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

In today’s episode, host Lindsay Pinchuk is joined in conversation with Jessica Mindell, Founder of Jessica’s Natural Foods, to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur and how persistence has been the key to her success.

When Jessica first started experimenting with gluten-free granola, she was looking for alternatives for her husband. After realizing that she had developed a unique product, Jessica began to market her product to the local community, and it was an instant hit. After 12 years of business, Jessica’s brand is on the shelves of your favorite grocery stores, including nationally at Whole Foods, Wegmans, and many more. While she has been given opportunities to become a larger brand, Jessica has chosen to stay a small business, provide high-quality products, and support her family. Throughout her journey, Jessica has learned that the best thing any entrepreneur can do is to stay true to themselves.

Tune into this week’s episode of Dear FoundHer… for a conversation about being a small business owner. Learn more about the importance of persistence, quality, and knowing who you are so you can create a brand that successfully represents you.

Quotes

• “I just kept making hundreds and hundreds of batches and kept collecting feedback.” (13:13-13:17 | Jessica)

• “I did it on my own and grew one step at a time. And I'm grateful because I don't have anybody telling me what I have to do. I don't have to cut quality, I create the highest quality product of handmade batches, and I'm able to do that because it's my product.” (18:16-18:34 | Jessica)

• “You can't argue with quality and taste. It is a nonnegotiable” (22:49-22:55 | Lindsay)

• “The truth is, I love having a small business. I love being able to have the flexibility that I can have a family, work, and be home with the kids when I need to. So as much as I love the idea of being some huge company, at the same time I love being a small company and being able to make decisions myself.” (24:37-25:00 | Jessica)

• “Listen to yourself and what it is that you want and what is right for your business. You can have a great brand and a great product that is very successful and provides for your family without running yourself into the ground.” (27:25-27:38 | Lindsay)

• “The more people you can talk to and learn from their experiences will be so helpful in your journey.” (33:10-33:17 | Jessica)

Connect with Jessica Mindell:

Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/jessicasnaturalfoods/ where you can currently win a $100 gift card to Whole Foods PLUS some amazing products from Jessica!

Find a store near you | http://www.jessicasnaturalfoods.com

Check out the Dear FoundHer... Valentine's Day Gift Guide https://www.lindsaypinchuk.com/valentines-day-gift-guide

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe. Want even more resources for growing your business? Join the Dear FoundHer Facebook Community for more discussion with other female founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearfoundher

Subscribe to Dear FoundHer on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

For more from Lindsay Pinchuk:

• Visit her website to grab one of her FREE quick guides: https://www.lindsaypinchuk.com/

• Follow 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.

In today’s episode, host Lindsay Pinchuk is joined in conversation with entrepreneurial duo Jess Hunichen and Emily Ward, Co-Founders of Shine Talent Group, to dive into everything you need to know about influencer marketing.

Deciding who you want to represent your brand can be an overwhelming process. But as you look to work with influencers, make sure to consider three things: content, numbers, and message. While it is important to work with someone who already has a well-established presence online, it is not the only factor. According to Emily and Jess, the most important part of influencer marketing is your message, so it is crucial that you partner with influencers who directly align with your company values. When you can represent your brand while being true to yourself, you will naturally attract the right consumers.

Whether you are a brand or an influencer, you won’t want to miss this week's episode of Dear FoundHer... Tune in to learn more about the three most important characteristics of an influencer, the pull of authenticity, and how to better leverage influencer marketing to reach more consumers and create the brand of your dreams.

