Women Leading the Way: Inspiring Female Founders and GSPR Clients
As we mark National Women’s Business Week and National Bosses Day, we honor the trailblazing women making waves in their industries. These celebrations remind us not only to recognize the contributions of female entrepreneurs but also to appreciate the courage, passion, and perseverance it takes to lead. The women featured here—Paige Lauren, Tara Ballentine, and Kristina Godfrey—exemplify this spirit. From transforming industries to nurturing communities, these founders show how innovation, purpose, and resilience continue to pave the way for the next generation of women entrepreneurs. Join us as they share their journeys, challenges, and insights into balancing leadership with life.
Paige Lauren, Founder of PAIGELAUREN
Q: What key moment shaped your business and its success?
One pivotal moment was deciding to create a brand that prioritizes comfort and quality. As a mother, I noticed that many baby clothes lacked the softness I wanted for my child or were made from synthetic materials that didn't align with my values. So, I began designing pieces with organic cotton and eco-friendly fabrics.
The game-changer came when I launched our e-commerce platform. Competing with established brands on a limited budget was a risk. Still, I was passionate about offering something unique—baby clothes that not only looked good but also felt good and were ethically made.
When a boutique retailer in California placed a large order, I knew we had struck a chord; that moment pushed us to scale quickly while staying true to our values. Today, we continue to grow thanks to a loyal customer base that appreciates our commitment to luxury, sustainability, and quality.
Q: How do you stay passionate and driven while balancing personal and professional life?
Passion starts with purpose. I created PAIGELAUREN out of a need for sustainable, comfortable clothing for my children. Seeing parents enjoy our products reminds me why I started.
Balancing entrepreneurship with family life is always evolving. I set clear boundaries, dedicating time to both work and family. Some days, I step away to focus on my kids, and that's okay. It's about being present and prioritizing what matters most.
Self-care is essential, too. As entrepreneurs, we feel the pressure to be "on" 24/7, but burnout benefits no one. I make time for activities that recharge me, like walks and reading. Passion flourishes when we nurture both our work and ourselves.
Q: How does innovation shape your business in a competitive market?
Innovation is about evolving with our customers. We listen closely to parents and caregivers, using their feedback to enhance our products. From fabric softness to eco-friendly materials, we stay committed to continuous improvement.
We also look beyond trends. Our focus on quality—like using 4-way stretch fabrics—sets us apart. We embrace new technologies in textile manufacturing to remain at the forefront of the industry.
Connecting with customers on digital platforms has been a game-changer. Our goal is to create meaningful relationships by aligning our brand story with their values. Innovation, for us, means staying curious, grounded in our mission, and adaptable to change.
Tara Ballentine, Founder of Bright Littles
Q: What key moment shaped your business?
Bright Littles began when I saw how critical it was to engage kids in conversations about big topics—mental health, diversity, and safety—through fun, approachable tools. Navigating these talks with my daughter inspired me to create Convo Cards and interactive journals to help parents and educators spark meaningful conversations.
Listening to feedback, partnering with nonprofits, and staying true to our mission allowed us to grow. Today, it’s incredibly rewarding to see Bright Littles products fostering connection and learning nationwide.
Q: How do you stay passionate and driven?
As a mom of a 9-year-old, Bright Littles directly impacts my life. My daughter and I still use our conversation cards to connect; now, she even helps pack orders after school. It’s truly a labor of love.
The tools we create evolve with the world. From free printables about voting to “Digital Citizenship” journals addressing online safety, our goal is to equip families and educators with resources that make sense of today’s challenges. Bright Littles is a reflection of the parenting journey—learning and growing together in real-time.
Kristina Godfrey, Founder and CEO of GSPR
Q: What key moment shaped your business and its success?
A major milestone came when we started working with aden + anais, a baby brand that revolutionized the industry. Seeing their products in tabloids and celebrity publications was thrilling, especially when the royal baby, Prince George, was wrapped in an aden swaddle for his first public photo. The media attention cemented our reputation as the go-to PR firm for baby brands.
Q: How do you balance entrepreneurship and personal life?
The key is hiring the right people. Working alone can feel isolating, so I made it a goal to bring in enough business to hire great talent. It keeps things exciting, collaborative, and inspiring.
Q: How do you stay innovative in an evolving market?
We stay ahead by following the latest trends through newsletters, Substacks, social media, and podcasts. Hiring talented, eager-to-learn professionals keeps our approach fresh and effective. Staying curious and embracing new ideas is how we continue to thrive in the ever-changing PR landscape.
As we reflect on National Women’s Business Week and National Bosses Day, we celebrate the remarkable women leading the way in entrepreneurship. Paige Lauren, Tara Ballentine, and Kristina Godfrey exemplify the power of passion, innovation, and leadership. Their journeys inspire us to dream big, persevere, and stay true to our values, reminding us that the future is bright when women lead the way.
Interested in chatting with the GSPR team? Let’s connect!