Startups in Stilettos Entreprenista Network

After struggling with infertility for three years, all Jess Milanes wanted was to create a space to discuss openly and honestly about women’s health issues, so she started a podcast. Little did she know that that would lead to her discovering a newfound love for the podcasting medium. Then she decided to help others with starting their podcasts. 
In today’s episode, we sit down with Jess Milanes, founder of Smart Podcast Solutions, a podcast launch and management company. She shares how she knew it was time to leave corporate, what private podcasts are, the new management system she’s using, and so much more. 
“I just loved the podcasting medium. I love talking to people. And I have a background in systems and I'm just really technologically inclined. And so I thought what better way to marry my love of podcasting, my love of systems and my love of people, and bring it all together and support women in starting their own podcast.” - Jess Milanes
Hello, Entreprenistas! New Year, new team! Many of you may remember Carlyn Bushman’s episode a few months back, well, now she joins us as a co-host! Please give her the warmest of welcomes. 
This week on Startups in Stilettos:

Jess tells us about Smart Podcast Solutions (2:50)

Jess shares how she knew it was the right time to leave corporate (6:36)

Jess discusses what she is most proud of (11:01)

Jess gives us the scoop on what private podcasts are (12:33)

Jess shares the new management system she’s building out (17:30)

Jessica and Carlyn discuss the questions they’ve recently been asked (20:23)


Resources Mentioned:

Clickup

Google Drive

Dubsado

Excel

Airtable

Drip

www.Entreprenista.com/join


Our Favorite Quotes:

“Up until the day that I was leaving, I still didn't know that I was making the right choice. And it was really interesting. The Universe kind of told me that I was because two days after my last day at the bank, they were acquired, and I would have been laid off anyway.” - Jess Milanes

“So there's this really great idea of using these private podcasts as a way to understand who are your superfans, and who's really warmed up to buy from you, and whatever you are putting out into the world.” - Jess Milanes 

“I really felt that there needed to be a platform for women to openly discuss their women's health issues. And it was all around providing representation and support.” - Jess Milanes 


Connect with Jess Milanes:

Jess on Instagram

www.SmartPodcastSolutions.com

Jess on LinkedIn


Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:

Stephanie Cartin on Instagram

Stephanie Cartin on LinkedIn

Jessica Abo on Instagram

Jessica Abo on LinkedIn

Carlyn Bushman on Instagram

Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn

Learn more about Jessica Abo here


Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Like many Entreprenistas, motherhood changed the course of Pam’s life in a way she didn’t expect. She was happy living out her 20s dreams of being a TV correspondent until she became a mom of two, then she realized her priorities had shifted, so she started Hustle Like A Mom.

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

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

This week on Startups in Stilettos:

Pam shares how Hustle like a Mom came to be (2:00)

Why knowing who your “one person” is is the most important thing (4:27)

Pam gives some great tips for beginning Entreprenistas (6:30)

Pam explains why she created her Edit to Expand Planner (12:29)

Pam answers the question, ‘how do you know entrepreneurship is right for you?’ (22:00)


Resources Mentioned:

Trello

Canva

Excel

Edit to Expand Planner

Instagram

TikTok

Print Tech


Our Favorite Quotes:

“It's okay to not know, it's not okay to not ask questions.” - Pam Pekerman

“Focus on your shot.” - Pam Pekerman

“​​I think sometimes entrepreneurs can get really anxious because they hear the information from every direction. I always say, like, ‘you don't have to eat the whole menu at the restaurant.’” - Pam Pekerman


Connect with Pam Pekerman:

Hustle like a Mom on Instagram

Pam Pekerman on Instagram

HustleLikeAMom.com


Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:

Stephanie Cartin on Instagram

Stephanie Cartin on LinkedIn

Jessica Abo on Instagram

Jessica Abo on LinkedIn

Learn more about Jessica Abo here


Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

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 Saraswati

This 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 Stilettos

Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

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 Xu
This 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 Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
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.
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 Javed
This 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 Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

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 Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
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.