[00:00] Introduction

Welcome to Diary of a Dreamer, where resilience unlocks your potential.

I’m Tasha Eizinger, and each week I bring you powerful stories and practical insights from my own experiences and inspiring guests. Whether you’re facing challenges or chasing dreams, this podcast is your go-to for motivation, building confidence, and transforming obstacles into opportunities.

Be sure to check out my website, TashaEizinger.com.

Let’s dive into today’s episode and start turning your dreams into reality.

[00:36] Special Segment + Event Introduction

Today is a special segment of Diary of a Dreamer. I’m here with my dear friend, Mary Cooper, and we are co-hosting The Elevated Entrepreneur Event at the Gillespie Center on September 22nd.

All the details and the link will be in the show notes.

Mary and I were talking over coffee—like we’ve done so many times over the years…

[00:57] The Idea Was Born

Mary: Unlimited times. We definitely have a few favorite places.

Tasha: We were talking about business, which we’ve also done for years—we’ve known each other for over 10 years—and we’ve always supported each other’s businesses.

That day, we started talking about the need for a small business event for our local entrepreneurs. We discussed what we like and don’t like about events, and what an event should have.

And then—it was like a light bulb.

We both looked at each other and said…
“Why don’t we do it?”

[01:30] What Was Missing from Other Events

Mary: There are always those little nuances. You walk away from conventions or meetings thinking, “This was great, but…” There’s always something missing.

Tasha: Exactly. We kept asking—why do we leave these informative events still needing more?

There’s often a lot of fluff. And I’m not a fluffy person.

So we asked:
Can we create an event that is truly useful—no fluff, just tools?

[02:28] Tactical + Practical

Mary: Tactical and practical.

Tasha: Yes—perfectly said.

We want you to leave with:

• Real connections (not just “networking”)
• Valuable information
• The ability to go build your business immediately

[03:02] Why This Event Matters

Tasha: We don’t technically have time to do this event—we’re both small business owners. And one of the biggest challenges is time.

But we couldn’t ignore the need in our community.

Mary: It complements other events—it fills in what’s missing.

Tasha: Exactly. This is about giving people what they actually need:

• Practical tools
• Real learning
• Meaningful connections

[03:31] Curating the Right Speakers

Tasha: We were very intentional about who we invited to speak—especially for this first event.

We chose people who are:

• Proven
• In the trenches
• Actually building successful businesses

Not just talking about success—but creating it.

[04:00] Real Problems, Real Solutions

Mary: We identified real needs—like time management. Everyone struggles with it.

So we asked:

• Who is doing this well?
• Who can actually teach it?

And we brought those people in.

[04:50] Proof Over Perception

Tasha: In today’s world, especially with social media, it’s easy to appear successful.

We focused on people with proof of concept—people actively building.

And they’ll share:

• What works
• What doesn’t
• Lessons learned the hard way

[05:35] Real People, Real Business

Mary: This is about real people doing real things. AI can’t replace who you are as a business owner.

Tasha: Exactly. And while AI is part of our world, we’re bringing in someone from Purdue to teach how to use it effectively—not replace the human side.

[06:41] Speaker Highlights

Tasha: We have speakers covering:

• Team building
• Business growth
• Customer experience
• Legal foundations
• Strategy and systems

Mary: And people who’ve been in business for decades.

[10:32] Diverse, High-Level Speakers

Tasha: We have a speaker flying in from Utah to teach team building—she built an award-winning company from the ground up.

Mary: And our keynote—such a great fit.

[11:05] Keynote Speaker

Mary: Our keynote is from the band 1985. Their marketing is incredible.

Tasha: And what they teach is simple, effective, and applicable to any business.

[12:40] Culture + Leadership

Tasha: We also have a John Maxwell-certified trainer coming to talk about onboarding and culture.

Because culture matters.

[13:30] Community Impact

Tasha: We intentionally chose speakers who are not only building strong businesses but also doing good in the community.

[14:12] Giving Back – A Rosie Place for Children

Mary: We’re partnering with A Rosie Place for Children, an organization supporting medically fragile children and their families.

Tasha: A portion of every ticket will go directly to support them.

[17:14] Legal + Business Foundations

Tasha: We also have an SBDC mentor coming to talk about legal and business setup—things many business owners overlook but are critical.

[19:26] Customer Experience

Tasha: Another speaker will focus on customer experience—because better service leads to growth and loyalty.

[21:29] Real Stories from Entrepreneurs

Tasha: You’ll hear real stories—successes, failures, and everything in between.

Mary: And if you’re struggling, you’re not alone.

[22:02] This Is Just the Beginning

Tasha: This is a recurring event—we’ll be back in 2027.

So come, learn, and tell us what you need next.

[23:00] You Don’t Have to Build Alone

Mary: When I moved here, I didn’t know anyone. Building a business alone is hard.

Tasha: There are resources—you just need to know where to find them.

[25:26] Event Experience

Tasha: The event is from 9–3—designed to allow time for connection afterward.

Mary: There will also be some fun surprises.

[26:14] What You’ll Walk Away With

Tasha: When you leave, you’ll:

• Be connected
• Have practical tools
• Know how to apply what you learned

[27:30] Tickets + Pricing

Tasha: Early bird tickets are $97—available through the end of May.

Mary: We also have sponsorships and vendor opportunities.

[28:05] Final Invitation

Tasha: We’d love to see you there. If you have questions, reach out—we’re happy to help.

Mary: We can’t wait to see you.

[29:22] Closing

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Diary of a Dreamer.

Remember, every challenge is a chance to grow and move closer to your dreams.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode.

Visit TashaEizinger.com for more.