It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin

Beatrice Dixon, founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, joins us today to talk all about building a $380 million wellness empire that started with a dream visit from her grandmother. She opens up about her year-long struggle with bacterial vaginosis, the ancestral wisdom that led to her first product formulation, and how she scaled from making vulva wash in her kitchen to securing major retail partnerships with Target and Walmart.She also gets real about the business side of success, breaking down venture capital versus private equity funding, and the realities of being a Black female founder. Plus, she dismantles the romanticized version of entrepreneurship we see on social media, shares why focus beats having five different businesses, and talks about the importance of caring for your body while building wealth.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 00:00 Introduction00:20 Celebrating Achievements00:51 The Honey Pot Company01:49 Empowerment and Womanhood03:55 The Origin Story11:00 Building the Business14:59 Acquisition and Growth19:36 Insights on Investment20:22 The Reality of Business Investments21:16 The Stress and Sacrifice of Building a Business22:03 Indicators for Raising Capital22:36 Scaling Strategies and Personal Preferences24:14 The Concept of Conscious Capitalism25:02 Misunderstandings About Black Women Founders26:46 Protecting Your Peace as a Leader27:46 Future Trends in Wellness and Skincare29:15 New Product Launch: Calming Herbal Pads30:39 The Realities of Entrepreneurship31:35 The Importance of Focus and Intuition36:29 The Role of Humility and Gratitude in Success38:53 Understanding and Caring for Our Bodies42:43 Acknowledging the Support System43:27 Where to Find Honey Pot ProductsLearn more about Beatrice Dixon:Bea Dixon is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Chief Innovation Officer of The Honey Pot Company, the personal wellness brand “made by humans with vaginas, for humans with vaginas.” ®Bea created The Honey Pot Company in 2014 out of great personal need during an eight-month battle with bacterial vaginosis. The constant symptoms and fruitless search for solutions led her to formulate what became The Honey Pot Company’s first product, a vulva-safe wash. The Honey Pot Company currently offers feminine washes, wipes, tampons, pads, and products for personal health and wellness. Today, The Honey Pot Company’s plant-derived products can be found in 4.6 million U.S. homes and in retailers nationwide.Connect with Beatrice:Instagram @iambeadixon  X @iambeadixonLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrice-dixon/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehoneypotco/Instagram @thehoneypotcoWebsite https://thehoneypot.co/ TikTok @thehoneypotcoConnect with Delina:⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠Threads @delinamedhin⁠ Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com

In this episode, Delina Medhin welcomes Franchesca Ramsey, an award-winning writer, actress, and digital creator, for an open conversation about her ability to see the potential in others and learning to trust your instincts. Franchesca shares how her love of helping others succeed has shaped her career, from connecting friends with opportunities to supporting emerging talent behind the scenes.We dive into Franchesca’s reflections on overcoming imposter syndrome, as a Black Queer woman in entertainment, and the journey to trusting her own voice. She opens up about the importance of authenticity, pouring into friendships, and why believing in your gut can be the best gift of growing older.This mini episode is filled with thoughtful insights, personal stories, and practical wisdom on how to support those around you, trust your intuition, and create lasting connections in your personal and professional life. If you’re seeking inspiration to lead with generosity and self-belief, this episode is for you.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders and creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 Championing Women and the Power of Pouring Into Others01:00 Building Chosen Family Through Friendship02:00 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Trusting Your Gut03:10 Spotting Talent and Creating CommunityLearn more about Franchesca Ramsey:Franchesca "Chescaleigh" Ramsey is an acclaimed actress, writer, and public speaker known for creating and starring in the award-winning web series MTV Decoded. She gained viral fame with her groundbreaking video “Sh*t White Girls Say…to Black Girls,” which has amassed over 11 million views and influenced academic discourse. With nearly 20 years in digital media and over a decade in film and television, Franchesca has written for Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, co-produced the iCarly reboot, and guest-starred on NBC’s Superstore. Her debut book, Well That Escalated Quickly, was