Entreprenista

Sarah McCollum Dorsett is the CEO of Nanit, a consumer electronics company that provides parents with smarter ways of approaching their childrens’ health and wellbeing. An Ecommerce leader, Sarah has more than two decades of experience scaling brands such as Coty, Bloomingdales, Century 21, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Today, Sarah oversees the overall business strategy and roadmap of Nanit and is responsible for delivering the company’s 250% year-over-year growth.

Sarah joins us today to discuss how she leads Nanit and its mission to support the journey of parenthood. She explains how their products connect parents to their babies’ health and wellbeing. She discusses how she spearheaded a $25 million Series C funding round and describes the strategy behind the launch of Nanit’s newest product. She shares the road that led to her transition into her CEO role at Nanit and how she helped grow the company by adjusting its marketing strategy. Sarah also underscores the platforms that have been the secret to their success in driving customer acquisition and shares her advice for balancing a high-pressure career with motherhood.

“The future is social commerce. It’s so embedded in our lives today that ecommerce is going to have that social component to it.” - Sarah Dorsett

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Entreprenista Podcast - the most fun business meeting for female founders, by female founders. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join the Entreprenistas Facebook group and visit the SocialFly website.

If you’re looking to take your business to the next level:

Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels, and MORE!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratch.

Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

This week’s takeaways from Entreprenista:

• Sarah’s background and how she became the CEO of Nanit
• Her beginnings in marketing and ecommerce
• How Sarah was chosen to become the new CEO of Nanit and how her responsibilities changed
• Some of the changes Sarah immediately made that helped Nanit grow and scale
• The power of creating an emotional connection between consumers and products
• Cultivating a channel strategy and the process of connecting with a baby registry
• What Nanit had to change in their products to get them into Target
• Sarah’s tips and advice for hiring the best people for your team
• The hiring process for senior roles at Nanit and how Sarah assesses candidates for senior roles
• What fundraising for the first time was like for Sarah
• Determining the valuation of Nanit and Sarah’s advice for pitching to VCs and investors
• Dedicating time for family and how a typical day looks when Sarah is not working
• Sarah’s thoughts on the future of ecommerce

Our Favorite Quotes:

• “Have a target valuation in your head, but keep it open-ended and less specific. If VCs press you for a valuation, give them a range instead.” - Sarah Dorsett
• “You can take risks if you have a lot of trust in your team—if you know who you’re working with and what they’re capable of.” - Sarah Dorsett
• “When you’re getting retail partners, get placement on the websites themselves. Don’t fund offline placements; fund where people land and own that space.” - Sarah Dorsett

Connect with Sarah Dorsett:

• Nanit
• Nanit on LinkedIn
• Nanit on Instagram
• Nanit on Facebook
• Nanit on Twitter
• Nanit on Pinterest
• Nanit on YouTube
• Sarah Dorsett on LinkedIn
• Sarah Dorsett on Twitter

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

We listened to your feedback and the support you’re looking for to start and build your business, and we’re here to provide you with all of the resources you’ll need!

As part of the Entreprenista League, you’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day. You’ll find special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, and the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratch.

Join the Entreprenista league today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Be the Best Dressed on Zoom...and the Most Comfortable

Entreprenistas - it’s time to look professional and feel comfortable while working from home.

Introducing WorkRobe - the WFH-ready robes designed to help you be the best dressed professional on Zoom...and the most comfortable.

Gone are the days of wasting time trying to find the perfect outfit to wear on Zoom, only to change back into loungewear the second your meeting ends. The WorkRobe robe means business! With the look of a professional robe on the top, no one on Zoom will ever know you’re wearing a robe.

If you’re ready to start looking great and feeling comfortable at your next Zoom meeting, head over to www.myworkrobe.com to order your Workrobe today. Enter code Entreprenista15 to receive 15% off your first order.

Say “Hello!” To DigiCards™ 

Are you ready to take your virtual team meetings to the next level? Are you tired of yelling “You’re on mute!” at your computer screen and letting the important points you were trying to make get lost?

If you’re tired of leading unproductive, distraction-filled team meetings, then it’s time for you to say “Hello!” to DigiCards. Each pack of virtual meeting cards include 20 color-coded professional cards designed to streamline your meeting communications while allowing each meeting to create an opportunity for collaboration and fun.

Say “Goodbye!” to waving your arms, being ignored, and frantically typing in the chat.

Start your next virtual meeting with DigiCards - the virtual meeting cards for entreprenistas.

