Imagine walking into a shop where every detail is designed to make you smile—from the carefully curated fashion to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. That’s exactly what Holly set out to create when she opened Holly Daze Boutique & Gifts in Malvern, Arkansas just five months ago.
Inspired by her love for all things cheerful and festive, Holly’s dream was to bring a Hallmark-movie-worthy shopping experience to her hometown community. And now, that dream is a reality. But what does it take to start a boutique from scratch? What challenges has she faced as a new entrepreneur? And what fashion trends is she loving right now?
We talk through it all! Holly’s passion for her boutique and the Malvern community shines through in every part of this conversation.
For all your business banking needs, visit MyFarmers.Bank—we’re here to support local entrepreneurs like Holly every step of the way!
In Episode 43 of the Right at the Heart podcast, we sit down with two inspiring women who are bringing a fresh perspective to Ashdown, Arkansas.
The Blooming Mercantile isn’t just another floral shop—it’s a labor of love. When sisters-in-law Krystle and Courtney decided to revamp the business, their goal was to create something the community truly needed: a space that offers unique floral designs, thoughtful gifts, and a welcoming atmosphere. Their shared vision and family bond have turned this shop into a local treasure.
📲 Visit their website HERE. Find them on Facebook HERE.
In this episode, we visit Beavers Bend Drive-Thru Safari Park, a unique wildlife destination nestled on 90 acres in the scenic town of Hochatown, OK. Join us for an inspiring conversation with one of the park’s founders as we uncover the story behind the park, explore exciting animal encounters like feeding Rhonnie the Rhino, and discuss their big plans for the future. From caring for over 30 species of exotic animals to building connections with the local community, this episode offers a glimpse into how the park creates unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
📲 Follow @BeaversBendSafariPark to stay updated on their latest adventures! Plan your visit HERE.
In this episode, we dive into the heartwarming story behind Playtown in Benton, Arkansas, a space designed not just for kids to play, but for families to bond and create memories. It's also the go-to spot for birthday parties, owner Kara Hyatt shares the values and vision that drive her mission.
Join host Cara Knight as we go 'Right at the Heart' with Playtown Benton!
If you run a business and need support, Farmers Bank & Trust Treasury Services is here to help! Click HERE for more information.
Chocolate lovers, you're going to love this episode! Join us as we unwrap the story of Taste & See, from a childhood dream sparked by a dandelion wish to trading recipes with Italian gelato masters. Denay and Greg Maheu now offer handcrafted chocolates, signature coffee, and fresh gelato in their beloved Texarkana, Texas confectionery.
Grab a cup of coffee and join host Cara Knight as we go 'Right at the Heart' with Taste & See!
In this episode, we're honored to have guest Elder Law Attorney John K. Ross IV sharing his wealth of experience and expertise. Join us for an insightful conversation as John guides us through the essential aspects of planning for the future... what happens if the inevitable happens? Not in a morbid sense, but in a practical and empowering way!
Read about John and his firm HERE.
Like annual physicals, a yearly financial checkup can help uncover hidden problems, inspire you to set new goals, provide information you need to improve your health and help make sure you’re on track for well-being.
FB&T Wealth Management Financial Advisor Megan Whitehead specializes in thoughtful and personalized investment guidance aimed at keeping your finances and goals in shape! In this episode, she shares her top tips for staying financially in shape no matter what season of life you're in.
If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your future?
This is the question Amy Downs posed to our team of 400 at our Bank's employee celebration this year. As a survivor of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, she has a unique perspective on life. She was buried alive for hours, what seemed like an eternity, to think hard about the choices she had made leading up to that moment.
She says the question above is not about achievements but more so about who you are becoming and what kind of leader you want to be. Be encouraged in this episode as she shares her wake-up call to live life with intention and full to the brim with hope.
Read more about Amy and her book HERE.
If you're a country music fan, you're going to love this episode! Nashville recording and touring artist Mae Estes from Hope, AR is coming back home to play some music. She was the 2021 and 2022 Arkansas CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. The first music video of her career was exclusively premiered on CMT and she tours internationally!
In this episode, she talks about exciting events happening in southwest Arkansas, what it's like as an independent artist chasing her dreams in the Music City, where she finds her inspiration, and much more!
How can you support Mae and her music? Visit HERE.
