Behind Her Empire

Nancy Twine is the founder of Briogeo, one of the first clean haircare brands to land in Sephora, and eventually one of the fastest-growing in the category.But her story didn't start in beauty. Nancy began her career in finance, landing a role at Goldman Sachs in 2007, right as the global financial crisis hit. By her mid-twenties, she was a VP on Wall Street. Then, everything changed in 2010 when she lost her mother unexpectedly. That moment reshaped her purpose and gave her the clarity to build something of her own. With no background in chemistry or beauty, she started Briogeo from her tiny New York apartment—self-funding it for six years, researching at the public library, and pitching investors with just drawings, all while working full-time. Briogeo launched in 2013 with four products. Within a year, Nancy cold-emailed her way into Sephora, becoming the youngest Black woman to launch a line with the retailer. In 2022, Briogeo was acquired by Wella Company.In today's episode, Nancy talks about the mindset and grit it took to keep going when the path ahead wasn't clear, and how learning to trust her instincts changed everything for her. We talk about how she taught herself the beauty industry from scratch, and why believing in herself, even when the odds were stacked against her, became her greatest strength. She shares the early days of Briogeo, building the brand at night while working on Wall Street, pitching investors and getting many rejections, and navigating the challenges of growth. She also reflects on the pivotal moment with Sephora, the decision to finally walk away from her corporate job, and how she grew into the role of CEO as the company scaled.Nancy opens up about selling Briogeo, what it meant to let go of something she built from scratch, and why she's now focused on mentoring other women founders through her new platform, Makers Mindset. If you've ever questioned your timing, doubted your path, or needed a reminder of what's possible when you bet on yourself, you're going to love this episode. In this episode, we'll talk to Nancy about:* The mindset needed to overcome entrepreneurial challenges. [02:57]* Cultivating confidence and shutting down self-doubt. [05:18]* How her mother and grandmother shaped her upbringing. [07:46]* How personal loss sparked a life and career reevaluation. [17:04]* Nancy's first steps in starting Briogeo. [18:47]* A pivotal moment: meeting Sephora buyers. [23:59]* Lessons from fundraising journey. [25:44]* The power of self-belief in entrepreneurship. [28:41]* Leaving a secure job to pursue a passion. [38:36]* Why selling the business was strategic. [46:19]* Transforming Nancy's passion into new ventures. [49:33]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Nancy: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancytwine/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briogeo/* Website: https://www.briogeohair.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laney Crowell is the founder & CEO of Saie, a clean beauty brand dedicated to making high-performing products that are elevated, effortless, and always easy to use.Laney's path to entrepreneurship was anything but traditional. The daughter of a diplomat, Laney spent her childhood bouncing between continents, learning to adapt before she even knew the word for it. She began her career in entertainment, pivoted into editorial at ELLE and Lucky, and eventually found herself leading digital strategy at Estée Lauder – just as social media was transforming the beauty industry. But even with a dream job and a coveted title, something felt off.While pregnant with her first daughter, Laney stepped away from corporate life to start a wellness blog called The Moment. She didn't have a master plan – just a desire to create space for more real & honest conversations around beauty and wellbeing. That blog would spark an incredible community and eventually give birth to Saie, the clean beauty brand that's now backed by Gwyneth Paltrow and Unilever Ventures, and leading a new wave of what beauty can look and feel like.In today's episode, Laney opens up about the real journey behind the brand: how she built Saie without industry connections or startup experience, the moments she almost gave up, and why learning to trust her gut was the best business strategy she never planned. We talk about persistence, resilience, the unglamorous side of fundraising, and the unexpected ways motherhood reshaped her leadership—and her mission. If you've ever felt like the outsider in the room, or you're dreaming of building something meaningful on your own terms, this episode is for you.In this episode, we'll talk to Laney about:* What “perfectionism” looks like for Laney. [02:26]* How Laney's childhood shaped her comfort with discomfort. [04:37]* Struggling to fit into corporate culture. [06:40]* Breaking into the editorial world. [08:37]* Working at Estée Lauder and finding expanders. [11:11]* Launching her blog and building community. [13:19]* The inspiration behind founding Saie. [14:28]* How past work experience prepared her for Saie. [17:09]* Laney's first experience with motherhood. [18:13]* Early days of creating Saie. [19:09]* Biggest lessons from fundraising. [20:40]* Secured key investors including Unilever and Gwyneth Paltrow. [25:00]* Developing Saie's first product. [28:00]* How building Saie changed Laney as a person. [31:07]* How motherhood made her a stronger businesswoman. [35:40]* Awareness as a key driver of Saie's growth. [39:30]* The power of trusting her team to lead and grow. [43:09]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Laney: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laney/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saiebeauty/* Website: https://saiehello.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's conversation, we sit down with Martha Soffer, renowned Ayurvedic expert and founder of Surya Spa in Los Angeles, to explore how ancient wisdom can support modern women's health. Martha unpacks the foundational principles of Ayurveda, and how understanding your constitution can be a game-changer for balance and vitality in every stage of life.In this episode you'll learn: * How the doshas influence your body and mind* Ayurveda for navigating menopause* Herbal remedies to support balance* Postpartum care through an Ayurvedic lens* Natural relief for period cramps* The power of panchakarma for deep detox* And more…Internationally acclaimed Ayurvedic Panchakarma expert, Ayurvedic Chef, Herbal Rasayanist, and master Ayurvedic Pulse diagnostician, Martha Soffer is the founder of Surya, the recognized leader of modern Ayurveda. Martha's focus on “Ayurveda for Modern Life” is achieved through a system of practical and easy self-care, helping each individual attain balance and wellness through healing retreats, restorative beauty, wellness and food products, as well as educational guidance and support. Working to restore Ayurveda to its authentic, spiritual, and most effective roots, Martha is an innovator in making Ayurveda a viable modern and complementary system of wellness and health. A frequent guest on the CBS talk show “The Doctors,” Martha also works with MDs who refer patients when western medicine cannot deliver a satisfactory solution, and who often come themselves for seasonal treatments. Martha teaches and lectures, and is featured in publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, In Style, Allure, the L.A. Times, New York Magazine, and Goop. With the Surya team, Martha brings long-term vitality and health to clients who range from next-door neighbors to the top stars of the film and entertainment industries.This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Martha: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suryabymartha/* Website: https://suryawellness.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsey Carter is the Founder and CEO of SET Active, a cult-favorite activewear brand known for its elevated athleisure, monochrome sets, and community-driven approach.Lindsey was just about to finish her degree in elementary education when she realized—she didn't actually want to be a teacher. She shifted her path completely, dove into social media, hustled her way into NBC Universal, and went on to build her own agency from the ground up. While helping other brands build online communities, she had a lightbulb moment to build her own brand. In 2018, Lindsey started SET Active from her apartment, with no outside funding and $20,000 in credit card debt. She was determined to create a brand for the “everyday girl” who wanted activewear that looked as good as it felt. Fast forward to today, SET is a multi-million-dollar business with a cult following, and Lindsey still owns 100% of it. She's become known not only for her signature monochrome sets, but for her honest take on entrepreneurship and her mission to uplift other women founders.In this week's episode, Lindsey shares her unexpected journey from wanting to be a kindergarten teacher to building a high growth activewear brand. With zero experience in fashion or manufacturing, she opens up about how she scrappily self-funded SET, found her first production partner, and the make-or-break lessons that came with it. We talk about the early wins that kept her going, how she used social media to build real community, and what it really took to scale the business. Lindsey also gets candid about navigating mental health as a founder, how motherhood changed her leadership style, and why staying authentic—even when it's hard—is what's kept her grounded through it all, and so much more. In this episode, we'll talk to Lindsey about:* How childhood shaped Lindsey's independence and drive. [00:24]* From an aspiring teacher to working in entertainment. [05:17]* Breaking into entertainment with zero experience. [10:59]* Trusting her gut from a young age. [13:20]* The vision and intention behind SET Active. [16:41]* Building the brand from her apartment, hands-on and scrappy. [20:26]* Self-funding SET Active. [23:28]* Finding her first production partner. [24:04]* What leadership and partnership taught her. [25:57]* Early signs of business growth. [28:57]* How social media fueled brand awareness. [31:26]* Lindsey's postpartum journey. [33:43]* Navigating fast business growth. [36:35]* How Lindsey manages her mental health. [38:12]* How motherhood shaped her leadership style. [30:10]* The reality of how hard starting a business really is. [43:16]* Why community is key to sustaining long-term passion. [45:04]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Jordan: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseycarter/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setactive/* Website: https://setactive.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan Harper is a board-certified nurse practitioner and the founder and CEO of Barefaced, a skincare brand that cuts through the noise with simple, science-backed routines. After years of treating patients frustrated by complicated regimens, Jordan launched Barefaced from her garage—while pregnant and caring for a toddler. With no outside funding and countless late nights packing orders with her husband, she grew the business into a skincare empire. That side hustle has since grown into a powerhouse with 10 custom products, over 1.5 million units shipped, and a 90% return customer rate. In this week's episode, we chat with Jordan about the unfiltered reality of building a business from the ground up and what it really takes to stand out in a crowded beauty market. She shares how her experience as a nurse practitioner inspired her shift into skincare, and how the scrappy early days were all about listening to her community and figuring things out along the way. Jordan talks about how social media became her secret weapon, why showing up consistently matters more than perfection, and how she's built a loyal community by staying authentic and focusing on quality over quantity. We also chat about the realities of burnout, how she manages her time, and why feedback and flexibility have been key to her success. Jordan keeps it real about what it takes to grow a business, how to bounce back from setbacks, and why taking action before you feel “ready” can be the key to success.In this episode, we'll talk to Jordan about:* How childhood resilience shaped her entrepreneurial drive. [02:39]* Why parenting can sharpen focus and productivity. [05:28]* From healthcare to skincare: what sparked the career shift. [08:41]* Building a brand by listening to community needs. [11:37]* Finding aligned experts to support your vision. [15:47]* The story behind launching Barefaced. [17:55]* Managing motherhood and entrepreneurship. [23:56]* What early sales looked like for Barefaced. [27:00]* Managing time and priorities to reduce stress. [34:21]* Freeing up time by outsourcing strategically. [36:01]* Planning intentionally to juggle family and business. [43:33]* Why delegation is key to scaling. [48:46]* Using customer feedback to refine products. [50:12]* Lessons from manufacturing challenges. [53:50]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Jordan: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanharper_np/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefaced/* Website: https://www.barefaced.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We did something BIG! We invested time and a good chunk of change into a clinical trial for my first product ever – seed cycling. Was it worth it? Yes. In this episode, we share all about our clinical study where 40 women embarked on a seed cycling journey for 3 months to see if their symptoms of PMS improved. The results – insane! You'll learn: * How 40 women changed their PMS symptoms in 3 months* Why we invested in a third-party clinical study + all the details* Limitations of the study and nutrition research* The crazy journey that led Yasmin to seed cycling* And more…You can learn more about the first-ever clinical study on seed cycling here: https://beeyawellness.com/pages/clinical-study This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Kaya: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayapurohit/Follow Beeya:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beeyawellness/* Website: https://beeyawellness.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daryl-Ann Denner is an influencer and co-founder of nuuds, a bodywear brand that's redefining comfort and style with its body-positive designs.Daryl-Ann's path to entrepreneurship wasn't exactly traditional — she started out as a high school chemistry teacher with a passion for style and a growing blog on the side. Over time, that creative outlet turned into a full-blown influencer career, where she built a loyal community of over two million fans by simply showing up as herself. In 2022, after years of listening to her audience and struggling to find basics that actually fit her postpartum body, she co-founded nuuds with her husband, Daniel. The brand's first six styles sold out in just seven minutes — and today, nuuds is a nine-figure business redefining what "basics" should look and feel like for real women.In this week's episode, Daryl-Ann gets real about anxiety, entrepreneurship, and what it actually looks like to build a business while raising a family. From leaving her pre-med path to launching a blog that turned into a thriving personal brand — and eventually founding her clothing company, nuuds — Daryl-Ann shares how embracing vulnerability and showing up as her true self became her superpower. We talk about everything from doing things scared (her go-to mantra), to the power of consistency and how the biggest moments in her career happened after becoming a mom. She opens up about perfectionism, risk-taking, and why not being an expert can sometimes be your biggest asset. Plus, the real talk behind launching nuuds — a brand built for real women, real bodies, and real life. If you've ever felt like you had to wait for the “perfect” moment to chase your dream, this one's for you.In this episode, we'll talk to Daryl-Ann about:* Daryl-Ann's relationship with anxiety and her mantra: “do it afraid.” [03:19]* Why consistency is key to success in any venture. [06:20]* Lessons learned from early work experiences. [07:10]* Starting her personal blog as a creative outlet. [10:59]* How Daryl-Ann put herself out there in the early days. [16:27]* Navigating perfectionism and its impact on growth. [22:40]* The power of authenticity in building an engaged audience. [25:50]* How motherhood transformed her personally and professionally. [28:51]* Turning a passion project into a business. [30:05]* Facing the challenges of launching nuuds in the early days. [36:26]* Why taking risks is essential for entrepreneurs. [39:57]* The importance of having confidence in your product. [41:53]* The critical role of family support in business growth. [45:45]* How being a non-expert can become your greatest asset. [49:07]* Why becoming a mom made her a better entrepreneur. [51:00]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Daryl-Ann: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darylanndenner/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuuds/* Website: https://www.nuuds.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miranda Kerr is a globally recognized model and the founder & CEO of KORA Organics, a skincare brand known for its commitment to clean, certified organic products.For Miranda, the journey to founding KORA Organics wasn't just about beauty — it was about healing. After her mother's cancer diagnosis, she began questioning everything she put in and on her body, eventually realizing there was a gap in the market for truly clean, certified organic skincare that actually worked. Fueled by a personal mission and a vision for something better, she launched KORA Organics in 2009. Today, it's a global brand available in over 30 countries, but Miranda's approach remains deeply personal: leading with intention, staying hands-on with every product, and reminding people that real beauty begins with how we care for ourselves from the inside out.In this episode, Miranda shares the pivotal experiences that shaped her — from growing up in a wellness-focused family to how personal loss at a young age taught her resilience, gratitude, and emotional strength. She reflects on lessons from her early modeling career — handling rejection, building confidence, and trusting her inner voice — and how those experiences prepared her for entrepreneurship. Miranda takes us behind the scenes of launching KORA in the U.S., navigating a highly competitive market, and balancing the emotional highs and lows of building a global brand while raising a family. She also shares how mindfulness, presence, and self-care have been foundational to her success — and why prioritizing inner wellbeing remains at the core of her life and business, and so much more. In this episode, we'll talk to Miranda about:* Miranda's family approach to wellness. [02:55]* Her mother's cancer diagnosis. [04:56]* Losing her boyfriend young & shifting her life perspective. [10:45]* The importance of expressing love and gratitude daily. [14:06]* Miranda's early modeling career and how it shaped her. [17:18]* Navigating impostor syndrome & building confidence. [20:21]* Lessons in resilience and learning to handle rejection. [23:24]* Miranda's skincare learnings from her modeling career. [27:19]* Myths around certified organic products. [31:05]* The passion and purpose behind building KORA Organics. [32:19] * Launching KORA in the U.S. [36:10]* The challenges of entering the U.S. market. [40:07]* Managing emotional resilience as an entrepreneur. [44:30]* Managing motherhood with entrepreneurship. [46:57]* A behind-the-scenes look at Miranda's life as a mom. [47:49]* Balancing her yin and yang energy in daily life. [51:59]* The power of mindfulness and being present. [53:39]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Miranda: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirandakerr/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koraorganics/* Website: https://us.koraorganics.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're sitting down with celebrity nutritionist Kelly LeVeque—best known for her blood sugar-focused approach, and working with stars like Halle Berry and Jessica Alba—to talk all things wellness and nutrition. Whether you're looking to upgrade your diet or better understand how your body works, this episode is full of practical, science-backed tips to support your health journey.In this episode you'll learn: * The method behind her famous Fab 4 smoothie* How to handle sugar cravings* The best protein options for vegetarians* Her go-to strategies for lasting behavior change* How blood sugar impacts the brain* And more…Kelly is a certified functional nutritionist, wellness expert, and best-selling author living in Southern California with her husband and three young boys. Before starting Be Well By Kelly, she worked in the medical field for Fortune 500 companies like J&J, then moved into personalized medicine, offering tumor gene mapping and molecular subtyping to oncologists, before striking out on her own to start her business. Kelly received her bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and completed postgraduate studies in clinical nutrition through UCLA and UC Berkeley. She has found her work as a holistic nutritionist to be the most rewarding of her career.This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Kelly: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bewellbykelly/* Website: https://bewellbykelly.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justine Tiu is the co-founder of The Woobles, a company that makes beginner-friendly crochet kits designed to help anyone confidently create their first plush.Before launching The Woobles in 2020, Justine was thriving at Google, where she rose from UX designer to one of the youngest leaders on her team. But behind the success, she was quietly battling burnout, imposter syndrome, and a sense that something was missing. In search of happiness, she picked up crocheting—and it quickly became her creative escape. What started as a personal outlet soon sparked the idea for something bigger. She left corporate life behind to launch The Woobles from their garage.In this episode, Justine shares how she went from feeling unfulfilled in her corporate job to testing out multiple business ideas—none of which quite stuck—before stumbling upon a creative outlet that changed everything. What began as a simple Etsy shop eventually grew into a multi-million dollar business. Justine and her husband both quit their jobs to eventually go all-in on The Woobles, navigating everything from learning how to manufacture physical products to handling customer support themselves in the early days. She opens up about the steep learning curve, the mental health challenges of building a brand from scratch, and how customer feedback became their guiding compass. We also dive into the real story behind their Shark Tank experience, the importance of product-market fit over polished branding, the power of a strong support system, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Justine about:* How childhood creativity shaped Justine's career path. [03:10]* How corporate experience helped her start her own business. [05:59]* Justine's experience with fear and impostor syndrome. [08:55]* The mental health benefits of hobbies outside work. [09:36]* Turning a personal hobby into a business. [11:46]* Justine's experience working in Google. [13:25]* Burnout and the search for true happiness. [16:00]* Quitting their fulltime job and starting an Etsy shop. [17:38]* Early business ideas before launching The Woobles. [19:19]* Why owning your brand and online presence matters. [23:32]* The challenges of quality control in physical products. [25:22]* Mental health struggles and the role of family support. [26:27]* How running a business differs from a corporate job. [28:31]* The importance of focusing on what you can control. [29:32]* Experience on Shark Tank and its impact. [31:14]* Embracing uncertainty can lead to unexpected growth. [35:57]* Product-market fit comes before branding. [44:32]* Why a strong support system is key to balancing life and business. [48:36]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Justine: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dilly.ofapickle/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewoobles/* Website: https://thewoobles.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Wilson is the co-founder of BelliWelli, a wellness brand transforming the digestive health space with delicious bars and easy-to-take fiber supplements.​Katie didn't set out to start a wellness brand—especially not from her kitchen. But after years of struggling with gut issues and finding zero snack options that were both effective and actually enjoyable to eat, she decided to take matters into her own hands. At the time, Katie had built a successful career as the Chief Dating Expert at Match, helping people find love for a living. But in 2020, she and her husband Nick started experimenting with fiber-packed recipes in their own home, driven by Katie's personal journey and frustration with the lack of gut-friendly foods on the market. What started as a scrappy kitchen project turned into BelliWell. Today, their products are available in over 6,300 stores nationwide, including major retailers like Target and Walmart.In this week's episode, Katie opens up about her very unexpected journey from professional matchmaker to becoming the founder of a gut-friendly snack company. Katie talks about the shamelessness, self-belief, and resilience that is needed to succeed, and how her corporate experience equipped her with the skills she needed to take eventually take the leap. Katie opens up about the early scrappy days—from acquiring Facebook groups to grow a community, to launching her first product and fundraising during a pandemic—all while managing life as a new mom. She also dives into the power of co-founders with complementary skills, the lessons learned from manufacturing challenges, why constant product improvement and staying close to the customer are key to building a lasting brand, and so much more. In this episode, we'll talk to Katie about:* Katie's early passion for matchmaking. [03:07]* Shamelessness is a key trait for entrepreneurs. [07:13]* Developing confidence during the early stage of her career. [08:41]* Moving to Dallas and working in Match. [14:31]* Corporate experience can provide valuable skills for startups. [17:05]* Katie's gut health issues sparked her entrepreneurial journey. [17:42]* Building a community and acquiring Facebook groups. [20:34]* Having co-founders with complementary skills is essential. [25:58]* The inspiration behind BelliWelli's first product. [27:32]* The early days of entrepreneurship. [30:42]* Believing in the possibility of success. [31:44]* Managing motherhood and business. [34:09]* Katie's first steps in fundraising. [35:36]* Product launch and manufacturing challenges. [39:24]* Continuous improvement should be a core business goal. [46:18]* Insights from engaging with customers. [48:19]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Katie: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiebostonwilson* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belliwellihealth* Website: https://belliwelli.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to level up your health, longevity, and maybe even fertility? Well, buckle up—today's guest is about to drop some serious knowledge. Today, we're joined by the incredible Kayla Barnes, a global leader in advancing female health through preventive and regenerative approaches. In fact, Kayla might just be the most measured woman in the world—her labs are publicly shared and meticulously tracked. Grab a pen—you'll want to take notes on this one!In this episode you'll learn: * How to optimize your routine for sleep* The truth about cold plunges for women* How to sync your workouts with your cycle* Stress hacks for busy women* Tips for sustainable weight loss* And more…Kayla is the Owner of LYV The Wellness Space, one of the country's most innovative precision medicine and biology upgrading clinics. Kayla is also the creator and host of the Longevity Optimization Podcast and co-founder of the Health Optimization Fund. Kayla also just launched the world's first female longevity membership. She has dedicated herself to the pursuit of preventive and regenerative methodologies aimed at optimizing female human health. Kayla has shared her labs publicly and is one of, if not the most measured women in the world.Her endeavors have garnered international recognition from notable publications and she has been named a top longevity leader globally. Kayla has been featured in: Fortune, Forbes, Business Insider, The New York Post, MSN, Yahoo, The Telegraph, The Independent, The Daily Mail, The Guardian and more.This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Kayla: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylabarnes* Website: https://www.kaylabarnes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Amanda Chantal Bacon, the CEO and founder of Moon Juice, a wellness company that sells plant-based products, including adaptogenic supplements, skincare, and foods.Moon Juice was born in 2011 from Amanda's experience when she put her autoimmune condition into remission after being told it wasn't possible from multiple doctors. Through her healing process, she met with experts and educated herself on diet, lifestyle, spirit, and traditional wisdom. Amanda saw radical changes in her blood and hormone panels and believed that simple daily practices were crucial to her transformation. What began in her kitchen and a small shop in Venice has now grown into a company that's a leader in the wellness industry and a global source for supplements and skincare. In this week's episode, we chat with Amanda about her unique childhood and her winding journey through different countries and careers which eventually lead her to finding her passion and purpose. She shares stories about her past business ventures, why they didn't work out, and what she learned from them. Amanda talks about why she started Moon Juice without partners and how it grew from a juice shop to a full-fledged brand. She reflects on the challenges of being a founder and CEO for over a decade, her evolving leadership style, and her vision for Moon Juice. Amanda also tells us how she created her first product, built awareness, achieved organic growth, and what keeps her motivated through all the stages of the business, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Amanda about:* Amanda's relationship with control over the years. [03:16]* What Amanda does when she feels out of control. [07:33]* Amanda's upbringing: having a businesswoman mom and a musician dad. [12:00]* Exploring various interests across the world and discovering her passion. [13:42]* Amanda's entrepreneurial ventures prior to Moon Juice. [19:33]* Running Moon Juice without a business partner. [21:51]* Where Amanda finds support during tough times in business. [23:01]* The challenges of being a founder and CEO for 13 years. [25:12]* Amanda's leadership journey over the years. [32:05]* Amanda's vision for Moon Juice and how it's evolved over the years. [33:45]* Creating the first product and how Amanda achieved organic growth. [38:14]* Amanda's source of inspiration and what keeps her going. [42:58] This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Amanda:* Website: https://moonjuice.