Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Unbreakable Mompreneurs, where we talk business, balance, motherhood, and building powerful legacies. I’m your host, Charisse Walker, and today’s guest is a woman who embodies resilience, boldness, and creativity—Aubrey Amatelli, the founder and CEO of PayRio.

In this episode, we dive deep into how Aubrey scaled a fintech company from her bedroom office to a booming business with 25 employees, all while raising three kids as a single mom. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can pursue a niche market, build something impactful, and stay present with your family—Aubrey is proof that you can.

Aubrey started her career at J.P. Morgan, where she climbed the ladder over a decade to become Executive Director in the payments division. But the corporate grind and a desire to combine her two passions—fintech and alternative medicine—led her to launch PayRio, the first payments company exclusively focused on cannabis and alternative wellness markets. Named after her youngest daughter, Rio, the company was built with heart, hustle, and one bold leap of faith.

💡 What makes Aubrey’s story even more powerful? She self-funded her business, built it from the ground up using 1099 commission-based reps, and strategically grew by solving a massive problem in the CBD and cannabis space. Her early workdays consisted of cold calling and learning the market, and her first hire was someone she used to babysit—proving how deeply personal and resourceful this journey has been.

We also talk about:

• How she juggles parenting three kids while scaling a company

• The power of asking for help—from au pairs to office managers

• The value of being present with your children and your team

• The mindset shifts needed to go from corporate to founder

• What she wishes she’d known before starting, and what she’s grateful she didn’t

💜 Whether you're a mom with a business idea or an entrepreneur wondering how to scale without losing yourself (or your family), Aubrey's story is your roadmap to possibility.

✨ A few golden takeaways:

• Your passions and skill sets can be combined to create your dream business

• Scaling a business doesn't require perfection, but it does require presence

• It's okay to ask for help—you can't do it all, and you shouldn't have to

• Being open with your children about your goals creates understanding and unity

• The hardest moments often lead to the greatest growth

🔗 Connect with Aubrey Amatelli & PayRio

• 🌐 Website: https://www.payrio.com

• 📸 Instagram: @payrio_hq

• 💼 LinkedIn: PayRio on LinkedIn

• 📅 Book a meeting: Available through website

📍Aubrey also serves on the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Banking & Financial Services Committee (BFSC) for 2025—cementing her leadership in advancing financial solutions for the cannabis sector.

👋 Connect with Me, Charisse Walker

• 💼 Website: www.charissewalker.com

• 📧 Email: unbreakablemompreneurs@gmail.com

• 📱 Instagram: @charissewalker1

• 🎙️ Podcast: Unbreakable Mompreneurs (available wherever you listen)

✨ If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start, pivot, or scale—this episode is it. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow mompreneur who needs to hear Aubrey’s incredible story.

#Mompreneur #WomenInBusiness #CannabisIndustry #AlternativeMedicine #FemaleFounder #ScalingABusiness #UnbreakableMompreneurs #RealTalk #WorkLifeBalance #PayRio