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From Dreams of a Bakery to Owning Axe Republic with Lydia Hertzler

Fanatical DreamHer

Release Date: 02/11/2025

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Episode Description:

In this episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp speaks with Lydia Hertzler, the owner of Axe Republic in Williamsburg, Virginia. Lydia shares her journey from early dreams of owning a bakery to navigating the twists and turns of life that led her to become the owner of an axe-throwing business. Her story is a perfect example of how dreams evolve and how passion, resilience, and perseverance can turn unexpected opportunities into a thriving business. Lydia’s journey is filled with lessons on embracing challenges, personal growth, and staying true to your vision.

Key Discussion Points:

  • 01:29 – Lydia’s early passion for food and dreams of owning a bakery or coffee shop.
  • 03:14 – A life-changing car accident that shifted Lydia’s direction toward distilling and spirits.
  • 04:11 – How Lydia ended up managing and later purchasing Axe Republic.
  • 05:32 – Combining her love for food and her husband’s interest in axe-throwing to run Axe Republic.
  • 06:57 – The personal growth Lydia has experienced through the challenges of running a business.
  • 07:43 – Juggling the demands of business and family as Lydia balances her role as a mom.
  • 09:17 – Lydia’s lack of formal training and how she relied on life experiences to succeed in business.
  • 11:29 – Overcoming obstacles as a young woman in small business and the challenges of being taken seriously.
  • 13:24 – Lydia’s self-talk and mindset to overcome tough days, including prayer and affirmations.
  • 15:10 – The evolution of Lydia’s dream and how she made it a reality.
  • 17:09 – Reflecting on personal milestones, including marriage and motherhood.
  • 18:59 – Advice for younger women pursuing their dreams in business.
  • 19:27 – Lydia’s creative thinking in marketing and social media to keep the business fresh and engaging.

Notable Quotes:

  • “I’m fine, or I’ve got this.” – Lydia Hertzler
  • “If you don’t think you can do it, you’re not going to think it.” – Lydia Hertzler

Takeaways:

  • Dreams can evolve and take unexpected turns—embrace those shifts.
  • The journey to success is rarely linear, and it’s okay to change direction along the way.
  • Resilience and a positive mindset are key in overcoming obstacles and achieving your dreams.
  • Support from family and a strong sense of community can be crucial in running a business.
  • Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, especially when it comes to marketing and business strategies.

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