Founders & Fortitude | Conversations with Audrie Dollins

Founders & Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins

Standing on Strong Bonds, Strong Business, & Learning to Let Go

Episode Description

Building a business while being a wife, mother, and friend takes resilience, passion, and a strong support system. In this episode, I sit down with Monica Pittenger, founder of Wash Yo Self, to talk about the reality of entrepreneurship, the power of relationships, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Monica shares how she built Wash Yo Self into a brand rooted in quality and integrity, the challenges of balancing business with family life, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. With her signature humor and honesty, she reminds us all to buckle up and enjoy the ride—because success isn’t just about the destination, it’s about who you become along the way.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone looking for motivation, this episode is full of real talk, practical advice, and plenty of laughs.

Key Takeaways

• How Monica turned a passion for skincare into a thriving business
• The balance between entrepreneurship, motherhood, and marriage
• Why great friendships are essential to success
• Overcoming challenges and learning to adapt in business
• Monica’s best advice for staying grounded and enjoying the journey

Follow Along

Host: Audrie Dollins
Instagram: @audriedollins
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest: Monica Pittenger – Founder of Wash Yo Self
Instagram: @washyoself
Website: www.washyoself.com
Instagram:monicaandco_
Website: Monica&Company

Final Note

Success is about more than business—it’s about the relationships, the growth, and the moments along the way. Monica’s story is a powerful reminder to embrace the journey, trust yourself, and enjoy the ride.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things.

Video and Sound Production provided by: Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film

Episode Sponsored by: AD Media Group @admediagrp

Founders & Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins

Honoring Life Through Organ Donation: A Conversation with LifeGift

Episode Description

In this special episode of Founders & Fortitude, I sit down with Barbara VerWey, Community Engagement Specialist at LifeGift, to explore the incredible and life-saving gift of organ donation. I share the deeply personal story of my father’s unexpected passing and how LifeGift provided unwavering guidance through every step of the process.

LifeGift ensured that details we never could have anticipated were handled with care, allowing us to focus on honoring my father’s legacy. One of the most touching moments was the Honor Walk, where nurses, doctors, and staff lined the halls as he was taken into surgery for organ retrieval. While we waited, other families were preparing to receive the gift of life—an act of generosity that continues to inspire us.

This episode is an opportunity to break the myths surrounding organ donation and encourage important conversations with your loved ones. Our dad was always our superhero, but through his legacy, he became a real one to others. We are incredibly proud to honor him in this way.

Listen now and join us in starting the conversation to save lives.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the organ donation process and its impact.
• Breaking common myths surrounding organ donation.
• The importance of having these conversations with your family.
• How LifeGift supports donor families with dignity and compassion.
• Honoring the legacy of loved ones through organ donation.

📲 Follow Along
🎙 Host: Audrie Dollins
Instagram: @audriedollins
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

🎙 Guest: Barbara VerWey, LifeGift
Learn more: www.lifegift.org
Become a donor: https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up

Final Note:
Organ donation is a powerful way to create a lasting impact. By having these conversations today, we can help save lives tomorrow. Let’s honor, remember, and inspire.

🎥 Video and Sound Production provided by:
Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film

📢 Episode Sponsored by:
AD Media Group @admediagrp

Founders & Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins 

Family & Business: The Impact of Entrepreneurial Parents 

Episode Description

Growing up with entrepreneurial parents comes with its own set of challenges and lessons. In this special episode, I sit down with my family, Jason, Presley, and Scarlett, to hear their perspectives on how this lifestyle shaped them, what they’ve learned, and the reality of a family where business is always in motion.

Jason, my husband, and I have always had the competitive and self-reliant drive of entrepreneurs. From founding and operating A Cupcakery in Firewheel Shopping Center in Garland, Texas, to owning a wedding and event venue in Downtown Sulphur Springs, to managing a six-figure photography business, we have navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship while raising two children who have embraced their own aspirations.

Our son Presley now serves as a Crew Chief for F-15s in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in North Carolina. Our daughter Scarlett, a dedicated select club softball athlete, spends her summers working at AD Media Group, gaining firsthand experience in the family business and understanding the highs and lows of being an athlete in the world of club sports.

Together, we reflect on how growing up in an entrepreneurial household instilled discipline, time management, and the importance of putting family first. This conversation is full of heartfelt moments, real-life lessons, and plenty of laughs, recorded straight from our kitchen with the background sounds of our dogs playing.

Key Takeaways

• The impact of entrepreneurship on family dynamics.
• Lessons learned from a life where business never stops.
• How growing up in an entrepreneurial home shaped Presley and Scarlett’s mindset.
• Balancing family, business, and personal aspirations.
• Why faith, fortitude, and time management are at the core of success.

📲 Follow Along

🎙 Host: Audrie Dollins
Instagram: @audriedollins
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

🎙 Final Note:

Success isn’t just about business—it’s about the people who support you along the way. Embrace the journey, put family first, and build a legacy that lasts.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things!

