Joy is the Job Now: How Cara Built Her Handcrafted Jewelry Business
In this episode of "Heart and Soul," hosts Mariah and Monique reconnect with Cara Overland, a former hospitality professional turned successful earring designer and entrepreneur.
Cara shares her inspiring journey from a stable career in hospitality to launching her own business, Lake Superior Scandinavian, a charming boutique known for its unique, hypoallergenic earrings. Listeners are taken through Cara's transformative journey, emphasizing how aligning her career with her passions brought personal and professional fulfillment.
The conversation also highlights the significance of pricing strategies, community-building through events, and the power of supportive networks in fostering entrepreneurial success. This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the bravery of pursuing one's dreams and the fulfillment that follows.
"I created my own security. I created my own safety. And now, I don’t feel the grind anymore—I feel aligned." - Cara Overland
In this episode, we discuss:
(00:00) Women's Entrepreneurial Journey and Inspiration
(15:50) Storefront Success and Entrepreneurial Journey
(29:27) Entrepreneurial Confidence and Pricing Strategies
(35:38) Scandi Candy Subscription Box Success
(55:25) Prioritizing Mental and Physical Health
Hey Heart & Soul Collective!
Join us as we sit down with the radiant and resilient Cara Overland, Heart & Soul Mastermind alum and the creative force behind Lake Superior Scandinavian—a Bayfield-based boutique known for its colorful, hypoallergenic earrings and joyful energy.
Cara shares her courageous journey of pivoting out of a 22-year career in hospitality and into entrepreneurship, turning a personal jewelry allergy into a thriving business.
From selling handmade earrings during the pandemic with her toddler in the backseat to opening a charming storefront on Bayfield’s Rittenhouse Avenue, Cara’s story is one of deep trust in self, bold leaps, and unstoppable creativity.
💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:
How losing her job during the pandemic sparked a creative breakthrough
The leap from stable employment to full-time entrepreneur—and how she built her safety net
Why working in her zone of genius changed everything
The story behind her signature $39 price point and “Scandi Candy” subscription box
How her shop became more than a business—it became a vibe, a gathering place, and a symbol of empowerment
Tips for navigating burnout, saying “yes” to the right things, and letting go of guilt
🔗 Resources + Links:
Follow Cara on Instagram: @lakesuperiorscandinavian
Get your own “Scandi Candy” subscription box ✨
Book rec: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
💖 If you loved this episode… Please leave us a 5-star review and share this story with someone who might be standing at the edge of their next leap. It just might be the nudge they need.
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All Heart & Soul's Details:
Website: https://www.heartandsoulmastermind.com/
Join the mastermind program: https://www.heartandsoulmastermind.com/heartsoul
Say hi to Mariah on Instagram: @mariahmckechnie
Say hi to Monique on Instagram: @moniqueforcier
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