After decades of building icons like Tom Ford Beauty, Prada Beauty, and Victoria Beckham Beauty, Sarah Creal stepped into her own spotlight, launching a luxury brand designed for women 40+, a group long overlooked in the beauty industry.
In this candid conversation, Sarah shares the dream that sparked her company, the white space she saw in a saturated market, and the intentional choices that caught Sephora’s attention. She talks openly about investor pushback (“older women don’t want to look at older women”), why she doubled down on herself, and the power of putting her own name on the brand.
From packaging that tells a story to building a startup culture rooted in speed and psychological safety, Sarah breaks down the principles guiding her founder journey. She also reflects on lessons from working with icons like Bobbi Brown, and the behind-the-scenes realities of building a differentiated beauty brand in today’s competitive landscape.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[05:44] The dream that sparked a brand for women 40+
[09:06] How Sephora came calling through long-term relationships
[10:53] Using packaging as a storytelling tool in beauty
[13:02] Why differentiation is critical in a saturated market
[15:05] Lessons from working with iconic beauty founders
[17:55] Hiring for startups and ensuring alignment with reality
[20:00] Building speed and agility while preventing burnout
[23:02] Navigating investor pushback and doubling down on herself
[29:20] Daily habits for balance as a founder
[31:28] Key advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Resources Mentioned:
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight | Book or Audiobook
Learn more about Sarah Creal Beauty on her website, and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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TikTok: @themakersmindset
www.makersmindset.com
After decades in beauty and brand-building, celebrity colorist Kadi Lee and entrepreneur Myka Harris have created something refreshingly intentional: Highbrow Hippie, a Venice-based salon and lifestyle brand where artistry, wellness, and conscious living intersect.
In this warm and unfiltered conversation, Kadi and Myka reflect on the long road from blog to brick-and-mortar, the failed investor partnership that taught them everything, and the intuition-meets-data mindset that guides their business decisions. They share how they built a community long before products, and how that trust became the foundation for a loyal global following.
From the quiet luxury of their five-chair atelier to the holistic rituals behind their hair health line, the duo opens up about creating culture, hiring slow and firing fast, and funding a beauty brand on their own terms. They speak candidly about the realities of entrepreneurship as Black women, the exhaustion of the grind, and the unglamorous but necessary balance between creativity and financial fluency.
With humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, Kadi and Myka remind us that building something enduring isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about alignment, resilience, and the courage to keep going when no one else sees the vision yet.
You’ll Learn:
[00:00] Introduction
[02:37] How a Venice salon became a sanctuary where beauty and wellness truly intersect
[06:44] The holistic insight that turned hair health into a wellness story, not a vanity one
[09:52] Why pairing intuition with data changed everything in their product development process
[12:26] The reason community came before product and how that built lifelong brand trust
[15:03] What it takes to lead with values and speak truthfully, even when it polarizes people
[18:32] How two longtime friends turned complementary strengths into a thriving partnership
[20:10] The hidden cost of the grind and what “balance” really looks like for women founders
[23:14] Why creatives must master business to sustain their artistry long-term
[32:18] How losing the wrong investor opened the door to raising money on their own terms
[36:52] The single mindset shift that helps them push through every obstacle
Use code MAKERS15 for a discount at www.highbrowhippie.com
Resources Mentioned:
Dream Ventures Accelerator | Website
Highbrow Hippie | Website
Follow Highbrow Hippie on Instagram.
Follow Myka on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Follow Kadi on LinkedIn.
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Instagram: @nancytwine
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TikTok: @themakersmindset
www.makersmindset.com
After leading high-impact teams at Uber, Oscar Health, and even the U.S. Department of Treasury, Meghan Joyce stepped out on her own to tackle one of modern life’s biggest bottlenecks: the endless “life admin” tasks stealing our time. As co-founder and CEO of Duckbill, she’s building a human-first AI assistant that blends machine intelligence with real-world persistence to help people take back control of their days.
In this conversation, Meghan shares the kitchen-table moment that sparked Duckbill, what she learned navigating hyper-growth cultures at Uber and Oscar, and why “human-in-the-loop” help is the future of productivity. She opens up about the mindset shift that made her leap from operator to founder, and how motherhood reshaped her leadership and boundaries.
From early experiments that de-risked her idea to the values that now guide her team (“high standards, high support”), Meghan breaks down how she built a startup culture that balances speed with empathy. She also offers grounded advice on raising values-aligned capital, using AI without guilt, and redefining success for founders who want both ambition and presence.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[02:37] The kitchen moment that sparked Duckbill
[05:46] Lessons learned from Uber and Oscar Health
[09:02] Why Duckbill blends AI efficiency with human touch
[10:28] Knowing when it’s time to leap into entrepreneurship
[14:43] Early hiring decisions and how her leadership evolved
[19:04] Defining company values and keeping them alive
[26:17] Finding values-aligned investors and staying mission-driven
[32:41] Using AI without guilt and redefining help
[43:26] How motherhood reshaped her leadership and boundaries
[48:37] Running low-stakes experiments before taking the leap
[52:03] Lightning-round personal insights and closing reflection
Resources Mentioned:
Duckbill | Website
Personal History by Katharine Graham | Book or Audiobook
Follow Meghan Joyce:
Instagram: @meghanvjoyce
LinkedIn: @meghanvjoyce
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Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
www.makersmindset.com
After turning a simple idea into a cultural phenomenon, Nell Diamond has built Hill House Home into a $150M+ fashion and lifestyle brand beloved for its viral Nap Dress™ and fiercely loyal community.
In this conversation, Nell shares how a slow-burning idea became her company, how she scaled from a direct-to-consumer bedding startup to a multi-category brand, and the intentional choices that shaped Hill House’s signature blend of comfort and elegance. She opens up about early fundraising rejections, building community without trying to “manufacture” it, and why she treats influencers like artists, not metrics.
From the behind-the-scenes reality of launching a hit product to navigating wholesale, collaborations, and retail expansion, Nell reveals the creative and business principles that keep Hill House distinctly itself. She also gets candid about motherhood, leadership, and the art of blocking out the noise so you can build the brand only you can create.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[05:59] The idea that led to Hill House Home
[09:43] Building community and treating influencers like artists
[12:41] Lessons learned from early fundraising challenges
[16:33] How collaborations stay authentic to the brand
[19:58] Expanding into wholesale and physical retail
[27:09] Balancing personal presence on social media with boundaries
[30:04] Hiring for different stages of company growth
[33:51] Navigating motherhood while running a company
[37:02] Advice on blocking out noise and staying focused on your vision
Resources Mentioned:
Soto Method Workout | Website
Learn more about Nell’s creation on the Hill House Home Website, and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
www.makersmindset.com
From finance to founder, Ava Lee has lived multiple chapters on her way to launching byAVA, a wellness and ingestible beauty brand rooted in Eastern herbal traditions and modern efficacy. A Korean-born creator known for her signature “jelloskin,” she built a global audience on Instagram and TikTok before stepping into entrepreneurship.
In this candid conversation, Ava opens up about leaving investment banking and the challenging identity shift from creator to founder, sharing how those transitions reshaped both her mindset and her business. She reflects on the scrappy early days of hand-packing herbal elixirs with her family in the garage, and explains how she learned to balance low-margin brand builders with higher-margin profit drivers like gua sha.
The story of her Resilience Skin Elixir selling out in just three hours highlights the power of transparency and authenticity. Beyond products, Ava shares why she believes storytelling beats algorithm hacks, her optimism for long-form platforms like newsletters and podcasts, and the Korean principle she holds close: “remember your 초심”—stay anchored to the reasons you started.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[07:17] Shifting from creator to founder and new leadership mindset
[11:52] Launching first herbal elixirs and scrappy early days with family help
[16:27] Balancing low margin brand builders with higher margin profit drivers
[20:23] Resilience skin elixir launch and selling out in three hours
[24:19] Building community trust through long term storytelling and heritage
[28:36] Content strategies today balancing trends with depth and education
[33:49] The future of content with substack newsletters and long form podcasts
[37:19] Staying true to your mission
[41:06] Rapid fire questions on travel, routines, and personal favorites
Resources Mentioned:
Resilient Skin Antioxidant Elixir byAVA | Website
Start your Jelloskin journey on the byAVA website, and be sure to follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
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Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
Janki Lalani Gandhi spent nearly two decades in investment banking, advising founder-led brands like Supergoop, ILIA, Paige, and ALC before making a bold transition outside of corporate finance. Her career has earned her recognition as one of the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A and a spot on WWD’s Top 40 Under 40 in fashion and beauty.
In this episode, Janki shares what she has learned along the way, from navigating male-dominated rooms to making high-stakes decisions without a playbook. She’s built a leadership style that doesn’t rely on being the loudest voice in the room.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[09:04] Lessons from early years in investment banking
[12:38] Frameworks for assessing new opportunities
[15:42] Janki’s approach to high-stakes decisions with confidence
[17:56] Leadership lessons and finding her own style
[20:34] Staying grounded through family and personal values
[23:44] Navigating motherhood, career, and the juggle
[29:02] Advice for first-time founders entering competitive industries
[31:46] The future of consumer brands, tech, and AI
Learn more about Janki by following her on LinkedIn.
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
www.makersmindset.com
Season 4 of Makers Mindset is here, bringing sharper insights, transformative stories, and practical strategies for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders. Hosted by Nancy Twine, this season continues to spotlight the bold journeys of founders, business leaders, and changemakers who are redefining what’s possible.
Over the past three seasons, Makers Mindset has uncovered the pivotal moments, challenges, and mindset shifts that fuel extraordinary careers. This season raises the bar, diving even deeper into the habits, strategies, and behind-the-scenes experiences that drive long-term success and impact.
The first episode of Season 4 premieres on September 4th.
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
Nancy Twine has built one of the most respected clean haircare brands in the world—but in this candid AMA, she peels back the curtain on what it really took to get there.
In this special solo finale of Makers Mindset Season 3, Nancy answers burning questions from her audience about entrepreneurship, life, love, mindset, and building a company from zero to a nine-figure exit. From bootstrapping Briogeo in a saturated industry to becoming the then-youngest Black woman to launch a product line at Sephora, her journey is as bold as it is intentional.
She shares her no-budget PR strategies, the mindset shift that changed everything, and why hiring for values—not just resumes—can make or break your culture. Plus, she opens up about dating while building an empire, how she created a life of freedom, and the biggest decision that skyrocketed her brand’s growth.
This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at the personal playbook of a founder who’s done it all—and is now paying it forward.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:37] Nancy’s background and Briogeo journey
[01:00] How to market a first-of-its-kind product without a budget
[01:29] DIY press strategy for early brands
[01:54] Cold DM tips for reaching editors
[02:15] Low-cost influencer seeding advice
[02:35] What Nancy would do differently if starting today
[02:56] Why personal branding matters from day one
[03:16] What she would do the same if starting today
[03:39] Why hiring a social media manager early matters
[04:06] The early decision that had biggest brand impact
[04:25] How Sephora shaped Briogeo’s growth
[04:50] How to make your first sale without inventory
[05:11] Pre-order and waitlist strategies
[05:33] Using prototypes and content to drive pre-sales
[05:50] Using Kickstarter as a model for pre-orders
[06:05] Best ways to track performance when you don’t have a team
[06:26] Basic metrics every founder should track
[06:47] Profitability doesn’t need to happen immediately
[07:05] Why tracking repeat orders matters
[07:19] What is EMV and how to use it
[07:37] The importance of reading your reviews
[07:53] How Nancy designed her lifestyle over time
[08:17] Building a team helped her find more balance
[08:35] Why priorities shape your lifestyle
[08:53] Hobbies and passions Nancy makes time for now
[09:13] What she says no to in order to stay focused
[09:27] Nancy’s dating journey as a successful woman
[09:43] Advice for women balancing dating and ambition
[10:00] Why priorities should drive your dating decisions
[10:19] Making time to date like anything else
[10:36] Friends with careers, families, and healthy relationships
[10:54] What Nancy wishes she knew when building a brand
[11:30] When to hire support in your business
[11:52] Hire for values, not just skills
[12:10] Why defining your company culture early matters
[12:32] How the wrong hire can impact the whole team
[12:50] One mindset shift that changed everything
[13:06] How Nancy reframes hard things
[13:42] Why doing the hard thing creates the results you want
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
Susan Yara’s journey to redefining skincare didn’t start in a lab—it started in front of a camera. From reporting news in the Bronx to becoming a trusted beauty voice on YouTube, Susan built a community before she ever built a brand. With her platform Mixed Makeup, she offered something rare: expert-backed, educational content for women who were underserved by the beauty industry’s hype-driven approach.