Quotes

• “95% of success is the match between the brand and the talent. That can only be done if you know who you are as a brand.” (35:28-35:38 | Emily)

• “Having trust in influencers and the talent that you're working with is a big part of your success.” (36:30-36:34 | Jess)

• “Consumers can sniff out inauthenticity. The only currency you have as a content creator is the trust with your audience. Once that’s done, you’re shit out of luck.” (42:56-43:14 | Jess)

• “Don’t feel like you have to have everything sorted out and that you have to know everything. You will figure it out as you go. You don’t know the things that you don’t know yet.” (47:27-47:47 | Jess)

• “Developing a network of other entrepreneurs who can appreciate what you're going through, even if they are at different stages of their development is important.” (49:05-49:19 | Emily)

• “Try and build a company where you’ll give your team the opportunity to flex their entrepreneurial muscle within your environment.” (52:19-52:27 | Jess)

• “When it comes to influencers, what's important is content, numbers, and the message. Followers are important, but metrics and engagement are even more important. But the most important is the message. Does the influencer add value to a really cluttered social space?” (54:07-54:23 | Lindsay)

Connect with Emily Ward & Jess Hunichens:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/shinetalentgroup/

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/shinetalentgroup/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe. Want even more resources for growing your business? Join the Dear FoundHer Facebook Community for more discussion with other female founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearfoundher

Subscribe to Dear FoundHer on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Don’t forget, there is still time to sign up for Lindsay’s Small Business Marketing Bootcamp.

For more from Lindsay Pinchuk:

• Visit her website to grab one of her FREE quick guides: https://www.lindsaypinchuk.com/

• Follow her 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.

As the eldest child in a large family, Rahama Wright, Founder of Shea Yeleen, has always been a problem solver. After serving two years in the Peace Corps in a small village in West Africa, Rahama was infuriated by the lack of opportunity and harsh living conditions these women endured on a daily basis. Rather than creating a consumer-focused product, Rahama developed Shea Yeleen as a way to solve a social issue. In today’s episode, host Lindsay Pinchuk sits down with Rahama to discuss the creation of Shea Yeleen and how it’s redefining the beauty industry.

For Rahama, the most important part of owning a business is having the ability to create change. In order to do so, Rahama understands that the key to finding a solution is using the resources you already have. After learning that shea butter is a natural resource harvested by women in Africa, Rahama knew this was the perfect solution to the problem. After spending the first seven years focusing on the supply chain, finding the right investors, and partnering with like-minded companies, Rahama is able to provide consumers with a high-quality product while remaining true to her mission to build equitable futures for women in Ghana. Wait until you hear what she’s developing right here in Washington, D.C. in order to scale her mission globally.

Tune into this week’s episode of Dear FoundHer… to learn more about the importance of investing in your core values, focusing on collaboration rather than competition, and how to leverage your resources to find solutions so you can create a business that leaves a lasting impact on the world.

Quotes

• “Even though I have West African heritage from Ghana on my mom's side, this was the very first time I actually spent time in an African village. It was both an eye-opening and tremendous learning experience, but it was also very infuriating and frustrating because I saw incredible women who had amazing life stories and wonderful dreams that they wanted to do, yet they were limited financially because of where they lived.” (04:55-05:35 | Rahama)

• “You wanted to start a product to first solve a social problem and not to solve a problem for the end-user of the product.” (09:47-10:01 | Lindsay)

• “I don't want to sell a product that's not giving women the ability to be financially free.” (15:24-15:28 | Rahama)

• “We have to normalize founders being empowered to feel deserving of the funding that comes to them.” (26:21-26:29 | Rahama)

• “I need to have incredible brands around me and founders who value the same ethos that I do, and the best way to do that is to create a community of those people.” (51:07-51:17 | Rahama)

Connect with Rahama Wright:

Use the code FOUNDHER20 for 20% off sitewide at Shea Yeleen!

www.sheayeleen.com

www.instagram.com/sheayeleen

https://www.instagram.com/rahamawright/

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe. Want even more resources for growing your business? Join the Dear FoundHer Facebook Community for more discussion with other female founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearfoundher

Subscribe to Dear FoundHer on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

For more from Lindsay Pinchuk:

• Visit her website to grab one of her FREE quick guides: www.lindsaypinchuk.com/

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk/ 

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

Ashley Murphy, co-founder of Neat Method, has always been enthusiastic about organization. When Ashley and her partner Molly began organizing homes as a side hustle, they had no idea they were creating a brand that would go on to become the largest organizing network in North America. After twelve years, an acquisition, and a lot of hard work, Ashley has successfully franchised her business and expanded it into over 90 locations. In today’s episode, host Lindsay Pinchuk sits down with Ashley to discuss how Neat Method became the home organizer of choice in both America and Canada.

