Vana Chupp didn’t set out to start a business. She was a stay-at-home mom with a background in architecture and a passion for capturing moments through silhouette sketches of her son. What began as a creative outlet on Etsy has grown into a thriving lifestyle brand featured at Pottery Barn Kids. Vana talks with Kara about building a business on her own terms, redefining success after burnout, and what it means to grow at a pace that actually fits your life. She shares how her Greek upbringing shaped her values, why she and her architect husband now work side by side, and what’s next for the studio she once considered shutting down.

Chapters:

00:00 From architecture to entrepreneurship

01:00 The early days of Etsy and silhouette sketches

03:45 How motherhood shaped Vana’s business goals

05:00 Rebranding from Le Papier Studio to Vana Chupp Studio

06:30 Infusing architecture into heirloom jewelry and portraits

08:00 Running a family business with her husband

09:30 Juggling mom life and entrepreneurship

11:15 Scaling slowly vs. chasing rapid growth

13:45 Hiring her first full-time employees

15:00 Getting a business coach and embracing slow growth

17:00 Naming the business after herself

18:30 Relocating to Richmond and hitting reset

20:45 Honoring creativity and intuition in business

22:00 How being born in Greece shaped her entrepreneurial values

24:00 Navigating family expectations around career

26:00 Building a brand that supports work-life alignment

28:15 Finding support through mastermind communities

30:00 Redefining power, legacy, and leadership

32:30 Local impact and giving back through the business

35:15 What makes a good life according to Vana

37:30 Celebrating the Pottery Barn Kids partnership

39:45 Advice for other entrepreneurs and moms

42:00 Where to follow and support Vana Chupp Studio

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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