From Sketching Her Son To Partnering With Pottery Barn | Vana Chupp | Founder, Vana Chupp Studio

Vana Chupp didn’t set out to start a business. She was a stay-at-home mom with a background in architecture and a passion for capturing moments through silhouette sketches of her son. What began as a creative outlet on Etsy has grown into a thriving lifestyle brand featured at Pottery Barn Kids. Vana talks with Kara about building a business on her own terms, redefining success after burnout, and what it means to grow at a pace that actually fits your life. She shares how her Greek upbringing shaped her values, why she and her architect husband now work side by side, and what’s next for the studio she once considered shutting down. Chapters: 00:00 From architecture to entrepreneurship 01:00 The early days of Etsy and silhouette sketches 03:45 How motherhood shaped Vana’s business goals 05:00 Rebranding from Le Papier Studio to Vana Chupp Studio 06:30 Infusing architecture into heirloom jewelry and portraits 08:00 Running a family business with her husband 09:30 Juggling mom life and entrepreneurship 11:15 Scaling slowly vs. chasing rapid growth 13:45 Hiring her first full-time employees 15:00 Getting a business coach and embracing slow growth 17:00 Naming the business after herself 18:30 Relocating to Richmond and hitting reset 20:45 Honoring creativity and intuition in business 22:00 How being born in Greece shaped her entrepreneurial values 24:00 Navigating family expectations around career 26:00 Building a brand that supports work-life alignment 28:15 Finding support through mastermind communities 30:00 Redefining power, legacy, and leadership 32:30 Local impact and giving back through the business 35:15 What makes a good life according to Vana 37:30 Celebrating the Pottery Barn Kids partnership 39:45 Advice for other entrepreneurs and moms 42:00 Where to follow and support Vana Chupp Studio The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices