Startups in Stilettos

By Entreprenista NetworkBusiness Entrepreneurship Marketing Careers

Startups in Stilettos episodes

May 16, 2023Learning The Heart and Soul of SEO with Meg Clarke of Clapping Dog Media
Like many Entreprenistas, Meg left the corporate world once she had kids and started to work on her own. She had experience with web design, so that’s what she did, before she realized that having the perfect website is meaningless if no one finds it. So she dug in and learned everything there was to know about SEO and now she helps other business owners create websites that convert.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Meg Clarke, founder of Clapping Dog Media, a digital media company that provides done-for-you and done-with-you SEO Services. She shares why SEO is important, the most important analytics in SEO, her thoughts on AI, and so much more.
“So I dove into analytics and SEO and trying to figure out how in the world people get traffic to their website and traffic that's not spambots and not random people. It's like traffic that really converts. And so I dove into that and really enjoyed it, I also realized there was not a lot of other women doing it.” - Meg Clarke

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Meg explains why SEO is important (2:03)
Meg shares her opinion on press releases for SEO (6:49)
Meg talks about the most important analytics for SEO (10:42)
Meg shares where the name Clapping Dog came from (14:53)
Meg explains the best thing to do for SEO today (20:48)
Meg’s thoughts on AI (21:41)
Meg explains how Clapping Dog Media operates (27:14)
Resources Mentioned:
Notion

Our Favorite Quotes:
“They're [Google] trying to get paid. And so because they're trying to get paid, we know that they are really looking for value, and spam links and pure engagement are all things that they look at.” - Meg Clarke
“Organic traffic is the heart and soul of SEO.” - Meg Clarke
“Stella, my dog at the time would get up and she would, I taught her to kind of, like, wag her tail and celebrate with me. So she felt like a co worker.” - Meg Clarke
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 Meg Clarke:
ClappingDogMedia.com
Clapping Dog Media on Instagram
Clapping Dog Media on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here

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
34 min
May 09, 2023How To Create The Best Brand Message For Your Business with Xindi Soh of By Xindi
Over the course of her business, Xindi has had to confront herself and get a grasp on who she is, what she stands for, and what she wants. But the ride hasn’t always been what she was expecting. Now she preaches leaning into the hard stuff and believing in yourself, and it seems to be working out well for her.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Xindi Soh, founder and CEO of By Xindi, a studio offering a complete brand messaging and marketing transformation. She shares advice on creating a brand message, advice for new CEOs, her thoughts on social media and marketing, and so much more.
“I feel like that makes a huge difference when you approach marketing from a place where you truly want to express what you are passionate about, rather than saying something for the sake of selling. - Xindi Soh

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Xindi explains what a brand message is and gives advice on how to find your brand message (2:31)
Xindi shares what she didn’t know before going into business (7:17)
Xindi gives advice to new CEOs (9:08)
Xindi talks about her biggest wins (10:51)
Xindi weighs in on social media and its impact on marketing (15:46)
Jess shares the relatable moment that has her bummed (18:14)
Resources Mentioned:
Notion
Canva
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I feel like your brand message will evolve with you as a business owner, as well, like as humans, we're constantly growing.” - Xindi Soh
“I think you are your biggest asset, for sure.” - Xindi Soh
“But when you said the part about not wanting to navigate, that is where I would say to lean into that, navigate that more, discover that more, because whatever you're avoiding is ultimately what's gonna, like, help you hit the next level with what's going to help you break through.” - Xindi Soh
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 Xindi Soh:
ByXindi.com
Xindi Soh on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here

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.
26 min
May 02, 2023Digitizing Art For A Business with Sally King McBride of The Letter Nest
When Sally’s friends and family started having children, she looked for gifts that would be meaningful and lasting. As an artist, she decided to create watercolor name paintings. Soon, the commissions started flooding in and she had a proof of concept for a business.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Sally King McBride, founder of The Letter Nest, a brand of educational and elevated alphabet art. She shares her biggest wins, how her parents fostered her abilities, the mission behind The Letter Nest, and so much more.
“My parents always treated my artwork very seriously. And as an academic course for much of my schooling, and it was never thought of as ‘Oh, that's her side hustle,’ or, ‘Oh, that's her hobby.’ I can't stand that word. This was always my occupation. I treated it that way. And so do they.” - Sally King McBride

