Showing My Roots

05/21/2026

"Got my mammogram Friday and I'm here to remind YOU that you are no good for anyone unless you love and take care of yourself first. 🩷

Real talk, this is your sign. Schedule the appointment. Show up for yourself. Sometimes self care is the hard stuff, the appointments we keep putting off.

I'm proud of myself today, and I want to cheer YOU on too. Who else is overdue? Let's hold each other accountable and drop a 🩷 if you've got yours scheduled or you're booking it TODAY!

"

05/19/2026

Launch Beyond had an outstanding class last month at the JCC Main Campus in Smithfield focused on cybersecurity for entrepreneurs.

Our April session, “Lock It Down: Cybersecurity Made Simple for Entrepreneurs,” featured presenters Bob Hildebrand and Crystal Pitts, who provided a wealth of knowledge and practical insights on protecting business data and securing digital workspaces.

The goal of this workshop was to give small business owners accessible tools and strategies to improve online security and better protect their businesses in an increasingly digital world.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. We appreciate the continued support of our entrepreneurial community and our partnership with Johnston Community College.

A special thank you to our sponsors for helping make events like this possible:

• Confidence Financial Group
• Kehoe Insurance
• McGough Construction

05/11/2026

Another great week of IDEA TO IMPACT: The Entrepreneurial Mindset for Success!

Coach Fred and I are beyond excited watching this group step outside their comfort zones and truly embrace the mindset of growth. One of the biggest breakthroughs so far?

People are becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable — and that’s where transformation begins!

Our entrepreneurs are already knocking out their 30-second elevator speeches with confidence and purpose while diving into:

✨ Lesson 1: The Power to Choose
✨ Lesson 2: Recognizing Opportunities

The conversations, the courage, and the willingness to grow have been inspiring to witness. We can’t wait to hear more of their thoughts, ideas, and dreams as they continue this journey.

Success starts with mindset, action, and the
willingness to stretch beyond fear. Proud of every person showing up and doing the work!

05/11/2026

A significant milestone for Launch JoCo and for Johnston County's entrepreneurial community.

We're pleased to announce the successful completion of the classroom phase of our current cohort program.

This moment represents more than a program checkpoint. It reflects the caliber of entrepreneurs we have right here in Johnston County. Professionals who are serious about sustainable growth and committed to doing the work.

They now move into the mentorship phase, where they'll work one-on-one with experienced business leaders across the county for the next six months.

To our cohort: Well Done! The best is still ahead.

To those interested in serving as a mentor for future cohorts — we'd love to connect. Visit launchjoco.org to learn more.

05/07/2026

Don't forget to register for our upcoming LaunchBEYOND class!👏⭐

Have you started your own business but need a financial pick-me-up?💸 Get ready for your dream to become a reality with this in depth talk on funding paths for entrepreneurs. Hear from Small Business Center, Johnston Community College Regional Director Suzanne Ross as she explains resources available to local entrepreneurs, and hear from CDFI Program Director Scott Wolford on business development, capitalization strategies, and team management.📊 We'll also hear from KS Bank representative Charles Marcom, who will be discussing loan and financing opportunities for small business owners.

📍WHERE: JCC Small Business Center, 135 Best Wood Dr.
⏰WHEN: May 18 from 6-8:00 pm
🔗Register TODAY at web.claytonchamber.com/atlas/events/6857/details

Thanks to our program sponsors: Confidence Financial Group, Kehoe Insurance, and McGough Construction

04/24/2026

04/24/2026

⭐Join us for our next LaunchBEYOND class!

💰💸This month's class is titled, "Show Me the Money: Funding Paths for Local Entrepreneurs." This session explores grants, loans, and investment opportunities available to entrepreneurs. Participants will gain insight into funding readiness and how to navigate financial resources effectively.

📍WHERE: 135 Best Wood Dr
🕒WHEN: May 18th, 6-8:00 pm
🔗Register TODAY at launchjoco.org/event/launchbeyond-show-me-the-money-funding-paths-for-local-entrepreneurs/

⭐Thanks to our program sponsors, Confidence Financial Group, Kehoe Insurance, and McGough Construction.

04/21/2026

The energy in the room was unmatched! ✨They were excited to find out who their mentor would be.

As we near the end of our classroom journey with Miss Katie, tonight was all about the big reveal… 🎉

Smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of excitement filled the space as everyone discovered who will be walking alongside them in the next phase of their journey. And now… we wait in anticipation as we wrap up these final classroom moments before stepping fully into mentorship.

I am beyond excited to watch each student continue to grow, stretch, and BLOOM 🌸 through this next milestone. The future is bright, and this is just the beginning!

Here’s to purpose, progress, and powerful connections 💕

04/14/2026

One of my favorite nights! I get the privilege to give them their mentors names tonight. I just love what I do.

04/10/2026

Had such a great time at our Launch JOCO Alumni gathering at Sisters II Ice Cream! 🍦

Debra, a proud Launch JOCO graduate, is doing amazing things. If you’re in Benson, make sure you stop by. You will not be disappointed!

It was a wonderful evening connecting with program partners and fellow alumni. One thing I truly love about this community is how we continue to stay connected, support one another, and keep the networking going long after graduation.

If you’re interested in learning more about Launch JOCO, check us out on Facebook or visit www.launchjoco.org

04/10/2026

Our newest cohort is officially underway!

Last night marked the start of another powerful journey through Idea to Impact: The Entrepreneurial Mindset for Success. The energy in the room was incredible.

From the very beginning, participants leaned in, engaged in meaningful conversations, and began stretching beyond their comfort zones. They were stepping up and getting comfortable being in front of the room. That’s where real growth begins.

It was great to co-lead alongside Coach Fred Foreman, who facilitated impactful dialogue around the Mindset Loop and the Power of choice. This is a reminder that our thoughts and decisions truly shape our outcomes. 💡

I’m already looking forward to next week and the continued growth we’ll see from this group.
And I’ll say it again… we truly love what we do.

A special thank you to Suzanne Ross and Juli Spata for always ensuring everything is prepared and creating an environment where entrepreneurs can learn, grow, and thrive. Your support makes a difference.

Let’s continue turning ideas into impact.