Startups in Stilettos

“I see that a lot of these young women are struggling to feel like their impact matters and I really want to create something that incorporates my own stories, my own journey, to show them that our choices matter. But more importantly, that they matter, and that everything they bring to the table is significant and meaningful.”

When Brianna Ruelas and her husband were thrust into entrepreneurship overnight, she had little choice but to fully embrace the multiple hats she was now wearing. A decade on, Brianna is now a multifaceted entreprenista who helps women in business bring their big ideas and vision to life while tapping into what lights them up so they can love the work that they do. In her keynotes, she integrates live performance and original music with her teaching to reinforce key concepts that ignite motivation, innovation, and performance. Today, we’re chatting with Brianna about being CEO of Ruelas Music Group, passing down the entrepreneurial spirit to her kids, and the inspiration behind her books. 

What we talk about:  

Connect with Brianna: 

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 entreprenista.com/join. 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. 

“I time block and I say, ‘This is going to be the time specific to managing the business.’ Being able to manage my time correctly and know when I'm doing what. In this post COVID era where we're all working remotely, being able to connect face to face is also important. So, our weekly zoom calls, those are important to stay connected and really understand what everybody else is working on.” 

As a new mom, Stephanie Purzycki found herself on an endless string of playdates with her little one at different homes, but everyone seemed to have the same question. Whenever a new friend found out that she was an interior designer, they inevitably started to ask for her design advice. Now, five years later, Stephanie is the co-founder and CEO of The Finish, a design company with an on-demand platform that pairs clients with interior designers. The Finish’s focus is on accessible in-home, in-person design with seasoned professionals.  Today, we’re chatting with Stephanie about those playdates that came to inspire The Finish, some of the most important business tools in her arsenal, and how her company decides what locations to expand to. 

What we talk about:  

Connect with Stephanie: 

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 entreprenista.com/join. 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.

Kristina Bartold has successfully built a career through creating community online and bringing people together. She learned that as an entrepreneur, showing up in these spaces authentically is key to connecting and building resonance with your target audience. As many small business owners often struggle to tap into the spaces that will offer them the most long-term growth, Kristina and her team offer insightful guidance for finding their online home. 

In today's episode, we sit down with Kristina Bartold, CEO of The Social Snippet, a social media and podcasting agency that helps entrepreneurs and small businesses grow online communities. She shares tips for how to make sales via Instagram, methods for maximizing calls to action, how her company utilizes done-for-you social media, shares her story of navigating the social media landscape, and much more! 

This week on Startups in Stillettos: 

Join us for Entreprenista Founders Weekend:

Join us from May 3-5th at The Ritz-Carlton in Orlando for your opportunities to connect and build relationships with the most powerful women in business. We can’t wait to be with you in person at our Founders Weekend Wealth & Wellness Retreat. Reserve your tickets here. 

Connect with me on Instagram @stephjillcartin and @entreprenistas and send me a DM and introduce yourself! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your business.

Are you ready to make meaningful business connections that lead to real business results?

Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders at entreprenista.com/join! 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!

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.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join our community of founders right here.  

As the mother to four children under the age of 10, Marnie will tell you herself; she loved being pregnant. So much so she couldn't bear the idea that there were Mothers out there struggling with their pregnancies and failing to find the support they needed that solely focused on them. Marnie recognized the challenge in this, as she recalls feeling like she was losing her identity as she further transitioned into motherhood. Supporting women through this transition and shaking up the way women truly experience pregnancy is what Marnie has dedicated herself to in the building of her company. 

In today’s episode, we sit down with Marnie Madras, founder, and CEO of Rumbly, a modern DTC pregnancy lifestyle wellness brand that helps women navigate the transition to motherhood while bringing more joy to the overall experience. She shares with us how they accomplish this through a monthly subscription and stand-alone themed boxes, her process of bringing her vision into creation, how the search for a co-founder held her back, the key to outsourcing for your business, and so much more!  

This week on Startups in Stilettos:  

Join us for Entreprenista Founders Weekend:

Join us from May 3-5th at The Ritz-Carlton in Orlando for your opportunities to connect and build relationships with the most powerful women in business. We can’t wait to be with you in person at our Founders Weekend Wealth & Wellness Retreat. Reserve your tickets here. 

Connect with me on Instagram @stephjillcartin and @entreprenistas and send me a DM and introduce yourself! I can’t wait to learn more about you and your business.

Are you ready to make meaningful business connections that lead to real business results?

Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders at entreprenista.com/join! 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!

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.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart Radio | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join our community of founders right here.  

“I’ve had a few setbacks. One was our first [launch in] March 2020. And guess what? The world shut down. And so I tried again on March the 13th 2023. I was at the London Stock Exchange when, guess what? That was the day that Silicon Valley crashed. So, all you can do is laugh it off and move forward. You don't cry over spilt milk.”

When Ruby Russell’s partner suffered a back injury that left him unable to make the bed, she was inspired to design a product that would significantly simplify the daily chores for those with disabilities. Ruby is now the founder and CEO of RR Distinctive Beddings, a revolutionary bedding company aiming to combine luxury with accessibility and to take the complexity out of making the bed. With her two patents, Befitted Bedding and Stay Put Bedding, she is changing how we sleep. Today, we’re chatting with Ruby about the personal inspiration behind her inventions, designing a product with a particular consumer in mind, and her strategy to garner more visibility for her inventions.

