Attorney Turned Fashion Designer with Karen Fultz-Robinson of ObservaMé

August 16, 2022

Imagine going to law school and becoming a successful attorney. Now imagine years down the road realizing your purpose is in a completely different industry that you know absolutely nothing about. Would you freeze in fear, or fast-track your ideas because you just knew they would change lives?

In this week’s episode, Karen Fultz-Robinson, founder of ObservaMé, an athletic wear company with a passion for changing lives, discusses why she left law to put pen to paper and design luxury athletic wear. She also shares how her former career relationships help her now and what she has learned along the way.

“I was not a fashion person. I was not a designer. So my learning curve was humbling. And it still humbles me to this day, because I’m learning every single day how to navigate the waters in this new industry.” – Karen Fultz-Robinson

This week on Startups In Stilettos:

Karen shares the light bulb moment that made her start ObservaMé (1:49)
Karen talks about why her vision came to life so quickly (2:59)
How ObservaMé has changed since it first started (4:47)
What social media platform Karen first started advertising on (8:15)
How the pandemic helped Karen decide to go full-time with ObservaMé (9:41)
Where ObservaMé is going in the future (11:39)
Karen asks Jessica and Stephanie for advice on reaching customers through social media (14:03)
Karen, Jessica, and Stephanie discuss the use of publicists (22:41)

Resources Mentioned:

15% off code for listeners: Entreprenista15

Our Favorite Quotes:

“I am a very impatient type of person. So I tend to fast-track things. Because once I see it in my mind, and in terms of creativity, I want to see it come to fruition where it’s tangible and touchable.” – Karen Fultz-Robinson
“You think you have the best idea in the world. Now you have to learn how to create an image in the mind of others that your idea is the best idea for them as well. ” – Karen Fultz-Robinson
“ObservaMé is Spanish for ‘watch me.’ And of course, I designed the clothing with the watch opening in the sleeve. – Karen Fultz-Robinson
“89% of the people who make a determination that ‘I want to be healthy’ fail, because they don’t have the right clothes on.” – Karen Fultz-Robinson

Connect with Karen Fultz-Robinson:

Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:

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!

Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.

Share it!

Posted in Startups in Stilettos

Alenka Kyslik’s Business Matches Users With Holistic Providers

A brief introduction about Alenka and herbusiness: A Canadian, now living in Los Angeles, Alenka has spent almost 15 years in the corporate world as an overachiever. Eventually it caught up with her and she burnt out. A year later, just as she was recovering mentally, she tore apart her ankle and has spent the…

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (2) copy

Lana Wear’s Journey to Founding a Real Estate Flipping and Staging Company

A brief introduction about Lana and her business: Lana is Founder and CEO of HomeWear Designs, a real estate flipping and staging company in New York City, the Hamptons, and St. Petersburg, FL. Lana’s career began in Sales, first as a Real Estate Agent in NYC and later as a Sales leader for multinational corporations.…

Addie Gundry is Innovating Diaper Changing for Parents on the Go

“My biggest regret is [that] I kept this so close to the chest for a while, because a lot of people think, ‘Someone will steal my idea. People think it’s a bad idea.’ You almost want to wait to announce what you’re doing until it’s totally complete. And I always say, ‘If you’re not embarrassed…

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (3)

Cindy Dodd Connects Companies With Key Decision-Makers

A brief introduction about Cindy and her business: Cindy Dodd is an award-winning marketer and global speaker who has emerged as a trailblazer for Black women in the lead generation industry. As the Co-Founder and COO of PEMA.io, Cindy has transformed the company into a global powerhouse, executing over 100 million reach-outs and serving over…

Kathryn Shah, Spring & Mulberry, is Making the World a Sweeter and Healthier Place

“I don’t know that we’ve cracked the right mix yet, but gifting has gone a long way, and I think the more you gift, the more people see your product, and the more you can collaborate on content, the more views you’ll see on your content. And ultimately, what you’re wanting is just this feeling…

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (4)

Rita Richa Helps Businesses Tell Their Stories Through Podcasting

A brief introduction about Rita and her business: Rita Richa is the founder and executive Producer of Reignite Media. Rita has an extensive background in developing B2B podcasts, content-based networking, and brand strength capitalization. Her clients have been known to classify her as an innovator/visionary, passionate about developing podcasts, scripts, storyboards, social media content, and…

Courtney Todd’s Marketing Agency Increases Brand’s Visibility

Hi, Courtney! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Hi, I’m Courtney, Fractional CMO + Creative Director of Umlaut Agency. I help brands drive top-line growth and reduce cost per customer by increasing brand visibility and building stronger customer relationships. I also run a creative agency that focuses on branding and website…

Amy Rees Inspires Women Through Art With Personality Plates

“Find somebody to work with as a small business owner. I’m not taking out loans. I don’t have big funding. You really have to pick and choose where you want to invest in your business, but you do have to invest somewhere.” Struggling with feelings of neglect and loneliness in an unhappy marriage, Amy Rees…

Ramy Brook Sharp’s Journey to Building and Scaling a Fashion Empire

“As the leader, it all starts at the top. If you want a culture where people are kind to each other and people are understanding, you have to be that person.” Ramy Brook Sharp is the founder and CEO of Ramy Brook, a contemporary women’s fashion brand known for its chic and versatile designs. Launched…

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (2)

Sharon Ringier’s Magazine is Curated Exclusively for Women Entrepreneurs

A brief introduction about Sharon and her business: Sharon Ringier is a highly accomplished and influential entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and philanthropist who has dedicated her life to empowering and supporting women in their personal and professional pursuits. With over 20 years of experience in the events planning industry, Sharon has become widely known for her…

Beth Nydick Amplifies Media Exposure Into Profitable Opportunities for Businesses

A brief introduction about Beth and her business: Beth Nydick, the founder of The F.A.M.E. LAB, is the go-to media expert for coaches, experts, and authors seeking to amplify their brand presence. Known for her strategic approach and media expertise, Beth transforms media exposure into lucrative opportunities, ensuring her clients don’t just shine in the…

Michelle Hsiao’s Consultancy Firm Helps Product-Based Businesses Thrive

A brief introduction about Michelle and her business: Michelle Hsiao is the CEO/Founder of Revenue Growth Advisors, a consultancy for product-based businesses in retail, e-commerce, and wholesale/DTC brands. Previously she led merchandising teams as a Senior Vice President with Boscov’s Department Store, Group Vice President for Macy’s and Chief Merchant/Head of E-commerce for an online…

Networking Without the Nerves: Tips for Authentic Connections

“The power of networking, you never know. There could be just that one person that you connect with who then has somebody else that they know and it’s a snowball effect.”- Richelle Pena Today’s Startups in Stilettos has a very special minisode dedicated to the power of networking. Tune in to hear Carlyn Bushman and…

Mary Seats Fosters Community With Her Co-Working Space for Women, The Bakery CoWork

“I needed support, community, someone to reach their hand down and pull me up. And now I’m always reaching my hand down to pull someone else up.” Mary Seats is the founder of The Icing Agency and The Bakery CoWork, a co-working space designed for women entrepreneurs. From a young age, Mary showcased her entrepreneurial…

Masi Chukwuemeka’s Businesses Are All About Social Media Management and Storytelling

Hi, Masi! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: My name is Nmasichi Chinenye Chukwuemeka, but I go by Masi. I am the founder of Masi Brands and TribesAndHistory. Masi Brands is a digital branding agency located in Atlanta and our services include web design, social media management, and graphics design. Our…