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Startups in Stilettos

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!

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22 episodes
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Avg 35 min
English

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Tuesday · 41 min
Danielle Ruess Builds Skincare Rooted in Health, Not Hype
“I want to teach women to read an ingredient list and actually simply understand, not every ingredient, but what they need to be looking for.” On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with Danielle Ruess, founder of Ionian Skincare, to discuss how a personal skincare crisis led her from a successful corporate marketing career to building a science-backed skincare brand focused on education, transparency, and healthy aging. Danielle shares the story of struggling with an unexplained skin condition in her 40s, discovering the importance of the skin barrier, and developing her own formulations after traditional solutions failed. She also opens up about launching a product-based business, bootstrapping a skincare company, finding mentors through the Entreprenista community, and navigating the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship. What We Talked About: A Personal Skin Health Turning Point [1:44] From Corporate Career to Founder [7:40] How to Read Skincare Ingredients [17:46] What Happens to Skin as We Age [24:31] Advice for Beauty Founders [36:52] Connect with Danielle: @eonian_skincare on Instagram Danielle Ruesson ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
August 18 · 45 min
Erica Wood Turns Client Experience Into Your Growth Strategy
“Business spend a lot of money and a lot of time on marketing and sales, but once the client actually signs the contract its kind of like “okay we got them in the door, now what?” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with Erica Wood, founder of Client Journey Advisors, to explore why so many service-based businesses focus on winning new clients while overlooking the systems that keep them. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in client success and leadership, Erica shares how intentional onboarding, thoughtful client touchpoints, and strategic offboarding can increase retention, boost referrals, and create loyal customers who keep coming back. She also introduces her signature Compass Clarity Method, a framework designed to help founders move from constantly reacting to proactively building a seamless client journey. What We Talked About: Challenges Faced Client Management [3:27] The Role of Offboarding in Client Retention [9:30] Mapping the Client Journey [15:27] The Role of AI in Client Success [21:59] The Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship [30:31] Connect with Erica: @clientjourney_erica on Instagram Erica Wood on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
August 11 · 37 min
Joy Errico Helps Founders to Communicate With Confidence
Resources: The Most Expensive Line Item in Your Business Isn’t on Your P&L “So that's what gets me up in the morning. I love working with people and seeing them transform.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, host Carlyn Bushman sits down with Joy Errico, founder of Maven Row Communications and former Fortune 200 communications executive, to discuss the leap from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship and why executive presence has never been more important. After more than 25 years leading communications for iconic brands like Staples, Macy's, Bic, and Rite Aid, Joy shares how she built a business helping founders and executives align their image, messaging, and delivery to create authentic, confidence-driven personal brands. She explains why expertise alone isn't enough, how first impressions shape credibility, and why investing in yourself may be the highest-return investment you'll ever make. What We Talked About: From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship [2:14] Building a Business Around Purpose [6:42] Personal Branding in the Age of AI [15:01] Why Founders Must Invest in Themselves [25:16] Growing Maven Row Communications [31:55] Connect with Joy: @joyerrico20 on Instagram Joy Errico on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
August 4 · 39 min
Lori Lalonde Coaches Women to Own the Room
“Every person regardless of their role operates as an individual leader. And when you eventually get to leadership, what do you want people to know you for?” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Carlyn Bushman sits down with Lori Lalonde, founder of Her Executive Ascent and former Microsoft executive, to discuss her journey from nearly 30 years in corporate leadership to building a business dedicated to helping senior women break through the barriers holding them back. Lori shares the pivotal moment she walked away from corporate, the leadership patterns she repeatedly saw keeping women from advancing, and why high performers often end up doing the work that earns someone else a promotion. Together, they explore practical strategies for setting boundaries, communicating with confidence, navigating workplace politics, and building a leadership brand before you need it. What We Talked About: Leaving Corporate [2:16] Why Women Get Overlooked [6:15] Leadership, Boundaries & Practice [14:04] AI Readiness and Governance [20:36] Build Your Leadership Brand [31:33] Connect with Lori: on Instagram Lori Lalonde on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
July 28 · 27 min
Founders Weekend Panel: Give First, Grow Together
“If you don't open up and share your story, you're never going to find the people who are meant to find you and that you're meant to find.” In this special live episode of Startups in Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with three accomplished Entreprenista members—Emily, founder of Electric Collab; LinkedIn strategist Natasha Walstra; and trademark attorney Lauren—to explore how collaboration, authenticity, and community have transformed their businesses. From landing first clients and creating powerful referral partnerships to protecting your brand and overcoming imposter syndrome, this conversation is packed with actionable networking advice for founders at every stage. The panel shares practical tips on following up after events, finding complementary business partners, building trust before making a sale, and why collaboration will always outperform competition. What We Talked About: Why Community Matters [1:06] Natasha: LinkedIn Strategy [6:02] Lauren: Protecting Your Brand [10:55] Making Meaningful Event Connections [16:59] Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone [21:13] Closing: Be Open and Vulnerable [24:21] Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Emily: ⁠⁠ @heyemilypaulsen on Instagram ⁠⁠ Emily Paulsen on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Connect with Natasha: ⁠⁠ @nearpoint.strategies on Instagram ⁠⁠ Natasha Walstra on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Connect with Lauren: ⁠⁠ @storylocklegal on Instagram ⁠⁠ Lauren Bercuson on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
July 21 · 36 min
Jess Gleim Helps Founders Make Meta Ads Pay for Themselves
Resources: Meta Ads Readiness Checklist “So I just decided to participate way more in Entreprenista and that changed my damn life last year and like 70% of my leads last year were from women that I met that wanted to talk about ads.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Meta ads strategist and revenue growth expert Jess Gleim to unpack what it really takes to scale a business through paid advertising—without wasting time or money. Jess shares her inspiring journey of rebuilding her business after becoming a mom of two, navigating postpartum challenges, and redefining success on her own terms. From doubling her revenue through the power of community to finding 70% of her leads through Entreprenista, she reveals how authentic relationships, strategic networking, and resilience transformed both her business and her life. What We Talked About: Jess’ Origin Story and Rebuilding [1:37] How Community Changed Jess’ Business [7:02] What Meta Ads Actually Work For [18:03] What to do Before Scaling with Ads [24:23] The Real Cost and Risk of Ad Spend [31:57] Connect with Jess: @jessgleim on Instagram Jess Gleim on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
July 14 · 35 min
Luba Patlakh Helps Parents Navigate Their Kids' Development
Resources: Bobo Wears a Bowtie “So all of these pieces started to come together to become this personal brand. The voice of the families. That's who I am.” What does it take to pivot careers, build a million-dollar business, and impact the lives of more than 150,000 families? In this inspiring episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Luba Patlakh, founder of Kidology, speech-language pathologist, entrepreneur, author, and podcast host. Luba shares her unconventional journey from working in broadcast journalism at Good Morning America to launching Kidology, a pediatric therapy practice that has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for two consecutive years. She opens up about navigating burnout, learning the business side of healthcare, finding mentors later in her entrepreneurial journey, and why asking for help sooner can change everything. What We Talked About: From Journalism to Speech Pathology [1:43] Learning the Financial Side of Business [10:25] The Parent Pathway and Brand Mission [16:11] Self-Care, Mindset, and Wellness [24:50] Where to Find Luba Online [31:12] Connect with Luba: @lubapatlakh on Instagram Luba Patlakh on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
July 7 · 39 min
Hayleigh Hayhurst Teaches Founders to Build Podcasts With Real Strategy Behind Them
“Understanding your audience and creating something specifically for them is the best approach you could take with any of this.” What does it really take to launch a podcast that drives business growth? This week on Startups in Stilettos, Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman sit down with Hayleigh Hayhurst, founder of Espresso Podcast Production, to uncover the strategy behind successful podcasts and why there’s still plenty of room for new voices in the industry. Hayleigh shares her entrepreneurial journey from studying journalism and launching a podcast for fun to building a thriving podcast production agency that helps business owners grow their brands through intentional content. She breaks down common podcasting myths, explains how entrepreneurs can turn their podcasts into powerful marketing tools, and reveals why having a clear strategy matters more than chasing download numbers. What We Talked About: Is It Too Late to Start a Podcast [6:39] From Podcast Production to AI Education [21:57] How AI is Changing Podcasting [26:31] Growing From Zero to Ten Episodes [30:55] Where to Find Hayleigh Online [34:53] Connect with Hayleigh: @espressopodcastproduction on Instagram Hayleigh Hayhurst on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
June 30 · 31 min
Dr. Dominique Carson Proves Two Callings Can Become One Business
“An inspirational vision is not a pipedream. Give it a chance to mature and reveal its true potential” In this inspiring episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Dr. Dominique Carson—licensed massage practitioner, journalist, author, and founder of the mobile massage business Mani Benedette. Dr. Dominique shares her remarkable journey from a young writer inspired by family and storytelling to a wellness entrepreneur helping clients heal through bodywork and specialized lymphatic drainage therapy. From earning historic recognition as the first African American recipient of Brooklyn College’s Wall of Fame Award to building a thriving business rooted in purpose, Dr. Dominique opens up about the power of listening to intuition, honoring the wisdom of mentors, and embracing unexpected opportunities. She also discusses investing in continued education, balancing multiple passions, and why entrepreneurs should never box themselves into a single identity. What We Talked About: The Journey to Massage Therapy [1:34] The Birth of Mani Benedette [7:26] Certification and Continuous Learning [12:33] Balancing Business and Education [15:49] Making History and Reflecting on Achievements [19:13] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs [24:26] Connect with Dr. Dominique: @domcarson90 on Instagram Dr. Dominique Carson on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
June 23 · 34 min
Devin Lee Helps Service Businesses Stop Running on Broken Processes
Resources mentioned: Entreprenistas get 35% off Dubsado with code ENTREPRENISTA35 at dubsado.com/entreprenista. “Once you launch into entrepreneurship and start providing a service, you need to figure out how you are bringing your money in and how you are presenting yourself with your clients from proposals to everything else.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with systems strategist and Dubsado expert Devin Lee to uncover how founders can create businesses that run more efficiently, deliver a better client experience, and free up time for the work they love most. Devin shares her unconventional journey from art school and professional organizing to becoming a sought-after systems consultant for creative agencies and service-based businesses. Along the way, she discovered a powerful truth: before you automate anything, you need to understand how your business actually works. What We Talked About: Devin Lee's Unique Career Path [1:14] Choosing the Right Tools for Business [6:23] The Role of AI and Automation [9:11] Building Robust SOPs and Team Culture [15:07] Personal Touch in Automation [21:44 Personal Insights and Offers [28:55] Connect with Devin: Devin Lee on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
June 16 · 37 min
Annie Graziani Challenges the Definition of Success Modern Work Created
“We've got to find a way to keep the good people contributing their talents in the workforce.” In this thought-provoking episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Annie Graziani, founder of Sovera Strategy Company, doctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, executive coach, and author of the upcoming book Leave Life and Live. Annie shares insights from two decades of leading organizational transformations and her groundbreaking research on work-life integration, personal sovereignty, and the future of leadership. Together, they explore why traditional definitions of success may be failing us, how the pandemic accelerated a shift toward freedom and flexibility, and why today’s workforce is prioritizing time abundance over climbing the corporate ladder. Annie also discusses the impact of AI on the workplace, the importance of autonomy and trust in leadership, and how entrepreneurs can design their businesses around what truly matters in each season of life. What We Talked About: Annie’s Journey and Insights [2:35] The Shift in Work Dynamics Post-Pandemic [5:40] Flexibility and Autonomy in Work [10:51] Redefining Success and Personal Choices [15:55] AI’s Impact on Work and Human Capacity [25:30] Connect with Annie: @anniegraziani on Instagram Annie Graziani ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
June 9 · 30 min
Ruchi Pinniger Teaches Women Founders to Rewrite Their Money Beliefs
“You can’t outperform your relationship with money.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlin Bushman and Ingrid Zapata Reed sit down with Ruchi Pinniger, founder and CEO of Watch Her Prosper, to explore the powerful connection between money mindset and business success. After spending nearly two decades as a Wall Street executive, Ruchi left corporate finance to help women founders build healthier relationships with money through financial guidance, bookkeeping support, and mindset coaching. Together, they discuss why so many women avoid their numbers, how childhood experiences shape financial behaviors, and why true prosperity goes far beyond revenue and profit. From overcoming shame around money to implementing practical habits that create financial confidence, Ruchi shares actionable strategies founders can use to build both wealth and wellbeing. She also introduces her RIR Method (Recognize, Interrupt, Reframe), a simple but powerful framework for transforming limiting beliefs into empowering ones. ‍‍ What We Talked About: Leaving Wall Street to Follow a Greater Purpose [3:00] Why Women Carry Shame Around Money and How It Impacts Business [7:30] Redefining Prosperity Beyond Revenue and Profit [11:00] The Power of the RIR (Recognize, Interrupt, Reframe) Method [15:00] Practical Steps to Build a Healthier Relationship with Money [24:00] ‍ Connect with Ruchi: @ruchipinniger on Instagram Ruchi Pinniger on LinkedIn Watch Her Prosper ‍ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ‍ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
June 2 · 39 min
Suzy Haber Wakefield Teaches Lingerie and Swim Founders to Launch Without Losing Money
“...I had all this knowledge and way of putting design into work because I had learned from my partners to say, yes, it's a creative entity, but you have to have a process to it…” In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, host Carlyn Bushman sits down with product development expert Suzy Haber Wakefield, founder of Suzy Wakefield Designs, to unpack what it really takes to build a successful product-based brand in today’s crowded market. From lingerie and swimwear to activewear and intimates, Susie shares insider insights from her years leading design at major brands like Victoria’s Secret and explains why great brands are built “product first.” The conversation dives into market research, product pillars, founder involvement, fit testing, innovation in sustainable fabrics, and the costly mistakes founders can avoid before launching. What We Talked About: Understanding Your Target Consumer [1:01] Identifying Market Gaps and Unique Ideas [6:40] The Importance of Product Pillars [10:02] The Role of Founders in Product Development [18:52] The Importance of Feedback and Iteration [26:12] Actionable Steps for Founders [32:34] Connect with Suzy: @suzywakefielddesigns on Instagram Suzy Haber Wakefield on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@itsingridsworld⁠⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠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.
