S5. Ep. 335 Scaling Challenges: How This Female Founder Went From $15K on a Credit Card to $20M In Sales Without Investors
Female founders, scaling challenges can test your confidence, especially when you are starting a business for the first time without investors or a clear roadmap. In this episode of Dear FoundHer, Lindsay Pinchuk sits down with Tamara Coleman of Bark Bistro to talk about what it takes to keep growing a business when the pressure builds and the answers are not obvious. If you are working through scaling challenges of your own, this conversation will show you a practical path forward.
This is one of those real founder stories that focuses on decisions, not hype. Tamara built a $20 million brand through bootstrapping, starting in her kitchen with a $15,000 credit card. She heard “no” from retailers, struggled to get approved on Amazon, and had to rethink her distribution strategy. Instead of quitting, she adjusted and kept moving.
For female founders who are starting a business for the first time, this episode offers clarity on what growing a business truly requires. Tamara explains how bootstrapping forced her to understand margins, protect cash flow, and expand at a pace she could sustain. She shares how she managed scaling challenges without losing control of quality or operations.
If you are facing scaling challenges and wondering whether you are doing it right, this episode will help you refocus on what really matters. The lessons here are useful, especially for female founders who are growing a business with intention. You will walk away with clearer thinking around margins, momentum, and the discipline required to build something that lasts.
Episode Breakdown:
00:01 From $15K Credit Card to $20M Bootstrapping Bark Bistro
04:30 Retail Rejection and the Strategic Pivot to Amazon
10:53 Scaling Operations From Home Kitchen to 25,000 Square Feet
14:18 COVID E-Commerce Boom and Rapid Revenue Growth
24:22 $20M in Sales, Exit Strategy, and Advice for Female Founders
Connect with Tamara Coleman:
Follow Bark Bistro on Instagram
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Connect with Lindsay:
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