What does real financial freedom look like, especially when you didn’t grow up talking about money?
In this episode, I sit down with Janelle Quinn, a retired Air Force veteran, mom of two, and founder of Empowered Investor and 3FIVE Wealth, to unpack the exact plan, mindset, and community support that helped her turn $60K into a multi-million-dollar portfolio.
We talk about:
If you’ve ever wondered how everyday people build real wealth or if you feel like you should be further along, this conversation will change the way you think about money, planning, and community in like and business.
What happens when the things you’re obsessed with as a kid end up shaping your entire life?Today’s episode is the definition of the perfect snowball effect and it started at just 11 years old for Kaitlynn .
Kaitlynn Blyth, founder of Happy Day Play, shares the full-circle story of how reading What to Expect as a kid, loving developmental milestones, and paying attention to the “little things” turned into a fast-growing business helping families connect through play, curiosity, and community.
We talk about:
This episode is a reminder that nothing is random and that every step, bump, or opportunity no matter how small play a role in your journey. And sometimes, your snowball starts rolling long before you ever realize it.
Follow Kaitlynn: instagram.com/happydayplay/
Follow Ingrid: instagram.com/growwithcommunity/
Subscribe to Community Made: communitymade.substack.com
In this episode of Community Made, Ingrid Zapata Read sits down with sustainability strategist and Nest Earth founder Gabi Fiorentino to talk about what it really means to build authentic connection in an AI-driven world.
Ingrid and Gabi talk about:
Connect with Gabi:
📬 Subscribe to Community Made for more real, unfiltered conversations about building community and connection in business and life.
A real conversation about leaving corporate life, redefining success, and building a business rooted in connection.
In this episode, Ingrid Zapata Read sits down with Natalie Madrigal, founder of Perfect Your CX, to talk about her leap from corporate life into entrepreneurship—and how she helps businesses grow through human connection, client experience, and community.
We explore:
Questions you might be asking (and we answer):
How do you turn satisfied clients into loyal advocates?
Can CX and community actually fuel growth together?
How do you balance structure with freedom as a founder?
What does “building on your own terms” look like in practice?
Connect with Natalie: @perfectyourcx
Subscribe to Community Made on Substack for weekly stories and strategies on community, connection, and building what’s next.
What does it really mean to show up authentically online? Can you build community without burning out or chasing algorithms?
In this episode, Ingrid Zapata Read sits down with Max Pete — community builder, writer, and speaker best known for his All Caps Tuesday posts — to talk about authenticity, kindness, and redefining success in the age of social media.
We explore:
Questions listeners are asking (and we answer):
💌 Subscribe to Community Made → communitymade.substack.com
💬 Connect with Max → linkedin.com/in/max-pete
What happens when you leave the “safe” path in corporate, and build not one, but two businesses from scratch?
In this episode of Community Made, host Ingrid Zapata Read sits down with Fatima, founder of Viva Nova Media and co-founder of NJK Partners, to share her bold leap from finance into entrepreneurship.
Fatima opens up about:
Leaving corporate life after burnout and health struggles
Launching two businesses with her partner
How community helped her overcome postpartum depression
The power of authenticity as an introverted founder
Redefining success as a Latina entrepreneur and mother of three
Whether you’re dreaming of quitting corporate, building your first business, or craving more community in your journey, Fatima’s story is proof that you can create success on your own terms, without the hustle, burnout, or compromise.
✨ Follow Community Made for more founder stories, strategies, and community-building insights.
Welcome to Community Made by GWC 🎙️ — a video-first podcast where we go all in on what it really takes to turn audiences into thriving communities IRL and online (the authentic way).
In this quick trailer, I’m sharing why I’m choosing to launch this now, what inspired it, and a behind-the-scenes look at the conversations you can expect. From community building and entrepreneurship to founder stories, growth strategies, and real-life lessons, you’ll hear unfiltered conversations with guests who are creating impact in bold ways.
Hit follow so you don’t miss the first full episode dropping this September 2025!
--