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In this episode of Palm Harbor Local, we sit down with Palm Harbor-based author Erin O’Brien, the writer behind Howl, a family-created children’s book about a wolf and the moon. Erin shares how a simple idea at the Palm Harbor Library turned into a fully illustrated book and the launch of her family publishing brand, Gran Apple Books.

What You’ll Learn:

• How a casual idea became the story for Howl
• Why Erin chose to keep the writing, illustration, and editing inside the family
• What goes into self-publishing a children’s book on Amazon
• The realities of marketing a kids’ book as an indie author
• What’s next for Howl, Gran Apple Books, and future children’s titles

About Erin O’Brien:
Erin O’Brien is a Palm Harbor author and cofounder of Gran Apple Books, a family-run children’s publishing brand. She wrote Howl, a whimsical picture book about a wolf who longs to be with the moon, and collaborates with her brother Clint and niece Elise on the watercolor illustrations. Erin is passionate about storytelling, reading with kids, and creating the kind of timeless picture books she grew up loving.

Links & Resources:

• Buy Howl on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F37QQZ52
  
  
• Follow Gran Apple Books on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61573932335988/
  
  
• Palm Harbor Local newsletter: https://palmharborlocal.com
  
  
• Follow Palm Harbor Local on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmharborlocal
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves local stories and children’s books.

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

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Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
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What happens when you’ve put everything into raising your kids, tried a handful of business ideas that never quite stick, and still feel a pull to build something of your own?

In this conversation, Donnie sits down with Christina Delgado, founder of Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal and author of Laser Focused from Mom Life to CEO, to talk about how she pivoted at 40, built a six-figure laser hair removal business, and used social media to grow a brand that’s changing lives across Tampa Bay.

Christina shares the real story behind the glossy Instagram feed – the Airbnbs that didn’t last, the self-doubt of calling herself “just a stay-at-home mom,” and the moment she decided to stop overthinking and take fast action on an idea that finally fit her life.

You’ll hear how she thinks about money, marketing, hiring, and “divine timing,” plus why she believes consistency matters more than going viral.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Christina’s journey from 15-year stay-at-home mom to CEO of a six-figure laser hair removal studio
• Why previous business attempts (including Airbnbs) were necessary stepping stones
• How choosing the right service and investing in quality equipment gave her an edge
• The simple social media habits that keep new clients walking through the door
• Balancing mom life, business growth, and the emotional side of hiring help
• The inspiration behind her book Laser Focused from Mom Life to CEO
• What’s next for Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal and Christina’s speaking and writing

Connect with Christina

• Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal website: https://www.softtouchlaserhairremoval.com
  
  Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal
• Book: Laser Focused: From Mom Life to CEO on Amazon
  Amazon+1
• Christina’s site and resources: https://www.christina-delgado.com
  
  Christina Delgado
• Instagram: @softtouchlaserhairremoval
  Instagram

Mentioned in this episode

• Financial coaching with Jacob Wade – book a roadmap call: https://palmharborlocal.com/roadmap
  
  

Stay Connected with Palm Harbor Local

• Website and all episodes: https://palmharborlocal.com
  
  
• Instagram: @palmharborlocal
• Join the weekly Palm Harbor Connection newsletter - https://palmharborlocal.com/

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide

Send us a text

In this episode of Palm Harbor Local, Donnie Hathaway sits down with Gary Hall, founder of Blue Collar Home Services, to talk about his 30-year journey in the electrical and HVAC trades. Gary shares how he turned early jobsite experience into a thriving, community-driven company that focuses on training and mentoring the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

He explains why he’s committed to staying locally owned despite multiple offers from investors, emphasizing the importance of people, integrity, and service over profit. Gary also provides practical hurricane prep tips for Florida homeowners—from installing proper surge protection to maintaining smoke detectors and backup power options.

This conversation highlights the heart behind Blue Collar Home Services and Gary’s passion for developing talent, serving customers with care, and keeping Palm Harbor powered and protected year-round.

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide