Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray

Have you ever gotten a text asking if you'd sell your house? Or maybe someone called out of the blue wanting to buy a property you didn't even know was connected to your name. In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani and Chelsey sit down with Rhen Bartlett, CEO of Heartland Buys, to answer the questions so many homeowners have. How do these companies find you? Why do they target certain properties? And when does selling directly to a home buyer actually make sense? From inherited homes and rental properties to fixer-uppers and probate, Rhen pulls back the curtain on an industry most people know very little about. He also shares red flags to watch for and practical advice to help homeowners make informed decisions when they're approached about selling.

Every successful business starts with an idea, but ideas alone don't build companies. This week, Dani sits down with Keith Glines, Director of Hatch in Fairhope, to talk about what it takes to turn big ideas into thriving businesses. They discuss the value of mentorship and community, and how Hatch is helping founders connect with the resources, relationships, and guidance they need to grow.

If you're launching your first business, dreaming about taking the leap, or curious about what it takes to turn an idea into business… listen in!

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani and Chelsey reflect on the incredible impact a community can have when people choose to show up for one another. Inspired by the overwhelming support surrounding Heavenly Pies Pizzeria and the encouragement they received from nursing students at Spring Hill College, they explore how small acts of support can create lasting impact.

From rallying around local businesses to using your voice to encourage others, this conversation is a reminder that community isn't built by grand gestures alone… it's built one decision, one act of kindness, and one person at a time. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a customer, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, this episode will leave you thinking about the role each of us plays in helping our communities thrive.

What does it take to prepare young people for success beyond graduation? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Ryan Foster and Dr. Yulanda Clinton share how Liberty Learning Foundation is helping students develop the character, leadership, financial literacy, and civic responsibility needed to become strong citizens and future leaders. We discuss workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and the role parents, educators, and businesses play in shaping the next generation.

Dirty sodas may be trending across the country, but for Jeff Zeiders, they became the foundation for something much bigger.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Jeff shares how he went from running a cigar business to launching Bevvy Dirty Sodas in Mobile. He talks about spotting an emerging trend, testing the concept through a mobile operation, and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar location downtown.

Jeff also opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship… the uncertainty, the difficult decisions, and the lessons learned along the way. Plus, he shares why creating a business his children could be part of became one of his biggest motivations.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani and Chelsey sit down with Rebecca Maisel of Gulf Distributing for a conversation about legacy, leadership, and unexpectedly finding your way back to the family business.

Rebecca shares how her grandmother helped start the company more than 50 years ago, and how that influence stayed with her even while building a completely different life and career as a corporate attorney in New York. Eventually, life brought her back to Mobile… and back into the business her family built.

They talk about what it’s like stepping into something that already exists, the pressure that can come with carrying on a legacy, and how Rebecca is helping lead the company into a new chapter while still honoring what came before her. The conversation also gets into growth, technology, and the real-life “gray areas” that come with leadership and business.

In this special episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani and Chelsey sit down with someone who shaped Dani’s understanding of work, discipline, and long-term thinking… her mom, Renee Dials.

After a 40-year career as a trusted voice at FOX10 News, Renee didn’t simply step into retirement… she stepped into a plan she had been building for years. While working full-time in television, she was quietly investing in real estate, creating an additional stream of income that now supports her in retirement.

From her first property to managing Section 8 rentals, Renee shares what it really looks like to build something outside of your 9 to 5… and why starting early matters more than most people realize. The conversation also dives into the “gray areas” of real estate: unexpected costs, property taxes, tenant challenges, and the lessons that only come from experience.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, we sit down with Kandon Kyser, founder of The Feels Foreal Company, for a conversation about turning creativity into a real, sustainable business.

Kandon’s journey started in music, sampling beats and telling stories through sound… and evolved into film, fashion, and now working with entrepreneurs and brands to help them show up more intentionally. At its core, his work is about helping people take creative ideas and turn them into something tangible that connects.

Think of it like this… the way a stylist helps shape how someone looks, Kandon helps shape how brands present themselves visually and creatively. This is a conversation about creativity and building something real from what’s inside your head.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, we sit down with “Nanny Connie” Simpson and her daughter, Courtney, for a conversation about building a brand that lasts, and the family behind it.

