We're back for the second episode of the PGM Podcast. Thank you to all who listened last week and gave me positive feedback, I appreciate it more than you know! In case you didn't catch our update last week, you can now listen and subscribe to the podcast on both Stitcher and iTunes, for easy, convenient listening on the go. 

In this second episode, we're talking with Bobbi Bankston, the creator of The Mason Bar Company, which makes cute, stylish and useful accessories to turn the unassuming mason jar into a takeaway cup. We love that it reduces waste, makes year round use of the mason jar, and we love that the thoughtful, pretty design makes a statement. In just a few short years, Bobbi grew this business from an Etsy listing to a thriving wholesale and ecomm business, shipping thousands of units a week. And, she's a mother of three. 

Bobbi was great to talk with, she was warm, welcoming, and very easy going. Her bio on the MBC website describes her so well I had to share it here with you: 

"The boss lady. Bobbi has the heart of an entrepreneur and always knew she would run her own business. She is in love with research/product development and will forever be dreaming big. Her motto in life is, “Say yes and go” and she has made it her business to do just that! When she isn’t having a giggle fit she is gasping for breath over another genius idea she came up with in 30 seconds (queue googly eyes). She has an insatiable passion for others and makes whoever she is around believe they can change the world. There’s no stopping the woman-she’s bound for greatness."

As with Lauralee in last week's episode, Bobbi and I covered a lot, but you can expect to learn more about:

• How Bobbi found herself in a difficult spot after trying many different careers but never finding her true calling
• What to do when you find yourself searching for that spark, that something to call your own
• How Bobbi finally did find her spark, and how she made it happen
• How she scaled her business, and how she strives for her own version of work/family balance

As with last week's episode, this episode is from a three-part miniseries on Motherhood & Livelihood, in support of our current issue on family and our love of small business. Read more about the inspiration for the idea in last week's show notes. 

Since this is a new show, please help us spread the word by sharing if you enjoyed it! There's a tweetable link below, and any Instagram, Facebook or other sharing is very, very appreciated!  Find detailed show notes with time stamps at the bottom of the post! Thanks for listening and see you next week! Listen/Subscribe in iTunes | Stitcher

Click to Tweet: "Do something just to gain momentum, to know that you can & then follow your instincts." Bobbi Bankston, PGM podcast: http://ctt.ec/CchvJ+

Click to Tweet: "Celebrate baby steps. Dig deep, find that bravery. If you don't try, you'll regret it." Bobbi Bankston, PGM Podcast: http://ctt.ec/4cdO2+

ALL PHOTOS by Karyn Johnson for PGM

PHOTO STYLING by Carrie Moe of Type A Society for PGM

PODCAST PRODUCTION by Ben Goldstein

Show Notes

We've put together more detailed show notes with the key points, including time stamps, to help you navigate the show. Please note that time stamps are approximate.

"Do something, just to gain momentum, and then follow your instincts."

"It feels like a miracle that I get to wake up excited everyday, that I get to use of all of my talents, meet people, and grow this amazing, beautiful thing." (13:30)

"My journey the last few years has definitely played into motherhood, it's made me realize a lot of things in general, like what big dreams really mean and taking leaps of faith." (14:10)

"I think it's really neat that my boys have grown with me. They've seen great things happen. They've watched their mom try to brave. Those steps of bravery has affected our family in a really positive way." (14:45)

"It's taken a while to understand the importance of using self control on my time." (18:30)

"The importance of taking time without electronic devices, even if it's just on weekends." (19:00)

"You need to let go of the "what if" in business. The more we prioritize our families, the more it will pay off." (19:00)

How to escape the constant pull of checking on your business (21:45)

The evolution of The Mason Bar Company (28:00)

Bobbi's lifechanging work in Uganda (44:45)

BOBBI'S ADVICE (50:25)

• Be brave
• Have a support group from like minded people. (Don't ask people who are not your customer for advice.)
• Celebrate baby steps - dig deep, find that bravery, because you know that if don't try, you'll regret it.