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“Just start somewhere and I promise you, like when you open it out to the universe and you put it out there, the right people and the right connections will come into your path.”
In this episode of Startups and Stilettos, Carlyn and Ingrid sit down with Traci Channer, founder of The Decided Collection, a pajama brand for tween girls designed to boost confidence and self-acceptance. Traci shares her journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship, revealing how her daughter’s struggle to find stylish, comfortable pajamas sparked a mission-driven business. She opens up about the messy middle of entrepreneurship, the power of trusting her gut, and how her family’s adoption journey deepened her purpose.
Traci also dives into the realities of pivoting from a 15-year corporate career, the importance of community (especially through platforms like Entreprenista), and how she involves her daughter in the business as her toughest and most honest critic. Whether you’re a mom, a founder, or a fellow Mamaprenista, you’ll want to hear Traci’s family-oriented insights, and her amazing story.
What We Talked About:
Traci’s Journey Starting The Decided Collection [3:30]
How the Entreprenista League Helped Traci [14:50]
Keeping Your “Why” in Focus [29:00]
Connect with Traci:
Traci Channer on LinkedIn
@thedecidedcollection on IG
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
Traci Channer
Traci Channer
Hosts
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.
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.
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