Catherine Tuton is building an online community, launching a podcast, and hosting in-person gatherings to champion women on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves.
“If I can inspire hope, healing, growth, or the pursuit of a dream, then my work is being done. I believe candid conversations, meaningful connections, and building genuine community make this possible,” Tuton said.
AZF: What is your “life motto”?
My life motto is this: pull up a chair, lean in, invest in people, and connect. That’s where the magic happens. And above all, be generous. You can never go wrong with generosity.
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path for you?
I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Even as a young girl, I felt drawn to the idea of building something of my own. But alongside that ambition was an equally strong sense of service – a genuine desire to help people and make a meaningful impact.
I grew up watching my father build his own path as an entrepreneur, so that spirit of creativity, independence, and possibility was always present in our home. Looking back, I think that entrepreneurial energy was already woven into our family story.
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
I feel most supported when the people I admire, respect, and love the most stay genuinely curious about what I’m doing – asking questions, leaning in, and walking beside me through it all. Through the highs and the lows, the victories and the losses.
AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
At my core, I’m driven by a deep desire to help others, especially to champion and lift up other women. When things get difficult, I return to my strong why: helping and serving others, and contributing in my own way to making the world a better place. My why has never failed me.
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
I have a tradition of meeting and having coffee with one of my closest and dearest friends. We laugh, connect through our stories, share what’s on our hearts, and if there are problems that week, we work through them together. It’s a sacred time to simply be present with one another.
Afterward, I love going home and sitting on our back terrace with my husband, talking about the week ahead. Slow mornings with him and our sweet dog Milos, planning the rest of our lovely afternoon, which might include golf or hosting friends for dinner.
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
A piece of advice I often give young entrepreneurs is to deeply value relationships. Invest in them. Lean in and build them with intention. Relationships create trust, and trust is what ultimately builds great businesses. Even the relationships that didn’t unfold the way I expected were never wasted. There was always something to learn. So my advice is simple: lean in.
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
What excites me most about being an entrepreneur is the opportunity to help others. I have a servant’s heart, and nothing brings me more joy than supporting, championing, and lifting up other women — their businesses, their ideas, and the dreams they are courageously bringing into the world.
Learn more about the UNproper Southern Girl Podcast by visiting catherinetuton.com or following along on Instagram @catherine_tuton_
About the Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together. Learn more at foundress.co.
