Beyond Bold

How to Build a Startup Without Quitting Your Job with CalPal’s Founder Abby Schommer

Kyla Bolden

In this episode, I sit down with Abby Schommer, founder of CalPal, to talk about a different kind of startup journey—one where you don’t have to quit your 9-to-5 to chase your dreams. Abby opens up about her path as a tech founder and how embracing a portfolio career allowed her to build CalPal while consulting for e-commerce and gaming companies.

We dive into:

  • The "startup myth" of going all in and why it’s outdated.
  • How side hustles and portfolio careers can give founders financial freedom.
  • Why transparency about your entrepreneurial journey matters—and how to own your unique path.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance your entrepreneurial dream with financial stability, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you get started.

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