To grab your deck of DigiCards and bring fun, engagement, and collaboration back into your team meetings, visit www.hellodigicards.com. Use the coupon code: Entreprenista10 to receive 10% off your first order.

Sarah McCollum Dorsett is the CEO of Nanit, a consumer electronics company that provides parents with smarter ways of approaching their childrens’ health and wellbeing. An Ecommerce leader, Sarah has more than two decades of experience scaling brands such as Coty, Bloomingdales, Century 21, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Today, Sarah oversees the overall business strategy and roadmap of Nanit and is responsible for delivering the company’s 250% year-over-year growth.

Sarah joins us today to discuss how she leads Nanit and its mission to support the journey of parenthood. She explains how their products connect parents to their babies’ health and wellbeing. She discusses how she spearheaded a $25 million Series C funding round and describes the strategy behind the launch of Nanit’s newest product. She shares the road that led to her transition into her CEO role at Nanit and how she helped grow the company by adjusting its marketing strategy. Sarah also underscores the platforms that have been the secret to their success in driving customer acquisition and shares her advice for balancing a high-pressure career with motherhood.

“The future is social commerce. It’s so embedded in our lives today that ecommerce is going to have that social component to it.” - Sarah Dorsett

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Entreprenista Podcast - the most fun business meeting for female founders, by female founders. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join the Entreprenistas Facebook group and visit the SocialFly website.

If you’re looking to take your business to the next level:

Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels, and MORE!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratch.

Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

This week’s takeaways from Entreprenista:

Sarah’s background and how she became the CEO of NanitHer beginnings in marketing and ecommerceHow Sarah was chosen to become the new CEO of Nanit and how her responsibilities changed Some of the changes Sarah immediately made that helped Nanit grow and scaleThe power of creating an emotional connection between consumers and productsCultivating a channel strategy and the process of connecting with a baby registryWhat Nanit had to change in their products to get them into TargetSarah’s tips and advice for hiring the best people for your teamThe hiring process for senior roles at Nanit and how Sarah assesses candidates for senior rolesWhat fundraising for the first time was like for SarahDetermining the valuation of Nanit and Sarah’s advice for pitching to VCs and investorsDedicating time for famil...

Annie Evans is the founder and CEO of Dream Ventures, a boutique fund that invests in the most promising founders striving to positively impact the world. Dream Ventures’s portfolio includes theSkoop, House of Wise, DORE, MOONS, and many others. Before founding Dream Ventures, Annie co-founded Beautified, a geo-located app that finds and books on-demand beauty and fitness services. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from Elon University, Annie understands consumer behavior and the essential role of B2B partnerships in turning great ideas into thriving companies.

Annie joins us today to share her journey from sleeping on her friends’ couches while bootstrapping her first business to helping the most promising founders through her boutique investment fund platform. She describes how she once converted her first customers into early investors and explains what makes a great investment pitch. She also shares her three essential tips on creating an operating agreement with business partners and explains how to make the fundraising process approachable for every Entreprenista.

“Fundraising is sales: The first step is research, followed by good, old fashioned organization.” - Annie Evans

This week on the Entreprenista Podcast:

• Annie’s first venture and how it led her to found Dream Ventures
• Her experience getting an investor and raising money for the first time
• How the early customers of her first business turned into angel investors
• Why her first company went out of business and the lessons she learned from the experience
• What founders need to think about when finding business partners
• The importance of having a great business attorney and how they can help you with creating operating agreements
• Why Annie decided to move forward and start another business after the failure of her first
• What Dream Ventures is and how it can help Entreprenistas raise funds for their dream businesses
• How Annie raised $50,000 in over a month on IFundWomen
• Selling your vision, creating an experience for investors, and Annie’s advice on delivering the best business pitches on Zoom
• How Dream Ventures can help every Entreprenista through their fundraising process
• The most challenging part about founding a business without a business partner
• Finding angels for IFundWomen and how Annie raised $2 million in 60 days for the platform

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You by Suneel Gupta
• Book: Pick Three: You Can Have It All by Randi Zuckerberg
• IFundWomen
• House of Wise
• Stripe Payments
• SPV Sisters

Our Favorite Quotes:

• “Determine how much equity you need to set you up for success. Negotiate the right equity to give yourself voting rights.” - Annie Evans
• “Always do a reference check on anybody you’re going to business with. Look at where they worked and how they handle tough situations.” - Annie Evans
• “When you’re doing the operating agreement, outline how you make decisions; it’s inevitable that not everybody’s going to agree on decisions.” - Annie Evans

Connect with Annie Evans:

• Dream Ventures
• Dream Ventures on LinkedIn
• Dream Ventures on Instagram
• Annie Evans on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

We listened to your feedback and the support you’re looking for to start and build your business, and we’re here to provide you with all of the resources you’ll need!

As part of the Entreprenista League, you’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day. You’ll find special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, and the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratch.

Join the Entreprenista league today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Be the Best Dressed on Zoom...and the Most Comfortable

Entreprenistas - it’s time to look professional and feel comfortable while working from home.

Introducing WorkRobe - the WFH-ready robes designed to help you be the best dressed professional on Zoom...and the most comfortable.

Gone are the days of wasting time trying to find the perfect outfit to wear on Zoom, only to change back into loungewear the second your meeting ends. The WorkRobe robe means business! With the look of a professional robe on the top, no one on Zoom will ever know you’re wearing a robe.

If you’re ready to start looking great and feeling comfortable at your next Zoom meeting, head over to www.myworkrobe.com to order your Workrobe today. Enter code Entreprenista15 to receive 15% off your first order.

Say “Hello!” To DigiCards™ 

Are you ready to take your virtual team meetings to the next level? Are you tired of yelling “You’re on mute!” at your computer screen and letting the important points you were trying to make get lost?

If you’re tired of leading unproductive, distraction-filled team meetings, then it’s time for you to say “Hello!” to DigiCards. Each pack of virtual meeting cards include 20 color-coded professional cards designed to streamline your meeting communications while allowing each meeting to create an opportunity for collaboration and fun.

Say “Goodbye!” to waving your arms, being ignored, and frantically typing in the chat.

Start your next virtual meeting with DigiCards - the virtual meeting cards for entreprenistas.

To grab your deck of DigiCards and bring fun, engagement, and collaboration back into your team meetings, visit www.hellodigicards.com. Use the coupon code: Entreprenista10 to receive 10% off your first order.

Become An Entreprenista!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Entreprenista Podcast - the most fun business meeting for female founders, by female founders. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join the Entreprenistas Facebook group and visit the SocialFly website.

Annie Evans is the founder and CEO of Dream Ventures, a boutique fund that invests in the most promising founders striving to positively impact the world. Dream Ventures’s portfolio includes theSkoop, House of Wise, DORE, MOONS, and many others. Before founding Dream Ventures, Annie co-founded Beautified, a geo-located app that finds and books on-demand beauty and fitness services. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from Elon University, Annie understands consumer behavior and the essential role of B2B partnerships in turning great ideas into thriving companies.

Annie joins us today to share her journey from sleeping on her friends’ couches while bootstrapping her first business to helping the most promising founders through her boutique investment fund platform. She describes how she once converted her first customers into early investors and explains what makes a great investment pitch. She also shares her three essential tips on creating an operating agreement with business partners and explains how to make the fundraising process approachable for every Entreprenista.

“Fundraising is sales: The first step is research, followed by good, old fashioned organization.” - Annie Evans

This week on the Entreprenista Podcast:

Annie’s first venture and how it led her to found Dream VenturesHer experience getting an investor and raising money for the first timeHow the early customers of her first business turned into angel investorsWhy her first company went out of business and the lessons she learned from the experienceWhat founders need to think about when finding business partnersThe importance of having a great business attorney and how they can help you with creating operating agreementsWhy Annie decided to move forward and start another business after the failure of her firstWhat Dream Ventures is and how it can help Entreprenistas raise funds for their dream businessesHow Annie raised $50,000 in over a month on IFundWomenSelling your vision, creating an experience for investors, and Annie’s advice on delivering the best business pitches on ZoomHow Dream Ventures can help every Entreprenista through their fundraising processThe most challenging part about founding a business without a business partnerFinding angels for IFundWomen and how Annie raised $2 million in 60 days for the platform

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You by Suneel GuptaBook: Pick Three: You Can Have It All by Randi ZuckerbergIFundWomenHouse of WiseStripe PaymentsSPV Sisters

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Determine how much equity you need to set you up for success. Negotiate the right equity to give yourself voting rights.” - Annie Evans“Always do a reference check on anybody you’re going to business with. Look at where they worked and how they handle tough situations.” - Annie Evans“When you’re doing the operating agreement, outline how you make decisions; it’s inevitable that not everybody’s going to agree on decisions.” - Annie Evans

Connect with Annie Evans:

Dream VenturesDream Ventures on LinkedInDream Ventures on InstagramAnnie Evans on LinkedInEmail: [email protected]

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

We listened to your feedback and the support you’re looking for to start and build your business, and we’re here to provide you with all of the resources you’ll need!

