What if the biggest thing stopping you from writing a book isn't your ability, but your mindset?

On this episode of Huntsville Hustle, Joe Martin sits down with Dr. La Tracey McDonald, founder of Black Authors Rock, to discuss entrepreneurship, overcoming self-doubt, and helping Black authors share their stories with the world.

From growing up in Minneapolis to building a platform that celebrates and supports Black writers, Dr. McDonald shares how faith, determination, and a willingness to take risks shaped her journey.

They discuss how aspiring authors can get started, why having a publishing and marketing strategy matters, and how to turn a book into multiple streams of income.

Whether you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or someone with a story worth telling, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to have everything figured out to get started.

Connect with Dr. La Tracey here: https://popl.co/card/Sb8aD6rC/2/dash

Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 500 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call ⁠(256) 225-7311⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

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The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. ⁠https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/⁠

What happens when missing a college test by just two points completely changes the direction of your life?

On this episode of the Huntsville Hustle Podcast, Joe Martin sits down with Juliana Piper, Brazilian-born entrepreneur, owner of Piper Mache, co-founder of Madison Mompreneur, and the 2024 Madison Chamber Creator of the Year.

Juliana shares how she went from coming to the United States with little more than pocket money and a desire to learn English to building a career around web design, SEO, online visibility, and entrepreneurship in the Huntsville and Madison, Alabama area.

But this conversation goes well beyond her story.

Juliana explains why a small business website needs to do more than simply look good. She breaks down the importance of website structure, sales psychology, SEO, and the changing way customers are finding businesses through AI-powered search.

And if you've started hearing the term GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), Juliana explains why business owners should start paying attention.

Juliana's story is also a great reminder that the path to entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line. Sometimes the thing that doesn't work out becomes the thing that sends you exactly where you need to go next.

If you're a Huntsville or Madison small business owner, a mom building a business, or someone trying to figure out how to get your business found on Google and AI search, there's a lot to take away from this conversation.

Juliana Piper is also the co-founder of Madison Mompreneur, a community created to provide practical support, connection, education, coworking opportunities, and grants for moms building businesses.

Listen to the full conversation on the Huntsville Hustle Podcast and hear how Juliana turned an unexpected change in direction into a business, and a community, that continues to grow.

https://pipermache.com/

https://madisonmompreneur.com/

Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 500 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call ⁠(256) 225-7311⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

⁠⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD⁠

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. ⁠https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/

What does it really take to keep people safe without creating fear?

On this episode of Huntsville Hustle, Joe Martin sits down with Joshua Perr, owner of Hedge of Protection Security Service, to talk about security, leadership, situational awareness, and entrepreneurship in North Alabama.

Joshua shares how his military and corrections experience shaped his approach to protection, why de-escalation and understanding human behavior are critical to effective security, and why he hires for character and communication—not just toughness or experience.

They also discuss practical personal safety and situational awareness, Joshua's “prepared, not paranoid” philosophy, building a trustworthy security team, and how one simple conversation helped him land his first client.

A great conversation about Huntsville entrepreneurship, leadership, personal safety, security, and building a business around service and trust.

Find out more and work with Joshua here:https://hedgeofprotectionhsv.com/

Support our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Vandy’s Heating & Cooling, a trusted, veteran-owned HVAC company known for honest service and doing the job right the first time.

With over 500 5-Star Google Reviews you know you are in good hands! Call ⁠(256) 225-7311⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠http://www.vandysllc.com⁠⁠⁠ to support a business that supports Huntsville

To stay up to date on everything happening in Huntsville, check out our partner Homely Huntsville’s newsletter that is capturing the feeling of home in Huntsville.

Subscribe here:

⁠⁠https://homelyhuntsville.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=i3U7eMtJvD⁠

The Huntsville Hub is a premier coworking space in Huntsville, Alabama, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.

Come by and take a tour!

Mention Huntsville Hustle and get a free day to try it out. ⁠https://huntsvillehub.com/take-a-tour/