nominated for an NAACP award. Franchesca is also a sought-after speaker and consultant, engaging audiences on topics including social justice, content creation, and personal branding, and she currently co-hosts the podcast Lemme Fix It! Her debut feature was selected for the 2024 Sundance fellowship program.Link to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bNx... Link to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Connect with Franchesca Ramsey:Instagram   / chescaleigh  TikTok   / franchesca_leigh   Facebook   / chescaleigh   YouTube    / chescaleigh   X (Twitter)   / chescaleigh  Website: https://www.franchesca.net/Lemme Fix It! PodcastApple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5qKcw24... YouTube    • Lemme Fix It!   Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:Instagram:   / delinamedhin  TikTok:   / delinamedhin  YouTube:    / @delinamedhin  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhinWebsite: https://www.delinamedhin.com/#ittakesavillage #franchescaramsey #community #womenempowerment #impostersyndrome #personalgrowth

In this episode, Delina Medhin welcomes Deepica Mutyala, the Founder and CEO of Live Tinted, for an open and heartfelt conversation about self-growth, self-care, and raising the bar in life, relationships, and work. Deepica shares her journey of stepping back from the constant demands of social media to find stillness, clarity, and a new baseline for success. Her story is one of learning to slow down, set boundaries, and prioritize what truly matters.We dive into Deepica’s reflections on the importance of creating space for rest and reflection, and how that pause helped her redefine growth on her own terms. She also opens up about raising standards in her relationships, letting go of toxicity, and cultivating love and connection that support her evolving self. Deepica’s honesty about the challenges of balancing ambition with well-being offers invaluable lessons for anyone navigating a busy, fast-paced world.This mini episode is filled with thoughtful insights, personal stories, and practical wisdom on how to embrace stillness, set boundaries, and raise your own bar, whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth journey. If you’re looking for inspiration to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention, this episode is for you.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders and creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 The Power of Digital Detox and Finding Stillness00:55 Navigating Love, Boundaries, and Letting Go of Toxicity01:55 Setting a New Baseline for Growth03:10 Balancing Ambition with Rest and Self-CareLearn more about Deepica Mutyala:Deepica Mutyala is the founder and CEO of Live Tinted, a beauty brand dedicated to inclusivity and representation for all skin tones. As an entrepreneur and advocate for diversity in beauty, Deepica champions self-care, mental clarity, and raising standards in both personal and professional spaces. Her journey reflects a commitment to growth, balance, and cultivating meaningful connections.Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-ep-58-10-million-views-to-time-leader-founder-deepica/id1580081881?i=1000695882255Link to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2viBuDofWlhDLyIdNkPqet?si=-OlxKGGUTkuwIAmErRStIAConnect with Deepica Mutyala:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deepicaFacebook https://www.facebook.com/deepica/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@deepicaX (Twitter) https://x.com/deepicamWebsite: https://deepica.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/livetintedFacebook https://www.facebook.com/livetinted/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@livetintedYouTube https://www.youtube.com/tintedWebsite https://www.livetinted.com/Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delinamedhinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delinamedhinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@delinamedhinThreads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhinWebsite: https://www.delinamedhin.com/#ittakesavillage #selfgrowth #selfcare #boundaries #personalgrowth #deepicamutyala

In this episode, Delina welcomes hairstylist and entrepreneur Yene Damtew for a meaningful conversation about intuition, boundaries, and navigating relationships in the world of beauty and celebrity. Yene opens up about her instinct for spotting opportunists, the importance of keeping a tight circle, and how her upbringing shaped her approach to trust and connection, especially as someone who’s worked with high-profile celebrities like Sasha, Malia, and Michelle Obama.We explore the challenges of maintaining professionalism and humility in an industry where proximity to fame can blur boundaries. Yene shares honest stories about learning to trust her gut, and why she values authentic connections over quick friendships. She also reflects on the difference between being a service provider and seeking the spotlight, offering invaluable wisdom for anyone working behind the scenes..This episode is filled with honest conversation and practical insights on protecting peace while building a successful creative career. Whether you’re a beauty professional, entrepreneur, or someone navigating complex relationships, Yene’s journey will resonate with you.