“I would say first and foremost, lean into that fear of the unknown...you are so much more capable than you think you are.”

In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, we sit down with Samantha Gold, the innovative founder of Motette—an elevated children’s pajama brand that seamlessly blends comfort, style, and a sprinkle of magic. Join hosts Carlyn Bushman and Richelle Pena as they dive into Samantha's inspiring journey as a Mamaprenista, exploring her mission to bring stylish and functional sleepwear to parents everywhere.

After the birth of her two children, Samantha found herself struggling to find high-quality, stylish pajamas for her little ones. Driven by passion and necessity, she launched Motette, focusing on timeless designs made from super-soft, eco-friendly bamboo.

Motette officially launches on March 14th at 12PM EST!

Entreprenistas get 20% of their first purchase with code Entreprenista20

What we talked about:

How Samantha got started [5:30]

The importance of a good vendor [9:00]

Samantha’s approach to social media and community [12:30]

Putting emphasis on work-life balance [27:00]

Connect with Samantha

Website

Linkedin

Instagram

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 Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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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.

“You know what? I am really good at this and I think if I put my whole heart into it, I can make this something.”

In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, we celebrate the transformative power of dance with Emily Esposito, founder of Anyone Can Dance, a New York City-based dance studio. After 20 years of teaching children and performing in theater, Emily pivoted in 2020, discovering her passion for helping adult beginners learn rhythm and confidence. Whether it's to prepare for their wedding dance or simply to break free from the constraints of everyday life, Emily emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and non-competitive environment for her students. Tune in to hear a testament to what can be accomplished when one fuses passion with scrappy business sense.

What we talk about:

The early days of Anyone Can Dance [5:00]

How Emily leverages her network [11:15]

Emily’s advice for founders [14:15]

How Emily's growing her business [20:10]

Connect with Emily:

Website

Instagram

Linkedin

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.

“[Applying for an award] caused me to pause in my business and reflect on the wonderful things that I’ve been able to accomplish.”

Welcome back to Startups and Stilettos! In this minisode where your hosts Carlyn Bushman and Richelle Pena dive into tips and tricks for applying to this year’s Entreprenista 100 Awards. Having been both a judge and an applicant, Carlyn brings a unique perspective and tons of insider insights while Richelle brings motivational and thought-provoking advice. You'll learn all the benefits of winning awards and how to leverage them for personal branding and credibility in your industry.

What we talked about:

Carlyn describes what it was like when she applied [1:35]

What winning can do for your personal brand [5:13]

The power of “Just getting started” [7:11]

Put your best heel forward—because if you don’t apply, you can't win.

Apply for an Entreprenista 100 Award today!

Connect with Carlyn

Website

Linkedin

Instagram

Connect with Richelle

Linkedin

Website

Instagram

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.

“We don't have to do a million things, we just have to do the right things. We often feel like ‘I don't have a big budget to spend on ads and that's why I'm not successful.’ We're chasing all of these different marketing tactics… In truth, we don't actually need to be doing that much.”

Lindsey Breitwieser spent nearly a decade of her career in marketing working in-house for international agencies, but after starting a family, she realized it was time to find a solution to feeling chained to her desk. Now, Lindsey is the founder of The CMO Lab, a boutique marketing consulting company that delivers top tier marketing strategy and leadership to burgeoning and established B2M and service based businesses. With more than 15 years of experience with high revenue brands and global ad agencies, Lindsey acts as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer to guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of marketing in order to foster growth and mitigate burnout. Established in 2021, The CMO Lab realizes Lindsay's vision of providing expert marketing guidance for businesses at pivotal stages, equipping entrepreneurs for sustainable growth and long term success. Tune in and hear Lindsey’s advice on when it’s time to outsource your marketing strategy, the importance of taking a holistic marketing approach, and how she leverages data to make an impact.

What we talk about:

Connect with Lindsey:

LinkedIn

The CMO Lab

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.

“Every single successful speaker you admire started with their first speech.”

In this empowering episode of Startups and Stilettos, host Richelle Pena tackles one of the most common fears among entrepreneurs: public speaking and media appearances. From shaking during her first TV interview to confidently hosting speaking events and podcasts, Richelle shares her journey and actionable tips to help you overcome your fears. Learn how to embrace opportunities, build your "courage muscle," and connect authentically with your audience. Whether you're speaking to five people or five hundred, this episode is packed with practical advice, from crafting compelling stories to mastering TV and podcast appearances. Tune in to discover how to turn your nerves into confidence and let your voice shine.

What we talked about:

Richelle’s public speaking journey [1:38]

Repetition leads to results [3:20]

How to develop your unique voice [4:29]

Speaking in front of a large audience [8:31]

Closing tips [9:49]

Connect with Richelle:

Instagram

Linkedin

Website

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 Podcast Network. 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.

"Every obstacle becomes an opportunity. Every mistake becomes a lesson. And this mindset shift didn't just help our business, it transformed our marriage as well."

In this special minisode, host Richelle Pena kicks off 2025 with a revealing discussion on balancing marriage and business alongside her husband, sharing insights from their newly released book, The Power Couple. Tune in as Richelle reflects on their transformative journey from zero patients to a thriving multi-million dollar business. Discover the raw, honest strategies that helped them face the complexities of entrepreneurship and maintain a loving partnership, uncovering the real secrets to success in both business and life.

What she shared:

Overview of the episode’s focus and the release of The Power Couple. (01:20)

Richelle's husband and his struggle with mental health. (03:00)

Introduction of the GFB Principle: God, Family, Business. (5:46)

The "gold mine" in entrepreneurship. (9:33)

The aftermath of the sale. (11:39)

Final thoughts and a call to action. (12:48)

Connect with Richelle:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

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 Podcast Network. 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.

"Community is everything, especially when you're balancing life as a single mom and an entrepreneur."

In this heartfelt minisode, Carlyn Bushman reflects on the life lessons her children have taught her throughout the years and how those lessons have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Carlyn also shares about the importance of building and leaning into a supportive community, sharing how her own experiences as a single mom in corporate America taught her resilience, vulnerability, and the power of connection. Join Carlyn as she inspires fellow Mamaprenistas to embrace their journeys with grace and strength.

What We Talked About:

Balancing life as a single mother and corporate professional (00:56)

Lessons learned from parenting and their impact on entrepreneurship (02:45)

The importance of community and vulnerability in business (04:30)

Celebrating challenges and victories with your support system (06:12)

Connect with Carlyn:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

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.

“In the beginning, if you don't have a team or a system or community around you, it's very easy to feel lost. There are these amazing communities out there for amazing female founders that will really help guide and support you. So, the greatest lesson I learned pretty quickly was that you're never alone. Or, if you feel alone, there are ways to get out of that.”

When trademark attorney Lauren Bercuson began the process of founding her own boutique firm, she quickly learned just how lonely and intimidating the process could be. Now, Lauren is the founder of Storylock Legal where she helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of intellectual property. At Storylock Legal, Lauren uses her unique blend of legal expertise and creative talent as the foundation of her company. Her dedication to providing honest, ethical guidance and personalized attention has helped her build strong relationships with a diverse clientele from startup business owners to creatives of all kinds. Tune in and hear how Lauren balances being an Entreprenista with family life, the power of joining a community of founders, and her early lessons on founding her own firm.

What we talk about:

The difference between a trademark and copyright (04:30)

Knowing when the right time is to file a trademark or copyright (07:22)

As an entrepreneur, you're never alone… even if it feels that way (10:57)

Lauren’s children’s book reviews (15:18)

The power of the community you can find in a book club (21:23)

The resources Lauren offers for budding Entreprenistas (23:31)

Connect with Lauren:

Storylock Legal

Instagram

LinkedIn

Happily Ever Elephants on Instagram

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|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|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.

“This is the month to revisit your benchmarks. Measure where you are and plan where you need to go."

In this episode, Carlyn Bushman shares actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs set meaningful benchmarks and track their progress effectively. From building dashboards to leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for growth, Carlyn breaks down how to measure success and prepare for the year ahead. Whether it's growing your email list or increasing revenue, Carlyn provides insights to help founders turn their goals into results. Tune in and start building the systems that will drive your business forward.

What we talk about:  

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|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|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.

“Just getting started, just stepping into it is so critical. And don't worry about what everybody else thinks all the time. That is the one thing I wish I would have really thought about when I started my business is, don't worry. Comparison is the thief of joy. So just get out there and just do it."

Today’s Startups in Stilettos is a minisode all about US! Tune in to hear Carlyn Bushman and Richelle Pena formally introduce ourselves and our entrepreneurial journeys to the SiS audience and the Entreprenista League community. We also share our BIGGEST business secrets that all founders need to hear.

What we talk about:  

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|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|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.