Founder Fumbles Podcast

Dahmari Taplin

Welcome to Founder Fumbles podcast, where we dig deep into real life startup struggles and comeback strategies. My hope is for entrepreneurs to learn how to bounce back, from real entrepreneurs that had real struggles. 

  1. 3d ago

    From Puppets to Paychecks | Aaron Hightower | S2 #7

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Aaron Hightower — Founder of Live Laugh and Enjoy, Puppet Master, YouTuber, content creator, model, and faith enthusiast — to explore how creativity became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey. From meeting at CreatorCon to building a business that brings joy through puppetry, Aaron shares the story behind Live Laugh and Enjoy, what inspired him to entertain audiences of all ages, and the lessons he's learned while turning passion into purpose. We also hear from his hilarious partner-in-crime, Allen, the puppet with a personality of his own, as they share laughs, life lessons, and behind-the-scenes moments from their creative world. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, entertainer, or someone chasing a dream, this episode is packed with honest conversations about perseverance, purpose, and building something meaningful. 🔥 In this episode: How Dahmari and Aaron met at CreatorCon The story behind Live Laugh and Enjoy What inspired Aaron to become a Puppet Master The challenges of entertaining kids as a business owner Whether adults are next for the show Entrepreneurship lessons from performing The biggest business challenges Aaron has faced Allen the puppet joins the conversation Daily habits that keep Aaron motivated Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and creators What's next for Live Laugh and Enjoy 📖 Connect with Aaron Hightower 📧 Email: twippy17@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/live_laugh_... ▶️ YouTube: http://youtube.com/channel/UC_vE3UkVJ... 🎙️ Podcast: Founder Fumbles Hosted by Dahmari Taplin If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share. Every subscription helps us continue bringing real startup struggles and comeback stories to entrepreneurs everywhere. #FounderFumbles #AaronHightower #LiveLaughAndEnjoy #PuppetMaster #Entrepreneur #ContentCreator #CreatorCon #SmallBusiness #BusinessPodcast #YouTuber #CreativeBusiness #StartupStories Support the show

  2. Sep 1

    Turning Art Into Income Streams | Molly Anna Alford | S2 #6

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Molly Anna — Founder of Molly Anna Designs, visual artist, fashion enthusiast, Etsy store owner, model, and brand ambassador — to explore her creative journey, entrepreneurial growth, and the realities of building a business around passion and artistic expression. From discovering her love for art to launching Molly Anna Designs and growing her presence through Etsy and social media, Molly shares the lessons, challenges, and experiences that have shaped her path as a founder. We discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, building a brand as a creative, overcoming self-doubt, and staying motivated while pursuing long-term goals. If you're a creator, artist, entrepreneur, or someone looking to turn your passion into a business, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. 🔥 In this episode: • How Molly Anna got started as an artist and entrepreneur • The story behind Molly Anna Designs • Her experience attending Creator Con and networking with creators • What inspired her passion for art and fashion • The challenges and rewards of opening an Etsy store • The biggest obstacles she's faced as a business owner • Business skills she's still developing as a founder • How she stays motivated through difficult seasons • Daily routines and habits that help her stay focused • Lessons learned from building a creative business • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and artists • What success looks like for her in the coming year • New projects and opportunities on the horizon 📖 Connect with Molly Anna: 🌐 Website: https://mollyannadesignes.lovable.app 🛍️ Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MollyAnnaDesignsCo 📸 Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyannalee23/ 🎨 Molly Anna Designs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyannadesigns2/ 🎙️ Podcast: Founder Fumbles Hosted by Dahmari Taplin Founder Fumbles is a podcast dedicated to sharing real startup struggles, entrepreneurial lessons, and comeback stories from founders, creators, and business leaders. Every episode dives into the challenges, wins, and practical insights that help entrepreneurs grow both personally and professionally. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to: ✅ Subscribe to the channel ✅ Like this video ✅ Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway ✅ Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or creative #FounderFumbles #MollyAnnaDesigns #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwner #CreativeEntrepreneur #EtsySeller #ArtistLife #WomenInBusiness #StartupJourney #BusinessPodcast #FounderStory #CreatorEconomy #VisualArtist #FashionEntrepreneur #EtsyBusiness Support the show

