Startups in Stilettos: Recent Episodes
Entreprenista Network
Have you recently started a business, or are you considering taking the leap to start? Do you find yourself alone or overwhelmed in the whirlwind of early challenges in your Entreprenista journey? Well, you’re in the right place – Startups in Stilettos is for you. Learn what it takes to grow your startup, from your peers in the startup world, and those who are in your shoes (or stilettos, if you will) We’re meeting you where you are to get you through your biggest challenges and toward your biggest goals. From the team behind the Entreprenista podcast, tune in to Startups in Stilettos as you take steps to build your startup from the ground up.So what can you expect from Startups in Stilettos? Each week, we’ll interview a startup founder in our community to uncover their early challenges, learn from the solutions they’ve found, make new connections, and strategize for the future growth of their business. You’ll walk away with practical tips and resources to help you along your journey and a new community member to connect with through the Entreprenista League!
“Life is a series of fresh starts, and everybody is worthy of the support. We are about meeting people where they are and celebrating them.”
After her own divorce and watching her sister call off her engagement the following year, Olivia was left with two significant questions: Why do we only celebrate weddings and new babies with the support of a registry? And Why are other major life changes like transitioning into divorce, graduating from a Ph.D. program, or even changes in career, not met with that same support? In search of the answer, she found an incredibly innovative and revolutionary business opportunity. In today's episode, Jess and Carlyn are back in the studio sitting down with Olivia Howell, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, a one-stop-shop for everything you need to begin again and the only platform that aggregates support experts for all life changes while also, supporting the Fresh Starts team of experts in their marketing, business, and public relations. Olivia shares with us her passion for celebrating and supporting people with what they need most to move ahead into their next phase of life, what the market research revealed to her, how she leveraged her 20 years of experience in marketing while building her business, and so much more!
We talk about:
Perseverance + surviving testing times
Rebuilding + Starting over completely
Registries + new beginnings
Co-founding with siblings
Seeking support + gathering information
Overcoming negativity + receiving helpful guidance
Building a community of experts
Trailblazing + pioneering an industry
Creating a space for passions
Innovative subscription models
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Resources:
Slack
Zapier
Connect with Olivia:
Divorce Guide
Fresh Starts Registry
Become an Expert @ Fresh Starts Registry
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
“I really didn't want to start my own brand. I just wanted products that worked…So it’s just solving this puzzle, which is great as an entrepreneur, because that’s what it is every day - solving a new mystery”
Adria is another prime example of how necessity breeds innovation. As she was searching for the best natural hair care products with healthy and organic ingredients, she continued to run into a Goldie Locks-like dilemma. Eventually, she found a formula that was just right when she realized: with a bit of research and her own intuitive touch, she could mix the perfect product from the comfort of her own kitchen. In today’s episode, we sit down with the Entreprenista 100 award-winner Adria Marshall, who is the Founder and CEO of Ecoslay, a plant-based hair-care product brand for textured hair types. Adria shares with us how her product became an overnight viral success, her keys to sustaining growth and scaling your business, why having the right team is essential for a successful work environment, and so much more!
We talked about:
Sustainability + Environmentally friendly products
Natural hair care solutions
Honoring + serving your community
Handling viral success
Email marketing for E-commerce businesses
How to hire and fire as a new entrepreneur
Successfully onboarding new team members
Selling products on Amazon
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Resources:
Klaviyo
Connect with Adria:
Ecoslay
Tiktok
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Courtlyn is a perfect testament to what you can achieve with pure passion for what you do and an unrelenting commitment to seeing your vision all the way through. For as long as she can remember, the fine arts have always been a fundamental part of her identity and expression but when she enrolled in college, she made a practical decision to study digital design. After 9 years as a graphic designer in the corporate space, she received a thyroid cancer diagnosis that changed the trajectory of her life. Courtlyn realized life was too short not to chase her own dreams and help other creatives do the same. So, with no plan and an endless amount of courage, she quit her job and set off on her entrepreneurial journey.
In today’s episode, Carlyn sits down with the truly inspiring Courtlyn Jones, graphic designer, visual artist, and founder and CEO of The Design Database, the leading women-owned online community and job platform for female and non-binary creatives. She shares with us the mission behind her company, how she navigated leaving corporate while battling cancer, why it's so important to have moments of pause, the DIY projects that laid the foundation for her business, how her business functions like an Indeed meets Instagram, and so much more!
“It's all a learning process. I've learned my lessons now. And now I know how to be able to work smarter going forward.” - Courtlyn Jones
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Courtlyn shares the inspiration and motivation behind her business (2:04)
Courtlyn dives into her creative background (3:36)
Courtlyn shares how she navigated leaving corporate to focus on building her business (5:57)
What the Design Database has to offer for creatives and clients (8:59)
What Courtlyn didn't know before going into this business (11:35)
Courtlyn's biggest achievement since being in business (13:51)
Courtlyn's favorite business tools (16:14)
Courtlyn's thoughts on AI and chat GPT as replacements for human creatives (18:19)
This week's fun fact (22:23)
Resources Mentioned:
Asana
Canva
Adobe Suite
Our favorite quotes: “I know how hard it is to be a creative female in this industry. And how in corporate, there are so many opportunities that aren't open to us as much as we want them to be. Being a freelancer, it also has its issues as well. So I wanted my own platform where it was a space for creatives to feel safer and also to make new friends, get inspired by other creatives as well, and feel empowered, but also have the tools that they need to attract higher quality clients and companies.” - Courtlyn Jones
“I designed the entire site from scratch, learn how to do all of the coding, and made it all work the way that I want it to finally and I was up to like four in the morning every night for weeks doing it. And it's finally up and it's so beautiful and I'm really proud of that.” - Courtlyn Jones
“Having the passion and the soul and the actual emotion behind the art from an actual human being, I think, that takes a huge win over AI any day. So I really hope that the world isn't going to become so soulless that we can't see that going forward or forever.” - Courtlyn Jones
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Courtlyn:
Courtlyn's Instagram
Design Database Instagram
Website
If you ask Brooke, she’ll most likely tell you that she didn't choose the Entrepreneurial life, but that the Entrepreneurial life chose her. After being left feeling unsatisfied and lacking a vision she resonated with, Brooke decided to step away from her 9-5 in the fine art world without knowing what the future would hold. By leaning into her strengths and building a business on her own terms, she has now found a sense of purpose in helping other purpose-driven brands grow their businesses.
In today’s episode, Carlyn sits down with Brooke Latham, founder and CEO of Social Canvas, a full-service marketing agency specializing in working with organizations of purpose. Brooke shares with us the vision behind Social Canvas, why it's important to utilize both visual and verbal communication for an impactful marketing strategy, her recommendations for organization and client management tools, why client experience should always be top of mind, and so much more!
“It's hard to sell something that you don't believe in.” - Brooke Latham
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Brooke shares the mission and inspiration behind Social Canvas (3:03)
Brooke shares when it's the right time to connect with a digital marketing agency (5:18)
What Brooke didn't know before going into business (6:35)
Brooke's biggest win to date in her business (10:24)
Brooke discusses which marketing tools she recommends the most (12:16)
Brooke talks the duration of time it takes to convert a lead into business (16:43)
Brookes thoughts on the recent announcement of TikTok’s expansion into the music, tech, and e-commerce space (18:50)
Our favorite quotes from the episode:
“Consumers today really expect that the brands they choose, have strong mission, vision, and values and they're really looking for messages that they can connect with in their brands.” - Brooke Latham
“I think that's a really important thing to be looking at just when clients come in the door with you, what's their experience, like then because those are the people who are going to be retained clients for you, and potentially people who you might have the opportunity to work on more work with them as an upsell or get referrals from them.” - Brooke Latham
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Brooke
Website
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Emily has a long and rich history in the branding world. Over the stretch of 14 years, Emily says she's done everything from skinny jeans to french fries, working in the brand development of companies like Abrecrombie & Fitch and Wendy’s. But what she really loves more than anything, is working with passionate entrepreneurs to help build authentic brands that deeply connect with clients.
In today’s episode, Carlyn flies solo while sitting down with Emily Paulsen, Founder of Electric Collab, a branding and identity boutique that helps brands build their strategy, visual identity, and websites. Emily shares such important information and talks all about her mission to provide a one-stop shop for service providers, coaches, and creatives ready to amplify their businesses through the power of branding. Emily breaks down her experience working with high-impact brands, when it's the best time for businesses to start investing in their branding, her favorite moments from doing this work, and so much more!
“It's never too late. That's for sure. Whatever you've done to this point in your business, obviously that has worked to an extent. And you should celebrate that. But I don't think it's ever too late to bring in that refinement.” - Emily Paulsen
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Emily defines branding and the role of her business: Electric Collab (2:00)
Emily reflects on her career and the journey leading to starting her business (4;48)
Emily discusses when its time to outsource help for building the brand around your company (10:23)
Emily explains why it's never too late to bring in an agency and the difference between a personal brand vs a business brand (13:34)
Emily shares her proudest moments since starting her business (16:50)
Emily shares her favorite business tools and a tip for getting started with branding (19:44)
Carlyn shares some fun facts and current events every Entreprenista should know (21:54)
Our favorite quotes from the episode:
“you need a brand that reflects the quality of your work and makes it clear who you are, and how you add value, you need a brand that reflects that to the world. That's how you get to, you know, season four, or five, six that forever, right? By harnessing the power of a brand to amplify everything that you've established in the business to that point” - Emily Paulsen
“Try to make the brand a human, even if it's not based on any real person. And I think that's what allows you to have a connection-driven brand, whether it's about an individual or a separate business.”
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Emily Paulsen
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Before Kelsey became an entrepreneur, she was a journalist and in-house editor for national media brands like Elle, Good Housekeeping, and Reading Digest. It was during this time Kelsey learned the power of proper storytelling and which kinds of narratives that brands can lean into in order to connect to their consumer. Kelsey later identified a journalism vs. PR and editorial vs. marketing disconnect in how companies were attempting to tell their stories on social media. So when the pandemic struck and began to impact her flow of income, Kelsey took a leap of faith and began seeking to bridge this gap through the development of her company.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Kelsey Kloss, CEO of Kloss Creatives, a PR and social media company that focuses on elevating brands as industry thought leaders through strategic storytelling and narrative building. She shares with us her journey to becoming an Entreprenista, what she wishes we knew before starting a business, why telling a compelling story with your brand matters, tips on how to build a press portfolio, the keys to positioning yourself as a thought leader in your industry and much more!
“I think sometimes there's this pressure to find your niche, even if it hasn't come organically quite yet. But I'm glad that we didn't try and force that. As I worked with clients. And as we grow our team, we naturally found what works best.” - Kelsey Kloss
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Kelsey's motivation for starting her business (2:40)
How Kelsey’s marriage of both her background in journalism and PR helped create her agency (4:35)
Kelsey shares how she initially experimented with her company (6:25)
Kelsey discusses finding her clients and working within specialized industries (7:59)
Kelsey breaks down the process for working with her agency (8:57)
Kelsey’s view on press right now and positioning yourself as an industry thought leader (11:08)
Kelsey shares the key to getting press placements (16:03)
Kelsey’s wish to connect to her fellow Entreprenistas (18:53)
The beauty of working with an agency (20:15)
Stephanie and Jess talk the benefits of joining the Entreprenista community (21:58)
Resources Mentioned:
Help A Reporter
Our favorite quotes:
“You don't have to force your niche. You don't have to figure it out from the get-go. I'm really glad that our team tried a little bit of everything and saw what organically became our niche.” - Kelsey Kloss
“No matter how strong of a relationship you have with a journalist, no matter how many times you take them out to lunch or send them free samples, they can't write about something that won't benefit their audience, or they can't produce a segment that doesn't benefit their audience.” - Kelsey Kloss
“There were frustrations from both journalists and PR pros from opposite sides of the newsroom table, there were disconnects in how companies were telling their story on social media where maybe it was coming across 100% salesy, and they were forgetting about that more narrative part of their story that kind of comes into play when you're working in a more editorial environment. So bridging that gap is something that I wanted to do with Kloss Creatives. “ - Kelsey Kloss
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Kelsey:
Website
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
As the mother to four children under the age of 10, Marnie will tell you herself; she loved being pregnant. So much so she couldn't bear the idea that there were Mothers out there struggling with their pregnancies and failing to find the support they needed that solely focused on them. Marnie recognized the challenge in this, as she recalls feeling like she was losing her identity as she further transitioned into motherhood. Supporting women through this transition and shaking up the way women truly experience pregnancy is what Marnie has dedicated herself to in the building of her company.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Marnie Madras, founder, and CEO of Rumbly, a modern DTC pregnancy lifestyle wellness brand that helps women navigate the transition to motherhood while bringing more joy to the overall experience. She shares with us how they accomplish this through a monthly subscription and stand-alone themed boxes, her process of bringing her vision into creation, how the search for a co-founder held her back, the key to outsourcing for your business, and so much more!
“When you believe in yourself, and you believe in what you're doing, and you're so passionate about what you're doing, the process will naturally get you to where you're going. You’ve just got to be patient, but you will get there.“ - Marnie Madras
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Meet Marnie (2:56)
How Marnie came up with the idea for her business (3:29)
Marnie’s process of bringing Rumbly into creation (7:14)
What held Marnie back from getting started (8:59)
The benefits of outsourcing for what you already know (12:32)
Marnie explains her subscription model (14:24)
Matrescence and the process of losing your identity in the journey to motherhood (18:54)
Marnie discusses the shift in the conversation around pregnancy (21:34)
Stephanie and Jess talk establishing your business on new platforms (24:55)
Our favorite quotes:
“You just go from one step to the other. one person leads to the next, or one learning leads to the next. And you discover something, and you think you can't do it. And you take on that task, and then you move on to the next, and you almost just have to have this true belief in the process.” - Marnie Madras
“I've really learned to go on gut, go for things and don’t hold yourself back, you will figure things out on the way, and don't convince yourself of something that's that's not necessarily true.” - Marnie Madras
“Outsource for what you know. So you can focus on the other stuff. It's nice having those external eyes on it. But really, you will turn better work out if it's an area that you are familiar with. Because you can push, you can challenge, you can motivate, you can encourage, and you know how to do that when it's in that area of the business that you are familiar with.” - Marnie Madras
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Marnie:
Rumbly
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are
Kristina Bartold has successfully built a career through creating community online and bringing people together. She learned that as an entrepreneur, showing up in these spaces authentically is key to connecting and building resonance with your target audience. As many small business owners often struggle to tap into the spaces that will offer them the most long-term growth, Kristina and her team offer insightful guidance for finding their online home.
In today's episode, we sit down with Kristina Bartold, CEO of The Social Snippet, a social media and podcasting agency that helps entrepreneurs and small businesses grow online communities. She shares tips for how to make sales via Instagram, methods for maximizing calls to action, how her company utilizes done-for-you social media, shares her story of navigating the social media landscape, and much more!
"If you love showing up on Instagram stories and that feels natural for you, go all in, lean into that if LinkedIn feels great, go there like, find the places that you feel most at home online and make that your community rather than focusing on the algorithm because even though it's important, it's not an end all be all" - Kristina Bartold
This week on Startups in Stillettos:
Kristina shares the mission behind The Social Snippet (2:57)
Kristina talks to key to online visibility and what to remember when posting (4:34)
Jessica shares a story about behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurial life (5:46)
Kristina discusses ways to maximize calls to action using stories or reels (7:41)
Why its important to let your community show up for you (13:21)
Kristina shares her journey since leaving her corporate job (16:56)
Kristina explains why consistency is the hottest trend right now (18:50)
Kristina shares her favorite tools for business and social media (21:29)
Our favorite quotes:
“Online, we get to be ourselves, and those people will find us.” - Kristina Bartold
“People buy from people. And so people get connected, whether your product based business or service based business, video is key, especially right now.” - Kristina Bartold
“They need to know who I am as a person, because that will give them a better picture of who I am as a coach. “ - Jessica Abo
“It's showing up consistently and talking about your message that you're building that know like and trust with people” - Kristina Bartold
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Kristina
Social Snippet’s Website
Kristina's Instagram
Social Snippet’s Instagram
Build Your Digital Community Podcast
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Chrissanne is an advocate and believer in what we can accomplish when we come together as like-minded professionals to support one another in our business pursuits. By approaching each relationship in her network as a long-term investment, she de-centers any urgency to close a potential deal. For Chrissanne, fostering a genuine connection is always the priority that ultimately creates an open environment for learning through one another and getting even our most ambitious goals met.
In today's episode, we are back together again to sit down with Chrissanne Long, CEO and Co-founder of Maximized Digital Media. This full-service digital marketing agency specializes in website design, social media, and digital advertising. Chrissanne is also a business coach and mastermind facilitator combining knowledge, experience, and passion to help her clients achieve their goals and strategically grow their businesses. She shares with us how her business works, the essential keys to building long-lasting relationships, the beauty and benefits of mastermind work, what to know when building a website, and much more!
“That's what happens when you're open to receiving the input of others who might not be in your regular everyday life, but they have something to contribute. You have something to contribute, and everyone works together to achieve a common goal. Then you've achieved a mastermind.” - Chrissanne Long
This week on Startups in Stilletos:
Chrissanne outlines her business and what working with her entails (2:59)
Chrissanne explains how investing in relationships birthed this idea (4:45)
Navigating how to build solid relationships while still promoting your services (6:36)
Chrissanne breaks down her mastermind work (10:07)
Chrissanne shares the biggest win for her business so far (12:30)
Chrissanne provides advice for those just getting started (15:09)
Chrissanne gives recommendations for anyone starting a website (18:10)
Chrissanne shares her perspective on current website trends like AI (19:39)
Jessica and Carlyn exchange their rose, bud, and thorns for the week (22:14)
Our Favorite Quotes:
“When you're open to receiving the input of others who might not be in your regular everyday life, but they have something to contribute, you have something to contribute, and everyone works together to achieve a common goal, then you've achieved a mastermind. “ - Chrissanne Long
“I always say don't build your business on someone else's property.” - Chrissanne Long
“You're looking for someone who can build you something that will grow with you and will partner with you as you grow.” - Chrissanne Long
“Even if you are a coach or someone in an environment that maybe has an elevated level of experience in an area, you still are someone who can grow and still are someone who can learn from other people.” - Chrissanne Long
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Chrissanne:
Maximize Digital Media
Chrissanne Long Website
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Cheli Grace was working as a principal at one of the largest school systems in the nation when she realized she had more knowledge and helpful wisdom than she knew what to do with at the time. Cheli’s solution was to self-publish a book, which ultimately led to her discovering an opportunity to meet a pressing need within the publishing market that anyone with a business could benefit from. In today’s episode, Carlyn sits down with Cheli Grace, founder of the Books to Millions™ Program and co-owner of Delian Origin Publishers. Her company was created to assist in streamlining the process of executive book coaching, self-publishing, and an innovative business strategy. She shares with us today her journey, insights on how the publishing landscape is shifting, what anyone looking to self-publish should know, how she discovered the formula to a successful book that expands your brand, and much more! “It's important to monetize your book, it's important to use it within your business, to align it with your brand so that you can scale new heights.” - Cheli Grace. This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Cheli shares the why behind how she founded Delian Origin Publishers (2:15)
Cheli discusses her journey from principal to publisher came about (4:08)
Cheli shares what surprised her when she got into the business world (6:11)
Cheli’s tips for getting started on writing a book (8:30)
Cheli discusses her biggest win to date (9:47)
Cheli shares her favorite business tools (13:02)
Carlyn does a visualization exercise with Cheli (14:44)
Cheli shares her insight on e-books versus hard copies (16:59)
Cheli explains self-publishing versus non-self publishing (19:21)
Resources Mentioned:
Dropbox
Quickbooks
Canva
Trello
Our favorite quotes:
“When you write a book, a book comes with a business.” - Cheli Grace
“When we're not in a community, when we don't have the accountability, and when we don't have a roadmap to follow, it could be a little bit more challenging than when we do.” - Cheli Grace
“67% of the top-rated public self-published books are written by women. Isn't that a great statistic? “ - Cheli Grace
“You have to just weigh your why, like, I always say, What's your why, and what do you want to what do you want to do?” - Cheli Grace
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Cheli:
Book to Millions
Book to Millions Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Karen Skinner spent 20 years adhering to the work culture within the legal field before she finally had enough. The crazy hours, minimal sleep, missed events, and ever-looming sense of exhaustion left Karen convinced that there had to be another way to practice law and still lead an enjoyable life successfully.
In today’s episode, Carlyn sits down with Karen Skinner, coach facilitator, co-founder and CEO of Gimbal-Lean Practice Management Advisors, and a Lean Six Sigma blackbelt. She shares with us her vision for new business systems that allow for better delegation, how she is teaching lawyers and other entrepreneurs how to build these systems, her secrets to working more effectively, and much more!
“Law School teaches you how to practice law and it creates great lawyers, but it doesn't teach lawyers how to run businesses. And on the other hand, almost all lawyers are running their own businesses.” - Karen Skinner
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Karen discusses the legal field and the purpose behind their business (2:20)
Karen explains her path to entrepreneurship (6:34)
Karen talks what she didn’t know at the onset of building their business (12:51)
Karen shares her proudest moments along the journey so far (17:31)
What Karen would want you to know by the 8th floor of an elevator ride (21:21)
Karen shares an exercise from her life planning workshop (22:53)
Our Favorite Quotes:
“If you can find ways to do that work better, faster, cheaper than you have time. And that time, you can use for other things that are more valuable to you, or that are at least as valuable to you.” - Karen Skinner
“We didn't know how hard change was going to be. Because essentially, you're right, we're disruptors. And I spend a lot of time going into firms and talking to lawyers about how they can do things differently. But this is a profession that's so anchored in tradition and precedent that getting people to do things differently is really hard.” - Karen Skinner
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Karen:
Website
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Whether a business is a major corporation or a small boutique, its fourth-quarter performance plays a huge role in revenue growth for the year. This was especially true for Carlyn when she found herself in a product-based business, where the holiday season was often the busiest. So the tools and processes she planned on bringing into the second half of the year were particularly important. Being the Entreprenista she is, Carlyn ultimately discovered the key: Plan and prepare for the growth you predict.
In today’s episode, Carlyn Bushman provides a preview of what you can expect to learn when you join the Entreprenista League! She shares three of the nine things you can start on today toward optimizing your business processes and how working these into your prep for Q4 can produce success. Carlyn breaks down these three tools, provides questions to consider as you navigate implementing them, shares her own experience with these processes, and so much more!
“It takes time. It takes patience, it takes planning, which is why we're talking about this today.” - Carlyn Bushman
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Carlyn talks gift guides as the first tool (3:06)
Carlyn provides questions to help get started on gift guides (4:16)
Carlyn talks trunk shows, pop-ups, and trade shows as the second tool (6:41)
Carlyn shares her experience creating a pop-up (9:03)
Carlyn provides questions to consider to get started on pop-ups (9:44)
Carlyn talks photoshoots as the third tool and questions to consider (11:09)
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Although Katie Platt knows a thing or two about apparel and wardrobe due to her experience working in the bridal industry, she didn't quite realize how many hats she would need to wear on the path to building a booming business. This versatility and inventive creativity within her allowed her to forge a lane of her own within a distinctly competitive market.
In today's episode, Carlyn flies solo once more and sits down with Katie Platt, the founder of Bliss On. Bliss On is a bridal swimwear and accessories brand made with the bride in mind. Katie shares her journey with the brand, what she's learned through working with brides, what resources have benefitted her most, and more.
“The journey is ever-changing. I think the biggest takeaway for me is just perseverance. You just have to keep going.” - Katie Platt
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Katie talks about Bliss On as a brand (1:30)
Katie explains how one idea led to an innovative opportunity (4:47)
Katie shares what surprised her on the journey (6:55)
Katie talks about which resources helped her (8:30)
Katie shares what shifts she has noticed amongst brides (13:00)
Carlyn talks about the circular vs. linear entrepreneurship journey (15:23)
Katie discusses perseverance in her journey and what's next for Bliss On (18:27)
Resources Mentioned:
Makemine.com
Alibaba.com
Canva.com
Our Favorite Quotes:
“There's just so many things to learn. And I think it's easy to get really stressed out. And it's important to remember to kind of give yourself grace, that you're figuring it out as you go.” - Katie Platt
“We all have to stay within our superpowers and let some of those around us really help us facilitate the growth of our company.” - Carlyn Bushman
“We have highs and lows and it winds its way and as you grow, you continue to experience the growth phases.” - Carlyn Bushman
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with Katie Platt:
Bliss-on.com
@blissonbridalswim
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
For new businesses or even businesses simply looking to expand, understanding the importance and benefits of setting a foundation that supports uninhibited growth is key. Carlyn’s experience in manifesting success in this area comes directly through creating businesses of her own from the ground up. Through this work, she often gets questions like: How do I scale my business to the next level? How do I set the stage for a greater level of growth within my company? In today’s special solo episode, Carlyn Bushman of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, takes us through her three key strategies for how to successfully scale your business to a level that works for you. After breaking down each secret for us, she goes on to share an essential exercise for implementing these tactics. Carlyn speaks on how these strategies have helped her while inspiring us to continue toward expanding in our evolution and beautifully weaving joy into the process.
