Dear FoundHer...Real Founder Stories for Women Small Business Owners

If you're a fashion lover, a denim enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a great brand story, you'll be captivated by this episode of Dear FoundHer… Host Lindsay Pinchuk talks with Grace Nah, the founder of Pistola Denim. Grace shares her story of creating a Los Angeles-based women's wear brand known for its premium, yet accessible denim.

Grace dives into how she spotted a market need for entry-level premium denim and launched Pistola in 2013. Leveraging her extensive background in fashion and retail, she has infused her designs with a blend of expert tailoring and a bold, streetwise aesthetic.

The conversation delves into Pistola's rise to success, highlighting the brand's appeal with its stylish, high-quality denim. Grace recounts the brand's growth journey, from boutique beginnings to being featured in major retailers like Bloomingdale's, and the strategic launch of their direct-to-consumer channel. This DTC approach has enabled Pistola to present their full collection and foster a closer relationship with their customers.

A key to Pistola's success, as Grace points out, is their unwavering commitment to fit and quality. She discusses the rigorous fitting processes and the selection of specialized vendors, contributing factors to the brand's growing customer loyalty.

Grace also sheds light on how Pistola's retail and DTC channels complement each other, with retail partners curating selections and DTC offering a broader range and direct customer interaction.

Looking forward, Grace is focused on increasing Pistola's visibility. She plans to boost brand awareness through marketing efforts, influencer collaborations, and new campaigns. She also envisions opening physical stores to enhance the shopping experience for customers.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a successful female founder and discover the story behind a brand that combines style, quality, and affordability.

Quotes:

“Really just being available to the woman wherever she is comfortable shopping is really important.” (30:23 | Grace Na)

“For the past 10 years, we were heads down, really focusing on quality, really focusing on the product assortment. I think the next part is really now pressing the gas pedal on like brand visibility. It's about acquiring and finding new customers. It's about more brand awareness via marketing and, you know, new different types of marketing channels.” (34:29 | Grace Na)

Connect with Grace Na:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pistoladenim/

Website: http://www.pistoladenim.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-na-07a3805/

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

JOIN US at one of our upcoming FoundHer Friday events---both IN PERSON and VIRTUAL opportunities to network. CLICK HERE for more.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Friday Lindsay Pinchuk and Dear FoundHer... kicked off our FoundHer Friday series with a virtual meet up. Lindsay ran this online event just as she would an in person one of the same kind:

• She went through the registrations and picked out the pain points most important to YOU. 
• She introduced a networking component by asking you guys to follow each other—and you guys got a TON of new followers. 
• She facilitated a discussion about "Setting Social Media Intentions for 2024" and then I talked about the importance of knowing and sharing your offer. 

The first FoundHer Friday of the year was absolutely successful...and incredible.

In today's episode, Lindsay shares the information she shared last week about setting intentions with your social media as we move into 2024. She also shares some of the suggestions that came from within the community.

Set your own social media intentions for 2024 with Lindsay's Social Media Challenge. Check it out here.

Celebrate 200 episodes with Lindsay and Dear FoundHer... by entering to WIN one of three giant prize packages, including an 60-minute 1:1 accelerator call with Lindsay. ENTER HERE

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at ttps://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

FOUNDHER FRIDAY EVENTS ARE BACK IN 2024---with new cities and a virtual networking event in January. Get on the list and be among the first to have dibs on registration.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From basement beginnings to bold affirmations, Adriana Carrig is rewriting the rules of kindness, one little word at a time. On this 200th episode of the podcast, Lindsay Pinchuk welcomes Adriana, the founder and CEO of Little Words Project. This well-known, well-loved and very special brand has made waves with its affirmation bracelets, promoting kindness and fostering a tight-knit community.

Adriana opens up about her personal experience with bullying and how it inspired her to start a brand centered around kindness and positive connections. What began as a small project in her parents' basement, creating bracelets for her sorority sisters, has blossomed into a symbol of empowerment and support. Each bracelet carries an inspiring word, meant to be worn as a self-reminder and then passed on to someone in need of that message.

In the past ten years, Little Words Project has blossomed into a multi-million dollar business, boasting a widespread retail presence and partnerships with major retailers, including Target. Adriana credits this remarkable growth to the genuine community they've built around the brand, and calls out their highly effective brand ambassador program which has played a key role in their growth. Strategic partnerships have also played a crucial role in expanding Little Words Project's reach. Notable collaborations and brand connections, including with Peloton, Nordstrom’s and Taylor Swift, have significantly broadened the brand's visibility.

