Self StartHER

In this short solo episode, Megan Tobler discusses the challenges and nuances of being a mompreneur, particularly in how society perceives work and the importance of owning one's narrative. She emphasizes the need for a clear and confident elevator pitch to communicate one's value and the work being done, especially in the context of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, she encourages listeners to embrace their stories and articulate their contributions with pride.

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

Ever feel like you’re crushing it at work (or trying to) but your body’s like… “girl, I’m tired”? Same. That’s why in this episode, I sat down with Vesna Rysdale, a health coach who ditched her corporate job to help women stop putting their wellness on the back burner.

We talk about:

• Why your health is the real flex—not the hustle.

• What it means to eat intuitively (yes, you can trust yourself again!)

• How Vesna helps her clients create real, lasting change—without obsessing over kale or carbs.

• What to do when the traditional healthcare system just isn’t cutting it.

• And the one mindset shift that could totally change your energy, your business, and your life.

This one’s packed with truth bombs, real-life stories, and reminders that you can’t build an empire if your body’s waving the white flag. If you’ve been feeling blah, burnt out, or just low-key disconnected from your body—this convo is your wake-up call.

Learn more about Vesna: 

Visit the website

Follow on Instagram @vesnarysdale 

Connect on Linkedin

Join the next Cleanse!

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

If you’ve ever been told no—to a pitch, a podcast request, a dream opportunity—or felt overwhelmed by a thousand unsolicited opinions, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Megan opens up about the rejections she faced early on when launching the Self StartHER podcast and business—and what she learned from every “no” along the way.

From being turned down by people she knew when inviting them onto her show… to getting ghosted after applying for summits… to navigating the noise of well-meaning advice from everyone and their mom—this episode will remind you that rejection isn’t the end. It’s just part of the story.

✨ What You'll Learn:

• Why rejection doesn’t mean your idea isn’t valid

• How to separate helpful feedback from distracting noise

• The mindset shift that helped Megan keep going through early “no’s”

• A 4-step toolkit to handle rejection and keep moving

• How to stay committed to your vision when no one else sees it yet

If you're navigating the messy middle of building something on your own terms, this pep talk is your reminder to keep showing up anyway.

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

In this episode, Nicole Smith shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketer to the founder of Flytographer, an innovative online marketplace for vacation photography. Here are the key highlights:

• Inspiration Behind Flytographer: Nicole's entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a transformative trip to Paris, where she realized the need for high-quality vacation photos.

• Challenges of Leaving Corporate: Leaving her stable job presented significant challenges, but Nicole's passion for her business idea kept her motivated.

• The Importance of Belief: Nicole emphasizes the crucial role of self-belief in entrepreneurship, urging others to trust in their ideas even in the face of rejection.

• Lessons Learned: She discusses the necessity of a supportive network and highlights the impact of mindset and self-awareness in overcoming obstacles.

In this solo 4th of July episode, Megan is flipping the script on what freedom really looks like for women building businesses on their own terms. Spoiler: it’s not just about quitting your job or hitting a revenue goal.

Drawing inspiration from her recent interview with short-term rental expert Madeleine Raiford-Holland, Megan dives into the three types of freedom every Self StartHER should be building for—time, financial, and creative. She shares personal stories, actionable tips, and the mindset shifts that helped her go from laid off and pregnant to building a business and podcast that lights her up.

Whether you’re in the early stages of starting something or simply craving more flexibility, this episode will help you get clear on the kind of freedom you’re really after—and how to take your next best step toward it.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why freedom isn’t just about money (and what it really looks like)

• How to create more time freedom, even if your schedule is tight

• A simple first step to start building financial freedom now

• The creative freedom that comes when you stop waiting for permission

• Why starting small still counts—and might be exactly what you need
  

Links & Resources:

Connect on Instagram: @selfstarther

Join Self StartHER's TogetHER Community

Thinking about dipping your toes into entrepreneurship but not sure where to start? This one’s for you.

In today’s episode, Megan Tobler sits down with Madeleine Raiford-Holland, a Self StartHER who left her steady corporate job behind to build a thriving business in the short-term rental space—all without owning a single property at first.

We talk about what it really looks like to bet on yourself, how to enter the Airbnb game without a ton of upfront cash, and why a strong “why” can carry you further than the perfect business plan ever could. Madeleine breaks down how she built her business one rental at a time, her smart strategies for getting bookings outside of Airbnb, and how she turned her passion into a coaching program for other women ready to start.

Whether you're craving more freedom, dreaming of a side hustle, or ready to take your first step into entrepreneurship, Madeleine's story will show you what’s possible when you stop waiting for perfect and just start.

Learn more about Madeleine:

Follow Madeleine on Instagram

Get all her resources

Sign up for her newsletter

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

Are you a mompreneur trying to grow a business that doesn’t drain your energy or pull you away from what matters most? In this empowering episode, Megan Tobler shares why building a business that aligns with your personal values, lifestyle, and motherhood journey is more sustainable—and more fulfilling—than following rigid, one-size-fits-all strategies.

Megan opens up about her own path as a business owner and mom, and how listening to her instincts helped her pivot, slow down when needed, and redefine success on her own terms. If you’ve ever felt pressure to follow someone else’s blueprint, this episode will help you feel seen—and inspired to create a business that truly fits your life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why cookie-cutter business strategies often don’t work for moms

• How to build a business around your life—not the other way around

• The power of trusting your intuition in business decisions

• Why success looks different for every mom entrepreneur

• Tips for balancing authenticity, motherhood, and entrepreneurship

• How to give yourself permission to pivot, pause, or grow at your own pace

Perfect for: Moms building a business from home, women navigating business and motherhood, new entrepreneurs looking for authentic strategies, or anyone craving more alignment and purpose in their work.

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

Natalie Zaun is a Pediatric Sleep Consultant who is committed to encouraging and guiding parents through the process - empowering them to create peaceful, sustainable sleep routines for their children and themselves.

In this conversation, Megan Tobler and Natalie discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of sleep for both parents and children, and the journey of becoming a pediatric sleep consultant. 

Natalie shares her unconventional path from musical theater to sleep consulting, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to sleep training. They explore the balance of work and family life, the significance of self-care, and the empowerment of mothers in their parenting journeys.

Key Takeaways

• Sleep is essential for busy mothers.

• Every child is unique and requires a tailored approach.

• Building a business can be done with support from others.

• Self-care is crucial for effective parenting.

• It's never too late to implement healthy sleep habits.

Learn more about Natalie: 

• Visit Natalie’s Website

• Follow Natalie on Instagram @nataliezaun

• Looking to hire Natalie? Use code: NatalieZ for 10% off full paid package

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!

In this solo episode, Megan shares what she’s learned about taking bold action—even when fear is loud. Inspired by her conversation with Marina Middleton (and a powerful story about one brave voice message that changed everything), Megan breaks down what it looks like to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start trusting your gut.

From launching the Self StartHER podcast with no business behind it to building the TogetHER community without a big audience, Megan gets real about pushing through fear and choosing courage, clarity, and momentum instead.

Whether you’re sitting on a dream or second-guessing your next step, this episode will remind you: 

Fear doesn’t mean stop.
 It means go anyway.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why fear is a sign you’re dreaming big enough

• The bold voice note that changed Marina Middleton’s life (and how you can do the same)

• How Megan launched her community without a perfect plan

• Why relationships grow when you nurture them—not network them

• What happens when you stop apologizing and start showing up boldly

• A shoutout to Teresa (the coach who changed Megan’s trajectory—and how that relationship began with a podcast)
  

Resources & Links:

• Listen to Marina Middleton’s full episode → APPLE or SPOTIFY 

• Join the TogetHER community

  
  

  Say hi on Instagram → @selfstarther.her  https://www.instagram.com/selfstart.her/ 

Marina Middleton is the CEO and Partner at Create & Cultivate, the largest events and media platform advancing women by providing access to resources, connections, and opportunities. Before acquiring Create & Cultivate in 2023, Marina built digital media campaigns for Fortune 500 companies at Yahoo! and Tumblr and has consulted hundreds of female founders, helping them scale their businesses and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Boston-based wife and mother Marina has earned features in Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, and other top publications. As a speaker, she addresses key topics like entrepreneurship, raising venture capital, scaling businesses, fostering inclusive communities, business growth strategies, and more.

In this episode of Self StartHER,  Megan Tobler sits down with Marina Middleton—CEO of Create & Cultivate—to talk about her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur. Marina opens up about how she acquired the iconic women’s media brand, the mindset shifts she had to make as a female founder, and how she's balancing business leadership with motherhood.

Together, Megan and Marina dive into what it really takes to start and scale a business, the power of women supporting women, and why self-reflection and vision are non-negotiable for long-term success. Whether you’re growing a business during nap time or dreaming about leaving your 9-5, this episode is packed with actionable advice and honest insights for female entrepreneurs at any stage.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Marina transitioned from corporate to entrepreneurship—and how you can too

• Why having mentors and a strong support system accelerates growth

• The role of networking in building a personal brand and business

• Tips for balancing career ambitions and motherhood

• The importance of taking messy action and learning as you go

• Why celebrating small wins fuels long-term motivation

• How creating a clear vision helps guide your business decisions

• How to embrace uncertainty and still move forward
  

If you're a woman building a business (or thinking about starting one), this conversation is the reminder you need that you’re not alone—and that the risk is worth it.

Learn more about Marina and Create and Cultivate: 

Visit the Create & Cultivate Website

Follow Create & Cultivate on Instagram

Follow Marina on Instagram

Want to go to Create & Cultivate’s upcoming Festival? Use CODE FINAL20OFF for 20% off your ticket! 

Want more from Self StartHER?

• Join the TogetHER community

• Follow us on Instagram @selfstart.her

• Rate, Review & Follow -  If this episode helped you, the best way to support us is by rating and reviewing the show—and sharing it with another Self StartHER in your life!