In this episode of From Scratch, I sit down with Ralph Osuch, owner and founder of A Clean Start, for a raw and reflective conversation about life, success, and perspective. Ralph shares how his understanding of success has evolved over time — from chasing goals to reflecting on family, priorities, and the long-term impact of life choices. This episode isn’t about highlights or achievements; it’s about the lessons that come from experience, hindsight, and honesty. If you’ve ever questioned your direction, reflected on past decisions, or wondered what truly matters in the long run, this conversation will resonate deeply.

🔗 Connect with Ralph / A Clean Start

Website: https://acleanstart.net

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok: @acleanstart

In Episode 15, we sit down with Ashley Thacker, the passionate and visionary owner of A&M Esthetics in Plainfield, IL. Ashley shares a profoundly inspiring story of overcoming deep childhood shyness, feeling "timid and scared," and having to break through her reserve to find her voice in a highly social industry.

Her path wasn't linear: before building her successful spa, she was in culinary school, a path she realized wasn't her true calling. Ashley reveals how the influence of three powerful women—her mother, aunt, and grandmother—instilled in her the values of hard work, determination, and resilience. Her mother, a true "hustler" who worked multiple odd jobs, showed her how to respond when "your back is pushed up against the wall".

Connect with Ashley & A&M Esthetics: Business: A&M Esthetics Website: www.aandmesthetics.com Location: 24040 West Lockport St, Plainfield, IL 60544 Facebook/Instagram: @AandMEsthetics

In this episode of From Scratch, Gjoko sits down with Necole Matlock, a leadership strategist and the founder of Strategic HR Development, to talk about the real side of leadership—far beyond titles, job descriptions, or corporate buzzwords. Necole’s journey started long before HR. From early childhood lessons in confidence, structure, and responsibility… to becoming a mother … to developing leaders from the inside out, her story is filled with clarity, honesty, and purpose.

Follow Necole Matlock: Facebook & LinkedIn: @necolematlock

Instagram: @strategichrdevelopment

Website: www.strategichrdevelopment.com

In this episode, Gjoko interviews Laura Wong, a massage therapist, small business owner, and author of the children’s book Rocky Star.

From her upbringing in Joliet to opening The Body Mechanic Massage & Bodywork in Plainfield, IL, Laura shares her journey of transformation, creativity, and self-healing. Her story reminds us that even the most difficult paths can lead to peace, purpose, and fulfillment.

📍 Location:
The Body Mechanic Massage & Bodywork
15105 S. James St. Suite 1, Plainfield, IL 60544

Facebook: The Body Mechanic MB
📘 Rocky Star available now on Amazon

Book a session here: https://www.massagebook.com/therapists/TheBodyMechanicMB?src=external

In this inspiring episode, Dana, the owner of Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, shares how she built a community-first business that combines her passion for gaming, coffee, and connection. What started as a traveling events company evolved into a vibrant local hub where people come together to play, relax, and belong.

Her journey is a story of resilience, creativity, and purpose — a true example of building something meaningful from scratch.

📍 Critical Grind Board Game Cafe
852 Sharp Dr. Unit L, Shorewood, IL
🌐 www.criticalgrind.com
📱 Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / BlueSky: @CriticalGrind

👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeofgjd
👉 Support the show: https://www.gjdfotography.com/from-scratch-donating-page

In this episode of From Scratch, Gjoko sits down with Nick Peña, founder of Mauve, to explore what it truly takes to build something meaningful from scratch.

Episode Highlights:

Nick’s journey into building Mauve:

• The challenges of timing, staffing, and balancing real life with business

• How setbacks shaped his perspective and approach to growth

• The creative drive that keeps him pushing forward

• Lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives

Why You Should Listen
Nick’s story is a reminder that success isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to your vision. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or someone chasing a personal dream, this episode will inspire you to keep moving forward.

👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeofgjd
👉 Support the show: https://www.gjdfotography.com/from-scratch-donating-page

Connect with Nick:

Youtube/Instagram/TikTok:  ⁨@TipsyTarot0⁩ 

Mauve Nosh & Libations 1146 W Jefferson st. - Shorewood, IL (815) 582 - 3378 https://mauvelibations.com/

In this episode of From Scratch, we sit down with Kristin Brady, a realtor with John Greene Realty and a single mom who has built her life and career from the ground up. Kristin shares her journey from her early years to navigating the challenges of motherhood while building a career in real estate. Her story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s about resilience, balance, and determination. Whether you’re chasing a dream career, navigating parenthood, or simply looking for motivation, Kristin’s story will inspire you to keep pushing forward.

🔥 Real stories. Real people.

Connect with Kristin: Facebook/Instagram: HappyHomesByKristinBrady

Email: KristinBrady@johngreenerealtor.com

👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeofgjd

👉 Support the show: https://www.gjdfotography.com/from-scratch-donating-page

In this episode of From Scratch, Gjoko welcomes Elijah Allen, the passionate barber and entrepreneur behind Crucial Cuts Barbershop in Crest Hill/Plainfield, Illinois.

Elijah shares how his journey began with a love for cutting hair, grew into a lifelong craft, and ultimately led him to open his own shop. From long hours perfecting his skills to the real challenges of running a small business, Elijah’s story is about discipline, consistency, and belief in the bigger picture.

More than just cutting hair, Elijah’s vision has been about creating a place where people feel welcome, valued, and part of the community. His journey is a reminder that with determination, resilience, and passion, you can turn your craft into a thriving business — from scratch.