May 26 · 32 min
Sheri Crawley Builds a National Movement for Girls of Color
When you are in alignment with what you're being called to do, which is quite different than just like Googling your way to purpose, you know, like I don't believe that can happen. You have to go within. Then the community is actually pulling you.” In this inspiring live episode of Startups in Stilettos, Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman sit down with Sheri Crawley, founder and CEO of Pretty Brown Girl, to talk about purpose-driven entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a movement that changes lives. From leaving corporate America and navigating personal loss to creating a nationally recognized brand empowering over 100,000 girls and women of color, Sherri shares the deeply personal journey behind her mission. She opens up about the pivotal moments that led to the creation of Pretty Brown Girl, the importance of listening to your calling instead of overthinking the “how,” and how aligning passion with impact can create both meaningful change and sustainable revenue. Sherri also shares lessons on scaling a mission-driven business, balancing nonprofit and for-profit ventures, trusting your intuition, and why women entrepreneurs need to stop waiting for ‘perfect’ and start moving with purpose. What We Talked About: Finding Purpose & Community [1:24] The Birth of Pretty Brown Girl [10:08] Just Do the Thing [14:09] Navigating Entrepreneurship and Non Profit Dynamics [20:11] Understanding Structure [24:33] Connect with Sheri: @shericrawley on Instagram Sheri Crawley on LinkedIn Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠@itsingridsworld⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠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.
May 19 · 38 min
Kelly Edmondson Turns Personal Loss Into Year-Round Grief Support
“So that's the premise of what we do. We show up when you don't know what to say, when it's hard for you to remember those days, but you don't want to leave someone alone.” In this heartfelt episode of Startups in Stilettos, Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with Kelly Edmondson, founder of Timely Presence, a year-long grief support service created from unimaginable loss and deep compassion. After the unexpected death of her son, Kelly, a nurse, bereaved mother, and certified grief counselor, recognized the silence that follows tragedy once the casseroles stop coming and life moves on for everyone else. Determined to change that experience for others, she built Timely Presence to help grieving families feel remembered, supported, and less alone on the days that matter most. Kelly shares the deeply personal story behind her business, how grief and entrepreneurship now fuel one another, and why community is essential in healing. From curated heirloom-quality gifts delivered throughout the first year of loss to upcoming group counseling services and partnerships with employers and healthcare systems, this conversation explores what it truly means to show up for people in their darkest moments. What We Talked About: Building Timely Presence [2:46] The Process of Timely Presence [8:50] Navigating Grief While Building a Business [15:11] The Need for Continued Support in Grief [24:12] Future Plans and Growth [27:02] Connect with Kelly: @the.kellyedmondson on Instagram @thetimelypresence on Instagram Kelly Edmondson on LinkedIn The Timely Presence Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠@itsingridsworld⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to learn more about joining us at Founders Weekend or joining the Entreprenista League? Schedule a call with the Entreprenista team ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠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.
May 12 · 26 min
Unlocking Your Unique Brand Strategy with Emily Paulsen
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 Abercrombie & 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) Connect with Emily Paulsen @heyemilypaulsen on Instagram Emily Paulsen on LinkedIn Electric Collab Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ ⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠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.