But Susan wasn’t just creating content. In 2019, she co-founded Naturium Skincare. Just four years later, she made headlines when she sold her company to e.l.f. Beauty for $355 million—and became one of the first content creators to successfully scale and exit a skincare brand.
In this episode, Nancy and Susan go deep on the realities of building a digital-first beauty brand: funding operations before revenue, pivoting from an influencer to a founder mindset, and how it’s so important to build authentic relationships with your community and retail partners. Susan shares the failures that shaped her, the influencer marketing tactics that actually work, and how she’s balancing life as a founder, mom, and now solo parent.
This is a story of vision, resilience, and reinvention. It’s proof that you don’t need to start with a perfect plan—you just need to start with purpose.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[03:12] Joining Forbes and building their first video network
[04:55] Learning the power of early digital media
[06:03] Getting into beauty and lifestyle content
[07:24] Launching Mixed Makeup to serve older audiences
[08:30] Early challenges funding high-quality content
[09:45] Lessons from Susan’s failed first business
[11:15] Trying to bootstrap her own skincare brand
[12:20] How COVID shut down her original plan
[14:42] Joining Naturium and shaping brand direction
[15:55] Why Susan moved away from “clean” marketing
[17:02] Creating formulas that simplify skincare routines
[18:08] Transitioning from influencer to business operator
[19:20] Why pricing strategy matters for repeat customers
[20:22] The shift in influencer strategy that changed everything
[21:30] How nano influencers built authentic community
[22:40] Using whitelisting to amplify UGC as ads
[23:50] What brands get wrong about influencer selection
[25:02] The power of founder-creator relationships
[26:05] Getting into Target and making it work
[27:15] Building a bold pitch retailers can’t ignore
[28:30] Launching Naturium body washes with intention
[29:45] Hiring a CMO who can become your future CEO
[30:58] The expanded role of modern CMOs
[32:00] What to look for when hiring key leaders
[33:12] Why Susan sold Naturium to e.l.f. Beauty
[34:25] Balancing work and motherhood during scale
[35:40] How moving to Miami created work-life structure
[36:45] Advice for founders scaling fast or slow
[38:00] The real reason behind building a brand
Resources Mentioned:
Naturium | Website
e.l.f Beauty | Website
Mixed Makeup | YouTube Channel
Follow Susan on Instagram and X, and check out her YouTube Channel.
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
Amy Liu’s journey to redefining clean beauty started in her own skin. As someone with eczema, she knew firsthand the struggle of finding beauty products that were both safe and effective. The industry was full of promises, but few products delivered results without irritation.
After years of working behind the scenes at Smashbox, Kate Somerville, and Josie Maran Cosmetics, Amy found herself at a crossroads. She had built brands for others, but what about a brand built for people like her? People who wanted beauty without compromise? At 40, she took the leap and launched Tower 28, the first and only beauty brand 100% compliant with the National Eczema Association’s ingredient guidelines.