“Your business is you. People buy from people. We've heard that so many times. So as the leader of your business when you are thinking about scaling, do only what you can do.” - Carlyn Bushman
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Carlyn shares the first key strategy: time blocking (2:15)
Carlyn talks about how owning your calendar leads to the second key: CEO time (3:39)
Carlyn explains the third and final key: delegation (6:41)
Carlyn walks us through The Delegation Exercise (9:55)
Carlyn speaks on how she personally uses the exercise (13:45)
Carlyn provides a review of her three key strategies for scaling a business (15:12)
Our Favorite Quotes:
“So I would begin by designating a time on your calendar where you feel that you are at your absolute best. And don't think that you have to take it all at one time, you can block out CEO time, for 30 minutes, give yourself the luxury of just starting with 30 minutes.” - Carlyn Bushman
“There's actually a lot less fun in doing this alone. It is so much more interesting when you can surround yourself with beautiful humans who are excited to contribute to your business. Don't take that away from them.” - Carlyn Bushman
“When I say that there's also shiny object syndrome. And I am saying I can come up with lots of ideas. And I think I need to implement them all right now. Absolutely right now today because if I don't somebody else will, that's not actually the case, we can give them a home. So ‘No One Really Needs To Do It’ could also be a great home for you to asterisk those beautiful ideas and say, ‘You know what, we're going to look at that in Q2 of 2024. We're just gonna give that a little home right now.’ And that's okay, too.” - Carlyn Bushman
“Embrace the progress over perfection.” - Carlyn Bushman
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
One day in 2017, Carla had been looking forward to pampering herself before her vacation with her husband. However, after six hours, she had only been able to get three services. She realized there had to be a more time efficient way for women to get their beauty services done.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Carla Olivia, founder of Dash Bar, a revolutionary beauty bar that allows women to get multiple services done simultaneously so they are able to get back to their lives quicker. Carla talks about the process of starting Dash Bar, she gives marketing tips for Entreprenistas who have brick and mortar stores, she talks about the packages Dash Bar offers, and so much more.
“We offer the highest level of quality services that impact women the most, that are efficient in the way that they're performed, but also maximize their investment.” - Carla Olivia
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Carla shares about the origin and process of starting Dash Bar (3:11)Carla talks about what the full experience of Dash Bar includes (7:10)Carla gives marketing tips (11:32)What has surprised Carla the most since starting Dash Bar (16:59)Carla and Stephanie talk about how marketing has helped Entreprenista League grow (20:49)Carla talks about the events and packages Dash Bar has (23:35)Carla explains when she will expand Dash Bar (29:50)
Resources Mentioned:
CanvaFanocracy
Our Favorite Quotes:
“So I started to do research in the market to figure out what type of beauty services were out there, what kind of furniture was out there that could allow for multiple services to be performed simultaneously, and what types of services could be combined.” - Carla Olivia“What has surprised me the most is my resiliency. Either that or I'm a glutton for punishment. I haven't figured that quite out yet.” - Carla Olivia“I think behind all the challenges, you have to allow yourself like those small wins, and really kind of pat yourself on the back and give yourself the opportunity to say to yourself, you know, I did a good job.” - Carla Olivia
Connect with Carla Olivia:
www.TheDashBar.comDash Bar on InstagramCarla on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
While each going through divorces at the same time, T.H. Irwin and her best friend were shocked at the lack of information available. They realized they didn’t want others to go through that, so they decided to start a business that would help other women going through divorce navigate it easier.
In today’s episode, we talk with T.H. Irwin, co-founder of Ex Experts and co-host of the Divorce Etc. podcast. She shares what it’s like to start a business with your best friend, the challenges they’ve faced, what the business model for Ex Experts is, and so much more.
“I want to be synonymous with any touchpoint of divorce, someone at work, whatever, ‘you have to go to Ex Experts, they're going to help you get your shit together.’ That's the ultimate goal.” - T.H. Irwin
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
T.H. talks about starting a business with her best friend after each going through divorces (2:35)T.H. discusses the challenges and mistakes she faced when starting Ex Experts (5:18)T.H. explains the business model for Ex Experts (15:38)T.H. shares what she’s most proud of with Ex Experts (18:48)T.H. and Stephanie share tips for working with your best friend in business (21:43)T.H. talks about what she’s looking forward to (29:11)T.H. and Stephanie talk about how to market your business (30:28)
Resources Mentioned:
FloDeskAirMeet
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Our mission is to move forward, thrive, feel it, deal with it, but still move forward.” - T.H. Irwin“We started Ex Experts, because we got a divorce. At the same time, me and my best friend, and there was nothing out there.” - T.H. Irwin“Because we have 30 years of friendship, we've been through all of these personal life-altering experiences. And now we're gonna go into business together in our 50s. Like, is this a good idea?” - T.H. Irwin
Connect with T.H. Irwin:
ExExperts.comDivorce Etc. PodcastEx Experts on TikTokEx Experts on InstagramEx Experts on FacebookEx Experts on YouTube
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show!
Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Dr. Najwa Javed was on a girls trip when the idea for her footwear business was born. Everyone but her had foot pain and it was then that she knew she had to do something. E'MAR was born soon after.
In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Najwa Javed, founder of E'MAR, a revolutionary footwear brand that blends luxury and comfort into one. She talks with us about raising capital, balancing everything, being an introverted Entreprenista, and so much more.
""So I decided that I was just going to use my medical expertise, and figure that like, okay, if you're in a high heel, what should your foot do? What is your posture doing? Where are your pain points? How can I fix it?" - Dr. Najwa Javed
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Dr. Najwa talks about her background and where her idea for E'MAR came from (4:02)Dr. Najwa talks about raising capital (9:56)Dr. Najwa shares how she balances being a mom and running a business while being a doctor (15:15)Dr. Najwa talks about her team (18:26)Dr. Najwa shares how she got E'MAR in front of retailers (20:42)Stephanie and Dr. Najwa talk about being introverted Entreprenistas (25:12)
Resources Mentioned:
ShopifyGoogle SuiteDropboxNotionCanvaPhotoshopAdobe Suite
Our Favorite Quotes:
"Everybody was in pain except me. And they were like, 'this is ridiculous. How come you don't have any pain?' And I was like, 'oh, it's because like, I know how to buy heels from my feet.' So they were like, 'you have to teach us, you have to teach us, you have to teach everybody.' It started like that. Just teaching somebody how to buy heels, how to wear heels." - Dr. Najwa Javed"My company has been built on this ability to actually test my products on patients, which is just so amazing." - Dr. Najwa Javed"So a no is always a yes to me. Because you can make it better." - Dr. Najwa Javed
Connect with Dr. Najwa Javed :
E'MAR on InstagramShopEMAR.comDr. Najwa on InstagramE'MAR at Nordstrom
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Adriana had a wake up call when she found herself looking forward to maternity leave as a vacation with her second child. She was burned out, couldn't sleep, and was anxious all the time. After talking with a business coach, she realized coaching was her calling. So she stepped out on her own.
In today's episode, we sit down with Adriana Keefe, a human design coach who strives to help women grow their businesses without burning out. Today, she talks about human design, her biggest lessons, what services she offers, and so much more.
"You start to question why you became an entrepreneur, you're like 'this obviously isn't for me.' In reality. It has nothing to do with them giving you bad advice or you being bad at what you do. It's simply that they don't know how you're energetically wired to do things. Unless there's someone who works in something like human design and can understand that they can't give you the exact tools that you need." - Adriana Keefe
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Why Adriana decided to leave the corporate world to start her own business (2:28)Adriana explains what human design is and how she put it to use in her life (5:01)Adriana shares what some of her biggest lessons have been (8:24)Adriana talks about what services she offers, who her ideal clients are, and her pricing structure (16:14)Adriana shares what a human design chart reading with her looks like (18:32)Adriana and Stephanie talk about how to stay consistent on social media (19:17)
Resources Mentioned:
AirtableGoogle DriveCanvaQuickBooks
Our Favorite Quotes:
"Over time, I started to kind of come out of the closet, if you will, about my spirituality and what I believed in, and then people really resonated with that." - Adriana Keefe"But I don't have to push myself as hard. I am not burned out. Things just fall into place. And the decisions are like, 'this was what was supposed to be said.'" - Adriana Keefe"I don't think you'll ever meet someone who's really successful that does not have a business coach or a life coach or both. But you need that second set of eyes and ears, you need that person to lean on." - Adriana Keefe
Connect with Adriana Keefe:
AdrianaKeefe.comAdriana Keefe on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – vis...
After having her first child and experiencing first-hand the inaccessible postpartum care that plagues most mothers, Dr. Pinkey Patel set out to create an affordable, accessible solution where mothers could find OBGYN and PT reviewed information. Thus, Myri Health was born.
In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Pinkey Patel, founder and CEO of Myri Health, an app that has a mission to make postpartum care information accessible and affordable for mothers everywhere. Dr. Pinkey Patel shares what goes into creating an app, the importance of community building, her favorite time management tip, and so much more.
"You can't have a thriving society without having a thriving mother." - Dr. Pinkey Patel
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Dr. Pinkey Patel shares what her background is and what led up to the start of Myri Health (1:48)Dr. Pinkey Patel talks about what goes into developing an app and choosing who to work with (5:02)Dr. Pinkey Patel talks about when she decided to raise capital (8:34)Dr. Pinkey Patel shares the marketing strategy for Myri Health (12:51)A simple but effective time management tip (16:48)What Dr. Pinkey Patel is most proud of (19:01)Dr. Pinkey Patel shares what you can expect to see on her social media (26:53)
Resources Mentioned:
NotionHoro AppSlackHootsuiteLoom
Our Favorite Quotes:
"Here half of the population, more than half of us, don't even know that physical therapy should be a standard of care. And so that knowledge combined with my experience with having my daughter led me to this journey that I never ever expected it to be at." - Dr. Pinkey Patel"Honestly, to impact more mothers, we needed to expand the team beyond myself, like there's only so much you can do yourself." - Dr. Pinkey Patel"I say that science is in the DNA of Myri, it will remain that way. Because of my background. There's a lot of information out there that's not validated in science." - Dr. Pinkey Patel
Connect with Dr. Pinkey Patel:
Dr. Pinkey Patel on LinkedInDr. Pinkey Patel on InstagramDr. Pinkey Patel on TwitterMyri on InstagramMyri on TwitterMyri on FacebookMyri on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
After being diagnosed with a rare disease, Lauren Makler was left uncertain about her chances of having children. This led to a passion for changing the fertility process and making it less "icky." Thus, Cofertility was born.
In today's episode we sit down with Lauren Makler, co-founder of Cofertility, a revolutionary fertility company aimed at making egg donation and egg freezing more accessible (and free!) for everyone. Lauren shares what led her to wanting to start Cofertility, how to go about fundraising and marketing, why a soft-launch made sense, and so much more.
"I just had, like, this absolute immediate clarity that I wanted to build a company in the reproductive health space. Which brings me back to egg donation, right? In this whole journey, I had just started to think about, like, what people go through to have a baby. And what stuck out to me was just how antiquated this industry was, and how for lack of a better word, icky it was." - Lauren Makler
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Lauren shares about her background and what led her to start Cofertility (2:38)Lauren talks about how to work with co-founders that live in different areas (8:23)Lauren answers all the fundraising questions you may have (12:28)All about the marketing for Cofertility (16:51)Lauren shares why they did a soft-launch for Cofertility first (19:00)Lauren explains what Cofertility is (21:16)Lauren shares what she is most excited about (30:46)
Resources Mentioned:
Google DocsNotionADP
Our Favorite Quotes:
"There's this huge need for egg donation. And unfortunately, the status quo just isn't is not working. And just to like, dig in a little bit more on that piece. I think, actually, the status quo of egg freezing I don't think is working either." - Lauren Makler"We just asked that both sides really think about what's best for the donor-conceived child at the end." - Lauren Makler"We asked a few questions. But when we pose this question of: would you be interested in our slip program? 66% of women said yes or definitely yes. Right? So to me, that was actually what convinced me to start this company. So it gave me even more conviction to, like, completely change my life and go for it." - Lauren Makler
Connect with Lauren Makler:
Cofertility.comCofertility on InstagramFreeze By Co on InstagramFamily By Co on InstagramLauren on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
When Carlyn stepped into Entrepreneurship to be closer to her four children, she thought it would be easy. After her first business came to an end, she realized her real passion was in helping other women grow their businesses, thus she created Carlyn Bushman Consulting.