May 5 · 13 min
Ingrid's Biggest Secrets on Turning Community into Real Connections and Growth
“Community forms when people see themselves in your story, your mission, or your message.” In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Ingrid shares the cornerstone of her business success, community. From building real relationships to creating a support system that persists through both wins and setbacks, Ingrid shares how authentic connection is the true magic behind growing a thriving business. You'll learn why community isn’t about follower counts or endless online posting, but about genuine support, belonging, and showing up for others. Ingrid debunks common misconceptions, shares practical tips to start building your own community today, and emphasizes that every business, regardless of industry, can benefit from meaningful relationships. What we talked about: The Value of Real Connection [2:45] Showing Up for Others [7:50] Building a Unique Community [9:20] How to Start [11:30] Connect with Ingrid: ⁠@itsingridsworld on Instagram⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠ ⁠Grow With Community⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠|⁠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.
April 28 · 43 min
Christina Lenkowski Turns Podcast Appearances Into Paying Clients
"I had so many people that were like, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Could you just do it? And it took me a while to kind of come to terms with that. And I decided, OK, I am going to do this, but I'm going to do it my way.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with Christina Lenkowski, founder of Publicity by Christina, to unpack how a single shift in strategy—podcast guesting—completely transformed her business. After more than a decade in traditional PR, Christina realized that being a guest on podcasts was driving more visibility, credibility, and revenue than any other tactic she’d tried. That insight led her to pivot her entire business model and build a thriving agency that has now secured over 1,000 top-rated podcast bookings for clients. Christina shares her journey from freelancing in tourism PR to navigating the “course bubble,” and ultimately finding her lane by trusting her instincts and leaning into what actually worked. She opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—experimenting, pivoting, setting boundaries, and learning to tune out the noise of outside opinions in favor of your own intuition. What We Talked About: Transforming Business Through Podcasting [3:00] Setting Boundaries and Trusting Your Gut [9:08] Building Relationships and Networking [15:02] Evolving Offers and Client Needs [20:52] Pitching Strategies and Best Practices [26:57] Connect with Christina: @publicityxchristina on InstagramChristina Lenkowski on LinkedIn Publicity x Christina Hey Bitch, Let’s PitchTake the podcast publicity quiz Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠@itsingridsworld⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠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.
April 21 · 36 min
Megan Long Coaches Operators to Lead Founder-Led Companies With Confidence
“So that was really the light bulb moment of, I can't be the only other operator out there feeling this alone and isolated, trying to figure it out every single day.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Megan Long, founder of Second First, to spotlight the often-overlooked role of the second-in-command. After spending a decade as a COO navigating high-stakes challenges including a tornado, a global pandemic, and leading an eight-figure business through crisis, Megan realized a critical gap: operators and integrators had no dedicated support system. Now, she’s on a mission to change that. Megan shares how she built a coaching and community platform specifically for COOs, operators, and right-hand leaders inside founder-led companies. From navigating the complexities of the visionary–operator relationship to building systems that actually scale, this conversation dives into the real dynamics behind successful businesses. What We Talked About: Building a Supportive Community for Operators [7:12] Coaching and Mastermind Memberships [12:06] Understanding the Role of Second in Command [17:53] Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges [24:13] Actionable Insights for Operators [30:09] Connect with Megan: @meganlonglife on Instagram Megan Long on LinkedIn Second First Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ ⁠@itsingridsworld⁠ ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on⁠ ⁠Linkedin⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠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.
April 14 · 37 min
Gwendolyn Young Teaches Founders to Delegate Without Losing Control
“AI cannot read the room. Right.They don't know what mood or mode that your executive is working within right now or what element.” In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, we dive into one of the most valuable—and limited—resources every founder faces: time. Carlyn Bushman sits down with operations expert Gwendolyn, founder of Your Virtual Admin Expert, to unpack what it really takes to lead at your highest level without burning out in the process. From her years supporting C-suite executives to building her own business, Gwendolyn shares how even top leaders get stuck in the weeds—not because they lack vision, but because they lack the right support systems. Together, they explore the true meaning of delegation, and why clarity, communication, and trust are the real game changers. What We Talked About:The Importance of Executive Support [2:41] Delegation vs. Abdication [9:38] AI in Executive Support [12:53] The Delegation Advantage [16:22] First Steps for Founders [31:20] Connect with Gwendolyn: Gwendolyn Young on LinkedIn Gwendolyn Young Entreprenista Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ Want to learn more about joining us at Founders Weekend or joining the Entreprenista League? Schedule a call with the Entreprenista team ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠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.

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