[LA FFCExpert] Before The Exit: How Founders Build Wealth Long Before They Feel Ready.

​Most early-stage founders think wealth planning starts after you’re profitable, paying yourself consistently, or preparing for an exit.

​But the truth is, planning now is what makes things like profitability, paying yourself, and preparing for an exit realistic and within reach.

​If you’re juggling inconsistent income, self-funding your business, debating when to bring on your next hire, or wondering how your personal finances connect to your company’s future, this conversation is for you.

​Meet Your Panelists:

• ​Melinda Maria Spigel is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Melinda Maria, the multimillion-dollar jewelry brand loved by icons from Julia Roberts to Taylor Swift. A self-taught designer who began selling handmade pieces out of a Starbucks, Melinda sparked a Hollywood trend when her early designs appeared on Emma Stone—ushering in a new era of accessible, luxury-looking jewelry. Today, Melinda Maria is one of the most recognized names in contemporary jewelry, known for top-tier simulated diamonds crafted to fine-jewelry standards, and a storytelling-driven brand that has scaled to over $40M in annual revenue.

• ​Siffat Haider began her career in the beauty space as a blogger and podcaster, but a personal struggle with chronic health issues led her down a new path. The transformation in her health was profound. Realizing the power of holistic solutions to address everyday wellness challenges—especially those faced by women—she co-founded Arrae to make these remedies accessible to all.

• ​Jalene Barlow is a Vice President and Wealth Planner at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with 15+ years in the financial services industry, Jalene’s areas of planning focus include Social Security, healthcare/Medicare and long-term care. Based on first-hand experience with her own family, she is passionate about helping families prepare for financial stability through life events. Jalene began her financial services career during the economic downturn of 2008 with a front-row seat to the difference between financially-secure clients who had planned, versus those who had not.

​In partnership with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, we’re bringing you an intimate, no-fluff founder gathering designed to help answer the questions you’ve actually been asking:

• ​How do I build personal financial stability while reinvesting in my business?

• ​What should I put in place now to avoid surprises or cash-flow crunches?

• ​What should I be thinking about around equity, ownership, or an eventual exit, even if that’s years away?

• ​How can I make sure that I’m not stressed and confused when tax season rolls around?

​Through a candid panel discussion and open conversations, you’ll learn:

• ​Practical strategies to help protect yourself financially while you build

• ​How to plan for major life milestones (paying yourself, having kids, buying a home, retirement…the things founders often delay)

• ​Cash-flow habits that strengthen both your business and personal stability

• ​Early actions that compound into long-term wealth 

• ​How to avoid the most common financial mistakes founders make in their first 5 years

​Whether you’re years from an exit, exploring fundraising, or simply trying to feel less stressed about money, you’ll walk away with concrete next steps, smarter questions to ask, and a clearer roadmap for designing a financial future that supports both your life and your legacy.

​Join us for transparent insights, tactical guidance, and founder-focused support.