Adriana's founder story is one of resilience and belief in oneself. This episode is an exploration into building a purpose-driven brand, the power of community, and navigating the entrepreneurial journey with grace and determination.

Quotes:

“When I first started the brand, I would showcase the behind the scenes of it. And I, you know, all the ins and outs. And it's something I've carried through over the past decade is showing the realness behind building a business.” (21:49 | Adriana Carrig) 

“We want to create safe, open spaces for you to like fully be yourself and show up as you are, come as you are, is one of the things that really matters to us as a community, as a brand.” (24:33 | Adriana Carrig) 

“Listen to other stories of founders, of people who have gone the distance or people who are doing something in the field you want to be in and let them be expansive for you. Let them make you think it's possible.” (47:05 | Adriana Carrig) 

ENTER TO WIN! Celebrate 200 episodes with us!

Connect with Adriana Carrig:

Website: http://www.littlewordsproject.com

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

JOIN US at one of our upcoming FoundHer Friday events---both IN PERSON and VIRTUAL opportunities to network. CLICK HERE for more.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary

In this episode, Lindsay Pinchuk shares her mantra for 2024 and emphasizes the importance of community. She discusses the role of community in both personal and professional life and highlights the value of a supportive network. Lindsay shares personal experiences of dealing with competition and explains how embracing a community over a competition mentality can set your businesses apart. She provides tips for building a supportive network and using it to your advantage. Lindsay also encourages listeners to embrace a growth mindset and nurture a culture of support. She emphasizes the power of the business community and the importance of collaboration.

Takeaways

• Surround yourself with people who will be there for you no matter what and who you will be there for.
• Embrace a community over a competition mentality to set yourself apart in business.
• Build a supportive network by attending events, connecting with other women business owners, and seeking mentorship.
• Use your community to your advantage by partnering and collaborating with others.

YOU CAN FIND...

00:00 Introduction and Mantra for 2024

01:30 The Importance of Community

02:25 Embracing Community over Competition

05:14 Dealing with Copycats and Competition

07:47 Building a Supportive Network

09:12 Tips for Building a Supportive Network

14:30 Using Your Community to Your Advantage

17:47 Embracing a Growth Mindset

21:35 Nurturing a Culture of Support

23:24 The Power of Your Business Community

25:47 We Are Better Together

26:16 Wrap Up

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at ttps://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

FOUNDHER FRIDAY EVENTS ARE BACK IN 2024---with new cities and a virtual networking event in January. Get on the list and be among the first to have dibs on registration.

Check out these episodes of Dear FoundHer... all about the Power of Partnerships:

Part 1

Part 2

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year has been a year of growth, discovery, and solidifying the one thing I tell you all the time: YOU JUST HAVE TO BE YOURSELF. As we move into 2024 it has been FIVE years since I closed on the sale of my business. So much has happened, and truly 2023 was a pivotal year for me—I’m about to share with you why

In addition to a recap of this year and a sneak peek of next, I wanted to share with you the ten lessons I'm taking with me into 2024. As business owners, you can take what you will from them—but each of them have played an important role in growing my business exponentially this year. In fact, I talked to my tax accountant today and he said: Lindsay, I am so proud of you. Keep doing what you are doing—you started from nothing and look where you are. 

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at ttps://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

REMINDER: Marketing Made Simple for Small Business is Lindsay's new group mentorship program that helps you create the right content and messaging to connect with your community, drive sales, AND generate a simplified process for putting it out into the world, to grow your following and bottom line. Use the code FOUNDHER for 20% off an annual or monthly membership. DON'T FORGET, doors close to Founding Members on 12/31. JOIN HERE.

FOUNDHER FRIDAY EVENTS ARE BACK IN 2024---with new cities and a virtual networking event in January. Get on the list and be among the first to have dibs on registration.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our #1 most downloaded episode of 2023, host Lindsay Pinchuk talks to Peloton's Jenn Sherman about her own social media insecurities. In a conversation that resonated with you like none other this year, this episode is JAM PACKED with tips and simple strategies to help you put your own social media on the right path in 2024. PLUS---grab Lindsay's Cheat Sheet + Social Media Challenge below.

