• Nicole Leon Helps Founders Buy Back Their Time
    Dec 9 2025
    “...I have been able to scale multiple businesses off of organic social media reach alone. No email marketing, no paid ads. Literally just organic reach. And word of mouth. And I mean, I think that speaks volumes to it.”‍In this inspiring episode of Startups in Stilettos, we sit down with Entreprenista League member and Powerhouse Latina founder Nicole Leone—the dynamic force behind El Leone Virtual Assistance, a boutique executive support agency trusted by heart-led brands, boutique law firms, and scrappy scaling founders.Nicole takes us behind the scenes of her journey from “ex-corporate baddie” to self-made, bootstrapped entrepreneur. She opens up about the moments that pushed her out of corporate America, the lash business she built in her living room that gave her the freedom to leap, and how she transformed the very traits she was once criticized for—empathy, emotional intelligence, and connection—into her entrepreneurial superpowers.What we talked about:Starting the Virtual Assistant [3:15]A Super Side Hustle [8:21]Planning Online Content [12:20]Using Social Media [15:27]Being in the Right Alignment [19:51]Connect with Nicole:Website @lleon.va or @thenicoleleon on Instagram Nicole Leon on Linkedin‍Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ ⁠⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ @itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠ ‍ Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend! ‍ 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.
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    32 mins
  • Jade Pruett Gets Women-Owned Brands Found Online
    Dec 2 2025
    "I think what really sets a lot of different agencies apart is how they acquire backlinks because there's so many. And that's another one of those terms, like, who even knows what that means. It's very important to get other websites to talk about your website.”In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Carlyn and Ingrid sit down with SEO strategist and founder of HelloSEO, Jade Pruett, to explore what visibility really means in 2025—across Google, AI browsers, and everywhere your brand shows up online. Jade shares her powerful journey from a four-hour daily commute and a $49K corporate salary to bootstrapping her own six-figure SEO business while working full-time—and ultimately taking the leap into entrepreneurship. She opens up about the grind, the burnout, the freedom, and the life she and her husband have intentionally built as a result. What we talked about:Why Start A Business? [5:12]AI and GPT [10:44]Make Key Takeaways [15:29]Ask About Backlinking [20:53]Being Visible [24:53] Use code ENTREPRENISTA for $100 off per month for HelloSEO's Foundational SEO package Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ ⁠⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ @itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠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 StilettosWant 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 StilettosThanks 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.
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    32 mins
  • Katya Eckert Crafts Sleepwear That Supports Hormonal Wellness
    Nov 25 2025
    “And we reached out to them. I was like, I really want to do this self -care giveaway. I really want to elevate this like process of self-care…”On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, host Carlyn Bushman sit down with Entreprenista League member Katya Eckert, founder and CEO of A DOMANI, the sleepwear brand redefining rest for women navigating postpartum, menopause, breast-cancer treatment, and beyond. Inspired by her own postpartum night sweats and her mother’s battle with breast cancer, Katya turned a deeply personal pain point into a mission-driven apparel company blending comfort, science, and luxury. Her journey—marked by early momentum, major financial risk, a forced “emergency brake,” and ultimately, breakout visibility through Oprah Daily’s Menopause Awards and a CBS Mornings feature—offers a raw and refreshing look at what it really takes to build a product-based business. What we talked about:The Idea [5:04]Profitable Milestones [10:45]Getting Printed in Oprah Magazine [15:50]Using Your Leverage [20:20]Who To Partner With [24:56] Connect with Carlyn:⁠⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on LinkedIn⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠ Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend!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 StilettosWant 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 StilettosThanks 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.
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    35 mins
  • Sequoia Armstrong Inspires Women to Explore with Intention
    Nov 18 2025
    “I've been in a number of communities and I think that sharing your challenges and your, even fear, you know, fears and challenges and your wins, which I think as women can be very hard sometimes to do with others…” In this episode of Startups In Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Sequoia Armstrong, conscious travel consultant, community builder, and founder of Puebla York, a boutique travel consultancy helping women design meaningful, mindful, and sustainable travel experiences. Born and raised in Maui with Japanese heritage and deep ties to Mexico, Sequoia shares how her lifelong love of travel evolved into a purpose-driven business that empowers women — especially women of color — to explore the world intentionally. What we talked about:Importance of Solo Travel [4:14]Conscious Travel [9:42]Always Unique [12:47]How Sequoia Supports You [17:52]Different Growth Strategies [23:12] Connect with Sequoia: @pueblayorkinc on Instagram Website Soul Wanderer Podcast Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ @itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠ Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend! 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.