When Ashley first launched Neat Method, she treated it as a hobby. It wasn’t until she realized that it was a niche service that she and her partner began to leverage the potential of their idea. After successfully servicing high-end clientele in San Francisco and Chicago, they licensed their brand and process to other aspiring entrepreneurs. Eventually, they entered an acquisition in order to take the business to the next level. Even though giving up part of the business was intimidating, it ultimately was the catalyst to their success. Since then, Neat Method has not only been franchised across North America, but Ashley and her team have created a natural brand extension, developing products that are now sold in stores such as Anthropologie and Nordstrom.

Tune into this week’s episode of Dear FoundHer… for a conversation with Ashley Murphy about her growth as a female entrepreneur. Learn more about the process of franchising, the importance of hiring the right employees, and being authentic to your mission so you can take your business to the next level.

Quotes

• “I think why we really wanted the acquisition was because we were hoping there would be other brains behind the operation.” (22:34-23:44)

• “To be able to say that our products are designed well enough to be in these types of stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales blew my mind.” (28:45-28:58)

• “I think it's still somewhat unique to be a female entrepreneur.” (33:11-33:16)

• “Even though the clients demographic-wise might vary a bit, the resources to get the clients does not.” (36:13-36:21)

• “If there is ever a time that it's no longer motivating you, it's okay to walk away.” (45:00-45:05)

• “I would challenge every entrepreneur to find as much balance that works for you.” (51:02-51:07)

Connect with Ashley Murphy:

www.neatmethod.com

www.instagram.com/neatmethod

www.pinterest.com/neatmethod

www.facebook.com/neatmethod

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe. Want even more resources for growing your business? Join the Dear FoundHer Facebook Community for more discussion with other female founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearfoundher

Subscribe to Dear FoundHer on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

For more from Lindsay Pinchuk:

• To join Lindsay’s Small Business Bootcamp or to grab one of her FREE quick guides: https://www.lindsaypinchuk.com/

• Or follow her 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.

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

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

If you're looking for a shortcut to success, you won't find it. Mentors can help you overcome the learning curve, and your community has resources and tools, but you have to put in the work to achieve your desired outcomes---in work and in life.

In today's episode, Lindsay introduces us to Rachael Schwartz of Rachael Schwartz Nutrition. After participating in Rachael's 30-Day Nutrition Challenge, Lindsay was hooked!

After helping hundreds of women to figure out that there are no shortcuts, only small changes that lead you to the best versions of yourself, Rachael shares how to turn your passion into a business, using social media strategically, and how she cured her food addiction.

Episode Highlights:

• Get to know Rachael Schwartz of Rachael Schwartz Nutrition and learn how she      went from closeted eating to helping hundreds of women get healthy without fads and extreme dieting.
• [00:01:46]What were the things that made Lindsay an early adopter of Rachael's fitness challenges, and what was she doing on social media that made her take notice?
• [00:09:16] What does preparing for success look like? Rachael shares why we need to be prepared to juggle - A LOT!- in the beginning and how covering her bases prepared her to leap.
• [00:11:28] Many women have struggled with body image and weight issues. Discover how Rachael went from having her own issues with food to creating a healthy relationship with food.
• [00:13:35] The decision to change should be simple - sometimes you're just sick of feeling bad - Rachael and Lindsay discuss the life events that propelled their careers forward.
• [00:16:35] Coaches have a special duty to their clients that shouldn't be taken lightly. Listen as Rachael and Lindsay explain why they support practicing your skills.
• [00:17:15] The pandemic was challenging for everyone; tune in to hear how Rachael used her gifts and the resources available to share how to stay healthy at home.
• [00:18:42] Behind every founder is a mentor and community. Curious to know who Rachael leaned on for business support? She shares here.
• [00:22:52] Want to grow your business on Instagram and engage with your audience? Rachael shares the one thing she changed about her social media strategy that led to booking out her fitness challenges
• [00:27:51] Why "all or nothing" diets fail, and the 3 "R's" that Rachael says builds a thriving coaching business
• [00:29:43] Which one of Rachael's tips for founders who are just getting started does Lindsay share with her own clients? Tune in to find out!
• [00:47:05] Three resources that Rachael recommends for business growth.

