Founding Fearless

In this episode, we’re joined by Fatima Mohemedhen Louly, beauty influencer and founder+CEO of Define Beauty by F.M.A. After moving from Mauritania to the US at 17 years old, pursuing behavioral neuroscience, and working at Sephora as a beauty advisor, Fatima decided to launch Define Beauty, a cosmetics company that empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty with high-quality and cruelty-...

 In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible entrepreneurs, Shaz Rajashekar and Kiku Chaudhuri, the sisters behind the vibrant hair care brand, SHAZ & KIKS. Both UT Austin graduates, Shaz and Kiku have combined their childhood memories of summers in the Himalayas with the wisdom of traditional Ayurvedic science to create a full range of hair care products that cater to every need, from ser...

In this episode, we sat down with Rikki Wang, founder of Space Cowboy, a modern kitchen and bar in Austin. Rikki turned to entrepreneurship to fulfill her passion for creating captivating dining experiences. In this episode, Rikki provides insights in the tech and food space and gives advice to others looking to follow in her footsteps. Tune in to hear more about Rikki’s journey! 💛🤘✨ We hope yo...

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cassie Shankman (aka DJ Cassandra), a dynamic Austin-based DJ, composer, producer, sound curator, educator, and all-around creative entrepreneur. Cassie is well-versed in the art of sound, as she is the founder of Sounds by Cassandra, an audio agency offering a diverse range of services, including DJ performances, sound curation, and original m...

In this episode, we engaged with Sarah Kenny, a speaker, leadership coach, and the author of #1 Amazon bestselling book “Lead Like a Queen”. Sarah holds an MA in Gender Studies, is an ICF Professional Certified Coach, and has over 15 years of experience developing and training women leaders. Sarah’s journey has taken her all across the globe, cultivating a deep passion for advancing the rights of...

In this episode, we sat down with with Miles Bloxson, the Founder, Host, and Executive Producer of “Miles To Mogul”. A graduate of UT with a degree in Corporate Communications, Miles co-hosted “Campus Life” on Austin’s Public Access Channel before moving to Los Angeles, where she started her career with high-profile shows like Fox News LA and In-Touch Magazine, and contributed to KUT News and KBLA...

In this episode, we sit down with Elaine Garza, CEO of Giant Noise. From being a journalism major at UT and starting in the publishing industry to founding her own public relations and digital media company, Elaine has many insights and advice for young professionals navigating the changing PR landscape. 💛🤘✨ We hope you enjoy! CONNECT WITH ELAINE! LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠ @elaine-garza-a3b2a55/ Email: ela...

In this episode, we sit down with Whitney McElwain, KS WELI’s new Director and a founder, investor, and advocate for female entrepreneurs. From her early days at Red Bull, working in venture capital, to launching her own brand, Daybird, Whitney shares her journey, passion for empowering women, and insights into creating a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. 💛🤘✨ We hope you enjoy! CONNECT...

 In this episode, we explore Sophia Cuerquis' inspiring journey from the Philippines to Austin, where she’s transformed her passions into successful ventures. Sophia, a dynamic entrepreneur, content creator, and personal creative director, shares her path to success, highlighting the importance of family, launching a clothing brand, and hosting a podcast. Tune in to hear her story of fearless...

This episode explores Sheena Wilde's journey and her impactful role at Kendra Scott. As the Senior Vice President of Corporate Philanthropy & the Kendra Scott Foundation, Sheena is responsible for all philanthropic strategy, growth, and implementation. She oversees local and national programs, including the Kendra Scott Foundation, which aims to empower women and youth in health, wellness,...

This episode highlights the power of partnership in achieving business success. Janie Cooke and Caroline Nix fused their skills to found Oventure, a company that offers hands-free accessories to help women everywhere. Their mission and teamwork set a powerful example for aspiring female entrepreneurs. 🤘💛✨  We hope you enjoy! CONNECT WITH JANIE & CAROLINE! Oventure IG: @ shopoventure Oventur...

This episode explores Kristin Jacobson’s journey and discovers how she transformed a passion project into a successful venture. Kristin Jacobson is the visionary founder behind Austin Flea, the city's premier curated flea market experience. What began as a whimsical idea back in 07', Austin Flea has blossomed into full-time operation celebrating the city's vibrant community of vendors,...

In this episode, we highlight Elizabeth (Liz) Findlay’s story and gain insight into her journey of establishing Albion. Raised in Guatemala, her family owned and operated a clothing factory where they manufactured technical apparel for top U.S.-based fashion brands. However, Liz and her husband, Dave (Co-CEO), had to make a hard decision to close the factory and start their new brand. At that mome...

This episode dives into Maggie Brown’s Story and gains insight into how she turned a pandemic passion project into a successful business. Maggie is the CEO of Recess Pickleball, an innovative pickleball gear company aiming to elevate the game experience while fostering a community of passionate consumers. Maggie's founding fearless approach serves as inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneur...

In this episode, we dive deep into Samantha Leonard’s story and gain insight into how Samantha turned a passion project into a successful business. Samantha founded ATX Brunch Girls, a local Austin social group aiming to elevate the brunch experience while fostering a community of passionate women. Samantha has built a thriving business by founding fearlessly, inspiring future generations of women...

This episode explores the journey of graduating seniors, Jessica Yang and Vani Jain, from UT Austin and the KS WELI Student Board share their journey from students to graduates, reflecting on their time in leadership roles and discussing their plans for the future. They offer advice for incoming college freshmen while envisioning their entrepreneurial leadership journey ahead.🤘💛✨ We hope you en...

This episode explores the journey of Emily Ramshaw, President and CEO of The 19th*, the nation’s first independent nonprofit newsroom at the intersection of gender, politics, and policy. The 19th* levels the playing field with politics and politics so that everyone feels engaged and heard regardless of gender or race. Emily shares the mission of the news outlet, which aims to elevate the voices of...

New episode out now! This episode explores the journey of Liz Matthews, Senior Vice President of Dell Technologies Global Brand and Creative. Navigating through roles at Johnson & Johnson, Sun Microsystems, and now Dell Technologies, Liz shares how each experience shaped her leadership style and approach to personal branding. With insights gleaned from navigating both the startup scene and glo...

"Founding Fearless means just not giving up on your dreams!" 💛New episode out now! This episode explores the journey of Olivia Brady, a 2020 graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. She is the Co-Founder and Designer behind Saturday Silks, a game day silk scarf brand that merges the elements of Texan roots and tradition. She hand illustrates each element and arranges them into s...

This episode explores the journey of Gabriela Bucio, co-owner of one of the city’s most popular and fast-growing restaurant management groups, Gabriela's Group. Gabriela initially worked behind the scenes at several restaurants after moving to Austin more than 20 years ago from Mexico. Over time, Gabriela learned the business inside and out and eventually decided to break off to create her own...

In this episode, we explore the journey of Bryn Carter-Brown and  Emily Salberg, CEO and COO of What She Said. From growing vibrant communities in Denver to revolutionizing referral networks for women entrepreneurs nationwide, Bryn and Emily are the visionary duo behind What She Said. Today, they are working on building a platform for women in cities all over the country, letting women do what the...

"Go after things and don't be afraid of sucking" ~ Natalie Franke in 'Gutsy.' 🤘💛✨ In this episode we explore the journey of Natalie Franke, a bestselling author of “Gutsy,” community builder, neuroscience nerd, and “mama bear” for small businesses. As the Head of Community at Flodesk, she empowers tens of thousands of business owners worldwide. During her time at school to...

In this episode, we have Christy Carlson Romano, actress, host, and co-founder of PodCo. From being a Disney icon and best known for her roles as Disney's "Kim Possible," and roles in "Even Stevens," and "Cadet Kelly," to bringing Disney princess Belle' to life in the highly acclaimed Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, as well as 'Kate Monster' in Avenu...

In this episode, we sit down with Marisa Garza, Founder of KEFI by MG. Fresh out of college as a UT Alum, Marisa found herself navigating the corporate landscape while simultaneously framing uniqueness. KEFI by MG is a unique and fashionable eyewear brand where Marisa fused her passion and profession together to create art for any wearer. The episode also ventures into the foundational aspects of...

In this episode, we sit down with Fernanda Sampson-Gómez, CEO of Celzo. Leading the way with the first vitamin-infused agua fresca in the USA, she's an innovator and an equality advocate. Recognized with the Rising Star Award from Latino Leaders Magazine, Fernanda is a trailblazing Latina leader shaping the future. 🤘💛✨ Her determination, innovation, and passion for entrepreneurship have mad...