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Dear FoundHer…Real Founder Stories for Women Small Business Owners — Business
Dear FoundHer…Real Founder Stories for Women Small Business Owners

Dear FoundHer… is a How I Built This–style podcast sharing real stories from female entrepreneurs, female founders, and women in business, especially women 40+, who are building companies on their own terms.

Hosted by award-winning entrepreneur Lindsay Pinchuk, each episode features honest, thoughtful conversations with women CEOs and founders navigating leadership, decision making, career pivots, and business growth. These are the stories behind the success, the lessons, the marketing strategies that actually work, and the leadership moments that shape women building and leading businesses.

From Bobbi Brown to Rebecca Minkoff, Peloton’s Jenn Sherman & Dr. Becky Kennedy to Gail Simmons, Dear FoundHer… brings you conversations with some of the most influential female founders and leaders of our time.

Dear FoundHer… explores what it looks like to grow a business with clarity and confidence, from starting a company for the first time or after leaving corporate, to scaling responsibly, managing teams, building visibility, getting press, and creating sustainable growth. Topics include leadership development, confidence at work, business strategy, marketing strategies and tactics, company messaging, community building, and showing up confidently.

There’s no fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real insight, shared perspective, and practical wisdom, because building businesses is better when women learn from each other.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Copyright: © Lindsay Pinchuk

Latest Episodes:

Tik Tok's 50-Something Sensation, SunnyandJenn Tells All Part 1, with Pam Sunshine and Jenn Sherman Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

“We kind of knew we were onto something and we decided we were just going to come on and be ourselves,” says Jenn Sherman about how she and her best friend Pam Sunshine became a sensation on TikTok as SunnyandJenn. This episode kicks off a two-part series exploring how these 50-something influencers turned a chance encounter into a thriving lifestyle brand. Host Lindsay Pinchuk recounts her friendship with Jenn, a well-known Peloton instructor, and their journey into the world of TikTok.

Pam and Jenn discuss their rapid rise to TikTok fame, highlighting the power of authenticity and genuine friendship. They share insights on balancing their new venture with their primary careers—Jenn as a Peloton instructor and Pam as a personal assistant—and the importance of choosing brand partnerships that align with their values.

Join Pam and Jenn in this episode of Dear FoundHer… as they share their journey to TikTok stardom and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Discover how authenticity, seizing opportunities, and starting without a perfect plan can lead to unexpected success, and gain valuable insights into balancing new ventures with existing careers.

Quotes

“We’re going to talk about what it feels like to be in our mid-fifties, trying to live our best life. We love fashion. We love beauty. We love food. We’re moms… I know this word is obviously overused. We are authentic. Like a hundred percent is what you get.” (10:51 | Jenn Sherman & Pam Sunshine)
“I needed an outlet for things that made me happy. And one of the things that always made me happy is friendships, socialization, and 38 years of being best friends with someone we met before kids, before husbands, when it was just us. And we just go back to that.” (12:17 | Pam Sunshine)

Connect with Pam Sunshine and Jenn Sherman:

http://www.instagram.com/sunnyandjenn

http://www.tiktok.com/@sunnyandjenn

Grab Lindsay’s JumpStart Your Business Blueprint from last week's episode:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

Grab Lindsay’s Reels Cheat Sheet + Social Media Challenge. CLICK HERE

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow along @dearfoundher and @lindsaypinchuk.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Use Instagram Reels for Your Business, with Lindsay Pinchuk, Host of Dear FoundHer... Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

Instagram Reels are a powerful marketing tool that can enhance brand visibility, engagement, authenticity, and connection with the community. They help increase visibility and reach on Instagram, engage and connect with the community, showcase personality and authenticity, share educational content, and visually showcase products and services. In today's conversation, Host, Lindsay Pinchuk shares why Reels are important, five hacks to make creating Reels that much easier, and ideas for Reels content for any business owner.

If you have ANY social media insecurities this is an episode for you...and if you don't, but you own a business, this is also an episode for you as every business owner should be using this free tool to market their business and build awareness.

Grab my Reels Cheat Sheet + Social Media Challenge. CLICK HERE

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow along @dearfoundher and @lindsaypinchuk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building a Second Career Out of the Success of Your First, with Sonni Abatta, Founder of We Gotta Talk Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

“Something actually changed me at 40. And I was like, you know what, I’m done not believing in myself. I’m done thinking other people are doing it better. I’m done watching everyone’s progress more than mine," declares Sonni Abatta. In this episode, she shares her inspiring transformation from Emmy-nominated journalist to the creator of the podcast “We Gotta Talk.” Sonni’s shift from a 15-year news career to content creator was fueled by her desire to balance career and family life and her passion for facilitating meaningful conversations.

Sonni’s platform includes diverse topics, from news to wellness. She offers insights into her content strategy and potential revenue streams for digital creators, and advises listeners to leverage analytics and audience feedback. Sonni shares her approach to approaching tough topics and maintaining balanced perspectives.

Listeners considering creating a digital brand will find a wealth of knowledge from Sonni, who has successfully navigated this path. This episode offers both inspiration and tactical tips, providing valuable guidance for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital space.

Quotes

“I hate when people are like, ‘Oh, everything is so perfect.’ No, there was no balance. There’s still no balance. But the balance that currently is in my life is the imbalance that I choose, thankfully. So that's how I knew. It was just a gut feeling... Something clicks and you say, ‘I’m not supposed to be here anymore.’” (12:14 | Sonni Abatta)
“It was really hard for me to remove that part of my world, like an official working person, reporter or anchor. I really chased the dream for a long time and I loved it, but I felt deeply that it was time to be done. And I just did it. I always say, ‘I acknowledge that there’s a level of privilege in being able to do this.’” (13:19 | Sonni Abatta)
“Don’t waste time on imposter syndrome. You’re doing it for a reason, whether you’re creating a product or you’re creating something that’s not physical. Believe in it. I mean, if you don’t believe in it, I’m not going to believe in it.” (38:54 | Sonni Abatta)

Connect with Sonni Abatta:

http://www.instagram.com/sonniabatta

Grab Lindsay’s JumpStart Your Business Blueprint from last week's episode:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

Grab Lindsay’s Reels Cheat Sheet + Social Media Challenge. CLICK HERE

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow along @dearfoundher and @lindsaypinchuk.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Your Business Needs a Website + What it Should Include Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Lindsay Pinchuk emphasizes the importance of having a website for your business. She discusses the various components that make a website essential, such as registering your business, creating a brand logo and mission statement, and setting up a business email. Lindsay also highlights the benefits of having a website, including providing more information to potential customers, collecting customer information, boosting SEO, and enhancing customer service. She offers three options for creating a website: using a program like Squarespace, creating a landing page using leadpages.com, or hiring someone to help. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of having a website to establish credibility and expand your reach in the digital business world.

Grab my JumpStart Your Business Blueprint from last week's episode:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow along @dearfoundher and @lindsaypinchuk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Foster Care to a Self-Made, Self-Funded Fine Jewelry Company, with Alexis Russell, Founder of Alexis Russell Jewelry Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

“Alexis Russell Jewelry is one of the most special things that I’ve ever created beyond my children and continuing to share that with the world, not just through the jewelry, but through my actual personal story—which ties in so beautifully to the jewelry and what it means—I think that’s a really important and valuable mission for me right now.”

In this episode, Alexis Russell shares her journey from a challenging start in the foster care system to becoming the founder of Alexis Russell Jewelry. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and authenticity, transforming personal adversity into a celebrated brand known for its unique rough diamond and gemstone designs.

Alexis discusses the importance of staying true to her values, the significance of her materials, and how they mirror her life’s journey—imperfect yet beautiful. She emphasizes the role of customer connection and employee well-being in her business, highlighting her commitment to creating meaningful, resonant jewelry.

This episode is a testament of how personal stories can shape and drive entrepreneurial success, offering valuable insights into building a brand that genuinely reflects one’s journey and values.

