

Articles by Emily Washcovick:
Behind the Review: scaling inspiration and confidence through dance
Building a business that gives people confidence is much easier said than done. Replicating and franchising that concept—all while making sure the core values are consistent throughout—is even harder. Jami Stigliano, owner and founder of dance studio franchise DivaDance, made it happen. On this week’s episode, we talk with Jami about what inspired her to… Read more
Behind the Review: creating a cultural exchange at the salon
For Clinton Jones, owner of Magnum Opus Hair Salon, running a business is more than just selling a product—it’s about creating a cultural exchange. In this week’s episode, we hear how a simple haircut turned into an opportunity for discussion and perspective. Clinton is first and foremost a hairdresser, but what makes his craft and… Read more
Behind the Review: a locksmith’s dependability, reliability, and honesty
A good locksmith uses a quality product. But a great locksmith encompasses much more than that: dependability, reliability, and honesty. Meet Jay Sofer, founder of New York City business Lockbusters. Jay knows that his reputation is everything, and his commitment to excellence is how he’s found so much success. His customers rely on him to… Read more
Behind the Review: melding cultures one mochi muffin at a time
As a business, when you have a product that creates a line out the door, you pretty much know you’ve made it. This essentially proves that what you’re offering is worth both a consumer’s money and time. And that’s exactly what Sam Butarbutar and Wenter Shyu have achieved in their business Third Culture Bakery, with… Read more
Behind the Review: how self-confidence built a cupcake empire
Many people start their own business because of their passion for the industry—whether it’s cars, food, flowers, coffee. But that wasn’t the case for Mignon Francois, owner of The Cupcake Collection and our guest on this week’s episode of Behind the Review. She wasn’t driven by cupcakes; in fact, she didn’t even know how to… Read more
Behind the Review: a jewelry store’s take on ownership mentality and conscious spending
When it comes to selling a luxury product, it’s important to create a relationship with the customer. What is their story? What is their motivation? You have to think about more than just the sale—start by getting to know them. Viviana Langhoff, owner of Adornment + Theory, a boutique jewelry shop in Chicago, created specific… Read more
Behind the Review: Great customer service starts at the top and flows through this entire HVAC company
When you’re in the air conditioning business in Texas, desperate calls from overheated homeowners are a part of daily life. And not so infrequently, they happen in the middle of the night. Dealing with major home repair issues like this in a way that leaves the customer happy isn’t as easy as it seems. But… Read more
Behind the Review: an antique shop delivers more than just hidden gems
Curating an inventory of quality antique pieces and hidden gems takes time, thought, and a keen eye. On this week’s episode, we speak with Peg Leg Vintage, an antique shop in Beltsville, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. Owner Krisi Hora prides herself on her quality mid-century collection—one that has helped her build a trusted… Read more
Behind the Review: a dynamic combination of hospitality and digital marketing
The pandemic has impacted all businesses—from small to large, restaurants to fitness studios, nail salons to dentist offices—and each business has reacted differently. This week, we talked with the minds behind Cali Comfort BBQ in Spring Valley, California, just outside of San Diego. Owner Shawn Walchef and Digital Hospitality Specialist Stover Harger went back to… Read more
Behind the Review: an unexpectedly memorable candle-making experience
Creating a truly unique and memorable experience is rare. It takes an exceptional amount of thought, time, business acumen, and maybe a little bit of luck. The Candle Pour, located in Tampa, Florida, has managed to strike the perfect balance. This week you’ll hear from Misty and Dennis Akers, husband and wife co-owners, about their… Read more