The Kara Goldin Show

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875 Paula Blankenship: Founder and CEO of Heirloom Traditions & Author of Just Open the Jar Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

What if it's never too late to build the business—or the life—you've always imagined?
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Paula Blankenship, Founder of Heirloom Traditions and author of the new book, Just Open the Jar.
Paula built Heirloom Traditions, known for its All In One Paint, after the age of 50 with no outside funding, no industry connections, and no traditional business background. What started with teaching women how to transform old furniture and cabinets grew into one of the most successful direct-to-consumer paint brands in the country and a fiercely loyal community she built long before "community-led growth" became a business strategy.
In this episode, Paula shares the incredible story behind building her company, the challenges she faced as a single mother and entrepreneur, and why she believes the biggest obstacle for most people isn't talent—it's waiting for the perfect moment to begin. We also dive into the lessons behind her new book, Just Open the Jar, including the importance of creativity, resilience, reinvention, and having the courage to start before you feel ready.
Whether you're building a business, considering a career change, or simply looking for the confidence to take the next step, this conversation is packed with practical insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, community building, and creating a life on your own terms.
Now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Paula Blankenship, Heirloom Traditions and Just Open the Jar:
https://www.allinonepaint.com/
https://www.instagram.com/heirloomtraditionspaint/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulajblankenship/
https://www.amazon.com/Just-Open-Jar-Path-Creating/dp/1637749082

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/875

874 Jennifer Martinez: Founder of Elevation Tea Company Aug 05, 2026

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On today’s episode, we welcome Jennifer Martinez, Founder of Elevation Tea Company — a premium tea brand sourcing rare, organic and small-batch teas from underrepresented regions around the world. Inspired by Northern California wine country and her background in UX and graphic design, Jennifer has built a brand that treats tea not just as a beverage, but as an elevated tasting experience rooted in origin, flavor, aroma and ritual.
In this episode, we speak about tea sourcing from regions including Colombia, Tanzania, Kenya and Nepal, working with small-scale farmers, and how terroir impacts what ends up in the cup. We also discuss the launch of Elevation Tea Company’s Rare Tea Tasting Kit, how tea can offer a wine-like experience without alcohol, and why consumers are increasingly looking for more intentional wellness rituals.
A must-listen for founders, operators, tea lovers and anyone interested in premium beverages, wellness, sourcing, brand experience and how everyday rituals are being reimagined.

To learn more about Jennifer Martinez and Elevation Tea Company:
https://www.elevationteaco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/elevationteaco/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-martinez-83676710a/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/874

873 Karen Behnke: Founder of Beauty Crush Skincare Aug 03, 2026

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On today’s episode, we welcome Karen Behnke, Founder of Beauty Crush Skincare — a regenerative skincare brand bringing together biotech, sustainability, clean beauty, vineyard luxury and decades of product innovation. Recognized by Elle, Forbes and Cosmopolitan as one of the OGs of the clean beauty movement, Karen helped shape the organic and clean skincare industry long before it became mainstream.
In this episode, Karen shares what she has learned as a four-time founder and why she decided to build again with Beauty Crush Skincare. She talks about how the beauty category has evolved over the last 20+ years, what is different about building a company today, and how she is approaching regenerative skincare from her solar-powered organic beauty vineyard in Sonoma County. We also discuss clean crushing, biotech, sustainability, product innovation, brand trust, and what it takes to create something truly differentiated in a very crowded beauty market.
A must-listen for founders, operators, beauty lovers and anyone interested in clean beauty, regenerative skincare, sustainability, biotech and what it really takes to keep innovating across decades.

To learn more about Karen Behnke and Beauty Crush Skincare:
https://www.beautycrushskincare.com/
https://www.instagram.com/founderkarenbehnke/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-behnke/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/873

872 Ravi Prasad: Co-Founder of Almora Botanica Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Ravi Prasad, Co-Founder of Almora Botanica — a luxury, natural and sustainable skincare brand bringing together Ayurvedic wisdom, Himalayan botanicals, adaptogens, green chemistry and modern science. After decades working in Ayurvedic medicine and wellness, including leading Himalaya Wellness Company, Ravi saw a major gap in skincare: too many products treat symptoms, not the root cause.
In this episode, Ravi shares why he made the shift from Ayurvedic medicine and supplements into skincare, and how Almora Botanica is taking a “pharma to farm” approach rooted in the Himalayas. He breaks down the idea of researched Ayurveda, why Indian beauty is finally gaining momentum in the luxury market, and how the brand’s Sapta Complex is challenging the perception that Ayurvedic oils have to feel heavy or greasy. We also talk about COSMOS NATURAL certification, green chemistry, the “If you won’t eat it, don’t wear it” philosophy, and why today’s consumers are looking more closely at what they put on their skin.
A must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone interested in the future of beauty, skincare, wellness, sustainability and how ancient traditions are being validated by modern science.

