Startups in Stilettos

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 UlloThis 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 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|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|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.

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 KlaristenfeldThis 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 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|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|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.

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 ClearyThis 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 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!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!

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 MilanesHello, 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 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!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!

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 PekermanThis 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 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!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!

Sri-Lanka born, Australia raised Ginni has had quite the diverse career path. She had a broadcast radio show in Australia for years, she worked on airplanes, she started her own podcast, and currently she owns a podcast producing company that produces nearly 100 shows each year. And now, she’s here to help. In today’s episode, we sit down with Ginni Saraswati, founder and CEO of Ginni Media, the go-to all-in-one shop for podcast producing. She shares why she moved across the world with only five clients when she went full-time with her podcasting company, she gives tips for starting a podcast, she tells us about the exciting new original shows she’s producing, and so much more. “So I came to America with five clients, all based in the East Coast. And I thought, ‘Okay, what could change if I go all in?’ and I quickly found out that a lot changed when I went all in. And the company, we started off with five clients, and now we're up to over 80 that we've produced or currently produce for throughout the year. But we've launched over 300 podcasts. So it's been quite a journey.” - Ginni SaraswatiThis week on Startups in Stilettos: Ginni shares what caused her to start Ginni Media (1:42) Ginni talks about how she knew it was the right time to go full-time (4:39) When Ginni decided to invest in herself and a business coach (12:09) Ginni gives advice for starting a podcast (16:58) Ginni asks Stephanie three questions (20:34) Ginni shares how the Entreprenista League has helped her business (27:04) Ginni talks about the podcasting event she’s hosting for the Entreprenista League (27:56) Ginni gives a taste of the exciting things coming to Ginni Media in the coming year (28:52) Resources Mentioned: Asana Monday.com Tadam Our Favorite Quotes: “I was doing podcasting as a side hustle while I was building airplanes.” - Ginni Saraswati  “A lot of brown culture is predicated on what people think and ‘what will they think?’ But I'm like, Well, we know what people think I'm just gonna keep walking forward, like, ‘what else can you do at this point?’” - Ginni Saraswati  “What we forget about with audio media, or podcasting is just how intimate it is. Unlike video or reading or text or anything like that you're literally in someone's ear. So the impact or the influence is greater.” - Ginni Saraswati Connect with Ginni Saraswati: GinniMedia.com Ginni Media on Instagram Ginni Media 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 Learn more about Jessica Abo here 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!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!

Julia Xu was always entrepreneurial, but she had no idea that she would one day run four businesses. However, each one started naturally after the previous one she started. Today, she runs a consulting business, a home office shop, an ecommerce shop, and an automated product sourcing platform. In today’s episode, we talk with Julia Xu–founder of USourced, ReSourcery, Multitasky, and Julia Xu Consulting–to find out how she balances it all, the importance of the right friendships, how to decide if fundraising is right, and so much more. “So I don’t feel like work is work, work is life in a way where I’m actually building something that I truly believe in, and I’m truly passionate about, and I wouldn’t be anywhere else, I would rather just be working on this.” – Julia XuThis week on Startups in Stilettos: Julia shares about each of her companies (1:06) Julia talks about her corporate background and how it led to her starting four businesses (2:05) Julia shares how she manages her time (6:05) Julia, Jessica, and Stephanie talk about the importance of finding the right romantic partner as business owners (11:34) Julia talks about how to decide if fundraising is right for your business (14:59) Jessica and Stephanie share how they decided to start their businesses (20:15) Resources Mentioned: CRON Superhuman Notion Air Table Our Favorite Quotes: “Now getting all those ‘dream jobs,’ I realized I actually lost an initial self who had more ambition and wanted to create my own thing.” – Julia Xu “By saying no, and by turning down things, you’re only opening up yourself to things that actually add value and positivity to your life.” – Julia Xu Connect with Julia Xu: Julia Xu on LinkedIn Julia Xu on Instagram Multitasky on Instagram ReSourcery on Instagram Julia Xu Consulting on Instagram USourced.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 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!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!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.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.

Dr. Najwa Javed was on a girls trip when the idea for her footwear business was born. Everyone but her had foot pain and it was then that she knew she had to do something. E’MAR was born soon after.In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Najwa Javed, founder of E’MAR, a revolutionary footwear brand that blends luxury and comfort into one. She talks with us about raising capital, balancing everything, being an introverted Entreprenista, and so much more. ““​​So I decided that I was just going to use my medical expertise, and figure that like, okay, if you’re in a high heel, what should your foot do? What is your posture doing? Where are your pain points? How can I fix it?” – Dr. Najwa JavedThis week on Startups in Stilettos: Dr. Najwa talks about her background and where her idea for E’MAR came from (4:02) Dr. Najwa talks about raising capital (9:56) Dr. Najwa shares how she balances being a mom and running a business while being a doctor (15:15) Dr. Najwa talks about her team (18:26) Dr. Najwa shares how she got E’MAR in front of retailers (20:42) Stephanie and Dr. Najwa talk about being introverted Entreprenistas (25:12) Resources Mentioned: Shopify Google Suite Dropbox Notion Canva Photoshop Adobe Suite Our Favorite Quotes: “Everybody was in pain except me. And they were like, ‘this is ridiculous. How come you don’t have any pain?’ And I was like, ‘oh, it’s because like, I know how to buy heels from my feet.’ So they were like, ‘you have to teach us, you have to teach us, you have to teach everybody.’ It started like that. Just teaching somebody how to buy heels, how to wear heels.” – Dr. Najwa Javed “My company has been built on this ability to actually test my products on patients, which is just so amazing.” – Dr. Najwa Javed “So a no is always a yes to me. Because you can make it better.” – Dr. Najwa Javed Connect with Dr. Najwa Javed : E’MAR on Instagram ShopEMAR.com Dr. Najwa on Instagram E’MAR at Nordstrom 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 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!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!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|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|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.

