Motherhood doesn’t just change your schedule, it changes everything.

This week, Jaclyn and Marina sit down with Denise Vasi, founder of Maed Beauty, actress, writer, and advocate for intentional living. Denise shares how becoming a mom reshaped her definition of success, what it took to launch Maed at Sephora, and how she learned to give herself grace through it all.

In this episode, we cover:
• How motherhood transformed Denise’s approach to ambition and self-worth
• The real story behind launching Maed Beauty and landing in Sephora
• The truth about balancing entrepreneurship and parenthood
• Why giving yourself grace is key to leadership and sanity
• The importance of slowing down after years of hustle culture

If you’ve ever felt torn between chasing your goals and being present for your family, this episode will remind you it’s possible to do both.

Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festival

To follow along with Create & Cultivate:
https://www.instagram.com/createcultivate
www.createcultivate.com
To connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnson
To connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

They break down why email is still the highest ROI marketing channel and how to make it work for you — from writing subject lines that feel personal to creating automations that nurture your audience while you sleep.

We cover:

• Why email converts better than social media (and how to measure success)
• How to grow your email list without feeling salesy
• Tips for writing authentic, high-converting newsletters
• Segmentation and automation 101: what to set up first
• The balance between beautiful design and genuine connection

Check out Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com

Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festival

To follow along with Create & Cultivate:
https://www.instagram.com/createcultivate
www.createcultivate.com
To connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnson
To connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

On this week’s episode of WorkParty, Jaclyn Johnson and Marina Middleton dive into one of the toughest, and most important, aspects of building a business: your team. From first hires and org charts to evolving into a confident, effective leader, they break down the realities of what it takes to grow a strong company culture and why managing people is often the most challenging part of being a founder.

They get candid about everything from early-stage hires and revenue-generating roles, to the pros and cons of remote work, how to delegate with trust, and why hiring the right person isn’t just about filling a title. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of managing a lean team, wondering when to build an executive layer, or trying to balance startup hustle with sustainable culture, you’ll hear hard-earned lessons and real-world insight from two seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve been there.

Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festival

To follow along with Create & Cultivate:
https://www.instagram.com/createcultivate
www.createcultivate.com
To connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnson
To connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton