From the Honeycomb

Ep. 158 - Redefining Design Balancing Passion, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurship in Architecture with Erin Fantozz

In this episode, Katerina sits down with Erin Fantozz, a designer whose expertise is shaped by her dual degrees in interior design and architecture. Erin shares the story of her journey in the design industry, from an early passion for creating spaces to the pivotal moments that led her to establish her own business. She reflects on the challenges she faced balancing the demands of a growing career with motherhood, shedding light on the pressures many women in architecture experience when striving for both professional and personal success. 
Erin and Katerina discuss the evolution of the design profession and the shifts occurring in the industry today. Erin shares her experience transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, detailing the fears, risks, and rewards that came with the decision. They explore the importance of building a strong support network, the role of mentorship in guiding career growth, and why community and flexibility are becoming increasingly vital—particularly for women in architecture and design. Erin also offers valuable insights into the business side of architecture, from defining a niche to the importance of delegation in managing workload effectively. 
The transition from corporate work to entrepreneurship is filled with uncertainty, but Erin’s journey demonstrates that with the right mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change, the challenges can lead to immense personal and professional growth. The conversation underscores the growing need for flexible work arrangements in the design industry, allowing professionals to shape careers that align with their lifestyle while continuing to make a meaningful impact.
 
Mentioned: 
Check out the Profit First book on Amazon
Follow Erin on Instagram
Lead form / EFDesigns Information 
Connect with Erin on LinkedIn 
Erin's Facebook Page
 
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Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.
 

Ep. 157 - Reconnecting with Balance Ayurveda, Gratitude, and the Healing Power of Nature with Jodie Snyder

On this week's episode, Katerina welcomes Jodie Snyder, a registered Ayurvedic lifestyle and wellness coach, to share her inspiring journey into Ayurveda and the creation of Hina Hale, a tranquil sanctuary on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Jodie reveals her path to self-healing, the value of structured routines, and the powerful role nature plays in the healing process.
The conversation explores the deep connection between personal wellness and the natural world, the unique programs offered at Hina Hale, and the grounding energies of physical spaces. Jodie also opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, from balancing passion with business demands to cultivating a healthy relationship with money.
Together, Katerina and Jodie reflect on the power of gratitude in challenging times, the transformative impact of routine, and the ways sacred spaces in nature can elevate the healing journey. Tune in to uncover how sacred environments and community support can foster growth and how gratitude can bring peace even in the midst of life’s difficulties.
 
Mentioned: 
Katie Silcox: Shakti School  
Website:  https://www.hinahale.com/
Follow Hina Hale on Instagram: @hinahalehawaii 
Connect on Facebook: Hina hale
Book: Daughter of Molokai
 
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Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.
 
 

Ep 156 - Building Visibility: Marketing Strategies for Architects and Designers with Amy Edwards

In this week's episode, Katerina sits down with Amy Edwards, founder of Markedly, to explore the art of marketing for architects and designers. Amy offers advice on marketing effectively on a budget, building trust through valuable content, and setting clear business goals to guide your strategy.
She highlights the importance of focusing on strategy over tactics, committing to long-term success, and creating meaningful content to engage clients. Amy also emphasizes the value of consistency in building trust and tailoring your efforts by understanding your target audience. She shares insights on measuring success through quality leads rather than follower counts, adapting to the ever-changing marketing landscape, and balancing online efforts with in-person networking.
Together, they discuss how platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can be leveraged for personal branding and the role of in-person events in creating a well-rounded marketing approach. Whether you’re looking to refine your strategy or take your marketing to the next level, this episode is packed with advice you won’t want to miss!
 
Mentioned: 
Website: www.themarkedly.com.au
Follow Amy on Instagram @marked.ly 
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn
 
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Podcast Audio edit by LadyToluu Soile  https://www.fiverr.com/users/bamisesoile/seller_dashboard.
Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.
 

