What They Don’t Tell You About Building a Community ft. Amanda Smith Artwork

Ironically Serious

Ironically Serious offers an unfiltered take on up-leveling life in business, relationships, motherhood, friendships, health/wellness, and self-care. After a dramatic life pivot, Taylor Hedden pulverized society's expectations and started a podcast to document it along the way. Throwing a cold glass of water into the face of hardship, Taylor put a modern twist on confidence and what it means to have earned it. In the spirit of resilience, we relish in personal empowerment and the hard shit that makes us who we are. We're here for the relevant, raw conversations that promote transformation while at your lowest and showing shame the door. Let your hair down and lean in—all are welcome here.

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Ironically Serious

What They Don’t Tell You About Building a Community ft. Amanda Smith

March 28, 2025 • Taylor Hedden • Episode 68

#68: What do you get when a former teacher builds a national women’s community, plans a conference for hundreds, and somehow still manages school pickup? You get Amanda Smith.

In this episode, I sit down with the founder of Dallas Girl Gang to talk about what it really looks like to grow a brand, rally a community, and keep your sanity intact while doing it. We’re unpacking Amanda’s leap from classroom to CEO, how she created one of the most recognizable women’s networks in Texas, and the behind-the-scenes of hosting giant events (and getting brands to actually pay for them).

In this episode, we get into:
→ From teacher to founder—how Amanda made the pivot and why she never looked back
→ Building a community off of Instagram (because the algorithm isn’t your friend)
→ How to monetize your community without selling out
→ Real talk on motherhood, entrepreneurship, and not being everything to everyone
→ Planning a conference, landing partnerships, and keeping it all together (barely)

Whether you’re building a business, a brand, or just trying to get through today without losing it, Amanda’s story proves that connection, clarity, and a little chaos can go a long way.

Tune in now to hear how she’s doing it all—on her own terms.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

Yesware - The sales productivity software Amanda uses to automate her partnership/pitch follow-ups

FYPM - The largest database of influencer brand deals—by creators, for creators.

Kristen Bousq - Creator Monetization Coach, as mentioned by Amanda

Grab Amanda's free email pitch template

CONNECT WITH AMANDA:

www.dallasgirlgang.com

On Instagram @amandasindallas @dallasgirlgang @bossvisioncon @theplaybookco

Get your tickets to Boss Vision Conference in Dallas, TX

LET'S STAY CONNECTED:

Is video more your thing? Watch this episode on YouTube.