As part of the Entreprenista League, you’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who a...

Entrepreneur and investor, Jaime Schmidt, is the founder of Schmidt’s Naturals, the natural personal care brand she started in her kitchen that was later acquired by Unilever. Known for bringing natural personal care products to the mainstream market, Jaime led Schmidt’s Natural’s growth into a global household brand sold in over 30 countries and 30,000 retailers. Jaime shares her entrepreneurial journey in her book Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms. Since the breakthrough of Schmidt’s Naturals, Jaime has been enabling other entrepreneurs to bring their vision into reality by investing in women and people of color through her inclusive investment firm, Color.

Jaime joins us today to discuss how she approached her venture one day at a time and to share what she learned from her transition from being a solo founder to being part of the Unilever family. She explains why going to market without a perfect product is feasible and reveals her biggest takeaways from the supply sourcing and wholesaling processes. She also underscores why a lack of fear is a priceless advantage in starting your business and highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion when financially supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs.

“It’s important to know what you’re getting into when starting a business, but obsessing over every detail can be an obstacle. Trust your intuition, listen to your customers, and embrace every opportunity.” - Jaime Schmidt

This week on the Entreprenista Podcast:

• How a hobby Jaime started in her kitchen became a personal care company
• The steps Jaime took after realizing the business opportunity in her home-made personal care products
• Why Jaime is a proponent of bootstrapping and not bringing in capital if it’s not needed
• The challenges of bootstrapping and how Jaime made her first hire
• Jaime’s product development process and how she sourced suppliers for her ingredients
• Building loyalty and connection and why it’s important to be upfront with customers
• How Schmidt’s Naturals got into large retailers like Target and Walmart
• The value of working with a broker and how Jaime found the first production space for her company
• Why paying employees is one of the trickiest parts of running a bootstrap business
• The reason Jaime didn’t outsource manufacturing at first and how she grew her company without an official business plan
• Giving up control and other things Jaime had to learn as she moved to Unilever
• Putting diversity at the forefront of funding companies
• Jaime’s mentorship role in Going Public and how long it took her to write Supermaker
• What Jaime wishes she knew when she first started her business
• Why entrepreneurs shouldn’t get hung up on credentials, and other tips on pitching to investors

Our Favorite Quotes:

• “Bootstrapping means recycling profits back into the business and being conscious about how you spend your dollars.” - Jaime Schmidt
• “Once you feel like your product is ‘good enough,’ get it out there because it’s still going to evolve.” - Jaime Schmidt
• “Sometimes, the less you know, the better equipped you are. If I had known back then what I know now, I think I would have been too scared to start.” - Jaime Schmidt

Connect with Jaime Schmidt:

• Schmidt's Naturals
• Supermaker
• Color
• Book: Supermaker: Crafting Business On Your Own Terms
• Schmidt's Naturals on LinkedIn
• Schmidt's Naturals on Instagram
• Schmidt's Naturals on Facebook
• Schmidt's Naturals on Twitter
• Schmidt’s Naturals on YouTube
• Jaime Schmidt on LinkedIn
• Jaime Schmidt on Instagram
• Jaime Schmidt on Twitter

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

We listened to your feedback and the support you’re looking for to start and build your business, and we’re here to provide you with all of the resources you’ll need!

As part of the Entreprenista League, you’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day. You’ll find special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, and the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratch.

Join the Entreprenista league today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Be the Best Dressed on Zoom...and the Most Comfortable

Entreprenistas - it’s time to look professional and feel comfortable while working from home.

Introducing WorkRobe - the WFH-ready robes designed to help you be the best dressed professional on Zoom...and the most comfortable.

Gone are the days of wasting time trying to find the perfect outfit to wear on Zoom, only to change back into loungewear the second your meeting ends. The WorkRobe robe means business! With the look of a professional robe on the top, no one on Zoom will ever know you’re wearing a robe.

If you’re ready to start looking great and feeling comfortable at your next Zoom meeting, head over to www.myworkrobe.com to order your Workrobe today. Enter code Entreprenista15 to receive 15% off your first order.

