THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | LEZLEE LILJENBERG | EPISODE 125

Adesuwa Elaiho is the founder and Executive Chef of Asukar, a premier pastry company specializing in artistic pastries.

After receiving her degree in Food Science from Colorado State University, Adesuwa went on to study culinary arts in Paris, France at the Le Cordon Bleu. After she graduated, Adesuwa spent the next five years driving growth and sales for national restaurant brands, such as Hard Rock Café and Longhorn Steakhouse to name a few.

It was during this time, Adesuwa reconnected with her desire to pursue her passion for pastry.

As she lay the foundation for Asukar, she stayed dedicated to her deeply rooted respect for traditional French cuisine. However, Adesuwa was also inspired by the art that surrounded her. She began to experiment with the shape, form and overall design of her culinary pieces.

The result was inspired, and Elaiho was soon sought out by the most elite events requesting these pastry showpieces. From suspended pastries to complex sugar arrangements, Adesuwa has established herself as one of San Antonio’s foremost culinary artists.

Adesuwa is also active in her community serving on the several boards, such as ILEA, where she proudly represents black female owned business owners in the SanAntonio area. 

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Cassie Lamere is blending a lifelong passion for exceptional event curation with a keen eye for detail, Cassie LaMere stands as a paragon in luxury event planning. As the Founder and Creative Director of Cassie LaMere Events, she has redefined the art of creating memorable experiences, merging meticulous design with a flair for the extraordinary.

From her early days, Cassie was destined to dazzle. Her innate desire to transform every occasion into a cherished memory has been the cornerstone of her 15-year career. This journey has seen her evolve from a zealous entertainer into a venerated architect of bespoke events, celebrated for her commitment to excellence and innovation.

The philosophy of personalization and authenticity is at the heart of Cassie LaMere Events. Each event is a tapestry of unique experiences woven with the threads of Cassie's diverse expertise across various sectors. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the event, from conception to execution, resonates with the client's vision and exceeds their expectations.

Cassie's leadership extends beyond the realm of event planning. Her firm, a namesake testament to her dedication, is a collective of skilled designers and coordinators who share her enthusiasm for crafting joyous moments. Their work transcends the ordinary, creating luxury experiences that not only meet but anticipate the discerning standards of their clientele.

Under Cassie's guidance, the team at Cassie LaMere Events has mastered the art of hospitality, ensuring that each gathering is marked by unparalleled attention to detail and a deep understanding of the guest experience. This commitment has culminated in events that are not just occasions but lifetime highlights, leaving an indelible impact on all who attend.

Cassie's influence extends into the community through her active involvement and recognition in various prestigious circles. Her accolades include being a finalist and nominee in the Austin Under 40 Awards, a Center for Child Protection board member, and a celebrated participant in numerous philanthropic and industry events.

Cassie LaMere Events, under Cassie's visionary leadership, continues to set new standards in the event planning industry. Each project is a testament to her ability to blend creativity with practicality, turning the impossible into the unforgettable. For Cassie, every event is not just a project but a canvas to paint memories that last a lifetime.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest For over 20 years, Courtney Garner Lewis has been a commercial banker in the North Texas Market with both large and small institutions. She is currently leading the Middle Market effort for Cadence Bank in Tarrant County. 

A first-generation college student, she began her academic journey at Dallas Community College and won an academic scholarship to attend SMU where she was a pre-med student. After deciding medical school might not be an option with two small children, she changed majors and earned a degree in Finance which launched her career in banking. 

When not meeting with clients or working on deals she can be found serving the community. She is currently serving on the boards of the United Way of Tarrant County, Housing Channel and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. She is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth and Immediate Past Chairwoman of the Housing Channel. She is a Leadership Fort Worth Class graduate and a 40 under 40 recipient in 2013. 

Courtney currently resides in Fort Worth with her husband and three dogs. Her children are now grown, and she enjoys time with her 3 grandsons. 

