January: MilSpo Entrepreneur Community Updates & Opportunities
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Release Date: 01/16/2026
Let's get visible workshop with Kera Sanchez & Moni Jefferson
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Let's Get Visible Workshop If your ideal customer doesn't know you exist, it doesn't matter how great your business is. In this workshop episode, we break down five proven, actionable strategies military spouse entrepreneurs can use to get seen, build credibility, and connect with the people who actually want to buy from them — no matter how many times you've moved or restarted. Key Highlights Media features: how to pitch your story to local news, magazines, and blogs — and the follow-up step most entrepreneurs skip. Networking groups: why being an active member (not just a member) of...
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Your Seat at the Summit: Laura Early on Why It's Worth It
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Empowering Military Spouses: Inside the More Than a MilSpouse Summit Laura Early — friend of the show and fellow entrepreneur — joins Owning Up to talk about the upcoming More Than a MilSpouse Summit and why being in the room matters for military spouses building businesses. From summit updates to the power of community and networking, Laura makes the case for why every spouse's story and presence counts. Key Highlights The More Than a MilSpouse Summit is now set for October 9–10 at Dallas College, after a venue change from the National Medal of Honor Museum. Founders First Capital...
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Behind the Brand: More Than a MilSpouse Summit
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Note: This is a cross episode promotion. Make sure to tune into A special thank you to Blubrry for supporting this episode and Wendy’s presentation at the More Than a MilSpouse Summit. Blubrry is a podcast hosting and media publishing platform that helps creators launch, grow, and monetize their shows. This episode is dedicated to the late Todd Cochran, founder of Blubrry, a retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer and a true pioneer in podcasting. His support for military creators and entrepreneurs continues to make an impact. In this special Behind the...
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Build It Bold: The Ultimate Military Spouse Summit 2026
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Episode Overview Moni shares the exciting details of the upcoming More Than A Milspouse Summit, emphasizing its unique value for military spouses and entrepreneurs. She discusses the event's purpose, structure, key partners, and the theme 'Build It Bold,' inspiring listeners to participate and connect. Key Topics Event details and venue at the National Medal of Honor Museum The importance of networking and meeting new people Partnerships with organizations like Business Beyond the Battlefield, Wise Advice and Assist, Transition Mill Spouse, and MilSpo Social Theme 'Build It Bold'...
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Choosing Joy in the state of chaos
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Episode Overview Moni, the founder of AMSE, shares a heartfelt message of encouragement for military spouses navigating chaos, grief, and joy during turbulent times. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, faith, and protecting one's peace while continuing to build their businesses and lives. Takeaways You have permission to keep going despite chaos. Joy and grief can coexist; it's part of being human. Protect your peace by disengaging from negativity. Your mission and purpose still matter in tough times. Faith provides hope and strength in adversity. Resources Purchase More Than...
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Level Up Your Business with AI: Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide Issue 11
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
The Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide is back with its 11th issue, and this one is all about AI — specifically, how military spouse entrepreneurs can use AI tools to simplify, scale, and streamline their businesses. In this episode, we are diving into what makes this issue so valuable, why contributing to the guide is a game-changer for your visibility and credibility, and how you can use AI in your day-to-day operations without feeling overwhelmed by the tech. Plus, we are talking about what is coming next — the 12th issue and the More Than a Military Spouse Summit. If you are a...
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Sober, Social & Thriving: Free Life Revolution
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Episode Overview: In this powerful episode, host Moni sits down with Christina Kimbrough, founder of Free Life and AMSE Hampton Roads Chapter Leader, to explore her mission to revolutionize how we socialize. With 54% of Americans choosing not to drink—the lowest rate since Prohibition—Christina is creating inclusive, alcohol-free spaces where connection and celebration thrive without the pressure to drink. From mobile bartending with non-alcoholic beverages to intentional gatherings, Free Life proves that fun, friendship, and authentic connection don't require alcohol. Key...
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Reclaiming Yourself: Stephani Shepherd on Self-Care, Identity & Momentarily Gone
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Episode Overview: In this honest conversation, Moni sits down with Stephani Shepherd, founder of Great Life is a Must and AMSE DC Chapter Leader, to talk about something military spouses rarely give themselves—permission to take a break. Stephani's "Momentarily Gone" initiative is challenging the narrative that good moms sacrifice everything, proving instead that self-care isn't selfish, it's survival. From navigating the mental load of parenting to building a thriving chapter of military spouse entrepreneurs, Stephani shares practical wisdom on creating boundaries, communicating...
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Ignite Your Creativity and Community at Military CreatorCon
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode of Owning Up, AMSE CEO and Founder Moni sits down with Marah Lago, cofounder of Military CreatorCon, to explore how this groundbreaking conference is transforming the landscape for military creatives. From its humble beginnings as a one-day event to becoming a thriving hub for storytellers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, Military CreatorCon offers something truly different—a community-first approach that prioritizes connection over competition. Discover what makes this event a must-attend for anyone in the military community looking to grow their...
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February: MilSpo Entrepreneur Community Updates & Opportunities
A Military Spouse Small Business Podcast: Owning Up
Episode Overview In this episode Moni highlights a dynamic lineup of February programming created specifically for military spouses. From leadership development and AI integration to conquering impostor syndrome and business strategy, these events provide practical tools, expert coaching, and meaningful connections. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling an established business, this month offers opportunities to grow alongside a supportive community that truly understands the military spouse experience. Key Highlights Leadership development workshops tailored for military...
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Welcome to the AMSE monthly update! Join Moni, CEO and Founder of the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs, as she shares everything happening this month inside the AMSE Circle—your verified community for military spouse business owners.
In This Episode:
🎉 Big News: Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide Issue 11
- 75,000 printed copies distributed across military installations nationwide
- Ad space available starting at $250 (limited spots remaining!)
- Automatic inclusion for all members as of January 1st in the Military Spouse Directory
- Created by military spouses, for military spouses, in partnership with Stars and Stripes
- Submit your photos for potential feature consideration!
🔐 Join the AMSE Community
- Free membership at amseemembers.com
- Verified through GovEx (similar to ID.me)
- Safe, vetted community exclusively for military spouses
📅 January Events - 6 Opportunities to Learn & Connect
1. Imposter Syndrome Reset Circle
- Host: Heather Jones (certified coach, military spouse & veteran)
- Explore the mind-body connection behind freezing, shrinking, and undercharging
- Recurring sessions: February 18, March, April, May
2. Hampton Roads Chapter Meetup
- Date: January 16, 8-10am
- Location: Back Bay's Farmhouse (in-person)
- Chapter Leader: Christina Kimbrough, Founder of Free Life
3. Military Spouse Entrepreneur Open House
- Date: January 20
- Learn AMSE benefits and network with fellow military spouse entrepreneurs
- RSVP via Eventbrite link
4. AMSE Leadership Lab: Lead Like You Mean It
- Host: Andrea Singas (certified coach)
- Discover leadership qualities you already have as a military spouse
5. DC Chapter Virtual Meetup: Reach Customers Online with Google
- Date: January 23
- Chapter Leader: Stephanie Shepherd
- Open to entire AMSE community
6. Additional networking and learning opportunities throughout the month
✨ All Access Member Perks
- On-demand small business courses including Maria Elena's 3-part "Googleize Your Business" series
- Voxer coaching with Moni for real-time support
- Exclusive VIP intensive this month
- Access to the All Access Lounge
- Monthly CEO Power Hour guidance
👋 Welcome New Members!
13 new members joined in December—welcome to the community! Don't forget to introduce yourself in the intro thread.
Resources Mentioned:
- Join AMSE: amsemembers.com
- Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide ad inquiries: here
- Submit photos for the guide: here
- Chapter information and meetup RSVPs: Available in member portal
We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today!
We’d love to have you join our fantastic community!
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Join the ASSOC. OF MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY: https://www.amsemembers.com/
- Learn more about AMSE at www.amseagency.com
- Follow Monika Jefferson on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook
Connect with AMSE: Ready to stop building your business alone? Join our verified community of military spouse entrepreneurs today and access events, resources, coaching, and a network that truly understands your journey.