Ep. 155 - Slowing Down and Embracing Rest in the New Year with Katerina

In this reflective episode, host Katerina opens up about the challenges she faced in 2024 and her journey toward slowing down in 2025. After experiencing burnout, Katerina shares her decision to take a hiatus from the podcast, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care.
With her word for the year, slow down, she explores how setting boundaries and focusing on personal growth have shaped her goals for the year ahead. Throughout the episode, she shares the empowering nature of saying no, the value of gratitude, and the importance of focusing on what truly fulfills and excites her.
Tune in as Katerina expresses gratitude for her experiences, discusses lessons learned, and offers a glimpse into her plans for the future.
Mentioned: 
Episode 153 - Year-end reflections: Insights from Q4 and Creating Abundance with Katerina
Join AWA+D events 
 
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Podcast Audio edit by LadyToluu Soile  https://www.fiverr.com/users/bamisesoile/seller_dashboard.
Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.
 

Ep. 154 - Reflecting on a Year of Building and Creating Lessons in Residential Construction and Entrepreneurship with Jesse and Katerina

In the final episode of 2024, Jesse and Katerina look back on their entrepreneurial journeys over the past year. With Jesse’s word of the year, “build,” and Katerina’s, “create,” as guiding themes, they share how these intentions shaped their professional growth.
Together they dive into why they both feel rooted in residential construction, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of the field. Jesse opens up about the demanding administrative side of running a construction company, the realities of insurance needs, and how growing up in a construction family didn’t make success any easier. Katerina reflects on the financial and time-management shifts she’s navigated as a business owner and the dedication it takes to thrive.
Together, they explore the hard truths of entrepreneurship: success doesn’t happen overnight, and building something meaningful requires consistent effort and resilience. This candid discussion is a reminder of the dedication behind the scenes of every thriving business.
 
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Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.
 

Ep. 153 - Year-End Reflections: Insights from Q4 and Creating Abundance with Katerina

In this candid solo episode, Katerina takes you behind the scenes to reflect on the final stretch of the year and share her journey through Q4. With no script and plenty to vent about, she opens up about unexpected twists in her business and personal life, offering an honest look at the lessons learned going into her second year as a business owner—lessons that have been even more eye-opening than the first.
Katerina revisits her word of the year, create, and explores how its meaning has evolved. From crafting tangible products to building a community and embracing abundance, she reflects on the impact of her creative endeavors. She also celebrates the flexibility her business has afforded her to prioritize family and cherish life’s meaningful moments.
Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, projecting workload with experience, and finding gratitude amidst it all.
 
Mentioned: 
Subscribe to the From the Honeycomb newsletter!
Ep. 150 with Katy Bandy
Ep. 139 - last entrepreneurial update from Katerina
Ep. 137 with Audrey Lau
 
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Podcast Audio edit by LadyToluu Soile  https://www.fiverr.com/users/bamisesoile/seller_dashboard.
Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

Ep. 152 Foundations of Ownership Journey to Building An Architecture Firm with architect and firm owner Kelsey Ahumada

In this entrepreneurial episode, Katerina is joined by architect and firm owner Kelsey Ahumada, founder of Portica Architecture, as she takes us through her inspiring path from aspiring architect to successful business owner. Kelsey shares how her love for both sketching and technical details led her to architecture and how she was fortunate to gain invaluable early experience in a supportive firm that encouraged her to get licensed. Despite the challenging ARE journey, with its share of setbacks, Kelsey’s determination never wavered.
Kelsey shares how she made the transition to firm ownership, including the moment when she knew it was time to start her own practice. With her husband’s expertise as a CPA, Kelsey navigated the financial side of business, laying a strong foundation by collaborating with her lawyer and accountant. She also reveals the story behind her firm's name, Portico, and the intentionality behind her brand identity.
Together, Kelsey and Katerina discuss the ins and outs of those early months of firm ownership, from securing the first client and building a portfolio to the strategies for competing with larger firms. They also explore the challenges and rewards of putting together proposals, negotiating with clients, and finding confidence as we advocate for ourselves and our businesses. Perfect for aspiring firm owners, this episode is packed with lessons and insights on what it takes to launch and grow a successful architecture firm.
Mentioned: 
Porticaarch.com
Follow on Instagram @Porticaarch 
Connect with Kelsey on Linkedin
Connect with Portica Arch on Linkedin
 
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Podcast Audio edit by LadyToluu Soile  https://www.fiverr.com/users/bamisesoile/seller_dashboard.
Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

Ep 151 - Empowering Female Voices in the AEC industry A Behind-the-Scenes Journey with She Builds Podcast

