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“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
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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.
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