SAYge Real Stories

Emily Greenberg, co-founder of Joy Parenting Club, turned one of the hardest chapters of her life into a business serving 50,000 families. After a traumatic birth and postpartum challenges, she saw how isolating parenthood can be without real-time support. That experience became the spark for Joy, a platform offering 24/7 access to parent coaches and experts that just closed its Series A. Emily shares how the “lows” shaped her journey and why perspective is essential. Use discount code JOYFREE30 at www.joy.co to check out Emily's amazing platfom.Sign up for SAYge Link's new private beta here!

Kat Weaver prefaces her founder story by informing us that she's made every mistake you can make. Those failures paved a path to scaling a wrist‑wallet startup from her college dorm all the way to acquisition—and winning 22 of 23 pitch competitions to fund her second venture, Power to Pitch. Kat Weaver built Power to Pitch to use her learnings to flip the fundraising game for early‑stage founders. Her virtual programs have already unlocked more than $50 million in grants and venture capital for founders.In this episode, Kat unpacks the repeatable system behind those wins and the many bumps she had on the road to success.Learn about Kat through her free & valuable content available on IG @IamKatWeaverJoin our early beta and be part of the future of SAYge Link! 🌱 www.saygelink.net invite code: FEMALEFOUNDER

Despite all of the playbooks, every founder journey is unique like a snowflake. Sometimes you are cruising along and hit a sign: Road Work Ahead. It’s not a caution — it’s a truth. Things shift. You reroute. And sometimes, what looks like a delay is actually the work that makes everything stronger. In this episode, we talk with Lizzie Brown, co-founder of Yoga Wake Up, about what it means to build a business on your own terms, in sync with your life, your timing, and your gut. From launching her app without venture capital, to pausing for an MBA, to focusing on what her customers actually needed, Lizzie’s story is a powerful reminder: growth doesn’t always follow a map. It can look like slower seasons, pivots, or even a move to Spain. Sometimes, the freedom to choose your own road is the measure of success.

After two decades at IBM leading global AI strategy, Beth Rudden made a bold shift—founding Bast.ai to build context-aware, human-centered AI for healthcare. In this episode, she shares what it took to leave a high-profile role, unlearn old systems, and trust her instincts as a founder. Beth offers hard-earned wisdom on raising capital, shutting out unhelpful feedback, and remembering what you bring to the table—especially when the world tells you it’s not enough. Her message is clear: the context of our stories is one of the most powerful things we have. Share your story and get connected to the insight you need on your journey. Join our invite only private beta: www.saygelink.com/privatebeta

Melissa Bernstein is the cofounder of Melissa & Doug, the billion-dollar toy company she built from her parents’ garage. But behind the bright products was a hidden darkness. Melissa spent decades battling existential despair—until she finally came out as her true self. She then built her newest venture Lifelines to help others do the same. In this episode, she shares how creativity, purpose, and radical self-acceptance changed everything.Our new story sharing platform SAYge Link is now live in beta! Join using special invite code: FEMALEFOUNDER

After 20 years in corporate marketing and a pivotal role taking a fintech company public, Lenore Kantor hit a wall. What followed was not just a leap into entrepreneurship, but a full reorientation of how she works, who she serves, and how she lives. Now the founder of ⁠Growth Warrior⁠, a ⁠SAYge Pro⁠ coach, and author of “So What Do You Do?” Lenore helps leaders evolve by aligning their inner clarity with outer action. In this episode, she shares how she went from overbuilt to intentional, from burned out to boundaried — and why less, when it’s aligned, is so often more.✨ We are launching SAYge LINK, a connection platform to bring women together through shared stories - for real support. Learn more and sign up at www.saygelink.com

Zhenni Wu, co-founder and go-to-market leader at Puppygraph, brings the wisdom of navigating her fourth startup to the conversation. With a background at Apple, Baidu, and multiple early-stage ventures, Zhenni shares her expertise on building the right team, leveraging strategic hiring, and fostering support networks. Alongside additional growth hacking tips, Zhenni also offers insightful advice on balancing the entrepreneurial hustle with self-care.Check out Puppygraph: https://www.puppygraph.comConnect with Zhenni and new founders each week at www.saygelink.com/substack

What if success isn’t about immediate wins, but about learning to trust the process—especially when the results aren’t visible yet? We sit down with Elmira Bayrasli, co-founder of Interruptrr - a platform and newsletter providing a stage for women to be heard. After years in foreign policy, that brought from being a presidential appointee under Madeleine Albright to spearheading media communication strategies for The Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe, she saw a recurring pattern: women weren’t just being left out; they weren’t being invited in. She built the platform that she needed, one that amplifies female expertise in traditionally male-dominated spaces. She founded Interruptrr to have women to be a bigger part of the conversation. Despite an impressive career and incredible accomplishments, Elmira has wrestled with a challenge so many founders face: an internal battle with not feeling capable, questioning her impact. The struggle with lack of tangible proof of success is real for many of us. Elmira learned that progress isn’t always visible. The key is persistence, trusting the work, and showing up even when self-doubt tries to keep you quiet. They key to moving past this fear, is to redefine what success looks like on a daily basis. Get on the wait list for SAYge Link's connection platform launching in May!

Eliza Blank is the founder and CEO of The Sill, the company that turned houseplants into a modern lifestyle essential and built a multi-million dollar, category-defining brand. But bringing her vision to life wasn’t straightforward.In this episode, Eliza shares the unfiltered reality of starting and scaling The Sill—from the uncertainty of taking the leap, to seeking validation from a cofounder and customers, to navigating the challenges of funding and growth. She reflects on the early struggles of an unscalable model, scaling through an evolving retail landscape, and raising capital while becoming a mother. Her story is a powerful reminder that building something lasting isn’t about certainty—it’s about following your customers, trusting your mission and showing up.Sign upfor SAYge Link's connection app launching next month!

LuAnn Daniel is the founder and executive director of Women Rock, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women facing breast cancer. After three decades of experience in diagnostic imaging, she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of late-stage diagnoses, especially among women who lacked access to early detection. But it was the loss of her close friend, Susan Hicks, to breast cancer that gave her the final push to do something. In 2010, she transformed her grief into purpose, launchingWomen Rock, Inc. to provide financial assistance, education, and emotional support to women in need. Luanne shares her journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up, the lessons she’s learned about asking for funding and support, and why female founders must embrace the power of the ask.Connect with Luann and other incredible founders offering support to those on the journey at saygelink.substack.com

Danika Khong and Elizabeth Wu are the co-founders of Seismic, an HR tech platform transforming skills-based hiring for STEM professionals. Frustrated by the disconnect between academia and industry, they built a solution to empower job seekers to find better career paths and companies to have a better talent pipeline. With backgrounds in research and biotech, they turned their real world experiences in the problem space into a scalable business, securing over $1M in funding through investments and an NIH grant.Beyond building an innovative hiring platform, Danika and Elizabeth have also mastered the art of co-founder partnerships—leveraging complementary strengths, maintaining open communication, and figuring out how to navigate even the most challenging days together. In this episode, they share insights on taking risks, securing funding, and what it takes to grow a mission-driven HR tech startup while sustaining a strong co-founder (and work-life) dynamic.

Juliette Blake is the founder of Moxies, a gamified social platform designed to help girls build digital literacy and confidence in a safe online environment. A two-time founder and mom of three, Juliette launched her first business, Miss O and Friends, in high school and grew it into a globally recognized brand for girls. She shares her candid journey of pivoting during the pandemic, navigating challenges of fundraising as a non-technical female founder, sifting through good (and bad) advice and balancing founder life as a mom of three. Her insights offer invaluable lessons on resilience and steadfast purpose. Whether you’re a founder on the rollercoaster or simply are inspired by stories of women solving big problems, this episode is a must-listen.Learn more about Moxies here.Connect with Juliette and other incredible female founders each week by joining the SAYge Real Female Founders community!

Tara Gilvar, founder of Believe, Inspire, Grow (B.I.G), turned a single email into a global women’s network with chapters spanning the East Coast and Europe . After leaving her 25-year corporate career to focus on family, Tara redefined her purpose and built an organization that helps women rediscover their ambitions and create fulfilling personal and professional lives. In this episode, she shares her journey of reinvention, the challenges of balancing passion with business goals, and the lessons she’s learned as a female entrepreneur.Connect with Erica and meet other incredible female founders by subscribing to ⁠SAYge Real Female Founders⁠ (for free!)Connect with Erica and meet other incredible female founders by subscribing to ⁠⁠SAYge Real Female Founders⁠⁠ (for free!)⁠⁠Check out Believe, Inspire, Grow⁠⁠

Karen Helburn is founder and owner of Just Hatched, a luxury baby boutique specializing in retail and corporate baby gifting, based in Guilford, Connecticut. Karen has grown her business from modest beginnings at her kitchen table to a thriving operation with a global shipping program. Karen started Just Hatched in response to a personal need when her newborn developed allergies to traditional fabrics. This challenge inspired her to source and sell organic, chemical-free baby products long before they were mainstream. She began with grassroots efforts like "Tupperware-style" home parties, building her customer base step by step. Karen navigated the challenges of balancing family and business as a single mother early on and was determined to cultivate a supportive work environment at Just Hatched, employing many mothers and embracing a culture of flexibility and mutual support. Her leadership lessons, from managing a small team to making major business investments, provide practical wisdom for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses with heart.Connect with Karen, meet other business owners and join a real support network by subscribing to SAYge Real Female Founders (for free!)Chapters: 00:00 Introductions 01:00 Karen's Journey and the Inception of Just Hatched03:00 Starting Small and Growing 07:00 Taking Calculated Risks 11:00 Navigating Personal Challenges 15:00 Building a Strong Team and Culture17:00 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Female Business Owner20:00 The Importance of People and Culture23:00 Highlights25:30 Pearls of Wisdom

Erica Tuggle is the founder and CEO of Livin (formerly CooKonnect), a platform that bridges busy professionals with personal chefs, creating healthier home-cooked meals. Erica’s journey to entrepreneurship was sparked by her own challenges as a working mom and her drive to create solutions for families navigating similar struggles.With over a decade of leadership at global brands like Coca-Cola, General Mills, and American Express, Erica’s professional expertise provided a strong foundation for her pivot to entrepreneurship. She successfully raised over $1M in funding to date, proving the ability to take an idea from concept to market, with big plans for scale.Erica openly shares her journey's wins alongside the challenges of building a scalable business including maintaining focus, setting boundaries and prioritizing personal time in an industry that often demands 24/7 availability. Her insights into customer discovery, strategic fundraising and tips for work-life balance offer invaluable lessons for founders.Connect with Erica and meet other incredible female founders by subscribing to ⁠SAYge Real Female Founders⁠ (for free!)

Mia Umana is the founder of Clickvoyant, an AI-powered analytics firm revolutionizing how mid-sized e-commerce businesses access and use marketing data. A first-time founder with over 15 years in marketing analytics, Mia has scaled her company to $40K in monthly recurring revenue while redefining limiting beliefs about what’s possible in business and motherhood. Her candid insights on resilience, grit, and the importance of embracing failure as part of the journey are invaluable for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty.Connect with Mia and meet other incredible founders. www.saygelink.substack.comKey Takeaways Emotional wellness is crucial for founders. Building a business can feel isolating; community helps. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges. Co-founder dynamics can significantly impact a startup's success. Grit and determination are essential for overcoming obstacles. Accelerators provide valuable resources and networking opportunities. Understanding your relationship with money is vital for business success. Trusting your gut is important in decision-making. Progress in business doesn't always equate to immediate outcomes. Connecting with other female founders can provide support and guidance.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Emotional Wellness for Founders03:00 Mia's Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship05:00 The Co-Founder Dynamic and Its Challenges10:00 Navigating the Startup Landscape: Grit and Determination15:00 The Role of Accelerators in Startup Success20:00 Current Traction and Vision for Clickvoyant27:00 Our Relationship with Money30:00 The Importance of Talking to Customers33:00 Advice from her Journey

Karen Humphries Sallick is the CEO and co-founder of Contacts411, a platform that provides high quality, privacy compliant contact updating and enhancement for small businesses. After 35 years leading top brands like Burberry and Saks, Karen transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship to create flexible, impactful solutions for businesses. Her story of resilience, from pioneering remote and flexible work cultures to building a company while battling stage four cancer, exemplifies adaptability and unshakeable determination.Connect with Karen and meet other incredible founders. www.saygelink.substack.com Creating a supportive work environment is crucial for success. Women face unique challenges in balancing work and family. Flexibility in the workplace is critical. Customer retention is more profitable than acquiring new customers.. Facing significant challenges requires a shift in mindset, Karen learns from a stage four ovarian cancer diagnosis in June 2023. Self-care and flexibility are crucial for working women. Learning to accept the lack of control is important. Creating support networks is essential for success. Asking for help can actually bring joy and purpose to others. Redefining balance as happiness is key. Trusting your intuition is vital for personal growth.Chapters00 Introduction to Karen Humphries Sallick02:00 The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship05:00 Challenges of Balancing Work and Family08:00 Creating a Supportive Work Environment10:00 Building a Culture of Flexibility and Support13:00 The Birth of Contacts 41115:00 The Importance of Customer Retention18:00 Transitioning from Priority Group to Contacts 41120:00 Empowering Small Businesses with Data23:00 The Future of Contacts 411 and Its Mission25:00 Building a Business: The Journey Begins27:00 Facing Life's Challenges: A Personal Battle29:00 The Importance of Self-Care and Flexibility31:00 Navigating Control and Acceptance33:00 The Financial Struggles of Female Founders35:00 Creating Support Networks37:00 Asking for Help: A Lesson in Vulnerability39::00 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome42:00 Redefining Balance: Happiness Over Perfection

Inbal Claudio is a serial entrepreneur and creator of Like-Minded Collective, championing female entrepreneurs through community and collaboration. Drawing from her own journey, she highlights the power of hiring the right support and seeking help when needed. By focusing on authentic relationships and intentional support, Inbal offers insight on cultivating a community around you that inspires growth and mutual success.Connect with Inbal and hear new founder stories each week: www.saygelink.com/substack

In this episode, Rebekah Bastian opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path from VP at Zillow to founder of OwnTrail. She shares how embracing her own vulnerability and taking the leap into the unknown helped her build not just a company, but a personal movement centered on authenticity. After navigating the challenges of scaling her startup and its eventual sale to Teal, Rebekah reflects on the lessons learned and how they’ve led to her exciting new role leading product and marketing at Glowforge, helping people make creations with 3-D laser printers. Through the highs and lows of her journey, Rebekah’s story offers an empowering message: leaning into your truth and sharing it with others can create incredible opportunities for growth, resilience, and impact. Check out OwnTrail: https://owntrail.com Learn about GlowForge: https://glowforge.com ✨Connect with Rebekah and subscribe to our weekly SAYge Real Founders support (free): https://www.saygelink.com/substack

We sat down with co-founders Cathy Minter and Dawn Newsome of Wisdom, a groundbreaking company focused on empowering older adults to age with dignity and independence. Cathy and Dawn share their journey of leaving high-powered corporate careers to pursue a mission-driven startup born from their own caregiving experiences. They dive into the challenges of starting a business in midlife, navigating risk, building a collaborative company culture, and staying true to their vision. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, partnership, and learning through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Whether you're a seasoned founder or dreaming of your first leap, this conversation will inspire and inform your journey. Learn more about Wisdom here: https://www.mywisdom.io Connect with Dawyn & Cathy and meet more founders by subscribing to SAYge Real Founders (free!) https://www.saygelink.com/substack

