“...if this goes out and this doesn't work, that's going to suck.But I wanted to actually put it out from a place of very genuine. I don't know how this is going to go. I didn't just publish this because I know what the ending was. So it was a real place of vulnerability for me.”
In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Lisa Simone Richards, founder of Pearl Spark Pages and creator of the Female Founders Journal, for a raw, honest conversation about trusting yourself before the outcome is guaranteed.
Lisa shares the full-circle story behind her journal—from a spark of inspiration in a bookstore during a season of deep self-doubt, to launching a wildly successful Kickstarter just 13 months later. After spending 20 years in PR, Lisa opens up about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the moment she realized she could no longer push the same boulder uphill.

What we talked about:
Spark of an Idea [4:11]
Moving the Idea Forward [7:36]
Feedback for Consideration [13:50]
Kickstarter Campaign [19:09]
Connectivity is KEY [23:04]
Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend!

Connect with Lisa:

⁠@lisasimonerichards ⁠on Instagram

Lisa Simone Richards on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Pearl Spark Pages⁠

@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram

Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠
Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠

⁠⁠

@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠

Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠

 ⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the ⁠Entreprenista League ⁠today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 

Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders 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,⁠ social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠iHeart Radio⁠

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Twitter,⁠ ⁠Instagram,⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn.⁠ And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – ⁠visit our website.