What happens when your greatest struggle becomes your greatest calling? Sarah Faulkner knows firsthand.

In 2019, Sarah survived what doctors called an "unsurvivable" brain aneurysm rupture—a miracle she credits entirely to the power of prayer. But her story of purpose began years earlier when she founded Milk Velvet Pearls, a faith-inspired jewelry brand built on the beautiful truth that God can turn our deepest pain into something precious.

In this powerful episode of Mommas Who Lead, host Laura Caroffino sits down with Sarah to explore:

• How a near-death experience clarified her divine purpose
• The inspiration behind Milk Velvet Pearls and why pearls symbolize transformation
• Practical strategies for integrating faith into business authentically
• Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood and marriage
• The journey of writing her memoir "The Making of a Pearl"
• Wisdom for women who feel called to something greater

Sarah's story is a testament to God's faithfulness and a roadmap for any woman who believes her struggles have purpose. Whether you're building a business, walking through a difficult season, or simply seeking to understand how God can use your pain for His glory, this conversation will encourage and inspire you.

About Sarah Faulkner:
Sarah is the founder of Milk Velvet Pearls, author of "The Making of a Pearl," and a sought-after speaker who shares her testimony of beauty born from struggle. She's a wife, mother, and living proof that miracles still happen.

Connect with Sarah:
Website: milkvelvetpearls.com
Instagram: @mvpearlgirl
Email: [email protected]

About Mommas Who Lead:
The podcast for faith-driven moms, mompreneurs, and women leaders who know they're made for more. Hosted by Laura Caroffino, this show brings you conversations with powerhouse guests who are building legacies at home and in the world.

Subscribe to Mommas Who Lead and join thousands of women who are stepping fully into their calling with courage, faith, and purpose. www.lauracaroffino.com

What if the biggest financial mistake you're making isn't about your investments, budget, or debt? Today's guest discovered this truth when his family faced a crisis that changed everything, and now he's helping high-earning moms build wealth that actually protects what matters most.

Laura sits down with Chirho Garcia, an independent financial advisor with Elevated Retirement Group, who brings a refreshingly human approach to financial planning. Inspired by personal family experiences of crisis and resilience, Chirho saw early that true financial guidance isn't about money itself—it's about protecting what you value most.

In this conversation, you'll discover:
• Why "controlling the gold" is the key to making your own rules
• The biggest money mistakes entrepreneurs make (hint: it's the DIY approach)
• How to get your financial house in order when you're making six figures
• Why your business shouldn't be your retirement plan
• The difference between looking wealthy and acting wealthy
• Practical first steps for working with financial professionals
• How to teach your children about money and legacy

Chirho's philosophy centers on helping clients "live out the best values of your life and create memories with the people you love"—because money isn't the goal, it's the tool to live fully, love freely, and create a legacy with purpose.

Whether you're a mompreneur struggling to balance business growth with personal financial planning, or you're ready to move beyond the overwhelm and build true financial confidence, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable guidance.

Connect with Chirho Garcia:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 951-330-4900
Complimentary strategy sessions available

Connect with Laura:
Website: lauracaroffino.com

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another mom who needs to hear this message. Until next time, keep leading, keep growing, and keep believing in what's possible.

Disclaimer:  This podcast/video has been prepared for educational and marketing purposes only. The information in this video is general in nature, does not constitute personalized investment advice, and does not provide a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All investments involve risk, and different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that any specific investment strategy will be profitable or suitable to you. Additionally, although information presented in this video is believed to be factual and up to date, we do not guarantee its accuracy.

You should consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation and should consult a professional adviser before implementing any of the strategies mentioned in this video.

Investment Advisory Services are offered through Elevated Capital Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser affiliated with Elevated Retirement Group, LLC. Registration as an investment adviser does not constitute an endorsement of Elevated Capital Advisors, LLC by securities regulators, nor does it indicate that the firm has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Insurance advice and products may be offered by a third-party insurance producer, which may be affiliated with Elevated Retirement Group, LLC and Elevated Capital Advisors, LLC.

Mommas Who lead are not clients of Elevated Capital Advisers. They have not received any cash compensation for their assistance in preparing and hosting this podcast, or for providing any endorsement contained in this podcast.

Transform how you parent your daughter with proven strategies that build unshakable confidence and self-worth.

In this essential episode, host Laura Caroffino sits down with Nellie Harden, family leadership expert and founder of the 6570 Project, to reveal the science-backed approach to raising daughters who lead with confidence.

What You'll Discover:• The critical difference between self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence—and why most parents get this wrong • The 5 pillars every daughter needs to feel truly worthy (seen, heard, loved, belonging, purpose) • How to navigate social media's impact on your daughter's confidence without being the "mean parent" • The 6570 Project: Why you have exactly 6,570 days to make your highest impact as a parent • Practical strategies for one-on-one time that actually builds connection • How to break generational cycles and heal your own wounds while parenting • Age-specific confidence-building approaches from toddler to teen years

About Nellie Harden:Mom of four daughters, biology and psychology expert, contributing writer at Focus on the Family, and author of "No-Problem Parenting." Featured on over 120 platforms for her transformative approach to family leadership.

Perfect for: Moms of daughters, parents concerned about confidence issues, families navigating social media challenges, anyone wanting to raise strong, confident girls.

Keywords: parenting daughters, building confidence, self-worth, family leadership, teen girls, social media parenting, mother-daughter relationships, raising strong girls

Resources Mentioned: nellieharden.com, 6570 Project, Focus on the Family

Subscribe to Mommas Who Lead for more conversations that help purpose-driven mommas lead with confidence in every season of life.

Feeling overwhelmed by endless opportunities and requests? In this powerful solo episode, Laura Caroffino reveals why your "no" might be the most important leadership skill you're not using as a faith-driven mom and entrepreneur.

Discover how saying no strategically can actually accelerate your business growth, protect your family time, and model healthy boundaries for your children. Laura shares her personal story of burnout from saying yes to everything and the mentor question that changed her entire approach to leadership.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• The 3-question framework for making better decisions about opportunities
• How your "no" protects your "yes" and creates space for what matters most
• Why boundaries aren't selfish—they're essential for sustainable leadership
• How to say no gracefully without guilt or lengthy explanations
• The leadership lesson your children learn when they watch you set boundaries

Perfect for: Mompreneurs, women in leadership, faith-driven business owners, and any mom who feels pulled in too many directions.

Your Challenge: Practice saying no to one thing this week that doesn't align with your core mission.

Ready to build a business that honors your values without sacrificing your family? Visit lauracaroffino.com for free resources and discover how to lead with intention in every season of life.

Connect further:  www.lauracaroffino.com 

Keywords: leadership boundaries, saying no, mompreneur advice, faith-based business, work-life balance, women entrepreneurs, mom leadership, business boundaries, intentional living, purpose-driven business

STOP! Before you create that business Instagram or build that website, listen to this episode.

After working with hundreds of purpose-driven moms, Laura Caroffino has identified the 5 foundational elements that separate successful mom entrepreneurs from those who burn out and quit within six months.

THE 5 NON-NEGOTIABLES:
✅ A crystal-clear "why" that goes deeper than money
✅ Unshakeable boundaries that protect your family first
✅ A support system that actually supports your dreams
✅ Simple systems for managing chaos
✅ A faith foundation that keeps you grounded

YOU'LL LEARN:
• Why your "why" needs to be deeper than financial freedom
• The boundary framework that protects family time while building business
• How to identify dream killers vs. dream supporters in your circle
• Laura's personal chaos management system (including her Sunday planning ritual)
• Biblical principles for business that keep you anchored
• Practical action steps for each non-negotiable

PERFECT FOR:
🎯 Christian moms ready to start their first business
🎯 Military spouse entrepreneurs seeking stability
🎯 Purpose-driven women who want work-life integration
🎯 Moms who've been burned by "hustle culture" advice
🎯 Anyone who wants to build a business that honors God

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
• Laura's personal "why" story and how it sustained her through challenges
• The truth about boundaries: good clients respect them, bad clients don't
• How to audit your inner circle for dream supporters vs. dream killers
• Simple systems that work even when you're sleep-deprived
• Faith practices for business owners that go beyond Sunday service

FOLLOW-UP EPISODE TO: "The 3 Lies Keeping Purpose-Driven Moms Stuck" - if you missed it, go back and listen first!

