In this heartwarming episode, Amy sits down with Linda and Isaak Cermak, the married duo behind Sonoma County’s well-loved Red Bird Bakery — a place that feels like stepping into someone’s home kitchen the moment you walk through the door. Together, they share the story behind the name, the roots that inspire their craft, and the early mornings spent “listening to the dough” and growing their business.

This conversation unfolds like a slow, comforting bake: full of intention, creativity, and a deep love for nourishing their community. From the delicate layers of Linda’s pastries to Isaak’s artisan loaves shaped by decades of craft, you’ll hear how the Cermaks built a bakery centered on warmth, connection, and the simple joy of feeding people well. It’s a celebration of small town magic, shared dreams, and the beauty of building something meaningful together.

You can find Red Bird Bakery at 556 East Cotati Ave in Cotati and 463 Sebastopol Ave in Santa Rosa. You can also find them on Instagram at @redbirdbakery and redbirdbakery.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

Poppy’s was already one of downtown Petaluma’s most charming destinations — a cheerful, thoughtfully curated toy shop where families could find something special for every child. But since our last episode together, owner Kate Brown has taken her dream even further, transforming Poppy’s into a true community hub.

In this episode, Kate shares the heart behind her expansion and what it’s been like to grow from a retail space into a multi-faceted gathering place that now includes a cafe (with boba!), a Homework Club, and a packed calendar of creative events. We talk about how she’s reimagined what a local store can be — a spot where families linger, friendships form, and community comes alive.

As the holidays approach, Kate also gives us a peek at what’s in store this season — from gift ideas that spark joy to festive drinks that make shopping a little sweeter. Whether you’re a parent, a local shopper, or just someone who loves seeing small businesses thrive, this episode will leave you inspired to shop local, slow down, and savor the magic of connection this holiday season.

You can find Poppy’s at 136 Petaluma Blvd N in Petaluma, @poppyspetaluma on Instagram, and poppyspetaluma.com.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year — and no one spreads the holiday spirit quite like Alyssa Romano, owner of Shades of Green Holiday Design. Based in Petaluma, Alyssa and her talented team specialize in transforming corporate offices, hospitality spaces, and local businesses into festive, elegant holiday showcases.

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, Amy chats with Alyssa about how her creative career evolved into a full-service holiday design company that helps businesses take the stress out of seasonal decorating. From sparkling trees and lush garlands to tasteful lighting and timeless color palettes, Alyssa shares how she brings warmth and magic to spaces big and small — all while helping companies create an inviting, joyful atmosphere for their teams and customers.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into large-scale holiday installations, this year’s most popular design trends, and how Alyssa keeps the spirit alive year-round. Plus, she shares whether she’s hiring for the busy season and offers tips for making your own décor stand out this holiday.

You can find Shades of Green at shadesofgreenholidaydesign.com and @shades_of_green_holiday_design on Instagram.

You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.