In this episode, Nancy and Amy unpack the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—overcoming the fear of failure, scaling a business while staying true to her mission, and bringing her husband on board as CFO. Recognized as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Greater Los Angeles and one of Goldman Sachs’ most exceptional entrepreneurs, Amy has proven that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of integrity.
This is a conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of collaboration over competition. Above all, it’s a story about turning a personal struggle into a movement that’s changing the face of beauty.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[04:26] Struggling with eczema and the need for safe beauty products
[05:52] Discovering the flaws in clean beauty
[07:38] Why it took her so long to start her own business
[08:54] Getting her first investment and launching Tower 28
[10:42] Why launching at 40 was the right decision
[11:58] The myth of overnight success and why experience matters
[13:21] The role of a CEO and why she chose to stay in the position
[14:47] Challenges of balancing leadership with business growth
[16:32] Bringing her husband in as CFO and working with a spouse
[18:15] Breaking through the crowded beauty market
[19:44] The philosophy behind Tower 28’s product development
[21:18] Why sensitive skin testing sets Tower 28 apart
[22:53] Expanding at Sephora and becoming a top-performing brand
[24:36] When to raise money and how to choose the right investors
[26:24] Private equity, beauty playbooks, and scaling successfully
[28:10] The challenges of hiring and building the right team
[30:28] Leadership lessons and learning from mistakes
[32:42] Creating Clean Beauty Summer School and supporting founders
[34:20] The importance of representation in the beauty industry
[36:08] Why collaboration is more powerful than competition
[38:35] Advice for struggling entrepreneurs in a competitive market
Resources Mentioned:
Tower 28 | Website
National Eczema Association | Website
Sephora Clean | Website
Goop Clean | Website
Credo Clean | Website
Clean Beauty Summer School | Website
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
Cristina Nuñez didn’t just break into the beauty industry—she’s redefining who gets to shape it. She started her career in traditional finance and private equity, but craved something more personal and creative. So she rolled up her sleeves and jumped into roles that strategically built beauty brands, including Laura Geller and Clark’s Botanicals.
Now, as co-founder and General Partner of True Beauty Ventures, Cristina is rewriting the VC playbook for the industry—one founder, one investment at a time. She’s not just writing checks for beauty startups; she’s building trust, offering strategy, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with brands like K18, Crown Affair, and Moon Juice. In a fundraising climate where doubt often outweighs belief, Cristina is proof that clarity, conviction, and heart still win.
In this episode, she opens up about dealing with loss, pivoting with purpose, and what it really takes to be investment-ready in today’s beauty and wellness space. Whether you're a founder looking for funds right now or still in the visioning stage, this conversation will change how you think about scaling, pitching, and the power of leading with empathy.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:57] Cristina’s path from finance to beauty
[02:56] Why she left investing to build brands
[04:00] Personal turning point: her father's diagnosis
[06:54] Launching True Beauty Ventures
[08:49] Doubts from male investors and pushing through
[10:54] The case for more diverse funders
[11:47] What is venture capital?
[12:56] How True Beauty Ventures is different
[15:45] The five P’s of investment readiness
[17:45] What do investors look for in founders?
[20:47] Misconceptions about working with investors
[22:47] How to build trust with VCs
[24:44] Focus, prioritization, and saying no
[26:45] How to get on an investor’s radar
[30:45] Why founder prep matters in fundraising
[31:44] How early-stage valuation actually works
[34:45] Common mistakes founders make
[36:47] Why tight assortments win in beauty
[39:45] The danger of low product margins
[42:47] The value of founder business acumen
[44:47] Cristina’s morning routine and wellness habits
[48:45] Advice for founders raising capital now
To learn more about Cristina, follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Resources Mentioned:
True Beauty Ventures | Website
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience | Website
Crown Affair | Website
Moon Juice | Website
Equinox | Website
L Catterton | Website
Clark’s Botanicals | Website
Tengram Capital Partners | Website
Laura Geller Beauty | Website
Clark's Botanicals | Website
Youthforia | Website
JumpStart Beauty Brand with Rohit Banota Episode 7 on What Beauty Founders Don't Know with Cristina Nuñez | Spotify or Apple
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
Follow Makers Mindset:
Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
Monique Rodriguez’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and bold reinvention. She dedicated nearly a decade to healthcare as a registered nurse, but the loss of her son in 2013 shifted everything. In the wake of that tragedy, Monique found clarity—and the courage to follow a lifelong passion for beauty. With no formal business background, she launched Mielle Organics from her kitchen and built it into one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands in the country.