In today's episode, we sit down with Carlyn Bushman, founder of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, a consulting firm that helps women grow their businesses and define their success. Carlyn shares why she switched business models, what her business looks like today, what helped her business explode, and so much more.
"I work with women who are just starting out. And I typically do that through a workshop, POP Academy, it is very popular. And that is a workshop that I hold where it takes you from six steps, and we go through it together. And it really gets you grounded in your business." - Carlyn Bushman
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Carlyn talks about her background and what made her start her business (1:40)What made Carlyn switch to a different business model after 2 years in business (6:51)Carlyn shares what her business looks like today (10:42)What helped Carlyn fast-track her business (12:32)Stephanie and Carlyn talk about managing social media (22:12)Stephanie and Carlyn discuss adspend (26:57)
Resources Mentioned:
AirTableDashLaneKlipfolio Smart Cue
Our Favorite Quotes:
"You have to be very intentional with your schedule when dropping into entrepreneurship as well." - Carlyn Bushman"So I would advise anybody who's in a partnership, definitely drop in and make sure you have a tight exit agreement." - Carlyn Bushman"So if I think about your business, I'm figuring out what comes next, then what's next, then what's next and how to put it all together. It's the visual that I've come up with lately, because I cannot not think about your business. And it really matters to me." - Carlyn Bushman
Connect with Carlyn Bushman:
CarlynBushmanConsulting.comCarlyn on LinkedInCarlyn on InstagramCarlyn on FacebookCarlyn on TikTok
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
After a chance encounter with a recruiter led Lauren to one of the nation's largest angel groups, she hit the ground running with the mission of helping Entreprenistas raise capital. Once her son was born, however, she decided to branch out on her own and created VC Worthy Business.
In today's episode, we sit down with Lauren Kane, founder of VC Worthy Business, a company that helps female founders create attention grabbing pitches that investors cannot say no to. She shares with us the challenges she has faced, the business tools she recommends, her plans for the Entreprenista Raising Capital group, and so much more.
"You as a founder have all the power, you have all the power and control, you have the power to make those investors money. And without you, they're not going to make that money, if they don't invest in your company." - Lauren Kane
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Lauren talks about her career path (2:05)Lauren shares the challenges she faced when she started her business (5:07)Business tools for founders that want to raise capital (12:13)Lauren talks about her plans for the Entreprenista Raising Capital group that she is leading (15:08)Lauren shares the big game changer for her business (25:21)What being part of the Entreprenista League Community means to Lauren (29:49)
Resources Mentioned:
Google WorkspaceCanvaClickUpShower NotesInsightly HubSpotTrello Founder Suite
Our Favorite Quotes:
"But it was one of those things that is humbling, because it was like, once I opened the doors, I build it, they will come and I open the doors, and there's crickets." - Lauren Kane"I talked to so many women where they're like, oh, my gosh, my best ideas are in the shower. And I know, it's because that's when we have nothing else interacting with our brain. But yeah, it's like, as soon as I open the door, I'm like, it happened again." - Lauren Kane"What I am most proud of is lately, forcing myself, I had to force myself, force myself to start to take some time for me, my business is in a great place. I love what I do. And I get to work with amazing women all day long. And not many people get to say that. But I forgot about me for a minute." - Lauren Kane
Connect with Lauren Kane:
VCWorthyBusiness.comLauren on InstagramLauren on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secre...
Cynthia was happily climbing the corporate ladder, or so she thought. Then one night, she realized that her professional life had squandered her personal life. She knew she had to change, so she moved cross-country with only seven suitcases to her name, got hired at a new job, quit it, and started her own business instead.
In today's episode, we're talking with Cynthia Ferngren, founder of CFC, an outsource CMO company whose mission is to create thoughtful and profitable brands. Cynthia shares with us why she chose to leave behind her corporate aspirations, how she figured out what to charge, the ventures she's currently working on, and so much more.
"Who my ideal target is–it's that small business that's at the place where they're right about to scale, so they want to ramp up and they're looking for figuring out what their brand strategy is, what their value proposition and their brand story is like. " - Cynthia Ferngren
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Cynthia shares the defining moment that made her want to start her business (1:19)Where to find business clients (6:26) How Cynthia figured out who her ideal client is and how to price her services (11:47)The BEST advice for women in business (13:19)The other venture Cynthia is working on right now (15:51)How Cynthia manages her time (18:56)Cynthia and Stephanie talk about how to scale (24:22)
Resources Mentioned:
UpworkTrelloMondayAirTableAsanaWrikeClickupCalendly
Our Favorite Quotes:
"I didn't want to have work-life balance, I wanted to be able to have a life that I was excited to wake up to, you know? I wanted to work with people that I felt connected with, I wanted to work on products and businesses that I felt connected with." - Cynthia Ferngren"I do think that there is something about this idea of 'burning the boats', it accelerated my process because I was hungry." - Cynthia Ferngren"I think it's really important that as women, we charge what we know we're worth instead of charging for time." - Cynthia Ferngren
Connect with Cynthia Ferngren:
YourModernCMO.comhello@cynthiaferngren.comCynthia on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Are you struggling with organically growing the clientele for your business? Have you shared your 15 second elevator pitch with the people around you? Focusing on building relationships with other Entreprenistas may be exactly the solution you need to help move your business in the right direction.
In today's special episode, we sit down with Jess Milanes, founder of Smart Podcast Solutions. Jess and Stephanie share all the insider information about getting the most out of networking groups, how to grow a business online, and so much more.
"My goal is to build this really powerful podcasting agency that is for women and by women, and helps to give women a voice in the podcasting space." - Jess Milanes
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Jess shares how she met Stephanie (1:41)Stephanie talks about how she started networking with Socialfly (7:07)Jess chats with Stephanie about how Entreprenista League is different from most networking groups (10:10)Jess shares her background (15:37)Stephanie chats with Jess about the referral agreement process and what it provides (20:06)Jess shares tips for growing a business online (25:13)
Resources Mentioned:
ClickUpAsana
Our Favorite Quotes:
"That's kind of like two big rules of thumb that I have found in my business is to create those clients that are super fans of yours because you show up and you do such good work that, like, they want to promote you to other people because when you succeed, they succeed. And then the other thing is just the idea of being open with people and saying hey, that's not me. But this is what I can do. " - Jess Milanes"My mission is to give women a voice in the podcasting world." - Jess Milanes"People are dying to connect right now, everyone is so desperate for connection. Because we have not had that level of connection. We haven't had that emotional connection for two and a half years." - Jess Milanes
Connect with Jess Milanes:
Jess Milanes on LinkedInJess Milanes on InstagramSmartPodcastSolutions.com
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
After Amanda Hofman sold her first business (at 38 weeks pregnant!), she took some time off to focus solely on being a mom. When she decided to get back in the game, she thought about how to modernize the one thing every company needs–merchandise. And thus, Go To Market was born.
In this week's episode, we talk with Amanda Hofman, co-founder of Go To Market, a print-on-demand company that designs branded merchandise for businesses, entreprenistas, and everyone in between. She shares with us the lessons she's learned from having multiple businesses, how to sell your company, how to decide if a co-founder is right for you, and so much more.
"We really think about the clients and the brands that we're working with. And we translate it into branded merchandise so that they have beautiful items that their customers, fans, partners, and employees really want to wear and are excited about." - Amanda Hofman
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Amanda talks about her background and how it led her to start Go To Market (3:19)Amanda shares tips and lessons that she learned with her first business (5:42)How to sell your business (7:21)Amanda shares super helpful networking tips (9:45)Amanda gives advice about having a co-founder (15:13)Amanda, Jessica, and Stephanie talk about taking a business to the next level (18:02)
Resources Mentioned:
Microsoft ExcelAir TableCopperGoogle SuiteEntreprenista Store
Our Favorite Quotes:
"I don't want a passion project that I hope makes money, I want a money-making project that I am passionate about." - Amanda Hofman"In my career, I've always said yes to conversations, I've said yes to opportunities, not knowing what the outcome would be. And it's led me in that openness has led me into good paths and good directions." - Amanda Hofman"If you don't have the right partner, you can do it on your own." - Amanda Hofman
Connect with Amanda Hofman:
Go To Market Studio on InstagramGoToMarket.Studio Amanda@GoToMarket.Studio
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify
Julia Xu was always entrepreneurial, but she had no idea that she would one day run four businesses. However, each one started naturally after the previous one she started. Today, she runs a consulting business, a home office shop, an ecommerce shop, and an automated product sourcing platform.
In today's episode, we talk with Julia Xu–founder of USourced, ReSourcery, Multitasky, and Julia Xu Consulting–to find out how she balances it all, the importance of the right friendships, how to decide if fundraising is right, and so much more.
"So I don't feel like work is work, work is life in a way where I'm actually building something that I truly believe in, and I'm truly passionate about, and I wouldn't be anywhere else, I would rather just be working on this." - Julia Xu
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Julia shares about each of her companies (1:06)Julia talks about her corporate background and how it led to her starting four businesses (2:05)Julia shares how she manages her time (6:05)Julia, Jessica, and Stephanie talk about the importance of finding the right romantic partner as business owners (11:34)Julia talks about how to decide if fundraising is right for your business (14:59)Jessica and Stephanie share how they decided to start their businesses (20:15)
Resources Mentioned:
CRONSuperhumanNotionAir Table
Our Favorite Quotes:
"Now getting all those 'dream jobs,' I realized I actually lost an initial self who had more ambition and wanted to create my own thing." - Julia Xu"By saying no, and by turning down things, you're only opening up yourself to things that actually add value and positivity to your life." - Julia Xu
Connect with Julia Xu:
Julia Xu on LinkedInJulia Xu on InstagramMultitasky on InstagramReSourcery on InstagramJulia Xu Consulting on InstagramUSourced.com
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
What started out as a search for the perfect gift for her secretary led Annabelle DeGrazio to quit her dream job. Annabelle had always been creative, so she decided to blend the creativity that flowed in her with her analytical skills and that led to the start of Taja Collection.
In this week's episode, Annabelle DeGrazio, founder of Taja Collection, a Florida candle company, shares why she doesn't have a business plan, her must-have resources for businesses, why she loves Instagram, and so much more.
"So I said, 'You know what, let me try it out. I have my law degree, I passed the bar, I have everything I need. I can always come back to this.' And I haven't had to come back. And it's been five years." - Annabelle DeGrazio
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Annabelle shares how Taja started (1:22)Annabelle shares if Taja has a business plan (3:15)What marketing looked like in the beginning of Taja (7:38)Annabelle talks about her hiring process (10:00)Annabelle shares the benefits she offers her employees (12:43)How to find interns and new hires through Instagram (16:07)Annabelle, Stephanie, and Jessica talk about marketing strategies (17:35)
Resources Mentioned:
20% off discount code - ENTREPRENISTA20QuickBooksShopifySalesforceKlaviyoAttentivePaychexJazzHR
Our Favorite Quotes:
"I've always had that entrepreneurial spirit. But once the idea came about, I couldn't get it out of my mind. And it was something I needed. So I said, 'You know what, let me try it out.'" - Annabelle DeGrazio"I'm able to offer a 401k and be able to offer health benefits, which was really important to me, because I don't want to have a revolving door. I really treat everyone at the company like they're in my family because this is. So I really want to make it advantageous to them." - Annabelle DeGrazio"Google is the best resource out there and it's free." - Annabelle DeGrazio
Connect with Annabelle DeGrazio:
Annabelle DeGrazio on InstagramAnnabelle DeGrazio on LinkedInTajaCollection.comTaja Collection on InstagramTaja Collection on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Picture this: You love art. You're an artist and you work in the art world. Then you leave your job to start an art business. A pandemic comes about, rocks the world, and explodes your business overnight. What would you do?
For this week's guest, that's exactly what happened. This week we hear from Alix Greenberg, founder of Art Sugar, a company that strives to bring art to the everyday person. In this episode, Alix shares what caused her to start Art Sugar, how Covid actually helped her business, how to find the perfect investor, and so much more.
