Startups in Stilettos

“I want each one to feel special while they are traveling with me. Others say to me, 'Oh, you're supposed to do a lot of group tours. That's going to bring you a lot of profits.' I'm saying leave this aside because it's not about profit. This is about people.”

When 2020 brought global travel to a halt, Siham Lahmine saw an unexpected opportunity: to bet on herself. Leaving behind a stable career in education (and a seven-year role at a tourism company), she launched Morocco Travel Organizer, curating immersive, luxury experiences that go beyond the guidebooks. But her journey wasn’t just about pivoting, it was about rewriting her own rules.

Siham’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of patience and intuition. While many rushed to pivot in 2020, she took two years to refine her vision, proving that timing isn’t just about opportunity, but readiness.

What we talked about:

How Siham Discovered Her Passion [2:45]

Blending Local Food with Travel [7:50]

Building a Loyal Customer Base without a Large Marketing Budget [17:00]

How an International Business Can Connect with the US [27:45]

Connect with Siham:

Morocco Travel Organizer

LinkedIn

@sihamlahmine on Instagram

@moroccotravelorganizer on Instagram

Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! 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!

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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.

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“Community forms when people see themselves in your story, your mission, or your message.”

In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Ingrid shares the cornerstone of her business success, community. From building real relationships to creating a support system that persists through both wins and setbacks, Ingrid shares how authentic connection is the true magic behind growing a thriving business.

You'll learn why community isn’t about follower counts or endless online posting, but about genuine support, belonging, and showing up for others. Ingrid debunks common misconceptions, shares practical tips to start building your own community today, and emphasizes that every business, regardless of industry, can benefit from meaningful relationships.

What we talked about:

The Value of Real Connection [2:45]

Showing Up for Others [7:50]

Building a Unique Community [9:20]

How to Start [11:30]

Connect with Ingrid:

@itsingridsworld on Instagram

Linkedin

Grow With Community

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts|Spotify|iHeart Radio

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

“I had to do a lot of mindset work around starting to trust myself, building my confidence, telling myself that I could do this and there was nothing more empowering for me than actually launching and continuing to grow.”

What We Talked About:

Planting the Seeds for Le Lolo [3:25]

How Courtney Fostered Visibility for Le Lolo [10:00]

The Moment Courtney Knew Le Lolo was Working [18:30]

Why Family is Number One [24:25]

Connect with Courtney:

@wearelelolo on Instagram

Le Lolo Postpartum on Facebook

@wearelelolo on TikTok

Le Lolo's Website

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts|Spotify|iHeart Radio

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

“Understand your mission. What are you trying to solve? That is the biggest thing. It's not about your idea, it's really about the problem.”

Nomiki Petrolla is the founder of Theanna, a social network focused on action opportunity and collaboration for all women tech founders, from idea to scale. Tune in and hear what Nomiki has to say about having a high tolerance for risk, her six-step framework for clients, and maintaining work-life integration.

What we talk about:

Common challenges for women entrepreneurs (07:58)

Scaling a business with a family (13:50)

Advancing gender equality and diversity in entrepreneurship (17:10)

Connect with Nomiki:

@NomikiPetrolla on IG

Theanna

Nomiki's Linkedin

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

“If you're having a hard time as a business owner, as an entrepreneur, I invite you to maybe, in this moment, placing a hand palm down over your heart space, and maybe the other hand on top of it, maybe you might like to take a breath, and you might like to say to yourself: ‘This is a natural part of running a business, and there's nothing wrong with me. There's nothing wrong with me.’ And that's where I start.”

Today, Shula is the Entrepreneur's Therapist, working with business owners to mitigate the entrepreneurial mental health crisis and transform the entrepreneur ecosystem. Shula is a speaker, teacher, and consultant who works one on one with business owners to support their mental and emotional well being. Tune in to hear what Shula tells us about the most stressful part of entrepreneurship, the trouble with burning the candle at both ends, and the importance of practicing self-compassion for female entrepreneurs.

Internal and external systemic conflict and how to manage it (09:08)

Shifting mindset when things are beyond your control (17:51)

Why 'imposter Syndrome’ doesn’t exist (21:34)

The Entrepreneur's Therapist

@The_Entrepreneurs_Therapist on IG

Shulamit's Linkedin

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts|Spotify|iHeart Radio

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

"If you have something to say and something to sell, you're ready for media.”

In this episode, we sit down with Entreprenista League member Beth Nydick, a media powerhouse with experience at NBC, MTV, and even creating a cocktail for Oprah Magazine. Beth is a sought-after speaker, author, and podcast monetization strategist who’s on a mission to help founders see their own boldness, step into visibility, and turn every mic moment into real business growth.

Beth shares her journey from behind-the-scenes media to empowering founders to get visible and get paid. She opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her say “yes” to big, sometimes scary goals, and why she believes every founder has the potential to become a digital personality. Plus, Beth reveals her signature “Mic to Millions” approach for turning podcast guest spots into consistent $10K+ paydays-no fancy PR required.

What we talked about:

The real secret to monetizing visibility and using media appearances strategically [06:36]

How to repurpose your media assets and build lasting relationships with podcast hosts [08:53]

The power of developing a digital personality (not just a brand) [12:55]

Beth’s “one DM, one comment, one reply” daily visibility routine [19:34]

Beth’s next big goal: launching her own late-night talk show for digital entrepreneurs [30:01]

Connect with Beth:

Linkedin

Instagram

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

“When you work for a large organization, everything is planned out, there's a million committees, a million meetings, things take years sometimes to happen. I knew one of the reasons that I really left was I felt like I had become who they wanted me to be and not who I truly am.”

Welcome back to Startups in Stilettos! In this episode, we dive into the powerful story of Kristen Chimack, a business coach, Hotel Whisperer, and author of "The Cost of Staying." Join us as she shares her journey of deliberate networking, discovering her unique skills, and of course, making the big leap.

Learn how she navigated the fears, built confidence through community, and created a new path filled with purpose. If you're contemplating a career pivot or struggling with the fear of change, this episode offers invaluable insights on listening to your intuition, planning your leap, and stepping into a life you truly love.

Kristen is also part of our Entreprenista Expert Council, where she offers expert advice to help women founders grow and scale their businesses. Kristen also shares how she helped Entreprenista secure the perfect location for Founders Weekend 2026!

What we talked about:

The Cost of Staying [3:00]

How Kristen Prepared to Leave Her Corporate Job [10:25]

Her Hotel Whisperer Expertise [20:25]

Advice for Planning an Event [25:00]

Closing Thoughts [32:00]

Connect with Kristen:

Linkedin

Website

Facebook

The Cost of Staying

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

“I feel so deeply connected to the Entreprenista League because I think having the right people around you makes a big difference.”

In this very special Startups in Stilettos minisode, Carlyn Bushman introduces her new co-host, Ingrid Zapata Read! Ingrid shares her heartfelt journey from corporate to building thriving communities for moms and founders, highlighting how curiosity and genuine connections can lead to unexpected yet rewarding paths.

Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into Ingrid’s Community Builder Power Group—an in-depth 8-week program designed to help founders turn followers into loyal communities, adapt to change, and celebrate the milestones that matter along the way. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot your business, this episode is packed with insights and practical strategies to elevate your business journey.

What We Talked About:

Ingrid’s Entrepreneurial Journey [3:35]

Why Did Ingrid Join the Entreprenista League? [12:30]

What Made Ingrid Want to Co-Host? [16:40]

Community Builder Power Group [18:00]

Connect with Ingrid

Community Builder Power Group

Working Momkind

Linkedin

Instagram

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

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

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

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

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

What we talked about:

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

The Power of the Purse [6:14]

How to Leverage Your Community [22:30]

Final Thoughts and Call to Action [28:45]

Connect with Natalie:

LinkedIn

HerCsuite®

Women Leaders on the Move

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

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

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

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

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

What we talk about:

Public speaking secrets [05:04]

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

The importance of experiences [13:29]

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

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

Connect with Liz:

@LizBrunner on IG

Facebook

Website

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

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