Welcome to But First, Champagne, the podcast where inspiring women from around the world share their stories of turning dreams into reality. Hosted by Vesta Rachael Gauntlett, each episode features candid, heartfelt interviews with women who have achieved incredible accomplishments in their lives and careers.
From dreamers to doers, these extraordinary guests open up about the journeys that shaped them—the challenges they faced, the bold decisions they made, and the hard work it took to succeed. Together, we toast their victories and celebrate the power of resilience, determination, and ambition.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration to pursue your own dreams or simply love hearing stories of women making their mark, But First, Champagne will leave you feeling uplifted, motivated, and ready to take the next step toward your goals.
Raise a glass, and let’s celebrate the dreamers, the doers, and the fearless women who inspire us all. Cheers!
But First...Champagne
With the new podcast we decided to expand to video, of course technically difficulties happened so temporarily this is where videos will be posted. With that being said, please enjoy the first recorded But First...Champagne Episode with Hayley Paige.Â
To learn more about Hayley Paige, Click Here or visit:Â https://www.vestatalks.com/all-about-our-guests
But First... Champagne
Today we are joined by Terri Reece. Terri Reece is a Ceo and business owner and Mrs. Hayden Lake 2025. Her passion is helping people. She fuels it by helping out in the public and communities. Whether it is in her business or through volunteer work, she leads by example and shows others that anything is possible.
For more about Terri Reece and all her links head to our All About Guest tab or go to https://www.vestatalks.com/all-about-our-guests.Â
But First... Champagne
I’m Sue Maitland and I’m a professional coach, speaker, workshop leader, course creator and community leader. After decades in an IT career that didn’t fulfill me, where to succeed, I had to adopt a persona that wasn’t aligned with who I truly was, I discovered the world of coaching. I was captivated by the power of an expert coach to help others get to know themselves on a deeper level and begin to make positive change in their lives. I was committed to developing this skill and partnering with others who wanted to live a more fulfilled life. Over a decade later after completing my coach training, I partner with a limited number of highly motivated individuals as they create their most inspired life. I help others through my online courses with supportive communities which help people who wish to build meaningful connections by overcoming their resistance to networking and those who want a safe space for reflection on their personal priorities, so they can make changes in their life, driven by what’s most important to them. I have a LinkedIn newsletter Networking to Connect & Thrive and a monthly newsletter available through my website https://suemaitland.com focused on helping others live their best life, with actionable tips and concepts based on the science of positive psychology. I believe we are all unique and special human beings and we each have gifts and passions to share with the world. If you’re still searching for your calling, I’d love to help you uncover what it might be.
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But First... Champagne
Sonia Jackson is a Master Storyteller, spiritual practitioner, and advocate for body positivity with over 30 years of experience in film, television, and theater. Passionate about empowering women and fostering well-being, Sonia uses storytelling, prayer, and ancestral wisdom as transformative tools to heal and inspire. Through groundbreaking works like Conversations 'Bout The Girls and her nonprofit Visions of Possibilities, she creates programs and performances that celebrate the power of self-love and community. With a unique blend of creativity and spirituality, Sonia helps others reclaim their stories, honor their bodies, and close the self-esteem disparity gap.
A note from Sonia: I do what I do to help women feel truly seen and understood—because for a long time, I didn’t feel seen myself. I realized that as I began to see and embrace my own truth, I could better see and connect with others. When we truly see each other—not just the surface, but the heart and soul—we communicate better, build stronger connections, and create a ripple effect of understanding and love. This is how we can address the issues we face as women and as a society, leaving the world better than we found it.Â
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But First... Champagne
Today we check in with Anna Cheney, a long time friend and amazing empowered woman. Anna  is CCE-accredited International Mastery Life Coach #1 Bestselling published author, Inspirational public speaker, Transformational Experience Coach and Works at Lifes Harmony Coaching. She has 15 years of Entrepreneur Leadership, she is the Owner and founder of private and group coaching since 2019 -Lifes Harmony Coaching- private, The Gathering Place-group, Co-Facilitator with Untying the Knots of the Heart, Facilitator of Untangled Hearts Retreats, Transformational Coach with The Atlas Project and she became passionate through Mentoring and Coaching after discovering her own Self Abandonment journey. She has done all of that and so much more.Â
 To watch the podcast episode Click Here!Â
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But First... Champagne
Today we check in with Marleen Mour.Â
 To watch the podcast episode Click Here!Â
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But First... Champagne
On the most recent episode of the podcast, we had the pleasure of talking with Marta Sprik. Marta is the creator of the Empowered Woman's School. She also has a podcast and just released a book.Â
You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @martasprik
To listen to her podcast The Empowered Woman Podcast you can listen on the platform that works for you.Â
To find out more about Marta and her school for Empowered Woman you can find all the information below.
To watch the podcast episode Click Here!
 To watch the podcast episode Click Here!Â
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