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    35 mins
  • Allyse Cirillo Redefines Clean Beauty from the Inside Out
    Nov 11 2025
    “We all feel that way. We all feel like where do we start? You know, you can't do everything every day all the time. So just creating those little habits and little changes.”On this episode of Startups and Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with Allyse Cirillo, Founder and CEO of St. Joe, a clean wellness brand reshaping the beauty industry from the inside out.After over a decade in corporate product development and a personal health transformation, Alice embarked on a mission to simplify the path to well-being for women everywhere. She opens up about the misconceptions behind “clean beauty,” the science of plant-based formulations, and why transparency and integrity should be the foundation of every skincare brand.What we talked about:Different Types of Clean [4:27]Sitting with Chemists [7:32]Moving In Silence [12:07]Spreading The Mission [17:18]Making One Change [21:36] Connect with Carlyn:⁠⁠@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on LinkedIn⁠⁠Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠⁠Connect with Ingrid:⁠⁠@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on Linkedin⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠Members 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 StilettosWant 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 StilettosThanks 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 RadioBe 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.
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    33 mins
  • Nina Sarin Arias Grows a Global Luxury Brand from the Ground Up
    Nov 4 2025
    “I'm happy to be growing organically and, you know, taking my time with it. I'm not in a rush. So I think that's what I've learned in the past kind of eight, nine, eight years since I've had the brand. It's just, it's going to take time.”What does it take to trade a corporate career at Burberry and Cartier for life as a fashion founder in New York City? For Nina Sarin, Founder & Creative Director of Arias New York, it all started with courage, creativity — and just the right amount of naivete. In this inspiring episode of Startups and Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata Read sit down with Entreprenista League member Nina Sarin to explore her journey from business school and luxury marketing to launching a globally recognized women’s ready-to-wear brand. Known for its modern, feminine silhouettes and sophisticated day-to-night designs, Arias New York has been featured by retailers like Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi, and Rent the Runway — all while keeping production proudly local in New York City. What we talked about:Working at Parsons [3:55]Learning New Tricks [10:12]Standing Out From Others [16:15]Advice for New Designers [21:26]Being Your Own Advocate [25:41] Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ ⁠⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ @itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠ Are you ready to get the recognition you deserve? Applications close on November 6th. Take the first step toward gaining the visibility and recognition your business deserves. ⁠Start your award application today⁠! Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend! 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 StilettosWant 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 StilettosThanks 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.
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    33 mins
  • Kelly Gushue Simplifies Money Management for Busy Entreprenistas
    Oct 28 2025
    “...there is a money mindset that we are continuously addressing. And this is why it's an ongoing learning process. And it's great to be part of a community associated with money because there are different dimensions associated with money.” Money isn’t just about numbers — it’s about choices, confidence, and freedom. In this empowering episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Kelly Gushue, founder of Personal Finance Warrior and member of the Entreprenista Expert Council, to talk all things money mindset and wealth building for women entrepreneurs. From childhood money memories to practical investment steps, Kelly shares her simple but powerful three-step money system designed to help founders create financial stability and long-term growth — even in the early, unpredictable stages of business. The conversation dives into emergency savings for your business, setting up retirement and investment accounts, and reframing debt as a strategic tool instead of a burden. What we talked about:Where to Start Building Wealth [5:51]Emergency Savings [12:36]The Money Flow System [16:15]Dealing With Debt [21:22]Join a Community! [27:04] Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ ⁠⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ @itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Kelly: @personalfinancewarrior on Instagram Kelly Gushue on LinkedIn Personal Finance Warrior Learn more about Entreprenista's favorite business credit cards! Entreprenista is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Are you ready to get the recognition you deserve? Applications close on November 6th. Take the first step toward gaining the visibility and recognition your business deserves. ⁠Start your award application today⁠! Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend! 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 StilettosWant 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 StilettosThanks 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 RadioBe 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.
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    37 mins
  • Jamie Keane Builds Creator Websites in 20 minutes
    Oct 21 2025
    “They're like, well, I don't know if I have the money to do marketing.I'm like, if your marketing is garbage, you're not going to make money. You have to have good marketing.” In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, hosts Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman sit down with Jamie Keane, founder of Julip — the innovative “website-in-bio” platform helping creators and solopreneurs build stunning, functional websites in just 20 minutes. Jamie opens up about the inspiration behind Julip, the long and bumpy road to launch, and how she turned failure with a developer into a success story built on resilience and smart pivots. She shares how Julip bridges the gap between clunky link tools and expensive websites, making it easier than ever to showcase your brand, products, and story — all in one place. What we talked about:Why Have a Website? [4:35]When Bleep Hits the Fan [9:32]The Launch [14:07]Learning the Back End [23:46]Final Thoughts [31:08] Connect with Jamie: Website @myjulip on Instagram Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Check out Steph's Julip ⁠page⁠ to get your 14 day FREE trial! Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠ @carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠ ⁠⁠ Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠ @itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠ Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠ Are you ready to get the recognition you deserve? The Early Entry rate for the Entreprenista 100 application ends on October 23, 2025. Take the first step toward gaining the visibility and recognition your business deserves. ⁠Start your award application today⁠! Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend! 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 StilettosWant 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.
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    36 mins