Tucked along West King in the heart of St. Augustine, Maracuya by Llama was created by Staci Cleveland and Marcel Vizcarra as a vibrant extension of their love for flavor, creativity, and community. Inspired by travels through Costa Rica and Marcel’s Peruvian culinary roots, the couple transformed a historic former brothel into a colorful coffee and dessert shop centered around exotic flavors, thoughtful details, and genuine connection. Along the way, they learned how to balance entrepreneurship, creativity, partnership, and community while building a space completely outside the traditional mold. What they created is more than a café — Maracuya has become a welcoming gathering place filled with passion fruit-inspired creations, inventive lattes, intimate dinner experiences, and a sense of freedom that encourages people to slow down, connect, and fully express themselves.

Connect with Marcella and Staci: @MaracuyaByLlama

This episode's Founding Sponsor: www.anastasiadesigngroup.com and find them on social media: IG @AnastasiaDesignGroup and on FB @AnastasiaDesignGroup

Chapters

00:00 – The Story Behind Maracuya by Llama
02:00 – Bringing Exotic Flavors & Passion Fruit to St. Augustine
05:36 – Opening Day Chaos & Building the Team
09:12 – “Fuel Your Passion” & Baking During COVID
11:29 – Leaving the Corporate Grind & Starting a Business
13:39 – The Historic Building & Unique Atmosphere
17:01 – Culinary Inspiration, Travel & Creative Collaboration
18:26 – Intimate Wine Pairing Dinners & Storytelling Through Food
20:31 – Entrepreneurship, Community & Serving the Locals
28:24 – Collaboration, Creativity & Living the Dream Life

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

Tucked inside one of St. Augustine’s most respected creative spaces, Anastasia Design Group has become a reflection of artistry, resilience, and decades of entrepreneurial grit. Valerie and Natalie share the realities of building a successful interior design business from the ground up — navigating creativity, construction, cash flow, partnerships, motherhood, and the emotional weight that often comes with entrepreneurship. Their conversation explores the beauty of designing homes that truly reflect the people living in them, the importance of intuition and authenticity in business, and the lessons learned through years of trusting themselves, adapting through uncertainty, and creating a life rooted in both freedom and purpose.

Connect with Founding Sponsor Anastasia Design Group: www.anastasiadesigngroup.com and find them on social media: IG @AnastasiaDesignGroup and on FB @AnastasiaDesignGroup

Chapters

00:00 – The Story Behind Anastasia Design Group
01:42 – Starting a Design Career Through a Cold Call
05:06 – The Reality of Running a Creative Business
07:55 – Navigating Entrepreneurship, Risk & Uncertainty
10:39 – Authenticity, Integrity & Designing Without Ego
14:23 – Discovering a Client’s True Style
18:04 – Freedom vs. Responsibility as a Business Owner
20:06 – Delegation, Teamwork & Letting Go of Control
25:17 – Inside Furniture Market & Industry Trends
29:31 – Multiple Income Streams & Financial Survival
42:00 – Evolving From Mentor & Assistant to Creative Partners
51:57 – Entrepreneurship, Self-Awareness & Building a Creative Life

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions

Tucked into the heart of Uptown St. Augustine, Cookiebird Ice Cream Bar was born from a dream Mike and Kate Alfieri never imagined would fully come to life. With no formal restaurant background and years spent in corporate careers, creative work, and family life, the couple took a leap into entrepreneurship fueled mostly by instinct, passion, and a love for community. Along the way, they learned everything from staffing and customer service to soft serve recipes, machine repairs, and the delicate balance of running a family business together. What they created is more than an ice cream shop — Cookiebird has become a nostalgic gathering place rooted in connection, wellness, creativity, and the simple joy of slowing down for something sweet.

Follow Mike and Kate: @Cookiebird_IceCreamBar

This episodes Founding Sponsor: www.anastasiadesigngroup.com and find them on social media: IG @AnastasiaDesignGroup and on FB @AnastasiaDesignGroup

Chapters

00:00 – Behind the Scenes & Starting Over
00:44 – The Dream Behind Cookie Bird Ice Cream
02:51 – From Corporate Careers to Entrepreneurship
05:04 – Learning to Lead, Pivot & Build a Team
07:30 – Why St. Augustine Inspired the Business
09:48 – Creating Clean, Nostalgic Soft Serve for the Community
12:08 – Building a Local Gathering Place & Family Memories
16:09 – Entrepreneurship, Personal Growth & Morning Routines
23:05 – Balancing Marriage, Parenthood & Business Ownership
39:12 – Advice for Young Entrepreneurs & Dreaming Bigger

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions