“And I feel like being able to teach this at a young age, even if it's like, you know, lemonade stand basics, right? Like, what do you need and how much do you have to spend? And what is it going to take for you to go out there? And what does it mean to actually earn a profit and all of that?”In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, host Ingrid Zapata-Read sits down with Osayi Lasisi, founder of Pocketlings, a joy-centered toy and book company inspired by her daughter’s search for plush dolls that truly reflected her. What began as a personal frustration quickly uncovered a much larger gap in the toy industry—one that children and families experience every day. With over 13 years of marketing experience and multiple community-powered ventures under her belt, Osayi shares how she turned her daughter’s idea into a growing brand rooted in authenticity, cultural representation, and emotional connection. Together, they dive into building product-based businesses without constant hustle, leveraging partnerships and community for growth, navigating manufacturing and tariffs, and validating ideas—especially when those ideas come from kids. What we talked about:Finding the Right People [4:52]Community Powered Growth [9:39]Getting Started with a Business [14:02]Partnerships are Everything [17:36]Dolls in Daycare [22:08] Join hundreds of ambitious, purpose-driven founders at The PGA National Resort for a life-changing weekend of inspiration, motivation, and transformation for the 2026 Founders Weekend! Connect with Osayi:@pocketlings on Instagram Osayi Lasisi on LinkedIn Pocketlings Connect with Carlyn: @carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn Carlyn Bushman Consulting Connect with Ingrid: @itsingridsworld on Instagram Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin Grow With Community Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in StilettosWant 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! Grow Your Startup with Startups in StilettosThanks 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.Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio 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.
Show More
Show Less
33 mins