Badass Women in Business

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosts Cristy and Aggie welcome Nicole Drew, the founder and CEO of Rater, a dating app focused on safety and authenticity. Nicole shares her personal story of being scammed on a dating app and how this experience led her to create Rater. She talks about the challenges she faced in the early stages of development, including finding the right developer and funding the project.

Nicole discusses the unique features of Rater, including a star rating verification system, criminal checks, and ID verification to ensure user safety. She also highlights the importance of in-real-life (IRL) connections, mentioning the success of Rater's mixer events, which provide singles a chance to meet in person.

Nicole shares her journey from being a first-time founder to becoming a CEO, emphasizing the importance of networking, perseverance, and having a supportive team. She also offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on how to get started and overcome fear.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of creating a safe and authentic dating platform.
• The value of networking and seeking industry-specific advice and referrals.
• Perseverance and confidence are crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving entrepreneurial success.

Contact Information:

• Rater App: Available on Google Play and Apple Store
• Website: Rater's Website
• Instagram

Closing:

Thank you for listening to the Badass Women in Business Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite streaming app. Catch you on the next episode!

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne, CEO of Wocstar Capital and co-founder of the Wocstar Fund, joins the podcast to discuss her journey into investing, the importance of storytelling, and the necessity for women to invest in and support each other. She shares how her venture capital firm focuses on women of color tech entrepreneurs, known as "Wocstars," and how her experiences shaped her approach to raising capital and supporting diverse startups.

Gayle emphasizes the significance of storytelling in connecting with investors and building human relationships. She explains how Wocstar Academy trains women on how to raise capital and tell their stories effectively. The discussion highlights the critical role of diversity in funding and the power of oral tradition in society.

The conversation also covers practical ways women can support each other, such as intentional shopping with female-owned businesses, providing referrals, and writing checks, no matter the amount. Gayle's insights into creating value and joy in entrepreneurship provide valuable advice for business owners at any stage.

Other links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wocstar/

Takeaways:

• The importance of investing in women of color and diverse startup teams.
• The power of storytelling in connecting with investors and building relationships.
• The need for women to invest in and support each other, both financially and through intentional purchasing and referrals.
• The impact of diversity in funding and the significance of oral tradition in building societies and civilizations.
• The value of intentional support for women-owned businesses and the role of women in technology.
• Intentional shopping with female-owned businesses can drive positive change.
• Collaboration and support are essential for growth and success in business.
• Wocstar Academy offers valuable resources and support for entrepreneurs.
• Diversity and a diverse entourage are crucial for success in business.
• Creating value and joy in entrepreneurship is essential for sustainable growth.

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we sit down with Liz Owens, the dynamic founder of Worthy AF, an apparel brand that empowers and celebrates unconventional women.

Liz opens up about her journey from battling low self-esteem and imposter syndrome to confidently creating her brand. She delves into the importance of community, taking small steps, and being unapologetically herself. Liz also shares her vision for Worthy AF, which includes building an online community and highlighting the stories of women who resonate with her brand.

This episode is packed with personal growth insights, lessons from mistakes, and the crucial role of failure in success. If you’ve ever felt out of place or doubted your value, Liz’s story will resonate deeply.

Takeaways:

• Start your side hustle with print-on-demand to manage costs and focus on what truly matters.
• Surround yourself with a supportive community for advice and encouragement.
• Keep an eye on your finances to ensure long-term success.
• Push past imposter syndrome by taking risks and promoting your brand with confidence.
• Collaborate and build partnerships to help your business grow.
• Embrace your worth and be unapologetically yourself.
• Building a brand takes time and dedication, but it's worth it.
• Community and support are key to personal growth and success.
• Learn from failure and use it as a stepping stone to success.
• Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start.

Worthy AF Facebook
Worthy AF Insta

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Summary:

In this episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosts Aggie and Cristy welcome Valerie Chan, a PR expert and founder of Platform, a public relations firm. The discussion centers on the importance of storytelling in increasing a company's valuation and preparing for potential acquisitions. Valerie shares insights on the role of storytelling in highly regulated industries, the impact of PR during economic shifts, and her personal journey from practicing law to running a successful PR firm. The conversation also touches on diversity in corporate success, Valerie's Oxford talk on the subject, and her newly released book, "The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for the Child of an Asian Tiger Mom."

Show Notes:

Hosts: Aggie and Cristy

Guest: Valerie Chan, Founder of Platform

Topics Covered:

1. Importance of Storytelling in Business:
   • How storytelling helps in selling a company for its desired valuation.
   • Crafting a story arc and go-to-market strategy based on future goals.
2. PR in Highly Regulated Industries:
   • Challenges and strategies for PR in fintech, legal tech, and insure tech.
   • Examples of successful storytelling in these industries.
3. Economic Impact on Marketing:
   • Changes in marketing and PR strategies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
   • Client budget reallocations and the focus on ROI in marketing efforts.
4. Valerie's Career Journey:
   • Transition from PR to law and back to PR.
   • Experiences and lessons learned from litigation and working in-house.
5. Diversity and Corporate Success:
   • Valerie's Oxford talk on the critical role of diversity in business.
   • The importance of change management principles in promoting diversity.
6. Valerie's Book:
   • "The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for the Child of an Asian Tiger Mom" by Victoria Ha.
   • Insights into balancing personal identity with cultural expectations.
7. Personal Reflections:
   • Cultural upbringing and its impact on personal and professional life.
   • The importance of self-recognition and validation in achieving success.

Key Quotes:

• "The art of storytelling is super important and ultimately going to actually help sell a company for the dollars that they want to get."
• "Understanding who you want to be in five years and three years allows you to craft a story arc and fit in a go-to-market strategy."

Connect with Valerie:

• LinkedIn: Valerie Chan
• Website: https://plat4orm.com/

Closing Notes:

• Rate and review the podcast on your favorite streaming app.
• Stay tuned for more insightful episodes featuring badass women in business.

Thank you for tuning in to the Badass Women in Business Podcast!

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Valerie Tyson, head of strategy for the Unrivaled Group, shares her inspiring journey in sports marketing and her passion for championing women in business. Valerie discusses the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself, emphasizing the need for women to support and uplift each other. She recounts her transition from working for a large agency to founding her own marketing agency, detailing the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur. Valerie highlights the significance of being the best teammate, putting in extra effort, and building a personal board of directors for guidance and support.

Valerie also reflects on the fear that held her back and the crucial need for resources and support for women in business, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares the power of gratitude and maintaining a neutral mindset to attract positive opportunities. Valerie encourages business owners to set their own bar for tolerance and not be afraid to let go of clients or employees who are not a good fit.

Takeaways:

• Authenticity and staying true to oneself are key to achieving success in business.
• Women need to support and uplift each other to overcome challenges in male-dominated industries.
• Entrepreneurs have the responsibility to care for employees and make impactful decisions.
• Extra effort and being the best teammate can lead to success.
• Build a personal board of directors for guidance and support.
• Seek help and resources, especially during crises.
• Practice gratitude and maintain a neutral mindset to attract positive opportunities.
• Set your own bar for tolerance and let go of clients or employees who are not a good fit.

Sound Bites:

• "It's not a moment, it's a movement and the time is now."
• "If the baby's ugly, the baby's ugly. Let's talk about what parts aren't working and let's fix it."
• "I'm not for everybody."
• "Every woman should build a personal board of directors."
• "There's nothing harder in the world than starting something from nothing."
• "If I had had those resources earlier in my entrepreneur life, I think I could have provided a steadier place for myself and for everyone involved."

Valerie Tyson founded the marketing agency Strategic Playground in 2018, which became Unrivaled Group in 2021. As a proven brand strategy expert, she has worked with Fortune 1000 companies, sports leagues, teams, professional athletes, and entertainment properties, including the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats and the Arena Football League’s Los Angeles Avengers. Before starting her own agency, she held leadership roles at IMG, BRANDTHINK, and Tocquigny. Now, she leads strategy and sports at the female-led, software-driven Unrivaled Group.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unrivaledgroup/

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

Summary

Jennie Smith, a nationally certified master groomer and owner of Dogs' Own Grooming, shares her journey in the grooming industry. She discusses the challenges of working in a creative environment, dealing with difficult dogs, and the importance of creativity and problem-solving. Jennie also talks about her multiple salons, grooming school, and her passion for empowering women and giving second chances. She emphasizes the need for systems and processes to scale a business and ensure consistent customer experiences. Jennie shares stories of challenging grooming situations and the industry's evolution. As the owner of Dogs' Own Grooming in Loveland, Colorado, she discusses her wide range of clients and her vision for a sustainable, reputable salon known for high-quality care. Jennie also highlights the physical toll of grooming, the importance of self-care, continuous learning, and educating the public about proper grooming practices. She addresses the challenges of grooming doodle breeds and her desire to empower her staff. Jennie encourages entrepreneurs to keep learning, stay open to new ideas, and reignite their passion through problem-solving and new knowledge.

Takeaways

• Grooming in a creative and challenging environment requires problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Scaling a grooming business requires implementing systems and processes to ensure a consistent customer experience.
• Empowering women and giving second chances to individuals with troubled pasts is a passion for Jennie Smith.
• Dealing with difficult dogs and challenging grooming situations requires patience, skill, and a willingness to learn.
• The grooming industry has evolved over time, with a greater emphasis on professionalism and certification.
• Dogs' Own Grooming serves clients from various cities, emphasizing the salon's reputation for high-quality care and customer service.
• Jennie Smith NCMG envisions creating a sustainable and reputable grooming salon known as the go-to place for dog grooming in Loveland, Colorado.
• Grooming dogs can take a toll on the groomer's physical health, highlighting the importance of investing in self-care.
• Continuous learning and innovation are crucial in the grooming industry, and educating the public about proper grooming practices is essential.
• Jennie Smith NCMG empowers her staff and encourages their growth and success, viewing herself as a stepping stone for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Jennie Smith
08:48 Jennie Smith: A Badass in the Grooming Industry
15:45 Empowering Women and Supporting Second Chances
35:26 The Evolution of the Grooming Industry
45:09 Serving Clients from Various Cities
53:16 The Importance of Systems and Processes in Business Growth
01:01:38 Empowering Staff and Being a Stepping Stone for Entrepreneurs
01:09:26 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Struggling Business Owners

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

Summary

Susannah Dellinger, founder of Bright Beauty Collective, shares her journey of starting her own business and her mission to change the world through beauty. She discusses the importance of conscious beauty brands and their impact on the environment and personal health. Susannah also talks about the challenges of leading a team and the responsibility that comes with it. Susannah discusses the importance of building a supportive and inclusive company culture, including implementing policies like menstrual leave. She emphasizes the need to listen to one's intuition and balance masculine and feminine energies in business. Susannah also shares her vision for the future of Bright Beauty Collective, which includes community-building events and expanding beyond traditional retail spaces.

Keywords

Beauty, conscious beauty, entrepreneurship, team leadership, environmental impact, company culture, inclusive, menstrual leave, intuition, masculine energy, feminine energy, community-building, retail

Takeaways

• Conscious beauty brands prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in their products and packaging.
• The beauty industry is a major contributor to pollution and environmental damage.
• Starting a business can be a transformative experience that leads to personal growth and self-discovery.
• Leading a team requires a deep sense of responsibility and the ability to navigate challenges. Building a supportive and inclusive company culture is essential for success.
• Implementing policies like menstrual leave can support employees' well-being and productivity.
• Listening to one's intuition and balancing masculine and feminine energies is important in business.
• Community-building events and non-traditional retail spaces can enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.

Sound Bites

• "I quit my job that very day with no safety net, and that's a very privileged thing to say."
• "If they make small changes towards regeneration, reforestation, not having so much output in terms of pollution and energy, the world changes. All because of a lipstick."
• "We use the word collective intentionally and the naming of the agency was to also create a place where founders could come together, talk about their obstacles, talk about their challenges, and share resources."
• "The woman who did it for me, she needs a raise. She needs a raise. She's a hero."
• "Being in corporate America forces you to live in your masculine energy versus your feminine."
• "We are no longer apologizing for our lives."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Welcome

09:33
From Theater Major to Beauty Entrepreneur

15:51
The Environmental Impact of the Beauty Industry

29:50
Building an Inclusive Company Culture

36:09
Creating a Culture of Authenticity

44:05
The Future of Bright Beauty Collective

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Recap: The Badass Women in Business Podcast with Marci Hopkins

Grab a cup of coffee and settle in because this episode of The Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo Cristy and Aggie, is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride of inspiration! They're joined by the fabulous Marci Hopkins, a TV maestro and powerhouse behind the three-time Telly Award-winning talk show, "Wake Up with Marci & Hilary, A Talk Show with A Heart."

Episode Highlights:

1. Media Maven: Dive into Marci's whirlwind media career where she spun the wheels at Fox Cable Company, dabbling in everything from programming to ad sales. She's a one-woman army who mastered every cog of the corporate machine.
2. From Chaos to Clarity: Marci opens up about her battles with alcohol and how kicking the habit led to her biggest life's work—her show and her memoir. If you're looking for a tale of triumph, Marci’s got it.
3. The Write Stuff: Hear about Marci’s book "Chaos to Clarity," which isn’t just a memoir—it’s a lifeline. It's packed with gritty truths and the kind of wisdom that only comes from real-life struggle and profound personal change.
4. Entrepreneurial Spirits: Marci started on Facebook Live, chatting up entrepreneurs and unraveling the personal stories behind their business cards. She shines a spotlight on the human grit that powers businesses, big and small.
5. Asking for Help: She’s candid about the strength it takes to ask for help and the empowerment that follows. Marci is all about flipping the script on vulnerability, showing us it’s not just okay to ask for help—it’s smart.
6. Looking Ahead: Marci’s not stopping anytime soon. She’s dreaming big—national show big! And with her track record, we believe she’ll make it happen, one empowering episode at a time.

Marci Hopkins Unplugged:
Meet Marci Hopkins, the heart and soul behind "Wake Up with Marci" Not just a talk show host, Marci is an author, speaker, and recovery guru who’s graced screens on Fox, CBS, NBC, and ABC, spreading hope and empowerment across the nation.

This episode is like a masterclass in not just surviving but thriving. Cristy and Aggie bring out the best in Marci, and she doesn’t hold back. It’s real talk, big laughs, and even a emotional pauses—everything you want from a chat with close friends. Don’t miss this blend of serious insight with a sprinkle of fun—it’s a recipe for motivation!

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Summary: 

Welcome to another episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast. Today, we're diving into the world of franchising with Angela Coté, CEO and founder of AC Inc. Angela starts off with a straightforward yet powerful concept: action equals growth. She emphasizes that each step, successful or otherwise, provides valuable learning experiences, boosting our confidence to take the next steps.

In this episode, Angela shares her insights as a leader dedicated to improving franchise relations. Her personal and professional experiences blend to give her a unique perspective on supporting franchisors and their franchisees effectively.

Angela recounts her transition from being a multi-unit franchisee to realizing her true passion lay in consulting within the franchise industry. She talks candidly about the challenges and victories of leading a specialized consultancy, underscoring the importance of focusing to maximize impact.

Listeners will gain practical advice from Angela on making incremental actions that lead to significant achievements. She encourages everyone to write down their goals and commit to small, manageable steps forward.

She also discusses how to handle insecurities and imposter syndrome, providing listeners with strategies to identify these feelings and differentiate them from actual skill gaps. Angela's story shows the importance of perseverance, seeking advice, and learning from every situation.

This episode is a straightforward narrative of navigating business challenges and using small actions to achieve bigger goals. Angela Coté exemplifies what it means to be proactive and determined in business. Tune in for a clear-cut discussion on how to use action as a tool for personal and professional growth.

About Angela:

Apart from her profound professional achievements, Angela is also known for her unique hobbies, such as cold water swimming — a testament to her belief in pushing boundaries and embracing challenges, even in the coldest of waters.

For more insights into how AC Inc can help your franchise thrive, or to connect with Angela directly, visit fieldcoachexperts.com or email [email protected]. Join us in redefining franchise success through actionable coaching and dedicated support.

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this inspiring episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosts Aggie and Cristy are thrilled to welcome Marla DiCarlo, an accomplished business and financial consultant with over three decades of accounting expertise and the co-owner of BizNavigators. Marla's storied career has seen her at the helm of Raincatcher as CEO and co-owner, earning accolades such as #1 Business Broker by Inc. Magazine, Best Workplace in 2020, and a spot at #376 on the Inc. 5000 List in 2021. Her leadership in the small business community is further cemented by her recognition among the Denver Business Journal’s Top 50 Women-Owned Businesses.

Born into a lineage of entrepreneurs, Marla's journey spans a multitude of business disciplines, including accounting, Fractional CFO services, M&A, finance, and management. Her voice is a beacon of guidance for small business associations like Inc., SCORE, SBDC, SBA, and more. Marla shares the invaluable lessons learned from her tenure as Director of Accounting for an M&A and investment group from 2000 to 2008, where she led new business deals, investments, and financing with notable groups such as Credit Suisse First Boston and Madison Dearborn Partners.

The episode delves into Marla's transition from her role in mergers and acquisitions to founding a fractional CFO, accounting, and bookkeeping company in 2009, which she eventually sold to a private equity group in 2016. Marla's narrative is rich with insights into the power of decision-making, the importance of embracing risks, and the learning curves that shape a successful entrepreneurial journey.

Listeners will benefit from Marla's profound advice on driving business value through financial performance, growth potential, and unique selling propositions. Her personal story of selling Raincatcher and founding BizNavigators illuminates the strategic planning necessary for a fulfilling and prosperous business exit and transition.

This episode is a masterclass for entrepreneurs at any stage, offering wisdom on overcoming fear of mistakes, strategic financial planning, and the significance of understanding business financials for long-term success. Marla DiCarlo's journey from a family of entrepreneurs to becoming a venerated leader in the small business space is a compelling story of risk-taking, strategic foresight, and relentless passion for the world of business.

---

Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
• Athena: athenaac.com