Recent Post

S2 E35 | Real Estate Realities: Navigating Today’s Market with Manny Manna

Cutting through the noise of real estate misinformation, Manny Manna—a successful entrepreneur with extensive experience in property development, private equity, and lending—delivers an eye-opening assessment of today’s housing market that both novice buyers and seasoned investors need to hear.

The conversation dives deep into how social media “experts” are spreading dangerous misinformation about real estate for clicks and views, while lacking the credentials and continuing education that would validate their advice. Manny shares his professional insights on why macroeconomic factors beyond interest rates—including tariffs on building materials, logistical challenges, and policy decisions—are shaping housing affordability in ways many commentators miss.

Perhaps most shocking is the revelation that 68% of properties in Hillsborough County are investor-owned, pushing Tampa into the top 10 U.S. cities for homelessness and housing insecurity despite its economic growth. This stark contradiction between prosperity and social challenges raises profound questions about community development priorities.

Read More »

S2 E34 | Artistry Unleashed with Shi: From Songwriting at Five to Finding Her Voice

Enter the vibrant world of Artishi – a dynamic force in Tampa Bay’s creative scene who’s redefining what it means to be authentically yourself as an artist. In this captivating conversation, we dive deep into the journey of a multi-talented creator who’s been crafting words and melodies since the tender age of five.

Artishy reveals the fascinating story behind her podcast “Shi Speaks” and her mission to create what she calls “safe spaces to fix your face” – environments where people can be vulnerable, grow, and transform without judgment. Her concept of “goal friends” – supportive circles that celebrate your wins rather than competing with them – provides a refreshing perspective on building meaningful relationships in creative industries.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Artishi performs snippets of her songs “Soon” and “We Swinging,” demonstrating her versatile musical style that blends nostalgic 90s vibes with contemporary sensibilities. Her track “We Swinging” carries a powerful message beneath its catchy exterior: “As long as you’re up to bat, they can never count you out” – a mantra for perseverance that resonates throughout her work.

Read More »

S2 E33 | Alex Delgado Beyond the Uniform: A Marine’s Journey Through Entrepreneurship

What separates those who dream from those who do? Alex Delgado’s remarkable journey from Marine Corps intelligence analyst to serial entrepreneur reveals that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from each experience to fuel your next venture.

The serial entrepreneur, Marine veteran, and author of “The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances” takes us through his fascinating career trajectory, beginning with a doomed hip-hop clothing store in Miami. Rather than being discouraged when competing with vendors selling stolen merchandise from car trunks, Delgado extracted a valuable insight about advertising from the experience that led to his next business: marine advertising with inflatable billboards towed along Miami’s beaches. This venture flourished, attracting major clients including Miller Coors, Red Bull, and international DJs.

Throughout the conversation, Delgado reveals how military discipline shaped his approach to both business and life. While many might find balancing active Marine duty with entrepreneurship impossible, he simultaneously pursued multiple degrees—eventually earning his MBA—while launching businesses. This commitment to continuous growth reaches far beyond professional pursuits, as evidenced by his dedication to marathon running and community building through the newly-formed Oldsmar Running Club.
Born and raised in Tampa, Morgan’s athletic journey began with track and basketball before transitioning to boxing after wandering into a gym and being inspired by a young female fighter. Despite starting at the relatively late age of 28, her natural competitive fire quickly propelled her through the amateur ranks to become #3 in the country before turning professional.

Coach Moniette, her trainer and manager, doesn’t sugarcoat the brutal realities of boxing. He made Morgan study for a full year before her second amateur fight, ensuring she understood the sport’s dangers—including the approximately 13 fighters who die annually in the ring. This sobering perspective shapes their approach: “You’re not just training to win; you’re training to kill… and be willing to die.”

Read More »

Send Your Question

Got burning questions about business, entrepreneurship, or anything in between? We want to hear from you! Send us your queries, and hosts Manny and Sean Febre will answer them on an upcoming episode of Happy Hour Holidaze. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights while having a great time. Simply drop us a message with your questions, and let’s dive into the world of business together!

E25| Batting to Success: Ashlynn Rae's Exhilarating Voyage from Hairstylist to Luxury Lash Industry Tycoon

Introduction:

Welcome to the latest entry in our Happy Hour Holidaze blog, where we delve into the heartening and insightful world of entrepreneurship and personal triumph. In this post, we’re excited to unpack the pearls of wisdom shared by our special guest, Ashlynn Rae Roberts, the entrepreneurial force behind the flourishing Ashlynn Rae Lashes brand. Hosted by the vibrant duo, Sean and Manny Febre, this episode is a journey through resilience, innovation, and the power of a positive mindset.

The Genesis of a Lash Empire:

Ashlynn’s story begins in the realms of hairstyling, where her early career as a hair extension specialist in South Tampa laid the foundation for her future endeavors. She recalls the nascent days of the lash industry, a time when it was a luxury reserved for the elite. Identifying an untapped market, Ashlynn embraced the opportunity, training in lash artistry and quickly becoming a sought-after professional in the Tampa area.

Business Acumen and Expansion:

Ashlynn openly discusses the business side of her lash empire. She breaks down the financial nuances of the industry, from the pricing of initial appointments to the strategic importance of building a recurring client base. Her insights into the entrepreneurial aspects of running a lash studio are invaluable for anyone looking to break into the beauty industry.

Navigating Through COVID-19:

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Ashlynn’s take on the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary to the downturn experienced by many industries, her business witnessed an unexpected upsurge. This segment is a masterclass in adaptability and resilience, showcasing how businesses can thrive even in the most challenging times.

The Role of Social Media:

Our hosts dive into the impact of social media in today’s business landscape. Ashlynn illustrates how platforms like Instagram have become instrumental in brand building and client engagement, enhancing her business’s visibility and contributing to its growth.

A Personal Journey of Growth and Empowerment:

More than just a business success story, Ashlynn shares her personal journey, highlighting her transformation from a teenage mother to a successful businesswoman. Her narrative is a beacon of hope and inspiration, emphasizing the importance of self-belief, authenticity, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Educating the Next Generation:

As the conversation shifts towards education and mentorship, Ashlynn expresses her passion for empowering aspiring lash artists. She discusses her plans to expand into education, aiming to nurture talent and share her knowledge and experience with those eager to enter the industry.

Closing Thoughts:

The episode concludes with Ashlynn offering sage advice to budding entrepreneurs and those facing personal or professional hurdles. Her story is a testament to the idea that success is not reserved for a select few but is attainable by anyone willing to embrace their authentic self and work diligently towards their goals.

Conclusion:

This episode of Happy Hour Holidaze is more than just an exploration of the lash industry; it’s a narrative of determination, innovation, and the power of a positive mindset. Ashlynn Rae Roberts’ journey is a resonant reminder that with passion, resilience, and a bit of entrepreneurial savvy, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.

Stay tuned to our blog for more inspiring stories and insights from industry leaders and change-makers. And if you haven’t already, be sure to listen to the full episode with Ashlynn Rae Roberts on Happy Hour Holidaze for a deep dive into the world of beauty entrepreneurship.

Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every story shared is a chance to inspire. Here’s to your success and the many lessons we’ll learn along the way!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email