Say “Hello!” To DigiCards™ 

Are you ready to take your virtual team meetings to the next level? Are you tired of yelling “You’re on mute!” at your computer screen and letting the important points you were trying to make get lost?

If you’re tired of leading unproductive, distraction-filled team meetings, then it’s time for you to say “Hello!” to DigiCards. Each pack of virtual meeting cards include 20 color-coded professional cards designed to streamline your meeting communications while allowing each meeting to create an opportunity for collaboration and fun.

Say “Goodbye!” to waving your arms, being ignored, and frantically typing in the chat.

Start your next virtual meeting with DigiCards - the virtual meeting cards for entreprenistas.

To grab your deck of DigiCards and bring fun, engagement, and collaboration back into your team meetings, visit www.hellodigicards.com. Use the coupon code: Entreprenista10 to receive 10% off your first order.

Become An Entreprenista!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Entreprenista Podcast - the most fun business meeting for female founders, by female founders. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join the Entreprenistas Facebook group and visit the SocialFly website.

Entrepreneur and investor, Jaime Schmidt, is the founder of Schmidt’s Naturals, the natural personal care brand she started in her kitchen that was later acquired by Unilever. Known for bringing natural personal care products to the mainstream market, Jaime led Schmidt’s Natural’s growth into a global household brand sold in over 30 countries and 30,000 retailers. Jaime shares her entrepreneurial journey in her book Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms. Since the breakthrough of Schmidt’s Naturals, Jaime has been enabling other entrepreneurs to bring their vision into reality by investing in women and people of color through her inclusive investment firm, Color.

Jaime joins us today to discuss how she approached her venture one day at a time and to share what she learned from her transition from being a solo founder to being part of the Unilever family. She explains why going to market without a perfect product is feasible and reveals her biggest takeaways from the supply sourcing and wholesaling processes. She also underscores why a lack of fear is a priceless advantage in starting your business and highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion when financially supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs.

“It’s important to know what you’re getting into when starting a business, but obsessing over every detail can be an obstacle. Trust your intuition, listen to your customers, and embrace every opportunity.” - Jaime Schmidt

This week on the Entreprenista Podcast:

How a hobby Jaime started in her kitchen became a personal care companyThe steps Jaime took after realizing the business opportunity in her home-made personal care productsWhy Jaime is a proponent of bootstrapping and not bringing in capital if it’s not neededThe challenges of bootstrapping and how Jaime made her first hireJaime’s product development process and how she sourced suppliers for her ingredientsBuilding loyalty and connection and why it’s important to be upfront with customersHow Schmidt’s Naturals got into large retailers like Target and WalmartThe value of working with a broker and how Jaime found the first production space for her companyWhy paying employees is one of the trickiest parts of running a bootstrap businessThe reason Jaime didn’t outsource manufacturing at first and how she grew her company without an official business planGiving up control and other things Jaime had to learn as she moved to UnileverPutting diversity at the forefront of funding companiesJaime’s mentorship role in Going Public and how long it took her to write SupermakerWhat Jaime wishes she knew when she first started her businessWhy entrepreneurs shouldn’t get hung up on credentials, and other tips on pitching to investors

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Bootstrapping means recycling profits back into the business and being conscious about how you spend your dollars.” - Jaime Schmidt“Once you feel like your product is ‘good enough,’ get it out there because it’s still going to evolve.” - Jaime Schmidt“Sometimes, the less you know, the better equipped you are. If I had known back then what I know now, I think I would have been too scared to start.” - Jaime Schmidt

Connect with Jaime Schmidt:

Schmidt's NaturalsSupermakerColorBook: Supermaker: Crafting Business On Your Own TermsSchmidt's Naturals on LinkedInSchmidt's Naturals on InstagramSchmidt's Naturals on FacebookSchmidt's Naturals on TwitterSchmidt’s Naturals on YouTubeJaime Schmidt on LinkedInJaime Schmidt on InstagramJaime Schmidt on Twitter

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

Amanda Goetz is the founder & CEO of House of Wise, a luxury CBD brand empowering women to take purposeful control over their lives. Before launching the House of Wise, Amanda served as the Vice President of Marketing at The Knot, where she gained experience in operational excellence and overseeing brand and product marketing. In addition to leading the House of Wise, Amanda is the part-time Chief Marketing Officer of Teal, a platform that equips job-seekers with the tools, resources, and communities they need to manage their career.

Amanda joins us today to discuss why she believes in helping women take control of their sleep, sex, stress, and wealth, and how the House of Wise aims to make that possible. She describes how watching her father build his company showed her what it means to be an entrepreneur and parent. She explains what “conversational breadcrumbs” are and why they’re the realistic path to transforming an idea into a business. Amanda also shares her tips for prioritizing the fundraising process and underscores why creating a community around your brand is the best launch strategy.

“Who’s going to be in the trenches with you is important. They need to have skin in the game and feel like it’s their brand, too.” -  Amanda Goetz

This week on the Entreprenista Podcast:

• Amanda’s non-traditional path to the founding of the House of Wise
• Amanda’s first failed start-up and the challenges she faced as a female founder
• Using Twitter as a business and marketing tool
• The best time to start a company, a family, or anything in life
• Why Amanda didn’t leave her full-time job right after founding the House of Wise
• Following the breadcrumbs to capital
• How Amanda advertised her brand by building a community
• The biggest mistakes and lessons Amanda learned from her first start-up and how it prepared her to lead House of Wise
• Some guidelines to follow when working on a business with friends
• Why Entreprenistas need to write down the mistakes they make during their journey
• Amanda’s tips for Entreprenistas who have amazing ideas but need investors
• What the valuation process was like for House of Wise
• House of Wise products and how the company empowers women to be in the driver’s seat of their lives
• Why setting an intention for every part of your day is key to work-life balance
• How Amanda decides where to spend her time and effort and how to foster autonomy in your team

Resources Mentioned:

• Carta

Our Favorite Quotes:

• “The right time to start a company or a family has no one answer; you’ll figure out how to navigate it.” - Amanda Goetz
• “I don’t view anything as a true mistake. It’s always been ‘failing forward.’” - Amanda Goetz
• “Founder mental health is critical. Not just for you, but for the entire company.” - Amanda Goetz

Connect with Amanda Goetz:

• House of Wise
• House of Wise on LinkedIn
• House of Wise on Instagram
• House of Wise on Twitter
• Amanda Goetz on LinkedIn
• Amanda Goetz on Instagram
• Amanda Goetz on Twitter

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

We listened to your feedback and the support you’re looking for to start and build your business, and we’re here to provide you with all of the resources you’ll need!

As part of the Entreprenista League, you’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day. You’ll find special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, and the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratch.

Join the Entreprenista league today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Say “Hello!” To DigiCards™ 

Are you ready to take your virtual team meetings to the next level? Are you tired of yelling “You’re on mute!” at your computer screen and letting the important points you were trying to make get lost?

If you’re tired of leading unproductive, distraction-filled team meetings, then it’s time for you to say “Hello!” to DigiCards. Each pack of virtual meeting cards include 20 color-coded professional cards designed to streamline your meeting communications while allowing each meeting to create an opportunity for collaboration and fun.

Say “Goodbye!” to waving your arms, being ignored, and frantically typing in the chat.

Start your next virtual meeting with DigiCards - the virtual meeting cards for entreprenistas.

To grab your deck of DigiCards and bring fun, engagement, and collaboration back into your team meetings, visit www.hellodigicards.com. Use the coupon code: Entreprenista10 to receive 10% off your first order.

Become An Entreprenista!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Entreprenista Podcast - the most fun business meeting for female founders, by female founders. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join the Entreprenistas Facebook group and visit the SocialFly website.

Amanda Goetz is the founder & CEO of House of Wise, a luxury CBD brand empowering women to take purposeful control over their lives. Before launching the House of Wise, Amanda served as the Vice President of Marketing at The Knot, where she gained experience in operational excellence and overseeing brand and product marketing. In addition to leading the House of Wise, Amanda is the part-time Chief Marketing Officer of Teal, a platform that equips job-seekers with the tools, resources, and communities they need to manage their career.

Amanda joins us today to discuss why she believes in helping women take control of their sleep, sex, stress, and wealth, and how the House of Wise aims to make that possible. She describes how watching her father build his company showed her what it means to be an entrepreneur and parent. She explains what “conversational breadcrumbs” are and why they’re the realistic path to transforming an idea into a business. Amanda also shares her tips for prioritizing the fundraising process and underscores why creating a community around your brand is the best launch strategy.

“Who’s going to be in the trenches with you is important. They need to have skin in the game and feel like it’s their brand, too.” - Amanda Goetz

This week on the Entreprenista Podcast:

Amanda’s non-traditional path to the founding of the House of WiseAmanda’s first failed start-up and the challenges she faced as a female founderUsing Twitter as a business and marketing toolThe best time to start a company, a family, or anything in lifeWhy Amanda didn’t leave her full-time job right after founding the House of WiseFollowing the breadcrumbs to capitalHow Amanda advertised her brand by building a communityThe biggest mistakes and lessons Amanda learned from her first start-up and how it prepared her to lead House of WiseSome guidelines to follow when working on a business with friendsWhy Entreprenistas need to write down the mistakes they make during their journeyAmanda’s tips for Entreprenistas who have amazing ideas but need investorsWhat the valuation process was like for House of WiseHouse of Wise products and how the company empowers women to be in the driver’s seat of their livesWhy setting an intention for every part of your day is key to work-life balanceHow Amanda decides where to spend her time and effort and how to foster autonomy in your team

Resources Mentioned:

Carta

Our Favorite Quotes:

“The right time to start a company or a family has no one answer; you’ll figure out how to navigate it.” - Amanda Goetz“I don’t view anything as a true mistake. It’s always been ‘failing forward.’” - Amanda Goetz“Founder mental health is critical. Not just for you, but for the entire company.” - Amanda Goetz

Connect with Amanda Goetz:

House of WiseHouse of Wise on LinkedInHouse of Wise on InstagramHouse of Wise on TwitterAmanda Goetz on LinkedInAmanda Goetz on InstagramAmanda Goetz on Twitter

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

We listened to your feedback and the support you’re looking for to start and build your business, and we’re here to provide you with all of the resources you’ll need!

As part of the Entreprenista League, you’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day. You’ll find special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, and the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels!

Alexandra Toccin is the owner and co-founder of Toccin. As early as her days at The George Washington University—where she graduated with a degree in Marketing—Alex knew she wanted to work in the fashion industry. She interned and worked for several PR, fashion, and beauty brands, including Conde Nast, Ralph Lauren, and Emily & Ashley, and studied Fashion Marketing at the Parson School of Design. Today, Alex and her husband, Michael, oversee the design and marketing for Toccin, a brand dedicated to helping women feel stylish, comfortable, and confident wherever they are.

Alex joins us today to discuss how she turned a passion project into a profitable, full-time venture. She explains how networking can impact your journey as an Entreprenista and outlines why finding your niche is vital in the early days of any business. She discusses how listening to your audience and meeting their needs can position your brand for success and describes the logistics involved in launching an ecommerce site for fashion brands. Alex also highlights how she led her business through the pandemic in 2020 and reveals the key things to know before pitching a brand to retailers.

“Do your research, see what’s out there, and find an opportunity. You have to be ahead of the trend you’re seeing.” - Alex Toccin

This week on the Entreprenista Podcast:

• How Alex and her husband started a fashion blog that led her to become an Entreprenista
• Turning a blog into a full-time business and how listening to customer feedback helped Alex grow her business
• The challenges Alex faced in the early days of Toccin
• What people need to think about when launching a fashion brand
• Alex’s tips for launching an ecommerce site for fashion brands
• How Toccin pivoted during the pandemic
• The power of time management and how Alex balances her time between Toccin and her children
• The work dynamic between Alex and Michael
• Creating social media content and building personal brands for business
• What the fashion calendar is like and the process of getting into retail and doing wholesale
• How to figure out what to design for the next season
• The importance of networking
• Alex’s advice for pitching to retailers over Zoom
• What Alex wishes she knew before becoming an Entreprenista

Resources Mentioned:

• QuickBooks

Our Favorite Quotes:

• “Entreprenistas put so much pressure on themselves to do everything. Asking for help and having support isn't a bad thing.” - Alex Toccin
• “Whether it’s a fashion, lifestyle, or beauty product, you have to decide what channels of distribution you want and with whom it’s best to network.” - Alex Toccin
• “When you start your own fashion company, you have to decide if it’s going to be a product you’re selling or if you’re looking for other channels of distribution.” - Alex Toccin

Connect with Alex Toccin:

• Toccin
• Toccin on Instagram
• LDT on Instagram
• Alex Toccin on LinkedIn
• Alex Toccin on Instagram

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

We listened to your feedback and the support you’re looking for to start and build your business, and we’re here to provide you with all of the resources you’ll need!

As part of the Entreprenista League, you’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day. You’ll find special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, and the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratch.

Join the Entreprenista league today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Free Virtual Event Series with Shopify

Do you have an e-commerce business or are you thinking about launching one? We are excited to announce that we're launching a free virtual event series with Shopify to give small business owners the tools and motivation they need to get their e-commerce store up and running.

