Margs and Mindset
Barlyssa have been taking on life's challenges side by side, discovering what works and what doesn't. We're not just addressing past wounds, but also picking up handy skills and strategies along the way to steer our journey forward. We're convinced that no one should have to pilot through these experiences alone. With a common objective, we pondered the most impactful way to extend out support to women of color tackling generational traumas and experiences in solitude. It turned out that launching a podcast is the best conduit to build a supportive community that engages in raw, real and open dialogues that yield authentic growth. But, add tasty margaritas and some laughs for a good time because a good laugh can overcome more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than people realize.
Contributors
Barbara DeSantis
Guests
Adrean Valerio
Adrean Valerio has worked in the hospitality industry since she was 15 and is the owner of Seared & Saccharum Catering alongside her husband, Anthony. She built her career around the belief that good food and genuine hospitality can bring people together in meaningful ways.
She’s a mom to Leland, with a beloved dog named Walnut rounding out the household. When she’s not planning events, she’s usually reading or falling down the rabbit hole of a new hobby.
Adrean is a staunch feminist and human rights advocate who cares deeply about community, family, and doing what she can to make the world around her a little better.
Guest appearance on:
Aubre Fox
Aubre Fox is the founder of AF Brands & Co., where she builds brands that blend creativity, strategy, and community. She also brings her on-camera and creative experience to each company. This includes being featured in commercials, leading brand shoots and promotions, and partnering on events as a creative collaborator from concept through execution.
The NXT Level Collective is Aubre’s community for women in business who want real support, real strategy, and zero gatekeeping. Through memberships, events, and curated experiences, it helps women scale with stronger systems, confidence, and connections.
A.Fox Interiors is her high-end residential interior design firm, focusing on family-friendly, elevated spaces that feel timeless and functional. The team offers full-service design support from concept to completion, allowing clients to enjoy the process and love the result.
Guest appearance on:
Britten Evans
Britten Evans is a photographer, artist, and storyteller based in Rochester, New York. She creates earthy, emotionally rich photographs for families, couples, and creatives, blending an artist's eye with a personal approach. What began with photographing a single wedding quickly became a calling: documenting the joy, connection, and beauty that shape our lives.
Known for her creative and tailored approach, Britten takes the time to understand what matters most to the people she photographs, creating images that feel both emotional and deeply authentic. Many of her clients return to her through multiple chapters of life—from weddings and growing families to personal brands and creative pursuits.
A nature lover at heart, Britten draws her inspiration from Mother Nature and human connection, capturing moments that become the stories we carry for a lifetime.
Guest appearance on:
Dominic Piacentini
Dominic Piacentini is the founder of R4 Wellness & Consulting and a real estate professional who helps leaders and entrepreneurs make clearer decisions under pressure. With a background spanning education, real estate, and entrepreneurship—including owning and operating a catering business, hosting wellness events and retreats, and property management —Dominic brings a practical, real-world lens to mindset, leadership, and growth.
Now a professional learning leader and executive coach, he works with organizations and individuals to strengthen focus, resilience, communication, and follow-through. His work blends strategy, mental fitness, and human connection—delivering insights that are actionable, grounded, and built for real life.
Guest appearance on:
Kimberly Della Porta
Kim is a Travel Planner with Goldgell Getaways. She specializes in helping moms and families book less stressful vacations including trips to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and other destinations.
She walks clients through the planning process step by step and takes the guesswork (and stress) out of travel! From research to booking and recommendations to reservations, she’s your one stop shop for a fabulous vacation!
Kim was previously a health and mindset coach for moms who specialized in stress management. She decided to pivot to travel planning so that I could focus on reducing stress and increasing fun in one specific area for moms - travel and vacation planning!
Guest appearance on:
Sarah Napoli
With over 25 years of leadership experience across retail, beauty, med-tech, and healthcare, Sarah has always been driven by more than results. She found her greatest fulfillment in developing people - mentoring leaders, building culture, and helping others step into their potential.
Today, she is a personal and professional leadership coach, supporting individuals, leaders, and teams who are ready to evolve. Her work centers on creating space for growth and empowering people to lead with clarity, confidence, heart, and strategy.