Known as a “nanny to the stars,” Connie has worked with some of the most high-profile families in the country, building a nationally recognized name in childcare within elite and high-demand environments. She shares stories and insights from a world few people ever see, along with what it actually takes to earn trust at that level. From vetting clients to setting up systems that help families function and thrive, Connie also opens up about the business side of her work… and how she’s turned a deeply personal calling into a structured, in-demand brand.

Courtney shares what it was like growing up with a mom in high demand, how that shaped her own journey into nanny work, and where their approaches align, and differ. It’s insightful, honest, and at times hilarious! A conversation about entrepreneurship, legacy, and building something that lasts.

What does it really take to walk away from stability and start over? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with Matt Garner, founder of Garner Lawn and Construction. After nearly a decade in corporate leadership, overseeing multiple retail locations, Matt made the decision to step away and build something of his own.

He started with one truck, one cutting season, and a willingness to figure it out as he went. Today, his company has grown to more than 30 employees, multiple crews, and major contracts, including taking over maintenance at Spring Hill College. Matt shares what those early days really looked like, the challenges that come with scaling a service-based business, and the “gray areas” most people don’t see… from hiring and leadership to cash flow, growth, and risk.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, we sit down with fashion photographer Toni Riales, whose journey began with a simple favor that turned into a full-time career behind the lens.

After being noticed by Ford Models, Toni stepped into an opportunity that helped shape both her creative style and her approach to business. She shares what it takes to navigate the fashion industry, build a name for yourself, and grow beyond just the art into something sustainable. Along the way, Toni also opens up about the personal side of her journey, including the love story that changed her life.

This conversation is a look at what happens when talent meets opportunity… and the work it takes to turn that moment into a lasting career.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, we sit down with Debra and Reed Pennington, the founders of Bake Blue Bakery, a business built on both purpose and passion. Located in Spanish Fort, Bake Blue was created to provide meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, addressing a gap that many families experience but few businesses are designed to meet. What started as a personal journey has grown into a mission-driven brand that blends entrepreneurship with impact.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we explore the inspiration behind Bake Blue, the story behind its name, and the realities of building a business that carries both financial and social responsibility. From launching under a cottage license to dreaming of a future storefront, Debra and Reed share the lessons, challenges, and heart behind their work. This conversation is a reminder that some of the most powerful businesses don’t just serve customers… they serve a greater purpose.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with Chef and owner Chris Rainosek of The Noble South in downtown Mobile.

Chris shares the journey behind building a farm-to-table restaurant rooted in seasonal ingredients and local partnerships, and what it has taken to grow and sustain that vision over time. The Noble South was recently recognized in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide to the American South with a Bib Gourmand, becoming the only restaurant in Mobile to receive that distinction.

The conversation dives into the realities of running a restaurant. Chris also reflects on the discipline, decisions, and mindset required to keep moving forward in an industry that never stands still.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with entrepreneur Darryl McKinney to talk about the journey behind Heavenly Pies Pizzeria and the lessons he learned along the way. Darryl shares how he started with a cleaning business before moving into the restaurant industry and what it took to grow and sustain a business over time. The conversation explores the importance of systems, leadership, and learning how to work on a business instead of constantly working in it. It is an honest look at the discipline, strategy, and persistence that go into creating something that lasts.

What does it really take to build a career as a content creator?

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with Taren Denise to talk about the business side of influencing. Taren shares how she went from starting as an intern at FOX10 to leaving her full time job to pursue content creation as a full time career.

The conversation explores the rise of micro influencing and why creators do not need millions of followers to build meaningful partnerships with brands. Taren explains how she approaches collaborations, tracks the impact of the content she creates, and negotiates her rates through a structured rate card. She also opens up about the strategy and work that happens behind the scenes that most people never see.

This episode offers an honest look at the creator economy and how digital platforms are opening new doors for entrepreneurs who are willing to treat their creativity like a business.

Most people know Bri Burrell as Miss Alabama 2023, the third Black woman to earn that title in the competition’s 102-year history. But in this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, we go deeper than the crown.

Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with Bri for an honest conversation about leadership, representation, and what it means to think like an intrapreneur while creating opportunity and influence from within existing organizations. From winning Miss Saraland in high school to stepping onto larger stages and spaces where she was often the only Black woman in the room, Bri reflects on navigating spaces that didn’t always look like her and choosing to lead with purpose anyway.

Now serving as Executive Director of the Miss University of South Alabama Scholarship Program and investing in student leadership, Bri shares how she’s stewarded her platform beyond the spotlight. This episode explores personal branding and the power of building impact from within corporate settings. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur, this conversation will inspire you to lead boldly and intentionally.

What happens when an HR professional sees a gap in her industry and decides to build the solution herself? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with Dr. Gia Wiggins, founder of Auditocity and CEO of Morale Resource, to talk about her journey from HR practitioner to tech founder.

Gia shares how she went from writing down what once felt like an impossible dream to developing HR technology that’s gaining national attention, from pitching at Google headquarters during New York Tech Week to seeing her company featured in Times Square. She reflects on the leadership lessons she’s learned, the courage it takes to step into new spaces, and what it really looks like to build something innovative from the Gulf Coast. This conversation is inspiring, grounded, and full of insight for anyone bold enough to pursue a big idea.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, hosts Chelsey Sayasane and Dani Dials sit down with Hayden and Lanier Lindsey, the husband-and-wife team behind several local Gulf Coast Scooter’s Coffee locations to talk about franchising, entrepreneurship, and what people often misunderstand about franchise ownership. Hayden and Lanier share the story of how their journey began when Lanier’s father spotted an opportunity out of state and encouraged them to bring Scooter’s Coffee to the Gulf Coast. With prior exposure to franchising through family experience, they had a head start but quickly learned that every location brings its own challenges and lessons.

They break down what it’s like to grow from one location to multiple. They also share how franchises are often locally owned small businesses (not just “corporate”), and how showing up for the community plays a major role in long-term success.

Whether you’re curious about franchising, considering entrepreneurship, or just love learning how local businesses grow, this episode offers real-world insight with plenty of honesty along the way.

What does it really look like to leave corporate life and step into a family-owned business? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, hosts Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with Faye Olensky of Olensky Brothers, a multi-generation, family-owned business rooted in Mobile and right on the heart of the Mardi Gras parade route. Faye shares what it was like to spend years building a corporate career before making the leap to help lead her family’s legacy business full-time. She’s joined by her daughter Courtney, who offers perspective on what it means to choose a path in a family business, especially when the next generation may have different dreams and aspirations. Together, they talk about legacy, leadership, and the decisions that come with continuing a family-built brand.

From the realities of entrepreneurship inside an established business to the behind-the-scenes intensity of Mardi Gras season, this conversation offers insight for anyone navigating big career transitions, family dynamics in business, or the question of when it’s time to take the leap.

What does it really take to pull off one of the biggest weeks of the year in Mobile, and why does it matter beyond the game? In this special episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, hosts Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with Drew Fabianich, Executive Director of the Senior Bowl, and Molly Middleton, Director of Public Relations & Community Outreach, to kick off Senior Bowl week with a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into bringing this nationally recognized event to Mobile.

From logistics and long-term planning to partnerships, community impact, and the opportunities created for players, brands, and the region, this conversation explores how the Senior Bowl has grown into more than just a football game. Drew and Molly share insight into the leadership, vision, and collaboration required to steward a legacy event while continuing to evolve in a changing sports and business landscape.

Whether you’re a sports fan, an entrepreneur, or someone curious about how large-scale events create opportunity on and off the field, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the business, strategy, and impact behind Senior Bowl week.

What does it really take to bring major businesses to a region, and who’s behind those decisions?  In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, hosts Dani Dials and Chelsey Sayasane sit down with Kayla Byrne, Director of Business Development at the Mobile Chamber, for an eye-opening conversation about what happens behind the scenes of economic growth along the Gulf Coast. Kayla breaks down her role in recruiting and vetting businesses and shares what people often don’t realize about the process of economic development. She explains how deals are built over time, why some projects take years to come together, and what goes into evaluating whether a business is the right fit for the region.

As the leader of the Chamber’s business development division, Kayla oversees everything from lead generation and site development to existing industry expansion and economic research - work that has helped create thousands of jobs and bring billions in investment to the Mobile area.