By joining us at Entreprenista on Shopify, you will learn…

• How to launch your Shopify store
• The best tips for SEO
• Digital marketing strategies to grow your customer base
• Hear real case studies from successful entrepreneurs using Shopify
• And much, much more...

The virtual events will be hosted by experts that range from marketing, sourcing, merchandising, shipping, and procurement to help you connect all of the dots to start a successful online business.

Shopify is also giving entreprenistas a 30-day free trial to launch your online store. When you attend the events, you'll also be entered to win a free website store build valued at over $2,500!

Head over to www.entreprenista.com/shopify to get your free trial and join the Entreprenista on Shopify community.

Say “Hello!” To DigiCards™ 

Are you ready to take your virtual team meetings to the next level? Are you tired of yelling “You’re on mute!” at your computer screen and letting the important points you were trying to make get lost?

If you’re tired of leading unproductive, distraction-filled team meetings, then it’s time for you to say “Hello!” to DigiCards. Each pack of virtual meeting cards include 20 color-coded professional cards designed to streamline your meeting communications while allowing each meeting to create an opportunity for collaboration and fun.

Say “Goodbye!” to waving your arms, being ignored, and frantically typing in the chat.

Start your next virtual meeting with DigiCards - the virtual meeting cards for entreprenistas.

To grab your deck of DigiCards and bring fun, engagement, and collaboration back into your team meetings, visit www.hellodigicards.com. Use the coupon code: Entreprenista10 to receive 10% off your first order.

Become An Entreprenista!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Entreprenista Podcast - the most fun business meeting for female founders, by female founders. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join the Entreprenistas Facebook group and visit the SocialFly website.

Alexandra Toccin is the owner and co-founder of Toccin. As early as her days at The George Washington University—where she graduated with a degree in Marketing—Alex knew she wanted to work in the fashion industry. She interned and worked for several PR, fashion, and beauty brands, including Conde Nast, Ralph Lauren, and Emily & Ashley, and studied Fashion Marketing at the Parson School of Design. Today, Alex and her husband, Michael, oversee the design and marketing for Toccin, a brand dedicated to helping women feel stylish, comfortable, and confident wherever they are.

Alex joins us today to discuss how she turned a passion project into a profitable, full-time venture. She explains how networking can impact your journey as an Entreprenista and outlines why finding your niche is vital in the early days of any business. She discusses how listening to your audience and meeting their needs can position your brand for success and describes the logistics involved in launching an ecommerce site for fashion brands. Alex also highlights how she led her business through the pandemic in 2020 and reveals the key things to know before pitching a brand to retailers.

“Do your research, see what’s out there, and find an opportunity. You have to be ahead of the trend you’re seeing.” - Alex Toccin

This week on the Entreprenista Podcast:

How Alex and her husband started a fashion blog that led her to become an EntreprenistaTurning a blog into a full-time business and how listening to customer feedback helped Alex grow her businessThe challenges Alex faced in the early days of ToccinWhat people need to think about when launching a fashion brandAlex’s tips for launching an ecommerce site for fashion brandsHow Toccin pivoted during the pandemicThe power of time management and how Alex balances her time between Toccin and her childrenThe work dynamic between Alex and MichaelCreating social media content and building personal brands for businessWhat the fashion calendar is like and the process of getting into retail and doing wholesaleHow to figure out what to design for the next seasonThe importance of networkingAlex’s advice for pitching to retailers over ZoomWhat Alex wishes she knew before becoming an Entreprenista

Resources Mentioned:

QuickBooks

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Entreprenistas put so much pressure on themselves to do everything. Asking for help and having support isn't a bad thing.” - Alex Toccin“Whether it’s a fashion, lifestyle, or beauty product, you have to decide what channels of distribution you want and with whom it’s best to network.” - Alex Toccin“When you start your own fashion company, you have to decide if it’s going to be a product you’re selling or if you’re looking for other channels of distribution.” - Alex Toccin

Connect with Alex Toccin:

ToccinToccin on InstagramLDT on InstagramAlex Toccin on LinkedInAlex Toccin on Instagram

Join the Entreprenista League!

Hey Entreprenistas! We’re launching the Entreprenista League, our very own members platform and community just for you!

We listened to your feedback and the support you’re looking for to start and build your business, and we’re here to provide you with all of the resources you’ll need!

As part of the Entreprenista League, you’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day. You’ll find special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, and the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing bus...