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“...if this goes out and this doesn't work, that's going to suck.But I wanted to actually put it out from a place of very genuine. I don't know how this is going to go. I didn't just publish this because I know what the ending was. So it was a real place of vulnerability for me.”
In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Lisa Simone Richards, founder of Pearl Spark Pages and creator of the Female Founders Journal, for a raw, honest conversation about trusting yourself before the outcome is guaranteed.Lisa shares the full-circle story behind her journal—from a spark of inspiration in a bookstore during a season of deep self-doubt, to launching a wildly successful Kickstarter just 13 months later. After spending 20 years in PR, Lisa opens up about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the moment she realized she could no longer push the same boulder uphill.
What we talked about:
Spark of an Idea [4:11]
Moving the Idea Forward [7:36]
Feedback for Consideration [13:50]
Kickstarter Campaign [19:09]
Connectivity is KEY [23:04]
Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend!
Connect with Lisa:
@lisasimonerichards on Instagram
Lisa Simone Richards on LinkedIn
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Carlyn Bushman Consulting
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
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Guests
Lisa Simone Richards
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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