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From the Family Kitchen to Entrepreneurship: What's Her Lisa Hardwick Secret Ingredient?

What happens when the recipes, traditions, and lessons passed down through generations become the foundation for something bigger?

On this episode of Casual Convo – Midweek Flow, Robin, the Convo Cultivator, welcomes Lisa Hardwick of CMJ Events for a flavorful conversation about family, food, faith, and the journey of entrepreneurship.

Growing up in Boston in a culturally diverse family with Dominican and Italian roots, Lisa developed an appreciation for food that extended far beyond the kitchen. What began as a natural part of family life eventually became an opportunity to serve others through a family catering business.

But there's more to Lisa's story than knowing how to prepare a delicious meal!

From discovering the power of fresh herbs and spices to experimenting with new cuisines, Lisa shares why remaining teachable is essential—even when you're already skilled at your craft.

She also opens up about the lessons she's learned as an entrepreneur, including the importance of persistence, customer service, flexibility, and keeping the faith when opportunities don't unfold as expected.

And here's where the conversation gets even better!

Lisa shares how cooking for her sons and their friends helped create opportunities through word of mouth, reminding us that sometimes the seeds of a business are planted while we're simply serving others.

We also explore the importance of family traditions, teaching the next generation practical skills, and how sharing a meal can create meaningful connections.

Here's something to think about: What if the very thing you do naturally is the gift that opens the door to your next opportunity?

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone looking for inspiration to pursue your passion, this conversation serves up practical wisdom with a generous helping of encouragement.

Because sometimes the secret ingredient isn't found in the recipe—it's found in faith, persistence, a willingness to learn, and a heart to serve.

Because every convo always keeps YOU in the KNOW!

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What if some of the most powerful stories of our history were waiting to be discovered beneath the water?

On this episode of Casual Convo – Midweek Flow, Robin, the Convo Cultivator, welcomes Jay Haigler, an underwater archaeologist, scientific diver, researcher, and storyteller whose extraordinary journey proves that sometimes our greatest purpose unfolds in places we never imagined.

Jay didn't begin his career underwater. With a background in engineering and commercial real estate development, he spent years solving problems and creating opportunities on land. But a vacation with his wife, Vanessa, in the Cayman Islands introduced him to scuba diving—and opened the door to an entirely new calling.

That journey eventually connected him with Dr. Albert José Jones, founder of the historic Underwater Adventure Seekers scuba diving club, who helped break barriers for African Americans in diving.

What began as a recreational interest became a mission to preserve history, honor ancestors, and create opportunities for future generations.

Jay shares his remarkable experience diving into the hull of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to bring captive Africans to the United States in 1860. He describes the darkness, the emotion, and the profound responsibility of entering a space connected to the lives of those who endured one of history's greatest injustices.

But the story doesn't end with discovering history.

Through his involvement with the Slave Wrecks Project, Diving With a Purpose, and educational initiatives such as Swim to Scuba and the Next Generation Storyteller Program, Jay is helping young people develop the skills to explore, document, and preserve stories that deserve to be told.

This conversation takes us beyond the ocean floor and into a deeper understanding of representation, mentorship, legacy, and the importance of knowing where we come from.

What happens when discovering history becomes a responsibility to preserve it for generations yet to come?

Join us for an inspiring conversation about unexpected career paths, underwater exploration, African American history, the power of mentorship, and the responsibility of passing knowledge forward.

Because every convo always keeps YOU in the KNOW.

Stay in the Know — CasualConvo.app

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

What happens when you walk away from something you once loved—only to discover that the passion may still be waiting for you?

In this episode of Casual Convo – Midweek Flow, Robin, the Convo Cultivator, sits down with Georgia resident Kimberly Walker for a fascinating conversation about music, career transitions, rediscovering passion, and finding your way back to what makes you come alive.

Kimberly began her career with a love for music, but somewhere along the journey, that passion began to fade. Her path eventually led her in a completely different direction—into a specialized area of meteorology and weather.

It may have seemed like music was simply a chapter she had closed. But sometimes the things we are truly connected to have a way of calling us back.

Kimberly shares her journey of returning to her love of music and what she learned through the different seasons of her life. Her story is a reminder that changing direction doesn't necessarily mean you've abandoned your purpose. Sometimes the detour gives you the experiences, perspective, and growth you need before returning to something you once loved.

If you've ever lost enthusiasm for something that once brought you joy—or wondered whether it's too late to revisit an old passion—Kimberly's story may cause you to look at your own journey differently.

Maybe the passion isn't gone. Maybe it's simply waiting to be rediscovered.

Tune in for a conversation about career pivots, meteorology, music, rediscovering passion, and having the courage to return to what you love.

Because every convo always keeps YOU in the KNOW.

Visit: CasualConvo.app