🎥 Video and Sound Production provided by: Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film

📢 Episode Sponsored by: AD Media Group @admediagrp

Founders and Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins

Faith, Family, and Fortitude: The Heart of a Legacy

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with the inspiring Shay Geyer, Owner and Designer of IBB Design Fine Furnishings. A leader in the luxury interior design industry, Shay has built a brand known for its curated aesthetic, impeccable craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence.

As a second-generation business owner, Shay carries forward the legacy of IBB Design while infusing her own creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Her expertise in creating timeless and sophisticated interiors has made IBB Design a go-to destination for high-end residential and commercial projects. Featured in top design publications and a frequent guest on Good Morning Texas, Shay has earned a reputation for her ability to transform spaces with elegance and function.

Beyond her career, Shay is deeply committed to her family and her faith. She believes that success is not just about business growth but also about fostering meaningful relationships, giving back to the community, and staying true to one’s values.

In our conversation, Shay shares the importance of legacy, resilience, and balancing business with personal passions. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance in entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• How to build and sustain a thriving legacy business.
• The role of faith and family in entrepreneurship.
• The impact of giving back and fostering a strong community.
• Design insights from one of the industry’s top experts.

Three From Me:
1. Patriot Software: Patriot Software is an online accounting and payroll platform designed for small businesses, offering easy-to-use, affordable solutions for managing finances and employee payments.
2. Dot Cards - Dot Cards are digital business cards that use NFC technology and QR codes to instantly share your contact information and online profiles with a simple tap or scan.
3. Flodesk: Flodesk is an intuitive email marketing platform that empowers creators and businesses to design stunning, high-converting emails with ease.

📲 Follow Along

Host: Audrie Dollins
Instagram: @audriedollins
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest: Shay Geyer
Instagram: @ibbdesign
Instagram: @designershay
Website: www.ibbdesign.com

Final Note

You are strong, capable, and deserving of success. Surround yourself with positivity and live boldly in your purpose.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things!

Video and Sound Production provided by Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film.

Episode Sponsored by: AD Media Group @admediagrp
This Week's Favorite Quote is Sponsored by: Southern Junkiez 

🎙 Founders and Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Dr. Melisa Christian, Owner and Dentist at Dallas Dental Concierge. Born and raised in Dallas, Dr. Christian has dedicated her career to serving the oral health needs of her community. Her practice is renowned for delivering exceptional care with a personalized touch, ensuring each patient feels valued and understood.

Beyond her dental practice, Dr. Christian is an accomplished athlete. She has represented the United States in international duathlon and triathlon competitions, qualifying for multiple Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and Half Ironman World Championship events globally. As an elite runner, she qualified for both the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon. Her athletic achievements have been featured in publications such as Runner’s World and D Beauty Magazine.

Dr. Christian is also the official dentist for the Dallas Mavericks, providing exceptional care to professional athletes while building a strong community within her practice.

In our conversation, Dr. Christian discusses her philosophy that "bigger isn't always better." By maintaining a boutique dental practice, she ensures ample time to connect deeply with her patients, fostering a sense of community and trust. Her favorite quote, "It was within you all along," reflects her belief in the power of inner strength and authenticity.

Join us as we delve into Dr. Christian's journey of balancing a thriving dental practice with elite athletic pursuits, all while staying true to her core values of community connection and personal integrity.

Key Takeaways:

• The significance of building genuine relationships within your business and community.
• The advantages of maintaining a boutique practice to provide personalized care.
• Insights into balancing professional responsibilities with personal passions.

📲 Follow Along

Host Audrie Dollins

• Instagram: @audriedollins
• Website: www.audriedollins.com
• Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest Dr. Melisa Christian

• Instagram: @dallasdentalconcierge
• Website: www.dallasdentalconcierge.com

 Final Note
You are strong, capable, and deserving of success. Surround yourself with positivity and live boldly in your purpose.

Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s Do Big Things!

Video and Sound Production provided by Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film.

Founders and Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins

Episode 2: Special Guest Lisa Pineiro

What to Expect in This Episode

In this inspiring conversation, Lisa Pineiro—former television anchor, devoted mother of four boys, and founder of the innovative skincare brand Glotrition—shares her journey of building a brand that redefines beauty from the inside out.

Lisa embodies health, wellness, and positivity, and her story highlights the power of meaningful relationships and the relentless pursuit of turning dreams into reality. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to experiencing transformative “aha” moments, Lisa’s insights will leave you both motivated and uplifted.

We’ll discuss the trials and triumphs of creating a product that’s as groundbreaking as it is personal, celebrating victories both big and small, and how Lisa continues to embrace wellness as a core pillar in life and business.

Key Takeaway

"Positivity is a choice. It’s about who you surround yourself with and how you take care of yourself from the inside out." – Lisa Pineiro

Quote of the Week

Sponsored by AD Media Group
"Great things never come from comfort zones." — Unknown

This Week’s Three from Me

Actionable tools and tips to implement today:

1. Glotrition : A daily dose of beauty that works from the inside to support skin health and radiance.
2. Super Beauty Elixir:Super Beauty Elixir contains a patented Bioactive Collagen Peptide that has been clinically shown to increase skin firmness and reduce wrinkle depth in just 30 days by spurring new collagen growth.
3. Gummiceuticals: Boost your wellness routine with Glotrition's Gummiceuticals! From Mood Gummies that promote relaxation and emotional balance to Hair Rx Gummies packed with biotin and collagen for stronger, healthier hair, these delicious supplements combine beauty and wellness in every bite. 