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonjuice/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandachantalbacon/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ty Hiss is the co-founder of Fresh Sends, a lifestyle gifting brand that's completely reimagining how we celebrate the people we love.Ty's path to entrepreneurship was anything but traditional. With no floral background, she took a leap of faith and turned a one-time wedding project into a nationwide brand—all out of a 900-square-foot Denver duplex. Fresh Sends started with its now-iconic “Send” bouquet (which went viral on TikTok) and has since expanded into curated gift sets like the Birthday Send, the Pasta Night Send with Graza olive oil, and the Fresh Set, filled with self-care and beauty essentials. Through thoughtful branding, creative partnerships with Tower 28, Amazon Prime, and more—and a deep focus on community—Ty has built a company that's redefining modern gifting and making people feel seen, known, and loved.In today's episode, Ty takes us behind the scenes of building Fresh Sends from the ground up—and she doesn't hold back. We talk about launching a business without experience, the scrappy early days, and the mindset shifts that helped her push through uncertainty. She shares how her upbringing instilled a belief in chasing big dreams, the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, and the importance of staying anchored in your “why.” We also get into branding, word-of-mouth marketing, imposter syndrome, hiring, pivoting through challenges, and why waiting for perfection can hold you back. If you're building something from the ground up—or dreaming about starting—this episode is full of gems you won't want to miss.In this episode, we'll talk to Ty about:* Ty's relationship with Impostor Syndrome. [03:39]* Ty's upbringing fostered a belief in achieving dreams. [05:47]* The roots of Ty's hustle and drive. [08:02]* Starting a business without experience is possible. [10:13]* The early vision and business plan behind Fresh Sends. [15:37]* The impact of branding on business success. [16:54]* Why shipping logistics are crucial in the floral industry. [18:52]* Pivoting can lead to new opportunities. [19:53]* The financial risks and realities of entrepreneurship. [20:50]* Embracing challenges as part of the journey. [26:27]* Having a strong 'why' is crucial for motivation. [29:59]* Customer connections can drive your business forward. [32:52]* The power of word-of-mouth marketing. [34:46]* Navigating demand and supply challenges while scaling. [37:46]* Ty's hiring lessons and the importance of team building. [43:24]* Persistence and patience are key to long-term success. [45:44]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Ty: * Instagram: https://freshsends.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tygerhiss* Website: https://www.instagram.com/freshsends Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we get older, our brains change, and it's common to feel like your memory or focus isn't quite what it used to be. But the good news is, there are simple ways to keep your mind sharp and healthy. In today's episode, neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki joins us to break down brain health and share easy tips on everything from boosting memory and focus to managing anxiety and staying mentally clear. No matter if you're in your 30s or 60s, this podcast is here to help you take charge of your brain health, now and for the long run.In this episode you'll learn: * Basics for brain health as you age* Simple ways to improve memory* The impact of alcohol on the brain* How to fall asleep when you have anxiety* And more…Dr. Wendy A. Suzuki is the Dean of Arts and Sciences at New York University. She is also Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at the Center for Neural Science at New York University.She received her undergraduate degree in physiology and human anatomy at the University of California, Berkeley in 1987 studying with Prof. Marion C. Diamond, a leader in brain plasticity. She earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from U.C. San Diego in 1993 and completed apost-doctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health before accepting her faculty position at New York University in 1998.Her major research interest continues to be brain plasticity. She is best known for her extensive work studying areas in the brain critical for our ability to form and retain new long-term memories. More recently her work has focused on understanding how aerobic exercise can be used to improve learning, memory, and higher cognitive abilities in humans. Wendy is passionate about teaching (see her courses), about exercise (intenSati), and about supporting and mentoring up and coming scientists.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Dr. Wendy: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.suzuki* Website: https://www.wendysuzuki.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Cassandra Thurswell, the founder of KITSCH, a global brand that creates eco-friendly hair care and beauty accessories for women. Cassandra came from a small town in Wisconsin to Los Angeles with the hopes of creating something meaningful in her life. But before launching her own business, she did whatever it took to make ends meet from working at a cupcake shop to crafting jewelry and babysitting. After seven failed attempts at various businesses, the idea for Kitsch was born. She started by hand-making her first product which was a basic but innovative knotted hair-tie in her tiny LA apartment. She was making cold calls, doing door to door sales, and whatever she could to get the brand out there all without any outside funding. Fast forward to today, the company has evolved into a multi-million dollar brand that's sold in over 27 countries and across 20,000 retail locations worldwide. You can find them at Ulta, Sephora, Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters, to name a few.In this week's episode, Cassandra walks us through how following her gut over the years has truly been the key to her success – from couch-surfing to saving money for her business to working different jobs to learn the industry. She also talks about how every single job she's had in the past has helped her become a stronger business person and was the "mini MBA" she needed. She then dives into the challenges of the early days of fulfilling orders in her one-bedroom apartment and the creative tactics she used to get into retailers without any connections. We also talk about the biggest learnings she's had over 14 years of running Kitsch, the power of micro-intentions and micro-habits when creating your dream life, & so much more. In this episode, we'll talk to Cassandra about:* Her thoughts on manifestation and its role in creating success. [05:42]* The power of visualization. [13:43]* Moving to Los Angeles, being broke, living on people's couches & hustling in life. [17:49] * Kitsch creation journey and inspiration. [30:05]* Having various jobs to make ends meet and how she self-funded Kitsch. [33:54]* Retailer entry without connections. [37:44]* Getting her first large purchase order. [40:08]* The power of vision boards and future journaling. [44:07]* Her unique partnership approach [51:41]* Experiencing postpartum anxiety. [59:12]* Establishing boundaries and leaning into change & personal growth. [01:01:35]* Definition of success and how it changed over the years. [01:04:37]* Daily routine and micro intentions. [01:09:14]* The messy truth in launching a business. [01:14:15]This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Cassandra: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandrathurswell/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykitsch/* Website: https://www.mykitsch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison McNamara is the founder of MARA, a skincare brand known for its luxurious, algae-infused formulas.Before founding MARA in 2018, Allison had an impressive career as a journalist, producer, and TV host. A trip to Turkey in 2015 reignited her passion for skincare, inspiring her to create a brand rooted in marine-powered ingredients. When the idea hit her, Allison started working on MARA as a side project while balancing her full-time job in media. With no outside investors and no formal background in product development, she took a leap of faith, spending years researching and collaborating with labs to create the perfect formulas. Her dedication paid off—today, MARA is a cult-favorite beauty brand, celebrated by celebrities and skincare enthusiasts for its clean, effective products.In this week's episode, Allison shares her journey from journalist to beauty entrepreneur, opening up about the challenges of self-funding a brand and the power of storytelling in building a business. Allison dives into how she started the business as a side project, how she chose to focus on her first product, and the many mistakes and learnings she had along the way. She also talks about the impact of celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Hailey Bieber, how the products got into their hands, and why building relationships with influencers has been key to brand visibility. Allison emphasizes how listening to her community has helped refine her products and drive innovation. She also gets real about imposter syndrome and how learning to trust herself and be her own biggest cheerleader has been key to her success.In this episode, we'll talk to Allison about:* The importance of storytelling in branding and marketing. [07:49]* Transitioning careers can be a gradual process. [11:50]* Tara's early product development process. [18:34]* The significance of understanding the market and consumer needs. [23:24]* Experience in a corporate environment can be beneficial for entrepreneurs. [25:28]* Allison's early mistakes in product development. [27:55]* Success often comes from a combination of timing, preparation, and perseverance. [34:00]* Celebrity impact: Chrissy Teigen and Hailey Bieber. [37:58]* Building relationships with influencers is key to brand visibility. [42:10]* Staying self-funded allows for creative control and strategic growth. [46:07]* Imposter syndrome is common, even among successful entrepreneurs. [51:12]* Education and practice build confidence in business. [53:07]Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Allison: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonmcnamara* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarabeauty* Website: https://themarabeauty.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel overwhelmed by headlines like “Stanley cups have lead” or the latest scare about microplastics? In today's episode, Dr. Yvonne Burkart, a toxicologist and expert in low-tox living, breaks down how small, easy swaps can help you reduce toxic exposure without the overwhelm.In this episode you'll learn: * How to start your low-tox journey* Are Stanley cups as bad as we think?* The truth about synthetic fragrances* Makeup ingredients to avoid* Tips for a healthier kitchen* How to choose the best menstrual products* And more...Dr. Yvonne Burkart, PhD, DABT, is a Board-Certified Toxicologist, Coach, and Corporate Consultant with over 22 years of experience in toxicology. She specializes in reproductive toxicity, with a focus on endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer, and glutathione homeostasis. Dr. Burkart has also served as a Senior Toxicologist in the flavor and fragrance chemical industry, where she worked to ensure the safety of flavor ingredients. After witnessing firsthand the power of a low tox lifestyle, Dr. Yvonne began a mission to help consumers slash their toxic exposure with confidence and ease. She is especially passionate about helping parents protect their children from toxic exposure.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Dr. Yvonne: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dryvonneburkart* Website: https://dryvonneburkart.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara Bosch is the founder of SmartSweets, the brand that redefined the candy aisle with its low-sugar treats.Tara's journey wasn't always sweet. At 21, she dropped out of college and moved into her grandmother's basement with a bold vision: to create a global brand that would revolutionize candy. Armed with a gummy bear mold from Amazon and zero food science experience, she spent months perfecting a sugar-free recipe. But turning an idea into reality wasn't easy—she faced failed ventures, skeptical investors, and major manufacturing roadblocks. Determined to make it work, she bet everything, taking out personal loans to launch SmartSweets in 2016. Just four years later, she scaled it into a $100+ million business before selling a majority stake for $360 million.In this week's episode, Tara shares how her challenging family background fueled her drive for independence and shaped her understanding of money. She opens up about how a personal connection to candy sparked the vision for SmartSweets and the scrappy tactics she used to get it off the ground, like leveraging debt, securing a loan with her car, and finding a manufacturer against the odds.Tara takes us behind the scenes of the unexpected challenges of scaling fast and explains why resilience matters more than having all the answers. She reflects on how mindset was key to overcoming early failures and the serendipitous moment that got her in front of Whole Foods, a game-changing opportunity. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, including the self-doubt, the tough decisions, and the reality of burnout. She also shares how she knew it was time to sell, the valuable lessons she's taking into her next chapter, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Tara about:* Challenging upbringing & her drive for independence. [03:05]* First business in college and the biggest lessons learned. [08:00]* Tara's vision for SmartSweets. [14:32]* Dropping out of college and starting SmartSweets. [18:51]* Overcoming self-doubt in her entrepreneurial journey. [21:01]* Scrappiness in the early stages of building SmartSweets. [23:11]* Mindset plays a significant role in entrepreneurship. [29:20]* Finding a manufacturer in the candy industry. [31:04]* Turning to debt financing to launch the product. [35:38]* Building brand awareness in the early stage. [38:44]* The journey of going into retail. [40:17]* Scaling and manufacturing challenges. [45:46]* Deciding to sell and transitioning leadership. [55:31]* Operating in fight or flight mode isn't sustainable. [59:21]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Tara: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabosch* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartsweets* Website: https://smartsweets.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keren Eldad is an executive coach, speaker, author, and mentor to high achievers. She helps them break free from burnout, escape the perfectionism trap, and redefine success and true fulfillment on their own terms.Keren's journey began with her own wake-up call. Despite holding a prestigious C-suite role, being in a marriage that looked perfect on Instagram, and living what seemed like a dream life, she found herself deeply unfulfilled. Trapped in what she now calls a “gilded cage,” she realized that no amount of external success could fill an internal void. After years of personal transformation, she now helps others escape the relentless pursuit of more and build lives filled with purpose and joy. She's been named a Top 10 Executive Coach by the International Coaching Federation and is the author of her most recent book, Gilded: Breaking Free from the Cage of Ambition, Perfectionism, and the Relentless Pursuit of More.In this week's episode, we chat with Keren about the hidden struggles of high achievers, including perfectionism, self-judgment, and the pressure to always do more. Keren breaks down why overachievers often play not to lose instead of truly playing to win, how success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure, and why mistakes are never life sentences—they're just delays. She also shares why self-compassion is key to real growth, how recognizing burnout and unfulfillment can be the first step to real change, and how shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset can open the door to more happiness and success. We also get into how fear holds us back, why gratitude and self-acceptance are game changers in creating a life that actually feels good, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Keren about:* High achievers often struggle with perfectionism. [03:19]* Recognizing the red flags of unfulfillment. [04:44]* Playing to lose and not to win. [10:39]* Mistakes are not life sentences; they are opportunities for growth. [18:06]* Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure. [22:31]* How to have happiness and true success.[23:54]* Keren's life story: the journey of transformation often begins at rock bottom. [25:32]* Challenges are a gift for personal growth. [30:07]* The anger can be a driving force but must be managed for happiness. [31:52]* Shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset. [36:42]* Fulfillment is satisfaction for what is and eagerness for more. [43:43]* Importance of self-compassion and acceptance. [46:44]* Purpose is found in how we do things, not just what we do. [54:11]* Understanding your why. [57:53]* Healthy relationships stem from self-love and acceptance. [59:41]* Know and own who you really are. [01:01:57]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Keren: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkeren* Website: https://www.kereneldad.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time we dive into the world of histamines and how they can impact women's health. We'll be unraveling the mystery behind those weird, often undiagnosed symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, digestive issues, skin rashes, brain fog, joint pain, unexplained anxiety, and even heart palpitations. These symptoms often get brushed off or mistaken for something else, making it tricky to connect the dots with histamine intolerance or MCAS. So, let's dive in and start making sense of it all…In this episode you'll learn: * How to navigate life with a highly sensitive body* Why functional medicine isn't always the answer* How to detox without overwhelming your body* Supplements to take for histamine balance* The crucial role hormones play* And more…Michelle Shapiro is an integrative Registered Dietitian based in New Jersey, with over 8 years of experience and a proven track record of helping more than 1,000 clients, specializing in histamine issues, anxiety reversal, healing chronic gut problems, and promoting weight loss with a body-neutral perspective. In her virtual private practice, she works one-on-one with clients, using humor, compassion, and a nuanced approach to empower them with self-awareness and healing—even when functional medicine hasn't provided the solution.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Michelle: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleshapirord* Website: ttps://michelleshapirord.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dianna Cohen is the founder of Crown Affair, a luxury clean haircare brand that's changing the way we approach haircare by focusing on ritual, mindfulness, and self-care.Dianna's journey to creating Crown Affair started in 2018 with a simple Google Doc. What began as a way to help a few friends with their hair routines has evolved into a brand loved by many—and it all started with the power of consistency. Dianna's career trajectory is anything but ordinary and traditional. She worked behind the scenes with startups like Away, The Wing, and Outdoor Voices, and in 2020, just as the world went into lockdown, she launched her own brand. Her entrepreneurial path is one of resilience, creativity, and taking bold risks.In this week's episode, Dianna opens up about the challenges she faced, such as fundraising in an ever-changing landscape and building a business from the ground up during a global pandemic. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of being a first-time founder, navigating self-doubt, and the importance of self-love and compassion. She also dives into how the idea for Crown Affair started years before she took the leap and how she came up with the unique idea to really differentiate herself in a crowded beauty market. Dianna reflects on how she's balanced masculine and feminine energies in her leadership style, how remote work has shaped her role as a founder, and the importance of creating a supportive, creative company culture. We talk about the moment she knew it was time to take the leap and launch Crown Affair, the lessons learned from trusting the process, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Dianna about:* Consistency and giving yourself grace is the key to success. [02:47]* Embracing feminine energy for sustainable business approach. [04:20]* Learning from past work experiences is crucial for growth. [11:06]* Working for others provides valuable lessons before starting your own business. [15:27]* The inspiration behind Crown Affair. [20:53]* Fundraising requires finding partners who align with your vision. [26:52]* Launching Crown Affair right before the pandemic. [32:18]* Supportive company culture fosters employee satisfaction. [36:34]* The business strategy during the COVID pandemic. [40:58]* Gwyneth Paltrow investing in Crown Affair. [42:21]* Self-love can transform leadership dynamics. [47:06]* Building a supportive team for growth. [47:45]* Balancing masculine and feminine energies is key in leadership. [51:07]* Remote work culture enhances empathy and leadership skills. [55:60]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Dianna: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownaffair* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannacohen* Website: https://www.crownaffair.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aliett Buttelman is the co-founder of Fazit, a beauty brand revolutionizing skincare and makeup with effortless, innovative patches.Aliett's journey wasn't without its struggles. Before building Fazit, she faced rejection and setbacks that taught her invaluable lessons in resilience. From a career in modeling to consulting for beauty brands, she encountered her fair share of doubt. But in those moments of adversity, she found the strength to push forward. Alongside her co-founder, Nina, Aliett built Fazit from the ground up, creating products like acne patches and glitter freckles. Their breakthrough moment came when Taylor Swift was spotted wearing their Glitter Freckles—sending sales and web traffic skyrocketing by over 3,500% and generating seven figures in just 48 hours.In this week's episode, Aliett shares her entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on her path from fear and rejection to building Fazit. She discusses the lessons learned from her first skincare venture and the advantages of forging a non-traditional career path. Aliett opens up about the challenges of fundraising, the value of resourcefulness, and the sacrifices made to build a brand without a “formal” corporate background. She also highlights how manifestation and social media played a crucial role in scaling Fazit.Aliett dives into the emotional experience of seeing Taylor Swift wear their Glitter Freckles, breaking down the exact steps they took to get their product into her hands—and how that moment changed everything. She also discusses the importance of community engagement, product development, and staying true to your vision, even when the road ahead feels uncertain—and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Aliett about:* The benefits of not “picking a lane” in life. [03:15]* Fear can be a powerful motivator to create opportunities. [05:35]* Aliett's evolving relationship with fear and rejection. [07:15]* The creativity, resilience, and risks behind building a brand. [09:44]* The power of cold emailing for entrepreneurs. [13:40]* Sacrifices involved in self-funding a business. [17:49]* The inspiration behind Fazit's makeup patches. [20:29]* Overcoming fundraising challenges with persistence. [25:45]* Growing organically through social media. [30:13]* Fazit's glitter freckles: the top-selling product. [34:54]* Rebranding Fazit and preparing for Coachella. [37:12]* How Aliett got Fazit glitter freckles to Taylor Swift. [39:19]* Navigating rapid growth with strategic planning. [48:00]* Manifesting success through ambitious goal-setting. [51:44]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Aliett: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fazitbeauty* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliettbutts* Website: https://fazitbeauty.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The Class” is more than just a workout—it's a powerful journey that goes beyond breaking a sweat to help you release blocks, tap into your true potential, and connect with yourself and others. In this interview, creator Taryn Toomey reveals why her renowned transformative experience has become a favorite among fitness enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and celebrities alike.In this episode you'll learn: * What makes “The Class” different from other workouts* How meditation enhances intuition* The lasting effects of somatic therapy* Techniques for releasing energetic blocks from the body* The role of music in the healing process* And more…Taryn Toomey is the Founder of The Class, a fitness method and “practice of self study” that incorporates cardio, meditation, and therapeutic yelling (Jennifer Aniston, Christy Turlington, and Gisele Bündchen are fans). Taryn's approach combines elements of strength training, breathwork, and emotional expression to create a workout experience that not only reshapes the body but also frees the mind. With her extensive background in wellness, yoga, and emotional healing, Toomey is a true pioneer in the wellness space, empowering people to reconnect with their inner selves through movement.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Taryn: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taryntoomey* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theclass* Website: https://www.theclass.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keida Dervishi is the co-founder of Soulmate Customs, a personalized gift brand that turns cherished memories into custom embroidered and engraved gifts.Keida launched Soulmate Customs in 2021 after creating a personalized embroidered sweatshirt for her mother's birthday, inspiring a business focused on meaningful gifts. Before this, she explored various side hustles on Etsy and Depop, but none took off. Everything changed when she shifted her focus to custom embroidery and posted a TikTok video of her first order, which went viral with 3.7 million views and brought in over 1,400 orders in a month. In just 11 months, Soulmate Customs surpassed $1 million in sales. Today, the business is family-run and has reached over 1.3 billion people across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.In this week's episode, we talk to Keida about her unexpected journey from aspiring singer and actress to entrepreneur. She opens up about the struggles of her first Etsy business which took off but then closed down—an experience that taught her that having a great product isn't enough without strong marketing. But instead of giving up, Keida took those lessons and doubled down on learning, eventually launching Soulmate Customs. She gets real about the hustle—teaching herself embroidery through YouTube, staying scrappy with her resources, and leaning on her family to help grow the business. She also breaks down the power of social media, explaining how consistency in content creation—not perfection—was key to her viral success. We dive into the pressures of scaling, adapting to social media trends, and the mindset shifts needed to push through challenges, and so much more. In this episode, we'll talk to Keida about:* From singing and acting to entrepreneurship during COVID. [04:20]* Choosing passion over college. [10:00]* Starting her first Etsy shop. [11:56]* Overcoming Etsy shop closure due to copyright issues. [13:57]* Finding her next steps after the setback. [16:17]* Soulmate Customs began as a gift for her mom. [18:40]* The importance of scrappiness in business. [21:31]* Consistency matters more than perfection in content creation. [23:52]* Her mom's influence on doubling down on social media. [24:23]* First order and marketing success. [28:12]* Consistency and authenticity are the key in content creation. [34:28]* Emotional selling connects with customers. [35:21]* Purpose fuels passion and commitment. [46:24]* The biggest challenges for Soulmate Customs. [54:54]* Keida's struggle with hiring. [55:54]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Keida: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulmatecustomss* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keida02* Website: https://soulmatecustoms.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Jamie O'Banion, the founder and CEO of BeautyBio, a clean skincare and tool brand that leads with transparency and efficacy.Jamie's passion for science came at a young age as she watched her father, a cosmetic chemist, in his lab developing products and eventually joined him after college. Ten years later, having witnessed brands using minimal concentrations of active ingredients to cut costs and make false clinical claims, Jamie knew she had to address this issue in the industry. That's when the idea for BeautyBio was born. The aim was to provide clients with what they were paying for and help them understand the ingredients behind the products.She debuted on HSN that same year and sold out on the first day. Five years later, she launched one of the brand's flagship products, GloPRO, an at-home micro-needling device that generated $4 million in sales within its first 24 hours and has since surpassed the $100 million mark. Fast forward to 2023, BeautyBio is available in over 1,700 stores, including Ulta, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and more.In this episode, we'll talk to Jamie about:* The concept of “breadcrumbs” in life and how everything happens for a reason. [03:13]*Growing up with a family of six has influenced the woman Jamie is today. [06:39]*Managing the challenges of motherhood. [15:06]*Jamie's upbringing and what sparked her interest in science. [22:03]*The importance of team and how they've been integral in her journey. [26:42]*Dealing with challenging experiences as an entrepreneur. [29:28]*Co-founding Organicare with her physician father in 2008. [33:09]*Adapting to consumer demand without compromising business ethos. [37:38]*Pivoting from selling ingredients to launching BeautyBio. [43:14]*Future plans for BeautyBio post-acquisition. [49:09]In this week's episode, Jamie guides us through the various "breadcrumbs" of life and how every individual experience she had before launching her business led her to exactly where she is today. We dive into her upbringing as one of six children, how she stumbled into entrepreneurship, why her initial business idea failed, and how she quickly pivoted to what eventually became BeautyBio. We talk about all the challenging experiences in her over ten year journey running the business, how they ended up selling the business last year, and so much more. This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Jamie:* Website: https://beautybio.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybio* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieobanion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Say goodbye to painful periods and hello to healthier hormones! I'm so excited to share this week's episode with you. My dear friend Kat Schneider, founder of Ritual, just launched a brand-new podcast with Dear Media called For The Real Body Builders, and I had the honor of being a guest on their very first episode alongside hormone expert Alisa Vitti. We discuss everything from seed cycling to the stigma surrounding periods, sharing practical tips that could transform your relationship with your body.Don't miss out on insights that could save you years of pain and discomfort. Trust us, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Hit play, get inspired, and be sure to subscribe to For The Real Bodybuilders for more health-forward discussions like this!In this episode you'll learn: * Life-changing hacks for better periods* What causes period pain* How seed cycling can support you* The truth about alcohol and caffeine* And more…This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Alisa:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisa.vitti* Website: https://floliving.com/Follow Ritual:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritual* Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ritualvitamins * Episode link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/periods-dont-have-to-suck/id1785058196?i=1000683057228 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosa Li is the founder and CEO of wildwonder, a beverage brand revolutionizing gut health with the world's first prebiotic and probiotic sparkling drink. Growing up in Beijing, Rosa spent countless hours with her grandmother, learning about the healing power of traditional herbs and remedies. These early lessons in food as medicine planted the seeds for Rosa's passion for wellness. However, it wasn't until years later, while building a successful career in finance, that she realized the importance of prioritizing her own well-being. The high-pressure environment took a toll on her health, and she struggled with gut issues and fatigue. Determined to make a change, Rosa returned to her roots and began experimenting with herbal remedies in her kitchen and that's when the first version wildwonder was born. In this episode, Rosa shares her inspiring journey—from growing up in Beijing with her grandmother to navigating cultural shocks after moving to Indiana at 12, which shaped her belief in representation in business. She recounts her career transitions, from finance and startups to launching Rosali Tea, which she later pivoted to wildwonder. Rosa opens up about feeling lost in her career, creating her first product in her kitchen, and how COVID forced her to rethink her business after losing all purchase orders—a challenge she calls a blessing in disguise. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her Shark Tank experience, why she initially turned them down, and how it impacted her brand's success, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Rosa about:* How perfectionism delays product launches. [03:07]* Rosa's upbringing in Beijing and her grandmother's influence. [05:24]* How her culture impacted her personal identity. [08:00]* Rosa's career in finance and business school journey. [12:53]* Career transitions can be challenging but rewarding. [18:15]* Rosa's struggles after business school and feeling “lost”. [20:26]* Launching Rosali Tea and going full-time. [22:15]* From Rosali Tea to founding wildwonder. [25:42]* Rosa's first purchase order story and the challenges she faced. [31:43]* Persistence is key in overcoming rejection. [36:15]* How COVID-19 reshaped business strategies. [40:48]* Adapting to market changes is essential for survival. [45:00]* Rosa's Shark Tank experience. [46:12]* The influence of packaging on consumer preferences. [47:39]* How she sold out on Amazon. [49:45]* Understanding your finances is key to building a sustainable, successful business. [52:52]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Rosa: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkwildwonder* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosalisays* Website: https://drinkwildwonder.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Modi is the co-founder and CEO of Bobbie, the first woman-owned organic infant formula brand in the U.S.Before starting Bobbie, Laura spent over a decade at Google and Airbnb, earning a reputation for taking risks and thinking big. Growing up in Ireland, entrepreneurship surrounded her, but becoming a mom sparked her passion. Struggling to find a formula she trusted for her daughter, Laura saw a gap in the U.S. market. While pregnant with her second child, she left her tech career to launch Bobbie, the first FDA-approved organic, European-style infant formula in the U.S. Since its January 2021 launch, Bobbie has nourished over 4.5% of U.S. babies and is set to serve even more in the years ahead.In this episode, Laura shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Dublin to working at Google, joining Airbnb in its early days, and eventually moving to the U.S. She discusses lessons learned from working with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, finding the courage to bet on herself, and how motherhood inspired her to create Bobbie. Laura also addresses the stigma around formula feeding in the U.S. and the emotional challenges many mothers face when feeding doesn't go as planned.We discuss the challenges of launching a product in a highly regulated industry, including navigating FDA roadblocks, rebounding after their pilot launch was shut down, and fundraising while visibly pregnant. She shares the value of vulnerability in leadership, the discipline required to succeed as an entrepreneur, and the importance of continuous learning as a CEO. Laura also discusses the misconceptions about entrepreneurship, the need for innovation in stagnant industries, the power of community and support systems in navigating the ups and downs of business, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to about:* Entrepreneurial upbringing shaped Laura's mindset. [03:31]* Transitioning from Google to Airbnb. [08:22]* Success requires betting on yourself. [11:29]* Motherhood reshapes identity for career women. [18:15]* Feeding challenges can be emotionally taxing for new mothers. [22:54]* Formula feeding stigma in the U.S. [27:26]* Bobbie's early beginnings. [29:22]* The inspiration behind Bobbie. [31:39]* Pilot phase revealed market insights. [35:02]* Resilience drives success amid challenges. [39:54]* Fundraising while pregnant. [42:42]* Education is vital for marketing Bobbie. [45:56]* The importance of community and support systems. [49:14]* Designing the world you want. [53:45]* Misconceptions about entrepreneurship. [55:04]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Laura: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraclairemodi* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbie* Website: https://www.hibobbie.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we sat down with a fellow mom, comedian, influencer, and OG beeya fan turned dear friend, Jyoti Chand, who opens up about how drinking to fit in during her younger years turned into a full-blown habit. After trying Dry January a few years ago, she realized she was more dependent on alcohol than she'd thought and decided to stay sober for good. Now, she fills her time with self-care, building her online community, exploring new hobbies and showing up as the best mom she can be. She shares the highs and lows of her sobriety journey, offering real talk on breaking old habits and finding fulfillment without the booze.In this episode you'll learn: * Real talk about quitting alcohol for good* How to navigate the social pressures of drinking* The truth about how alcohol is normalized* How to have more energy and focus by abstaining* And more…Jyoti Chand, known as @mamajotes across social platforms, is a dynamic writer, comedian, and passionate advocate for self-care and maternal mental health. With a foundation in stand-up comedy and improv, Jyoti captivates audiences through her highly engaging content across her social and digital platforms, offering an unfiltered look into the realities of motherhood. Her work inspires others to embrace joy and authenticity in their own lives. Represented by Haley Henning at YMU Social, Jyoti holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University and is currently working on her second book, among other creative projects. This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Jyoti: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamajotes* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mamajotes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're doing something a little different! I've invited my co-founder at Beeya and sister-in-law, Kaya Purohit, to join me as we dive into our content strategy and discuss how we've leveraged the power of social media and email marketing to supercharge our growth at Beeya.Not only will we be talking about our big-picture strategy, but we're also going to cover:* What most founders get wrong about their content strategy and social media* Why it's so important to leverage social media, especially if you are self-funded* How to break free from the feeling of perfectionism, which holds so many founders back in their content strategyI also have my incredible husband, Dhru Purohit, back on the podcast, and he'll be acting as our host.I'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode and get your feedback! DM me on Instagram @yasminknouri or email me at yasmin@behindherempire.com—I'm always looking for ways to add value and help inspire you.In this episode, we'll talk to about:* Content is a huge pillar of beeya's strategy. [01:13]* Co-founders as the face of brand. [05:50]* Turning long-form content into bite-sized pieces. [09:36]* Leveraging social media to educate and connect with women. [12:35]* Don't let perfectionism hold you back. [16:13]* Authenticity is key in content creation. [18:44]* Don't major in the minors. [20:25]* Streamlining back-end operations for content. [22:56]* Trust your passion and brand. [26:30]* Building and maintaining a content calendar. [28:19]* Content is a central theme in team meetings. [30:27]* Reflecting on past content helps improve future strategies. [33:19]* It's essential to pivot and be quick to change. [34:22]* Being a consumer of content is crucial for creators. [36:20]* Founders' energy influences team and community. [39:31]* Experimentation is key to discovering what works. [49:19]* Perfectionism can hinder progress and creativity. [51:10]* Don't overthink and just start. [54:20]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Kaya: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayapurohitFollow Beeya:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beeyawellness* Website: https://beeyawellness.