  3. Aug 18

    How to Turn Your Passion to Profit | Deion Aldridge | S2 #5

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Deion Aldridge — founder of Crushedvelvet Collection, designer, former stylist, and mental health advocate — to explore the real journey behind building a fashion brand. From getting started in styling and fashion to becoming a founder, Deion shares the challenges, lessons, mindset shifts, and experiences that shaped her entrepreneurial journey. We talk about overcoming difficult seasons, finding purpose, staying motivated, and continuing to build even when things don't go according to plan. 🔥 In this episode: • The story behind Crushedvelvet Collection • Deion's journey from stylist to founder • The meaning behind her brand logo • Building and growing a fashion business • Finding models and creating opportunities • The biggest challenges of being a founder • Overcoming setbacks and moments of doubt • Finding purpose in entrepreneurship • Daily routines that keep her focused • The biggest lessons she's learned • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs • What's next for Deion and Crushedvelvet Collection 🎁 SPECIAL OFFER FOR FOUNDER FUMBLES VIEWERS! Deion is offering 20% OFF to everyone watching and supporting this episode! Use the exclusive discount code when shopping with Crushedvelvet Collection and enjoy 20% OFF your purchase. Just comment or message us on our social media accounts to get the discount code. Don't miss this opportunity to support a fellow founder while getting a special discount! 📖 Connect with Deion Aldridge & Crushedvelvet Collection: 🌐 Website: http://youregonnacrushit.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crushedvelvetcollection_ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crushedvelvetcollection 🎙️ Founder Fumbles Hosted by Dahmari Taplin If this episode inspired you, subscribe, follow, share it with a fellow founder, and leave a review! Support the show

  4. Aug 15

    Your Pain Has Purpose | T.R. Monroe | vEP.23

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, Dahmari Taplin sits down with T.R. Monroe  an author, educator, media specialist, and storyteller who is on a mission to help others understand that their greatest setbacks can become their greatest testimony. T.R. shares her journey as an author and opens up about the experiences that inspired her to write her book and share a message centered around healing, faith, purpose, and personal growth. We talk about what it means to heal both spiritually and practically, why storytelling can play such an important role in the healing process, and how difficult experiences can eventually become part of your purpose. T.R also explains the difference between simply surviving and actually healing, why people can become stuck in past pain, the role forgiveness can play in moving forward, and what healing can look like in everyday life. We also get into the entrepreneurial side of becoming an author — from the sacrifices required to write a book to the challenges of promoting something so personal. T.R shares some of the lessons she's learned along the way, including the business skills she's still developing and how technology and AI have played a role in her writing process. And, of course, we talk about the Fumble. There was a point in T.R's journey where she questioned whether writing the book was really worth the time, effort, and sacrifice. We talk about that moment, what kept her going, and the people and beliefs that helped her continue moving forward. This conversation is about more than writing a book. It's about turning pain into purpose, finding hope in difficult seasons, and understanding that sometimes the things we go through can become the very things that help someone else. In this episode, you'll hear about: • T.R's journey as an author, educator, and storyteller • What inspired her to write her book • Why healing is both spiritual and practical • How storytelling can help people heal • Finding purpose in painful experiences • The difference between surviving and healing • Forgiveness, shame, and moving forward • The challenges of becoming an author • The sacrifices that come with writing a book • Learning the business side of being an author • Using AI tools during the writing process • Faith and its role throughout her journey • The moment she questioned whether the journey was worth it • What kept her motivated when things got difficult • Turning setbacks into testimony If you've ever struggled with your past, questioned your purpose, or wondered whether the difficult things you've experienced could eventually mean something, this episode is for you. Because nobody talks about this part of the journey... The setbacks. The self-doubt. The moments you question whether you should keep going. But sometimes, your biggest fumble can become your greatest testimony. Connect with T.R. Monroe: Website: https://trmonroebooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authortrmonroe TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authortrmonroe Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLLNJPTK Follow Founder Fumbles: Hosted by Dahmari Taplin, Founder Fumbles is a podcast about the real side of entrepreneurship — the mistakes, failures, setbacks, and moments that nobody talks about. Every founder has a fumble. This is where we talk about it. Support the show

  5. Aug 4

    Every Founder's Greatest Asset | Lorrena Black | S2 #4

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Lorrena Black — Founder of SheServed LLC, U.S. Army Veteran, keynote speaker, leadership coach, facilitator, wife, mother, and Christian leader — to explore how emotional intelligence, identity-driven leadership, and purpose can transform both your business and your life. Lorrena shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, revealing the lessons she's learned while helping leaders rise differently. We dive into the challenges of building a business, overcoming self-doubt, staying rooted in your purpose, and developing the leadership skills needed to create lasting impact. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insights on resilience, personal growth, and leading with authenticity. 🔥 In this episode: Lorrena's journey from the U.S. Army to entrepreneurship The story behind SheServed LLC What emotional intelligence means for leaders Identity-driven growth and why it matters Helping leaders rise differently The biggest challenges she's faced as a founder Lessons learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey How she stays motivated during difficult seasons Daily routines that help her lead with intention Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders What's next for Lorrena and SheServed LLC 📖 Connect with Lorrena Black: 🌐 Website: https://www.sheserved.co/ 📧 Email: lorrena@sheserved.co 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorrenablack/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrenablack/ 🎙️ Podcast: Founder Fumbles Hosted by: Dahmari Taplin Support the show

  6. Jul 7

    From Foster Care to Financial Freedom | Mario Wilcox | S2 #2

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Mario Wilcox — Founder of Wilcox Wellness, Licensed Master Social Worker, Mental Health Consultant, Real Estate Investor, and Foster Care Alumni — to explore the intersection of mental health, entrepreneurship, real estate, and purpose-driven leadership. Mario shares how his life experiences inspired him to build a business dedicated to helping others while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. We dive into the realities of building a mission-driven company, overcoming founder setbacks, staying resilient during difficult seasons, and why prioritizing mental health is essential for long-term success. 🔥 In this episode: The story behind Wilcox Wellness Mario's journey from foster care to entrepreneurship What mental health means to him His approach to real estate investing The biggest challenges he's faced as a founder The business skills he's still developing How he stays motivated through difficult seasons Daily habits and routines that keep him focused Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs What success looks like for Mario this year What's next for Mario and Wilcox Wellness 📖 Connect with Mario Wilcox: 🌐 Website: https://wilcoxwellness.co/ 📧 Email: wilcoxtherapy@outlook.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilcox.wellness/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-wilcox-lmsw-6080b2332/ 🎙️ Podcast: Founder Fumbles Hosted by Dahmari Taplin 🚀 Grab the Founder Fumbles Starter Kit: https://ff-starter-kit.sender.site/ Support the show

  7. Jun 25

    The Power of Self-Advocacy | Geralyn Gaines | S2 #1

    Send us Fan Mail .Audio fixed..Audio fixed. In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Geralyn Gaines — Founder of Keeping It G, keynote speaker, HR consultant, professional coach, and corporate leader — to explore the power of self-advocacy, transformational leadership, and building a purpose-driven business while navigating a successful corporate career.  From working at Ford Motor Company to empowering professionals through coaching and speaking engagements, Geralyn shares the lessons, challenges, and mindset shifts that helped shape her entrepreneurial journey. We dive into the realities of balancing a growing business with a demanding career, overcoming obstacles as a founder, and staying committed to your purpose even when things get tough.  🔥 In this episode:  The story behind Keeping It G What transformational speaking really means How Geralyn balances Ford Motor Company and entrepreneurship The biggest challenges she's faced as a founder Why self-advocacy is a critical leadership skill Lessons learned from building a purpose-driven business Daily habits and routines that keep her focused Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders What keeps her motivated during difficult seasons  What's next for Geralyn and Keeping It G  📖 Connect with Geralyn Gaines:  🌐 Website:  https://www.geralyngaines.com/  📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/geralyngaineskeepingitg/  💼 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/geralyn-gaines/  🎙️ Podcast: Founder Fumbles Hosted by Dahmari Taplin  🚀 Grab the Founder Fumbles Starter Kit:  https://ff-starter-kit.sender.site/ Support the show

About

Welcome to Founder Fumbles podcast, where we dig deep into real life startup struggles and comeback strategies. My hope is for entrepreneurs to learn how to bounce back, from real entrepreneurs that had real struggles.