Building a Business with Your Sister with Amy and Nancy Harrington

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Amy and Nancy Harrington about the journey of building a values-driven business and community as sisters. Based in Los Angeles, California, but originally from Boston, the Harringtons reveal the inside story of launching The Passionistas Project, their mission-driven platform that uplifts women, especially those from marginalized communities. The conversation explores sisterhood, trust, and practical strategies for sustainable business partnership, offering inspiration for entrepreneurs eager to foster authentic connections in today’s rapidly-changing world.About Amy and Nancy Harrington:Sisters and business partners Amy and Nancy Harrington are the Co-Founders of The Passionistas Project Sisterhood, a global community for passion-driven women — especially from marginalized backgrounds — to find support, purpose, and empowerment. After leaving high-powered careers in Hollywood, where Amy worked on major films like Harry Potter and The Matrix, and Nancy created Academy Award campaigns, they now use their platform to uplift others. Through their Power of Passionistas Women’s summit, podcast, “Awakening Your Power” book series, and online global community, they foster connection, growth, and equality — rooted in sisterhood values like loyalty, empathy, and joy.Main Topics Covered:Creating and scaling a women’s empowerment community—from podcasting to global sisterhoodTransitioning from high-powered entertainment industry roles to entrepreneurshipStructuring a business with a sibling: navigating trust, corporate governance, and decision-makingThe importance of amplifying stories from women in marginalized communities and those outside the celebrity spotlightThe impact of authentic, vulnerable connection—online and (increasingly) in-personStrategies for business partnership: conflict management, profit sharing, and protecting each other and the companyHow The Passionistas Project supports women in business, personal transformation, and social impactThe evolving meaning of community—why it matters and how to nurture it todayTimestamps:00:00 Show opens: Amy Stone introduces Amy & Nancy Harrington, The Passionistas, and the episode’s dual audio/video format01:06 Where the Harringtons call home: LA by way of Braintree, MA02:48 The sisters’ impressive entertainment industry careers—Warner Bros, Matlock, Miramax, and more03:47 Forming a business partnership in 2003: why and how06:10 What sparked The Passionistas Project: navigating a patriarchal industry, supporting women in the MeToo movement, and elevating unheard voices10:16 The case for spotlighting ordinary women rather than celebrities12:25 Barriers women face—funding, equality, and isolation—and The Passionistas Project’s solution15:26 Why build a business as sisters? Trust, shared vision, and their unique approach16:45 Handling disagreements, business structure, and the “royal we”26:45 What The Passionistas Project is, and who it serves: solopreneurs, changemakers, marginalized voices28:35 Empowerment in practice: from community to podcast network, workshops, and publishing36:40 How needs have shifted: online and in-person connection in a post-Covid world41:01 Where to find The Passionistas Project and a special free journal offer42:02 The sisters share memories and rapid-fire final questions46:08 Closing notes, how to join the community, and the philosophy behind Imperfect AdultingABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations. Music written and produced by Todd Thompson at Dharma Bomb Studios.CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.thepassionistasproject.com/ The Passionistas Project Podcast — https://feeds.megaphone.fm/CCLUC7621196190If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yo