Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or small business owner, this episode offers valuable strategies for leveling up your impact—without losing yourself along the way. Tune in and get inspired to build lasting change!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Business Inspires! Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Faith Rivera, CEO and principal consultant of Alo Civitas Consulting. Faith Rivera shares her journey from noticing widespread challenges in the nonprofit and small business sectors—like burnout and funding struggles—to founding a company rooted in “nourishing communities.”

Discover how her team has helped organizations raise millions, strengthen infrastructures, and launch impactful, equity-driven initiatives. In this conversation, you’ll learn about Alo Civitas Consulting’s tailored approach to capacity building, the importance of sustainable growth, and concrete steps leaders can take to avoid burnout and find greater fulfillment.

Moments

00:00 "Overcoming Burnout, Building Impact"

04:03 "Allocitas: Nourishing Communities"

07:11 "Building Capacity for Change"

10:40 Burnout, Boundaries, and Sustainable Growth

13:53 Funding Uncertainty Challenges Businesses

17:17 Overcoming Overwhelm Strategically

21:15 "Building Community and Leadership Renewal"

Top 3 takeaways for leaders and changemakers:

1. Capacity for Change is Key: Alo Civitas' tagline is “We build capacity for change.” Faith Rivera and her team don’t just offer one-size-fits-all solutions—they meet leaders exactly where they are and walk alongside to help identify needs, build knowledge, and support sustainable growth.
2. Sustainable Success > Burnout: Having personally experienced burnout multiple times, Faith Rivera now makes it a core part of her consulting to help organizations grow strategically without sacrificing well-being. Her insight: “You cannot give from an empty cup,” and sustainable change starts by taking care of ourselves as leaders.
3. Funding Diversity & Real Impact: Alo Civitas Consulting has helped organizations secure over $10 million in grant funding, demonstrating the power of diversifying revenue streams and focusing on measurable impact, especially in uncertain times.

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Copyright 2026 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

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Business Inspires is brought to you by Grandview Heights, where opportunity isn’t just a promise, it’s a way of life. This is where innovation meets community. This is where local businesses thrive alongside vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you're building a company, raising a family, or investing in the future, Grandview Heights offers the perfect balance of access, culture, and connection.

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Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a birthday, or just looking for some entrepreneurial inspiration, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and a guaranteed craving for ice cream!

On this episode of Business Inspires, Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with La'Zendra Danforth, the visionary behind Konfetti Carts—a premium ice cream cart catering service making a splash in Columbus, Ohio.

With over 20 years of event planning experience, La'Zendra Danforth shares the story behind turning a quest for the perfect “wow factor” into a full-fledged business that brings elegance, fun, and unforgettable ice cream moments to gatherings of every kind.

You'll hear how Konfetti Carts customizes every detail—from flavors to cart décor—to match each client’s unique vision, serves up joy all year round with indoor setups, and relies on deep community connections and local partnerships to grow. The conversation explores creative event ideas, crowd-favorite flavors like brown butter bourbon, and the importance of excellence and service in building a standout brand.

Moments

00:00 "Confetti Ice Cream Experience"

06:50 Strategic Networking for Business Success

09:43 Custom Fun Ice Cream Bars

11:32 "Versatile Event Services Provided"

14:17 Brown Butter Bourbon Craze

17:31 "Ice Cream Joy Bringers"

21:13 Mobile Ice Cream Business Growth

Top 3 takeaways

1. Customization is Key: Konfetti Carts goes above and beyond to tailor their offerings for clients—matching event aesthetics with cart decor, flavors, and even branding. From weddings to corporate events, every detail is designed to create memorable experiences.
2. Networking Drives Success: As a newcomer to Columbus, La'Zendra Danforth credits strategic networking and community partnerships for Konfetti Carts’ visibility and growth. Getting involved locally was essential to building a thriving business.
3. Inclusive & Creative Offerings: From specialty ice cream bars (think raspberry sorbet + champagne!) to dairy-free and gluten-free options, Konfetti Carts ensures there’s something for everyone—and easily adapts to fun, off-the-wall client requests.

Copyright 2026 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

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Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Grandview Heights

Business Inspires is brought to you by Grandview Heights, where opportunity isn’t just a promise, it’s a way of life. This is where innovation meets community. This is where local businesses thrive alongside vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you're building a company, raising a family, or investing in the future, Grandview Heights offers the perfect balance of access, culture, and connection.

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Join us as we explore the power of local food and the thriving spirit of Central Ohio’s farmers' markets!

Welcome back to Business Inspires, the podcast of the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership, where we shine a light on innovative businesses and the passionate people behind them.

Hosts Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Abbe Turner, Executive Director of Common Greens, a nonprofit organization connecting Central Ohio communities with local farmers and food producers.

Abbe Turner shares her journey as an entrepreneur, farmer, and advocate for ethical land stewardship, while diving into the inspiring story behind Common Greens—a network managing five vibrant farmers' markets across Columbus. Discover how these markets generate significant economic impact, foster food access through programs like SNAP and Produce Perks, and serve as a launching pad for beginning entrepreneurs of all ages.

From preserving Ohio farmland to dreams of year-round markets and building strong community ties, this episode covers it all. Whether you’re a shopper, potential vendor, or someone passionate about supporting local food systems, you’ll find inspiration and practical ways to get involved.

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Moments

00:00 Common Greens Farmers' Market History

04:13 "Farmers' Market Impact Highlights"

09:52 Expanding Farmers' Markets Nationwide

10:54 "Building Community Weekly"

Three key takeaways:

1. Farmers earn more. By selling at farmers' markets, local producers make 40-70% more for their products compared to traditional grocery stores, keeping up to 80% of sales at the farm gate.
2. Community food access. Over $35,000 in SNAP dollars were processed last season, and acceptance of programs like Produce Perks and senior coupons means everyone can enjoy fresh, local food.
3. Building vibrant, sustainable economies. Supporting regional farmers helps preserve Ohio farmland, fosters sustainable practices, and creates safe, joyful community spaces for all.

Copyright 2026 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's Get Back To the Interview 2

We'll be back right after this 2

Brought to you by Grandview Heights

Business Inspires is brought to you by Grandview Heights, where opportunity isn’t just a promise, it’s a way of life. This is where innovation meets community. This is where local businesses thrive alongside vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you're building a company, raising a family, or investing in the future, Grandview Heights offers the perfect balance of access, culture, and connection.

Grandview Heights