Founding Fearless
Episodes
COLA STACKS: How Founder Payton Hollingsworth Is Crafting Connection, One Stack at a Time
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With Small Business Saturday just having passed, we want to share the story of Payton Hollingsworth, the founder and CEO of Cola Stacks, a faith-based...
Co-founder of P. Terry's Burger Stand, Kathy Terry: Redefining Fast Food and Philanthropy
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know P. Terry’s — but do you know the why behind it? We’re sitting down with co-founder Kathy Terry to talk about building a business with h...
Get to Know Your New Co-Hosts: Mallory Malonson & Alexa Summers
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re two seniors at the University of Texas at Austin, breaking the mold and bringing the messages of female entrepreneurs to future college leader...
Sydney Key & Priscilla Olivarez: Season 3 Finale & New Co-Host Reveal
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Season 3 Finale — is live! Sydney Key and Priscilla Olivarez reflect on an incredible season, share their journeys, and reveal the new co-host...
Tom Nolan: Fashion, Family, and the Future of Kendra Scott
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Tom Nolan, CEO of Kendra Scott, to talk leadership, growth, and what it’s like to lead a female-driven brand. From Ralph Lauren to...
KS WELI Student Board 2025 Seniors Pt. 2: Kayla Akly, Vanessa Chen, & Kirsten Shin
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re celebrating three more incredible seniors — Kayla Akly, Vanessa Chen, & Kirsten Shin — and their amazing journeys with KS WELI and bey...
KS WELI Student Board 2025 Seniors Pt. 1: Puja Satish, Kena Desai, & Grecia Angeles
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re celebrating three incredible seniors — Puja Satish, Kena Desai, and Grecia Angeles — and their amazing journeys with KS WELI and beyond. P...
Amira Khatib: Hungry for Innovation, Investing for Impact
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Amira Khatib, Principal at Bluestein Ventures, a venture capital firm transforming the future of food, wellness, and commerce. Amira...
Nicole Smith: How Flytographer Took Flight Around the World
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Nicole Smith, Founder and CEO of Flytographer, the world’s leading vacation photography company. Nicole shares how she grew Flytog...
Marina Middleton: Creating Impact, Cultivating Connection
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Marina Middleton, CEO and Partner at Create & Cultivate, the powerhouse behind the world’s largest events and media platform f...
Nicole Swartz: Sprouting Success Through Trademark Protection
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Nicole Swartz, trademark attorney and founder of Sprout Law, who’s on a mission to empower women entrepreneurs by protecting their...
Isabella Hughes: Founder First, Investor Next
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Isabella Hughes, co-founder of Better Sour and serial entrepreneur. From the arts to CPG, Bella’s journey is full of bold moves an...
Lori Saldivar Schneider: The Spirit of Celebration with The Cupcake Bar
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Lori Saldivar Schneider, the visionary behind The Cupcake Bar. From custom cupcakes to virtual classes and balloon-floating trays, L...
Alma Hernandez: Soaring Beyond Barriers in Leadership
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we're joined by Lieutenant Colonel Alma K. Hernandez, Commander of the 566th Intelligence Squadron at Buckley Space Force Base. Wi...
Shandi Nichelle: Hair, Health, and Healing
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Shandi Nichelle, a hairstylist for almost 20 years and the founder and CEO of Freewell, a personal care company for ...
Susan Sarich: The Secret Ingredient to Entrepreneurship with SusieCakes
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Susan Sarich, founder of SusieCakes, shares her journey of turning her baking hobby into a national brand. As a community advocate, F...
Courtney Hutton: Brewing Community with Lucky Lab Coffee
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Courtney Hutton, founder and CEO of Lucky Lab Coffee Co., a beloved coffee brand in Austin that began as a small ide...
Michaela Lindsay: Women, Wealth, and the Power of Investment
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by Michaela Lindsay, founder of Savvy InvestHer, a social entrepreneur on a mission to close the gender wealth gap. Af...
Fatima Mohemedhen Louly: The Power of Influence - Turning Followers into a Beauty Brand
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
SHAZ & KIKS: Crowned by Culture, Two Sisters Who Redefined Cultural Hair Care
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible entrepreneurs, Shaz Rajashekar and Kiku Chaudhuri, the sisters behind the vibrant hair care brand,...
Rikki Wang: Tech Transforms the Table at Space Cowboy
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Cassie Shankman: The Sound of Startup Success
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cassie Shankman (aka DJ Cassandra), a dynamic Austin-based DJ, composer, producer, sound curator...
Sarah Kenny: What It Means to Lead Like a Queen
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Miles Bloxson: Crafting a Lifestyle Brand in Media
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 degre...
Elaine Garza: Shaping Stories, Building Brands, The story of establishing a PR empire, Giant Noise
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 fou...
Whitney McElwain: Shaping the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, One Player at a Time
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Sophia Cuerquis: Starting A Platform To Inspire Others
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore Sophia Cuerquis' inspiring journey from the Philippines to Austin, where she’s transformed her passions into succe...
Sheena Wilde: Defining Purpose Through Intrapreneurship and Creating Philanthropic Impact at Kendra Scott
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores Sheena Wilde's journey and her impactful role at Kendra Scott. As the Senior Vice President of Corporate Philanthropy & ...
Janie Cooke and Caroline Nix: The Big O® Breakthrough, The Story of Building a Multi-Million Dollar Business - Oventure
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode highlights the power of partnership in achieving business success. Janie Cooke and Caroline Nix fused their skills to found Oventure, a c...
Kristin Jacobson: Pioneering the Austin Flea Market Scene
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores Kristin Jacobson’s journey and discovers how she transformed a passion project into a successful venture. Kristin Jacobson is ...
Elizabeth Findlay: Navigating Authenticity and Embracing Failure in Brand Building
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we highlight Elizabeth (Liz) Findlay’s story and gain insight into her journey of establishing Albion. Raised in Guatemala, her fam...
Maggie Brown: Building a Business That Redefines the Pickleball Game
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Samantha Leonard: Cultivating a Community and Business in a New City with ATX Brunch Girls
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Jessica Yang and Vani Jain: From Students to Graduates - Celebrating KS WELI Student Board Seniors
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Emily Ramshaw: The Journey to Creating and Establishing The 19th*: News That Represents
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the journey of Emily Ramshaw, President and CEO of The 19th*, the nation’s first independent nonprofit newsroom at the interse...
Liz Matthews: Navigating Careers and Building Personal Brands on the Journey to Success with Liz, SVP of Dell Technologies Global Brand and Creative
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New episode out now! This episode explores the journey of Liz Matthews, Senior Vice President of Dell Technologies Global Brand and Creative. Navigati...
Olivia Brady: Crafting Silk Stories for Key Insights and a Glimpse into the Entrepreneurial Mind with Olivia, Co-Founder and Designer of Saturday Silks
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Founding Fearless means just not giving up on your dreams!" 💛 New episode out now! This episode explores the journey of Olivia Brady, a...
Gabriela Bucio: Embracing Culture and Authenticity When Becoming a Serial Business Owner to Build a Business Empire from the Ground Up
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the journey of Gabriela Bucio, co-owner of one of the city’s most popular and fast-growing restaurant management groups, Gabri...
Bryn Carter-Brown and Emily Salberg: Women; The OG Social Network - Unveiling the Power of Community with Bryn and Emily, CEO and COO of What She Said
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 De...
Natalie Franke: The Power of Finding Your Inner Gutsy and Going Beyond the Comfort Zone
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Go after things and don't be afraid of sucking" ~ Natalie Franke in 'Gutsy.' 🤘💛✨ In this episode we explore the journey...
Christy Carlson Romano: Exploring Beyond the Characters on the Entrepreneurial Journey from Voicing Disney Characters and Performing on Broadway to Her Evolution into Podcasting
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Disn...
Marisa Garza: Embracing A New Frame and Navigating Corporation vs Entrepreneurship with Marisa, Founder of KEFI by MG
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 corporat...
Fernanda Sampson - Gómez: How a Latina broke into the competitive CPG industry as a Fearless Entrepreneur and Agua Fresca Visionary With Fernanda, Co-Founder and CEO of Celzo
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Carla Taylor: Redefining Entrepreneurship through Non-Traditional Innovation in Beauty Photography and Makeup Artistry
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Carla Taylor, Photographer, Entrepreneur, and Beauty MUA. We delve into Carla’s inspiring journey to becoming a ma...
Adriana Carrig: Resiliently Spreading Kindness One Bracelet At a Time with Adriana, Founder & CEO of Little Words Project
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Adriana Carrig, the Founder and CEO of Little Words Project, an incredible entrepreneur and...
Chelsea Kramer: The Inside Journey to Capsule Wardrobes and Women-Owned Success in the Fashion Industry with Chelsea, Founder and Designer of Parke
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea Kramer, founder and designer of Parke. We delve into Chelsea’s inspiring journey of starting Parke, a woma...
Rachel Lindsay: A Conversation of Mixing Law, Love, and Leading with Rachel Lindsay, Author, Media Personality, and Lawyer on Shaping Her Legacy for Better
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Lindsay, author, attorney, media personality, podcaster, and speaker. We delve into Rachel's inspiring jo...
Kristy Owens: Turning New Year Resolution into an Austin Business: The Journey of Following Your Heart with Kristy, Founder of 365 Things Austin
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Priscilla and Sydney sit down with Kristy Owens, the founder of 365 Things Austin, the trusted source of all things entertainment an...
Terry P. Mitchell: Importance of Equity, Community Work, Leadership, and Continued Education with Terry, Serial Entrepreneur and Community Servant
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we have such an inspirational speaker and true entrepreneur and community servant with expertise in all things business and a strive ...
Ashley Raymond & Meagan Doyle: Graduating from Student to Startup with Co-Founders of Safely
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode dives into the journey of co-founders creating a project in their undergraduate class at UT Austin to being inspired to create a fully de...
KS WELI 101 With Your New Co-Hosts Priscilla & Sydney
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2. Episode 1 Welcome to Season 2 of the Founding Fearless Podcast! We are so excited to be your new co-hosts, and we can't wait to share wi...
25. Season 1 Finale: Where are hosts, Ingrid & Kamryn going after graduating? Who will be the new hosts of the Founding Fearless Podcast?
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
#25. In this episode of the Founding Fearless Podcast, we say goodbye to Ingrid and Kamryn as they graduate from the University of Texas at Austin and...
24. Conversations with Kendra Scott!
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
#24. In this episode, we are interviewing Founder, Executive Chairwoman and Chief Creative Officer, Kendra Scott. Designer, founder, and philanthropis...
23. CHEVAL: Finding the Essence of Flourishing and Motivation to Create Magic in Your Trails After Losing so Much
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
#23. In this episode of the Founding Fearless Podcast, we have such an inspirational and motivating speaker, CHEVAL. CHEVAL was our guest speaker for ...
22. Dr. Kimberly Barclay & Dr. Lauren Jacobsen: Entrepreneurship in Dentistry with ToothBar Founders
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
#22. In this episode, we are interviewing Dr. Kimberley Barclay and Dr. Lauren Jacobsen. Dr. Barclay and Dr. Jacobsen are the cofounders of the Americ...
21. Vasavi Kumar: The Importance of Saying It Out Loud with the Author, Coach, and Licensed Therapist
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
#21. In this episode, we are interviewing, author, coach and licensed therapist, Vasavi Kumar. Through her communication training, consulting, and pro...
20. Darma: Talking About Her Experience as a KS WELI Global Professional Fellow From Indonesia & Being The December 2021 FoundHER
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
#20. In this episode, we are interviewing Darma. Darma is the US State Department YSEALI Professional Fellow, KS WELI FoundHER December 2021, and KS W...
19. Kayleigh Christina: Building a CPG Brand Out of Necessity & All Things Skincare with Co-Founder of CLEARSTEM Skincare
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
#19. In this episode, In this episode, we are interviewing Kayleigh Christina. Kayleigh Christina is the Co-Founder and CGO of CLEARSTEM, a nontoxic a...
18. Dean Lillian Mills: Advice on Imposter Syndrome, Presentation Tips & Tricks, and Being the First Woman Dean of McCombs School of Business
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are interviewing Dean Lillian Mills. Lillian Mills was named the permanent dean of the McCombs School of Business in 2021 and hold...
17. Shana Rehwald: Becoming an Accidental Entrepreneur, Self-Publishing A Guided Journal, and Supporting Fellow Founders with the Founder of Me-est Me
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are interviewing Shana Rehwald. Throughout Shana’s decade-long career working in social media and marketing, she helped build br...
