“We have an opportunity to really step into that power of the purse. In five years, [women] are going to own two thirds of the wealth in this country.”

This week, Carlyn sits down with Natalie Benamou, founder of HerCsuite, a platform dedicated to elevating leaders and advance women in the second half of their careers.

Carlyn and Natalie talk about the need for women founders to connect and support one another, especially in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. Natalie shares the rapidly growing financial “power of the purse” and how women, as moms, caregivers, and partners, are the household decision-makers when it comes to spending.

Whether you’re a founder, leader, or simply looking to ignite your next chapter, this episode is for you. Tune in and learn how to shine your light bright—because the world truly needs you.

What we talked about:

Introducing Natalie and Her Passion for HerCsuite [2:40]

The Power of the Purse [6:14]

How to Leverage Your Community [22:30]

Final Thoughts and Call to Action [28:45]

Connect with Natalie:

LinkedIn

HerCsuite

Women Leaders on the Move

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 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 have to have a brand today. It's more than just companies who are brands—people are brands today, too. That's the only way you're going to cut through the noise."

Liz Brunner, founder of Brunner Communications, is sharing her best tips for making your voice heard and building a personal brand.

After 28 years in TV news, Liz Brunner knew there was something else she was meant to do, but she could never pinpoint exactly what that was—until she realized her power was in her own value. Today, Liz specializes in training and communication coaching. Liz is also a keynote speaker, expert storyteller, certified professional consultant and best selling author. Liz uses her experience to empower leaders to find their authentic voice. Tune in and learn what Liz told us about sharing value with others, her advice on public speaking, and how to set yourself apart from the crowd.

What we talk about:

Public speaking secrets [05:04]

How 2020 caused rapid changes in business leadership [10:47]

The importance of experiences [13:29]

Commanding respect as a woman in business [19:10]

It’'s okay to be new at something again [24:38]

Connect with Liz:

@LizBrunner on IG

Facebook

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 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 think that my favorite thing about numbers is that, to me, they are a language to decode, and the most beautiful language because it's the language of truth.”

In today’s episode, Carlyn and Richelle speak with Melissa Armstrong, founder of SteadyHand Accounting and Advisory. Melissa has managed more than $500 million in corporate revenue over a 21 year career, and is passionate about helping women entrepreneurs decode their finances and build sustainable growth.

Throughout the episode, Melissa shares her journey, from initially rejecting and then finding passion for the family trade, to how she evolved her career into a platform to empower other entrepreneurs.

Through her empathetic approach, Melissa provides actionable insights, ensuring women entrepreneurs feel equipped to take control of their financial narratives.

Tune in to hear about the value of numbers, their innate honesty, and how Melissa uses them to help entrepreneurs just like yourself.

What we talked about:

How Melissa Discovered Her Mission [3:00]

When is the Right Time to Leave Your Corporate Position [7:45]

What Financial Blind Spots Are Common in Women-led Startups? [16:00]

How Melissa Strategically Grows Business [22:00]

Connect with Melissa:

Steady Hand Accounting

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.

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

“How can I meet the needs of my therapists, my staff, my clients, my prospective clients, and then the community at large? When you look at it through the lens of social psychology, the focus is on relationships.”

In this insightful conversation, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Richelle Pena sit down with Natalie Rosado, a therapist, speaker, and founder of Tampa Counseling Place. Natalie blends her expertise in mental health with her passion for social justice, aiming to help women break barriers and embrace their full potential.

Join us as we explore Natalie’s journey from being the first in her family to pursue higher education, to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She shares the challenges of navigating a new industry and how her background in sociology and psychology paved the way for her thriving practice.

Tune in to discover powerful strategies for creating a flourishing business while preserving your mental health and building meaningful connections.

Natalie is also a member of the Entreprenista Expert Council, thought leaders who are sharing expert advice and actionable insights on Entreprenista.com to help women founders grow and scale with confidence.

What we talked about:

Natalie’s Personal Mission [2:45]

How to Utilize Your Full Potential in Business [5:50]

When to Consider Therapy [10:50]

Natalie’s Unconventional Approaches [21:20]

Connect with Natalie:

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.

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.

"Every time we get on stage, we have the opportunity to tell our story and to really be seen for what we're doing and what we know."

This episode is packed with invaluable advice on the art of public speaking. As PR director for several enterprise software companies, part of Bobbie Carlton’s job is getting executives on stage at conferences and events. But after 20 years in the business, she was tired of supporting solely male executives and knew it was time for her to take matters into her own hands when supporting women in business.

Today, Bobbie is the founder of Carlton PR & Marketing, Innovation Nights, and Innovation Women. She is an engaging speaker who passionately advocates for public speaking as a catalyst for career and business success. A TEDx speaker and startup event host, she has addressed audiences at the United Nations and major conferences worldwide. Tune in to hear Bobbie’s take on the lack of women in executive roles, how her platform helps women entrepreneurs increase visibility and credibility, and how you can master the art of public speaking.

What we talk about:

The over saturation of male conference speakers [02:10]

How Innovation Women connects speakers with audiences [06:33]

Navigating getting paid for public speaking [15:48]

Encouraging speakers who aren’t naturally outgoing [22:14]

Connect with Bobbie:

@TheBobbieCarlton on IG

Carlton PR & Marketing

Innovation Women

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.

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

“We had to go back and figure it out because we did not start the business with proper strategy, let me tell you. We also did not have the right funds to start the business, we just were like okay, let's start it.”

This week, Richelle Pena talks with Ari Krzyzek, co-founder and CCO of the Chicago-based digital brand consultancy, Chykalophia. With a background in design, strategy, and tech, Ari has cultivated a unique approach to helping women entrepreneurs elevate their brand and succeed in their ventures.

We dig deep into the complexities of partnering with family members or close friends in business. Ari shares her own experiences working alongside her husband and provides invaluable insights on how to develop a healthy work dynamic without letting personal feelings interfere. She also highlights the importance of separating professional roles from personal relationships, ensuring mutual respect, and defining boundaries for a successful collaboration.

You'll hear about Ari's journey, starting from her early business days and the challenges of managing a startup with her husband. She also discusses how her passion for entrepreneurship grew from a desire to challenge herself and the vital role of networking and mentorship in her success.

What we talked about:

The Struggles of Founding Chykalophia [5:10]

Advice for Choosing a Business Partner [6:45]

How Does Ari Help Women Founders Build? [9:00]

Ari's Secrets for Preventing Burnout [16:10]

The Power of Mentorship [20:10]

Connect with Ari:

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 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.

“A great podcast is when you can listen to something, you chuckle and you can say 'wow, that's happened to me,' and that's where you get people's attention.”

In this highly requested minisode, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Richelle Pena dive deep into the art of being a captivating podcast guest and sharing your unique story as a founder.

Carlyn and Richelle reflect on their own podcasting journeys, dishing out secrets they've learned along the way, including how to listen actively to your host, navigate nerves, and prepare engaging stories that resonate with the audience. They candidly share their early missteps, highlighting how mistakes are not only expected, but sometimes encouraged, as some lessons can only be learned by doing!

Whether you're gearing up to be a guest on your next big show or you're considering launching your own podcast, this episode is brimming with insights to help you shine.

What we talked about:

What makes a good podcast guest/host? [3:05]

Taking Your Time and the Art of Listening [5:35]

Smile! Even if you aren’t on camera. [7:15]

What do you do if there are technical difficulties? [9:30]

What kind of preparation should you do? [10:20]

Connect with Carlyn

Website

Instagram

Linkedin

Connect with Richelle

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 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.

“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.

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.

“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.