TAKE ACTION:
📱 Get Laura's free resources: LauraCaroffino.com/resources
💬 Join the LeadHERs Lounge community
📧 Questions? DM @LauraCaroffino on Instagram
🎯 Ready to go deeper? Check out the LeadHERs Blueprint Program

ABOUT LAURA:
Former Department of Defense contractor turned 7-figure entrepreneur, mom of 5, military spouse, and founder of multiple successful business programs. Laura helps purpose-driven women build profitable, faith-filled businesses without sacrificing their values or family.

CONNECT:
🌐 LauraCaroffino.com
📱 Instagram: @LauraCaroffino
🎙️ More episodes: Mommas Who Lead Podcast
💌 Newsletter: LauraCaroffino.com

#MomEntrepreneur #FaithDrivenBusiness #ChristianWomenInBusiness #PurposeDrivenMom #BusinessFoundation #MommasWhoLead #WorkLifeIntegration #MilitarySpouseEntrepreneur #ChristianEntrepreneur #MomBoss #BusinessMindset #FaithAndBusiness

Are you a purpose-driven mom who feels stuck between your dreams and your reality? In this powerful solo episode, Laura Caroffino exposes the three biggest lies that keep faith-driven moms from building the businesses they're called to create.

You'll discover:
• Why "I don't have enough time" is keeping you small (and what successful mompreneurs do instead)
• The qualification trap that's stealing your confidence and how your life experience IS your credential
• Why waiting until your kids are older is robbing them of seeing you live your purpose
• The real truth that will set you free to start building today

If you've been telling yourself you need to wait for the "perfect time" or that you're not ready yet, this episode will challenge everything you believe about what it takes to build a faith-filled business as a mom.

Perfect for: Mompreneurs, military spouses, women seeking purpose-driven entrepreneurship, anyone feeling stuck between motherhood and their calling.

Resources mentioned: LauraCaroffino.com/resources | Join the LeadHERs Lounge community www.facebook.com/groups/theleadherslounge 

#MomEntrepreneur #FaithDrivenBusiness #PurposeDrivenMom #WomenInBusiness #MommasWhoLead

From $0 to Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Empire in 30 Years

Join host Laura Caroffino as she interviews real estate powerhouse Ginger Faith, who has flipped over 52 houses, been featured on HGTV, and built a multi-million dollar portfolio. Discover how Ginger helps women compress time to retire in under 3 years through strategic real estate investing.

What You'll Learn:
• How to start real estate investing with NO money down
• The #1 mistake women make in real estate (and how to avoid it)
• Why 97% of commercial real estate is owned by men - and how women can change this
• Ginger's "21 Ways to Stop Chasing Hustle" framework
• Airbnb arbitrage strategies that generate passive income
• How to underwrite deals like banks do to protect your investments
• The mindset shifts that led to Ginger's breakthrough success

Perfect for: Mompreneurs, women seeking financial independence, real estate beginners, anyone wanting to build generational wealth

Guest Bio: Ginger Faith is a real estate broker, builder, CEO of Golden Canyon Properties, and founder of Women's Wealth Network. She's been featured on Fox, CBS, NBC, and Yahoo Finance, and has been investing in real estate for over 30 years.

Connect with Ginger: Facebook - Ginger Crystal Faith | Website: womenswealthnetwork.net

#RealEstateInvesting #WomenInBusiness #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #Mompreneurs #GenerationalWealth #RealEstate #WomenEmpowerment

What if you didn’t have to choose between building a thriving business and staying faithful to what matters most? In this powerful episode of Mommas Who Lead, host Laura Caroffino sits down with Vanessa Mitera, founder of Eden & Empire and creator of the Legacy by Grace Architecture, to talk about what it really means to grow a faith-first business— one that honors God, serves your family, and still thrives in the marketplace.

Vanessa brings a fresh, spirit-led approach to entrepreneurship — combining seminary training with proven business systems to help Christian women move from hustle to holy alignment.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
– Build a business rooted in biblical principles
– Align your mindset, messaging, and systems with your divine calling
– Recognize the signs of misalignment and burnout
– Market authentically without feeling “salesy”
– Create lasting Kingdom impact through your business

Whether you’re starting your first offer or scaling your next launch, this conversation will help you build from rest, not pressure — and remind you that what’s sacred doesn’t have to be sacrificed.

🎯 Connect with Vanessa Mitera:
Website: www.edenandempire.com
Instagram: @edenandempire

If you’ve ever felt torn between your big dreams and your desire to honor God, this episode will give you the clarity, peace, and practical steps to lead boldly and build with purpose.

Is college still worth the investment? As a mom, you're asking the tough questions about your child's future, and you deserve honest answers from someone who's been inside higher education for decades.

In this essential episode of Mommas Who Lead, host Laura Caroffino sits down with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, former President of Spelman College and author of "Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times." Dr. Tatum reveals the insider secrets every parent needs to know before their child steps foot on campus.

What You'll Discover:

• Why 70% of college students don't graduate and how to ensure your child isn't one of them

 • The ONE question that predicts college success (that admissions officers don't want you to ask) 

• How to evaluate college costs beyond tuition - and why sticker prices are misleading

 • The mental health crisis affecting college students and practical solutions for parents

 • "Intrusive advising" - the support system that could save your family thousands

 • Questions to ask colleges that don't appear in glossy brochures

 • How to spot red flags that signal your child won't get the support they need 

• Navigating political tensions while protecting your family's values 

• The ABCs of inclusive community: Affirming identity, Building community, Cultivating leadership

Dr. Tatum brings 13 years of college presidential experience plus decades as a psychologist and educator. Her insights on leadership, student success, and navigating turbulent times in higher education are invaluable for any parent making this crucial investment decision.

Perfect for:

• Moms with high school students researching colleges
• Parents concerned about college costs vs. value
• Families wanting to protect their values while investing in education
• Anyone questioning if college is the right path for their child
• Parents of first-generation college students

About Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum:Psychologist, award-winning author, and President Emeritas of Spelman College. She recently served as interim President of Mount Holyoke College during challenging times. Her book "Peril and Promise" offers an insider's guide to higher education.

About Mamas Who Lead:The podcast for purpose-driven mothers building faith-filled businesses and raising confident, mission-minded children. Host Laura Carafino interviews experts and leaders who help moms navigate life's biggest decisions with wisdom and confidence.

Resources Mentioned:

• "Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times" by Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum
• Connect with Dr. Tatum: BeverlyDanielTatum.com
• Join our community: LauraCarafino.com/resources

Keywords: college admissions, higher education, parenting advice, college costs, student success, college preparation, mom podcast, parenting podcast, education podcast, college planning, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, Spelman College, college president, student mental health, college graduation rates, purpose-driven parenting

Subscribe to Mamas Who Lead for conversations that help purpose-driven mothers lead with confidence in every season of life.

Clarity is the secret weapon of great leadership—and it’s something you can create every week. In this episode of Mommas Who Lead, host Laura Caroffino shares the 5 weekly decisions that help moms, mompreneurs, and women in leadership cut through overwhelm and lead with confidence.

You’ll discover:

• How to decide what gets your yes and no each week
• A simple way to take control of your time and avoid energy leaks
• Why identifying who most needs your leadership sharpens your focus
• The key to defining what success really means this week
• How celebration fuels momentum for moms in business and life

If you’re tired of feeling pulled in a million directions, this episode will help you step into your week with clarity, purpose, and focus—so you can lead boldly at home and in business.

✨ Ready to build leadership rhythms that stick? Apply for Laura’s 90-Day Coaching Program at lauracaroffino.com.