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hilary Hoffman is the founder of SotoMethod, a fitness program that combines cardio and sculpting movements designed to maximize burn and efficiently deliver a full-body workout. Hilary started out her career in wall street and built a successful career for herself in finance. However, the long hours spent at her desk made her realize that she didn't feel good her body and the importance of prioritizing her health. This was a huge turning point for Hilary because she realized she needed to fuel and energize her body properly and in a way that fit with her schedule. In 2021, Hilary turned this vision into reality with the launch of SotoMethod. What started out as a grassroots, “word-of-mouth” business with classes hosted in Hilary's backyard in LA under an Avocado tree, has now catapulted into one of today's most successful fitness brands. In this week's episode, we talk to Hilary about overcoming fear in entrepreneurship and the practical steps she took to face it early on. She shares insights into her upbringing, her time at Goldman Sachs, and the pivotal move to Los Angeles that shifted her career path. Hilary dives into the creation of the SotoMethod, which began as a personal project and side hustle during COVID, the exact steps she took to get her idea off the ground, quit her job, and eventually run her now full-fledged fitness brand with digital and in-person platforms. She emphasizes the importance of being scrappy in the early days, not overthinking every little detail, and how early feedback was pivotal in refining her method before she went all in. Hilary reflects on the value of embracing fear as a tool for growth and courage, and her guiding principle to "control your controllables," emphasizing how prioritizing health provided stability through the ups and downs of her life—and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Hilary about:* Acknowledge fears to better understand them. [02:47]* Lessons learned from Hilary's finance career. [03:16]* Feedback vs. advice. [05:42]* Transitioning from stable jobs to entrepreneurship. [12:21]* The value of honest feedback. [19:37]* Starting small and scrappy can lead to big growth. [23:05]* From Zoom classes to recorded sessions. [26:05]* Building the SotoMethod app. [28:50]* Turning a side hustle into a full-time career. [32:04]* Community engagement drives brand loyalty. [34:16]* Reflecting on a year with zero signups. [40:40]* Delivering value is key for subscription services. [45:11]* Controlling your controllables. [47:41]* Taking action over waiting for perfection. [52:52]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri* Website: https://www.behindherempire.comFollow Hilary: * Website: https://www.sotomethod.com* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoffhil* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotomethod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest is Gwyneth Paltrow-approved! Drawing from her own healing journey, Dr. Taz offers a truly integrative perspective to help women heal their hormones and thrive through all stages of life. Her book, The Hormone Shift, is described by Gwyneth Paltrow as a "manual to help us understand how we can best care for, nourish, and show grace to ourselves”. Whether you're dealing with perimenopause, PCOS, hair loss, or just wanting to feel more in sync with your body, this conversation is for you.In this episode you'll learn: * How to support progesterone naturally* Where to start if you have hair loss* How emotions impact hormones* The best of eastern and western modalities* And more…Dr Taz turned to holistic practices such as nutrition, homeopathy, Eastern medicine (including Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and Ayurveda), and Integrative Medicine, which ultimately helped her heal herself. Inspired by these healing modalities, she founded CentreSpring MD in Atlanta in 2009, which grew into a multi-location practice with a global telehealth platform.Dr. Taz has become a leading advocate for holistic health, appearing on major media outlets like The Today Show, Fox 5, The Dr. Oz Show, and CNN. Through her online platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts, she has built a community of over 1 million people, promoting a comprehensive approach to health that includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.An author and TEDx speaker, Dr. Taz's best-selling books include The 21 Day Belly Fix, SuperWoman RX, and The Hormone Shift, which have been internationally recognized. She is a sought-after speaker on women's health, metabolic health, aging, and longevity.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Taz: * Website: https://centrespringmd.com/contact/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Lele Sadoughi, the founder of her namesake accessories brand, Lele Sadoughi.Lele had over a decade of experience in the fashion industry before beginning her entrepreneurial journey, allowing her to give us meaningful insight into how she has built her own successful brand. Breaking into the industry with few connections (well before the world of emailing CVs), Lele has had endless opportunities to discover her strengths and weaknesses, and build her skills in operations and sales: the revenue drivers in any business.Lele explains where her confidence comes from, how she has found the inspiration to jump into new opportunities, and the impact of having faith in herself and her abilities. Looking at typical entrepreneurial traits, we see how Lele's non-perfectionist personality has allowed her to be nothing other than successful.Lele shares personal stories of her marriage, motherhood, and juggling it all while building a brand she was passionate about. You'll hear about the changes in challenges throughout the last 10 years, the worth-it successes, and the different methods Lele uses to stay organized. Lele describes the sacrifices and triumphs, discusses managing realistic expectations, and tells stories of all her experiences in between!In this episode, we'll talk to Lele about:* Why there's never a perfect time to pursue your dreams. [02:36]* Starting a business while raising two kids. [04:06]* The early days of Lele's jewelry brand. [05:06]* Balancing roles as entrepreneur, manager, and designer. [05:56]* Lele's creative upbringing and love for art. [07:24]* Breaking into fashion after college. [09:55]* Transitioning from fashion to jewelry. [12:41]* Overcoming insecurities early in her career. [14:58]* How to continually and successfully foster your creativity. [17:50]* Lessons from working at J.Crew. [19:45]* Deciding to launch her jewelry brand. [22:06]* Advice for balancing business and personal life. [23:26]* Embracing imperfection in her journey. [25:35]* Headbands and pivotal growth moments. [27:48]* Key factors behind her brand's success [28:58]* How to think about future innovation and growth. [30:46]* Finding inspiration and her creative zone. [31:42]* Thoughts on funding, wholesale, and scaling. [32:36]* Hiring the right team for a new business. [35:23]* Three skills she wishes she'd learned earlier. [37:14]* Top lessons for entrepreneurs. [38:38]* Lele's closing thoughts and advice. [40:57]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Lele: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lele_sadoughi/* Website: https://www.lelesadoughi.com/es/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Annie Lawless, a serial entrepreneur known for co-founding Suja Juice and, more recently, Lawless Beauty, a clean beauty brand. Throughout her ventures, Annie has consistently prioritized natural, clean ingredients stemming from her personal experience with autoimmune diseases. Driven by her passion for nutrition and overall health, Annie co-founded Suja Juice, which grew into one of the largest organic cold-pressed juice companies. Eventually, they sold a minority stake to Coca-Cola and, in 2021, the company was acquired by a private equity firm.After leaving Suja Juice, Annie's health conditions led her to search for clean beauty products only to find that what was available simply did not provide the full-pigmentation, long-lasting performance she was looking for. Inspired by this gap in the market and the community feedback on her beauty blog BLAWNDE, Annie created Lawless Beauty—a makeup brand that is both high-performing and cruelty-free.In the episode, Annie discusses pivotal moments in her journey, leaving law school, teaching yoga, and starting her first business. She shares insights into Suja Juice's growth and emphasizes the importance of following passions aligned with purpose. Annie reminds us to focus on joy, nurture our passions, and stay true to our unique paths.In this episode, we'll talk to Annie about:* Self-understanding, philosophy, and finding purpose. [06:12]* Overcoming anxiety, leaving law school. [15:28]* From yoga teaching to first business venture. [17:39]* Suja Juice: Fun passion project turned business. [23:13]* Pivotal moments for Suja Juice's success. [27:13]* Key learnings from building Suja Juice. [31:10]* Life after leaving the first business. [37:31]* Lawless Beauty: Passion project turned success. [41:28]* Embracing the unknown and creating a better life. [58:51]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10.Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Annie: * Website: https://lawlessbeauty.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawless/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annielawless/This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Dr. Mindy Pelz, a leading holistic health expert dedicated to revolutionizing women's health.Hormone imbalances are a growing epidemic amongst women of ALL ages—and there's a huge lack of education around how our bodies function optimally, a gap that Dr. Mindy Pelz seeks to fill. In this eye-opening discussion, we explore the various factors that contribute to women's suffering, from environmental toxins to our modern culture, and how we can actually partner with our biology through practices such as time-restricted eating so we can feel our best.In this episode you'll learn: * The healing power of time restricted eating* When to fast by understanding estrogen and progesterone* How women can thrive during perimenopause* The root causes of PCOS, amenorrhea and infertility* And more…Dr. Mindy Pelz is a world-renowned women's health expert on a mission to empower women to Believe in their Bodies! Her high-profile clients include entertainer LeAnn Rimes, former race car driver Danica Patrick and popular influencer Jesse Itzler. She is a bestselling author of Fast Like a Girl (top-selling release of 2023 from Hay House Publishing) and The Menopause Reset. Her podcast, “The Resetter Podcast,” is ranked within Apple's top 20 category of leading U.S. science podcasts, and routinely features top guests including LeAnn Rimes, Danica Patrick, Lisa Bilyeu, Miesha Tate, Cynthia Thurlow, Sheri Salata, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, Max Lugavere, and many others. Her Youtube channel has garnered over 60 million lifetime views. She holds a BS degree from the University of Kansas and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Mindy: * Website: https://drmindypelz.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison Ellsworth is the co-founder of Poppi, a better for you soda brand that is revolutionizing the next generation. Allison always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur, but her journey began in the oil and gas industry, where she spent years on the road building a successful career. During this time, she struggled with bloating and other gut health issues, inspiring her to take charge of her wellness. She adopted a clean diet, started working out, and discovered apple cider vinegar's benefits. However, she wasn't a fan of its taste and sought a way to make it more enjoyable.Allison created an apple cider vinegar-based soda, "Mother Beverage" in her kitchen and quit her day job—nearly going broke while selling it at farmers' markets. After an appearance on Shark Tank while nine months pregnant and a complete product rebrand, the prebiotic soda became "Poppi," the viral, #1 selling soda on Amazon with over 2 billion TikTok views and the most-watched Super Bowl ad this year.In this week's episode, Allison shares her journey of leaving a stable career to start her own business—without any prior experience. She reveals how she landed Whole Foods distribution with no connections and took a chance on Shark Tank to secure funding. Allison breaks down why they decided to rebrand Poppi, how they executed a successful relaunch during the pandemic, the social media strategies that helped them grow awareness and build a loyal community, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Sasha about:* Saying "yes" and figuring things out can lead to success. [03:02]* Allison's career journey and how it shaped her. [04:22]* Passion is key to entrepreneurial success. [07:02]* How Allison's health journey inspired her to create Poppi. [08:51]* Self-funding, entering Whole Foods, and joining Shark Tank. [13:46]* Pivoting to work on Poppi full-time. [14:51]* Preparing for Shark Tank while pregnant. [18:19]* Poppi's rebranding as a strategy for growth. [22:37]* Persistence and adaptability in entrepreneurship. [24:55]* Taste is crucial in the beverage industry. [27:25]* Having over 2 billion TikTok views. [30:06]* Allison's first viral TikTok video. [32:01]* Approachable content creation process. [35:56]* Prioritize mental health and learn to say "no." [41:54]* Allison's experience bringing in a CEO. [44:17]* Rapid business growth requires personal growth and adaptability. [47:22]* Managing burnout by prioritizing self-care. [49:58]* Future plans for Poppi. [52:11]* Let go of “should haves” and focus on your priorities. [53:27]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Allison:* Website: https://drinkpoppi.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkpoppi/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonellsworth/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Sasha Plavsic, the founder of ILIA Beauty, a natural skin-centric makeup and skincare brand that paved the way for the “clean-beauty” space as we know it today. Throughout her life, Sasha noticed that some of her beauty products irritated her skin. Her mother, who was also dealing with her own health challenges, encouraged Sasha to look into the ingredients behind her favorite makeup, leading her to notice a real gap in the industry for efficacious makeup that supports healthy skin. This motivated Sasha to build from the ground up out of her parent's garage and bootstrapping the venture herself. ILIA has now expanded to many different product lines & has award-winning skincare products, mascara, lipsticks, and more. The company has seen incredible growth and last year, was sold to the private investment fund of the Courtin-Clarins family.In our episode, Sasha shares how she went from dreaming of becoming an architect to diving into graphic design, even dropping out of college, crossing borders, and finally discovering her true path. She candidly shares her 'aha' moment in her 30s – the catalyst that pushed her to leave behind her old life, get out of a long-term relationship, travel, and create the space for freedom that she always wanted. Sasha shares how she got ILIA off the ground with no background in makeup and the importance of sharing ideas to bring them to life. She also talks about how she started the business with very little money, the exact steps she took to take ILIA to the next level and the importance of listening to her gut and not growing too fast.In this episode, we'll talk to Sasha about:* Sasha's dream of becoming an architect and college decisions. [09:36]* Parents' reaction to Sasha's education and exploration. [17:11]* Ending a relationship, leaving town, and traveling the world. [23:38]* Honoring life's biggest value, freedom.[26:26]* Supporting her mother's health, and starting ILIA. [31:04]* Sasha's side hustles and entrepreneurial ideas. [33:12]* Working at Saje, self-funding, and dad's support/advice.