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Cindy Williams is a creative entrepreneur living her dream in the Florida Keys with her partner of twenty years and their two amusing pups. She is the Owner and President of Cindy's Custom Linens and Upholstery in Cudjoe Key, Florida.

Cindy's creative journey began at a young age, designing and sewing unique clothing for herself and her barbies since she was just 5 years old. With her mom's guidance at the dining room table in Colorado, she developed her sewing skills. In high school, she realized her passion for fashion design and pursued it by earning a degree at Colorado State University.

After her studies, she ventured to New York City, where she gained invaluable experience at J.Crew, a renowned catalog retailer. Although not a designer, Cindy played a crucial role in the production side, working closely with factories overseas.

Eventually, after three years in the bustling city, she decided to take a break and relocated to Florida, not far from Key West. There, she found her true calling working for a prominent Interior Design and Architectural Firm. She began offering custom bed linens, pillows, and window treatments as a side gig, sparking the birth of Cindy's Custom Linens. She also delved into upholstery, learning this new craft from a master upholsterer and honing her skills for the past two decades.

Cindy now owns a small workroom and studio located 21 miles from Key West. Her business specializes in interior design, upholstery, window treatments, and custom bed linens, serving a wide range of clients, from residential to commercial hospitality. She takes pride in offering these custom services and employs a talented team to assist in all aspects of the work. Cindy's experience as a master seamstress spans 45 years, starting from her early years of sewing at the age of 5.

Beyond her thriving business, Cindy and her partner, Alecheia, have a zest for life, embracing the "Work Hard / Play Hard" mentality. They enjoy traveling, savoring good food, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Their two beloved pups, Roscoe and Sugar, play a central role in their lives, with plans to expand their furry family in the near future. The memory of past pets, including Marti, Isaac, Detroit, Jose, Cletis, and Lucy, remains dear to their hearts.

Cindy's story is a testament to following one's passion and continuously evolving in the pursuit of creative endeavors.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Lezlee Liljenberg is a business owner, entrepreneur, and author on a mission to help others in the discovery of their true identities, their biological families and dealing with DNA surprises.

In a previous life Lezlee was a successful commercial real estate broker and in 2004 turned to insurance as she started her first agency from ground zero, growing the business to over $6 million in revenue in less than 12 years. After 18 years she sold her enterprise and formed Liljenberg Insurance Expert Witness, where she is a consultant and expert witness for insurance cases.

Over the past 30 years of her life, she knew there was something not quite right with comments and issues popping up concerning her past. Her DNA test from Ancestry sparked even more uncertainty in her heritage.

Lezlee spent several years asking all the right questions of her family and friends, to no avail. Then in 2020, her brother encouraged her to take the 23andMe test which would turn her life in a totally new, exciting, and, needles to say, a topsy turvy direction.

In 2021 she discovered the identity of her true biological family and has taken numerous  steps to meet them, many times with disappointment and pain, but more importantly, she has encountered love and acceptance that overcomes the hurts. The uncertainty drives her forward and closer to the truth of the past and that of others.

Lezlee is sharing her DNA story about love, loss, pain and pursuit of the truth to hopefully help others know that they are not alone. Her story is not an unusual one as the community of the “Non-Parent Expected” grows exponentially every year.

She wholeheartedly believes that age should never keep you back from learning more and taking new adventures. No matter our age, ethnicity, origins or skin color we all are in this thing called “Life” together.

Lezlee Liljenberg holds a BA in Journalism/Public Relations and a MA in Political Science/Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has published two books and numerous articles. Her story of her DNA journey entitled “If You Only Knew-A DNA Journey” will be her next publication and you can follow her blog and stay in touch with her at www.iamlezlee.com. She would love to hear your story and for you to become part of her family.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Jaima Brown-Emmert, also known as the "Queen of Pattern," is a highly creative stylist and the founder of Daisy Bennett LLC, a brand that has made a significant mark in the world of wallcoverings. With over 20 years of experience, Jaima has been adorning homes worldwide with her vibrant colors and modern takes on classic patterns.

Jaima's journey in the world of design began as a color mixer and artist at Sunworthy Wallcoverings in Toronto, where she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art of wallcoverings. Her upbringing, influenced by British parents, instilled in her a love for wallpaper and flower gardens, making them an integral part of her daily life and home decor.

One of Jaima's sources of inspiration comes from her travels, where she enjoys visiting design shops, museums, boutique shops and markets to discover vintage fabrics, scarves, books or fashions that spark new ideas for her collections.

Jaima's journey took her from Toronto to Chicago, where she continued to blaze a trail in the design world. She even became an American citizen in the process. In 1999, she moved to Chicago to assume the role of Design Director for SA Maxwell. In 2003, she launched the Jaima Brown Home brand, targeting the interior design market. Her designs have been brought to life and produced in countries like Italy, Spain, New Zealand, France, and England. Jaima is thrilled to see her colorful Chinoiserie murals, novelty prints, and fabrics showcased by celebrated interior designers around the world.

No matter where you are, whether it's Paris or New York City, Daisy Bennett LLC, has your walls covered in style and color. Jaima’s designs offer a vibrant and unique vibe that can transform any space, making it a true reflection of her creative vision. So, if you're looking to infuse your life with color and style, Jaima Brown-Emmert is the designer to watch.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Rhonda Nelson is a dynamic and inspirational motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist who delivers high-energy keynote presentations that challenge audiences to devote themselves to nurturing what matters most in life. Audiences love her down to earth strategies that they can apply personally. With an unwavering belief in the power of loving the life YOU live, she has inspired audiences to embrace positive change and unlock their full potential.

Rhonda was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She is the wife of lead singer and bass player Wayne Nelson of Little River Band. At the age of 50, having been linked with the name of an internationally famous rock band, living with the misconceptions that can bring, feeling unrecognized for who she was and without direction, Rhonda embarked on a transformative personal journey that led wholeheartedly to embracing middle age, being fearless in defining and achieving her own success(es) and loving the life she created for herself. Some of her own traumatic life experiences serve as a testament to the transformative power of loving the life you live.

Rhonda’s motivational talks are a catalyst for personal growth. Her captivating storytelling, coupled with down-to-earth and often witty approaches to life, she empowers audiences to dive deep into who they really are and look at what cultivates their happiness as they embark on middle age.

As a sought-after keynote speaker, Rhonda has graced the stages of significant events and conferences. She has shared how she continues to leverage unique lessons from un-desirable life events that resonates deeply with audiences, touching their lives and helping them embrace change in midlife. 

In her free time, Rhonda can be found at home entertaining, sharing her love of food and wine, or painting and creating various forms of art. She is a dog mom to Sparkles, the rescued Maltese. On occasion, you can also find her out on the latest Little River Band tour with her husband.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Sharon Berman is the founder and host of the podcast “The Jewelry Journey.”

She has always liked jewelry, but Sharon’s interest heated up after she attended a jewelry conference about 10 years ago.  She listened with rapt attention, but thought there were a lot more people who would be interested but who didn’t have access or time to explore jewelry in depth.  That served as the basis for Sharon starting the her podcast, The Jewelry Journey.

All these years later, and well over 200 podcasts later, people still want to hear what keep the makers going after years and years, and what brings in new makers to this particular art form. Where did they get their inspiration?  How do they keep doing over the long term?  What have they learned and how have they grown in this art? The podcast is not about hammering and forging; there are many sources to go if you want to learn a new technique. Her podcast is about the person holding the hammer…and behind the forge.

