Beyond the Vines

Welcome to the Beyond the Vines podcast, where I interview local business owners in Sonoma County to highlight small business and grow our community. I’m your host, Amy Ahlers-- a mom, Realtor®, and Sonoma County native, and I am excited to connect you to some amazing people in this beautiful area that we call home. amyahlersrealestate.com

Listen on:

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Episodes

Wednesday May 21, 2025

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Durham—children’s author, mom of two, and a local small business owner. When a sudden illness brought Melanie’s fast-paced world to a halt, she began seeking quiet, meaningful ways to stay connected with her kids. What started as personal rituals of mindfulness became the heart of her first children’s book, Every Day Magic. In this episode, Melanie shares her deeply personal journey, the healing power of storytelling, and the beautiful reminder that magic is something we create every day.
You can find author Melanie Durham at @magicbymelanie on Instagram and magicbymelanie.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Wednesday May 14, 2025

When your athlete loses their spark, it’s hard to know what to do—or say. In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Smith, a mental performance coach who’s helped thousands of kids (and parents!) navigate the emotional ups and downs of youth sports. We chat about her book Parenting Through Mental Blocks and what it really takes to raise confident, happy athletes—without the pressure. Whether you’re on the sidelines or just cheering from home, you’ll walk away with tips, perspective, and a whole lot of hope.
You can find Complete Performance Coaching at @complete_performance on Instagram and completeperformancecoaching.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Friday May 09, 2025

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Conny Schneider, co-founder of the brand new gym, SomoFit, in Sonoma County. Conny shares her personal journey of discovering fitness as a source of strength, friendship, and belonging after moving to the United States—and how that experience shaped her vision for SomoFit today.
We talk about her passion for creating a welcoming, community-focused fitness space, her approach to evidence-based training, and why she believes movement is a universal language that brings people together. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or someone just looking for a place to feel connected, you'll love hearing Conny’s story and the heart behind SomoFit.
Tune in for a conversation full of inspiration, wellness tips, and a fresh take on what it really means to feel strong—inside and out.
You can find SomoFit at @somo_fit on Instagram and SomoFit.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025

Step into the world of effortless style with Stacy Templeton Kaplan, the powerhouse behind Bella, a beloved boutique with locations in Petaluma, Novato, Greenbrae, and Mill Valley. In this episode, Stacy shares the inspiring story behind Bella’s beginnings, what it takes to run multiple thriving stores, and how she curates collections that help women feel confident, comfortable, and stylish. Whether you're a fashion lover, local business supporter, or budding entrepreneur, this conversation is full of heart, insight, and inspiration.
You can find Bella at @bellaboutiquemarin on Instagram, www.bellamarin.com, and at their Petaluma, Greenbrae, Novato and Mill Valley locations.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

​​In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we're lighting things up with Katie May, founder of SoCo Candle Co—a Sonoma County-based business known for its eco-friendly candles poured into upcycled wine bottles, cans, and more. Katie shares how a simple love for DIY projects turned into a creative business rooted in sustainability, local spirit, and unforgettable scents. We dive into how she designs her seasonal collections, balances art and entrepreneurship, and connects with the community through markets and handmade charm. Whether you're a candle lover, small business enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good story—you’re going to love this one.
You can find SoCo Candle Co at @sococandleco on Instagram and www.sococandleco.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Friday Apr 11, 2025

Get ready for wagging tails and heartwarming stories! In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Petra Macega, the beloved founder of The VIP Pack in Petaluma. Known for her joyful dog-walking adventures and irresistible social media presence, Petra shares how she turned her passion for pups into a thriving business. We talk pack dynamics, popular pup photos, behind-the-scenes moments, and the deep connections she’s built with both dogs and their humans. Whether you're a dog lover, a business enthusiast, or just here for the good vibes—this episode will leave you smiling.
You can find The VIP Pack at www.thevippack.com and @the_vip_pack on Instagram.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Mayra Alexandra Hernandez, a Mindset and Leadership Coach who helps high-achieving women break through limiting beliefs and step into their full potential. We talk about her unique journey from engineering to coaching, the challenges she faced as a woman in male-dominated industries, and how neuroscience, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence play into personal growth. Whether you're a business owner, a leader, or simply someone looking to feel more confident and aligned in your life, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to help you shift your mindset and thrive.
You can find Mayra Alexandra Hernandez on LinkedIn and at @mayra_hernandez_coaching on Instagram.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Friday Mar 21, 2025

Ever wished for radiant skin without the hassle of a complicated routine? In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Hayley Jacquin, co-owner of Face Foundrie San Francisco, to talk all things skincare, beauty business, and the magic of an efficient facial. Hayley shares her journey into the skincare world, the unique approach Face Foundrie brings to accessible skincare, and expert tips for achieving glowing skin—no matter how busy you are.
We also dive into common skincare mistakes, industry trends, and what it takes to launch a beauty business in a competitive city like San Francisco (soon to be Corte Madera and Santa Rosa as well!). Whether you're a skincare fanatic or just looking for simple ways to elevate your routine, this episode is packed with insider knowledge you won’t want to miss!
You can find Face Foundrie at facefoundrie.com/location/san-francisco and @facefoundriesanfrancisco on Instagram.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Thursday Mar 13, 2025

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we're sitting down with Amanda Norton of Body English Health and Performance in Petaluma. Amanda shares the story behind her unique approach to fitness, where movement, recovery, and mindset all play a role in helping clients perform—and feel—their best. Whether you're an athlete looking to level up, someone simply wanting to move through life with more ease, or a parent looking for fun classes for their child, Amanda's philosophy is all about creating a sustainable, strong foundation. Tune in as we talk about breaking fitness myths, building healthy routines, and how the Petaluma community inspires her work every day.
You can find Body English Health and Fitness at www.bodyenglish.fit and @bodyenglish.fit on Instagram.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Friday Mar 07, 2025

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Lori Walker, the director and owner of Speech and Language Services of Marin-Sonoma. Lori shares her expertise in speech and language development, discussing the early signs that a child may need therapy, practical tips for parents, and the impact of effective communication at any age. We also dive into her journey as a business owner, the evolution of speech therapy, and the rewarding work of helping people find their voice. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the field, this conversation is packed with valuable insights!
You can find Speech and Language Services of Marin-Sonoma at www.speechlanguage.info and @speechandlanguageservices on Instagram and Facebook. 
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

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