In this week's episode Katerina is joined by I'm joined by Lizi Raar, Jessica Rogers, and Norgerie Rivas, the hosts of the She Builds Podcast. Together, they dive into the stories and inspiration behind their podcast, where they highlight the legacy and contributions of women in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). The trio shares the joy and impact of creating content that motivates and connects with listeners while empowering women in the industry. They reveal how they choose which female architects and pioneers to spotlight, their unique approach to researching and structuring each season, and the collaborative way they divide roles and responsibilities to bring every episode to life.
Listen in as Lizi, Jessica, and Norgerie open up about what it’s like to be women in AEC, often the only women in the room, and the inspiration they've gained from uncovering these stories. And get an inside look at what goes into producing each episode and hear heartwarming moments of meeting listeners who’ve been touched by their work. This episode celebrates the power of sharing women’s stories and building a stronger, more connected community in AEC.
 
Mentioned: 
Listen to She Builds Podcast!
Follow on Instagram @shebuildspodcast
Connect on Facebook!
Follow on Twitter
 
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Podcast Audio edit by LadyToluu Soile  https://www.fiverr.com/users/bamisesoile/seller_dashboard.
Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

Ep. 150 - Building a Business on Your Own Terms with licensed therapist and coach Katy Bandy

In this week's episode, licensed therapist and coach Katy Bandy returns as a guest to share reflections from her first year as an entrepreneur. She discusses her journey from a 9-to-5 role to building a business where she empowers high-achieving women through her coaching programs.
Katy opens up about the risks she took, health challenges she faced, and a shift in her approach to social media, all within her first year of entrepreneurship. Initially, she expected social platforms to be her main income source but discovered a better way to use it that aligns with her values. Katerina and Katy explore the impact of social media on their businesses, weighing time investment and effective strategies they've both adopted as entrepreneurs.
Katy also shares how stepping back from social media gave her room to expand in other areas and the flexibility to balance work with self-care and her personal life. She highlights the highs of entrepreneurship, staying motivated, and the different approaches she's found for marketing her therapy practice and coaching programs. 
Tune in to hear about the financial realities of running a business and the importance of building client trust—and the triumphs and challenges of life as a business owner.
Mentioned:
Tune into Katy's first episode on FTH: ep. 71
katybandy.com
Tune into Katy's podcast - The Mindful Soul
Follow Katy on Instagram @itskatybandy
 
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Podcast Audio edit by LadyToluu Soile  https://www.fiverr.com/users/bamisesoile/seller_dashboard.
Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.
 

Ep 149 - WIA The Power of community - Shaping Minds Through the Design of Educational Spaces with architect Annette Wu

In the fourth and final episode of the Women in Architecture series, Katerina sits down with architect Annette Wu, whose passion for the field was sparked early on through creativity in graphic design and hands-on projects. Annette reflects on her journey, including a pivotal moment during her second semester of architecture school that reignited her determination to continue pursuing her dreams
Reflecting on the evolution of architecture education since Annette’s school days, they explore how architecture school has changed. After completing her graduate studies, Annette immersed herself in New York City's dynamic construction scene before launching her career in Hong Kong during a period of rapid growth. She shares her experience navigating cultural differences while collaborating with local teams, highlighting the critical importance of turning design visions into reality during construction.
Driven by a desire to engage with her local community, Annette returned to Los Angeles, focusing on the importance of being involved in the construction phase to ensure the design intent is executed. With a passion for K-12 projects, she shares the profound impact these spaces have on students and the community at large. She strategically sought firms specializing in educational architecture to return to her roots in school projects. Annette also delves into her enthusiasm for design-build, which fosters a more integrated approach to project logistics and client value.
Her involvement with the AIA Women in Architecture committee has opened doors for networking and professional growth, culminating in her role as president of AIA Los Angeles. Annette reflects on how her participation in these organizations has been instrumental in building community and supporting various groups.
 
Mentioned:
Connect with Annette on Linkedin
Join the AIA LA chapter
Watch the AWA+d symposium video panel
 
Purchase your copy of The Mindful Blueprint for Launching Your Architecture Firm  Use code honeycomb20 for 20% off!
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Podcast Audio edit by LadyToluu Soile  https://www.fiverr.com/users/bamisesoile/seller_dashboard.
Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5
 
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.