"I realized there wasn't a great accessible place for people to buy art at a certain price point where the artwork looked cool and on trend. So I wanted to create that." - Alix Greenberg
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Alix shares how and why she started her company, Art Sugar (1:09)Where the name 'Art Sugar' came from (3:17)How Covid exploded Art Sugar overnight (5:34)Alix talks about how to raise capital for a business (9:24)The apps that help Alix run Art Sugar (10:30)Alix talks with Jessica and Stephanie about pivoting off of Instagram (11:34)Are discount codes worth it? (15:01)What is next for Alix and Art Sugar (17:05)
Resources Mentioned:
ShopifyKlaviyoAttentiveStampedFoursixty
Our Favorite Quotes:
"Overnight, the business grew 80%. And I was like, 'What the hell is going on?'" - Alix Greenberg"And it's like everything I always wanted happened overnight. And I took everything to heart. If a customer didn't like something, it was just, like, so painful." - Alix Greenberg"I think people were stuck inside and wanted to make their homes really happy. Everything on the site, pretty much, is in that category. You know, it's sort of like, elevated, but joyful." - Alix Greenberg
Connect with Alix Greenberg:
Art Sugar on InstagramArt Sugar's WebsiteAlix@artsugar.co
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Ever run into a problem that you just know there has to be a solution for, only to find out there really isn't? If you're like most Entreprenistas, maybe you decide just to create the solution yourself. Most people freeze with analysis paralysis, not Julie Stevens.
This week's guest is Julie Stevens, founder and CEO of the pre-made cocktail company, BeTini. Julie shares how her business was born out of hosting necessity, how she just dove in, and why she thinks it's important to choose your team wisely. She also shares what it feels like to be one of the only women in the room and how she made sure her voice was heard.
"I wanted to have really yummy, proper cocktails, that you could just chill and pour and spend more time bonding with your friends. So that's where the brand came out of." - Julie Stevens
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Julie shares what it's like to be a female founder in a male-dominated industry (3:12)What Julie was doing before starting BeTini (5:36)Julie discusses the early challenges BeTini faced (6:28)The importance of PR to Julie (8:59)The reason for BeTini's design (12:22)Julie, Stephanie, and Jessica share tips for engagement on social media (13:59)
Resources Mentioned:
SmartSheetBeTini discount code: ENTREPRENISTA - 10% off valid through to September 6th
Our Favorite Quotes:
"When you create something and you put it out to the world, it's like a little piece of your soul that you're putting out there, right? And to have someone reject it over and over is kind of soul-crushing. So I highly recommend finding a good person who's willing to just, you know, field all of those and only tell you about the wins." - Julie Stevens "I'm very competent, my design skills. That's my expertise. I know that I can bring forth packaging that will attract attention. And then if you fill it with something yummy, it's a win-win, and people will pick it up because it's pretty and they'll buy it again if it's good." - Julie Stevens"I'm not sure I was even smart enough to think it through that far. I just kind of went for it." - Julie Stevens
Connect with Julie Stevens:
BeTini Spirits Website BeTini on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Imagine going to law school and becoming a successful attorney. Now imagine years down the road realizing your purpose is in a completely different industry that you know absolutely nothing about. Would you freeze in fear, or fast-track your ideas because you just knew they would change lives?
In this week's episode, Karen Fultz-Robinson, founder of ObservaMé, an athletic wear company with a passion for changing lives, discusses why she left law to put pen to paper and design luxury athletic wear. She also shares how her former career relationships help her now and what she has learned along the way.
"I was not a fashion person. I was not a designer. So my learning curve was humbling. And it still humbles me to this day, because I'm learning every single day how to navigate the waters in this new industry." - Karen Fultz-Robinson
This week on Startups In Stilettos:
Karen shares the light bulb moment that made her start ObservaMé (1:49)Karen talks about why her vision came to life so quickly (2:59)How ObservaMé has changed since it first started (4:47)What social media platform Karen first started advertising on (8:15)How the pandemic helped Karen decide to go full-time with ObservaMé (9:41)Where ObservaMé is going in the future (11:39)Karen asks Jessica and Stephanie for advice on reaching customers through social media (14:03)Karen, Jessica, and Stephanie discuss the use of publicists (22:41)
Resources Mentioned:
15% off code for listeners: Entreprenista15
Our Favorite Quotes:
"I am a very impatient type of person. So I tend to fast-track things. Because once I see it in my mind, and in terms of creativity, I want to see it come to fruition where it's tangible and touchable." - Karen Fultz-Robinson"You think you have the best idea in the world. Now you have to learn how to create an image in the mind of others that your idea is the best idea for them as well. " - Karen Fultz-Robinson"ObservaMé is Spanish for 'watch me.' And of course, I designed the clothing with the watch opening in the sleeve. - Karen Fultz-Robinson "89% of the people who make a determination that 'I want to be healthy' fail, because they don't have the right clothes on." - Karen Fultz-Robinson
Connect with Karen Fultz-Robinson:
ObservaMé websiteObservaMé on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secret...
Leigh Burgess is the founder and CEO of Bold Industries Group. But before that, she was a healthcare worker for over 20 years. When 2020 hit, Leigh left healthcare and started her company. She's launched two brands within her company so far, with two more coming soon.
In this week's episode, Leigh shares why she left her stable corporate healthcare career to start her own business. She discusses how her four different brands co-exist under her company, and how she made nearly SEVEN figures in her first year of business. Make sure to stay tuned until the very end, because Leigh shares so many helpful tips for her fellow entrepreneurs.
"I didn't think I was being bold at any point. Like I'm just living my life, doing my thing. I'm not special. But what I found out when I started off is, like what I was doing was, actually people were saying things like, 'Oh, you inspired me and this was an inspiring moment.'" - Leigh Burgess
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Leigh shares what the Bold Industries Group consists of and what it does (2:56)Why Leigh left her corporate job to start her own business (9:23)How Leigh got her first clients [spoiler alert: this is some good advice] (14:58)Leigh asks Stephanie how to leverage LinkedIn for her business (25:32)How Leigh built her email list (28:36)How being part of the Entreprenista League has helped Leigh (33:42)
Resources Mentioned:
Acuity GuustoWix
Our Favorite Quotes:
"And what I found out is that everyone doesn't belong in the bullseye of closeness and have that access to me." - Leigh Burgess"So I had to scale pretty fast, which I had not thought about that. It's a good problem to have, you know, the 'crisis of abundance,' I heard that like a gazillion times, which is true." - Leigh Burgess"It is important that you feel whole, when you're doing this. If you're fractured, and you try to jump into this, it's not going to work, or it's not going to feel good when it's working or you're not even going to be able to enjoy it." - Leigh Burgess"I like the creative zone. But every idea I have is not a good one. So I have a system of when I have an idea, it goes up on the board. And then we talk about it as a team." - Leigh Burgess
Connect with Leigh Burgess:
Bold Industries Group websiteLeigh Burgess' websiteLeigh on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get a...
If you’re a new mom you know how stressful it can be when you start breastfeeding. There is a constant worry that your baby may not be latching well or eating enough. You may wonder if your breast milk has enough calories and nutrition for your little one. You may even start to question your own nutrition and how it affects your newborn.
Our guest on today’s episode is Whitney Poma, founder of Momful. Momful is a breastfeeding mom’s best friend when it comes to nutrition supplementation. In this episode, Whitney talks about how she came up with the idea to start Momful, the void in the market that it fills, and so much more.
“Nobody said anything about my nutrition. And I felt like somebody had withheld information from me. And you’re right. That’s why I started Momful, to tell that story so that other people heard the same thing. And they didn’t get this far into a challenge without knowing.” - Whitney Poma
This Week on Startups in Stilettos:
What led to Whitney starting Momful (1:43)What products Momful offers and what they help with (6:39)Her advice for entrepreneurs just getting started (9:58)Whitney’s question about imposter syndrome (15:36)The percentage of breastfeeding women Momful can help (23:24)Whitney’s question about building community (24:52)Whitney’s top tip for entrepreneurs and entreprenistas alike (28:01)
Resources Mentioned:
MomfulThe Daily RegimenMom BodMom BrainOunces
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Every day put a little timer on your phone and spend 30 minutes on your idea. And just take the next step.” - Whitney Poma“I can hardly keep enough nutrition in my baby. What do you think my nutrition looks like? And then it was like ‘ding, ding, ding you are your baby’s nutrition.’” - Whitney Poma“I am really excited about sharing my passion with other people that are passionate about serving breastfeeding moms and helping the 60% of women who don't breastfeed as long as they want to meet their goals that they set for themselves with breastfeeding.” - Whitney Poma“So Momful is mama founded, doctor formulated.” - Whitney Poma
Connect with Whitney:
Momful WebsiteMomful on InstagramMomful BlogWhitney Poma on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Fashion is something most of us care about. We take pride in how we present ourselves to the world, expressing who we are with the clothes we wear. However, with the busyness of everyday life, it can be difficult to allot time to figuring out what to wear. Most of the time it’s just easier to throw on the nearest pair of sweatpants, couple it with a wrinkly t-shirt and call it a day.
Our guests on this episode are sisters-in-law, Danielle and Rebecca Peplinski, co-founders of Glow Fashion Boutique. Glow is the solution to everyone’s fashion needs. By offering a specially curated assortment of high quality closet staples, Glow allows you to build your own capsule wardrobe. In this episode, Danielle and Rebecca talk about their inspiration for Glow, the early stages of building their business, some mistakes they made along the way, and so much more.
“It all comes down to communication. You know, I think we've been such a great team because we're constantly in communication and we constantly communicate about everything. From the smallest detail to the bigger things.” - Danielle Peplinski
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
How Glow came to be (2:24)The concept of Glow (4:44)Some early steps Rebecca and Danielle took towards starting Glow (6:05)Some mistakes Rebecca and Danielle made when building Glow (6:53)Rebecca and Danielle’s advice for co-founders (8:54)How Rebecca and Danielle figured out their marketing strategy and went viral on TikTok (10:39)What going viral changed about Rebecca and Danielle’s business emphasis (14:30)Why Rebecca and Danielle launched a course (16:00)
Resources Mentioned:
Glow Fashion BoutiqueShopifyKajabiGoogle AdsFacebook AdsGo from Camera Shy to Camera Ready
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I think one of the things is, we just roll with the punches. You just keep going.” - Rebecca Peplinski“This simple concept, for us, became this life changing system.” - Danielle Peplinski“I think it's very important for, if you go into business with someone, [you to] make sure that you guys have different strengths.” - Rebecca Peplinski“You're building your own capsule that's tailored to you and your lifestyle.” - Danielle Peplinski
Connect with Danielle and Rebecca:
Glow Fashion Boutique on TikTokGlow Fashion Boutique InstagramGlow Fashion Boutique FacebookGlow Fashion Boutique PinterestGlow Fashion Boutique YouTube
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
Brittany Driscoll graduated with a BA in Communications from Loyola Marymount University before starting her career in marketing and advertising. She went on to work for a number of Fortune 500 brands, including Disney and Hilton, before starting as the Director of Marketing at Drybar, and then eventually deciding to start her own massage business, Squeeze. Squeeze is the answer for those looking for a feel-good massage experience with only mediocre discount establishments or overpriced spas to choose from.
In this episode, Brittany breaks down what led to her business inspiration and what it's been like to build a business from the ground-up. She walks us through the process of creating Squeeze and sheds some helpful insights along the way.
“What are our values? What do we stand for? How do we want people to feel? Not only from a guest standpoint, but also from an employee standpoint. That's a big part of our business at Squeeze. I always like to say we're in the people industry and not the service industry. And so we just place a lot of emphasis on really how we make people feel.” - Brittany Driscoll
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
How Brittany and her partners came up with the idea for Squeeze (1:38)Some of the first steps Brittany and her partners took towards starting their business (3:07)Brittany’s approach to branding Squeeze (5:38)How long it took to get Squeeze up and running (7:11)Why Brittany and her partners chose to franchise Squeeze (9:33)Squeeze’s strategy for finding operating partners (11:12)Stephanie’s advice for Brittany on reaching out to influencers as a small brand without big dollars (15:18)Jessica’s advice for Brittany for being on broadcast television (17:32)
Resources Mentioned:
Squeeze Franchising
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Buying into a franchise is choosing to join a system that aligns with your values and offers a service or a product that you align with.” - Brittany Driscoll“This is my first year entrepreneurial venture. And I always like to say it's been overwhelming and exhausting, but mostly liberating. And so I really just loved the idea of creating a feel good brand that other people could bring to their community and have that same experience.” - Brittany Driscoll
Connect with Brittany Driscoll:
Squeeze on InstagramSqueeze’s websiteBrittany Driscoll on InstagramBrittany Driscoll on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
Between working, eating, and sleeping, it can be easy to get stuck in the predictability of our everyday lives. We’re busy, constantly on the go, and many of us aren’t entirely happy with the dynamics of our lives. We want to make changes but don’t know where to start. That’s where today’s guest comes in.
