Description
In this empowering conversation, Malinda sits down with Dr. Barb Provost, founder of Purse Strings and a PhD in Adult Learning, to unpack why women are too often left out of financial education and how to change that. Dr. Barb shares her unconventional path from bank teller to educator to founder, the origin story of Purse Strings, and how her boutique directory vets financial professionals who truly serve women. You’ll hear practical guidance on money mindset, setting solid business foundations, what to avoid (hello, pricey tactics that don’t convert), and why testing and pivoting matter. The episode also previews Malinda and Barb’s upcoming hands-on workshop for women business owners and closes with Dr. Barb’s “magic wand” wish for every entrepreneur: trusted, affordable guidance when decisions get tough, plus one non-negotiable: know your numbers.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Dr. Barb’s nontraditional journey led to a PhD and the creation of Purse Strings
• Why financial literacy gaps persist—and how money messages shape our choices
• What Purse Strings is and how its vetted directory helps women find the right pros
• Smart startup habits: begin as a side hustle, separate finances, hire a bookkeeper
• Marketing lessons learned (what to test, what to skip, and how long to try it)
• The power of adult learning principles to teach complex financial topics clearly
• Practical steps to build financial confidence and protect your future
• How to join Purse Strings’ weekly “Money Talks” and award-winning podcast

You can connect with Malinda:
www.gratefulconnections.com
Malinda@gratefulconnections.com
@gratefulconnections_co

You can connect with Dr. Barb & Purse Strings:
www.pursestrings.co (free tools, resources, and vetted pros)

Weekly “Money Talks” (Thursdays 11:00–11:30 a.m. CT): https://pursestrings.co/money-talks/

Podcast: Women & Money: The Sh*t We Don’t Talk About: https://pursestrings.co/podcast/

Workshop Tickets and Information: https://go.gratefulconnections.com/strongfoundations

In this episode of Grateful Connections: What Gratitude Built, I sit down with Renee Silverman, co-owner of Irv’s Luggage and director of the nonprofit Luggage for Freedom. Renee shares the inspiring story of carrying forward her father’s family business while reimagining what brick-and-mortar retail can be in the age of Amazon. We talk about her passion for creating community through Irv’s Luggage, the hands-on service that sets her store apart, and the growth of Luggage for Freedom- a program that provides women leaving domestic violence shelters with dignity, essentials, and a fresh start. From running a second-generation business to building a nonprofit that’s changing lives, Renee’s journey is one of resilience, confidence, and heart.

What You’ll Learn:

• The family legacy: Irv’s Luggage, founded in 1947 (GI Bill), relaunched in 2018 with a brick-and-mortar, service-first model
• Why Renee bets on expert guidance + repairs + curated selection to beat online-only shopping
• How the store became a community for travelers (touch/try gear, airline-size know-how, travel accessories that lower stress)
• COVID pivot lessons (puzzles & candles!) and growing a people-first team
• Inside Luggage for Freedom: year-round donations, October packing day (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), suitcases filled with new sheets, towels & toiletries, and backpacks for kids with blankets and books
• Impact at scale: 375+ filled suitcases delivered to 11 shelters in 2024—with more coming
• Renee’s advice for women owners: confidence, patience, and keep going (forgive mistakes, pivot when needed)

You can connect with Malinda:

www.gratefulconnections.com

Malinda@gratefulconnections.com

@gratefulconnections_co

You can connect with Renee and Luggage for Freedom:

• Shop: irvsluggage.com (and in-store at 1322 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, IL)
• Donate: gently used luggage, new towels/sheets, full-size toiletries, new/gently used backpacks
• Luggage for Freedom – Find what you can donate here: Amazon Wish List

If this episode resonated, follow/subscribe, leave a rating & review, and share it with a friend who loves travel- or loves supporting women in business!

In this engaging conversation, Malinda Leonard interviews Eloiza Domingo, a seasoned expert in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Eloiza shares her inspiring journey from being the daughter of immigrants to becoming a leader in DEI across various sectors, including healthcare and corporate environments. The discussion delves into the challenges she faced as a woman of color, her impactful achievements, and the importance of authenticity in personal branding. Eloiza also offers valuable advice for small business owners on how to incorporate diversity into their practices and reflects on the significance of mentorship and support in her journey. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of her consulting work and the importance of empowering women in business.


What You'll Learn:

• Eloisa's journey in DEI began from her family's experiences.
• The importance of fair chances for everyone in society.
• Women often face unique challenges in corporate environments.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in overcoming obstacles.
• Authenticity is key to personal branding and success.
• Diversity should be a core value for businesses.
• Small businesses need to define their diversity goals clearly.
• Women entrepreneurs often struggle with access to funding.
• Eloisa emphasizes the need for women to take up space unapologetically.
• The impact of personal experiences shapes professional paths.

You can connect with Malinda:

www.gratefulconnections.com

Malinda@gratefulconnections.com

@gratefulconnections_co

You can connect with Eloiza:
Linktree: Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Podcast, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook
https://linktr.ee/eloizadomingo

If this episode resonated, follow/subscribe, leave a rating & review, and share it with a friend who loves supporting women in business!