Quotes

“I found that, much like our own lives, each stone holds a story. The imperfections, flaws, and unique characteristics found in these stones hold tremendous beauty and wonder if only one is willing to see it. I like to think that Alexis Russell offers people what we offer these stones: a place where we all belong and are inspired to shine.” (02:33 - 02:55 | Alexis Russell)
“Let life surprise you. That doesn’t mean take your hands off the wheel and go nuts, right? But if you truly are working hard in the direction of your dreams, the universe is going to give back… Don’t be afraid to fail, because in most cases, you’re probably going to succeed.” (46:15 | Alexis Russell)

Connect with Alexis Russell:

https://www.instagram.com/alexisrusselljewelry/

https://www.alexisrussell.com/

Grab Lindsay’s JumpStart Your Business Blueprint from last week's episode:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

Grab Lindsay’s Reels Cheat Sheet + Social Media Challenge. CLICK HERE

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow along @dearfoundher and @lindsaypinchuk.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She Bootstrapped Beyond Yoga for 18 Years Without Outside Investment and Sold It for $400 Million Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

For simple actionable tips to grow your business, subscribe to The FoundHer Files.

Building a hundred million dollar company without outside investment is rare. Doing it while holding the line on body inclusivity, never photoshopping a single model, and keeping your entire team intact through an acquisition is something most founders never pull off. In this episode of Dear FoundHer, Lindsay Pinchuk sits down with Michelle Wahler-Adams, co-founder and former CEO of Beyond Yoga, to talk about what bootstrapping a business really looks like across eighteen years of slow, disciplined growth. If you are a female founder who wants to build something real without giving up control or compromising what you stand for, this conversation is for you.

Michelle shares some of the most honest and specific real founder stories you will hear about scaling a company from a trade show connection to a four hundred million dollar acquisition. She talks about discovering the Space Dye fabric that changed everything, and why managing teams well, starting with hiring her husband Jesse as CFO and COO, was the unlock that made everything else possible. She explains how she navigated six million dollars in COVID cancellations, pivoted into mask production to keep her contractors employed, and leaned into performance marketing when everyone else pulled back. Managing rapid growth while staying true to the brand's mission required hard calls made quickly, and she made nearly all of them right.

This episode is for women founders who are figuring out when to hire, how to spend, and whether staying bootstrapped is the right call for their business. It is also for anyone navigating the tension between scaling responsibly and moving fast enough to matter. Michelle's story does not end with the sale. It ends with a woman who protected her people, passed the baton with intention, and is now spending her days meeting with other female founders because she genuinely wants to help. That is what building something that lasts actually looks like.

Quotes

“I knew that if we sold to Levi’s, we were going to make sure that Beyond Yoga was going to be a brand that lived on forever… This was our legacy… I joined the leadership team so I can say that, in truth, they really live their principles. It’s all about principles over profits…” (41:24 | Michelle Wahler)
“You will learn, and you are smarter and more capable than you realize. You have to turn off that voice in the back of your head that thinks everybody else knows things that you don’t. Just trust yourself. You’re gonna do great.” (50:23 | Michelle Wahler)

Connect with Michelle Wahler:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-wahler-4b43315/

Grab Lindsay’s JumpStart Your Business Blueprint from last week's episode:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

Grab Lindsay’s Reels Cheat Sheet + Social Media Challenge. CLICK HERE

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow along @dearfoundher and @lindsaypinchuk.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 Female FoundHers Weigh In: What Are Three Actionable Steps You Can Take RIGHT NOW if You’re Just Starting out in Business Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

“Summer is a great time to sit down and really think about getting your business off the ground or taking it to the next level,” says Lindsay Pinchuk. In this episode, she gathers insights from inspiring and successful female founders, each sharing actionable steps for innovation and business growth. For more from each of these guests, check out their full conversation on Dear FoundHer…

Journalist and bestselling author Amy Shoenthal For more click here.
Rachel Liverman, founder of Glowbar. For more click here.
Dana Lynn Kaye of Devotion Nutrition. For more click here.
Leah Wiseman Fink from Williamsburg Pizza. For more click here.
Founder of Blue Birch Consulting, Suzanne Sitrin. For more click here.
Gail Simmons of Bravo’s “Top Chef” For more click here.
Stacy Igel, founder of Boy Meets Girl. For more click here.

