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Resources:
- If you're interested in attending the Renaissance Women’s Summit use code "Entreprenista" at checkout for 25% off a ticket.
- The Renaissance Podcast
“We have to be building towards creating profitability in the business. Not just revenue, but profit, and really understanding what that is and how to get there.”
On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Sydney Dozier, founder and CEO of Renaissance Marketing Group, host of the Renaissance Podcast, and creator of the Renaissance Women’s Summit. Sydney shares the incredible story of starting her agency at just 22 years old with no industry connections, a $500 budget, and a determination to prove herself—and growing it into an agency that has worked with more than 1,000 brands.
Sydney opens up about going door-to-door to land her first clients, working for free to build experience, overcoming the insecurity of not having a college degree, and learning how to turn social media visibility into real business results. She also shares the lessons she's learned about client retention, communication, processes, founder-led marketing, and why trust is one of the most valuable currencies in business.
What We Talked About:
Moving to Nashville With No Connections [3:06]
Using Data and Results to Prove Value [9:02]
SOPs, Trust, and Predictable Systems [16:00]
Transparency as a Business Strategy [22:11]
How the Summit Has Grown Across Cities [28:41]
Commit to Personal Growth, Not Just Business Growth [35:10]
Connect with Sydney:
@renaissancesydney on Instagram
Sydney Dozier on LinkedIn
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
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 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!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
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Guests
Sydney Dozier
Hosts
Carlyn Bushman
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
Ingrid Zapata Read
Grow With Community
Ingrid Zapata Read is a community strategist and founder of Grow With Community. She helps businesses get closer to the people they serve and build stronger, more intentional relationships around their mission.
After building a global community for moms of over 200,000 members, and through her experience in sales, startups, and customer experience, Ingrid brings a people-first perspective to growth across industries. She’s known for her thoughtful, practical approach and believes community building should be a part of every business strategy.
Join 2,000+ supportive, ambitious founders in the