Margo Jordan, founder and CEO of venture backed ed-tech platform Enrichly, shares her inspiring journey from finance to entrepreneurship, driven by her mission to improve self-esteem in children and adolescents. Margo discusses the transition from a brick-and-mortar self-esteem learning center to a thriving digital platform, offering insights on diversifying your customer base, following your intuition, and learning from failure. As a solo founder, she emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and building a support network to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Tune in for lessons and heartfelt reflections on balancing purpose, growth, and well-being in business.Check out EnrichlyConnect with Margo and join Real Founders weekly support (free!) HEREChapters:-Introduction and Background -Transition to Entrepreneurship -Franchising and Pivoting to a Digital Platform -Impact and Future Plans -Importance of Self-Esteem Development -Business Challenges and Lessons Learned -Maintaining Relationships and Self-Care -Navigating the Roller Coaster Ride of Entrepreneurship -Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Linda Acevedo, founder of Futura Egg Donation, as she shares her mission and help forge deeply personal connections between egg donors and intended parents. Linda reflects on the highs and lows of being a solo founder, the challenges of balancing work with personal life, and the critical role of compassion in building her business. From the power of word-of-mouth growth to the significance of support networks among women entrepreneurs, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the emotional rewards of her work and the lessons learned along the way. Perfect for founders, dreamers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human side of entrepreneurship. Check out Linda's amazing company Futura Egg Donation Subscribe to the SAYge Female Founders Weekly Support (free) Chapters -Linda Acevedo's Background and Inception of Futura Egg Donation -Creating Connections and Breaking the Stigma -The Importance of Emotional Support in the Infertility Journey -Logistics and Remote Work in the Egg Donor Agency -Growing the Customer Base through Word-of-Mouth Referrals -Scaling the Business by Teaching, Implementing Values and Delegating -Greatest Wins: Birth of Babies and Building Connections with Donors -The Power of Support: Opening Up and Connecting with Other Women

Demetra Mallios, the CEO and founder of Puberry, shares her journey of creating an interactive and gamified EdTech puberty platform. Inspired by the lack of comprehensive health education and the stigma surrounding puberty, Demetra aims to provide a holistic solution for youth, parents, and teachers by offering medically verified health education. She discusses the challenges of getting an early team, overcoming stigma, raising funding and navigating the hard journey of starting something from nothing. More about Demetra's company here: Sign-up for 1-month free of Puberry: https://forms.gle/w3NiCHmFAyXGnneY9 www.puberry.org Subscribe to receive our SAYge Real Founders Weekly Newsletter with two new real stories each week talking about the real challenges faced by female founders and how to navigate them! https://saygelink.substack.com/p/sayge-real-stories #femalefounders #femalefounder #startups #edtech #womenowned

In this SAYge Real Founder epidsode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Joy Hoover, a powerhouse entrepreneur who has transformed her personal experiences into a mission to revolutionize the personal safety industry. Joy's journey began with witnessing firsthand the widespread issue of abuse and assault against women through her work with sex trafficking victims as well as a violent tragedy very close to home. Determined to make a difference, she channeled her pain into creating innovative solutions that empower and protect against sexual violence. Joy shares how her life's trials have shaped her path to becoming a leading advocate for change. Joy's story is one of unwavering commitment to helping underserved and marginalized groups. With a background in hair, makeup, and fashion, she used her skills to connect with people, listen to their stories, and offer support. It was through these stories that she was able to truly understand the intricacies of their needs and then find support from community allies. This journey led her on her path to creating ESOES Cosmetics, a groundbreaking company that integrates safety features including roofie test strips and a panic alert system into everyday beauty products! Joy's relentless pursuit of solutions to combat violence and her innovative approach to personal safety have garnered widespread recognition. Join us as we explore Joy's remarkable founder journey, the impact of her work, and her vision for a safer world for everyone. Check out ESOES products ⁠at esoescosmetics.com Subscribe to receive our SAYge Real Founders Weekly Newsletter with two new real stories each week talking about the real challenges faced by female founders and how to navigate them! #femalefounders #femalefounder #startups #edtech #womenowned

Melissa Bowley, CEO and founder of Flourish Care, shares her journey of setting out to revolutionize maternal healthcare. Inspired by her own experience as a mother, Melissa recognized the gaps in the healthcare system and the lack of support for mothers. She discovered the benefits of doula care and the impact it can have on outcomes. Melissa started Momunity, a platform that connected mothers with various support services, but eventually focused solely on doula care. She worked towards getting doula care reimbursed by insurance companies and Medicaid, and now Flourish Care offers doula care services and is expanding to support mental health and social needs. Melissa shares her journey as a female founder in the women's health space and the inherent challenges she faced in securing an ultimately successful round of venture capital. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right investors and staying focused on the mission of the company. Melissa discusses the highlights and challenges of her journey, including the daily rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and the need to stay grounded in her purpose. Melissa's ultimate goal is to make a meaningful difference in increasing access to women's health services. Subscribe to the SAYge Female Founder Journey to receive new founder stories along with guidance, resources and conversation each week straight to your inbox!

In this episode of SAYge Real Founder Stories, Shruti Shah shares her journey from being a founder of MoveLoot to becoming a partner at Symphonic Capital. She discusses the challenges and wins she faced as a female entrepreneur, including the experience of Y Combinator, the impact it had on her business early on, and the lessons learned from navigating growth and venture capital fundraising. Shruti emphasizes some important lessons learned that she now imparts on founders that she supports through her Venture Fund Symphonic Capital. Importantly, trusting one's gut and the vital need for self-reflection in leadership. She also highlights that all company building is an experiment and that perfection should never hinder progress. Tune in to this episode to hear the unique perspectives from a founder turned investor as she shares her authentic journey and offers invaluable advice for aspiring female founders from the lessons she has learned. Subscribe to the SAYge Real Female Founder series through this LINK Chapters Introduction and Mission of SAYge Real Founder Stories 02:45 Shruti's Background and Transition to Venture Capital 08:30 Raising Funding and Achieving Growth 20:02 Successes and Lessons Learned 23:31 The End of MoveLoot and Reflections 42:21 Advice for Female Founders

In this deeply moving episode, we explore the life of Stacy Allwein, a real estate leader from Frederick, Maryland, who has faced unimaginable tragedies with extraordinary resilience. Stacy's story begins with the sudden loss of her younger brother in a car accident, a pivotal moment that shaped her into a lifelong caretaker. Her journey through grief continued with the losses of another brother to a drug overdose, a mother to dementia and her husband to pancreatic cancer. Each loss tested her, yet she transformed her grief into initiatives that not only honored her loved ones but also provided support and hope to others. From starting a support group for those grieving the loss of adult siblings to growing incredible community initiatives like the Phoenix Recovery Academy for teens struggling with addiction, her actions have created ripples of change and healing. Stacy’s decision to keep living and spreading hope for a better life for others is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to rise above. Tune in to be inspired by her story of turning pain into beautiful waves of energy into the world. Connect with Stacey Other Links: Pheonix Recovery Academy

In this episode of SAYge Real Stories, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Joy Hoover, a powerhouse entrepreneur who has transformed her personal experiences into a mission to revolutionize the personal safety industry. Joy's journey began with witnessing firsthand the widespread issue of abuse and assault against women through her work with sex trafficking victims as well as a violent tragedy very close to home. Determined to make a difference, she channeled her pain into creating innovative solutions that empower and protect against sexual violence. Joy shares how her life's trials have shaped her path to becoming a leading advocate for change.Joy's story is one of unwavering commitment to helping underserved and marginalized groups. With a background in hair, makeup, and fashion, she used her skills to connect with people, listen to their stories, and offer support. It was through these stories that she was able to truly understand the intricacies of their needs and then find support from community allies. This journey led her on her path to creating ESOES Cosmetics, a groundbreaking company that integrates safety features including roofie test strips and a panic alert system into everyday beauty products! Joy's relentless pursuit of solutions to combat violence and her innovative approach to personal safety have garnered widespread recognition. Join us as we explore Joy's remarkable founder journey, the impact of her work, and her vision for a safer world for everyone.CONNECT with Joy and other women who have been there at www.saygelink.com Contribute to Joy's funding campaign and be a part in her important mission HERE Check out ESOES products HERE

Jessica Braff is a careered marketing and brand strategy consultant who faced the adversity of not having the children she always wanted. She is now channeling her own grief into a new purpose driven path, helping other women find peace and acceptance in a life without the children they always wanted. When navigating this experience herself, she found herself having feelings of grief that she didn’t understand until she happened to find a society dedicated to those who did not, or could not, achieve this life dream. Her mission now is to help other woman who have grieved in the shadows of society feel seen and less alone in their experience, and to create a sense of optimism and hope in rewriting the next chapter of their lives, as she has had to do for herself. If Jess's story resonates and you would like to schedule a chat, you can do that through this LINK

Sometimes our biggest hurdle is the voice of self-doubt in our head. In this episode of SAYge Real Stories, Gina Fico, a lifelong resident of New Jersey and owner of Bayrock Digital Marketing, shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure. Gina opens up about her struggles with low self-esteem and the paralysis it caused in her life, leading to a poor state of mental health. Reflecting on a period where she felt like a stereotypical lazy adult, Gina describes her turning point when she decided to break free from that narrative. She recounts how the silver lining of the pandemic was that it allowed for a deep inner reflection which catalyzed her healing journey and ultimately led her to start her own digital marketing business. Gina's story emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions and the impact of seeking fulfillment through meaningful work. This episode highlights the common threads of self-doubt and fear of failure many women face and the significance of support  through sharing our experiences. Connect for a chat with Gina through this link:

Welcome to a special episode of SAYge Real Stories. This week, we're diving into the transformative journey of Lindsay Dickes, a trained trauma psychotherapist and clinical social worker turned somatic empowerment coach and self-identified nervous system “witch”. Lindsay works to guide kind, sensitive, and wise women to live deeply purposeful and present lives in their bodies, embracing their inherent power and wisdom. She landed on this work after a journey that began in the mental health and nonprofit sectors, where she often found herself questioning her intuition and feeling locked within the traditional cognitive healing paths. Through exploring and reconnecting with her felt sense, Lindsay discovered a profound connection to her ancestral healing power. Lindsay openly shares her personal journey to this discovery which began by feeling overwhelmed and disconnected as a highly sensitive child, finding solace in nature and ultimately reclaiming her power and feeling held in its truth. Through her ensuing work she discovered that the nervous system responses of fight, flight, freeze, and the more recently recognized fawn, affect our ability to connect with our true selves and the world around us. She passionately feels that work in healing the nervous system, the attachment system (our biological hardwiring for connection and belonging) as well as our erotic nature is all crucial for women to be able to flourish in relationship with themselves and the world around us. In this dynamic conversation we also touch on the historical context of witches, who were first named as Wise Women and revered as healers, deeply in tune with nature and their communities. Long before even the Salem trials, these goddesses of healing fell to persecution by new religious and patriarchal norms that penetrated their lands as early as the 1400s. Lindsay’s resonance with these intuitive healers, claiming her identity as a witch and finding safety in that identity is a powerful testament to one’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance that pays homage to our ancestral sisters. Tune in to hear Lindsay’s inspiring insights, have fun and even see a tangible exercise you can do right now to lead a more purposeful, present life by reconnecting with our bodies and inherent wisdom. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in tapping into our intuitive ancestral wisdom and feminine power. Checkout more through her website http://www.lindsaydickes.com/

"Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure." Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist. The message is timeless.  There can be many obstacles women face when trying to follow their dreams.  In this recorded SAYge Real Stories event, we hear from Vi and Georgiana, two women who had much to overcome but were unwavering and courageous in following their personal legends.    Georgiana Danet’s  story starts with eating rock-hard bread and rotten tomatoes from a trash bin and being kicked out to the street multiple times by landlords for practicing yoga in a communist country (where yoga illegal for many years). Her story ends with being an internationally certified Yoga & Tantra teacher, holistic coach, international speaker, book author and sociologist working with thousands of people in 15 countries.  Hear the details of this truly incredible journey. Five years ago, Vi Nedd-Jackman had no idea that a laptop and a suitcase could disrupt the back end of her life forever. From life on the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago to being trained as a highly successful Dietitian after “ditching a victim’s mindset for a winner’”, her story is one of rising up, determined and unwavering to create her own destiny.  She is now a sought-after certified health coach and a board-certified mental health coach helping many in the greater Chicago area. 

Delve into the poignant and inspiring story told by Jackie Nicoll, a remarkable woman who has faced the unfathomable challenge of being a caregiver for her late husband, Jamie, as he battled metastatic prostate cancer.  Jackie, a 55-year-old mother of two grown children, had her life take an unexpected turn when Jamie was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the young age of 47. Despite the devastating prognosis, Jackie, Jamie, and their two children, Josh and Julia, embarked on a tumultuous journey filled with hope, resilience, and unwavering love. As Jackie shares her intimate narrative, listeners will be transported into the heart of her experiences – from the initial shock of the diagnosis to the relentless pursuit of treatment options, the rollercoaster of emotions, and the profound impact of hospice care and caregiving. In the wake of Jamie's passing in June 2023, Jackie finds herself navigating the uncharted waters of life after loss. Jackie shares her story in hopes to help another going through it feel less alone. If you’re navigating this journey, would love to chat with you. Connect with Jackie through this LINK. With a deep reservoir of strength and resilience, she continues to honor Jamie's legacy by imparting the invaluable lessons he lived by right until the end– lessons that illuminate the transformative power of living each day to the fullest, embracing gratitude in times of adversity, and cherishing the precious moments that define our existence.  Listeners are invited to witness the indomitable human spirit and find solace in the universal truths that bind us all. 

Special thanks to three incredible SAYges Debra Banks, Rose Maloney and Sandy Dressler who shared how the choices they made led them to a life of fulfillment and knowing that "Aging Gracefully" has little to do with vanity and more to do with pausing to listen (and breathe!), following our hearts and making choices to live a life that makes us feel good inside and out. Check out Debra Bank's organization to help you age fabulously better called My Fab Circle, take a look HERE. Rose Maloney has an incredible Beauty & Wellness center, Pure Eco Spa, check it out HERE.

Motherhood is often described as a challenging endeavor, yet the complexities are further heightened for mothers of children with special needs. Imagine the daunting task of raising not just one, but two special needs children - and as a single parent.  In this episode, Karinna Hogan graciously invites listeners to embark on her journey, navigating the intricate emotional and practical hurdles presented by this reality.  With each of her daughters bearing two distinct special needs diagnoses - one grappling with a rare genetic disorder and the other with autism - Karinna vulnerably delves into tumultuous emotions after each consecutive diagnosis including shock, denial, anger and sadness. She also shares the transformative process that helped her through it.  One of accepting and embracing a new normal, their normal.  Discover how Karinna found strength and support in connecting with another mom who understood her journey, inspiring her to help other women facing similar challenges. Through her own self-love, growth, and lessons learned, Karinna has transformed her experiences into a coaching business offering workshops and tailored programs to assist special needs moms in navigating the unique challenges of raising children with rare diseases or disabilities. Tune in to explore Karinna's story of resilience, hope, and empowerment, and learn how she is making a difference in the lives of mothers who need support on this challenging journey.  As with all SAYges, Karinna has an open door to outreach and would love to chat with any moms out there who are interested in asking her questions, venting or just having a chat with someone who understands.  If you’d like to connect with Karinna, email [email protected]! Find out more about Karinna and her support for moms of special needs children HERE . She also offers a free mastermind class.

Being a mother is undeniably challenging, and caring for special needs children takes it to a whole new level. In this special episode of Real Stories: SAYges in our Backyard, we meet Karen Philips and Midsieka Costelli, two Connecticut moms who have formed a strong bond and found invaluable support in each other on this unique motherhood journey. Karen is a devoted mother to a 14-year-old son with severe Autism, requiring close supervision almost around the clock. Midsieka's 17-year-old daughter has multiple disabilities, including physical, intellectual, visual, and hearing impairments. Despite the immense challenges they face, Karen and Midsie have found solace and strength in their friendship, as well as a shared sense of humor. They believe that laughter is essential in coping with their situations, finding light in the midst of their struggles. Their love for their children is unwavering, but they also acknowledge the difficulties of their circumstances. Finding acceptance and understanding in each other's company has helped them navigate their journeys with greater ease.  Listen in as Karen and Midsieka share their uplifting perspectives and compassionate desire to support other moms who may be feeling overwhelmed and isolated.  As with all of our SAYges, Karen and Midsie are open to connecting with you.  If one of their stories resonates and you would like to ask questions or just have a chat, email ⁠[email protected]⁠.  We will link you! Resource suggestion for mothers with autistic children mentioned in episode:  Julie Swanson ⁠www.lifeskillslady.com ⁠

Our guest Melissa Bernstein shows us that even the most successful individuals have struggles we often don’t see behind the glowing spotlight.  These real, sometimes stigmatizing issues, trials and tribulations are what characterize us. They are also what connect us on a human level, showing us that “we are all the same”, as Melissa states. Melissa is an entrepreneur, creative, and working mother of six.  In 1988, she and her husband co-founded Melissa & Doug Toys out of their parents' garage, and in the years that followed, built Melissa & Doug into a Billion dollar brand.   She estimates that she has conceived more than 6,000 toys in the last three decades.  As she writes about in her book LifeLines, this creative process was the silver lining in a duality of her being which also struggled through existential depression and despair.  Melissa shares her incredible story of being imprisoned by an inauthentic picture of perfection for most of her life and then finally finding the courage and belonging she needed as her true self. In 2020, after her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Melissa co-founded Lifelines with Doug.  Through Lifelines, she is using her unique gift of creativity to bring a new category of well-being products into the world.  Products that help adults rediscover wonder and relieve stress through sensory immersion.  In true SAYge fashion, Melissa is dedicated to helping others through the learnings of her own journey.  “If I could solve the puzzle of my own life, perhaps I could help others do the same” and she shares her story to forge a sense of kinship with similar souls, who perhaps in hearing her journey allows them to forge ahead. As with all of our SAYges, Melissa is open to connecting with you.  If her story resonates and you would like to ask questions about her incredible journey or just have a chat with her, email [email protected]. We will link you! Learn more about Melissa at https://www.melissajourney.com/about-melissa Learn more about Lifelines at https://www.lifelines.com/

In this episode we speak with Dr. Rikki, a remarkable woman who dared to take a leap of faith and completely transform her life after a breast cancer scare. Despite having a seemingly perfect life as a doctor, mother, and wife, Rikki realized that she was utterly unfulfilled.  Driven by a deep desire for authenticity and depth, she embarked on a profound journey where she awakened intimate spiritual and sexual parts of herself hidden away.  Through this journey she not only rediscovered herself but also found the courage to live in her truth.   Rikki is now living her dream life in alignment and brimming with deep intimacy.   Not only has she remarried to her great love, renowned chef Seamus Mullen, but she boldly pivoted her career to find heartfelt purpose.  Drawing upon her medical background from USC and Cedars-Sinai, as well as her training from the Somatica Institute and Layla Martin, she now uniquely integrates science and spirituality as a Sex, Love, and Relationship Coach.  Through her new career, Dr. Rikki is able to empower individuals and couples to foster deeper intimacy both within themselves and in union, guiding them toward more authentic and fulfilling lives. As with all of our SAYges, Rikki is open to connecting with you. If her story resonates and you would like to ask questions about her incredible journey or just chat with her, email [email protected]. We will link you! Learn more about Dr. Rikki and her journey on her Instagram page or by visiting her website www.gushwithrikki.com

Welcome to a special episode of our podcast, where we had the pleasure of hosting Jennifer K. Hill, a brilliant evolutionary leader, speaker, podcast host, author, and entrepreneur. Jennifer's journey towards personal growth and transformation is truly inspiring. After exiting her first company in 2018, Jennifer embarked on a new venture, building her software company, OptiMatch. Through OptiMatch, she has managed to crack the code of human connection,  revolutionizing the way we understand and foster interpersonal relationships.  In this episode, we dive deep into Jennifer's personal struggles and how they became catalysts for profound change. She opens up about her battle with bulimia, depression, and a suicide attempt, sharing how these experiences served as wake-up calls, propelling her towards intentional and conscious-minded transformations. Jennifer also discusses her autism diagnosis and how it has become her superpower in leading a successful life and career. With her unique perspective and approach, she showcases how embracing neurodiversity can enhance personal growth and empower individuals to reach their full potential.  One of the most captivating aspects of our conversation was the beautiful circling back to the importance of human compassion. Jennifer candidly discussed her journey from being a "recovering jerk” in dire need of a compassionate mirror for understanding herself. Through her introspection and personal growth, she came to realize that this understanding and compassion were not only essential for her own well-being but for successful connection with others.   Join us as we delve into a remarkable journey, discovering the power of intentional change and the transformative potential hidden within our own uniquely diverse qualities.  Jennifer’s story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and find purpose.  Be inspired and empowered as we explore the depths of human connection and the limitless potential within each and everyone one of us. As with all of our SAYges, Jennifer is open to connecting with you. If her story resonates and you would like to ask questions about her journey or just chat, email [email protected]. We will link you! Learn more about Jennifer’s brilliant company OptiMatch at https://www.om.app Listen to her enlightening podcast Regarding Consciousness

