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“I didn't go into this saying I am starting a business. I said we need a community, that's not hard. I know how to throw events and bring people together, I'll just do it. I can solve that problem.”
In this episode Startups and Stilettos, Carlyn and Richelle sit down with Amanda Smith, the founder and CEO of Dallas Girl Gang, a thriving 50,000+ member global community for women in career, business, and life. Amanda shares her journey from being an elementary music teacher with no business background to creating a powerful, inclusive network that fosters collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment.
Discover how Amanda turned a simple Facebook group into a movement, partnering with major brands like Athleta and Bumble, and learn the secrets behind her authentic marketing and community-building strategies.
Whether you're dreaming of launching your own community or looking for ways to grow your network, Amanda’s story is packed with actionable insights, heartfelt advice, and the reminder that sometimes the best businesses start with a simple idea and a whole lot of passion.
Exclusive for Entreprenistas:
Join the Boss Vision Conference in Dallas, TX for a one-day experience that will shift how you lead, grow, and scale your business with clarity, connection, and confidence. Use code Entreprenista for 20% off your ticket!
What We Talked About:
How Amanda Saw a Need in Her Community [3:00]
The Business Side of Dallas Girl Gang [12:45]
The Emotional Ride of Balancing Business and Motherhood [17:15]
Amanda’s Aspirations for the Boss Vision Conference [25:30]
Connect with Amanda:
@dallasgirlgang on Instagram
@amandasindallas on Instagram
@bossvisioncon on Instagram
Amanda Smith on LinkedIn
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Guests
Amanda Smith
Hosts
Carlyn Bushman
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
Richelle Pena
Richelle is a pharmacist with extensive management and corporate experience at Target Corporation, specializing in recruitment, acquisitions, leadership, and operations. She is the Co-Founder and Former Director of Corporate Development at American Pediatric Dental Group, which she exited for eight figures, and Co-Founder of HealthBiz Mastery, an online health business course for healthcare providers, and the HealthBiz Connect community. A recognized business expert and NBC contributor, she’s been featured on GMA, CNN, Pix 11, Good Day Washington, to name a few. Richelle is also the co-author of The Power Couple.
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