And when you're done listening to this episode, you can listen to part 2 which aired eight weeks after Jenn first got started with Lindsay's challenge.

By way of background, Jenn is Peloton's OG instructor and her episode of Dear FoundHer... from July 2022 is the most downloaded in the podcast’s history. Jenn returned this year to discuss her struggle to learn basic processes like recording and posting, especially as someone who is older than her coworkers. Lindsay answers a lot of the questions Jenn still has, explains the importance of having fun throughout the process and gives Jenn a CHALLENGE that you can participate in as well!

Top takeaways from today’s episode:

• You just have to get started. Make a commitment. 
• Take baby steps. Learn one step at a time and build upon it. 
• It’s OK to feel overwhelmed. 

Connect with Jenn Sherman: http://www.instagram.com/pelotonjenn

Connect with Lindsay Pinchuk: http://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Connect with Dear FoundHer...: http://www.instagram.com/dearfoundher

JOIN LINDSAY'S SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE + GRAB HER REELS CHEAT SHEET: https://bit.ly/reelscheatsheet

Marketing Made Simple for Small Business is Lindsay's new group mentorship program that helps you create the right content and messaging to connect with your community, drive sales, AND generate a simplified process for putting it out into the world, to grow your following and bottom line. Use the code FOUNDHER for 20% off a annual or monthly membership, doors close to Founding Members on 12/31. JOIN HERE.

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at ttps://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As promised, this week Dear FoundHer... is dropping our two most downloaded episodes of 2023! Coming in at #2....the incredible Bobbi Brown shares her story of her own 2.0: Jones Road Beauty. This is the same episode that aired earlier this year, there are no additions or updates. Stay tuned for our top downloaded episode tomorrow and then on Thursday, Lindsay Pinchuk rounds out the year with the lessons she's taking with her into 2024.

Bobbi shares how she built two majorly successful makeup brands, Bobbi Brown, and later Jones Road Beauty, by following her own lead and being herself. She talks about how it felt to walk away from her first business, separating her brand from her personal identity, and the importance of relationships.

Top takeaways from this interview:

• A lot of entrepreneurship is just making stuff up
• Even the most successful people, like Bobbi Brown, suffer from imposter syndrome. You just have to put yourself out there
• Bobbi utilized her expertise and personal brand to teach and build authority–and so should you. 
• The importance of spending as much time on your family as you do on your business–find the hacks and shortcuts
• What feel like mountains really aren’t–break things down into actionable steps and figure out what you need to do to move forward

Quotes

• “So much of my career is connecting with people. Now, they call it networking. It's just being myself.” (13:27-13:37 | Bobbi) 

• “I'm an upbeat and positive person. Which I think you need to be in order to be a good entrepreneur.” (19:55-20:02 “ Bobbi)

• “Bobbi Brown the person became a brand, apart from Bobbi Brown the brand.” (33:40-33:46 | Bobbi)

Connect with Bobbi Brown:

Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/justbobbidotcom

Website | http://www.jonesroadbeauty.com

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at ttps://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

Marketing Made Simple for Small Business is Lindsay's new group mentorship program that helps you create the right content and messaging to connect with your community, drive sales, AND generate a simplified process for putting it out into the world, to grow your following and bottom line. Use the code FOUNDHER for 20% off a annual or monthly membership, doors close to Founding Members on 12/31. JOIN HERE.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Build your own buzz, control your own destiny! In this episode, Lindsay Pinchuk welcomes Dear FoundHer’s first guest in the cannabis industry and the last guest of 2023, Jenna Goldring. Jenna is the founder of The High Confectionary, a micro-dose direct-to-consumer gummy manufacturer. Jenna shares her entrepreneurial journey as a new mother in the male-dominated cannabis industry. We explore how Jenna identified a gap in the market for low-dose edibles, driven by her own experiences as a cannabis user with a low tolerance. Despite facing challenges in a market that primarily targeted high-dose consumers, Jenna was determined to create a product that allowed users to control their experience.

Throughout the episode, Jenna discusses her transition from a corporate job to full-time entrepreneurship, the complexities of navigating the cannabis industry's compliance regulations, and the recent pivot from cannabis to hemp products. She shares valuable insights on building a brand, the power of networking and reaching out to industry leaders, and the importance of realistic expectations and self-care as a new mother and founder.

Quotes:

• “I think when you feel something inside of you that's like, I want to go do this. I believe in this. I know I can do it. And even if you fail, you're going to learn so much in the process. You got to just bet on yourself. I mean, that's what everyone else does.” (14:35 | Jenna Goodring)
• “It was a lot of just networking. It was a lot of me being like, here's what I want. What are the pieces that make this up? And how do I go find them? The internet is an amazing tool. You can find anything on it. And I think people forget that. So I watched a lot of YouTube videos. I tasted a ton of products. I researched who made those products. And I found my suppliers. And it was really just a lot of research, due diligence, and networking.” (17:10 | Jenna Goodring)
• “I think just having no expectations in the beginning is my biggest piece of advice, whether you're a founder or just a first time mom. Just see what happens. See how it goes. Don't expect it to be a certain way. Get in the groove. I think there's so much pressure for babies to sleep this way and eat this way and moms to recover and lose weight. And it's not real. Maybe for some people, but for others, your journey is going to look different. And so I would say just be open and easy on yourself.” (41:09 |Jenna Goodring)

Connect with  Jenna Goodring:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/highconfectionary

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at ttps://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

Marketing Made Simple for Small Business is Lindsay's new group mentorship program that helps you create the right content and messaging to connect with your community, drive sales, AND generate a simplified process for putting it out into the world, to grow your following and bottom line. Use the code FOUNDHER for 20% off a annual or monthly membership, doors close to Founding Members on 12/31. JOIN HERE.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Lindsay Pinchuk, host of Dear FoundHer... is sharing the #1 game changer for her brand, business and company in 2023…and the foundation on which she built my entire first company upon. Her first company was an events company and she never thought she'd host another event again for a company of mine. Today, she's sharing with you how events have played a pivotal role in her year and what’s to come. 

In today's episode you'll hear Lindsay talk about:

• How she started and grew a business built upon the foundation of events.
• What events do for your company.
• What makes an event successful.
• Six Tips to Get Your Event Strategy Started

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at ttps://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

Marketing Made Simple for Small Business is Lindsay's new group mentorship program that helps you create the right content and messaging to connect with your community, drive sales, AND generate a simplified process for putting it out into the world, to grow your following and bottom line. Use the code FOUNDHER for 20% off a annual or monthly membership, doors close to Founding Members on 12/31. JOIN HERE.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a successful foundation when it comes to the financials of a business? Lindsay Pinchuk introduces us to Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting to explore this question. Kickstart is Lindsay’s own accounting firm, so she leads the conversation in sharing how transformative it has been to work with an organization designed to help female entrepreneurs understand their financials in order to grow their businesses and become more profitable.

Danielle shares tips to help entrepreneurs navigate financial challenges through foundational services vs. mere number-crunching. She emphasizes creating a judgment-free environment where clients feel comfortable seeking guidance and asking questions. For entrepreneurs who are listening who do not yet have a bookkeeper, Danielle offers advice for what to look for in a potential partner.

For small business owners looking to enhance their financial management skills and strategies, or understand how a bookkeeping partner can support their growth, this episode offers practical tips and advice.

Key Takeaways:

• It's crucial to find a bookkeeper or financial advisor that you enjoy working with, as this relationship is key to managing your business's finances effectively.
• The moment you begin accepting payments from customers is the official start of your business, marking a significant milestone in your entrepreneurial journey.
• Doing bookkeeping on your own is not advisable; it's a complex task that requires professional handling to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• As a business owner, it's important to pay yourself, which not only acknowledges your effort but also aids in personal financial planning.

Quotes:

“We have to know our numbers to manage our business. And the bonus is that we can also use those numbers for taxes, not the other way around.” (33:19 | Danielle Hayden)

“I'm too small. I'm not big enough for a bookkeeper. I'm not big enough for a tax accountant. I'm not enough. Get out of your head. The day that you started accepting payments from customers is the day that you created a business, which is the day that you needed a bookkeeper. You cannot afford to do bookkeeping on your own.” (37:58 | Danielle Hayden)

Connect with Danielle Hayden:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickstartaccounting/

Website: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/about-us/#ops

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at ttps://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher 

Marketing Made Simple for Small Business is Lindsay's new group mentorship program that helps you create the right content and messaging to connect with your community, drive sales, AND generate a simplified process for putting it out into the world, to grow your following and bottom line. Use the code FOUNDHER for 20% off a annual or monthly membership, doors close to Founding Members on 12/31. JOIN HERE.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.