Entreprenista League member Crystal Simmons is a certified coach, speaker, and podcaster. After graduating, she started her career in health services before making the change to coaching. Her business, Crystal Clear Purposes, focuses on corporate and leadership coaching that helps women make positive and meaningful changes in their careers, relationships, and everyday lives. Through thoughtful and targeted coaching, Crystal helps her clients uncover mindset blocks and shifts their energy towards “un-stucking” themselves.
“Feel your feelings, own your feelings. Figure out life in your own way so you can be more you and you can decide what you want your life to look like and how you want to be perceived and what you want to go after.” - Crystal Simmons
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Crystal’s original vision for her career path (1:32)Why Crystal chose to pursue a different career path (2:08)Crystal’s approach to teaching (4:06)The point at which Crystal realized the truth about where she was in her career (5:32)The kind of work Crystal does with her clients (8:14)How Crystal transitioned from working full-time into owning her own business (11:44)
Resources Mentioned:
The Entreprenista LeagueCircle
Our Favorite Quotes:
“My clients after working with me have felt an increase. And I felt an increase with them, to the point where it brings me to tears of happiness because I've always seen it in them.” - Crystal Simmons“When my everyday became so uncomfortable, to live, like literally just live, and dream, and grow - that's when I had that spark of, ‘I've got to do something else.’” - Crystal Simmons“We have multiple purposes, I feel like, and you get to change them.” - Crystal Simmons
Connect with Crystal Simmons:
Crystal Simmons on LinkedInCrystal Simmons on InstagramCrystal Simmons emailCrystal Clear PurposesUnstuck Yourself Podcast
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Ever thought about entering the world of direct sales? Why or why not? Entering this kind of industry can be quite daunting but how would you feel if you heard about all of its success stories? If you learned about the women who are thriving in the world of direct sales?
This episode’s guest, Theda Blackwood exemplifies what it means to be successful in the direct sales industry. Fueled by inspiration brought on by her mom, Theda has built three multi-million dollar businesses, the third, and most recent, being Theorem Method, a line of bespoke hair care products. Join us as we talk to Theda about her early aspirations, her experience on Broadway at an young age, the development of her career, and the most valuable lessons she’s learnt along the way.
“When you are buying products from a woman in this industry, you're helping put her kids through dance class, you're helping her, you know, maybe put gas in her car or food on her table.” - Theda Blackwood
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
How Theda's background in musical theater helped prepare her for her future career (3:42)Theda’s experience at her first direct sales company (5:17)How Theda transitioned from home decor to jewelry (6:26)Why Theda chose her particular career path (7:09)Why Theda believes the direct sales industry offers great opportunities for women (10:05)Theda’s advice for women who are apprehensive about starting a business (12:58)The revenue potential for someone working in direct sales (13:43)Jessica and Stephanie’s advice for Theda for making her brand more recognizable (15:58)
Resources Mentioned:
The Entreprenista LeagueEntrepreneur PressSocialfly
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I really feel like what I'm in is the women's confidence business.” - Theda Blackwood“We, as women, we sell stuff all the time. We are sharing, we are influencing.” - Theda Blackwood“I think the more we learn about the product or service that we have to offer, we can share that knowledge with people.”
Connect with Theda Blackwood:
The Theorem MethodThe Theorem Method on InstagramThe Theorem Method on FacebookTheda Blackwood on LinkedInTheda Blackwood on TwitterTheda Blackwood on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Sylvia Kampshoff is the founder and CEO of two businesses: the more established Kanthaka Inc. and the newly-launched PATA Lifestyle. Sylvia obtained her PhD in Law from the University of Heidelberg in 2015 before founding Kanthaka Inc. the following year. She has always had an affinity for business, and it’s this affinity that led to the birth of PATA Lifestyle.
In this episode, Sylvia walks us through what inspired her to start her new business and how she went about launching it. She speaks to us about the importance of manufacturer relationships and promotional methods and breaks down the logistics of running a business like PATA Lifestyle.
“Find the perfect manufacturer who understands you. Your partner is crucial. Because all those bad stories you hear [are] basically manufacturers who don't believe in you, who are like, ‘Oh my god, she only wants to buy like 50 bags. I'm not interested in this.’ But my guys, they believed in the story.” - Sylvia Kampshoff
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
How Sylvia was inspired to start PATA Lifestyle (1:19)What happens after someone purchases one of Sylvia's bags (7:52)How Sylvia's promoted her business since it launched (9:37)How Sylvia balances her inventory (12:09)Why Sylvia thinks it's important to pick your manufacturer wisely (13:27)Jessica’s PR advice for Sylvia (17:10)Stephanie's advice for Sylvia on scaling her business and targeting her audience (18:59)
Resources Mentioned:
The Entreprenista LeagueIFundWomen
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Like [I] felt relationships I didn't feel before because [breast cancer] seems to be such a common issue.” - Sylvia Kampshoff “It's not in your face like Louis Vuitton, right? It's not screaming ‘withdraw money!’ It's just, you know, it's high quality and it stands for something” - Sylvia Kampshoff“So it actually saves lives. And that already drives me sufficiently.” - Sylvia Kampshoff
Connect with Sylvia Kampshoff:
PATA LifestylePATA Lifestyle on InstagramPATA Lifestyle on FacebookSylvia Kampshoff on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Christina Hawatmeh is the founder and CEO of the world’s largest authentic photo library, Scopio. Scopio - which stands for Scope It Out - aims to distribute images across the world and secure a place for them in our history. Its primary goal is to elevate the stories of individuals who are underrepresented. After completing her masters in International Affairs from Columbia University and starting her career, Christina was inspired to start Scopio in 2016. She’s also an author, having just released a book called The Year Time Stopped: The Global Pandemic and Photos.
On this episode, Christina walks us through her entrepreneur journey and how the COVID-19 pandemic inspired her to write her new book. She tells us about the steps she took to create her book and how its content came together.
“Don't worry about those small details. They're not important. You will get there if you stay focused on that one thing that you want to work on. And then those opportunities, which seems so high bar right now, will actually come to you” - Christina Hawatmeh
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
How the COVID-19 pandemic inspired Christina’s book (1:32)The type of content included in Christina’s book (3:53)The steps Christina took before starting her book (5:30)What Christina believes to be the most important thing when it comes to starting a book (8:49)What Jessica believes to be the most important thing individuals can take away from Christina’s story (14:19)How Christina chose to market her book (16:14)How Christina was able to stay focused on her business (19:10)
Resources Mentioned:
The Entreprenista LeagueEntrepreneur Press
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Don't worry about those small details. They're not important. You will get there if you stay focused on that one thing that you want to work on. And then those opportunities, which seems so high bar right now, will actually come to you” - Christina HawatmehIf you have power, and you give it to somebody, that's the most powerful thing you can do.” - Christina Hawatmeh
Connect with Christina Hawatmeh:
ScopioScopio on InstagramScopio on FacebookThe Year Time Stopped: The Global Pandemic in PhotosChristina Hawatmeh on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Tracy Nicodemo is a small business owner whose experience of being a new mom helped inspire the birth of her business, Little Creatives. Tracy graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor of applied science in interior architecture before completing an associate’s degree in fashion/apparel design. Tracy’s impressive background in interiors and fashion was what helped her to start Little Creatives in 2020.
On this episode, Tracy speaks to us about her journey to becoming a small business owner, how it’s changed her life, and what tools she’s used to build her success.
“We've created these businesses because there was a need for us and we didn't lose our identity, we added our son to it.” - Tracy Nicodemo
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Tracy’s inspiration behind her business (1:20)How Tracy identified manufacturers for her products (3:50)What Tracy recommends for all small business owners (5:47)How Tracy has gained perspective from looking back on her business journey (8:56)Tools and solutions Tracy has for small business owners (10:27)Stephanie’s tips on building a community around your business (15:10)Jessica’s advice on hiring publicists (17:43)
Resources Mentioned:
The Entreprenista LeagueSmall Business Development CenterKickstarter
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I'm a solo entrepreneur, it's hard to keep going every day. You're like, ‘oh, I can push that to tomorrow’. But if you're having a meeting with someone, then it holds you accountable. Right?” - Tracy Nicodemo“Everyone, no matter how big or little, everyone has something that they can, that you can, pick someone's brain on.” - Tracy Nicodemo“We've created these businesses because there was a need for us, and we didn't lose our identity, we added our son to it.” - Tracy Nicodemo
Connect with Tracy Nicodemo:
Little CreativesLittle Creatives on InstagramLittle Creatives on FacebookTracy Nicodemo on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Sam Rudolph is the CEO and Co-Founder of Babyation - a venture-backed startup with a mission of “creating game-changing products and judgment-free conversations to build a community that supports, elevates, and unites women through all the roles they juggle - including being a mom”. Sam graduated from The Wharton School with a Bachelor of Economics before starting her career where virtually “every job [she] had didn’t exist before she had it”. It was this entrepreneurial spirit that guided her into starting her own business.
On this episode, we talk to Sam about the inspiration behind Babyation, how she was able to turn an idea into a business, and what valuable lessons she’s learned on her entrepreneurial journey.
“I don't let the ‘no’ define me. I know what I'm doing. I know that not everybody's gonna like me. I know that not everybody's gonna like my business. I'm 100% okay with that. You have to know that you're going to be told no, but you have to prepare for how you're going to handle the no.” - Samantha Rudolph
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
What inspired Sam to start Babyation (1:16)What Sam’s career looked like before starting Babyation (3:41)Sam’s foray into entrepreneurship (5:01)How Sam was able to juggle work and starting a business (6:18)The steps that Sam took when starting to build her business (7:36)Sam’s grant application process (8:58)How moving in with her parents helped drive the success of her business (10:11)The approach Sam took towards her first investors’ pitch (11:19)Why Sam’s Kickstarter Campaign experience was the most stressful 30 days of her life (13:16)Sam’s advice on crowdfunding (16:35)Why Sam loves fundraising (19:40)Our advice for Sam on how to build a social media strategy (24:33)Our non-traditional PR advice for Sam (26:46)Sam’s advice for fellow entrepreneurs (28:17)
Resources Mentioned:
Kickstarter
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Every job I had didn't exist before I had it. And I loved that. And I quickly realized that at some point, I wanted to start my own company.” - Sam Rudolph“I get so many people saying I want to start my own business, because I can control my schedule. Newsflash, it's the other way, right, when you're not working on your business, your business doesn't get worked on.” - Sam Rudolph“If someone is not telling you, no, you're not asking enough people, like it's just it's that simple. “ - Sam Rudolph
Connect with Diana Arango:
BabyationBabyation on InstagramBabyation on FacebookSam Rudolph on LinkedInSam Rudolph website
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders,
Diana Arango is a law graduate and self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur. She graduated from the University of The Andes with a Bachelor in Law before attending Fordham University School of Law where she completed her Masters of Laws in International Business and Trade Law. Diana then spent some time working in a variety of impressive roles, mostly within the real estate sector, before eventually starting her business, Chefpost.
On this episode, Diana walks us through her experience in starting Chefpost. She shares a bit about the inspiration behind the business, what challenges she faced, and how she was able to overcome them.
“I think it's very important as a founder and a CEO, you do not need to know everything very well. But you need to understand different aspects of the business because that way you can outsource and delegate, knowing a little bit about what you're delegating.” - Diana Arango
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
What it was that inspired Diana to start Chefpost (1:12)How Diana turned her dream of Chefpost into a reality (2:08)How Diana was able to balance her personal life with starting a new business (3:30)The ways in which Diana chose to finance Chefpost (6:23)Diana’s tips on fundraising for business (8:45)The biggest lesson Diana learned in starting Chefpost (13:47)How to build your PR strategy based on your type of business (15:54)What the Entreprenista League has meant to Diana and the ways in which she’s benefited from it (22:22)
Resources Mentioned:
Dream VenturesThe Entreprenista League
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I like business, I'm entrepreneur-minded. And I am always business analyzing everything. So where there is a problem, I always try to find the business solution to it.” - Diana Arango“I think that happens to all entrepreneurs, that you're so passionate about [your business] that you still work extra hours and it doesn't feel that hard.” - Diana Arango“A lot of sacrifices, all of our savings, went into the business but we just believed so much that this was gonna work that it was the only option.” - Diana Arango
Connect with Diana Arango:
ChefpostChefpost on InstagramChefpost on FacebookDiana Arango on LinkedInDiana Arango on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – vis...