Connect With Rachel Schwartz on Instagram and her website. 

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe.

Apple |Spotify |or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Join the Dear FoundHer Facebook Community for more discussion with other female founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

For more from Lindsay Pinchuk, visit her website to grab one of her free guides or follow her on Instagram.

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

Times of disruption are times of opportunity for founders like this week's guest Rachel Apfel Glass. Rachel is the creator of GLOSSLABS, a membership-based nail studio. With an ethos of providing consumers with a clean, modern, and waterless alternative to their weekly manicure and pedicure services, Rachel shares how she went from idea to leaving her career in finance and expanding GLOSSLABS into new markets.

With four locations currently open in New York City, GLOSSLABS is set to have forty locations by the end of 2022. 

In this interview, Rachel shares how she bootstrapped her first two locations, tips for finding investors who believe in your vision, and how she manages motherhood and business growth.

[00:03:05] Get to know Rachel Apfel Glass and hear how GLOSSLABS modernizes the manicure with hospital-grade cleaning and cutting-edge technology.

[00:04:41] What started as a self-funded venture has grown into several studios with more openings scheduled in D.C. and Miami. Rachel shares how to test your concept.

[00:05:28] Rachel and Lindsay take the mystery out of finances and share tips for raising money and finding investors that can offer more than just capital.

[00:08:52] The service industry was impacted the hardest by the pandemic; Rachel shares tips on pivoting and how GLOSSLABS sets new standards for the industry.

[00:21:21] The recurring revenue model appeals to many entrepreneurs, but there are hidden benefits like community and feedback that community members bring.

[00:28:33] Many founders, believe they have to choose between their 9to5 and their business; Rachel managed both by committing to doing three things a day to move her business forward and researching the competition.

Resources:

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe. Want even more resources for growing your business?  Join the Dear FoundHer... Facebook Community for more discussion with other female founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Subscribe to Dear FoundHer…

Apple |Spotify |or anywhere you listen to podcasts. 

For more from Lindsay Pinchuk, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

FREE Grab one of Lindsay’s quick guides:

5 Tips & Tools to Set Up Your Business 

6 Simple Secrets to Social Media Success (plus some of my favorite tools for automation) 

Design like a pro with one of our favorite tools, Canva 

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

Tough times don't last forever, but good people like Lindsay Meltzer, mom, wife, and Founder of Bright Bowls do.  Lindsay founded Bright Bowls because she was missing the healthy and accessible meal options available to her in Southern California; Lindsay began making and selling smoothie bowls from her Chicago home before opening a retail location during the height of the pandemic. 

