Founder compensation is one of the most asked and least discussed topics in startups. In this solo episode, I break down real 2025 salary data, what bootstrapped and VC backed founders actually pay themselves, and the formula I used at every stage of growth. I also share the uncomfortabletruth about the first three years and how to diversify your income without hurting your company. If you are building a startup and wondering what you should earn, this episode gives you clear benchmarks and actionable guidance.

More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/

Michelle Wahler built Beyond Yoga from the ground up with no outside funding and a mission rooted in body positivity and inclusivity. What started as a wholesale activewear brand grew steadily and profitably for 16 years before Levi’s acquired it for over $400 million. In this episode, she shares the full story, from early design days and financial setbacks to negotiating the deal and navigating life after exit. If you are building a brand, thinking about selling, or dreaming of bootstrapping something meaningful, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons.Get your copy of Bootstrap Empire at http://bootstrap-empire.com This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster. https://dtcmvp.com/More on Michelle

https://www.instagram.com/michelle.wahler/

https://www.instagram.com/beyondyoga/

https://beyondyoga.comMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/

There are thousands of tools out there promising to grow your business, but most of them will drain your budget and lock you into contracts you regret. In this episode, we break down the tools we actually use across finance, ecommerce, social media, and wholesale. We share lessons from overspending, signing long contracts, and cleaning up a bloated tech stack. If you are starting or scaling a business, this will save you time and money.

More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/