Startups in Stilettos

Hey Entreprenistas! It’s Stephanie here and we are featuring some of our favorite conversations throughout the month of December to help inspire and educate you with what you really need to know to grow your businesses all 2024. This week on Startups in Stilettos, we’re talking to founders in our Entreprenistas community who really went from newborn to new business. In today’s episode, we first jump into a conversation with Pamela Packer, Founder of “Hustle Like A Mom”, as she shares how motherhood inspired her to pivot her career and start an interview series that later evolved into a larger business venture. After that, we hear from Jodi Klaristenfeld, creator of FLRRiSH, a support community for families of premature babies and children with special needs. Jodi talks about her own experiences with a premature child and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, which led to the creation of her business. And then finally, we sit down with Marnie Madras, Founder of Rumbly, a subscription box service focused on pregnant women. She discusses how her positive pregnancy experience shaped her desire to build a company that helps support women through their pregnancy journey, gifting them an overall more positive transition into motherhood. So join us! As we say goodbye to 2023 and step into 2024, we’re gifting you inspiring stories of resilience and innovation packed with actionable insight to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. 

We talked 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 Pamela Packer  

Connect with Jodi Klaristenfeld 

Connect with Marnie Madras 

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'll know when or where you can spend that money but, have a plan.”

Are you ready to take your business to new heights in the upcoming year? In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, your hosts Carlyn Bushman and Stephanie Cartin reveal their keys to successful business planning and growth for the new year. Discover how to set realistic goals and avoid common pitfalls that come with rushed decision-making. Learn the art of leveraging historical data to shape a winning strategy that aligns with customer behavior and seasonal trends. Unlock the essentials of business planning as we place our focus on financial and marketing strategies with a proven track record of helping with the scaling process. We delve deep into the intricacies of customer acquisition costs and how understanding these can scale your business effectively. Plus, we discuss insider tips on the power of email marketing for conversions and learn how it contrasts with social media's role in brand visibility. Stay ahead by tuning in to our actionable advice for Entreprenistas everywhere looking to set the stage for a prosperous year ahead!  

We talked 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!    

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. 

 “It's not the learn one thing, it's try to learn as much as you can, so you can see what works for you.” 

In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, we delve into the remarkable journey of Meirav Zur, a multi-talented creative - actor, producer, and writer who is particularly passionate about improvisation, theater, and the art of comedy. Meirav’s story takes us from founding the English Language Professional Traveling Theatre in Israel to her currently running production for the thought-provoking musical, "Inconceivable," focused on addressing the complex topic of infertility through the vehicle of comedy. Meirav shares her entrepreneurship insights, highlighting the importance of adaptability and networking in the entertainment industry. She also provides valuable tips on leveraging graphic design tools and video editing software, making them accessible for creatives looking to amplify their projects. For women in the entertainment industry, especially creatives and female founders, this episode offers inspiration, lessons to learn from, and insight into the power of turning personal challenges into art and business. Explore the fascinating world of Meirav Zur, discover her upcoming projects, and gain a fresh perspective on the journey to creating the startup of your dreams! 

We talked about:  

Connect with Meirav Zur:

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 cannot stress enough the importance of networking, and really go narrow and deep. I think we get to the point where we sign up for so many things when you go wide and shallow. It's really hard to measure what you're getting out of that particular networking group.” - Carlyn Bushman

Before she was your host, Carlyn Bushman was our beloved guest and founding Entreprenista member full of endless knowledge and prime insight, geared up and ready to share. In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Carlyn shares how being an Entreprenista 100 Award winner has elevated her business and her advice for anyone looking to apply this year! After hearing all the incredible things that have been happening for her in business, we revisited her debut episode on the podcast! She has always been such a wealth of knowledge, and this episode proves just how timeless Carlyn’s guidance and business acumen truly is. Tune in to hear how she’s helped women not only start a business, but stay in business, how she harnesses her superpower of measuring everything and establishing goals that move the needle forward, and so much more! 

We Talked 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!     

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Carlyn Bushman: 

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. 

Adria Marshall is the founder of Ecoslay, a plant-based hair-care product brand for textured hair types whose impact and resourcefulness won her the Entreprenista 100 Award in 2022 for Best Self-Funded Business. In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, we caught up with Adria to discuss the biggest benefits she’s seen since winning the award and she shares her advice for any other founders thinking about applying this year! If you’re new here or just happened to miss her first appearance, you're in luck! After hearing from Adria, we revisit her original episode where she shared with us how her product became an overnight viral success, her keys to sustaining growth and scaling your business, why having the right team is essential for a successful work environment, and so much more! 

We talked 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!    

Resources:  

Connect with Adria: 

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 just kept finding that everything that would come up. I had a woman in my life who was an expert in it and was willing to take their own time to hold my hand and walk me through it.“  

 Jamie Banks, the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Change of Scenery, a woman’s luxury sustainable swim and resort wear startup that launched in March 2022 which is when Jamie first joined us on the podcast! Just a year later, Jamie’s business was named the Best Brand New Business Winner for the Entreprenista 100 Awards in 2023. In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, we caught up with Jamie as she shares all the amazing things that have happened in her business since that first episode and her advice for anyone applying for an Entreprenista 100 Award this year. If you’re new here or just happened to miss her first appearance, you’re in luck! After hearing from Jamie, we revisit her original episode where she shared her experience of being laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic and what inspired her to take a leap of faith to launch a women’s apparel brand. We discussed the steps she took to bring her business idea to fruition and the lessons she learned along the way. She highlighted the benefits of writing a business plan and researching your target market. We discussed the challenges she faced when creating a company name and why it’s crucial to check the trademark database before launching a startup. Whether you find yourself in the ready-to-wear space or you're looking for that inspired confidence before applying to the Awards this year, this episode is sure to have something for you! 

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 Jamie Banks:

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.

“Be the person that you want to be, now. That applies for your business too. If you want to see a million-dollar year next year, or maybe you only want to see $100,000 year next year, you're only going to get that by making sure that you understand where you are now and where you were so that you can project where you're going to go.”  

Have you felt like you're throwing spaghetti at the wall, trying to find the right business strategy that’s best suited for your product line? Well, on today’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, Carlyn goes solo with the product doula Christina Vanacore. Also the Host of The Product Doula Presents Podcast, Christina shares her expertise as a certified launch and business strategist exclusively for female product-based business owners. Christina specializes in coordinating the logistics of bringing products to market and helping founders thrive in business after the launch phase, with over 20 years of experience working in corporate America and her passion for the DTC and E-commerce space. She streamlines business journeys from concept to market success and provides tailored strategies to keep your business flourishing. If you have a product-based business, you will not want to miss this episode packed with valuable market insight and knowledge into the trends that will best help you plan and strategize for the upcoming quarter! Hear how you can use your numbers to account for future growth and be intentional with where you’re placing your time, as well as energy and resources. We know you’ve got none to waste, so tune in today!  

We talked 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 Christina 

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 understand the numbers, I understand how they can help you have the impact that you want. And I want to use that to get you further faster.”

Staci is a mom of two and a multi-passionate entrepreneur. She grew and sold her first seven-figure business before she was 35, all while raising her daughters. Staci prides herself, not only on her own experience growing the business but also on the 1000s of small businesses that she has helped over the past 15 years. On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Staci Millard joins us to share some of her wisdom and insight into what it takes to keep a business, in business. She believes in three non-negotiables for every successful business: 1. Making money 2. Heart-led impact on those we serve, and 3. Having a great life because of our business, not in spite of it. Staci works as a fractional CFO and business mentor for entrepreneurs, helping them scale and have the success she knows we all can achieve. Tune in to hear her secrets on how not just to make money, but also keep some of it to scale even further!  

We talked about: 

Resources mentioned: 

Connect with Staci: 

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 just do it, get your LLC created, get your website created, do all the pieces.”  

 In today’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, Carlyn flies solo while sitting down with Kara Venus, an author and the owner of Stella's Way Marketing, a full-service small business consulting firm that helps small travel businesses launch and scale their marketing efforts. As a marketer by trade, Kara has been working in this space for over 12 years but wasn’t driven to start her own business until the birth of her daughter. After realizing a need for a more flexible schedule but still wanting to be connected to her passions, she began building her business while on maternity leave. She has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and writes for a number of publications educating parents on how to introduce their fur babies to their new babies. Check out her book Harper and Her Dogs, A tale about introducing your fur babies to your new baby. Tune in to hear how Kara approaches her creative, resourceful, and versatile type of marketing, what she’s come to learn about the hiring process, how combining her passions and interests has best served her, and more! 

What we talked 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 Kara: 

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 don't just step out into the business world and say, I'm the best. I'm the smartest, I'm the nicest, I'm a good person, and everyone believes you overnight. No, you have to prove yourself, you have to consistently put in the work to show your true colors. And over time you build that reputation.”  

Whitney never imagined owning her own business, let alone founding a seven-figure award-winning international agency dedicated to helping companies and other businesses thrive. If you asked her at 22 what her aspirations in life were, Whitney would’ve said being the Director of PR for the New Orleans Saints was her one true dream. It’s funny where the journey can lead you after taking that first initial leap and that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode of Startups in Stilettos. We sit down with True Story Public Relations founder, Whitney Lee to discuss her incredible journey, the many accomplishments that she has from being in business for 10 years, like being named Scarlett Magazine’s Woman of The Year in PR, and how she’s utilizing her insight on her mission to help business owners reduce complexity and make marketing simple, actionable, and profitable. After all, Whitney’s superpower is her ability to help frustrated business owners who’ve tried it all cut through all the noise and develop a custom strategy that really moves the needle.  

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

Connect with Whitney : 

Instagram 

Website 

True Story PR Podcast 

Linkedin 

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.