Brittney Jean Atakpo is a Brand Photographer and Strategist at Brittney Jean Photography & Company. She is an entrepreneurial businesswoman dedicated to the advancement of women. She holds a Bachelor's in Communication from California State University San Marcos and has over 5 years of experience in human resources in the technology industry. After working in the Recruitment and Sales industry's fast-paced, cut-throat environment, Brittney decided to build her brand and transform her hobby as a photographer into a successful business.
Today, Brittney shares her story of going from a position in the Recruitment and Sales industry to turning her photography into a full-time business. She reveals the steps that went into creating the course she now offers for entrepreneurs to develop their brands and the channels she used to launch the course. She shares her favorite platforms for testing email and marketing funnels, who her course is for, and what you can expect to learn. We discuss pitching to publications and the importance of having a good media kit. We also explore how you can create better experiences for existing clients as you build a new offering and how to find the best marketing professionals to help you create your business marketing strategy.
“It creates so much value well beyond just photography; it’s really helping instill confidence in women so they can market their business confidently.” - Brittney Jean Atakpo
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
How Brittney Jean Photography helps entrepreneurs build their brand on social mediaWhat Brittney was doing before she built her business What went into the course creation that Brittney offers entrepreneursThe channels Brittney is using to launch her courseBrittney’s favorite platforms for testing email funnels Who the course is for and what you can expect to learnCreating a process and who to work with when pitching to publicationsThe importance of having a media kit and what to include in itHow to create better experiences for existing clientsFinding the best marketing person to help you build your strategy
Resources Mentioned:
CanvaZoomKajabiFlodeskShowItYouTube
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Being confident that you can address client's pain points and that you are the solution to their problems.” - Brittney Jean Atakpo“The stereotype is photographers don’t make a lot of money which is not true, especially if you have a background of being able to sell yourself ” - Brittney Jean Atakpo“Our Mastermind first gave us this opportunity and experience to learn how to create outlines for our courses.” - Brittney Jean Atakpo
Connect with Brittney Jean Atakpo:
Brittney Jean Photography & CompanyBrittney Jean Photography & Company on LinkedInBrittney Jean Photography & Company on InstagramBrittney Jean Photography & Company on FacebookBrittney Jean Atakpo on LinkedInBrittney Jean Atakpo on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show!
Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much...
Monica Fullerton is the Founder and CEO of Spouse-ly, a central hub for driving support for entrepreneurs in the military and first responders community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Multi-Media Journalism and a Master of Business Administration and Marketing from Lynn University. As an Air Force spouse, twin mom, and entrepreneur, Monica wanted to strive for a greater purpose with her business idea. She has been named a trailblazer in Tech by Military Spouse Magazine, Forbes Next 1000 List, and one of the MIGHTY 25 most influential leaders supporting the military community.
Today, Monica shares what inspired the idea behind Spouse-ly and how it helps members of the military and their families. She reveals how she found creators for her platform and critical learnings from initially testing her idea in a Facebook group. She highlights some of the big wins Spouse-ly has celebrated along the way and how networking and community has helped her business grow. We also explore how you can find the balance between raising brand awareness and sharing your mission and how to expand your team when bootstrapping your business.
“Just taking that first step of getting out there and getting in front of people that are your possible customers or vendors, whatever it might be, is the first step of pushing forward.”- Monica Fullerton
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
What Spouse-ly is and what inspired the ideaHow Monica built the foundation of her business and found creatorsKey lessons Monica learned from testing her business idea in a Facebook groupThe key thing Monica didn’t know about launching a businessSome of the big wins that Monica has celebrated along the wayHow Monica invested in PR and outreach for her businessHow networking and community helped Monica to share her story and missionFinding the balance of sharing your core mission and raising brand awarenessHow to scale your team when bootstrapping your businessWhere Spouse-ly is headed and what Monica is excited about for her company
Our Favorite Quotes:
“When you get people that are more entry-level, it also gives them an opportunity to truly grow and be a part of what you’re building from the ground up.” - Monica Fullerton“It has to be something that you’re passionate about, something that you want to have part of your everyday life.” - Monica Fullerton“Don’t be afraid to ask for help; we can’t all afford certain things at the different stages.” - Monica Fullerton
Connect with Monica Fullerton:
Spouse-lySpouse-ly on LinkedInSpouse-ly on InstagramSpouse-ly on FacebookSpouse-ly on TwitterPodcast: I’MpossibleMonica Fullerton on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show!
Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilett...
Yobe Qiu is an author, educator, and serial entrepreneur. She holds a bachelor's degree in Education from The New School and a Master of Science (MS) in Early Childhood Education and Teaching. After identifying a need for more multicultural books, Yobe created her own children's books featuring Asian characters and cultures. Yobe helps female entrepreneurs to launch and grow their educational businesses.
Today, Yobe shares her journey from educator to entrepreneur and how she helps women bring their children’s book ideas to fruition. She shares the channels she uses to publish and sell her books and some of the early lessons she had to learn. She reveals how her business structure has evolved and the services she offers her clients. We also share some tips on pitching to media outlets and how delegating is an essential skill for growing any business.
“It’s like putting any products out. This is no different to any other product, it’s just different platforms we have to learn.” - Yobe Qiu
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join.
We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
How Yobe helps women bring their ideas for a children's book to marketThe channels Yobe uses to publish, market, and sell her booksThe challenges Yobe faced early on in her businessImportant lessons Yobe had to learn when building her businessesHow the structure of Yobe’s business has evolvedThe services Yobe currently offers to her clientsTips on pitching to media outlets to promote your booksWhy becoming a good delegator is essential for growing any businessHow being part of the Entreprenista League has impacted Yobe’s business
Resources Mentioned:
Amazon KDPKickstarter
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I would never think I would go this far a year and a half ago when I just decided to do it.” - Yobe Qui“Folks love multicultural books, and folks love to learn about other cultures and stories. They just don’t know what books are good.” - Yobe Qiu“Make as many headlines as possible, then marry those headlines to different outlets.” - Jessica Abo
Connect with Yobe Qiu:
By Yobe QiuBook: Our Moon Festival: Celebrating the Moon Festival in Asian CommunitiesBy Yobe Qiu on InstagramBy Yobe Qiu on FacebookYobe Qiu on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show!
Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter,
We love what we do, and we love helping people. Our aim is that this podcast is something that helps you on a daily basis. We want to be that voice telling you, “You can do it!”. So we have come together to give you more information on what we do and how this podcast can help you and your business.
Today's episode is all about the inspiration behind Startups in Stilletos and how it differs from the Entreprenista podcast. We discuss why Jess was chosen as the co-host and explore some of the challenges of being an Entreprenista. Jess shares her background in media training and how she uses it to help entrepreneurs and business owners. We explain why reflection moments are an essential thing to do as an entrepreneur and how networking communities are vital for any startup. We also share how the Entreprenista League can help your business and how you can be a guest on the Startup in Stilletos podcast.
“Being able to help everyone make an impact, give everyone these tools and resources, it’s just the best thing ever.” - Stephanie Cartin
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Why the Startup in Stilettos podcast is different from the Entreprenista podcastWhat made Stephanie choose Jess to be her co-hostThe challenges of being an EntreprenistaJess’s background in media training and how she helps business ownersHow Jess amplifies entrepreneurial business through her column for Entrepreneur.comHow reflection moments are essential as an entrepreneurWhy networking communities are essential for any startupHow the Entreprenista League and Startup in Stilletos podcast can help your business
Resources Mentioned:
Book: Unfiltered: How to Be as Happy as You Look on Social Media
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Every day there is just so many high highs, and so many low lows as an entrepreneur that you have to be able to do is keep an even keel and just keep going ” - Stephanie Cartin“Just being in a community where we can support each other - that’s what this is all about.” - Jessica Abo
“Community and connection and support is absolutely everything.” - Stephanie Cartin
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show!
Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
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Abbe Feder is a Fertility Coach and the Owner of InCircle Fertility LLC. She has a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts. Following her struggles with infertility and pregnancy loss, Abbe wanted to use her experiences to help others. She started InCircle Fertility to support families through their fertility journeys using a combination of professional expertise, industry know-how, and empathy and compassion.
Today, Abbe joins us to share her journey from acting to starting her business in Fertility Coaching. She reveals how she uses her own experience and passion for helping others and the process of going through the business startup phase. She shares some of the lessons she learned early on and how the skills she learned from her previous roles have continued to serve her in her new role. She also shares what you need to consider before starting a business partnership, the questions you need to ask a potential business partner, and what’s next for her company.
“Like any relationship, it takes so much work. If you don’t share the same long-term vision or values, it’s not going to work.” - Abbe Feder
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
What inspired Abbe to start InCircle FertilityHow Abbe used her passion for helping others to build her businessThe process of going through the startup phaseWhat Abbe was doing before she started her businessHow skills from previous jobs help Abbe in businessLessons Abbe has learned from the early stages of starting the businessWhy the same values and visions are essential in your business partnershipFundamental questions you need to ask a potential business partner What Abbe needed to do to become a Fertility CoachThe next steps for InCircle Fertility
Resources Mentioned:
(In)Fertility Cards of AffirmationEntreprenista's Guide to Business Partnerships
Our Favorite Quotes:
“So many times when we go through something hard, we want to be able to help other people.” - Abbe Feder“If you have challenges having uncomfortable conversations at the beginning, that’s a sign that you’re likely going to have a lot of problems later on.” - Stephanie Cartin“If you’re in a business partnership, it is like a marriage.” - Abbe Feder
Connect with Abbe Feder:
InCircle Fertility WebsitePodcast: Maculate ConceptionInCircle Fertility on LinkedInInCircle Fertility on InstagramInCircle Fertility on FacebookInCircle Fertility on TwitterAbbe Feder on LinkedInAbbe Feder on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
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Brea Fullerton is the Founder & CEO of Shinery, a luxury jewelry care brand that is good for you and your jewelry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia and lives in Georgia Atlanta. After her engagement and being unable to find a jewelry cleaner without harsh chemicals or damaging effects on her skin, Brea launched Shinery. The company has a range of plant-based products that easily fit your daily beauty routine.
Today, Brea shares the inspiration behind her business, Shinery, and how her previous work experience helped her navigate building a business. She shares the lessons she learned during the startup phase and how it felt when the company started gaining traction. She shares tips on launching a new product, creating a new product category, and what you need to bear in mind when working with a publicist. Brea shares why she decided to self-fund her business and the first retail stores to sell her products. She also shares how you can find the right person to get your products into retail stores and a method to approach them to build a successful partnership.
“When launching a new category, there’s no roadmap, so you have to wake up every day knowing that you’re going into uncharted territories, but the reward is worth the risk.”- Brea Fullerton
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
The inspiration that led to Brea starting her businessHow Brea’s career experience helped her when launching her businessThe lessons she had to learn along the way in the startup phaseHow it felt when Shinery started gaining traction in the marketTips on launching a product in a new product categoryWhat you need to consider when working with a publicistThe strategies Brea used for sending out samples to the pressWhy Brea decided to bootstrap the business rather than use other funding sources What made Brea choose to work with wholesalersThe first retail stores Shinery got into and how it felt to get those ordersFinding the right person to get your product into retail stores and how to reach out to themHow to prepare for press interviewsWhat is next for Shinery
Our Favorite Quotes:
“It’s OK that you don’t have the answers; you just have to put one foot in front of the other.” - Brea Fullerton“Never underestimate the power of educating the consumer base and building that community.” - Brea Fullerton“Don’t be afraid to email people when it’s their personal time, even though that’s like an invasion of privacy. That’s when you are probably going to get responded to.” - Brea Fullerton
Connect with Brea Fullerton:
Shinery WebsiteShinery on InstagramBrea Fullerton on LinkedInBrea Fullerton on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
This episode is sponsored by… Hershey’s Her For She Sorority
Is there a business woman in your network that deserves to be celebrated?
Nominate a woman that inspires you to be featured on Entreprenista’s social media using the hashtag: #HerForShe and tag us @Entreprenistas and @Hersheys
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show!
Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website,...
