In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Aggie and Cristy sit down with Blair Pietrini, co-founder of Pietrini Pizza Napoletana and longtime community advocate, for a conversation that goes far beyond business. Blair shares her powerful story of launching a dream with her husband, losing him just ten months after opening their restaurant, and continuing to honor his legacy through family, faith, and fire-forged perseverance.

From founding a nonprofit that served tens of thousands annually to building a thriving restaurant with no prior industry experience, Blair’s journey is one of unwavering values, radical authenticity, and a refusal to let tragedy define her future. You’ll walk away with lessons on leadership, grief, guts, and how to build a business that’s truly an extension of who you are.

Veena Birajadar’s journey is anything but ordinary. Leaving behind an established career in IT, Veena found her true calling in the power of plant-based eating, leading her to open Pure Vegan Café in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2021. Her mission? To bring accessible, nourishing vegan food to the Raleigh community and beyond.