Why a podcast format rather than other media?  Sharon chose the podcast because it’s easily accessible to people who aren’t tied to their computers. They can listen anytime they want—when they are they doing the dishes, or walking (and even some who admit to listening to The Jewelry Journey at work).  This is a visit from inside the maker’s mind to inside the listener’s mind without any visual distractions, with Sharon as the tour leader.  One of the more unusual aspects of The Jewel Journey is that the interviews are transcribed and posted with the show notes.  This helps to give wider access to the maker’s content and thoughts in a searchable format.

One of Sharon’s passions is traveling.  Her travels allow Sharon to come across makers who would not normally be exposed to listeners who tune into podcasts, much less have access to the world marketplace, so Sharon’s listeners get to travel with Sharon as she meets interesting makers around the world. The Jewelry Journey podcast has featured makers from U.S., Austria, Estonia, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Iceland, England, Germany, Argentina and other countries.  

Sometimes the best making is making new inroads to bring new art voices to the world. That’s just what The Jewelry Journey does on a regular basis.

 Laura Simmons is the Owner & Operator of Studio 74 Vintage, Fort Worth’s premier, multi-award winning, vintage clothing store for women and men, located in the heart of Fort Worth Texas.

 Fort Worth is known as the unique place where Cowboys and Culture Collide. Inside Studio 74 store you will find just that, a collision of carefully curated high-end vintage fashions, vintage western wear and everything in between.

     Studio 74 Vintage was named as a “ Texas Best Store” by Shop Across Texas as well as BEST BOUTIQUE in Fort Worth by Reader’s of Fort Worth Weekly -2022, and Best Place for Vintage Finds by Reader’s of 76107 Magazine in 2022. They have been featured in Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Justin Boot Company Ads, Western Life & Style, multiple Fort Worth Star Telegram stories, D Magazine, Fort Worth Magazine, 76107 Magazine, The Dallas Observer, Fort Worth Fashion Week, NBC News, Fort Worth Weekly, as well as several movie productions.

Studio 74 Vintage is a must stop destination-shopping location.

     Simmons is a creative, multi-talented, artistic visionary who has not only created a buzz-worthy retail store but has also recently had the opportunity to use her talents in styling 1883 - Actor and Choctaw Native Jeremy Gauna for a piece in Fort Worth Magazine. She also styled a customer in the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis by doing her hair, makeup, and wardrobe and accidentally landed the images in Photo VOGUE.  She has also collaborated with Justin Boot Company in styling and providing vintage wardrobe pieces for one of their recent campaigns. Her store is frequented by local celebrities and she’s provided clothing for several film productions. 

     Laura’s background includes a collective 25 year Law Enforcement career, where she jokes that’s she’s worn a uniform her whole life and has never cared about fashion and finds it funny that people are now asking for her fashion advice and styling ability.  For her she says it comes down to just being blessed with a creative mind! She is a self taught photographer and portrait artist, collector and lover of all things history-related, antique and vintage, and a wanna-be archaeologist. She has even sourced two human skulls from two different estate sales within the last year or so and has set out on a mission to research them at length by having them examined, forensically reconstructed and carbon dated. What she discovered was intriguing to say the least. 

A very special "hello!" to our beautiful and stunning friend Louann Jones! XOXO

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Tonya Thomas is the founder of Team Delegate, a provider of elite virtual executive assistant support to seasoned executives turned small business owners. Team Delegate’s highly trained executive VAs provide comprehensive administrative support that helps time-starved CEOs to double their productivity so they can triple their earnings.

Tonya has been featured in national media including Entrepreneur and Black Enterprise. She has spoken at women’s business events as well as been invited as a guest on podcasts. She is a pioneer of the virtual assistant industry, beginning as a solo executive virtual assistant and serving high-level clients for 18 years before utilizing the knowledge gained as a solo entrepreneur and expanding her company into an executive virtual assistant firm with a team of executive virtual assistants. Her passion is helping business owners understand how effective delegation can have a positive impact on their bottom line.

Tonya resides in the Dallas, Texas area with her husband and two sons. In her spare time she enjoys walking, reading and watching her favorite television shows and movies.