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Sally tells us what she didn’t know before launching her business (3:09)
Sally shares her biggest wins (5:11)
Sally discusses how she knew to go full-time with the Letter Nest (7:30)
Sally shares what her parents did to set her on the Entreprenista path (12:10)
Sally goes in-depth about the interpersonal skills she has learned (15:29)
Sally discusses the mission behind her business (17:27)
Sally shares where she gets her inspiration from (20:11)
Jess talks about how much free content to give away to your audience (23:02)
Resources Mentioned:
Shopify
Klaviyo
Adobe Creative Suite
Planoly
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I took my first commission for professional painting when I was still in high school.” - Sally King McBride
“My work is as much about the teaching as it is about the joy, and they have to go hand in hand or you will not get the child's engagement.” - Sally King McBride
“There is a litmus test for whether there can be a full alphabet around something.” - Sally King McBride
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 Sally King McBride:
TheLetterNest.com
The Letter Nest on Instagram
The Letter Nest on Pinterest
The Letter Nest on TikTok
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here

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.
29 min
April 25, 2023Redefining the Future of Work with Marilynn Joyner of Her Workplace
Marilynn realized after the pandemic that the standard American way of working was on the way out. Many people, women in particular, wanted to maintain the flexibility that they had become accustomed to. So she decided to take her decade of commercial real estate experience to create a community that would benefit landlords and workers alike.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Marilynn Joyner, founder and CEO of Her Workplace, which is a physical and digital career community for women who are at the beginning or mid level stages of their careers to build relationships, exchange knowledge and share stories. She shares where the idea for Her Workplace came from, how she knew it was time to leave her corporate job, her thoughts on the future of work, and so much more.
“I really wanted to be able to meet women and provide them with a platform that is easily accessible, not as expensive. And it's just super easy for them to tap into while having the opportunity to access a co-working space where you can meet and network with other women while getting integrated with all of our trainings, professional development tools, and all of our events.” - Marilynn Joyner

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Marilynn shares where the idea for Her Workplace came from (2:48)
Marilynn talks about the real estate aspect of Her Workplace (5:59)
Marilynn discusses her biggest wins (9:52)
Marilynn shares when she knew it was time to leave her job (12:07)
Marilynn talks about the future of work (18:05)
Jessica and Carlyn talk about their mishaps (20:25)
Carlyn shares exciting news (25:29)
Resources Mentioned:
Notion
Pipedrive
Clickup
Our Favorite Quotes:
“It just got to the point where I was just getting frustrated with being one of the only women and seeing how many women dropped out of the workforce during the pandemic.” - Marilynn Joyner
“I think flexibility is key. Employees need flexibility. I think that the nine to five Monday through Friday in the office is gone. I think that we're moving towards a four day work week, similar to what some European countries have been testing and implementing.” - Marilynn Joyner
“I'm most proud of my education. I've been in commercial real estate for almost 10 years. I got my masters from Georgetown University in real estate to just up my game and to learn financial modeling and to learn about investments from a landlord's perspective. And then I went on to get my MBA from Columbia Business School.” - Marilynn Joyner
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 Marilynn Joyner:
HerWorkplace.com
Her Workplace on Instagram
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here

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!
30 min
April 18, 2023The Power of Relationship Marketing with Digital Strategist Afton Negrea
Afton moved to Italy with her husband and realized how difficult it was to find a job when she didn’t know the language. So she decided to start freelancing to make money. After a few years, she realized her specialty was with design and strategy, so she decided to open her own business.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Afton Negrea, digital strategist and designer. She shares when she knew it was time to start her business, what she is most proud of, how to launch a course, and so much more.

“I like to think of myself as the Swiss Army knife for your business. It's really I'm looking at it from all different angles. But first and foremost, I'm a digital strategist. So I really like to have a strategic idea in mind for your business and where you are, where you're going and how you're going to get there.” - Afton Negrea

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Afton shares how she combined designing and strategy into one (4:12)
Afton discusses what she had to learn in business (5:35)
Afton talks about when she knew she was going to step out on her own (9:17)
Afton shares what she is proud of (15:54)
Afton discusses how to launch a course or services (17:30)
Carlyn, Jessica, and Afton talk about pricing your services (22:27)
Resources Mentioned:
Asana
Nifty Project Management
Slack
Kajabi
Descript
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I think I've always known that I meant to do my own thing. And I've always been that person who's gone the extra mile in any job that I've done.” - Afton Negrea
“What I've tried to encourage my clients to do is take it back to the olden days, let's like, take it back to the 90s, for example, when it was the bomb.com.” - Afton Negrea
“I know this is cliche, but I am very proud of my clients when I see them when I really, really am. Because I feel like I'm birthing a baby with them and the baby is growing, you know, and I really love to see it come to life.” - Afton Negrea
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 Afton Negrea:
AftonNegrea.com
Afton Negrea on Instagram
Afton Negrea on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here

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!
28 min
April 11, 2023The Business of Tea with Allison Ullo of Leaves of Leisure
Ten years ago, Allison was working a grueling schedule (which she still does), and relied heavily on copious amounts of caffeine to just survive. After finding herself experiencing negative effects due to the caffeine content, she cut it out for herbal tea. She decided to open her business to share the positivity that she found through a caffeine-free lifestyle.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Allison Ullo, founder of Leaves of Leisure, a luxury herbal tea brand that focuses on the ritual of tea. Allison shares with us where the idea came from to start Leaves of Leisure, how she balances her business while working full-time, her proudest moments, and so much more.

“I really started to experiment and mix my own teas and sort of, like, got really into this idea of like, ‘I can cure anything or make myself feel anything based on, like, the brew of tea that I create.’ So that's really where the idea behind the brand kind of came.” - Allison Ullo

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Allison talks about the purpose and idea behind of Leaves of Leisure (1:51)
Allison shares what she didn’t know about the tea business (6:35)
Allison discusses her wins (8:45)
Allison talks about how she balances her business with working full time (10:53)
Allison shares her proudest moments (16:36)
Jessica and Carlyn shares their wins (20:04)
Resources Mentioned:
Canva
Klaviyo
Shipbob
Our Favorite Quotes:
“So I just was like, ‘I'm going to cut it out. I'm not going to drink caffeine anymore.’ And as soon as I stopped drinking it, I went through these horrific withdrawals, sweating, anxiety, jitters, like, I felt like I couldn't even function throughout the day. It was sort of like my aha moment.” - Allison Ullo
“But I think the best thing you can do for yourself is to time block and habit stack, you have to really decide how you're going to spend each hour of your day and really map it out.” - Allison Ullo
“Tea is one of those things that really is like if you're drinking it with no sugar and nothing in it, like, it's just pure benefits.” - Allison Ullo
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 Allison Ullo:
LeavesOfLeisure.com
Leaves of Leisure on Instagram
Leaves of Leisure on Facebook
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here

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.
26 min
April 04, 2023Helping NICU Families Succeed with Jodi Klaristenfeld of FLRRiSH
Jodi Klaristenfeld was introduced to the NICU world when she delivered her daughter at 28 weeks. She knew soon after she wanted to help other preemie families navigate that road a little easier, so she dug in and started a business doing just that.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Jodi Klaristenfeld, founder of FLRRiSH, a company that offers coaching and support for parents of preemies. Jodi shares about how her daughter’s birth inspired her to start FLRRiSH, what she’s most proud of, the stigmas preemies face, and so much more.

“I figured other people must be struggling the way I was, and still am to some extent, and I just want to make that road easier for someone than it was for myself and my husband.” - Jodi Klaristenfeld

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Jodi shares how she came up with the idea for FLRRiSH (3:50)
Jodi talks all about her challenges and wins (5:09)
Jodi discusses what she’s most proud of (11:08)
Jodi goes in-depth about the experience of having a child in the NICU (13:17)
Jodi talks about the many stigmas around children who are born premature (17:26)
Carlyn shares her thoughts on needing a business website (21:14)
Resources Mentioned:
Google Drive
Dropbox
Our Favorite Quotes:
“What I've realized with FLRRiSH is something that my dad said is that people buy from you because they like you. They believe in you and they believe in your story. They can go and buy services from so many places. But if you're passionate and you demonstrate to people why they should buy from you, then they will.” - Jodi Klaristenfeld
“My mom said, ‘I could have told you that you were going to tell me that months ago.’ And I said to her, ‘Well, how did you know that?’ And she said, ‘I knew that the way I knew your first week from law school, you were never going to practice law. I'm your mother.’” - Jodi Klaristenfeld
“My OB told me that on, I think, day four, he's like ‘Jodi, show up for yourself, process what's going on, because you don't even know the half of it. And once you do that, you can be there for your daughter.’” - Jodi Klaristenfeld
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 Jodi Klaristenfeld:
FLRRiSH on Instagram
FLRRiSH.com
Jodi Klaristenfeld on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here

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.
27 min
March 28, 2023Leaving the White House with Ronica Cleary of Cleary Strategies
Ronica had made it to the mecca of her industry––becoming a White House correspondent. But during her second pregnancy, she realized she wanted to prioritize her family, so she decided to start her own PR business.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Ronica Cleary, founder and CEO of Cleary Strategies, an agency that provides public relations, media placements, and crisis management to leaders and corporations. She shares why she left TV to start her business, the things she has learned, what hiring her for PR would look like for her clients, and so much more.
“We help them [clients] earn media placements in television, radio, print, digital and podcast. But I do like to say our specialty and the thing we do most often for our clients that really differentiates us from other PR agencies is our ability to secure TV placements for our clients.” - Ronica Cleary

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Ronica details what Cleary Strategies does (2:23)
Ronica shares why she left TV to start her business (3:21)
Ronica talks about the things she has learned (6:37)
Ronica discusses when she knew it was time to leave her job to start Cleary Strategies (11:23)
Ronica explains what PR looks like for her and her clients (15:00)
Ronica shares her win for the week (21:49)
Our Favorite Quotes:
“I had some really great advice from a former producer of mine, who said, you know, ‘you made it to the White House, you've made it to cover the White House in about five to eight years of television reporting and politics.’ You know, he said, ‘You did it. Some people it takes a lifetime. So it just feels like the time that you can check that off your list and start something new and creative that fulfills you.’” - Ronica Cleary
“I say motherhood––having three children––and running a business. Both are not for the faint of heart.” - Ronica Cleary
“You can't really be a White House correspondent and run like a PR agency on the side.” - Ronica Cleary
Connect with Ronica Cleary:
Ronica on Instagram
Ronica on LinkedIn
Ronica on Twitter
ClearyStrategies.com
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Carlyn Bushman here
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here