In this SAYge Real Stories episode I sat down with Kathy Mcafee, an accomplished author, renowned speaker, entrepreneur, business leader and coach. Perhaps her greatest defining success however is being an ovarian cancer survivor.  This powerful Real Stories conversation takes us through her emotional journey from diagnosis to acceptance and then to thriving toward survival.  As expected when faced with your mortality, the journey changed Kathy in profound ways.  “Cancer taught me a lot, mostly that I couldn’t control everything that happened to me - but I could shape my experience.  Meeting and spending time with my mortality helped me evolve as a human being.”   She shares the enlightened perspectives she gained and offers new ways of viewing life that can benefit all of us. Kathy is intent on utilizing her life experiences and lessons learned to help other women and “paying it forward”.  Her professional background is also one that thrives on supporting females.  After a successful 20-year career in corporate marketing/branding with companies such as Levi and Maybelline, Kathy made the brave decision to dive into entrepreneurship.  As CEO of her own company for the last two decades, Kathy has made an incredible impact cultivating leadership diversity by advancing more women and people of color into positions of influence. Her signature work is The Fearless Leader program, a group mentoring experience designed to help female and BIPOC individuals overcome barriers to leadership.  This program recently led her to coauthor her 5th book, Fearless Female Leaders, an imperative guide for women in leadership and those that support them, to be released early 2024.  The book deconstructs antiquated beliefs that have held women back from reaching their leadership potential and creates a roadmap on how to get there.  You can learn more about the incredible work Kathy is doing through the links below.  As with all of our SAYges, Kathy is open to connecting with you.  If her story resonates and you would like to ask questions about her journey, learn more about her programs or just chat, email [email protected] and we will link you with her! Learn more about Kathy at her website www.AmericasMarketingMotivator.com Learn more about her signature program at www.TheFearlessLeader.com

Melissa Spratt's story is equals parts tumultuous and incredible, right on par with real life. Melissa starts by sharing her journey through mental illness, low self-esteem and anorexia as a girl and young adult. Her story then winds through periods of solid ground and happy days upheaved by new obstacles including a heartbreaking miscarriage and being a new mom in the face of extreme isolation during the height of the pandemic. Through it all, Melissa found and honed lessons on how to navigate life's bumps without losing your footing. She found peace in self-love and solace in self-care and now shares them with other women in hopes of helping them live as the best version of themselves. Her experiences with therapeutic journaling inspired her to further channel her emotions into poetry, culminating in her beautiful book "Roots Grow Strong." This heartfelt and vulnerable work detailing her experiences with mental illness, body image disorder, miscarriage and motherhood captures the beauty in life's toughest moments. As with all of our SAYges, Melissa Spratt is open to connecting with you. If her story resonates and you would like to ask questions about her journey or just chat, email [email protected]. We will link you!

In this 2 part-recorded live audience SAYge Real Stories we heard from two incredible women who have come through the other side of divorce and are now helping other women be empowered and less stigmatized as they navigate their way through it. In this Part 2 episode, Audre Rickard shares her contrasting journey to Rachel's (Part 1). Audre had a less peaceful divorce experience that forced her to learn some important lessons, including the great importance of self-compassion. Audre lacked of a much needed type of support during her struggle through her separation, one that comes from women that understand because they have shared that journey. She now has created a community called Saturated Grace based on that support (link here) and is extremely passionate about sharing her story to help other women feel less alone in their journey. As with all of our SAYges, Audre Rickard is open to connecting with you. If her story resonates and you would like to ask questions about her journey or just chat, email [email protected]. We will link you!

In this SAYge Real Stories Podcast 2 part series, we hear from two incredible women who have come through the other side of divorce and are now helping other women be empowered and less stigmatized as they navigate their way through it. In this part 1 episode, Rachel Lauren shares her bold choice to have a choice in not only her decision not to stay in her marriage, but also in how she and her partner would separate and (co)parent their children through it.

When Kayla Lafi's mental health hit rock bottom, she made a mindful choice to “give life a try”. She obtained a new lease on life and realized a beautiful freedom.  She has now built a community as a mental health advocate, sharing the wisdom she learned through her struggles and tools she continues to use as a certified holistic life coach. Lisa Valdes Romero was an intimidated Cuban child trying to learn english and adapt. She found a way to express herself through dance, which was a turning point.  Though it was difficult, she made a courageous choice to stay steadfast in her passion for dance, and has now created a thriving non-profit dance organization that provides the theraputic value of dance to struggling women and children. Take a pause in your day to hear two remarkable stories that share a message of looking life in the eyes and boldly making a choice. Want to continue the conversation and connect with Kayla, Lisa or other women on the topics discussed on this episode? Join the community at www.saygelink.com

Mauri Konnell's journey starts as a 13-year old girl, hospitalized for an eating disorder but who had the foresight to know she wanted to one day get through her battles so that she could help other girls thrive. Though the ensuing years brought more trials and tribulations including anxiety/depression, substance abuse and codependancy - that is exactly what she did. She is accomplishing her mission, working tirelessly to help empower girls, giving them skills and tools to “train our confidence muscles like we train our biceps”. Mauri uses the lessons learned from her difficulties to now help and empower girls in amazing ways through the ⁠Girl's Empowerment Experience⁠!! Get ready to be inspired by her incredible story. If you would like to continue the conversation and connect with other women on some of the topics within this story, join our community at www.saygelink.com To join this event's private group on SAYge Link, send an email to [email protected] with the subject: Mauri's podcast!

Have you ever come to a point in your life where you needed a complete life makeover, an overhaul? These two SAYge women have been there. Melinda George Bristol and Mary Gervais tell their unique journeys which share an incredible display of resilience and moving forward despite adversity. Take a moment in your day to be inspired by their path to reinventing their lives... and themselves in the process! Coming together to hear stories and discuss the lessons learned as a community through this podcast series is an important part of what we are building at SAYge Link. No matter what we are facing, you are not alone - someone has walked that path before and has learned from her experiences. We are building a global network of women of who have been there! Join the sisterhood at www.saygelink.com

In this SAYge Real Stories podcast episode, Judith Barron bravely shares her intricate emotional journey of searching for and finding her biological parents. Listen to her story unfold as powerful learnings and a new self discovery reveals itself. Sometimes you look for answers and find you had them within you the whole time.