Connect with the guests:

Rachel Liverman

Leah Wiseman Fink

Grab Lindsay’s JumpStart Your Business Blueprint:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at:https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchuk

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just Get Started: 12 Content Ideas You can Use RIGHT NOW May 31, 2024

Show notes

We’ve been talking a lot lately about just getting started. And what does that mean? Well, you can grab Lindsay's Jumpstart Your Business Blueprint, it’s a free guide linked in the show notes…but what else does it mean to just get started?

While many of you know, Lindsay is a proponent for building a content strategy and a process to execute it. But, she also believes you need to just get started posting on social media and cultivating your community---as soon as you have an idea. You will make changes a long the way—but along with the technical, tactical and strategic parts of building your business—this is an important place to just get started.

Join today's conversation for TWELVE ideas that you can use for your content RIGHT NOW. This is one episode you do not want to miss.

ICYMI: Grab my JumpStart Your Business Blueprint from last week's episode:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow along @dearfoundher and @lindsaypinchuk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Never Too Late to Do What's Right, with Caroline D'Amore, Founder of Pizza Girl (RERUN) May 28, 2024

Show notes

It’s never too late to do what’s right. And with the hate around the world at an all-time high, there is no better day than today to re-release a conversation with an incredible founder who chose to stand up against hate---no matter the impact on her business.Caroline D’Amore is a friend and an advocate for the Jewish community, and as someone who owns a business had every thing to lose—but wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right.

Caroline's journey began with Pizza Girl, an all-organic Italian foods company born from her pursuit of high-quality, authentic pasta sauces. Her decision to publicly support the Jewish community post-terrorist attacks marked a significant moment in her career as Pizza Girl turned activist. Host, Lindsay Pinchuk was so taken by Caroline and her activism, she invited Caroline to join her for one of the most important and honest conversations we've ever had here on the show.

Lindsay and Caroline delve into the complexities of balancing business with activism. Caroline acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the necessity of mental health and self-care. She advocates for speaking one's truth, reinforcing that the impact of such actions often surpasses the potential risks associated with losing followers or business.

The episode celebrates the power of authenticity, the importance of advocacy, and using one’s business platform for achieving broader social good.

Quotes:

"I just couldn't believe that something so atrocious and devastating and awful could happen to so many people in Israel to then see within even just a few days where there was not even time to mourn, there was such a backlash and hate parade." (15:38 | Caroline D'Amore)
"I will not stop. I will not be silenced. I do not scare easily." (26:26 | Caroline D'Amor)
"Life is short. And people kept saying to me, if I lose my business tomorrow, at least I know that I stood for something." (34:39 | Caroline D'Amore)

Connect with Caroline D'Amore:

http://www.instagram.com/carolinedamore

http://www.instagram.com/pizzagirl

ICYMI: Grab Lindsay's JumpStart Your Business Blueprint from last week's episode:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow Lindsay and Dear FoundHer... on Instagram.

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Look for the Helpers: How Asking for Help the RIGHT Way Can Catapult Your Business May 24, 2024

Show notes

"Knowing when to ask for help will play a key role in your growth and ultimately in your success." ---Lindsay Pinchuk

Look for the helpers. This is a notion that doesn’t just apply to catastrophic situations, but to business as well. And whether you’re just getting started, a year in or five years in—knowing when to ask for help will play a key role in your growth and ultimately your success.

Today's conversation discusses the importance of not only asking for help in business, but it also provides examples of how to find and utilize helpers. The key takeaway is that asking for help can lead to growth and success in your business.

Takeaways

Don't be shy to ask for help in your business.
There are people out there who are willing to help you, especially other business owners.
Different types of helpers include task-oriented helpers, brand awareness helpers, mentors, and those who can provide marketing assets.
You can find helpers within your network, family and friends, your brand's community, and your target community.

ICYMI: Grab my JumpStart Your Business Blueprint from last week's episode:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

Join us LIVE at our networking events, Dear FoundHer... LIVE: https://www.dearfoundher.com/events

If you like what you're hearing, please leave a rating or review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/dearfoundher

If you know a FoundHer... we should meet, please tell her to share her story with us here.

Don't forget to follow along @dearfoundher and @lindsaypinchuk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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