All Episodes

March 25, 2025 24 mins
“We had to go back and figure it out because we did not start the business with proper strategy, let me tell you. We also did not have the right funds to start the business, we just were like okay, let's start it.” This week, Richelle Pena talks with Ari Krzyzek, co-founder and CCO of the Chicago-based digital brand consultancy, Chykalophia. With a background in design, strategy, and tech, Ari has cultivated a unique approach to helping women entrepreneurs elevate their brand and succeed in their ventures. We dig deep into the complexities of partnering with family members or close friends in business. Ari shares her own experiences working alongside her husband and provides invaluable insights on how to develop a healthy work dynamic without letting personal feelings interfere. She also highlights the importance of separating professional roles from personal relationships, ensuring mutual respect, and defining boundaries for a successful collaboration. You'll hear about Ari's journey, starting from her early business days and the challenges of managing a startup with her husband. She also discusses how her passion for entrepreneurship grew from a desire to challenge herself and the vital role of networking and mentorship in her success. What we talked about: The Struggles of Founding Chykalophia [5:10] Advice for Choosing a Business Partner [6:45] How Does Ari Help Women Founders Build? [9:00] Ari's Secrets for Preventing Burnout [16:10] The Power of Mentorship [20:10] Connect with Ari: Website Linkedin Instagram 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 Thanks 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.
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.