Cheeky Teacup
Fanatical DreamHer
In this heartfelt Mother’s Day special, April Kemp sits down with Valerie Fatemi, founder of The Cheeky Teacup, and her daughter Andy—her teen business partner and co-visionary. Born out of the pandemic and powered by love, logistics, and teacups, this mobile tea party business is taking Atlanta and beyond by storm. Hear how they turned vintage charm into entrepreneurial gold, what it's like building a legacy as a mother-daughter duo, and how resilience, military discipline, and youthful confidence brew the perfect blend of success. Key Discussion Points: [01:39] The origin of The...
info_outline
Building Dreams, Changing Lives: Nori Horton and the Power of Paying It Forward
Fanatical DreamHer
In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp sits down with Nori Horton, an attorney and the board president of the Women’s Economic Development Council Foundation in Huntsville, Alabama. From a pivotal moment in 10th grade that sparked her dream of becoming an attorney to her inspiring leadership in providing mentorship and financial support to women scholars, Nori’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and paying it forward. With wisdom, vulnerability, and grit, she shares the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of mentorship, and the...
info_outlineEpisode Description:
In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp interviews Becca Fallon, the social media coordinator for the Atlanta Braves. Becca shares her journey from studying English and marketing in college to breaking into the competitive world of professional sports. She discusses how creativity, resilience, and transferable skills helped her land her dream role, even in the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to pursue a career in sports, build their confidence, and stand out in competitive industries.
Key Discussion Points:
- [00:03:00] Becca’s college journey: Majoring in English and discovering her passion for storytelling in sports
- [00:10:45] Navigating the job market during COVID-19 and landing a position with the Braves’ trainee program
- [00:18:30] The excitement and challenges of working in social media for a Major League Baseball team
- [00:25:15] How creativity and transferable skills set her apart when applying for the Braves
- [00:34:20] The importance of mentors, family support, and seizing every opportunity
- [00:42:15] Becca’s advice for aspiring sports professionals: Start where your feet are and say yes to opportunities
Notable Quotes:
- “It’s not about where you start; it’s about where you’re going.”
- “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
- “Women often strive for perfection before opportunity—but there is no perfection, so why not take the opportunity and perfect as you go?”
Takeaways:
- Transferable skills and creativity can open doors in competitive industries.
- Opportunities are everywhere—start where you are and build from there.
- Self-belief is essential: you have to believe in yourself before asking others to believe in you.
- Joy and relationships matter more than titles or metrics in the long run.
Connect with Guest:
- LinkedIn: Becca Fallon
Connect with Us:
- Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher
- Stay updated on new episodes of Fanatical DreamHer: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/
- Email April: [email protected]
Join the DreamHer Community:
Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don’t forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media!