September 2025, Quarterly Connect: Lindsay Gilmore, Kelly Rocklein and Affton Coffelt-Shouse

September’s Quarterly Connect brought together over 100 women to explore what it really means to Own Your Story. Spoiler: it’s not just about your website bio - it’s about owning your journey, claiming your value, and sharing the messy, meaningful stuff along the way.

We heard from three powerhouse women who each shared how they've used their personal stories to build businesses rooted in passion, purpose, and authenticity:

• Lindsay Gilmore: Fine artist and creative entrepreneur

• Kelly Rocklein: Creative strategist, founder of UGC Pro and Creator Confidential

• Affton Coffelt-Shouse: Founder and CEO of Broken Top Brands

And as a special treat this month, Kelly brought along Katy Nevinsky to join us and capture the whole event. Check it out here. Thank you both!

Keep reading for some takeaways…

💡 What We Learned

1. Your story is your brand

• Lindsay reminded us that bringing your full self into your business allows people to connect and root for you. “The reason people choose one candle or painting over another? Connection,” she said. It’s not about polish, it’s about presence.
  

• Kelly emphasized that founder storytelling is one of the most powerful formats in marketing. “Market yourself the same way you’d market your business or your clients,” she said. The story is the differentiator.
  

• Affton shared how her story evolved from pouring candles in her kitchen as a stay-at-home mom to leading a multimillion-dollar company. “At some point, you go from being the whole story to becoming the storyteller for your team.”
  

2. The story evolves, but it never ends

All three panelists spoke to how their narratives have shifted as they’ve grown, sometimes out of necessity, sometimes by choice. And each reminded us that evolving your story can feel vulnerable, but it’s often the key to unlocking your next chapter.

• “Don’t be afraid to change,” said Affton. “Even if it’s scary, it can bring amazing things if you lean in.”
  

• Kelly shared how she reframed her identity from scrappy underdog to strategic consultant, while still honoring where she started.
  

• Lindsay spoke about learning to proudly own the title of artist, even when others didn’t take it seriously. “If I don’t claim it, who will?”
  

3. Authenticity builds trust

From email thank-you’s to LinkedIn posts, showing up honestly builds more than just visibility, it builds loyalty. Lindsay shared how being her full, casual self online has created deeper customer relationships. Kelly spoke to the power of free education and generosity in content. Affton reflected on when her story shifted from “I” to “we,” and how showing up honestly has built trust across her brand and team.

🛠️ Tangible Takeaways

• Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Owning your story means practicing, even when it feels messy or scary.
  

• Keep the story honest, not perfect. The more human you are, the more people will invest emotionally in what you’re building.
  

• Tell the full journey, not just the end result. It’s not about the highlight reel. It’s about letting people walk with you through the process.

💬 Final Reflection

Your story is your power. It’s not just a marketing tactic or a founder bio - it’s how people connect with you, trust you, and champion your success.

If you’ve been sitting on a piece of your story you’re afraid to share, let this be your nudge. Practice with a friend, post something on LinkedIn, or open up in a conversation with someone new. The more you share, the more powerful your story becomes - not just for you, but for everyone who sees themselves in it.