Diana Arango is a law graduate and self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur. She graduated from the University of The Andes with a Bachelor in Law before attending Fordham University School of Law where she completed her Masters of Laws in International Business and Trade Law. Diana then spent some time working in a variety of impressive roles, mostly within the real estate sector, before eventually starting her business, Chefpost. On this episode, Diana walks us through her experience in starting Chefpost. She shares a bit about the inspiration behind the business, what challenges she faced, and how she was able to overcome them. “I think it’s very important as a founder and a CEO, you do not need to know everything very well. But you need to understand different aspects of the business because that way you can outsource and delegate, knowing a little bit about what you’re delegating.” – Diana Arango This week on Startups in Stilettos: What it was that inspired Diana to start Chefpost (1:12) How Diana turned her dream of Chefpost into a reality (2:08) How Diana was able to balance her personal life with starting a new business (3:30) The ways in which Diana chose to finance Chefpost (6:23) Diana’s tips on fundraising for business (8:45) The biggest lesson Diana learned in starting Chefpost (13:47) How to build your PR strategy based on your type of business (15:54) What the Entreprenista League has meant to Diana and the ways in which she’s benefited from it (22:22) Resources Mentioned: Dream Ventures The Entreprenista League Our Favorite Quotes: “I like business, I’m entrepreneur-minded. And I am always business analyzing everything. So where there is a problem, I always try to find the business solution to it.” – Diana Arango “I think that happens to all entrepreneurs, that you’re so passionate about [your business] that you still work extra hours and it doesn’t feel that hard.” – Diana Arango “A lot of sacrifices, all of our savings, went into the business but we just believed so much that this was gonna work that it was the only option.” – Diana Arango Connect with Diana Arango: Chefpost Chefpost on Instagram Chefpost on Facebook Diana Arango on LinkedIn Diana Arango on Instagram 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 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!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!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.

Elisa Molina is the founder and CEO of COVEDOZA, a go-to marketplace for women to feel empowered, validated, and confident through art. Elisa is passionate about helping female artists and people of color bolster their artistic influence while generating passive income. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from the State University of New York College at Buffelo, a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the Florida International University College of Business, and has previously served in the Peace Corps in San Jose and Costa Rica.Elisa joins us today to share the humble beginnings of her company and how her experience in the Peace Corps inspired her to support and empower female artists and creatives. We discuss the challenges she faced while learning about import and export laws and how she developed a revenue-sharing model that supported the artisans she collaborated. Elisa shares how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted her business and her experience with crowdfunding and applying for small business COVID-19 relief grants. She shares tips for creating your first crowdfunding campaign and how she leveraged LinkedIn to promote her campaign. We also discuss PR strategies for increasing your brand awareness and the pros and cons of using H.E.R.O. as part of your PR strategy.“There are tons of opportunities and tools available for women entrepreneurs to apply for grants.” – Elisa MolinaIf you’re looking to take your business to the next level, 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!This week on Startups in Stilettos: What inspired Elisa to launch COVEDOZA From ideation to launch: How Elisa initially began collaborating with international artisans How Elisa educated herself on navigating import and shipping challenges with international suppliers How Elisa created a revenue-sharing model to support the artisans as well as her company What kept Elisa inspired and motivated to continue building COVENDOZA Applying for grants and creating a crowdfunding campaign Tips for creating your first crowdfunding campaign Marketing strategies Elisa used to promote her business Understanding how grants work and how Elisa used the grand funds to grow her COVEDOZA  How to find small business grants in your area and state Strategies to increase brand awareness and identifying the best ways to connect with reporters What’s next for COVEDOZA and the inspiration behind the “It’s Me Season” apparel collection Resources Mentioned: GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative iFundWomen iFundWomen of Color Shopify Google Drive Hello Alice Funded Help a Reporter Out Google Alerts Our Favorite Quotes: “Don’t focus on perfecting. Focus on getting started. Launch it and as you go – as you learn, as you continue to raise funds – you will have an opportunity to always update your campaign.” – Elisa Molina “I noticed that the more grants I applied for, the better I was getting at pitching my business and injecting passion and mission.” – Elisa Molina “If we do not prioritize ourselves, we cannot take care of others.” – Elisa Molina Connect with Elisa Molina: COVEDOZA Email: Elisa@covedoza.com COVEDOZA on LinkedIn COVEDOZA on Instagram COVEDOZA on Facebook COVEDOZA on Twitter COVEDOZA on YouTube Elisa Molina 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 Learn more about Jessica Abo here