I always knew I wanted my own business. In 2017 I started out with a vision to have a place for people to shop, eat, drink and socialize. The local newspaper owner had an empty warehouse and he asked one day if I wanted to see it. The minute he opened the door and I saw the gorgeous brick and huge windows I knew it was perfect. From there I created a space of home decor/furniture with a full restaurant/bar and bakery. At the time, it also boasted the only Wine Dispensers in Kansas by Bottle Dispensers – Napa Technology. The concept for this business was so unique we couldn’t find anything to compare it to. While the aesthetics are different, the concept compared in a way to Restoration Hardware with the rooftop restaurants that have been added to RH. I was so excited and nervous about opening day, and yet disappointed the initial planning stages were over. It was a big accomplishment and I found out immediately the challenging task of marketing and trying to find my target audience. It was extremely difficult to know where and what to spend on marketing.
While I have transitioned from previous ventures, those experiences have been invaluable in shaping my path to where I am today. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me in those endeavors. Now, as the host of the Symphonic Castles Podcast, I draw from my own adoption journey and personal growth to help adoptees and their families share their unique stories. My vision is to create a life where every story is heard and valued, fostering environments where people embrace their identities and overcome childhood challenges.
I also dedicate my efforts to guiding others on their personal and emotional journeys. By sharing insights and uplifting conversations, my aim is to empower listeners to create the fulfilling lives they deserve. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to hearing your stories and supporting your path to self-discovery and empowerment.
[ezcol_2third]I’m Tanya, The Startup Girl. Fueled by a profound fascination with the entrepreneurial spirit, our mission is singular yet impactful: to bring to light the personal narratives and driving passions of business owners and entrepreneurs. As a Senior Advisor at Apex Business Advisors, I leverage my vast experience in business brokering and strategic planning to guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of buying, selling, and merging businesses.

Balancing my professional life with a vibrant family life, I share a blended family of seven children with my husband, Kevin. Our love for traveling enriches our lives immensely. After living in NYC for a couple of years, we now split our time between KS, the East Coast in NY and DC/Alexandria, as well as in State College, PA, where we have family. This blend of personal and professional duties, coupled with our dynamic lifestyle, showcases my ability to handle complex situations with grace and efficiency.
My entrepreneurial journey is marked by the creation of Brick Street Furniture Co + Wine Lounge in 2017, a venture that combined a bakery, restaurant/bar, and furniture/home decor shop in a unique business model. This project stands as a testament to my innovative thinking, showcasing my love for the startup planning phase and attention to detail. The transformation of the building purchased for Brick Street and the realization of this grand idea are my proudest accomplishments. More about this venture can be found on the TSG page.


[/ezcol_1third_end]© Tanya Linn 2026