What we talk about:  

Connect with Ruby: 

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 entreprenista.com/join. 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. 

“If you don't have the time or money to do it once, you definitely do not have the time or money to do it twice—so make sure you outsource to experts the first time.”

When Heather Cox was pregnant with her first baby, she knew continuing to work was a non-negotiable—she just wasn’t sure what, exactly, that would look like after her little one arrived. Now, 15 years and five kids later, Heather is the co-founder and president of Certify My Company,  a service that facilitates diversity certifications for women, ethnic minority, LGBT, veteran, service disabled veteran, and disability owned businesses so that owners can put their time and energy into what matters most. With CMC, Heather and her co-founder have created the national leader in transforming Fortune 1000 supplier diversity programs into profit centers. Today, we sit down with Heather to talk about the importance of raising independent children, the process behind getting a diversity certification through CMC, and the importance of leveraging your diversity certification once you receive it. 

What we talk about:  

Connect with Heather: 

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 entreprenista.com/join. 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. 

“You're always focused on the big goal, and you don't celebrate the little wins in between. And that is so important. And for me, it's something that I had to learn, was to celebrate the little wins in between—because that's what keeps you going to the ultimate goal.” 

Harli Gawronski’s eureka moment came to her during the COVID-19 pandemic: her true purpose was outside of corporate America. Though she had gained experience and knowledge as she made her way through the ranks, she realized that her voice wasn’t being used to its fullest potential. Out of this period of self discovery, Harli’s podcast was born. Inside the Bubble with Harli G was created for moms on-the-go and every day super women who excel at their 9-5s while nurturing their loved ones at home and contributing to their greater communities. Today, we’re sitting down with Harli to talk about the inspiration for her podcast, the importance of real, purpose-driven self care, and focusing on the big goals. 

What we talk about:  

Connect with Harli: 

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 entreprenista.com/join. 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. 

Hey Entreprenistas! It's Stephanie here. Happy New Year! As we step into 2024, let's take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the outstanding achievements of some of the Entreprenista League members who visited us in 2023. This week on Startups in Stilettos, we hear from Courtlyn Jones, graphic designer, visual artist, and founder and CEO of The Design Database, about how she turned her vision into a reality by building her own website from start to finish. Right after, you'll hear from Karen Skinner, coach facilitator, co-founder, and CEO of Gimbal-Lean Practice Management Advisors, about the legal operations conference she led, which brought together nearly 500 people from over 60 countries. 

Many exciting things await us in 2024; I can't wait to see where the thousands of new connections and collaborations will lead us this time. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Aqua Notes

Connect with Courtlyn: 

Connect with Karen: 

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. 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.

Hey Entreprenistas! It's Stephanie here, and we are featuring some of our favorite conversations throughout December to help inspire and educate you with what you need to know to grow your businesses all 2024. This week on Startups in Stilettos, we'll hear about using AI to scale startups. Today, we start with the highlights of our conversation with Kara Venus, founder of Stella's Way Marketing, as she shares how she uses AI in her business and what attributes of AI you should consider for your business in 2024. Next, we revisit our conversation with Kristina Bartold, co-founder of The Social Snippet, on how to use AI for content repurposing. Finally, you'll hear my top tips on using AI and how we've been using it to enhance the Entreprenista community. So join us! Listen to the last episode of the year and learn how to use AI to trick gravity and grow your startup beyond your wildest dreams. 

We talked about: 

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders who have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can't wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! 

Connect with Kara

Connect with Kristina

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. 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. 

Hello and Happy Holidays, Entrprenistas! It's Stephanie Cartin here, and as we wind down the year, we're bringing you a special treat. December is all about inspiration and education, guiding you through the essential lessons to elevate your business in 2024. This week, we're diving into the art of building brand recognition for startup founders. In this not-to-miss episode of Startups and Stilettos, my co-hosts and I, along with a stellar lineup of guests, unpack the mysteries and strategies behind establishing a solid brand presence. First, we have Kelsey Closs from Closs Creatives, who shares her insider tips on securing press for your business, emphasizing the power of platforms designed to help build out journalistic stories. She gives practical advice on pitching to journalists and building a compelling story without exhausting yourself. We then chat with Emily Paulsen, founder of Electric Collab, as she offers a unique perspective on branding, comparing business stages to TV show seasons. She provides insightful advice on when and how to invest in branding, ensuring that your brand reflects the quality of your work. Lastly, we're joined by Whitney Leigh of True Story PR, celebrating a decade in the business. Whitney sheds light on common PR misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of visibility in various forms. She also touches on the significance of aligning PR strategies with your business goals and timeline. Whether you're in your pilot season or gearing up for season six, this episode is packed with insights to help your brand shine.  Remember, it's not just about being seen; it's about being remembered! So, let's make 2024 the year your brand stands out in the crowded marketplace!  

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 entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!  

Connect with Kelsey Closs 

Connect with Emily Paulsen 

Connect with Whitney Leigh  

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.