When a fax from her father handed her the reins to the family construction company, Joy Rohadfox had no engineering background—but she had grit, intelligence, and heart. In this episode, Joy shares her remarkable journey from a dirt-bike-riding little sister in Durham to CEO of a multimillion-dollar infrastructure firm. We talk about navigating politics in business, earning respect in a male-dominated field, and staying true to your style—yes, even in Gucci. This conversation is about legacy and the power of saying yes before you feel ready. She is gem and you’ll be inspired by her sense of humor and quiet confidence.…

What happens when you mix sisterhood, storytelling, and a sprinkle of entrepreneurial magic? On this episode of Madame Founder , I sit down with Susan Turnock and Heather Arak—the dynamic sister duo behind GGL Creative , the masterminds behind some of the most unforgettable corporate gifts and brand experiences on the planet! Corporate gifting has been around for ages, but they revolutionized it! If you get a gift, they designed... you KNOW IT! This is why powerhouse names like Disney, NASCAR, Sandals, and Coca-Cola trust them when it is time to stand out. Listen in as we talk about building a family-first business, crafting moments of surprise and delight, and how they went from selling milkshakes at “airplane meets” (yep, you read that right) to designing immersive, jaw-dropping experiences. Like children do when they sit around the campfire and listen to “ghost stories”, these two are so inspiring and so creative, you just want to lean into their story! Whether you’re a brand builder, a gift-giving enthusiast, a creative who wants to transform a good idea into something more, or someone who just loves a good entrepreneurial success story, this one’s for you!…

How do you build a #1 selling women’s health brand in a highly stigmatized space? Just ask Deeannah Seymour, founder of PhD Feminine Health. She built a multi-million dollar business empire that shows hearts to your “lady parts!” She is breaking taboos and opening doors to REAL conversations about women's health. Deeannah’s journey is based on science, data, and choosing faith over fear. 🎧 Listen in to hear how she shattered the stigma and built a brand that’s changing lives.…

Vanessa Rissetto knows that nutrition isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about education! As a registered dietitian and co-founder of Culina Health , she’s reshaping how we approach food, eating, and wellness. In this episode, she shares how she discovered that for her, the “Freshman 15” became the “College 50”, and it changed her life. She went on to found a hugely successful tele-health company rooted in the notion that people need to define their true health goal...whether it’s weight loss, improving self-esteem, or managing your C13 levels, Vanessa and her team are all about realistic, sustainable plans. Can’t afford a chia-seed-flax-achino? No problem. Culina Health makes nutrition accessible—and even better, their services are covered by insurance. Vanessa is a total powerhouse, and by the end of this conversation, you’re going to love her as much as I do. Her insights are fueling my journey, and I hope they’ll inspire yours too.…

In the Season 2 premiere episode of Madame Founder , I sit down with Kasey D’Amato, who became the aesthetics guru to the stars, wanted more, launched her own medical grade skincare line, burned herself out, traveled through a dust storm (literally) to find herself again, then became a business coach, consultant, and now an author! Her story is amazing, and I was fascinated by her easily digestible nuggets of wisdom. Listen as she shares that wisdom with us.…

In this finale to Madame Founder Season 1, Christa Pitts goes solo to share her journey of building The Elf on the Shelf brand and The Lumistella Company. From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, Christa opens up about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for 10 key takeaways every entrepreneur needs to hear—from believing in your vision to embracing rejection. With reflections on her mentors and podcast guests, Christa wraps up the season with actionable advice and holiday magic.…

It’s inevitable --- if you own a business, you are going to face a crisis! That’s just plain TRUTH! It’s how you handle it that matters. In this special episode of Madame Founder , I sit down with the incredible Amanda Lucey, entrepreneur, public speaker, best-selling author and CEO of The Partnership—a full-service marketing and branding agency based in Atlanta, Georgia. Amanda reveals her secret sauce for success: “ Be hungry, keep hustling, and stay humble, ” as well as her strategies for navigating uncertainty, building unshakeable relationships, and fearlessly tackling crisis situations head-on. She also reminds us that the one absolute when it comes to a crisis is that it will end! Whew. What a great reminder. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay cool when life throws you a curveball—this episode is for you.…

From sharing a bed with her mom as a teenager to being featured in British Vogue , Margaux St. Ledger’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode of Madame Founder , Christa sits down with her close friend and creative powerhouse to explore how Margaux’s humble beginnings shaped her path to becoming a visionary in design, luxury weddings, and events. With a career spanning iconic brands like Tiffany & Co. and memorable sets like The Colbys , Margaux shares how she’s built a name for herself through grit, creativity, and an unmatched attention to detail. Together, they discuss the power of starting small, pivoting your skills, and networking your way to success. Whether you’re a one-man show or dreaming of breaking into a new field, Margaux’s story will leave you motivated to chase your dreams—at any age.…

Melinda Hollandsworth, co-founder of Path United, an organization which empowers children growing up in mobile home communities to find their path to high school graduation, joins Christa for a heartfelt conversation about creating impact, building deep relationships, and the scrappy determination required to change lives. From starting with nothing but a $1,000 trailer riddled with bullet holes to building 8 thriving communities, Melinda opens up about the triumphs and tears of founding a nonprofit and the incredible work she’s doing to help kids dream bigger and aim higher. Tune in for a raw, heart-pounding story of courage, resilience, and putting aside personal pride to serve others in the most meaningful way possible.…

How do you make fitness fabulous? Natalie Holloway, co-founder of the LA-based movement company Bala, joins Madame Founder to share her journey from mega-advertising agency “burnout,” to world traveler, to entrepreneurial powerhouse. After launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the company and proving her concept “had legs” (pun intended) on Shark Tank, she now collaborates with style icons like Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren. In this episode, Natalie talks about how she embraced risk, overcame scaling challenges, and built a playful, premium fitness brand. Plus, she shares the secrets behind Bala’s social media strategy and how they’ve tackled copycats. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights—don't miss it!…

Get ready for a sweet episode of Madame Founder! Katey Evans, co-founder of The Frozen Farmer, shares how she turned a local family produce stand into an ice cream empire. From navigating the frozen food aisle to balancing family life with 4 kids, Katey’s journey is full of inspiring lessons—and a few scoops of humor! Katey dishes on the ups and downs of running a family business, being surrounded by “the Sharks” on Shark Tank , navigating grocery retail, and breaking barriers as a woman in a competitive industry. She also shares her take on resilience, strategic decision-making, and how to keep your cool when things get tough. Packed with good advice, this episode will have you feeling inspired, empowered and maybe craving a scoop (or two) of watermelon sorbet...or perhaps an orange cream Frobert?!…

Taylor Capuano, the brilliant co-founder of CAKES body, overcame her fear of failure and her “nothing burger” marketing plan to build a multi-million-dollar brand! How? By evolving a very old-school product. With the launch of their game-changing “grippy not sticky” bra pads, she and her sister Casey, took social media by storm. From her “life begins when it’s cringe” motto to her heart-driven philanthropy, Taylor’s story will have you laughing, nodding, and ready to hustle! Tune in for an episode that will leave you motivated, entertained and even a little cringe-inspired !…

Marti Wymer, the heart and soul behind Spoonful of Comfort, started a company where you can send delicious soups, tasty sweets, and comforting gifts to loved ones. After tragically losing her father and learning of her mother’s cancer diagnosis, she wanted to send a meaningful gift to her mom that said, “I love you and I care.” Flowers just didn’t seem personal enough. From there, a midnight spark of creativity (chicken soup) became the start of a booming business. In this episode of Madame Founder , Marti opens up about her evolution from being a young girl hustling door-to-door, selling tickets to her own plays, to becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur. Growing up with parents who embodied resilience taught her invaluable lessons that she carries to this day. A midnight “aha” moment led to Spoonful of Comfort, her unique comfort-care business, which soared after a lot of grit and determination led to a big PR break, and ultimately, the company becoming the face of “showing care and support” during the Covid pandemic. Through it all, she emphasizes the importance of small (I’m talking itty bitty) intentional steps and leaning on the support of her community. Her latest venture, Spoonful of Sugar, adds a sweet twist to her mission of spreading joy and connection. Join us as she shares her heartfelt insights and the incredible power of building community, reminding us that when we all come together, we can create joy and connection in the SWEETEST ways!…

Jesslyn Rollins, CEO of BIOLYTE, transformed the hydration landscape! From theater stage to managing her mother’s cancer treatment, listen to what inspired her medical-grade hydration solution. Here Jesslyn discusses how her father, “Dr. Dad”, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, worked for years to perfect a first-of-its-kind formula for medical-grade hydration... an IV in a bottle. Listen as she shares her openness to making mistakes, her grassroots approach to building BIOLYTE and her knack for assembling a talented team. One of her key insights: “You don’t have to be perfect.” Let’s face it, we all want things to be perfect when we launch something, but if you wait for perfection to get started, you’ll never begin anything! Hopefully, embracing this approach can give all of us some freedom. In the episode, she also outlines the three versions of mistakes we all face, from minor ones like buying a new hat that doesn’t work to those that sting a bit more like a bad haircut, and ultimately, the biggies that take hard work, time, and strategy to overcome. Jesslyn encourages listeners to try on many hats but warns against digging yourself into a hole! Discover how she’s positioning BIOLYTE as the top choice for hydration and learn more about her vision to outshine the competition. Don’t miss this electrifying episode that bursts with creativity, resilience, and innovative thinking! It’s a RAGER!…

Ashley Baskerville, founder of AB Mentality is a passionate sports psychologist, mental performance coach and self-proclaimed research nerd. In this episode, she shares how growing up in a loving, yet fiercely competitive family shaped her outlook on life, learning resilience and the importance of support – especially when UNO was banned on holidays (sometimes certain family traditions are better left un-played)! With a mission to empower others, Ashley emphasizes that you don’t actually have to be born with confidence, it’s a choice you can make every single day. We learn that most people fail at achieving their goals due to unrealistic expectations. What’s the solution? Anticipate and plan for the obstacles ahead, understanding that the path to success is rarely straightforward. As we discuss goal setting, choosing confidence and mental health, it would be a miss to not celebrate athletes like the GOATs, Simone Biles and Michael Phelps. They remind us that mental struggles are universal – even the best of the best have their “off days”. Tune in for Ashley’s actionable tips on choosing to be confident, embracing discomfort, and giving your best—even when your "best" feels more like a solid 70%. Real growth comes from recognizing challenges and making the conscious choice to push through.…

This is a high-energy episode of Madame Founder ! I am chatting with Dr. Jen Welter—the first female coach in NFL history. From humble beginnings to conquering the football field, Jen’s story is about breaking down barriers, building strong teams, and tackling life with confidence. Tune in as they discuss Jen’s groundbreaking program, Gridiron Girls , and how her bestselling books continue to inspire others. This episode is packed with football wisdom, resilience, and some unforgettable life lessons. Ready to suit up?…

Feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or like your confidence is slipping away? You’re definitely not alone! Join us for a powerful episode with Joan Kuhl, where we dive into the vital importance of community, the challenges women face with burnout, and the essential role we all play in empowering the next generation of girls. We really get into the tough stuff women are facing today, including the staggering fact that we burn out at TWICE the rate of men. So, if you’re feeling exhausted, just know you’re in good company! Joan sheds light on the record rates of loneliness many women experience as we often just put our heads down and “get it done.” She emphasizes how crucial positive self-talk is in those moments. We also tackle a pressing issue: girls’ confidence can start to nosedive as early as age six. Isn’t that heartbreaking? But the good news is that we, as adults, have the power to change this for the younger generation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building resilience, helping women overcome burnout, and encouraging the next generation of girls to reclaim their confidence and rewrite their narratives.…

Have you ever wondered how a “dating service for brands” could turbocharge your business? Well, in this episode, I speak to Bridget Murphy, founder of Envision Promotions, whose company pairs big-time clients and agencies together to create one-of-a-kind brand partnerships. Join me as we discuss how she built her career at Disney by surrounding herself with smart people and how she eventually founded her own business, driving massive growth for brands like Cranium Games, Disney, Nickelodeon, Frito Lay and more. From motherhood to entrepreneurship, Bridget shares her insights on building a fulfilling life while scaling her business. Tune in for a conversation full of wisdom, laughter, and inspiration!…

Resilience, Reinvention, and Reposado —that’s the theme of this episode with Mara Smith, founder of Inspiro Tequila. In my humble opinion, the best sipping tequila on the market! Mara went from a structured career as an attorney and corporate leader to the unpredictable life of a mother of three. But it was motherhood that taught her the skills to pivot and thrive in business. Listen in as Mara shares her journey of resilience, the lessons she’s learned from reinvention, and how she broke into the male-dominated spirits industry and built Inspiro Tequila to empower women. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!…

Erica Tuggle, the visionary behind Cookonnect, joined me to discuss solving her own problem --- as a busy, traveling, successful businesswoman and mom, how could she get a healthy meal on the table in time for dinner? Afterall, in the corporate world, she’d led huge initiatives focused on food innovation and business development for both General Mills and Coca-Cola. Why couldn’t she be the person to fix “the what’s-for-dinner conundrum?!”. After doing her research and homing in on “the problem” she wanted to solve, Erica took a bold step into entrepreneurship in the food industry. Cookonnect is transforming home-cooked meals by connecting busy families with personal chefs. Plus, she became a tech entrepreneur along the way! Tune in to hear Erica’s inspiring journey of balancing corporate leadership, family, and her mission to revolutionize the kitchen.…

In this episode of Madame Founder , I sit down with Sarah Gormley, the visionary behind Sarah Gormley Gallery and author of her upcoming memoir, “The Order of Things: A Memoir About Chasing Joy.” A former executive at IMAX, Adobe, and Girl Scouts of America, Sarah describes how bigger, fancier job titles and making more money, didn’t necessarily equate to “the fix” she was searching for. I was so inspired to hear about her journey from small-town farm girl to big-city boss and how she shed the “corporate ick” to find fulfillment in opening her own art gallery. Sarah has embraced a life centered on kindness, blazed a trail of self-discovery, and done some tough inner work. Join us as Sarah reveals how she became a "Broker of Joy" and the life lessons that guided her path.…

In this episode of Madame Founder , Christa chats with Fran Hauser, best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl and Embrace the Work, Love Your Career and a leading voice for women in business. Fran shares how embracing NICEness, rather than seeing it as a weakness, has fueled her success as a top performer and risk-taker. In fact, it’s her superpower! Together, they discuss balancing ambition with humanity, overcoming fears, and supporting the next generation of female leaders (and would-be authors). Tune in for a candid conversation about being intentional in decision making, showing up authentically, taking bold steps, and leading with kindness in both business and life.…

From her “obsession with the idea of home” to the ottoman that started it all, founder of Kathy Kuo Home, Kathy Kuo joins me for episode 3 of Madame Founder to discuss her early days of entrepreneurship, the benefits of bootstrapping, and why you should hire moms. You’ll also hear how she’s carved out “special time” for her kids. From wearing every hat in the company to instilling grace and humanity in leadership, this episode is full of insights for entrepreneurs looking to grow with purpose.…

Tune in for episode two of "Female Founder Friday," where Christa interviews her sister and co-CEO of The Lumistella Company, Chanda Bell. Join them as they discuss their personal past, the dynamics of working together as sisters, and their journey as moms balancing faith, family, and dedication to their work. Discover how these values have shaped their path to success!…

Christa Pitt's inaugural "Female Founder Friday" podcast episode featuring Kris Pinto, a trailblazing CEO in digital marketing. Gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and overcoming challenges as a woman in business. Don't miss out on this empowering resource for aspiring CEOs and women entrepreneurs!…