16. Peyton Mabry: The Entrepreneurial Side of Influencing and Starting an NIL Company With Digital Creator and Co-Founder of Influxer
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are interviewing Peyton Mabry. Peyton is a media personality and digital creator. She graduated in 2018 graduate of Texas Christia...
15. Mimi Bouchard: Achieving Your Highest Potential, Developing an App, and Redefining Meditation with Founder and CEO of Superhuman
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#15. In this episode, we are interviewing Mimi Bouchard, Founder and CEO of Superhuman. Mimi is a thought-leader in the self improvement + wellne...
14. Beth Goff-McMillan: Finding a Market Gap, Building Company Culture, & Improving Leadership Skills with Founder of FOLIO and CEO of SKG
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#14. In this episode, we are interviewing Beth Goff-McMillan. Beth is the President & CEO, at SKG in Austin, Texas. SKG is one of the leading...
13. Nicole Musselman: Creating a Brand & Staying Authentic on Social Media with Founder & CEO of KOCH
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#13. In this episode we are interviewing Nicole Musselman. Nicole is the CEO and Founder of KOCH, a brand on a mission to get girls to make their mark...
12. Andra Liemandt: Founding a Nonprofit, The Effects of Social Media, & Pursuing Passions with CEO & Founder of The Kindness Campaign
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#12. In this episode we interviewed Andra Liemandt. Andra is the Founder and President of The Kindness Campaign (TKC), a nonprofit that creates and pr...
11. Somer Baburek and Apoorva Chintala: Pitching with Confidence, Winning $10,000, & All Things Early-Stage Startups with DTV Pitch Competition Winners
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#11. In this episode, we are interviewing Somer Baburek, co-founder and CEO of Hera Biotech, and Apoorva Chintala, co-founder and CEO of Clocr. Somer ...
10. Kathy Terry: Opening Multiple Restaurants, Learning From Failure, & the Importance of Philanthropy with Co-founder of P. Terry's
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#10. In this episode, we interviewed Kathy Terry. Kathy is a native Texan and made Austin her home after finishing her undergrad at the University of ...
9. Claire Craig & Lauren Neal: Starting a Clothing Line, Opening a Boutique & Finding Customers with Lady Captain Co-Founders
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#9. In this episode, we are interviewing Claire Craig, founder of Beehive, and Lauren Neal, co-founder with Claire of Lady Captain. Claire Craig found...
8. Natalie Holloway: Building a Brand, Taking Risks, & Securing a Shark Tank Deal With Co-Founder of Bala
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#8. In this episode, we are interviewing Natalie Holloway, the co-founder of Bala. Bala is a fitness company that is on a mission to empower everyone ...
7. Lesley Robinson: Back to School with KS WELI Founding Director *BONUS EPISODE*
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#7. In this episode, we are interviewing Lesley Robinson. Lesley Robinson is the founding director of the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leade...
6. Nicole Cardone & Deborah Gorman: The Secrets Behind Food Entrepreneurship with Sorbabes Co-Founders
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#6. On this episode, we are interviewing Deborah Gorman and Nicole Cardone, co-founders of Sorbabes! Nicole Cardone was born and raised in Alaska but ...
5. Alexa Curtis: Be Fearless
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#5. In this episode we are interviewing entrepreneur Alexa Curtis. In 2011, at just 12 years old, Alexa started a fashion blog, called A Life in the F...
4. Leadership 101 with Leadership Development Instructor Vaishali Jadhav
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#4. On this episode we are interviewing Vaishali Jadhav. Vaishali has spent over 20 years building purpose-driven leaders for purpose-driven companies...
3. Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey with Founder Jen Shultz
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#3. On this episode we are interviewing Jen Shultz, Founder of The Non-Nine-to-Five. For over 8 years Jen has been educating and coaching High-L...
2. The Entrepreneurial Mindset With Serial Entrepreneur and Tech Executive Jan Ryan
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#2. On this episode, we are joined by Jan Ryan. Serial entrepreneur and tech executive, Jan Ryan has focused on building expansion stage companies for...
1. Introducing The Founding Fearless Podcast
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
#1. Welcome to the Founding Fearless Podcast! This is a podcast to inspire, empower, and support college-aged women on their entrepreneurial and leade...