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 Spotting Opportunists & Trusting Your Gut01:20 Defining Real Friends vs. Associates03:45 Working with High-Profile Clients 04:20 Building Authentic Connections in the Industry06:10 Service Provider vs. Celebrity MindsetLearn more about Yene Damtew:Yene Damtew is a renowned hairstylist, salon owner, and entrepreneur known for her work with high-profile clients and her commitment to authenticity in the beauty industry. As the founder of Aesthetics Salon, in DC. Yene champions professionalism, mentorship, and creating spaces where both clients and creatives can thrive.Link to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-ep-55-michelle-obamas-hairstylist-yene-damtew/id1580081881?i=1000688726500Link to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1r5pJmG3Z61v64ETvHTeG4?si=_LNckuVOSTe1HVHxjqkksA Connect with Yene Damtew:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/yenedamtew/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/YeneDamtewHair/Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@yenedamtew Website: https://yenedamtew.com/Book an Appointment at Aesthetics Salon https://aesthetics.salon/Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delinamedhinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delinamedhinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@delinamedhinThreads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhinWebsite: https://www.delinamedhin.com/#ittakesavillage #yenedamtew #michelleobama #sashaobama #maliaobama #theobamas #michelleobamahair #michelleobamahairstylist #salonbusiness #beautysalon #beautyindustry #intuition #boundaries #entrepreneurship

In this episode, we welcome the multi-talented Issa Rae for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, creative growth, and the power of collaboration. Issa shares her journey from the early days of Awkward Black Girl to becoming a trailblazer in entertainment and business. Issa’s passion for building community shines through her investments and partnerships, including her work with Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen and her commitment to uplifting South LA.We dive into Issa’s experiences navigating Hollywood, building successful businesses, and the importance of finding the right people to support your vision. She shared candid stories about meeting her business manager “by chance,” learning to manage her finances, and the importance of patience and trust in every partnership. Issa also highlights the unique strengths of her collaborators, Ajay and Yonnie, and how their shared vision helped bring Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen to life.This episode is filled with laughter, honest reflections, and invaluable lessons on staying true to your purpose while expanding into new ventures. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative, or someone who loves inspiring stories, this episode is for you.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 Balancing Acting and Business01:09 The Power of Finding the Right People03:20 The Start of Hilltop Coffee4:35 The Dynamic Between Ajay & YonnieLearn more about Issa Rae:Issa Rae is an Emmy® and Golden Globe®-nominated actress, writer, producer, and entrepreneur. She first gained attention with her award-winning web series and New York Times best-seller, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. As the founder of HOORAE Media, Issa champions diverse storytelling across film, TV, and music. Her investments in local businesses, including Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen and Sienna Naturals, reflect her dedication to empowering her community and reimagining Black wellness and creativity.Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-ep-54-issa-rae-the-entrepreneur/id1580081881?i=1000686268868Listen to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/59XpGGDYM5VihvMXaqfCmR?si=8ad0ad72fdf94d4eConnect with Issa Rae:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/issaraeYoutube https://www.youtube.com/issaraeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/issarae/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/findyourhilltop/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/findyourhilltopTiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@hilltopfortheclimbX (Twitter) https://x.com/findyourhilltopFacebook https://www.facebook.com/HOORAEMedia/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hooraemedia/​Youtube @HOORAEMedia  Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@hooraemedia X (Twitter) https://x.com/hooraemedia Website https://hoorae.co/Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delinamedhinTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delinamedhinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelinamedhinThreads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhinWebsite: https://www.delinamedhin.com/#ittakesavillage #issarae #entrepreneurship #partnership #businessgrowth

In this episode, we welcome Violette Serrat for an intimate conversation about turning creative passion into purposeful business while exploring the delicate balance between ambition and authenticity. Violette opens up about her evolution from makeup content creator to founder of VIOLETTE_FR, sharing the mindset shifts that allowed her to pursue her vision with unwavering focus while protecting herself from the paralysis of perfectionism.We dive deep into the art of building a brand that feels genuinely yours, discussing how Violette learned to trust her instincts and embrace advice that liberated her from external expectations. She gets vulnerable about the realities of entrepreneurial motherhood, revealing how raising two children while launching a beauty brand taught her invaluable lessons about prioritization, presence, and the power of staying connected to your core values.Violette shares her philosophy on creating digital spaces that feel like extensions of your soul, walking us through how her passion for art and interior design influences everything from product development to the carefully curated aesthetic of her Instagram presence. She explains why emotional connection matters more than follower counts and how she's built a community that feels authentic rather than transactional.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 The Vision Behind VIOLETTE_FR00:46 The Journey to Launching a Brand03:57 Balancing Motherhood and Career06:21 The Art of Instagram CurationLearn more about Violette Serrat:An award-winning makeup artist, the Guerlain Global Creative Director of Makeup, and the Founder/CEO of VIOLETTE_FR, Violette is a distinguished name in her own right. With nearly 20 years of experience, Violette brought to life a vision of creating a space where beauty and art meet to evoke emotion. Known not only for her professional resume as a creative director working with the likes of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and W Magazine, Violette has also fostered a community on social media where her beauty tutorials are treasured among consumers and professionals alike. Launched in 2021, VIOLETTE_FR is a multi-category beauty brand offering a curated line of products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with safe ingredients. The brand's French-inspired beauty culture bridges the gap between minimalist and the beauty-obsessed. Celebrating imperfection and individuality through creativity and self-care as a tool.Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-ep-32-paris-to-nyc-violette-fr-founder-creative/id1580081881?i=1000631627831Listen to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BtK1S475tNwu1fgpKJKS0?si=vwaBL07CRp2SeJrTuMH-pwConnect with Violette Serrat:⁠Instagram ⁠@violette_frTikTok⁠ @violette_frYouTube ⁠@violettefrWebsite ⁠⁠https://www.violettefr.com/Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:⁠Instagram ⁠@delinamedhin⁠⁠TikTok ⁠@delinamedhin⁠⁠YouTube ⁠@delinamedhin⁠⁠Threads ⁠@delinamedhin⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠www.delinamedhin.com

In this episode, we welcome the incredible Danessa Myricks for a conversation exploring the transformative power of self-reflection and personal growth while unpacking the essential tools that help maintain our self-confidence during life's inevitable ups and downs. Danessa shares her wisdom on why inner validation matters more than external approval, how we can learn valuable lessons from others' journeys, and the crucial role played by supporters who remind us of our progress when we forget how far we've come.We get candid about the life-changing impact of daily affirmations and consistent journaling practices, alongside strategies for navigating relationships with people who may not align with our current path. Danessa takes us through her entrepreneurial journey with all its exhilarating highs and challenging moments of loneliness. This conversation with Danessa is filled with vulnerable moments, practical wisdom, and actionable strategies for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with themselves while creating a life that feels authentically their own.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’.00:00 Self-Pep Talks and Support Systems00:48 The Power of Learning from Others02:04 Daily Practices for Self-Improvement02:30 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence04:42 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Achievements06:47 Navigating Relationships and Personal Boundaries08:45 Reconnecting with People from the PastLearn more about Danessa Myricks:As a makeup artist, photographer, and entrepreneur, Danessa Myricks is one of the most influential leaders in the beauty industry. She is often credited for mastering the perfect beauty application and producing striking imagery through her photography work. From the outset of Danessa’s career in beauty, she has been a pioneer in spearheading inclusive cosmetic marketing initiatives for diverse skin tones. With the creation of her multi-million-dollar eponymous brand, Danessa Myricks Beauty and photography work, she continues to creatively combine art, product innovation, education, and inclusivity to move the beauty industry forward.Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-ep-34-self-discovery-and-success-a-masterclass/id1580081881?i=1000633244655Listen to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MBJneA9ZenL7M9wppkazw?si=nhcHDhXkQVe4R0xWhg1cigConnect with Danessa Myricks:Instagram @danessa_myricksTikTok @danessamyricksbeautyYouTube @danessamyricksbeautyWebsite https://danessamyricksbeauty.com/Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:⁠Instagram ⁠@delinamedhin⁠⁠TikTok ⁠@delinamedhin⁠⁠YouTube ⁠@delinamedhin⁠⁠Threads ⁠@delinamedhin⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠www.delinamedhin.com⁠#ittakesavillage #danessamyricksbeauty #beautycommunity #makeup #selfimprovement

In this solo episode of It Takes a Village, I dive deep into my journey with vitamins and how they've genuinely changed my life and boosted my energy. Honestly, I was super skeptical at first I always had vitamins but never really stuck with them because I didn’t feel immediate results.Everything changed after experiencing intense burnout at the end of 2023. I knew something had to give, so I bravely decided to take a three-month break, completely disconnecting to recharge. During this break, I discovered new passions like adventure, meditation, yoga, scuba diving, and even surfing. It surprised me how much joy and energy these experiences brought into my life.Now, I regularly schedule intentional breaks, including digital detox weekends, magnesium baths, and self-care rituals that genuinely rejuvenate me.It’s time to talk about hormones. Over the past couple months I have improved my hormones tremendously. I have always suffered from a vicious 1-2 (first days) of my cycle and it was time to change things. I needed to. I wanted to and I couldn’t do anything better.Drawing inspiration from Alisa Vitti's book "In the Flo," I've learned to align my tasks with the four phases of my menstrual cycle, menstruation, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal to naturally boost productivity and wellbeing.Join me as I explore embracing feminine energy, respecting the unique rhythm of our bodies as women, and the amazing impact holistic self-care and quality vitamins have had on my health and happiness.Listen to more episodes of It Takes A Village podcast:⁠⁠It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin⁠⁠Stay updated on everything It Takes A Village podcast:⁠⁠@ittakesavillagepod⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ittakesavillagepod.com⁠⁠Connect with Delina:⁠⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter @delinamedhin⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠www.delinamedhin.comAccess the full show notes here.

Franchesca Ramsey, a multifaceted creative force, joins us today to talk all about creating meaningful content, the success of the Leopard Song, the science behind becoming viral, and behind-the-scenes stories from her time on MTV's Decoded. Franchesca also opens up about coming out as queer, and setting boundaries on social media. Plus, she talks about her upcoming masterclass, on April 19th and 26th (click here to sign up). in content creation and shares her secret talent for spotting rising stars and why she's the ultimate connector in the entertainment industry. This conversation is filled with laughter, wisdom, and practical advice for people making an impact online while staying true to themselves. Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:26 Meet Franchesca Ramsey02:12 The Beginnings of a Friendship02:58 Career Highlights and Makeup Stories06:54 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons11:34 Navigating Online Presence and Mental Health18:33 Podcasting and Creative Ventures23:29 Dating and Personal Life28:34 Navigating FaceTime Dates30:05 Embracing Self-Love and Friendships32:04 The Power of Calendars and Organization34:45 The Science Behind Creating Viral Content37:31 The Value of Relatable Content45:02 Overcoming Creative Challenges55:39 Supporting Friends in the Industry01:02:04 The Importance of Presentation01:02:38 Punctuality and Professionalism01:05:38 The Viral Leopard Song01:13:07 Coming Out and Queer Identity01:17:42 Balancing Privacy and Public Life01:21:07 Career Advice and Mentorship01:27:01 Shoutouts to Influential People01:32:15 Where to Find Franchesca's WorkLearn more about Franchesca:Franchesca "Chescaleigh'" Ramsey is an actor, writer, sought-after public speaker, and creator/star of the award-winning web series MTV Decoded.  