Leeanna Gantt is the inventor and CEO of TookTake, a patented medication reminder system that is revolutionizing the way people take their medications. TookTake offers a variety of medication reminder labels designed to help consumers avoid accidental medication overdose and remember which medications they’ve taken, and when. As a breast cancer survivor, Leeanna knows how difficult it can be to remember if you’ve taken your medication - and have taken it on time. Prior to launching TookTake, Leeanna served in executive and leadership roles at a variety of organizations, including Start With, Rainbow Pack, and Tinker - Community Art Studio.
Leeanna joins us today to share how she turned a personal challenge into a fulfilling and rewarding startup business. She shares the inspiration behind launching TookTake, the first steps she took to transition her company from the ‘business idea stage’ to successfully launching a startup, and how she leaned on friends and family to test her products. We discuss the importance of managing your expectations as a new entrepreneur and why Leeanna chose a DIY approach for her PR strategy. Leeanna shares her experience with researching and applying for a Utility Patent for her products and the costs associated with obtaining a Utility Patent. We also discuss the best ways to pitch your products to journalists and share tips for honing your messaging and sharing your brand story in a concise, yet powerful way.
“What didn’t work was just doing nothing.” - Leeanna Gantt
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
What inspired Leeanna to start the TookTake businessThe first steps Leeanna took to transition TookTake from a business idea to a business startupGetting comfortable with being uncomfortable and pushing yourself out of your comfort zoneManaging your expectations and how Leeanna prepared to launch her companyUsing grassroots marketing strategies to promote your new businessCreating a brand story that is relatable to your customersWhy Leeanna chose a DIY approach to marketing and PRPivoting from selling wholesale products to direct-to-consumer salesThe strategy Leeanna used to approach wholesale buyersHow Leeanna’s products and packaging have evolved since launching her companyProtecting your intellectual property and applying for a patentThe best ways to to pitch your story and product ideas to journalistsTips for honing your story and messageWhat’s next for TookTake
Resources Mentioned:
Google Alerts
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Don’t invest a lot in your first packaging because you’ll probably have to change it.” - Leeanna Gantt“Be persistent. If you believe in your product, keep trying to find the right people.” - Leeanna Gantt
Connect with Leeanna Gantt:
TookTakeTookTake on LinkedInTookTake on InstagramTookTake on FacebookLeeanna Gantt on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
This episode is sponsored by… Hershey’s Her For She Sorority
Is there a business woman in your network that deserves to be celebrated?
Nominate a woman that inspires you to be featured on Entreprenista’s social media using the hashtag: #HerForShe and tag us @Entreprenistas and @Hersheys
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show!
Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in busin...
Jamie Banks is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Change of Scenery, a women’s luxury swim and resort wear startup launching in March 2022. Change of Scenery is an accessible luxury women’s apparel brand focused on classic, sophisticated, and effortless styles for the modern 30-55 year old woman. Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design from Cornell University and a Master’s of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University. Jamie is also the co-founder of Fashion for a Cause - Port Washington, an initiative created out of the desire to give back to the Port Washington community during the world’s most unprecedented times – the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to co-developing Change of Scenery, Jamie served as the Design Director of multiple brands, including Kate Spade New York, Milly, and Shoshanna.
Jamie joins us today to share her experience of being laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic and what inspired her to take a leap of faith to launch a luxury women’s apparel brand. We discuss the steps she took to bring her business idea to fruition and the lessons she learned along the way. She highlights the benefits of writing a business plan and researching your target market. We discuss the challenges she faced when creating a company name and why it’s crucial to check the trademark database before launching your startup. We also discuss the value of taking time to gather your thoughts before responding to PR questions and practicing your response to the most frequently asked questions you receive.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned this year is that I have these amazing, amazing women in my life that are so much smarter and so much more successful than I ever knew they were.” - Jamie Banks
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
The inspiration behind the Change of Scenery brandHow Jamie identified her target audience and the problem she wanted her company to solveLearning how to write a business planHow Jamie found a business partnerThe steps Jamie took to breathe life into her product ideaThe challenges associated with trademarking your companyWhat a business naming contest is and how Jamie finally decided on a business nameThe benefits of hiring a Go-To Market SpecialistJamie’s biggest win since starting her companyThe value of taking time to gather your thoughts before responding to PR questionsWhat’s next for Change of Scenery
Resources Mentioned:
Book: Building a Story Brand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald MillerCreative Market -- Business Plan Templates
Our Favorite Quotes:
“The business plan really helped me to understand all of the facets of the business. It helped me really put down, in words, the problem that I saw and how we were going to solve it.” - Jamie Banks“Tell anyone that will listen what you’re going through in your business because somebody might hear you and have a suggestion that you never would have asked for help on.” - Jamie Banks“I just kept finding that everything that would come up, I had a woman in my life who was an expert in it and was willing to take their time to hold my hand and walk me through it.” - Jamie Banks
Connect with Jamie Banks:
Change of SceneryChange of Scenery on LinkedInChange of Scenery on InstagramJamie Banks on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level:
Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions...
Elisa Molina is the founder and CEO of COVEDOZA, a go-to marketplace for women to feel empowered, validated, and confident through art. Elisa is passionate about helping female artists and people of color bolster their artistic influence while generating passive income. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from the State University of New York College at Buffelo, a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the Florida International University College of Business, and has previously served in the Peace Corps in San Jose and Costa Rica.
Elisa joins us today to share the humble beginnings of her company and how her experience in the Peace Corps inspired her to support and empower female artists and creatives. We discuss the challenges she faced while learning about import and export laws and how she developed a revenue-sharing model that supported the artisans she collaborated. Elisa shares how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted her business and her experience with crowdfunding and applying for small business COVID-19 relief grants. She shares tips for creating your first crowdfunding campaign and how she leveraged LinkedIn to promote her campaign. We also discuss PR strategies for increasing your brand awareness and the pros and cons of using H.E.R.O. as part of your PR strategy.
“There are tons of opportunities and tools available for women entrepreneurs to apply for grants.” - Elisa Molina
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
What inspired Elisa to launch COVEDOZAFrom ideation to launch: How Elisa initially began collaborating with international artisansHow Elisa educated herself on navigating import and shipping challenges with international suppliersHow Elisa created a revenue-sharing model to support the artisans as well as her companyWhat kept Elisa inspired and motivated to continue building COVENDOZAApplying for grants and creating a crowdfunding campaignTips for creating your first crowdfunding campaignMarketing strategies Elisa used to promote her businessUnderstanding how grants work and how Elisa used the grand funds to grow her COVEDOZA How to find small business grants in your area and stateStrategies to increase brand awareness and identifying the best ways to connect with reportersWhat’s next for COVEDOZA and the inspiration behind the “It’s Me Season” apparel collection
Resources Mentioned:
GoFundMe Small Business Relief InitiativeiFundWomeniFundWomen of ColorShopifyGoogle DriveHello AliceFundedHelp a Reporter OutGoogle Alerts
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Don’t focus on perfecting. Focus on getting started. Launch it and as you go - as you learn, as you continue to raise funds - you will have an opportunity to always update your campaign.” - Elisa Molina“I noticed that the more grants I applied for, the better I was getting at pitching my business and injecting passion and mission.” - Elisa Molina“If we do not prioritize ourselves, we cannot take care of others.” - Elisa Molina
Connect with Elisa Molina:
COVEDOZAEmail: Elisa@covedoza.comCOVEDOZA on LinkedInCOVEDOZA on InstagramCOVEDOZA on FacebookCOVEDOZA on TwitterCOVEDOZA on YouTubeElisa Molina on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level:
Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels,
Jill Apgar is the founder of Coco Beans, a luxury bedding and sleepwear brand offering luxurious silk crib sheets and pillow cases using the world’s softest, most innovative fabrics that families can trust. The company is best known for their machine-washable, 100% silk crib sheets. Following a forced layoff from her corporate career in 2020, Jill launched her company with a desire to source the best crib sheet fabrics that not only felt luxurious to the skin, but also helped reduced tangled hair for children and adults. Jill holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University and is a member of the Board of Directors for Harper’s Corner Foundation, Inc. She has over 12 years of experience in the corporate retail merchandising industry with some of the most iconic brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria Secret.
Jill joins us today to share what it was like to launch a luxury bedding and sleepwear company during a worldwide pandemic. She shares the initial steps she took to launch her company and why it’s important to learn from your mistakes and failures as well as your successes. We discuss how her personal painpoint led to launching the company and the value of networking and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Jill shares her experience with crowdfunding and how her products have evolved over the last two years. We also discuss tips for being ‘media-ready’ and ‘camera-ready’ as a new startup founder and how to craft your startup story to have the most impact.
“For 30 to 45 days, you’re selling. If you want to be successful at that - you need a strategy and marketing plan.” - Jill Apgar
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
How a painpoint in Jill’s personal life led to launching the Coco Beans companyWhat it was like to launch a new business during the pandemicThe importance of learning from your mistakes and failures as well as your successesThe initial steps Jill took to launch her businessThe value of networking, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and keeping yourself accountableBootstrapping the product development costs and how Jill financed the launch of her businessThe lessons Jill learned while raising money to launch her businessWhat kept Jill going despite facing challenges and setbacksThe process of creating the Coco Beans brandHow the Coco Beans products have evolved over the last two yearsEmbracing and understanding your inherent strengths as an entrepreneurThe PR journey and how Jill promoted her productThe value of joining a business community of like-minded entrepreneursTips for being media and camera ready as a new startup founderHow to craft your startup story and identify what to include and what to leave outWhat’s next for Coco Beans
Resources Mentioned:
Columbus College of Arts & DesignShopifyKlaviyo Email Marketing
Our Favorite Quotes:
“You have to start somewhere.” - Jill Apgar“Have a day-by-day marketing strategy to get you through that crowdfunding campaign.” - Jill Apgar“Understand what you are inherently good at as an entrepreneur, and find people to fill the gaps.” - Jill Apgar
Connect with Jill Apgar:
Coco Beans - use Promo Code: Entreprenista15 to get 15% off your first order!Coco Beans on LinkedInCoco Beans on InstagramCoco Beans on FacebookCoco Beans on TwitterJill Apgar on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level:
Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an imp...
Cassity Brown is the owner and operator of St. Brown & Co., a luxury candle brand based in Orange County, California offering hand-poured luxury candles made with a vegan wax blend. As the daughter of entrepreneurial parents, Cassity was inspired to launch her company out of a desire to create a timeless, luxurious brand of her own – as well as a dash of ‘divine intervention.’. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics and has recently launched a business consultation company aimed at helping entrepreneurs achieve tangible solutions to some of their most complex challenges.
Cassity joins us today to share the inspiration behind launching her luxury candle brand, St. Brown & Co., and the lessons she’s learned along the way. We discuss the trial and error phase of launching her signature line of products, the marketing strategies she explored when starting the business, and how she eventually branched out to offer her products to wholesale customers. She highlights the importance of staying open to change and being fearless about asking questions. We also discuss strategies to pitch your business to media publications and what inspired Cassity to launch her consulting company.
“When you make pivots - it’s always to make the brand better. That’s never a bad thing.” - Cassity Brown
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
This week on Startups in Stilettos Podcast:
The inspiration behind launching St. Brown & CoHow growing up in an entrepreneurial family impacted her decision to launch her company and how her family responded to her desire to start a businessThe trial and error phase of launching a startup candle companyThe importance of being open to change and listening to your gut instincts as a startup founderThe day Cassity officially launched her companyMarketing techniques Cassity used to promote her new startupNetworking and working with wholesale suppliers and shop ownersCreating a wholesale deck for product-based entrepreneursBeing fearless about asking questionsThe importance of having a mentorConnecting with and pitching to media publications for feature articlesWhat inspired Cassity to launch her consulting business and the three-part consulting method she uses when working with entrepreneurs
Our Favorite Quotes:
“The parallels with candlemaking itself being a creative and scientific process - that’s the same with business.” - Cassity Brown“Keep digging. Keep trying to find the answers to what you’re looking for.” - Cassity Brown“Connect with the people that are willing to share.” - Cassity Brown
Connect with Cassity Brown:
St. Brown & Co.Cassity Brown Business ConsultantSt. Brown & Co. on PinterestSt. Brown & Co. on InstagramSt. Brown & Co. on FacebookCassity Brown on LinkedInCassity Brown on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts!
Stephanie Cartin on InstagramStephanie Cartin on LinkedInJessica Abo on InstagramJessica Abo on LinkedInLearn more about Jessica Abo here
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level:
Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels, and MORE!
Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratc...