When you’ve built a very successful business as a jewelry designer for more than 20 years, the natural move is to leave it all behind and start making documentary films celebrating and supporting female artisans and entrepreneurs through authentic storytelling, right?Kara Ross, renowned entrepreneur and award-winning fine jewelry designer and founder of Unleashed (anon profit media organization founded whichcelebrates and supports female artisans and entrepreneurs)joins Socialfly founders Stephanie Cartin and Courtney Spritzer in the MouthMedia Network studios for a conversation about building her company and Unleashed and her journey to success, along with a surprise and a brainstorm.In this episode:
Hosts
Stephanie Cartin is a serial entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, community builder, and a champion for women founders. She created the Entreprenista League, a community for women founders, to provide resources and support necessary at all business stages. She’s also the Co-founder of Socialfly, one of the first social media marketing agencies, as well as Entreprenista Media and Pearl Influential Capital which was recently acquired by Cherub. Stephanie has shared her journey managing her health challenges with Multiple Sclerosis, Infertility, and a complicated pregnancy and is an advocate for women going through similar challenges. Her story and businesses have been featured on the Today Show, Bloomberg and Forbes. Consider Stephanie your biggest business cheerleader.
Courtney Spritzer is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, and advocate for women founders. As Co-Founder and CEO of Socialfly, a social-first digital agency launched in 2012 and acquired in 2024, she has helped shape the industry with innovative strategies. She co-founded the Entreprenista League, a community for women founders, offering essential resources and support for all stages of business growth. Courtney’s entrepreneurial journey and business insights have been highlighted in top publications like Entrepreneur.com, Bloomberg, and Forbes.
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Highlights
- How Kara needed to start a business to take care of kids after divorce as a single mom
- Kara’s first employee–her sister
- The entrepreneurial reality of never feeling like you made it—ail it’s always about the next thing
- Why Kara doesn’t miss her jewelry business even after 25 years
- How Kara is focusing now on other female entrepreneurs and artisans
- Why Kara felt guilty about closing her store
- When you’re not on the treadmill and running, it is difficult to stop and choose to spend your life and resources another way
- Why Kara wishes she had talked with someone about leaving her business—it was emotionally and mentally tough
- Creating Unleashed, a short film series telling the stories of female entrepreneurs around the world.
- Shooting the pilot with the Bella Twins
- Why Kara won’t be featured in the show
- Creating a content library that highlights multiple industries and career fields
- How Kara’s daughter is helping after graduating from film school
- What Kara learned from her jewelry business that could be applied to Unleashed
- How Kara is more relaxed now enjoying herself more, and more in control of her time
- The power of leading by example
- Trying to challenge yourself and constantly make yourself better