Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado

Episode #133. What happens when you stop waiting for the "right" time and decide to take the leap? In this episode of Paid Vocation, I'm joined by Emily and Drew Dawson, the couple behind Birds Bookstore in Dallas to talk about taking the leap from established careers into building something of their own. We talk about the messy realities of starting something new, from construction headaches and learning the business to putting yourself out there and being seen before you feel ready. We talk about creativity, courage, partnership, and the process of building something that feels like you. Most of all, this conversation is about giving yourself permission to try, even when you don't have all the answers yet. If you've been sitting on an idea, feeling like it's too late, or wondering if your market is already too crowded, this conversation is your reminder: you don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to start. Connect with Terry Kezoh: LinkedIn Connect with Jeanine Stanislaus: LinkedIn Instagram Connect with S.S.K. (LABS): Website Instagram

Episode #132. In this episode, I sit down with Terry Kezoh and Jeanine Stanislaus, co-founders of S.S.K. (LABS), to talk about what it really looks like to build something from the ground up—while still working full-time. We talk about courage, pivoting from paths that don't fit, and how small steps—those "planted seeds"—can grow into something bigger than you imagined. They share how they turned a shared idea into a fragrance brand rooted in identity, memory, and community. If you've been waiting for the "right time" to start, this conversation is your nudge. You don't have to have it all figured out—just start where you are and stay consistent. This episode will show you that it's possible—one step at a time. Connect with Terry Kezoh: LinkedIn Connect with Jeanine Stanislaus: LinkedIn Instagram Connect with S.S.K. (LABS): Website Instagram

Episode #131. In this episode, I'm joined by artist, author, and creative director Kate Schelter—whose watercolor work, brand vision, and book Classic Style: Hand It Down, Dress It Up, Wear It Out have inspired so many to create on their own terms. Kate shares how curiosity—not certainty—has guided her from the fashion world to art and design, and why taking small, honest actions can transform the way you see yourself and your work. She offers a refreshing reminder that creativity isn't about waiting for inspiration—it's about what you do next. If you've been feeling that pull to create or try something new, this conversation is the reminder you need to begin—one small step at a time. Connect with Kate Schelter Website Instagram Buy Classic Style by Kate Schelter  

Episode #130. In this episode, I'm joined by Mita Mallick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Reimagine Inclusion and The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. Mita shares her winding path from marketing executive to full-time writer and changemaker, and the lessons she's learned about leadership, inclusion, and the courage to leave what no longer fits. We talk about bad bosses, burnout, and the quiet ways our own habits can mirror the behavior we once resented. Mita reminds us that growth starts with awareness—and that leadership isn't about perfection, it's about presence. If you've ever felt stuck under poor leadership or wondered how to lead differently, this conversation will challenge you to look inward and act with intention. Connect with Mita Mallick: Website LinkedIn Instagram

Episode #129. In this episode, I'm joined by Rae Liu—co-founder and creative director of Leatherology, a brand known for redefining everyday luxury through craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Rae shares how her path from early career pivots to building a values-driven company, shaped the way she leads, creates, and lives. We talk about what it means to build something for the long run, to choose quality over shortcuts, and to lead with both vision and heart. She reflects on how clarity comes when you stop waiting for the "perfect" time and start trusting your instincts. If you're ready to build something that feels true to you, this conversation is a beautiful place to begin. Connect with Rae Liu: Website LinkedIn Instagram

Episode #128. In this episode, I'm joined by Teresa Dillon and Adriana Nestora—co-founders of Color Edit Co., and two women who've found deep purpose by helping others feel seen, beautiful, and confident. Teresa, a personal stylist and founder of Reluctantly Styled, and Adriana, a Dallas-based makeup artist and beauty educator, share how their creative paths unfolded after years in other industries. We talk about what it means to step into your voice, release perfectionism, and pursue the thing that lights you up even if it means building as you go. Together, they remind us that confidence isn't something you fake—it's something you build. If you've ever felt stuck in a style rut or doubted your own beauty, this conversation will inspire you to see yourself in a new light. Connect with Teresa Dillon: LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Adriana Nestora: Website Instagram Connect with The Color Edit Co.: Instagram

Episode #127. This week, I'm joined by the multi-talented Amy Wilson—writer, actor, and co-host of the hit podcast What Fresh Hell. We talk about the invisible weight of being the "helpful one," the push-pull of people-pleasing, and why creativity can't live in the leftovers of our time. Amy shares the real story behind her new book Happy to Help—a funny, thoughtful collection of essays for anyone who's ever stayed too long, tried too hard, or ignored their own needs. We dive into what happens when we try to fix everything—until we can't. We talk boundaries, burnout, and the power of giving yourself permission to write messy, live messy, and be okay with not having it all figured out. If you've been waiting for permission to make space for your creativity, your joy, and your voice—this is it. Take a walk, grab a puzzle, and let this conversation remind you: your time matters too. Mentioned in the Show: Positive Intelligence Saboteur Assessment When Did I Get Like This? by Amy Wilson The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Connect with Amy Wilson: Website LinkedIn Instagram

Episode #126. In this episode, I'm joined by Emma Grey—bestselling author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You. Emma shares her remarkable journey from dreaming of writing as a teenager in Australia to finally becoming a full-time novelist in her 50s. She opens up about how writing became a healing path through personal grief after losing her husband, and how her books, now international bestsellers, are helping others navigate their own stories of love and loss. We talk about embracing rejection as part of the process, finding courage to keep showing up for your creative dreams, and why it's never too late to start—or start again. This is such a powerful conversation about persistence, healing, and letting creativity unfold on its own timeline. If you've been doubting your dreams, I hope Emma's story reminds you—it's never too late. Connect with Emma Grey: Website Instagram

Episode #125. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Toni Viva Muñoz—award-winning author, Ph.D. scholar, and founder of Model Behaviors, a nonprofit empowering women and children. Toni's story begins at 16, when she moved to New York to pursue modeling, eventually working with top designers like Oscar de la Renta and Chanel. From runways to research, Toni shares how her winding path led to a life rooted in purpose—blending art, academia, community service, and motherhood. We talk about recognizing when it's time to pivot, allowing ourselves to outgrow old dreams to make space for new ones, and why you don't have to do it all in one day to do it well. We also touch on her debut children's book, El Bowie Bakery, inspired by her family's roots and her love for the U.S.-Mexico border. This conversation is a powerful invitation to honor every version of yourself—and keep going, even when the path isn't straight. Connect with Toni Viva Muñoz: Website Instagram

Episode #124. In this episode of Paid Vocation, I'm joined by Andrea Wightwick, founder of Hapsy, the first bubble-free, low-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail company made for drinking well with others. From receptionist to CEO, Andrea shares her inspiring journey building billion-dollar brands in the beverage industry—and the moment she listened to the nudge to finally create something of her own. We talk about the courage it takes to leave stability behind, how to know when it's time for a change, and why doing what lights you up is always worth exploring. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that reinvention doesn't require perfection—just a willingness to explore. Connect with Andrea Wightwick: Website Website - Hapsy Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram