Startups in Stilettos

"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.

“We can all get URLs, we can get tax IDs set up, we can open up a business bank account—those things we can do. We can create a website. We can all put our footprint out there. But entrepreneurship is no joke. It's a journey.”

Entrepreneurship can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't need to be! Today’s Startups in Stilettos is a minisode all about the first steps you need to take when building your business. Carlyn and Richelle share their top tips for getting your business off the ground and your idea into the marketplace.

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. 

“We didn't learn anything that has to do with the emotional and mindset side of money. You might know the instruments, you may know the old literacy that you want. But if you're lacking this other part, it's never going to work.”

Alejandra Rojas is an Entreprenista League member and a finance professional who specialized in financial trauma. Alejandra’s interest in finance started at a young age when she would help her parents, who were both accountants, with their work. She then went on to earn a specialized diploma in Bookkeeping in high school before going on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in International Banking and Finance. Her business, The Money Mindset Hub, was created to guide women entrepreneurs towards financial freedom. 

Listen in to our interview with Alejandra to hear how she defines financial trauma, the creation of the M.E.S.S. method, her strategy for guiding clients, and a whole lot more!

What we talk about:  

Connect with Alejandra:

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.

“Surround yourself with things that are going to uplift you to help you get through those difficult times. And don't be afraid to ask for help."

Today’s Startups in Stilettos is a minisode all about mental health and the importance of taking time to pause and prioritize. Tune in to hear Carlyn Bushman and Richelle Pena talk all about the growing pains that come with entrepreneurship, the importance of building a support network, and why it’s okay to seek support. 

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 at https://refer.entreprenista.com/membership. 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. 

“Relationships are key and if they're genuine, and if you continue to plant those seeds and really nurture those networking relationships, they will just automatically turn into revenue and clients and business and collaborations.”

After decades of climbing the corporate fashion ladder, Amanda Rango decided to make the leap from big business to working directly with fashion founders. Today, Amanda is the founder of ARD Consulting and leads a team of experts in customized apparel product development to launch and scale fashion brands. ARD’s services include fashion design and development, sourcing and manufacturing, and marketing and styling. Tune in and hear the obstacles that Amanda has overcome as a woman entrepreneur, using connections for fundraising, and how technology is changing the fashion game.

What we talk about:  

Connect with Amanda:

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 at https://refer.entreprenista.com/membership. 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. 

“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 is the founder and CEO of PDS Lab, a tech accelerator for women at the idea stage. She's also 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 balance.

What we talk about:  

Connect with Nomiki:

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.