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“So I just decided to participate way more in Entreprenista and that changed my damn life last year and like 70% of my leads last year were from women that I met that wanted to talk about ads.”
In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Meta ads strategist and revenue growth expert Jess Gleim to unpack what it really takes to scale a business through paid advertising—without wasting time or money.
Jess shares her inspiring journey of rebuilding her business after becoming a mom of two, navigating postpartum challenges, and redefining success on her own terms. From doubling her revenue through the power of community to finding 70% of her leads through Entreprenista, she reveals how authentic relationships, strategic networking, and resilience transformed both her business and her life.
What We Talked About:
Jess’ Origin Story and Rebuilding [1:37]
How Community Changed Jess’ Business [7:02]
What Meta Ads Actually Work For [18:03]
What to do Before Scaling with Ads [24:23]
The Real Cost and Risk of Ad Spend [31:57]
Connect with Jess:
@jessgleim on Instagram
Jess Gleim on LinkedIn
Read Jess' Articles on Entrepnrenista.com
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
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!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
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Guests
Jess Gleim
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.
Ingrid Zapata Read
Grow With Community
Ingrid Zapata Read is a community strategist and founder of Grow With Community. She helps businesses get closer to the people they serve and build stronger, more intentional relationships around their mission.
After building a global community for moms of over 200,000 members, and through her experience in sales, startups, and customer experience, Ingrid brings a people-first perspective to growth across industries. She’s known for her thoughtful, practical approach and believes community building should be a part of every business strategy.
Join 2,000+ supportive, ambitious founders in the
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