Get in touch with Elijah:

TikTok/Instagram: @Elijahcuttingup

📍 Crucial Cuts Barber Lounge: 2201 Plainfield Rd, Crest Hill, IL 60403

🔥 Real stories. Real people.
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeofgjd
👉 Support the show: https://www.gjdfotography.com/from-scratch-donating-page

Hashtags:
#fromscratchpodcast #barberlife #entrepreneurship #barbershopbusiness #successstory #motivation #smallbusinessgrowth #grindfromscratch #communitybuilder

In this episode of From Scratch, Gjoko sits down with Allison Ramey, whose career path spans 15 years at Lowe’s, real estate, and now her impactful role at the Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce.

Allison opens up about her passion for people, the importance of adaptability, and the lessons she’s learned through each chapter of her professional life. Her story is a testament to the power of relationships, perseverance, and staying positive in the face of change.

🔥 Real stories. Real people.
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeofgjd
👉 Support the show: https://www.gjdfotography.com/from-scratch-donating-page

Find Allison at: Website: www.homepl8.com Facebook: @AllisonRameyRealtorExpRealty ; @AllisonRamey@PSACC

Alyson Yates, founder of Canini Dog Sitting Inc and Canini Shop, shares her inspiring story of walking away from the corporate grind to build a successful pet care business from scratch. In this episode of From Scratch, she dives into how she grew her business through hard work, community trust, and a love for dogs. Alyson offers insights into entrepreneurship, balancing passion with practicality, and the value of showing up consistently.

📍 Find Alyson Online:
🐾 Website: www.caninidogsitting.com
🛍️ Shop: www.caninishop.com
📱 Facebook: @alysonmichelleyates
📸 Instagram: @alysonsellsplainfieldillinois | @caninidogsitting | @alysonscaninishop

In this moving and honest episode of From Scratch, we sit down with Michaela Gallaher, founder of Gallaher Sourdough, a woman whose story proves that some of life’s most nourishing creations come from the deepest pain.

Michaela opens up about her journey through early family loss, growing up with complex family dynamics, and the grit it took to pay her own way through college. But her strength was tested even more when she gave birth to her daughter—who was born with a serious heart condition. What followed was a whirlwind of doctor visits, emotional upheaval, and an unshakable commitment to keep moving forward.

Through all of this, Michaela found solace in the art of baking. What started as therapy in the kitchen became her calling. Today, Gallaher Sourdough is not just a business—it's a symbol of resilience, healing, and the beautiful things that can rise from broken places.

This episode is about more than bread. It’s about grit, love, motherhood, loss, and the quiet power of rebuilding your life with your own hands.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a mother, or someone walking through hard times—you’ll find something deeply inspiring in Michaela’s story.

Find Michaela on:

Facebook: @gallahersourdough

Instagram: @gallaher.sourdough

Youtube:  ⁨@michaelagallaher4477⁩ 

Hotplate: https://www.hotplate.com/gallahersourdough

In this episode of From Scratch, Gjoko sits down with Taylor, a determined and passionate hairstylist who built Taylor Made Chicago, a salon business rooted in creativity, care, and community. What started as a skill honed out of necessity grew into a full-blown salon that now represents not just beauty—but resilience, hustle, and identity.

Taylor shares how she got started doing hair in her kitchen, learning to master her craft while dreaming of something bigger. She opens up about the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur in a highly competitive and image-driven industry, and how she kept going when things got tough.

You’ll hear about:

• The origin story of Taylor Made Chicago

• Building trust with clients and creating a safe space

• Turning talent into a sustainable business

• Staying consistent even when doubt creeps in

• How Chicago shaped her mindset and grind

Taylor’s journey is raw, relatable, and proof that with enough drive, you can turn what you have into something powerful—something made from scratch. Whether you're in the beauty industry or chasing a completely different dream, her story will give you that push to keep going.

Find Taylor on:

Facebook/Instagram: @taylormadechicago

Booking: tmcmensgrooming.com

In this episode of From Scratch, we sit down with Tom, a resilient individual who shares his incredible journey from Poland to the U.S. and the obstacles he overcame along the way. From childhood transitions to building a life in a new country, Tom’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and personal growth. If you're someone who appreciates real stories about overcoming odds and starting from zero, this episode is for you.

Find PKS on Facebook and Instagram: PKS Truck and Trailer Repair Shop Address: 2121 Oakland Ave, Crest Hill, IL, United States, Illinois

Phone: (815) 409-7309

Email: pkstruckoffice@gmail.com

In this episode of From Scratch, we sit down with Tonia Koss, a pre-marriage coach based in Plainfield, Illinois, whose journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up in a quiet rural town in Michigan to becoming a teacher, salesperson, minister, and now a relationship coach for engaged couples, Tonia opens up about the life lessons that shaped her calling. She shares the struggles, setbacks, and soul-searching moments that led her to help others build lasting relationships.

Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or simply passionate about personal growth, this episode is filled with authentic wisdom and real-life experience.

🎧 Hear how Tonia’s career path was never linear, but always meaningful.

❤️ Learn why understanding yourself is the key to loving someone else.

📍Discover the small-town values she still holds onto — and how they shaped her coaching today.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes from the From Scratch podcast.

Find Tonia on Youtube: @toniakoss or her website preaisle.com

In this premiere episode of From Scratch, we sit down with Denise, the heart and hustle behind Mixed Market Thrift in Oswego, Illinois. Her journey starts in a home with little money and even less direction when it came to education.

Denise never really liked school, and after trying her hand as a nail tech and eventually becoming a nurse, she faced a turning point — one rooted in a deep fear of death and loss. That realization pushed her to leave the nursing world behind.

But Denise was always hustling — throwing garage sales, helping local dog shelters, flipping finds on Facebook Marketplace — until one day it clicked: thrifting could be a business. Now, she owns and runs Mixed Market Thrift, a vibrant secondhand store where every item has a story — and so does she.

📍 Visit her store at: 27 StoneHill Rd, Oswego, IL 60543 🛍️ Check out her website: mixedmarketthrift.com