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!
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!
28 min
March 21, 2023From Bank VP to Podcast Manager with Jess Milanes of Smart Podcast Solutions
After struggling with infertility for three years, all Jess Milanes wanted was to create a space to discuss openly and honestly about women’s health issues, so she started a podcast. Little did she know that that would lead to her discovering a newfound love for the podcasting medium. Then she decided to help others with starting their podcasts.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Jess Milanes, founder of Smart Podcast Solutions, a podcast launch and management company. She shares how she knew it was time to leave corporate, what private podcasts are, the new management system she’s using, and so much more.
“I just loved the podcasting medium. I love talking to people. And I have a background in systems and I'm just really technologically inclined. And so I thought what better way to marry my love of podcasting, my love of systems and my love of people, and bring it all together and support women in starting their own podcast.” - Jess Milanes
Hello, Entreprenistas! New Year, new team! Many of you may remember Carlyn Bushman’s episode a few months back, well, now she joins us as a co-host! Please give her the warmest of welcomes.
This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Jess tells us about Smart Podcast Solutions (2:50)
Jess shares how she knew it was the right time to leave corporate (6:36)
Jess discusses what she is most proud of (11:01)
Jess gives us the scoop on what private podcasts are (12:33)
Jess shares the new management system she’s building out (17:30)
Jessica and Carlyn discuss the questions they’ve recently been asked (20:23)
Resources Mentioned:
Clickup
Google Drive
Dubsado
Excel
Airtable
Drip
www.Entreprenista.com/join
Our Favorite Quotes:
“Up until the day that I was leaving, I still didn't know that I was making the right choice. And it was really interesting. The Universe kind of told me that I was because two days after my last day at the bank, they were acquired, and I would have been laid off anyway.” - Jess Milanes
“So there's this really great idea of using these private podcasts as a way to understand who are your superfans, and who's really warmed up to buy from you, and whatever you are putting out into the world.” - Jess Milanes
“I really felt that there needed to be a platform for women to openly discuss their women's health issues. And it was all around providing representation and support.” - Jess Milanes
Connect with Jess Milanes:
Jess on Instagram
www.SmartPodcastSolutions.com
Jess on LinkedIn
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on Instagram
Stephanie Cartin on LinkedIn
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Carlyn Bushman on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here

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!
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!
27 min
March 14, 2023Redefining What It Means To Be A Working Mom with Pam Pekerman of Hustle Like A Mom
Like many Entreprenistas, motherhood changed the course of Pam’s life in a way she didn’t expect. She was happy living out her 20s dreams of being a TV correspondent until she became a mom of two, then she realized her priorities had shifted, so she started Hustle Like A Mom.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Pam Pekerman, serial Entreprenista, author of Edit to Expand Planner, and creator of Hustle Like A Mom. She shares what inspired her to start her business, her lessons when starting out, why she created a planner, and so much more.

“I can't be the only woman in her early 30s among my peers who was like, ‘Oh, I don't know what's going on here. I think there might be a different path.’ And so I started an interview series of women that I said were doing, creating, and redefining what it means to be a working mom. Everybody was excited. We had the interview series. But really, it wasn't until 2019, where I was like ‘I think this should be more.’” - Pam Pekerman

This week on Startups in Stilettos:
Pam shares how Hustle like a Mom came to be (2:00)
Why knowing who your “one person” is is the most important thing (4:27)
Pam gives some great tips for beginning Entreprenistas (6:30)
Pam explains why she created her Edit to Expand Planner (12:29)
Pam answers the question, ‘how do you know entrepreneurship is right for you?’ (22:00)
Resources Mentioned:
Trello
Canva
Excel
Edit to Expand Planner
Instagram
TikTok
Print Tech
Our Favorite Quotes:
“It's okay to not know, it's not okay to not ask questions.” - Pam Pekerman
“Focus on your shot.” - Pam Pekerman
“I think sometimes entrepreneurs can get really anxious because they hear the information from every direction. I always say, like, ‘you don't have to eat the whole menu at the restaurant.’” - Pam Pekerman
Connect with Pam Pekerman:
Hustle like a Mom on Instagram
Pam Pekerman on Instagram
HustleLikeAMom.com
Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:
Stephanie Cartin on Instagram
Stephanie Cartin on LinkedIn
Jessica Abo on Instagram
Jessica Abo on LinkedIn
Learn more about Jessica Abo here

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!
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!
31 min

About Startups in Stilettos

From the publisher's feed

Have you recently started a business, or are you considering taking the leap to start? Do you find yourself alone or overwhelmed in the whirlwind of early challenges in your Entreprenista journey? Well, you’re in the right place - Startups in Stilettos is for you. Learn what it takes to grow your startup, from your peers in the startup world, and those who are in your shoes (or stilettos, if you will)