12-year-old Huck Plyler of Hope, Arkansas, has one simple mission - to put a smile on the faces of men and women deployed overseas. He began Huck's Military Care Package Project at just 5-years-old, and just hit a big milestone of 1,600 boxes. In this episode, Huck shares how he got started, how you can support his mission and why it's so important to him!
As we enter into a season of gratitude, this podcast episode is focused on our Bank interns! We're thankful they chose to come and experience all departments at Farmers Bank & Trust.
While they're here for the 12-week program, their main areas of focus are Retail and Lending. They spend a few days in other areas like Marketing, Human Resources, and Training. At the end, they complete a project to share takeaways with the Executive Management team. However, it's not the banking experience they say impacted them the most.
While the episode of this podcast is "How to Become a Millionaire," we all know, unless you're very fortunate, it doesn't happen overnight. Entrepreneur Greg Shinn learned from a young age the importance of hard work. His family business specializes in hospitality and radio broadcasting. Despite already having multiple streams of income, he shares a new venture he's taking on to add even more. Hear his advice on making financially smart decisions to put yourself ahead!
Mortgage is not the career path Madison Haltom had ever envisioned for herself. But, now she feels like she's living her dream helping people into their dream homes. Madison works in one of Zillow's most popular housing markets of 2022 - Prosper, Texas.
In this Right at the Heart Podcast episode, Madison talks about:
- How she got started in mortgage
- What you need to know to own your dream home
- Advice for first-time homebuyers
- Jumbo loans and the benefits for those who qualify for one
- Investment properties
For 5 simple daily savings tips to save up for a down payment, click HERE.
NMLS# 2064263
This year, the Arkansas Heart Hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Our guest for this episode is Dr. Peyton Card. He shares his experience while leading the COVID response unit, information about their Keep the Beat program, and the impact mental health has on the heart.
Farmers Bank & Trust is thrilled to welcome Agricultural Loan Officer Darren Neal to the team. A retired Sergeant with the Arkansas State Police and former crop consultant, Neal has a passion for helping those who feed America.
In this episode, he shares a little more about his background and the importance of agriculture, as well as what we, as a Bank, can do to help our local farmers with our new poultry financing program. Visit MyFarmers.Bank/poultry for more.
Elizabeth Burns Anderson's earliest memory of Farmers Bank & Trust is sneaking suckers from behind the teller line as a young girl. Her great-great-grandfather started the Bank 115 years ago. Now, she leads the Farmers Bank Foundation and has a passion for developing partnerships with the Bank to help local schools, non-profits, and municipalities.
“The mission of the Farmers Bank Foundation is to enrich the communities where our customers and employees live, which is so important because not only are our customers how we sustain, but our employees are how we succeed," said Anderson.
For more information, visit HERE.
This is the BONUS episode with Texarkana Santa! He made a special trip to Bryant, Arkansas to answer some kids' tough questions.
Things like...
"How did you become Santa?"
"Have you ever caught a kid on Christmas?"
"Who is your favorite reindeer?"
...and more!
Santa shared with each child their own "Elfin" name. He says that's the only language they speak at the North Pole!
You can listen to his interview with Farmers Bank & Trust Right at the Heart Podcast Host Cara Knight HERE.
We're feeling the magic of Christmas after this interview with the big man in red - that's right, Santa Claus!
Santa Mark, aka Texarkana Santa, stopped by the Farmers Bank & Trust Bryant branch to share a little bit about his life leading up to this magical role. You'll never guess his career prior to suiting up!
If you're listening with your children, skip on to our bonus episode. Several Farmers Bank & Trust kids interview Santa, and some even share their "top secrets"!
The Official Grill Master of the Dallas Cowboys, Randy Lann, has special ties to Farmers Bank & Trust. He is from Magnolia, AR, and wears many hats. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Homefurnishings Association.
In this episode, Randy talks about how he landed his dream gig and what it has been like sharing his passion for cooking and entertaining for America's Team.
Farmers Bank & Trust supports breast cancer awareness, education, and research. Many people within the company are personally impacted by it.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
In this episode, Kim McDaniel in New Boston, Texas shares her breast cancer story. She is now two years into her diagnosis: Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. She is close to her recovery journey, and her attitude in fighting this cancer is inspiring.
"It's not just October. This is year-round awareness. It's year-round education. If you're going through it, don't be afraid to reach out to someone who has gone through it. I love sharing what I've experienced at each phase. Don't do this alone. Find a resource."
