"When our minds and our bodies are in alignment, when our thoughts and our actions are congruent and they're happening parallel, then we're actually living in a space where we're living slower lives, where we're not hurting people as much, where we're not as in threat as much, where we're more flexible and nuanced."

In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Carlyn and Ingrid sit down with Dominique Harrison, founder of The Racial Equity Therapist, to explore how systemic norms have historically privileged white male entrepreneurs and how we can rewrite the rules by centering Black, BIPOC, and femme founders. Dominique breaks down why starting with those who’ve been marginalized doesn’t just fill gaps, it creates a rising tide for all entrepreneurs.

Dominique also shares personal stories from her journey as a therapist and entrepreneur, and unpacks the mindset shifts needed to move from scarcity to abundance. From financial planning mentorship to reparative leadership practices, this conversation is a call to action: let's work to stop gatekeeping resources, start repeating equitable practices, and watch the colorful garden that blooms.

What We Talked About:

Domenique’s Mission [3:35]

How We Can Help as Leaders [14:00]

How to Recognize Racialized Trauma in Yourself [18:50]

Repetition and Practice [24:30]

Connect with Domenique:

theracialequitytherapist.com

@theracialequitytherapist on Instagram

Domenique Harrison, MPH, LMFT, LPCC on 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!

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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.

Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC.

“When you're dealing with a challenging person, it's not necessarily that they have something against you, there might be something going on in their business, in their life, or maybe they just don't understand, especially when it comes to community.”

Ever found yourself saying "Sure, I can do that!" only to realize later it was a major time-suck and distraction from your true zone of genius? On this episode of Startups and Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read dive into the tough but necessary lessons of setting boundaries, vetting clients, and knowing when to say no.

From overpromising early in business to recognizing red flags before they become full-blown problems, Carlyn and Ingrid share their personal stories of difficult client relationships, including the moment they had to "break up" with a client to protect their team and sanity.

Tune in for real talk on turning challenging client situations into growth opportunities because your time, energy, and expertise deserve to be valued.

What We Talked About:

Avoid Overextending and Overpromising [3:30]

Carlyn Shares a Client Story [9:20]

Letting a Client Go [17:30]

How to Say No to a Potential Client [24:25]

Communication is Key [29:10]

Connect with

carlynbushmanconsulting.com

@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram

Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn

workingmomkind.com

@itsingridsworld 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 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.

Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC.

“Just start somewhere and I promise you, like when you open it out to the universe and you put it out there, the right people and the right connections will come into your path.”

In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Carlyn and Ingrid sit down with Traci Channer, founder of The Decided Collection, a pajama brand for tween girls designed to boost confidence and self-acceptance. Traci shares her journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship, revealing how her daughter’s struggle to find stylish, comfortable pajamas sparked a mission-driven business. She opens up about the messy middle of entrepreneurship, the power of trusting her gut, and how her family’s adoption journey deepened her purpose.

Traci also dives into the realities of pivoting from a 15-year corporate career, the importance of community (especially through platforms like Entreprenista), and how she involves her daughter in the business as her toughest and most honest critic. Whether you’re a mom, a founder, or a fellow Mamaprenista, you’ll want to hear Traci’s family-oriented insights, and her amazing story.

What We Talked About:

Traci’s Journey Starting The Decided Collection [3:30]

How the Entreprenista League Helped Traci [14:50]

Keeping Your “Why” in Focus [29:00]

Connect with Traci:

The Decided Collection

Traci Channer on LinkedIn

@thedecidedcollection on IG

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.

Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC.

“You could have the best product, book, service, whatever it is, but if you don't talk about it or anything, how will people know to buy it?”

Are you tired of obsessing over LinkedIn impressions and likes? In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Ingrid Zapata Read and Carlyn Bushman sit down with Natasha Walstra, founder of NearPoint Strategies and a social selling coach, to discuss why real business growth happens off the platform.

Natasha shares how she transformed LinkedIn from a corporate networking tool into a powerful lead generation engine without resorting to spammy tactics. She breaks down the marketing psychology behind high-converting personal brands and explains why engagement metrics don’t always equal revenue. You’ll learn how to craft a content strategy that attracts ideal clients, nurture genuine relationships, and ultimately convert followers into paying customers, without sounding salesy.

What We Talked About:

How Natasha Found Her Passion [2:55]

How Natasha Finds Her Self-Confidence [10:45]

Why is Personal Branding So Important? [18:51]

Approach LinkedIn Like You Approach Real Life [28:25]

Connect with Natasha:

Natasha Walstra on LinkedIn

nearpointstrategies.com

@nearpoint.strategies 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 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.

Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC.

“We have to practice on just a simple daily basis, waking up in the morning, and just starting to tune in. What is the message that my body is giving me today? How do I feel?”

In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Carlyn and Ingrid sit down with Emily Aarons, business strategist, energy healer, and creator of The Energetic Advantage. Emily shares her unique approach to blending energy work with practical business strategy, helping entrepreneurs align their energy to scale sustainably and soulfully. With 25 years of experience in energy healing, Emily dives into why healing isn’t a "one-and-done" process, it’s a continuous journey of growth.