To learn more about Ravi Prasad and Almora Botanica:
https://www.almorabotanica.com
https://www.instagram.com/almorabotanica/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-prasad/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/872

871 Katie Lee: Founder of Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Katie Lee, Founder of Katie’s Pizza & Pasta — a chef-driven Italian restaurant and fast-growing CPG brand based in St. Louis. Katie’s journey from high school dropout, recovering addict and single mom to James Beard-recognized restaurateur and one of the fastest-growing food entrepreneurs in America is a powerful story of resilience, grit and building something from scratch.
In this episode, Katie shares how she launched her first restaurant in 2008 and helped ignite the artisan Italian pizza movement in the Midwest. She talks about taking Katie’s from a beloved neighborhood restaurant to the national frozen food aisle, why handmade quality and rigorously sourced ingredients remain core to the brand, and what it took to produce 400,000 pizzas for Target in just 96 days — all by hand. We also discuss clean comfort food, building a brand with real identity, staying true to your roots while scaling, and what founders should do when the idea they believe in still isn’t working.
A must-listen for founders, operators, food lovers and anyone interested in resilience, restaurant growth, CPG, brand building and what it really takes to scale without losing the soul of the product.

To learn more about Katie Lee and Katie’s Pizza & Pasta:
https://www.katies.com/
https://www.instagram.com/katiespizzaandpasta/
https://www.instagram.com/katiepizzalee/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekatie/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/871

870 Suman Desai: Founder & President of GLASSFX Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Suman Desai, Founder and President of GLASSFX, a biotechnology-forward skincare brand built at the intersection of clinical science, Korean innovation, and modern consumer behavior. Before entering the beauty industry, Suman co-founded FLYBLACK, a private aviation company that challenged traditional luxury travel. But after spending four years inside South Korea’s leading formulation labs, she became convinced that skincare was ready for its own disruption.
That vision became GLASSFX—a clinically driven beauty brand designed to deliver high-performance results without the complexity of traditional skincare routines. Built with patented Korean technologies and advanced bioactive ingredients, GLASSFX is focused on creating products that perform like makeup, heal like medicine, and fit seamlessly into modern life.
In this episode, Suman shares what she learned from working alongside some of Korea’s top skincare innovators, why she believes the beauty industry has overcomplicated skincare, and how consumers are increasingly demanding fewer products with better results. We discuss the difference between real biotech innovation and marketing hype, how to build trust in one of the most crowded consumer categories, and why she believes the future of skincare will be defined by science-backed performance rather than endless routines.
Suman also reflects on the lessons she carried from luxury aviation into beauty, the challenges of building a disruptive brand in a legacy industry, and the emerging trends she believes will reshape skincare over the next decade.
A must-listen for founders, operators, beauty enthusiasts, and anyone interested in where science, technology, and consumer behavior are taking the future of skincare.

To learn more about Suman Desai and GLASSFX:
https://www.glassfxskin.com/
https://www.instagram.com/glassfxofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/sumidesai/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumandesai

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/870

869 Jenney Korasick: Co-Founder of Leche Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

869 Jenney Korasick: Co-Founder of Leche

Jenney’s path to entrepreneurship began with a problem she experienced firsthand. As a mother with an oversupply of breast milk, she wanted to donate — but quickly realized the system wasn’t built for modern families. It was fragmented, confusing, and far harder to navigate than it should be. That frustration became the starting point for Leche.
In this episode, Jenney shares how one Instagram post sparked a donor community of more than 25,000 mothers, why she built community before product, and how Leche is working to make real donor breast milk more accessible to everyday families. We talk about trust, education, consumer behavior, and what it takes to build a category that did not really exist before.
Jenney also shares what it has been like building in one of the most personal and emotional areas of family health, partnering with co-founder Trish Clifford, and growing a company while raising a family. This conversation is a powerful founder story about seeing an overlooked problem, building a movement, and creating something that families truly need.

To learn more about Jenney Korasick and Leche:
https://itsmyleche.com/
https://www.instagram.com/itsmyleche/
https://www.instagram.com/j_nales/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenneykorasick/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/869

868 Aimee Dudum: Co-Founder of VICI Collection Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

868 Aimee Dudum: Co-Founder of VICI Collection

On today’s episode, we welcome Aimee Dudum Colorado, Co-Founder and Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer of VICI Collection, one of the leading direct-to-consumer fashion brands to emerge from the Bay Area. Since launching in 2012, VICI has grown from a small startup into a highly loyal fashion destination known for its daily drop model, trend-driven assortments, and deep connection to its customer.
In this episode, Aimee shares the story behind VICI’s growth, the early decisions that helped differentiate the brand, and how she recognized the power of social commerce and influencer marketing before many others in fashion retail. We discuss the evolution of consumer behavior, the strategy behind VICI’s daily drop model, and what it takes to build loyalty in one of the most competitive categories in consumer products. Aimee also opens up about balancing creativity with data, how her leadership style has evolved as the company has grown, and the opportunities she sees ahead for fashion, technology, and retail innovation.
Whether you're building a consumer brand, leading a growing business, or fascinated by the future of retail, this conversation is packed with insights on staying close to your customer, scaling thoughtfully, and building a brand people genuinely love.

To learn more about Aimee Dudum and VICI Collection:
https://www.vicicollection.com/
https://www.instagram.com/vicicollection/
https://www.instagram.com/aimeedudum/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-dudum-colorado-a0a4a3135/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/868

867 Brynn MacLennan: Co-Founder & CEO of Slate Flosser Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Brynn MacLennan, Co-Founder and CEO of Slate Flosser — a women-led oral care company on a mission to transform flossing from an overlooked chore into one of the most important habits in preventive health. A product designer, entrepreneur, and mother of five, Brynn built Slate after recognizing that flossing wasn’t a motivation problem—it was a design problem. What started as a Kickstarter project evolved into a seven-figure company and the #1 dentist-recommended electric flosser on the market.
In this episode, Brynn shares how purchasing a dental practice opened her eyes to the connection between oral health and overall health, and why she believes the mouth is one of the most overlooked gateways to longevity. We discuss the three-year journey of developing Slate’s patented 3-in-1 electric flosser, the challenges of disrupting a stagnant category, and how thoughtful product design can change consumer behavior. Brynn also opens up about scaling from a garage invention to a nationally recognized brand, building a women-led company culture, balancing entrepreneurship with raising five children, and why a simple 60-second daily habit can have a meaningful impact on long-term health outcomes.
A must-listen for founders, product innovators, health enthusiasts, and anyone interested in prevention, behavior change, and building a brand that solves a real-world problem.

To learn more about Brynn MacLennan and Slate Flosser:
https://www.slateflosser.com/
https://www.instagram.com/slateflosser/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/slate-flosser/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynn-maclennan/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/867

866 Rick Rosenfield: Co-Founder of California Pizza Kitchen and Author of The California Pizza Kitchen Story Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we welcome Rick Rosenfield, Co-Founder of California Pizza Kitchen and author of The California Pizza Kitchen Story: How Two Federal Prosecutors Changed the Way America Eats Pizza. Before helping create one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in the world, Rick built a successful career as a federal prosecutor, handling major criminal cases and organized crime matters. But in 1985, he and his longtime friend and fellow attorney, Larry Flax, made an unexpected decision: leave the legal profession behind and open a pizza restaurant in Beverly Hills.
What followed was one of the most remarkable brand-building stories in modern restaurant history. California Pizza Kitchen didn’t just create a successful restaurant—it helped redefine what pizza could be, pioneered California-style pizza, and reshaped the casual dining experience. From barbecue chicken pizza to open kitchens and elevated dining, CPK became a category-defining brand that grew from a single location into a global phenomenon.
In this episode, Rick shares the lessons behind that journey, including the risks they took, the challenges of rapid growth, and the importance of building both a brand and a business. We discuss the culture-first philosophy that became the foundation of CPK, the ROCK values—Respect, Opportunity, Communication, and Kindness—and why culture ultimately matters more than product. Rick also reflects on entrepreneurship, leadership under pressure, partnerships, private equity, loss of control, and what happens when the company you built evolves beyond your hands.
This conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, operators, restaurant leaders, and anyone interested in building an enduring brand. Rick’s story is a reminder that some of the biggest opportunities come from taking an unconventional path—and having the courage to follow it.

To learn more about Rick Rosenfield and The California Pizza Kitchen Story:
https://www.rickrosenfield.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rickrosenfield/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-rosenfield/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/866

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