As President and CEO, Chris Gosnell focuses on cultivating a HEART culture at Farmers Bank & Trust. In this episode, we talk about how he began his career in banking and what it's like leading a 115-year-old legacy Bank.
He also shares why he adopted the HEART core values, and what that means for the Bank and the communities we serve.
Farmers Bank & Trust has a branch in Prosper, TX, and during a recent visit there, host Cara Knight stopped by FUSE Workspace to chat with CEO and second-generation hospitality entrepreneur Mike Daugherty.
FUSE is a co-working space where businesses and non-profits can work, build community, and be inspired.
The 3 pillars FUSE operates on are:
- Hospitality
- Community
- Flexibility
They provide resources, space, and the tools necessary to help organizations thrive. There's even a grab-and-go cafe and concierge staff on-site.
In this episode, Mike shares his humble beginnings, his vision behind FUSE, and the meaning of the #DOMORE philosophy.
Locations:
Prosper
Houston
Austin
Farmers Bank & Trust and the Farmers Bank Foundation are campaigning for the Boys and Girls Club of Magnolia. It's called Funding Great Futures!
To kick things off, we hosted an event called Behind the Blue Door with special guest speaker Danyelle Musselman. Before the event in Magnolia, host Cara Knight sat down with Musselman to get to know her a little better.
They talk about:
- Danyelle's special connection to Magnolia, AR
- Her passion for Boys & Girls Clubs
- Her career as a sports broadcaster
- How she helps the Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball players with life skills
- How she met her husband, Razorbacks Basketball Head Coach Eric Musselman
- Her favorite part about living in Arkansas and being an Arkansas Razorback
The Boys & Girls Club of Magnolia still needs your help! To donate, text BGCM to 243725, or contact Deneisa Jamerson at 870-234-3300 or djamerson.bgcm@gmail.com.
One of the newer locations Farmers Bank & Trust has entered is the charming city of Paris, Texas. In early June, the Bank announced it's opening a second branch there.
In this episode, Paris native Walt Reep explains why it's a good idea to not only stop and take a photo with the iconic Eiffel tower replica but also stay awhile. He's passionate about the history of his hometown, and he's investing in it. He shares many interesting facts about the city, like the unique connection between Paris and Dr. Pepper. He also talks about his new business venture Sundae in Paris that's coming soon to the downtown area! It's currently a food truck offering sandwiches, cookies, brownies, ice cream, and more. There are also more projects in the works to make Paris an entertainment district. Reep hopes you might be booking your next weekend getaway soon!
Dr. Chris Nelson of Providence Veterinary Care in Malvern, AR shares how he got started in such a challenging career, why it's important to him, and how we, animal lovers, can learn to understand the extreme emotional demands that come with veterinary work.
Visit the clinic's website HERE.
Holly Daze Boutique & Gifts: Spreading Cheer & Style on Main Street Malvern
24:08
Sister-in-Law Duo Reimagines Ashdown’s Floral Shop
15:49
Wild Encounters and Big Plans: Exploring Beavers Bend Safari Park
15:18
Inside Playtown Benton: The Ultimate Play Space for Families
18:59
Taste & See: A Sweet Wish Come True
17:19
Protecting What Matters Most: Attorney John K. Ross IV
26:09
The Power of Financial Checkups: Advisor Megan Whitehead
24:50
Live with Purpose: OKC Bombing Survivor Amy Downs
26:33
Small Town Arkansas, Where it All Began: Mae Estes
23:25
Huck's Military Care Package Project: Huck Plyler
13:54
HEART from the FBT Interns
15:10
How to Become a Millionaire: Entrepreneur Greg Shinn
17:39
Owning Your Dream Home: Mortgage Originator Madison Haltom
19:21
Arkansas Heart Hospital: Dr. Peyton Card
18:10
Supporting American Agriculture: Darren Neal
14:32
Farmers Bank Foundation: Elizabeth Burns Anderson
13:15
Santa Answers Kids' Tough Questions
18:31
The Magic of Christmas: Texarkana Santa
23:41
The Dallas Cowboys' Grill Master: Randy Lann
29:38
Not Just October: Kim McDaniel
31:15
Get to Know Our CEO: Chris Gosnell
29:39
FUSE Workspace: Mike Daugherty
30:26
Funding Great Futures: Danyelle Musselman
22:32
Visit Paris, TX : Walt Reep
37:46
Providence Veterinary Care: Dr. Chris Nelson
35:04