Beyond the Vines

On this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Maren Bean, owner of X’Core Northbay, with locations in Petaluma, San Anselmo, and soon-to-open Novato.

We talk about how Maren stepped into studio ownership, what makes the X’Core workout so effective, and why it has become such a powerful part of so many people’s weekly routines. She shares what it really takes to grow from one boutique fitness studio to multiple locations — al...

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Mary Orellana, the owner and founder of Lovey Coffee Co. — a woman-owned, small-batch coffee roaster rooted right here in Sonoma County.

Mary shares her journey from a lifelong love of coffee to building a business centered on community, ethical sourcing, and connection. We talk about what it really looks like to start a coffee company from the ground up, the meaning behind the Lov...

In this heartwarming episode, Amy sits down with Linda and Isaak Cermak, the married duo behind Sonoma County’s well-loved Red Bird Bakery — a place that feels like stepping into someone’s home kitchen the moment you walk through the door. Together, they share the story behind the name, the roots that inspire their craft, and the early mornings spent “listening to the dough” and growing their business.

This conversation unfolds lik...

Poppy’s was already one of downtown Petaluma’s most charming destinations — a cheerful, thoughtfully curated toy shop where families could find something special for every child. But since our last episode together, owner Kate Brown has taken her dream even further, transforming Poppy’s into a true community hub.

In this episode, Kate shares the heart behind her expansion and what it’s been like to grow from a retail space into a m...

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year — and no one spreads the holiday spirit quite like Alyssa Romano, owner of Shades of Green Holiday Design. Based in Petaluma, Alyssa and her talented team specialize in transforming corporate offices, hospitality spaces, and local businesses into festive, elegant holiday showcases.

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, Amy chats with Alyssa about how her creative career evolved int...

Step into The Reform Room, Petaluma’s newest Pilates boutique where strength meets serenity. Owner Jess Cain has created a space that’s as beautiful as it is intentional — think exposed brick, lush greenery, warm lighting, and top-of-the-line reformers. From the moment you walk in, there’s an immediate sense of calm, balance, and care (and yes, the chilled eucalyptus towels after class are as amazing as they sound).

But what truly ...

On this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Jennifer Pezzolo, owner of Pezzolo & Co., a premier staging and design business based in Petaluma. Known for her high-end transformations, Jennifer shares how staging creates that all-important first impression for buyers, why her outlet store has become a local favorite for furniture finds, and the fun behind her warehouse sales. We also talk about life as a longtime Petalum...

Today on Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Sherill Le, owner of Obsessed, and her right-hand woman, Denise Trevino. Obsessed is a downtown Petaluma boutique that’s all about fun, style, and helping women feel confident in what they wear. We’ll dive into Sherill’s journey of starting the shop, Denise’s perspective from behind the counter, and how Obsessed has become more than just a store—it’s a place to connect, laugh, and, yes, get ...

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Sahar Gharai, the owner of La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge in downtown Petaluma. With a name that means “the sweet life,” La Dolce Vita is all about creating a warm, welcoming space to enjoy thoughtfully curated wines, delicious bites, and community connection. Sahar shares the inspiration behind opening the lounge, her approach to selecting wines, and how La Dolce Vita has become a go...

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m thrilled to welcome back Coach Cara Wasden — and this time, she’s joined by three of her incredible former students, Kalista, Emma, and Violet. For over a decade, Cara has been teaching middle school students the art (and fun!) of public speaking, guiding them through prepared speeches, impromptu talks, and even summer camps full of improvisation.

Together, we dive into the students’ experie...

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I chat with Alysia Utroske, founder of SoCo Kids Craft Club, Sonoma County’s very own mobile craft club for kids. Alysia brings the creativity right to you, giving kids the chance to explore art through fun, hands-on projects—while parents enjoy a little breather. From her Coffee & Creativity pop-ups to her dream for the future of the club, Alysia is making art accessible, joyful, and commun...

This week on Beyond the Vines, Amy sits down with Jen Klose, Executive Director of Generation Housing, to talk about the organization's mission to ensure everyone in our community has access to a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Jen shares how Gen H is working to address local housing challenges, advocate for smart policy, and create opportunities through collaboration, education, and action. Whether you're a homeow...

Lena Furlong is back on Beyond the Vines — and this time, she’s here to invite you to something truly special. The upcoming Vida Flow event, featuring The M Factor documentary, is more than just a gathering; it’s a powerful fundraiser for the Polly Klaas Foundation and a space for people to connect, learn, and celebrate every stage of life from pre-menopause to menopause and beyond.

Hosted right here in Petaluma, the event will fea...

Parenting a teen can feel like navigating a whole new world—and you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Takajo, Caitlin Severin, and Aliah Singh, the powerhouse trio behind CultivaTeen Roots and their new course for parents, Making AdoleSense.

Together, they share what inspired them to launch this meaningful venture, how their unique backgrounds shaped their approach, and why adolescence is such a cri...

This week on Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Gina Markle—the incredible entrepreneur behind Ji’s Kimchi. Raised in the Bay Area and inspired by her Korean roots, Gina began making kimchi while serving in the Coast Guard in Alaska. What started as a craving for home quickly became a business that now brings bold, beautiful flavor to kitchens across Sonoma County. We talk heritage, entrepreneurship, and what it means to share your lo...

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 hea...

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 ...

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 app...

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 bu...