Emily shares why business growth and spiritual growth go hand-in-hand: you can’t build a thriving brand without doing the deeper soul work. From throat chakra blocks (hello, visibility fears), to heart chakra boundaries (why do we struggle so much with saying no?), Emily unpacks common energetic hurdles for women founders and shares rituals to stay aligned amid the chaos. Plus, don’t miss Emily tapping into Carlyn’s and Ingrid’s energy, revealing intuitive insights about their next paths.

What we talked about:

How Emily Discovered Her Mission [3:40]

Most Common Energetic Blocks [12:00]

Emily’s Advice for Finding Clarity in Chaos [21:05]

Emily Taps into Carlyn and Ingrid’s Energy [34:30]

Connect with Emily:

Emily's Exclusive Entreprenista League Event

emilyaarons.com@emilyaarons on Instagram

Emily Aarons on LinkedIn

Aligned and Unstoppable Podcast

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.

Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC.

“I am passionate about helping women make money. I've always worked for great women leaders and female founded companies. So that was when I decided to make the pivot and really focus on women small business service-preneur companies.”

This Week on Startups in Stilettos, Carlyn and Ingrid meet with sales strategist Jac White, founder of Honeybees Group and host of the Girls Make Bank Podcast. Since 2020, 47% of new businesses have been launched by women, many fleeing corporate burnout, layoffs, or inflexible return-to-office mandates. But there’s one critical skill holding us back: charging what we’re worth.

With 20+ years of experience, from VC-backed startups to coaching female founders, Jac reveals the mindset shifts that helped her pivot successfully (and profitably) when corporate refugees began flooding the entrepreneurial space. Get ready for her best advice on pricing with confidence, protecting your time without guilt, and building sales systems that actually work, not just another Instagram course disguised as strategy.

What We Talked About:

How Jac Launched Honeybees Group [3:45]

How to Get Past Being Uncomfortable with Selling Yourself [10:00]

What Metrics Should You Track? [20:45]

How Jac Found Good Mentors [31:10]

Connect with Jac:

@iamjacwhite on Instagram

@honeybeesgroup on Instagram

LinkedIn

Honeybees Group

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.

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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.

Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC.

“I want each one to feel special while they are traveling with me. Others say to me, 'Oh, you're supposed to do a lot of group tours. That's going to bring you a lot of profits.' I'm saying leave this aside because it's not about profit. This is about people.”

When 2020 brought global travel to a halt, Siham Lahmine saw an unexpected opportunity: to bet on herself. Leaving behind a stable career in education (and a seven-year role at a tourism company), she launched Morocco Travel Organizer, curating immersive, luxury experiences that go beyond the guidebooks. But her journey wasn’t just about pivoting, it was about rewriting her own rules.

Siham’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of patience and intuition. While many rushed to pivot in 2020, she took two years to refine her vision, proving that timing isn’t just about opportunity, but readiness.

What we talked about:

How Siham Discovered Her Passion [2:45]

Blending Local Food with Travel [7:50]

Building a Loyal Customer Base without a Large Marketing Budget [17:00]

How an International Business Can Connect with the US [27:45]

Connect with Siham:

Morocco Travel Organizer

LinkedIn

@sihamlahmine on Instagram

@moroccotravelorganizer on Instagram

Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas 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 and social channels, and access to Office Hours with top founders who have been on our show! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Entreprenista Podcast - the most fun business meeting for women founders and leaders. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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“Community forms when people see themselves in your story, your mission, or your message.”

In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Ingrid shares the cornerstone of her business success, community. From building real relationships to creating a support system that persists through both wins and setbacks, Ingrid shares how authentic connection is the true magic behind growing a thriving business.

You'll learn why community isn’t about follower counts or endless online posting, but about genuine support, belonging, and showing up for others. Ingrid debunks common misconceptions, shares practical tips to start building your own community today, and emphasizes that every business, regardless of industry, can benefit from meaningful relationships.

What we talked about:

The Value of Real Connection [2:45]

Showing Up for Others [7:50]

Building a Unique Community [9:20]

How to Start [11:30]

Connect with Ingrid:

@itsingridsworld on Instagram

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 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.

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“I had to do a lot of mindset work around starting to trust myself, building my confidence, telling myself that I could do this and there was nothing more empowering for me than actually launching and continuing to grow.”

What We Talked About:

Planting the Seeds for Le Lolo [3:25]

How Courtney Fostered Visibility for Le Lolo [10:00]

The Moment Courtney Knew Le Lolo was Working [18:30]

Why Family is Number One [24:25]

Connect with Courtney:

@wearelelolo on Instagram

Le Lolo Postpartum on Facebook

@wearelelolo on TikTok

Le Lolo's 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!

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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.

“Understand your mission. What are you trying to solve? That is the biggest thing. It's not about your idea, it's really about the problem.”

Nomiki Petrolla is the founder of Theanna, a social network focused on action opportunity and collaboration for all women tech founders, from idea to scale. Tune in and hear what Nomiki has to say about having a high tolerance for risk, her six-step framework for clients, and maintaining work-life integration.

What we talk about:

Common challenges for women entrepreneurs (07:58)

Scaling a business with a family (13:50)

Advancing gender equality and diversity in entrepreneurship (17:10)

Connect with Nomiki:

@NomikiPetrolla on IG

Theanna

Nomiki's 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!

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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

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.