Let’s Connect!

🎧 Tune in to this episode for an insightful and uplifting conversation with Lisa Pineiro.
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review—it helps the podcast reach more listeners!

💬 Join the Conversation
Share your favorite insights, tools, or takeaways in the comments or reviews.

📲 Follow Along

Host Audrie Dollins
Instagram: @audriedollins
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guest Lisa Pineiro
Instagram: @glowithlisap
Website: www.glotrition.com

Final Note

You are strong, capable, and deserving of success. Surround yourself with positivity and live boldly in your purpose.

Capture. Brand. Engage.
Let’s Do Big Things!

Video and Sound Production provided by Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film 

Founders and Fortitude Conversations with Audrie Dollins

Episode 2: Special Guests Samantha and Matt Reynolds

What to Expect in This Episode

In this heartfelt conversation, Samantha and Matt Reynolds share what life looks like as they balance family, the demands of a Major League Baseball career, and the incredible experience of moving from Texas to Japan with two little ones under the age of three.

We explored the highs and lows of navigating the world of Major League Baseball and the immense fortitude it took to embrace new challenges abroad. From the laughter-filled moments to their stories of resilience, this episode is a testament to the strength of partnership and the power of embracing life’s challenges head-on.

Key Takeaway

"If you are okay with failure and confident in knowing who you are, no one is judging you if you go 0-4." – Matt Reynolds

Quote of the Week

Sponsored by AD Media Group
"There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." — Derek Jeter

This Week’s Three from Me

Actionable tools and tips to implement today:

1. Sauna Box: A portable wellness sanctuary designed for relaxation, detoxification, and rejuvenation anywhere. 
2. Madeline Moves: A dynamic fitness platform offering structured workout plans to help you build strength, consistency, and confidence.
3. Pinterest Recipes: Samantha's Foodie Pinterest board is the go-to for innovative and healthy recipes for every day.

Let’s Connect!

🎧 Tune in to this episode for an inspiring look into the Reynolds' journey!
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review—it means the world to me and helps the podcast grow.

💬 Join the Conversation
Share your favorite trends, tools, or takeaways in the comments or reviews.

📲 Follow Along 

Host Audrie Dollins

• Instagram: @audriedollins
• Website: www.audriedollins.com
• Website: www.admediagroupllc.com

Guests Matt & Samantha Reynolds

• Matt Instagram: @reyrey_5 
• Samantha Instagram: @samanthalrey 

Final Note: 

You are valued, appreciated, and capable of amazing things.

Capture. Brand. Engage.
Let’s do big things!

Video and Sound Production provided by Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film 

Episode 1: Welcome to Founders and Fortitude

🎙️ Show Summary:
Welcome to the debut episode of Founders and Fortitude: Conversations with Audrie Dollins! This podcast is your go-to space for uncovering the realities of entrepreneurship, celebrating the people and teams behind the scenes, and embracing the fortitude it takes to thrive.

In this episode, I share why this podcast is a dream come true, the deeper meaning behind its name, and how I went from running a six-figure photography business to founding AD Media Group. Plus, I’ll introduce you to some exciting features of the podcast, including actionable takeaways and incredible guest insights.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• The story behind Founders and Fortitude and its mission.
• My personal journey as a founder and entrepreneur.
• A sneak peek at what’s to come, including expert guests and relatable stories.
• This week’s favorite tools, trends, and inspirations.

Founder’s Favorites:

Trending Topic: The hilarious “Suspect” meme—passive-aggressive humor at its best.
Book Recommendation: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune—an unputdownable read.
Current Song Obsession: “Ela Langley” by Riley Green—music truly fuels my soul.
Sports Teams: Dallas Stars, Mavericks, and Cowboys—I’m a proud Dallas native!

Quote of the Week:

Sponsored by Southern Junkiez, a boutique in Pilot Point, TX.

"It's easy to like those who make life fun and paths simple, but the ones worth choosing are those you respect—who challenge, push, and ultimately draw out the greatness within you, leading you to true strength and success." —Audrie Dollins

This Week’s Three from Me:

Actionable tools and tips to apply right now:

1. Asana: Organize tasks and streamline workflows.
2. Showit: Design stunning websites with ease—no coding required.
3. Flodesk: Create beautiful, branded email campaigns effortlessly.

Let’s Connect!

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review—it means the world to me and helps this podcast grow.

💬 Join the Conversation: Share your favorite trends, tools, or takeaways in the comments or reviews.

📲 Follow Along:
Instagram: @audriedollins
Instagram: @admediagrp
Website: www.audriedollins.com
Website: admediagroupllc.com

Remember: You are valued, appreciated, and capable of amazing things.
Capture. Brand. Engage. Let’s do big things together.

Video and Sound Production provided by Kris of Danielle Rankin Photo & Film