In this episode, Founder, Lindsay Meltzer sits down with Host, Lindsay Pinchuk to share how she grew her business into a retail location with a loyal following; navigated launch setbacks due to COVID; and her formula for retaining staff during employee shortages. Lindsay's success formula combines hard work, passion, and the power of kindness.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:04:39] Get to know Lindsay Meltzer and hear how committing to a healthy lifestyle at the tender age of nine led here.
• [00:12:28] Opening a storefront on the Chicago’s North Shore during a pandemic and protest was no easy feat. Lindsay shares how she navigated and opened her first retail location during these unprecedented times.
• [00:15:02]Being a good person can go a long way; Lindsay's kind nature is how she creates a faithful clientele and committed staff. Discover how Lindsay's non-profit background prepared her for business.
• [00:25:01] Bright Bowls lives up to its name - Lindsay shares why it's essential to create a culture that retains customers and team members.
• [00:27:11] Word of mouth marketing is vital to your local business. Lindsay shares how she built her community and grew a targeted audience on social media.
• [00:37:39] You don't need to have all the answers as a new business owner.  Be honest- your mistakes and vulnerability may resonate with your audience.
• [00:41:49] What was the best advice Lindsay ever received "do something every day to move the business forward" and “the importance of being honest about your journey.”
• [00:47:27]It is essential to give back; we share how you can consciously decide what to offer and understand your limits with giving back.

• Money isn't always a measuring stick for success; Lindsay shares how she defines success and the importance of asking for help when necessary.
• It's critical to give people the tools to better their lives in some way, shape, or form. Learn how you can apply these principles to your business.

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe. Want even more resources for growing your business? Join the Dear FoundHer Facebook Community for more discussion with other female founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Subscribe to Dear FoundHer…

Apple |Spotify |or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

For more from Lindsay Pinchuk, visit her website and grab one of her FREE quick guides, or follow her on Instagram.

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

When our host Lindsay Pinchuk started interviewing guests for the podcast, one question came up in every discussion: "When was Lindsay going to share her story?"

There was one person that Lindsay trusted to interview her - Jenny LeFlore. Before Lindsay could even ask Jenny, it was Jenny who asked and offered to interview Lindsay on her podcast.  In this interview, Lindsay steps into the spotlight to share: how she got into the advertising industry, built and sold her business , and the factors that led to her walking away from it to launch the Dear FoundHer Community.

When asked to describe what she envisioned as the legacy of this new chapter,  Lindsay replied, " I want to leave people with a full feeling. I want them to believe in themselves and know that they can find success and that success looks different for everyone."

Here is the story of our Host and Founder, Lindsay Pinchuk!

• [00:02:56] Get to know Lindsay Pinchuk and hear how she discovered the power of networking and what bold actions she took to build her career.
• [00:15:42] Lindsay has reinvented herself at two pivotal moments in her career–  - learn why her first reinvention didn't include leaving her full-time job to launch her business. Discover how she grew Bump Club and Beyond as a side hustle before taking it on full time..
• [00:19:26] Lindsay reveals why she decided to leave the job she loved and jump into full-time entrepreneurship.
• [00:28:16] Learning to trust your instincts as a Founder  means learning how to "read the room" and reacting accordingly.Listen as Lindsay shares how to build this muscle as an entrepreneur.
• [00:30:06] Ego is the enemy of success - Lindsay shares the importance of putting your customers first - ALWAYS.
• [00:35:58] Being a Founder  is a chance to build a community that lives forever.Jenny and Lindsay discuss the legacy of Bump Club and Beyond  and Lindsay's plans for the Dear FoundHer… Community.
• [00:42:17] In every decision you face - from career choices to motherhood, take inventory, ask yourself -What is the worst that can happen? If you can live with the outcome - take the chance.

• Be open to reinvention - the path to success as an entrepreneur may not be in your original plans but remain open to the possibility it all works out in the end.
• As a Founder , you're balancing multiple things between your personal life and business, but you must serve your customers to the best of your ability.

Please don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe. Want even more resources for growing your business? Join the Dear FoundHer Facebook Community for more discussion with other female founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Subscribe to Dear FoundHer…

Apple |Spotify |or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

For more from Lindsay Pinchuk, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

FREE Grab one of Lindsay’s quick guides:

5 Tips & Tools to Set Up Your Business 

6 Simple Secrets to Social Media Success (plus some of my favorite tools for automation) 

Design like a pro with one of our favorite tools, Canva 

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