Now, Mielle Organics is not only a staple in major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS, but also a study in authentic brand-building. Her approach is rooted in community, education, and transparency. As the CEO, she’s built trust by simply being herself—from going live every day during the pandemic to letting customers weigh in on packaging decisions. She’s also navigated the complex world of retail expansion by knowing when to say no and when to scale up.
In 2021, Mielle took on private equity for the first time. Just 18 months later, she and her COO, who happens to be her husband, Melvon, sold the company to P&G — but not before making sure the deal would preserve the integrity of the brand. Monique still runs the company today, and she’s focused on building a legacy, not just a business.
Monique recently added “author” to her list of titles with a book that helps people find purpose in their own stories. She lives in Chicago with her family, where she balances leading a global brand with slow mornings, warm lemon water, and staying grounded in faith.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[07:52] Starting a business without experience or connections
[08:34] Learning the business side and asking for help
[09:20] The challenge of raising capital as a Black female founder
[10:10] Bootstrapping Mielle before taking on funding
[10:59] Why Monique turned down Walmart the first time
[12:30] Building long-term sustainability, not short-term hype
[13:00] How Mielle went viral with rosemary mint oil
[13:44] Creating viral moments through authenticity
[14:22] Building trust through storytelling and transparency
[15:05] Turning customers into community
[15:42] How Monique stayed present online without burning out
[16:19] The power of community to support during backlash
[18:52] The emotional link between beauty and customer loyalty
[19:30] Building real connections at trade shows
[20:02] Standing out in a crowded beauty industry
[20:50] How community building helped attract investors
[21:32] Education as a brand differentiator
[22:10] Creating emotional experiences around products
[23:02] Going big at trade shows to make a lasting impression
[23:55] Using experience to fuel word-of-mouth marketing
[25:10] Sharing behind-the-scenes with her community
[27:20] Handling criticism and negativity online
[28:13] Protecting mental health while being a public founder
[31:12] The reality of criticism for successful female founders
[31:58] Taking on private equity from Berkshire Partners
[32:44] Why Monique wanted to maintain majority ownership
[33:40] Finding the right kind of investor partnership
[34:21] What to look for in a private equity deal
[35:04] Planning for an eventual acquisition
[35:40] How fast the P&G acquisition came together
[37:06] Choosing the right partner over the highest bidder
[39:30] Benefits of selling to a strategic like P&G
[40:18] Brand globalization and new opportunities
[40:50] Access to better ingredients and scientific resources
[43:48] Balancing business and marriage
[46:00] Monique’s slow morning routine
[49:18] Key lessons around mindset, faith, and perseverance
Resources Mentioned:
The Glory in Your Story by Monique Rodriguez | Book or Audiobook
Mielle Organics | Website
P&G | Website
Berkshire Partners | Website
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
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Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
TikTok: @themakersmindset
Meera Bhatia’s career is a masterclass in transformation, bridging the worlds of technology and retail. She started at Microsoft, Expedia, and LinkedIn, where data and innovation were king. But instead of staying in the tech lane, she saw something others didn’t: the power of technology to reshape the retail landscape.