A former writer/correspondent for Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, her first book, Well That Escalated Quickly was nominated for an NAACP award and named one of Amazon’s best books of 2018. In 2020 she served as writer/co-producer on the iCarly reboot for Paramount+ and guest starred on NBC’s Superstore. These days you’ll find her co-hosting the podcast Lemme Fix It! with her best friend De’lon Grant. In 2024 Franchesca’s debut feature was selected for the Sundance fellowship program.Franchesca burst into the spotlight in January 2012 when her video, “Sh*t White Girls Say…to Black Girls” (SWGSTBG) went viral. It garnered over 1.5 million views in 24 hours and 5 million views in just 5 days. It also made a lot of white girls cry.  SWGSTBG currently has 11 million views and has been featured on MSNBC, ABC, The Daily Mail and the Anderson Cooper talk show, to name a few. Over a decade later and the video has been quoted in textbooks, translated into multiple languages and was even the subject of a 20 page graduate dissertation.With nearly 20 years in the online space and over a decade in film and television, Franchesca has carved out a unique lane as a public speaker and consultant.  From college campuses to corporate workshops, her super power comes from engaging with audiences in ways that help  them laugh, learn and think. Franchesca is available for public speaking and consulting opportunities for a myriad of subjects including: content creation, social media marketing,  identity/social justice, tv writing, personal branding and more.Connect with Franchesca:Instagram @chescaleighTikTok @franchesca_leighWebsite www.franchesca.netConnect with Delina:⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠Threads @delinamedhin⁠Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.comSee all the details in the show notes here.

In this episode of It Takes A Village, Delina sits with Hannah Diop, co-founder and CEO of Sienna Naturals. Building a clean beauty brand for textured hair takes passion, science, and the right people in your corner—and that’s exactly what Hannah has done. With a background in business strategy at McKinsey & Company and an MBA from Wharton, Hannah fused her expertise with her personal hair journey to create a line of science-backed, wellness-driven haircare products.Hannah shares how the idea started as young as when she was 8 years old, swimming regularly and having frustrations with her hair after training. Since then, she has always had the idea of the right kind of hair product in the back of her mind. Her experiences later on at Howard University, HSBC, Wharton, and McKinsey & Company shaped her confidence in her idea, which eventually led to the launch of Sienna Naturals. We also dive into her partnership with Issa Rae, the development of the Sienna Naturals products, and why wellness is a key ingredient in both beauty and entrepreneurship. Plus, she opens up about the importance of having a strong support system—because building something great always takes a village.If you’re an entrepreneur, beauty lover, or someone navigating the clean beauty space, this conversation is filled with insights on brand building, pitching investors, and creating products that truly make a difference. Learn more about Hannah:Hannah Diop is the co-founder and CEO of Sienna Naturals. To create Sienna Naturals, Hannah harnessed the values of her upbringing and skills of her business background. She spent weekends researching ingredients found in nature and proven by science to improve wellness outcomes for textured hair and scalp. Working alongside cosmetic chemists, she made, tweaked and tested product formulations until a line of clean products that significantly outperform competitors was born. Hannah Diop, holds an MBA from Wharton and was a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company where she worked for clients in big box retail and OTC Pharmaceuticals. Hannah is also a mother of two young children and is proud to lead a company that is more than 80% BIPOC and woman-led. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.Connect with Hannah:Instagram @hannahdiopLinkedInInstagram @siennanaturalsGet your own Sienna Naturals products at siennanaturals.com and sephora.com!Listen to more episodes of It Takes A Village podcast:⁠It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin⁠Stay updated on everything It Takes A Village podcast:⁠@ittakesavillagepod⁠⁠www.ittakesavillagepod.com⁠Connect with Delina:⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠⁠TikTok @delinamedhin⁠⁠YouTube @delinamedhin⁠⁠Twitter @delinamedhin⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠www.delinamedhin.com Dive into the full show notes here.