[40:388]* How Sasha launched the first product with very little money. [43:45]* Managing and overcoming big transitions in her life: Getting married, getting pregnant, and losing her dad to cancer. [47:37]* Turning down Sephora and potential business partnership. [54:447]* Being present with her kids, valuing her own time, and setting boundaries in life. [01:01:27]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Sasha:* Website: https://iliabeauty.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashaplavsic/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that ONLY 12% of Americans are considered metabolically healthy?! That's 1 in 8 people! Blood sugar has implications for our energy, focus, weight, mental health—and yes, hormone balance. So basically, blood sugar is relevant to all of us. We sat down with one of the foremost experts on this very topic to ask questions submitted by you, our beeya community.In this episode you'll learn: * The top 5 foods to eat for metabolic health* How blood sugar shifts during women's cycles* The best way to optimize blood sugar throughout your cycle* What waking up at night could mean about your health* Blood sugar hacks you need to know for everyday life* And more…Dr. Casey Means is a Stanford-trained physician, co-founder of the metabolic health company Levels, and author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book, Good Energy. Her mission is to empower people to feel limitless, healthy, and positive during our precious lives so we can reach our highest purpose. She is passionate about sharing practical tools that support optimal cellular biology. This not only means making healthy choices for ourselves, but also living in harmony with nature, overcoming fear, setting boundaries, and feeling strong. Her perspective has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The New Yorker, Men's Health, Women's Health, and more.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Casey:* Website: https://www.levels.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcaseyskitchen/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Aylen is the founder and CEO of Never Fully Dressed, a brand rooted in creating quality, inclusive fashion featuring multi-wear designs that can be styled for any occasion.Lucy grew up in London, surrounded by the hustle and creativity of outdoor markets, thanks to her entrepreneurial parents. This vibrant environment sparked her early passion for creativity and fashion. Though she didn't initially plan to start a business, Lucy began designing and customizing clothing to sell at iconic local markets like Spitalfields and Portobello, where her unique pieces quickly gained a loyal following. What started as a side project soon blossomed into a global fashion empire. In 2013, Lucy expanded into e-commerce, followed by Never Fully Dressed's first Essex store in 2014. As demand grew internationally, the brand launched its U.S. flagship store in New York City, and in June 2024, added an LA storefront on Melrose Avenue. The brand has also partnered with major retailers like Anthropologie and Revolve, and its designs have been spotted on celebrities, including Beyoncé.In this conversation, Lucy shares her journey from aspiring actress to successful entrepreneur, emphasizing how dreaming big and resilience shaped her path. She credits her upbringing for building her confidence and guiding her decision to stay self-funded, ensuring control and flexibility in growing her brand. Lucy highlights the importance of authenticity in her social media presence and customer relationships, fostering community and loyalty. She also shares lessons from 15 years in the fashion industry, including understanding your customers, building a supportive team culture, staying true to your values as a leader, and much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Lucy about:* Dream bigger and don't limit your aspirations. [03:13]* Family support provides a foundation for growth. [06:37]* Resilience is key in navigating business challenges. [12:24]* Inspiration behind Never Fully Dressed. [15:54]* Uncertainty gives a sense of responsibility. [17:59]* Self-funding allows for greater control. [21:31]* Sustainable growth is more rewarding than quick success. [27:25]* Understanding your customer. [30:01]* Content efforts during the COVID pandemic. [32:29]* Motherhood can shift perspectives on business. [35:00]* Expanding to the US organically. [39:29]* Trust and clarity are essential in leadership roles. [49:05]* Authenticity in social media. [52:09]* Future plans for Never Fully Dressed. [53:35]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Lucy:* Website: https://www.neverfullydressed.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverfullydressed/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyaylen7/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle Cordeiro Grant is the founder and CEO of Gorgie, a better-for-you, clean energy drink created by women, for everyone.Michelle is an incredible entrepreneur who sold her first business, Lively, for over $100 million in just three years. Inspired to launch a new venture, she identified a gap in the market for accessible, health-focused energy drinks, leading to the creation of Gorgie. Combining wellness with strategies from the beauty and fashion industries, Michelle crowd-sourced ideas through social media to develop a vibrant, community-driven brand. Today, Gorgie's bold cans represent energy and fun, embraced by a diverse community—from fashion lovers to fitness enthusiasts and professionals across industries—proving that wellness can be stylish, inclusive, and accessible for all.In this week's episode, we sit down with Michelle to discuss her journey from leaving a corporate career to launching her first business, inspired by the birth of her daughter. She shares what motivated her entrepreneurial leap, the value of "living in beta," and embracing imperfection. Michelle opens up about the process of selling Lively and how community feedback shaped her latest venture, Gorgie. She also provides practical strategies for turning ideas into products. We delve into the challenges of product development, navigating both direct-to-consumer and retail landscapes, and the building a growth-oriented team. She shares the power of cultivating an abundance mindset, her hacks for staying focused and optimistic, the role of mentorship, and so much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Michelle about:* Living in beta allows for growth and exploration. [03:30]* Michelle's mindset for life and business. [05:48]* Letting go of perfection can lead to unexpected success. [07:18]* The power of mindset shifts throughout the day. [10:36]* Selling her first business, Lively, and resetting her life goals. [13:05]* The origin story of Gorgie. [16:49]* From idea to product: Engaging communities through surveys. [19:13]* Getting into Whole Foods. [20:54]* Key components of a strong brand. [22:45]* “Proximity is power.” Lessons from Tony Robbins. [28:09]* Product launches and iterative growth. [29:53]* Navigating DTC and retail sales channels. [37:00]* Challenges of hypergrowth. [40:14]* Problem seekers vs. problem solvers. [45:12]* How Michelle keeps an abundant mindset. [46:55]* Prioritizing family and meaningful relationships. [52:55]* Being comfortable with imperfection. [56:27]* Future plans for Gorgie. [57:53]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Michelle:* Website: https://getgorgie.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getgorgie/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_michellegrant/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Alisa Vitti, a pioneer of female biohacking, and a women's hormone and functional nutrition expert.Have you heard of the cycle syncing craze? This method uses our menstrual cycle to help us plan our diet, exercise routine, social calendar, and more. This means our cycles can actually be our super power! Women's hormones are dynamic and constantly changing throughout the month. How we feel and show up in our bodies and the world shifts with the fluctuations of our hormones. Our guest, Alisa Vitti has come up with a way to use these ebbs and flows to our advantage. In this episode you'll learn:* Why cycle syncing matters and how to start today * Why women need to prioritize self care and what that looks like* The impact of male-centric research on women's bodies * How to live with reverence for our miraculous bodies * And more…As a researcher and author, Vitti has published 2 best-selling and beloved books WomanCode and In the FLO. She uncovered the Infradian Rhythm and created The Cycle Syncing Method which has become a viral wellness movement on social with #cyclesyncing used over 125M times. As one of the earliest femmetech entrepreneurs, she has built the next gen hormone care platform for women through her company FLO Living via its programs, supplements and top ranked hormone care app, MyFLO, with its patented technology to help you get to the root causes of your symptoms.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Alisa:* Website: https://www.floliving.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floliving/* Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alisa.vitti/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Jeanine Lobell, founder of Stila Cosmetics & Neen.After dropping out of high school and trying to forge her own path in the world, serial entrepreneur and world-renowned celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell fell in love with cosmetics. Thanks to her try-anything attitude and strong work ethic, she quickly moved up the ranks to work on famous faces like Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman for the covers of Vogue and Vanity Fair.When Jeanine founded Stila in 1994, with its professional-grade colors and ultra-wearable formulas in recyclable packaging, it took the makeup world by storm and earned a cult following almost overnight. She saw unprecedented growth in the first five years and had numerous investors scrambling to buy the company, which she ultimately sold to Estee Lauder in 1999.Now, she is disrupting the beauty industry all over again with her direct-to-consumer brand, Neen, the first-ever subscription-based card that offers new ways to play with makeup and experience tutorials. In this episode, Jeanine speaks to us about how she discovered her purpose as a high-school dropout and someone who was regularly fired from jobs early in her career.We discuss how Jeanine finally realized her worth, what her superpowers were as a first-time founder when she launched Stila, and the advice she has for women who are looking to make a similar leap in their careers. We also take a look at the importance of having an abundance mindset, owning who you authentically are, finding your own voice, and so much more! In this episode, we'll talk to Jeanine about:* Breaking free from the “prisons” of others' opinions. [03:24]* Why Jeanine went to mime school in Paris. [07:47]* Lessons in entrepreneurship from a hot dog stand. [11:39]* Why none of the stops on your journey are a mistake. [13:20]* Rising through the beauty industry ranks. [15:31]* Self-compassion as a first-time founder. [17:14]* The origin story of Stila. [22:12]* Thoughts on competition, comparison, and abundance. [27:01]* Being a first-time mom and a first-time founder. [30:02]* Why we're all works in progress. [39:37]* Selling her first company to Estee Lauder. [41:02]* Overcoming hardship as a serial entrepreneur. [44:19]* Neen's subscription cards. [48:06]* Success expectations versus reality. [50:06]* Common mistakes first-time founders make. [52:41]* Balancing accountability with self-kindness. [57:52]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Jeanine:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeaninelobell/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareneen/ * Website: https://weareneen.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with April Gargiulo, the Founder and CEO of Vintner's Daughter, a cult favorite nutrient-powered skincare brand. Vintner's Daughter was founded on the principles of unparalleled quality and efficacy, inspired by April's background in the world of fine winemaking and its uncompromising standards.Admittedly, she knew very little about the skincare industry when she first founded the brand in 2013, but one thing she knew well was how to extract the finest ingredients from plants. After suffering from cystic acne and hyperpigmentation her whole life, April discovered the products she was using were actually made from cheap synthetics, and it was then that she decided to create her own all-natural, multi-beneficial skincare. She launched the Vitner's Daughter brand with just one product: the Active Botanical Serum, which famously attracted the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts, Hailey Bieber, and others who swear by its skin-clearing benefits.In our conversation, April offers some insight into the process of starting her business from her living room with absolutely no knowledge of the beauty industry and she explains how throwing out the rulebook allowed her to stand out in a highly saturated market. We also discuss how she grew into a multimillion-dollar business with only one product and zero investors, the power of meditation and staying true to yourself, and so much more! In this episode, we'll talk to April about:* Why April calls herself risk-averse and how she overcame it. [03:18]* How two entrepreneurial parents shaped April. [04:50]* Life before Vintner's Daughter: from design to winemaking. [05:56]* The story of the sabbatical April took, the apothecary she visited, and how it inspired her first product, the Active Botanical Serum. [12:37]* Other ideas April explored before launching Vintner's Daughter. [15:23]* The early days of product development and launch. [16:58]* Moments of doubt and the motivation to keep going. [19:58]* Growing brand awareness with minimal marketing funds. [23:33]* Scaling, running a business from her living room, working mom hours, and more! [25:20]* Committing to a single SKU over trends. [27:13]* Staying vision-aligned and impact-focused. [29:54]* Her approach to funding and building without investors. [32:02]* The value of a supportive advisory community. [35:50]* The transformative power of meditation and authenticity. [37:18]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow April:* Website: https://vintnersdaughter.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintnersdaughter/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, the founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine.Not prioritizing your muscle can have disastrous consequences such as excessive weight gain, insulin resistance, and much more. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is our guest, and she's talking all about muscle and protein. In this episode you'll learn:* Why strength training is important for women* How much protein we need to build and maintain muscle* Why being overweight might be a muscle issue, not a fat issue* And more...Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a Washington University fellowship-trained physician in Nutritional Science and Geriatrics and is board certified in Family Medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition, Vitamin, and Mineral Metabolism at the University of Illinois. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is the founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine® and has a private practice that services the leaders, innovators, mavericks, Special Operations military, and executives in their respective fields.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Gabrielle:* Website: https://drgabriellelyon.com/* Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kat Cole is the CEO of AG1 (formerly known as Athletic Greens), the global health company that pioneered Foundational Nutrition support with a comprehensive and convenient daily supplement.Kat has built an incredible career grounded in resilience, grit, and a passion for leadership. Growing up, Kat witnessed her mother's strength firsthand when, at just nine years old, her mom left her alcoholic dad and became a single parent to Kat and her two sisters. From an early age, Kat learned the value of hard work and determination. As the first in her family to go to college, she supported herself financially by working at Hooters, and ultimately left school to take on a corporate roles with the company. By the age of 26, she was Vice President, leading global growth through franchising, training, and operations and helped lead Hooters' sale to a private equity firm in 2010. Kat went on to spend over a decade as President and COO at Focus Brands, where she led a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of global restaurant brands with brands like Cinnabon, McAlister's, and Jamba under her leadership.In this conversation, Kat dives into her journey from childhood to becoming a powerhouse in business, highlighting how curiosity, a strong work ethic, and embracing change have fueled her growth from the very start. She shares her biggest lessons from running multiple brands at scale, how she gets involved to be the most effective leader, and why she prioritizes quality and constant improvement to keep brands fresh and relevant. We also discuss her experience taking a year off, her insights as an angel investor, what she looks for when investing in brands, and how she got involved with AG1. Kat also talks about the importance of listening to intuition and trusting your gut with every decision, as well as her grounding routines that keep her balanced and focused, and so much more. In this episode, we'll talk to Kat about:* Why we shouldn't let our past solely define us. [03:34]* Kat's childhood and upbringing. [05:37]* Kat's career journey, leading her to AG1. [07:58]* Kat's drive to achieve success. [10:54]* The importance of not knowing the truth. [16:25]* How Kat cultivates comfort in new situations. [20:01]* Leadership and creating a safe environment. [24:25]* Taking a year gap to reevaluate her career path. [31:36]* Leaving Focus Brands and transitioning to AG1. [35:20]* AG1's commitment to product quality. [38:33]* AG1's product iteration and innovation. [41:41]* The necessity of evolution in business. [46:06]* Kat's grounding routines. [49:41]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Kat:* Website: https://drinkag1.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkag1/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katcoleatl/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kym Gold is a visionary entrepreneur, co-founder of True Religion, the iconic denim brand that redefined premium jeans, and most recently, the founder of dumæ, a homeware line that blends her signature aesthetic with artisanal craftsmanship.As the co-founder of True Religion Jeans, Kym redefined fashion with her rockstar style, fearless vision and unwavering determination. Her entrepreneurial journey began at 18 on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, where she resold irregular clothing items, eventually leading her to launch several successful brands. Known for her transformative approach to business, Kym later co-founded True Religion, a brand that would become one of the biggest names in denim history. After selling the company for over $800 million, Kym focused on family and pursued new creative paths in filmmaking and interior design. A trailblazer and role model, she's now channeling decades of business and design expertise into her luxury homeware brand, dumæ.In this week's episode, Kym Gold shares her journey from dropping out of college to her early entrepreneurial ventures and the founding of True Religion. She reflects on the pressures of entrepreneurship, her unique upbringing as an identical triplet, and the sacrifices she made to build her brand, including living in debt and staying in hotels with her three children. Kym opens up about prioritizing passion over profit, choosing peace over millions when taking her company public, and her belief in resilience, self-care, and the power of community among women. As she launches dumæ, she discusses timeless business fundamentals, the art of hiring, and teamwork. This episode will leave you inspired to embrace change and pursue your passions, regardless of age or circumstances. In this episode, we'll talk to Kym about:* Enjoying the journey and being in the moment. [03:42]* How self-care alleviates pressure. [05:25]* Growing up as an identical triplet. [11:48]* Kym's unique hustle, defying family expectations. [13:03]* From real estate license to selling garments and being a college dropout. [15:16]* Asking questions and not accepting "no" as an answer. [20:27]* Founding True Religion with $250K in debt and living with three kids in a hotel. [24:21]* Taking True Religion public. [32:22]* Leaving the company to prioritize peace of mind. [34:27]* Why family and legacy are more important than business. [37:46]* The inspiration behind dumæ. [41:31]* The challenges of starting dumæ. [44:18]* Kym's lessons from hiring her team. [46:12]* Why organization is essential in life and business. [49:07]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Kym:* Website: https://dumae.co/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumaeofficial/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kym.gold/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever wondered how seed cycling works, this email is for you! Today we have an extra special conversation to share that dives DEEP into seed cycling—What is it? Who is it for? How do you do it? And how does food work to balance hormones? We answer it all in this EPIC conversation with Dr. Mindy Pelz and our co-founders, Yasmin & Kaya. If you're wondering whether or not to start seed cycling, listen up. And if you've been using seed cycling to support your hormones, you're going to learn so much about why these powerful seeds have so many benefits. In this episode you'll learn: * What seed cycling is* Yasmin's post-birth control experience* Kaya's postpartum journey with seed cycling* Research behind the seeds and their nutrients* Who can benefit from seed cycling* Who shouldn't seed cycle* And more…Dr. Mindy Pelz is a leading holistic health expert dedicated to revolutionizing women's health. Through her signature “5-Step Approach”, she has empowered hundreds of thousands globally to unlock their body's healing potential with fasting, food, stress management, and lifestyle changes. Her private coaching group, The Reset Academy, teaches women to align fasting with hormonal health.Dr. Mindy is passionate about helping people reclaim their health. Her YouTube channel, featuring fasting and holistic health tips, has amassed over 26 million views. She is the bestselling author of The Menopause Reset, The Reset Factor, and The Reset Kitchen. Additionally, her podcast, “The Resetter Podcast,” ranks among Apple's top 40 U.S. science podcasts, featuring influential guests like Marianne Williamson, Dave Asprey, and Dr. Christiane Northrup.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Mindy:* Website: https://drmindypelz.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennie Yoon is the founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based direct to consumer jewelry brand, Kinn Studio. Kinn Studio was born out of loss. In 2015, her family home was robbed and all of her family heirlooms and jewelry were stolen. That's when Jennie decided she wanted to find a way to replace the antique jewelry her parents lost. After searching for the right jeweler to help her recreate those one of a kind pieces, and getting so many compliments from people, Jennie decided to launch Kinn Studio in 2017 as a side hustle. In this week's episode, Jennie shares her key mindset shifts that helped her transition from corporate to the start up world, the challenges she faced growing up as a young woman moving to America from Korea, and how those experiences impacted her life. Jennie also explains how she made the bold decision to stop playing it safe and pursue her dreams with her jewelry business. She describes how her genuine curiosity led her to learn about the industry, how she used her own money to set it up as a side hustle, and how she persevered despite facing many rejections. Jennie also shares her strategic approach to launching the brand, the moment she realized she was onto something big, and how she finally came to the decision to quit her full-time job. She talks to us about the steps she took to build her brand and refine her messaging, and how she's mastered time management, which has helped her succeed not only as a founder & CEO but also as a mother of two. In this episode, we'll talk to Jennie about:* Skills and mindset shifts that fueled her entrepreneurial journey. [02:57]* Jennie's childhood and early influences. [05:40]* Her HR role at MySpace and early business interests. [08:33]* Jennie's MBA experience: gaining knowledge and building networks. [12:45]* Meeting the Casetify founder and joining the team. [14:24]* The importance of time management and self-learning. [18:24]* Inspiration for Kinn Studio and turning passion into business. [21:02]* Early product launches and self-funding Kinn Studio. [22:14]* Building brand awareness from the start. [25:31]* Initial brand strategies and how she engaged with customers. [32:01]* Finding a unique angle in the market. [34:44]* Jennie's business thought process. [40:20]* Time optimization tips for entrepreneurs. [46:55]* How Jennie navigates challenging moments. [51:43]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Jennie:* Website: https://kinnstudio.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinnstudio/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennieyyoon/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tata Harper is the founder of Tata Harper Skincare, a luxury clean beauty brand known for its non-toxic, high-performance products, handcrafted on an organic farm in Vermont.When her stepfather was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Tata began questioning the safety of everyday products and what she was putting on her own body. This inspired her to develop a skincare line that prioritized natural ingredients, sustainability, and effective results without harmful chemicals. What began as a personal mission in her Vermont kitchen has grown into a globally recognized brand, with products formulated on her organic farm using over 300 raw ingredients sourced from around the world. Today, Tata Harper Skincare is available at top retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, and Saks, as well as in luxury spas across the globe.In this week's episode, Tata shares how growing up in Colombia sparked her love for self-care and beauty rituals.Though her mom encouraged her to study industrial engineering, she grew to love it, gaining problem-solving skills that shaped her career. Tata recounts her journey from working in real estate to experimenting on her organic farm, where she created the skincare products she had always imagined.Tata discusses the years of trial and error that went into building her brand and how planning, routines, and community support helped her stay balanced. She shares how she found confidence without a skincare background and offers advice for entrepreneurs starting outside their expertise.We dive into the emotional but strategic decision to sell her company in 2022 and her experience navigating that process. As a mom of three, Tata opens up about the challenges of juggling business and family, highlighting the importance of self-care, friendships, and embracing uncertainty along the way—and much more.In this episode, we'll talk to Tata about:* Tata's Colombian upbringing and entrepreneurial drive. [03:49]* Early ventures and key lessons [07:36]* Learning by doing without formal training. [19:45]* Inspiration behind Tata Harper Skincare. [22:00]* Building a manufacturing facility on their farm. [31:27]* Why making a revolutionary product takes time. [34:28]* Tata Harper Skincare's sustainability efforts. [38:23]* Getting featured in Vogue. [41:40]* Managing business momentum and motherhood. [42:32]* Benefits of a business partner. [53:04]* Balancing business and personal life. [56:01]* Action as an antidote to fear—why staying busy helps. [59:20]* Selling Tata Harper Skincare [01:01:31]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Tata:* Website: https://tataharperskincare.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tataharperskincare/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tataharper/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weight loss is a nuanced topic that can be especially challenging for women. Much of the information out there feels black and white, impersonal, and disconnected from a holistic view of health, leaving many without clear guidance. That's why we invited one of our favorite doctors to help us clarify, debunk outdated myths, and provide effective strategies that won't compromise your health in the long term. The path may be bumpy, but prioritizing your health is always worth it!In this episode you'll learn: * When the scale is and isn't important* Labs to look at if you just can't lose weight* Top foods and supplements for weight loss* How hormones impact body composition* Natural options for GLP-1 agonists* And more…Dr. Anjali Dsouza is an integrative and functional medicine doctor specifically interested in helping high-achieving but overscheduled women achieve their best health. She runs a practice in DC called the District Center for Integrative Medicine, and she can be found on Instagram @anjalidsouzamd. Dr. Dsouza also runs a private network, Your Goddess Health Unleashed, for women interested in coming together and learning about maximizing their health outcomes.This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances and to learn more about Beeya's seed cycling bundle.* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Anjali:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjalidsouzamd/* Medical Practice: https://dcimedicine.com/dr-anjali-dsouza/* To Join Her Women's Health Network, Your Goddess Health Unleashed: contact elena@dcimedicine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.