.avif)
“I really had to think about this and decide what I could offer that would be unique and really help have me stand out in the crowd. And I think one of the things is, is not that many people come forward with their story.”
In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, hosts Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman sit down with Jessie Jaskulsky, founder of Surrogacy Simplified, a concierge and consulting firm guiding intended parents through the surrogacy journey. Jessie opens up about her deeply personal path to motherhood, including pregnancy loss, infertility, and the challenges of surrogacy, and how she transformed that lived experience into a mission-driven business.
She shares why vulnerability and community are vital in an often-isolating process, the obstacles parents face from emotional costs to financial barriers, and how she’s creating safe, judgment-free spaces for support. Whether you’re navigating your own fertility journey or building a business rooted in personal experience, Jessie’s story is a powerful reminder that sharing your truth can change lives.
What we talked about:
Separating Personal Life and Business [5:15]
Creating a Safe Place [9:15]
Finding the Right People in Your Community [13:53]
Building Trust with Jessie [17:27]
Leaving Quiet Time for Yourself [23:04]
Connect with Jessie:
Jessie Jaskulsky on LinkedIn
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Join our Founders Weekend Wealth & Wellness Retreat
April 30th - May 3rd, 2026 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Reserve your ticket here!
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
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | 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.
Guests
Jessie Jaskulsky
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
Highlights
The Latest
Heather Lillico Helps Burnt-Out Founders Rewire Their Nervous Systems
The former nutritionist burnt out building her nutrition business, and the tools that brought her back to calm now anchor her coaching for women founders.
Elizabeth Watson Helps Founders Recover Their Lost Energy
Automate Your Site with a 1-Month Free Trial
Kartra