Now, as the Chief Operating Officer of Fabletics and President of TechStyleOS, Meera is rewriting the rules of fashion commerce. She doesn’t just oversee growth, technology, and supply chain operations—she orchestrates them, weaving AI, data, and personalization into an omnichannel experience that keeps millions of members engaged. In an industry where trends come and go, she’s building a model designed to last. Her approach is simple but powerful: Meet the customers where they are, innovate fearlessly, and always stay ahead of the curve.
Meera’s leadership includes roles at Stella & Dot and Savage x Fenty, where she merged consumer insights with digital strategy. She lives in Los Angeles, where she balances the intensity of scaling brands with embracing wellness and staying active.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[01:17] Meera’s transition from tech to retail
[02:41] The role of technology in modern retail
[04:03] Understanding customer needs through data
[05:26] How Fabletics’ membership model drives engagement
[06:48] Challenges and benefits of a subscription-based business
[08:14] Why personalization is crucial in e-commerce
[09:37] Leveraging AI for better customer experiences
[11:02] How businesses can start small with AI
[12:29] The importance of an omnichannel retail strategy
[13:53] The role of physical stores in digital-first brands
[15:21] How online presence boosts retail locations
[16:44] Leadership strategies for collaboration and empowerment
[18:07] The importance of assuming the best intent in teamwork
[19:33] How to scale a brand while staying agile
[21:09] Why hiring the right people is key to business success
[22:46] Investing in the most critical areas of a business
[24:13] How Meera stays resilient as a leader
[25:38] Balancing work and wellness for long-term success
[27:04] Why mindset is everything in business
Resources Mentioned:
Fabletics | Website
Savage x Fenty | Website
Stella & Dot | Website
Follow Nancy Twine:
Instagram: @nancytwine
Follow Makers Mindset:
Instagram: @makersmindsetspace
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Brigette Romanek is an acclaimed interior designer and the founder of Romanek Design Studio. In this episode, Brigette shares her journey from a self-taught design enthusiast to one of the most sought-after interior designers, working with A-list clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Christian Bale.
Since launching her studio in 2018, Brigette has been consistently recognized on Architectural Digest’s AD100 and First Dibs 50 lists. She was named an Elle Decor Titan in 2024. In this conversation, she opens up about building a successful creative business, trusting her instincts over formal training, balancing luxury with functionality, and staying resilient in an ever-evolving industry.
Brigette is also the author of the bestselling book Livable Luxe, which showcases her signature design approach: beautiful, livable spaces that support and inspire. Whether you're an aspiring designer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves stunning interiors, this episode is packed with wisdom, creativity, and business-savvy insights you won’t want to miss.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[03:52] Exposure to global design through travel
[05:36] Trusting instinct over formal training
[06:01] Challenging traditional design rules
[07:11] Blending luxury with functionality
[08:52] Creating spaces that feel lived in
[09:30] Making client visions a reality
[10:21] Customizing designs for each project
[11:19] Writing the book Livable Luxe
[12:57] The power of storytelling in design
[14:07] Walking as a form of creative reset
[15:21] Finding inspiration in everyday life
[16:43] Breaking from routine to spark ideas
[17:15] Scaling a design studio without losing quality
[18:45] Lessons learned from business growth
[20:14] Building a strong team for success
[21:31] The importance of setting clear boundaries
[22:49] Navigating client expectations
[23:16] Encouraging team input and creativity
[24:42] Balancing leadership with artistic freedom
[25:06] Creating a supportive studio culture
[26:07] Learning from early business mistakes
[28:28] Expanding into product lines
[30:46] Bringing in experts to support business growth
[31:55] The importance of delegation
[34:00] Common challenges for new designers
[35:23] How Brigette's biggest client collaborations happened
[36:45] Working with high-profile clients
[37:39] The creative freedom clients give her
[38:47] Overcoming setbacks as an entrepreneur
[39:35] Staying resilient in a competitive industry
[40:36] The power of believing in yourself
[42:03] Advice for self-taught designers
Resources Mentioned:
Livable Luxe by Brigette Romanek | Book
Romanek Design Studio | Website
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Shani Darden, the founder of Shani Darden Skincare, has built a name as Hollywood’s go-to skincare expert. She is trusted by stars like Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen, and Kelly Rowland for her results-driven approach. After training under a top dermatologist, she developed her own formulations, launching her flagship studio in Beverly Hills in 2019 and securing a coveted spot at Sephora in 2020.
In this episode, Shani talks about how she went from mixing masks in her childhood home to creating one of the most sought-after skincare brands. She opens up about navigating the beauty industry, building a brand without a roadmap, and staying hands-on with clients while scaling a business. You’ll hear her insights on effective product development, the power of social media, and the strategies she learned over her career.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[04:08] Creating Retinol Reform and entering the skincare industry
[05:14] Transitioning from service-based work to product development
[06:27] Challenges in launching a skincare brand
[07:35] The importance of trial and error in product creation
[08:42] How Sephora became a major retail partner
[09:56] The role of packaging and refining the brand
[10:45] Building a team that aligns with brand values
[11:33] Why hiring slow is crucial for long-term success
[12:18] Social media’s impact on personal branding
[13:09] How client feedback shapes product development
[14:21] The challenges of balancing retail deadlines with product quality
[15:37] Tips for building an engaged online community
[16:42] Overcoming self-consciousness in social media marketing
[17:15] Experimenting with content strategies for better engagement
[18:29] Finding balance between content creation and business operations
[19:45] Adjusting to entrepreneurship and leadership roles
[20:56] The importance of mentorship and learning from mistakes
[21:33] Rapid-fire business and skincare advice
[22:12] Common skincare mistakes and how to avoid them
Resources Mentioned:
Retinol Reform | Website
Sephora | Website
Shani Darden Skincare | Website
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Season 3 of Makers Mindset is here, bringing even deeper insights, bold conversations, and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders. Hosted by Nancy Twine, this season continues to explore the journeys of top founders, business leaders, and changemakers.
Over the past two seasons, Makers Mindset has uncovered the pivotal moments, challenges, and mindset shifts that shape extraordinary careers. This season goes even further, offering real-world strategies, habits, and behind-the-scenes experiences that define lasting success.
The first episode of Season 3 premieres on February 20th.
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Powerhouse entrepreneur Anastasia Soare is the founder, CEO, and driving force behind Anastasia Beverly Hills — one of the fastest-growing brands in the beauty industry. After immigrating from Romania in 1989, she started her business as a one-woman operation and quickly created a revolutionary technique now known as the Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method. She went on to build an empire — and she’s certainly raised a few eyebrows along the way. Anastasia is passionate about sharing her journey to inspire others, and believes that if she can do it, anyone can.
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Ginny Wright is an experienced leader with a robust background in luxury brand management. She’s held pivotal roles, including president of Kiehl's and global deputy GM at Ralph Lauren Fragrances, along with strategic positions at L'Oréal Luxe. Known for her strategic and innovative approach to growth, Ginny has significantly boosted brand prestige and consumer engagement at the companies she's served. She always talks about owning your mistakes so that you can grow and ultimately thrive — and why she never backs down from a challenge.
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Alisa Carmichael is the proud mom of two growing boys and Investment Partner at VMG Partners. Like many investors, she got her start in investment banking before joining the ever-evolving world of private equity. Unlike many of her fellow investors, however, Alisa was a black woman who was grappling with imposter syndrome at every turn. Fast-forward to today and she’s not just embracing her role as mother, daughter, investor, mentor, and friend, but owning it. Her unrelenting focus on the BIPOC community inspired the firm’s formation of The Parity Collective: an initiative focused on investing in founders of color across the consumer industry.
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Artemis Patrick is the President and CEO of Sephora North America. She’s responsible for growth strategies that make Sephora the the number-one prestige beauty omni-retailer. Artemis is also a member of Sephora’s Global Leadership Team (SLT) and Sephora America’s operating committee.
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/artemis-patrick-441ab5/
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