“No one can fund your business. No one can come to your store. No one can purchase your service. If they don't know you exist, if they don't know about it, if they don't know how it can help you, PR does all of those things.”
‍What if visibility isn’t about being louder—but being more relevant? In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Ingrid Zapata-Read and Carlyn Bushman sit down with PR powerhouse KJ Blattenbauer, founder of Hearsay PR, to break down what it really takes to go from “best-kept secret” to in-demand authority. With nearly 30 years in public relations, KJ shares why founders, especially women, stay hidden, how perfectionism blocks momentum, and why clarity always beats polish. From crafting pitch-worthy stories editors actually open to building visibility without burnout, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can use right now. Plus, KJ gives a sneak peek into her upcoming book Pitchworthy and the mindset shift every entrepreneur needs to stop waiting and start showing up.
What we talked about:

When Should You Think About PR [7:19]

How to Stay Ahead [10:51]

Your Golden Ticket to Publicity [15:07]

Share the Press! [19:42]

Public Relations is FREE [23:28]

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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 KJ:

@kjblattenbauer on Instagram

KJ Blattenbauer on LinkedIn

Grab your copy of Pitchworthy for less than $1!
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Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠

@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠

Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠
Carlyn Bushman Consulting⁠

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Connect with Ingrid: ⁠⁠

@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠

Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠

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KJ Blattenbauer Makes Female Founders Pitchworthy